Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
38(38%)
3 stars
26(26%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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As a relatively new Kingsbury fan, I find myself in agreement with others who have noted that some plot lines in her books seem to be wrapped up rather hastily, while others are drawn out over an extended period. However, despite this observation, I must admit that the books are well-written overall. The characters are engaging, and the storylines are often thought-provoking.


The Kingsbury family, in particular, faces a variety of obstacles that are relatable to any other family. Their experiences with love, loss, and family drama make for a compelling read. Whether it's dealing with a difficult child, a failing marriage, or a personal tragedy, the Kingsbury family shows that they are capable of persevering through even the toughest of times.


Overall, I would highly recommend the Kingsbury series to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging read. While there may be some flaws in the pacing of the plot lines, the characters and storylines more than make up for it.

July 15,2025
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Karen Kingsbury has once again crafted a well-written novel.

This particular book is the fourth in the Baxter series and delves deeper into the stories of Brooke and Ashley.

Right from the very start, there is a flurry of action and conflict that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly flipping the page to discover what unfolds next.

I'm awarding this book five stars due to its excellent writing. However, compared to the other books in the Baxter series, it wasn't my absolute favorite in terms of plot or storyline. This book explores a number of darker plots and subjects.

Some of the darker topics discussed include the tragic drowning of a child, addiction to painkillers, and being HIV positive.

Despite the inclusion of such darker content, I truly appreciate how Karen Kingsbury doesn't shy away from addressing real issues and life events. She shows how, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, one can cope and trust in God's truth and love, which has the power to save any situation.

It's a powerful reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always hope and a way forward with God's help.
July 15,2025
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Rejoice - Karen Kingsbury

I have just completed the fourth book of the series.

Once I manage to stop shedding tears of joy over such a beautiful and heartwarming ending, I will immediately embark on reading Reunion.

It's truly难以置信 that I'm almost at the end of the Redemption series. It has been an incredibly amazing journey.

The stories within this series have taken me on an emotional rollercoaster, making me laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions.

Karen Kingsbury has a remarkable talent for creating characters that feel so real and for crafting plots that keep me on the edge of my seat.

Thank you, Karen, for giving us readers a wonderful place to escape to, a place where we can lose ourselves in the power of love, faith, and redemption.

I can't wait to see what awaits me in Reunion and continue this unforgettable literary adventure.
July 15,2025
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I'm giving this one a three and a half. The reason is that I really didn't get into it until about halfway through.

The first half of this book was just okay. Personally, I'm not a person who enjoys kids, being around kids, or anything to do with kids. I don't enjoy reading about them either. Hayley's accident was tragic and it made me sad. However, I would rather read about the adults in this series. Reading about how it affected Peter and Brooke's relationship was hard.

The one thing that I don't really like about the series by Karen Kingsbury that I've read is that every one of the kids (Jessie, Cole, Hayley, and Maddie) are all just perfect little angels. They're sweet, perfect, do-no-wrong kind of kids. They never throw tantrums and never disobey their parents. But that's not how kids are today.

But aside from that, it's a personal opinion and I don't expect anyone to share it with me.

After halfway through, I really started enjoying it. Karen Kingsbury spent a few chapters talking about the Baxters' vacation to New York and the things they did during that vacation. There was no drama, no tragedies, no life-changing things. It was just a narrative of a family on vacation enjoying themselves. Maybe it didn't entirely progress the story, but I LOVED it! I already feel part of this family and seeing them enjoy themselves on vacation was splendid.

Chapter Twenty-nine, though. I won't give spoilers, but you gotta read it. Chapter 29 nearly killed me. I cried like a baby, and then I cried some more. Then I had to put it away for a day because it broke my heart. Wow.

And the overall theme of the book? Rejoicing? That is something I really needed to hear. I highly recommend that anyone who reads this book reads the writeup by Gary Smalley at the back. It got me thinking about when was the last time I smiled and how to change that, and how to rejoice in the Lord. It's a wonderful message. I can't wait for book five!
July 15,2025
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Sad, fast-paced, and filled with grace.

Book #4 presents a plethora of twists and turns, much like the unpredictable nature of life itself.

However, as God so beautifully states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.”

This powerful message reminds us that even in the midst of the most challenging valleys, God walks beside us.

He is our constant companion, offering comfort, strength, and hope.

No matter how difficult the journey may be, we can find solace in the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way.

Book #4 serves as a poignant reminder of this truth, inviting readers to embrace the grace and love that God freely bestows upon us.

It encourages us to look beyond the sadness and the fast pace of life and find joy in the presence of the Lord.

So, let us take heart and remember to rejoice always, for God is faithful and will see us through.

July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved this book!

Life is full of tragedies, and it's truly fascinating to observe how individuals cope with them in diverse manners, especially when anger and guilt cause them to drift away from God.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the miracles that God was working in Hayley's life. It was truly inspiring to see how His presence and power could transform a situation.

Moreover, I was extremely pleased to finally witness an improvement in the relationship between Ashley and Landon. Their indecision about being together, despite their mutual love, had given me numerous heartbreaks and annoyances. It was a relief to see them making progress.

I'm excited to reach the final book in this series, which focuses more on Erin. I feel that we haven't learned much about her yet, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what life has in store for her. I can't wait to discover her story and how it will unfold.
July 15,2025
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The fourth book of Karen Kingsbury’s series “Redemption” is just as moving as the preceding books.

Brooke Baxter West and Peter West experience one of the most terrifying things for parents - losing a child. Their youngest daughter, Hayley, goes to a birthday party that ends up with her fighting for her life. The guilt from this situation suffocates both parents, causing them to do things they know are wrong. Brooke pulls away from everything and everyone, while Peter deals with his guilt in illegal ways. Their relationship and daughter are on the line.

Though everyone is glum due to Hayley’s situation, Ashley Baxter finally finds a reason to celebrate - Landon. Karen Kingsbury once again delivers an outstanding and captivating story. The characters go through emotional turmoils, and so does the reader.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to continue the Baxter journey or anyone looking to see the truth of what happens in life, without any sugarcoating. It shows the real and raw emotions that people experience in difficult situations, making it a truly engaging read.
July 15,2025
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I have rather complex feelings regarding this book. Brook isn't my absolute favorite among the Baxter siblings, which might contribute to my overall impression. However, we did still get a significant amount of Luke and Ashley in the story. The theme of suicide is quite prominent in certain parts, and I believe it was handled realistically. Although it's a tough subject, the readers are still given a glimmer of hope in the end. Some of the romance subplots were quite nice. One could indeed say that it had a rollercoaster of emotions
July 15,2025
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I truly despised every single aspect of this book, including each and every character within its pages. Ashley's actions were simply unacceptable. She didn't even bother to check for a pulse before hastily declaring someone dead and summoning the funeral home. How could she be so irresponsible? And what was with Peter surviving and then getting back together with Brooke? It made no sense to me. Landon and Ashley's relationship was just plain gross. Ashley's main personality trait seemed to be her supposed HIV status, which I'm fairly certain she'll discover she doesn't actually have in book five. On the other hand, Ryan and Kari were perfect. However, the way everyone in the book behaved towards the disabled child was infuriating. They acted as if they had never encountered a disabled child before and that the child would never be good enough for them until she could ride her bike and be her old self again. And don't even get me started on the ridiculous trip to Niagara Falls. They drove six hours one way, arrived at 1 PM, looked at the falls for just two hours, and then drove six hours back. And somehow, they still managed to find time for a carriage ride and skating with the kids. Seriously??? I. Hated. This. Book.

July 15,2025
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*Adding old books from a reading journal*

Baxter #4 is a truly captivating read. The story centers around Brooke, her marriage, and the tragic event of Hayley's drowning. The author presents a heart-aching account of this tragedy that really tugs at the reader's emotions. It makes you feel deeply for the characters and the difficult situations they are facing.

However, I still have a bit of a concern. I think the issue of Ashley's HIV is perhaps taken a bit too lightly. It seems to be almost glossed over in the story, and I feel that such a serious topic could have been explored in more depth.

Overall, though, Baxter #4 is a powerful and engaging book that leaves a lasting impression. It makes you think about the fragility of life and the importance of珍惜 those we love. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotional read.
July 15,2025
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This series just keeps getting better and better!!

Each installment seems to outdo the previous one, bringing more excitement, more depth, and more entertainment.

The storylines are engaging, the characters are well-developed and relatable, and the production values are top-notch.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of the genre or just looking for a great way to pass the time, this series is definitely worth checking out.

You'll find yourself hooked from the very first episode and eagerly anticipating each new release.

So don't miss out on this amazing series - it's sure to become one of your favorites!
July 15,2025
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I connected with this book on such a deep level.

Yes, Kingsbury is known for writing books that truly resonate with readers, but for me, this particular one is among the closest to my own experiences. It had an impact on me that was more profound than her other works. It simply broke my heart in a way that left me speechless.

This book is incredibly realistic, and the characters are brought to life so vividly that I felt as if I was right there beside them, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

If you've never tried one of this author's books before, I highly recommend giving this one a chance. I'm confident that you won't be disappointed. You'll be drawn into a world that feels so real and engaging that you won't want to put the book down until you've reached the very end.

Trust me, this is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
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