Reunion by karen kingsbury

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Excuse me, I think I may have had something in my eye.

For the last half of the book, my emotions were on a rollercoaster.

Oh my broken heart. I believe authors writing in a series always want to leave the best for last, and in this case, that is what Karen did. The last story focuses on the love story of John and Elizabeth Baxter. I knew even before starting this book that her cancer was back. I just had a feeling. So you would think I would have been a little more prepared and cried a little less.

This book is full of so much love and heart. With the family all together to spend the last days with their mom as she goes through chemo, and then finding out she is terminal. I think this book hit home for me, being a mother. There is nothing sadder than thinking about ever leaving your children.

It was filled with good moments, great moments, and unbelievably sad moments. But I loved this book.

I am now a fan! I can't wait to read more of Karen's works and see what other emotional journeys she takes me on.

The way she writes makes you feel like you are part of the story, experiencing every emotion right along with the characters.

Overall, this book was a beautiful and touching read that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good family drama with a lot of heart.

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Ungracefultoad

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I have completed the Baxter Redemption series.

It has been an absolute pleasure reading this remarkable series, although there were certain books that truly tugged at my heartstrings and left me quite upset.

By the end of it, I felt as if I had become an integral part of the Baxter family. Ashley Baxter, in particular, has become my fictional girlfriend, so to speak.

Elizabeth Baxter, on the other hand, reminds me so much of my own grandma. My grandma Betty was the matriarch of our family, the very heart and soul of it.

She had an uncanny ability to sense when something was amiss with her children and grandchildren, even before anyone informed her. And despite her own busyness, she was always there with an open ear, ready to listen.

I miss my grandma more than words can express. I have always emphasized to people the importance of cherishing the time we spend with our loved ones, both family and friends.

This book series serves as a perfect example of that. It beautifully portrays the significance of family bonds and the value of being there for one another.

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Tekuracer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The first two books of this series were a bit of a struggle for me to finish. However, as I delved deeper into the latter books, I couldn't help but notice a significant improvement in the storytelling.

The plot took on a new life, becoming more engaging and captivating. There was a reduction in those unnecessary extra details that often tend to clutter and detract from the main narrative.

Moreover, I truly appreciate and hold dear in my heart the valuable lessons that I have gleaned from this series. It has made me view my faith from a plethora of different perspectives.

It has opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and understanding, challenging me to question and reevaluate my beliefs.

This series has not only entertained me but also had a profound impact on my personal growth and spiritual journey.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced this wonderful series and look forward to seeing what other treasures it has in store.

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Kryst4lin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Shameless tease.

This is not just a light-hearted statement but rather an extremely emotional story that unfortunately, in my mind, is overshadowed by the way this entire franchise continuously teases storylines throughout several books or an entire series.

A particular storyline is hinted at in the earlier books, especially the prequel, #0. Then it is fully teased in this book, followed by a partial conclusion, which is emotional yet not complete. There is just enough to prevent this book from being a total loss.

I had read The Firstborn series years ago and forgotten most of it. As I saw the direction this book was taking, I became curious and discovered my old reviews (with private notes) of that series. I was apprehensive about what the author would do to conclude this book, and I was only partially correct.

This book, even without considering the teasing, is difficult to read and extremely emotional. It vividly describes a woman's experience with devastating cancer, including her emotions and those of her family. It is intense. I find it disgraceful that the author had to take commercial advantage and blatant manipulation to boost sales. It would have been even worse if a reader picked up the franchise while it was still being written. I read a review that stated the publisher once required Kingsbury to put this series on hold to write a different one before continuing this one.

There is another thread regarding one of Elizabeth's children that has more or less begun here and reaches a happy conclusion. Two other of her children also receive good news, and a wedding is planned for two of them. Still, the overall gloom is hard to shake off.

In one of the last chapters, a new thread is initiated that will dominate the next series.

This is a Christian book. The Christian world view alleviates some of the sting but not entirely. Like other Kingsbury books, the prayers of the characters often receive verbal responses from God. It bothers me that a human author places herself in the role of God. Of course, this is always the case to some extent, but the verbal responses here make that aspect seem more disrespectful.

I said it before in my review of The Firstborn series and forgot it, but this time I hope not to forget. Karen Kingsbury, I bid farewell to your works.

Mature themes: Cancer. Sex between unmarried people, mentioned only in a fade-to-black manner. Drug use and abuse. Severe child neglect and possible abuse. Physical abuse of a woman. Early in the book, a woman describes physical female things intimately. (Only simple biology, but still.)

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Grazzt

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I absolutely loved this book! It had such a profound impact on me that it truly touched my heart.

Within its pages, there were numerous biblical principles that were presented in a clear and engaging way. These principles served as powerful reminders of God's amazing redemption, His unwavering faithfulness, and His glorious future plans for each and every one of our lives.

It was like a spiritual journey as I read through the book, being constantly inspired and encouraged by the words and teachings. I found myself reflecting on my own relationship with God and being motivated to grow closer to Him.

This book is not just a collection of words; it is a source of hope and inspiration that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose for their lives.

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CharlesMarlow

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

In this book, all of the Baxter children return for a dinner.

It has been quite some time since they have all been together in one place. At first, they are happy to be reunited. However, their joy is short-lived when they discover that their mother has cancer and will not be able to fight it off.

As they wait for a miracle, a big secret is revealed. They had a child before marriage and gave him up for adoption because they were too young. This child has now grown up to be a famous actor but has been unable to find his biological parents despite many attempts.

Finally, he learns that his mother has cancer and does not have long to live. He rushes to see her and manages to get there just before she dies. Her last wish was to see him, and he fulfilled it.

John, his father, goes in to check on her and she tries to tell him that she had seen their son. But John automatically assumes that it is the cancer spreading and affecting her mind.

This book truly reminds us of the power of family love. All of the children put aside their personal feelings and came together when they learned of their mother's illness. Their unity in the end is both beautiful and inspiring. It shows that no matter what secrets or difficulties a family may face, love can always conquer all.

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devonhendryx

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I truly relished this series.

It is the very first set of books that I have perused by Karen Kingsbury.

Getting to know the Baxter family turned out to be far more entertaining and inspirational than I had initially anticipated when I embarked on reading the first book.

The characters were so vividly brought to life, and their stories were filled with love, faith, and the challenges that come with family life.

I found myself completely engrossed in their world, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Karen Kingsbury has a remarkable talent for weaving together complex and touching narratives that not only entertain but also touch the heart and soul.

I am absolutely certain that I will be reading more of her works in the future.

This Christian author has truly left a lasting impression on me, and I can't wait to explore more of her literary creations.

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aleifericsson

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

After delving into several of the stand-alone Baxter books and more recently binge-watching the Prime Baxter series, I made the choice to further immerse myself in the saga by perusing "Reunion" penned by Karen Kingsbury.

The plot of this particular installment zeroes in on the arduous topics that the Baxters encounter. However, it also shines a light on a family for whom their faith in God serves as the fundamental guiding principle in their lives.

The author truly excels in demonstrating that a life that leans on God through all situations will yield a peace that is unrivaled and cannot be replicated by anything else.

It is without a doubt that I will be forging ahead with this captivating series. I am eager to see what other trials and triumphs the Baxters will face and how their unwavering faith will continue to shape their journey.

This series has not only entertained me but also provided me with valuable insights into the power of faith and family.

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Redemption #5

Reunion

karen kingsbury gary smalley

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karen kingsbury

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