I truly relished this book!

I literally had no inkling of the HIV storyline whatsoever and I'm still perplexed because I'm fairly certain they end up together, so was it a misdiagnosis?

Anyway, I actually really appreciate how Luke's character was like the seeds sown on stony ground that sprouted rapidly but had no root. I don't think I've ever come across a story with a main character quite like that. His faith seemed so genuine that you'd never suspect his understanding was lacking.

And the way his father loved him, and even Laurie, throughout all they did and how they treated him, and the entire Baxter family - it was a really excellent example of loving everyone.

The misunderstanding trope that Karen Kingsbury is so fond of was on the verge of irritating me in this one, but I'm glad that Ashley quickly regained her senses and knew Landon would never.

~ Audiobook Review ~

I truly felt that I started to immerse myself in this series around the middle of this particular book, which also happens to be the midpoint of the series. It was when Ashley journeyed to New York that I sensed a shift in the book, and I became increasingly captivated by the story. I'm definitely filled with anticipation for what lies ahead!

Characters: I believe this book is intended to center on Reagan and Luke, yet Ashley also has a significant storyline. The parents and other siblings are also key characters in the narrative, all with evolving storylines.

Series: This is the third book in the Redemption series and is clearly written to be read in sequence. I would highly recommend reading at least the second book, Remember, first. However, Karen does an excellent job of filling in the main details, so it is possible to read this book without having read the previous ones.

Content: It contains strong Christian content. One character has numerous doubts about the existence of God, and there are many arguments presented in the book against God's existence. There are also themes of rejecting God and living a worldly lifestyle, living with a non-Christian girlfriend, single parenting, and HIV/AIDS. The Christian characters have personal relationships with God, and God speaks to the characters.

Book recommendations: For other books with Luke as the main storyline: In This Moment. For more on Ashley's story: Forgiving Paris

Audio Performance: 8/10. In this abridged version, Sandra provides a fully voiced performance, meaning each character is given a distinct-sounding voice. She reads beautifully and is relaxing to listen to. The final chapter gave the impression that the abridged version had omitted some details to explain the characters' reactions, but it was only a slight feeling. Maybe I wasn't missing anything significant.

Author: Karen Kingsbury & Gary Smalley

Narrator: Sandra Burr

Length: 4hrs (Abridged)

Book Published: 1-Sep-2003

Audio Released: 20-Oct-2005

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Platform: christianaudio.com

I didn't want to rate any of the 5 books in this series until I was all the way finished. And now that I am, it's hard to go back and rate each one individually. Whoops

This book holds a special place in my heart as it serves as a powerful reminder that God's love is unwavering, even when we falter. In the book, Luke experiences a testing of his faith, much like countless others did in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11/2001.

It serves as a poignant reminder to those of us who witnessed those events that although God did not prevent them from occurring, He was present with every single person involved. We inhabit a fallen world where bad things inevitably happen. Jesus Himself foretold of such trials and faced them head-on. He was crucified for our sake. He proclaimed that He overcame the world, and indeed, He did so by rising from the dead on the third day and ascending into heaven, thereby preparing a place for us when our earthly journey comes to an end.

It takes Luke some time to learn this truth, while his other family members, like many Americans, came to this realization when the towers fell. Some returned to church, seeking solace and answers, while others turned away. Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley have masterfully crafted this story, weaving together themes of faith, loss, and redemption in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking.

This book centers around Luke, the sole male in the Baxter family.

In book #2, Luke was extremely hasty in passing judgment and determining when someone was "right" or "wrong."

Now, in this novel, the event of 9/11 has occurred, having a profound impact on everyone.

Throughout the narrative, there is a significant "secret" that no one is cognizant of, which has led Luke to question and challenge all that he has ever held dear, including his religious beliefs.

After believing he has lost Reagan forever, he swiftly gravitates towards another girl and ultimately lives with her in an attempt to fill the "void" in his life.

This is yet another instance that has compelled John and Elizabeth to kneel in prayer together, beseeching God for Luke's protection and guidance.

There is a surprising twist at the conclusion of this story that brings Luke's tale full circle and is highly relatable in numerous life situations, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read.

I really need to slow down.

I find myself flying through these books at an alarming pace. It's as if I'm on a speed-reading spree and can't seem to control it.

While it's great to have a voracious appetite for reading, I feel like I'm missing out on the details and the true essence of each story.

Rushing through the pages doesn't allow me to fully immerse myself in the world created by the author.

I want to take my time, savor every word, and let the emotions and ideas sink in.

So, from now on, I'm going to make a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy the journey of reading.

Maybe I'll even start taking notes or highlighting passages that resonate with me.

After all, reading is not just about getting to the end of the book, but about the experience along the way.

I'm looking forward to this new approach and the deeper understanding and enjoyment it will bring.

I absolutely loved this book!

I was truly eager to read the book that delved deeper into Luke and all aspects of what he was doing. And I must state that I was not let down by this book in the slightest. Indeed, Luke really strayed off the path in his spiritual life, his daily existence, and even in his relationship with his family to such an extent that it pained me to read about how he treated his parents. However, the way he awakened and returned to God and his family made me weep copiously because it was written so exquisitely!

Regarding the lives of Luke's sisters, I was excited and happy for Kari.

We didn't get to read a great deal about Erin, so I'm looking forward to learning more about her in future books.

For Brooke, there were some positive developments but also things that gave me cause for concern. However, I know that the next book will focus more on her.

A great many things transpired with Ashley, but I'm glad to see that her faith, albeit new, remains steadfast. It was really nice to read that despite a misunderstanding arising between Ashley and Landon, Ashley was able to step back, truly think things through, and trust.

Another outstanding book in the Redemption series of the Baxter family.

How Ms. Kingsbury continues to tell this amazing story of the Baxter family can only be attributed to the grace of our Lord. It is truly remarkable that she is able to convey the story of this family with pure, Christian values that deeply touch the hearts and spirits of her readers.

The way she weaves the narrative, bringing to life the joys, sorrows, and growth of each family member, is a testament to her talent as a writer.

With each turn of the page, readers are drawn deeper into the world of the Baxter family, sharing in their experiences and learning valuable lessons along the way.

Thanks again for sharing your talent with us, Ms. Kingsbury. Your work has had a profound impact on many, and we look forward to more installments in this wonderful series.

I absolutely adored this book!! It was so captivating that I simply can't wait to get my hands on the next one!!

I'm still in shock that Ashley has Hiev. It's such a unexpected twist in the story. However, I'm really glad that she and Landon finally got together. Their relationship has been through so much, and it's great to see them find happiness.

I can't believe that Ragen tried to keep the baby away from Luke. That was such a cruel thing to do. But I'm relieved that Ashley told him the truth and they were able to work things out. It's wonderful that they got back together and can start a new chapter in their lives.

Overall, this book was a great read and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

Ugh

This book truly drove me insane. It was filled with such frustrating and mind-boggling情节. Luke, out of the blue, just walks away from his family. It's completely unexpected and makes you wonder what could have possibly made him do such a thing. And then, his girlfriend suddenly shows up one day with a baby in tow. But here's the kicker, she won't tell anyone who the father is or why she's showing up now. It's like a huge mystery that just adds to the chaos. As if that wasn't enough, Ashley gets a mysterious phone call from Paris. She's all secretive about it and won't disclose to anyone what it was about. AGH!!!!! It's so aggravating because you just want to know what's going on. The author really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, but sometimes it's just too much. You can't help but feel a sense of exasperation as you try to piece together all the谜团 in this crazy story.

Man.

I am truly sad to say that I will not be finishing out this series. And if you know me well, you know that this is a rather big deal. Because I have always been the kind of person who ALWAYS finishes a series, no matter how awful I might think it is.

There are some things that I liked about this book. Okay, to be honest, I actually cried when Luke was reunited with both his son and his family. Those scenes really got to me. They were two extremely sweet moments, and the picture of redemption and restoration was truly beautiful. Also, Kari and Ryan's wedding. I cried then too. The end of the book just really put me in my feels :').

However, there are also things that I didn't like. Those three scenes were pretty much where my enjoyment of the book ended. One thing that I have found quite frustrating is the OBVIOUS opinions of Kingsbury and Smalley throughout the books. This has been most clearly seen in this particular book, because of the political and social opinions that Luke's character struggles to grapple with. I understand the picture they are trying to paint. As a college student myself, I know that it can be difficult to hold onto my Christian beliefs when others are vying for my attention. However, just as I don't like it when I read books that try to force non-Christian beliefs down my throat, I don't like it when Christians do the same thing. Let the events play out naturally, and then leave me to form my own opinions about those events. The constant "commentary" from the minds of the characters made it painfully obvious what the authors were trying to communicate, and it was really annoying. Also, as they have done before, the "sinful" characters are depicted in the worst possible light. Either they are made out to be completely evil or completely stupid, or a combination of both. Not only is this inaccurate, but it makes those characters completely one-dimensional and essentially irrelevant. Kingsbury, in case you didn't know, non-Christians can be complex and even wholesome individuals as well.

Ugh. I'm done with this series. Next time I'm in the mood for Christian fiction (which I still do love, by the way), I'm going to turn to Francine Rivers.

Return - Karen Kingsbury

I have just completed reading Return, and my mind is filled with a flurry of questions regarding all the characters. It's truly remarkable how deeply involved I get in your books. They have become like a part of my own family, and I find myself even dreaming about the characters and their stories. Karen, your books are truly AMAZING. I simply cannot put them down. I have numerous mommy chores to attend to, but whenever I pick up one of your books, I tell myself just one more page. However, that one more page always seems to turn into 20 or more. I love your books so very much. As soon as I dry my eyes from the emotional rollercoaster that is Return, I have Rejoice waiting for me to turn its pages. Thank you for creating such wonderful literary works that have the power to touch our hearts and souls.