Reunion (Redemption Series-Baxter 1, Book 5)

This book was bittersweet. The Baxter family, joined together, by redemption, thru the hard times of life as well as the joys of their earthy lives. I knew I had a soft spot in my heart for Elizabeth Baxter throughout this series and this book proved the reason for that soft spot. Such a beautiful woman, wife, mother, and believer of God.I loved what she did when she could not sleep due to her pain in Chapter 23. Good idea! I am a wife, mother, and Grammy and could relate to this story. Onto the story of FAME. Please read all 5 books of the Redemption series to get the full picture of the Baxter clan!

I have grown very attached to the Baxter's. (I didn't start out attached. I made the mistake of reading the 3rd book 1st...not knowing it was a series. At that time, I would have just rated it 3 stars...an average read. But I liked it enough to go back and start the series!) I have enjoyed following the entire family....and especially Ashley and Landon. I'm sure had I read the 3rd book in order, I would have found it every bit as good as the first! This final book was wonderful in everyway...except that it was an end! Elizabeth was strong and a leader during her illness. I will miss following the Baxter's in their everyday life...does Hayley make a complete recovery? Does Dayne ever let his family know who he is. I"m hoping to see more of the Baxters as I read Dayne's story in the Firstborn series. I'm sure I'll enjoy the books, regardless!

I can't remember ever being so moved by a book. The story line was excellent, as with this entire series. I was very satisfied with the resolution, and now look forward eagerly to the spinoff series about to start. Living through the horrible cancer was so real--I identified so much with the mother, even though I've never been close to anyone who died from cancer. I'll never forget this series, and this book in particular. Yes, it was sad, but also showed the reader how to see the underlying joy. Most of all, it teaches a lesson about trusting in God's goodness. I'm Catholic, and my priest always likes to remind us that "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good." This book would serve as a fine example of that kind of faith.

This is the last book in the Redemption series, and it was so beautifully written. The book focused on Ashley and Landon's wedding, Elizabeth's struggle with cancer, and Erin trying to adopt a baby, as well as Dane and how he fit into the Baxter family. This book showed how much Elizabeth and John truly love each other. They have gone through so much. It is revealed in this book a secret that they shared from before they got married. The 2 stood by each other then and now, through Elizabeth's illness. I loved how Elizabeth managed to stay with the Lord, through her frustration and to the end. The theme in this book is about reuniting family. That is showed so well, with all of the Baxters gathering for Ashley's wedding and supporting each other through all sorts of trials. This book gives a great example of how families should stick together, as a good family gives each other so much support. I would have loved growing up in this family. They went through so many trials, but they always had each other. I look forward to reading the Firstborn series, and reading more about Dane.

Start with the first book in this series and read all five! Just make sure you have plenty of time and plenty of tissue (right, akmom1999???) These books aren't preachy or gloomy, but filled with good lessons and hope. They made me want to open my Bible - which is always a good thing. I felt like I knew each member of the Baxter family and am sorry to see the stories end. When you get through with these, read Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series!

I have read all the books in this series and this is the best by far. Kingsbury and Smalley are quite talented at reaching out to you and pulling you completely and utterly into the story. I have never cried so much in reading a book, as I did with this one. There were tears of joy, triumph, heartache and heartbreak. I began this book on a Monday morning and by Tuesday afternoon, I was through. If you read only one book of fiction this year on the message of God's loving power, make sure the names Kingsbury and Smalley are on the front cover.