This book is the first in the Redemption series. In it you’re introduced to all of the Baxter family members, their pastor, and other community members. This story focuses on Tim and Kari (Baxter) Jacobs and their struggles. I found this book very predictable in regard to the story line and I knew how the book was going to end before I was 1/2 way through with it (LOL). If you read the book, you’ll probably figure it out early as well. I haven’t read the next book yet, but I think I can predict what happens next in the live of Kari and her baby.

I love that these books are so quick to read. I’m surprised at how quickly I was able to get into them because it usually takes me awhile to get into a new series.

This book focuses on Ashely Baxter. After the events of 9-11 she comes to grips with things that happened to her while she was in Paris studying art. She sees her son for the blessing he is regardless of her life in Paris. She worries and wonders about her relationship with a special friend she has had since high school when he leaves to go to NYC to join his fire fighting brothers as they work to clean up after 9-11.The story also weaves in other family members as you start to see the issues her brother has with her which you’ll see resolved in one of the following books.This book was particularly touching in the way it weaves in the events of 9-11 into everyday life. Again, it was rather predictable for me, but I still enjoyed it a LOT! I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.

The only son in the Baxter family, Luke, walks away from the Lord and everything that he grew up believing. The events of 9-11 and an incident before 9-11 cause him to lose his faith. His girlfriend moves back to NYC to live with her mother after her father is killed in 9-11.

Ashley’s (from book 2) friend meets up with Luke’s girlfriend after he responds to a 911 call to her mother’s apartment. Ashely’s art is discovered and she’s invited to show some pieces in a NYC museum. While there she discovers something about Luke’s girlfriend and she wonders if that is why they’ve lost contact since 9-11.

This book is about Brooke (another Baxter sister) Baxter’s family. The book starts right out with an event which is predictable from the very first page, but still interesting and makes you want to read on to see what happens and how. Luke and his girlfriend from the previous book marry in NYC. Ashley receives some devestating health news.

Brooke’s family suffers several heartaches during an incident with her daughter which results in her husband moving out. Of course, by the end of the book everything is worked out….. sort of….

There are several story lines left open as things are woven together in the series from one book to the next. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens with Ashley, the man who loves her and her son. And, what happens with her test results.

I knew how this book was going to end because the back cover gives it away (LOL) and having read the first four books in this series I knew what was coming from the opening chapter. However predictable this series is, I LOVED it. I couldn’t wait to read the entire book to see how the events unfold. There is one thing in this book which took me by surprise when announced. Then, I thought I had figured out “who” it was because of the introduction of a new character. When a second character was introduced then I realized I’d been wrong about the first new character (LOL). All of that to say this book wasn’t quite as predictable in some ways as the others.This series has caused me to stop and think about a few traditions we have or that I wish we had, habits – good and bad, and many other things.
I was THRILLED to see there is a series (Firstborn) that takes off from this series based around the new character introduced in this last book. I already have it on hold at the library! I can’t wait to read it!