You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
I’ve read the entirely of the Baxter series over the years. The author announced a TV series was coming, then announced she was writing a prequel. I assumed it was because of the TV series and was bummed. Book 1 was Redemption, and it’s an amazing book. A prequel felt unnecessary. And it still does. I’m deeply disappointed in this book. Karen said that this is the book the Baxters always needed. But it adds little to nothing to the story. The entire book is full of blatant foreshadowing that borders on spoilers. Moments that were once shocking revelations in the original series have now been foretold in this prequel. Maybe starting with this with no knowledge of what’s to come won’t be as bad. But as a long time Baxter fan I’m disappointed.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Weddings are usually days filled with drama, excitement, hope, nervousness, and some sadness. All of these can easily be used to describe Kari Baxter's wedding, along with tension. The rollercoaster ride you take during this story is a doozy with fun first-love memories, difficult backstories, and everything in between. This prequel is a story about a family trying to love each other as they learn the one constant in this world: life changes. Kingsbury left me wanting to know more and follow the Baxters through their stories, which hopefully I will be able to do soon with the next book in the series.
This is a fantastic book. Let me start by saying, if you don’t already know and love our precious Baxter family, DO NOT start with this book. Soooooo many spoilers. So much foreshadowing that’s fun if you know the original stories, but seem out of place if you don’t. I personally would have little to no interest in reading a story about Keri having read only this book - and she’s my favorite in the original series. Seriously, start at book 1, not with this prequel.
I didn’t love the twist added to Ashley and Landon’s story, but I felt additional background on Ryan and Keri was helpful and made for some fun content. The Dayne storyline was completely unnecessary in this one. IYKYK.
I appreciated the Elizabeth and John storyline, they really do always want the best for their kids. Like all the Baxter stories, you will both laugh and cry.
I didn’t love the twist added to Ashley and Landon’s story, but I felt additional background on Ryan and Keri was helpful and made for some fun content. The Dayne storyline was completely unnecessary in this one. IYKYK.
I appreciated the Elizabeth and John storyline, they really do always want the best for their kids. Like all the Baxter stories, you will both laugh and cry.
Oh man, after reading The Redemption Series I so badly wished I could jump into this book and stop Kari from marrying Tim. Ugh, Tim. He’s the WORST! I also forgot how annoyed I got with Ashley until she turned back to God and embraced life and motherhood. But this book was so wonderful for being a prequel. It was fun to see the events and feelings leading up to the wedding, and the storm afterwards with Ashley and Landon was so good. My love for Landon grew! He’s such a great guy. I love the Baxter family!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
fast-paced
This wasn’t my favorite. But, for someone who is just getting started with the Baxter family, it would be a great way to meet them.
I had a hard time deciding on a rating/review for this book.
The writing was good and I enjoyed the way she left mentions of past events, but didn’t come right out and define the event immediately. The suspense left me wanting to read and find out what had happened.
I struggled with the concepts of the book, especially one character. I anticipated a different ending for that character and was left frustrated by how things were portrayed for them and then ended up for them.
I also know this is a prequel, but I wasn’t a fan of the one chapter being from a completely different character and then it not coming back around to them. I would have been fine with the few mentions of this character and then him appearing in later books. He didn’t need a chapter in this one.
This book is a more religious book. This is not the usual type of book I read but it came highly recommended by a friend so I gave it a try.
The writing was good and I enjoyed the way she left mentions of past events, but didn’t come right out and define the event immediately. The suspense left me wanting to read and find out what had happened.
I struggled with the concepts of the book, especially one character. I anticipated a different ending for that character and was left frustrated by how things were portrayed for them and then ended up for them.
I also know this is a prequel, but I wasn’t a fan of the one chapter being from a completely different character and then it not coming back around to them. I would have been fine with the few mentions of this character and then him appearing in later books. He didn’t need a chapter in this one.
This book is a more religious book. This is not the usual type of book I read but it came highly recommended by a friend so I gave it a try.
This book contains major spoilers and inconsistencies concerning the original series and that was disappointing. For those reading this first before the others it would make the reading of any future books predictable and it is mostly a rewrite of the major events for those who are fans of the original series. I still enjoy reading about the Baxters but I was hoping for a true prequel and not a summary.