The Redemption Series

If you like contemporary Christian fiction and aren't acquainted with Karen Kingsbury yet, you've got begin with her Redemption series!

Karen wrote this series with Gary Smalley, who is a well-known relationship expert. This series of five books begins with "Redemption" and introduces the reader to the Baxter family.

Dr. John Baxter and his wife, Elizabeth have 5 children ~ 4 daughters, Brooke, Kari, Ashley and Erin ~ and a son, Luke. Brooke and her husband are doctors and have 2 young daughters. Kari is a fashion model and her husband is a professor at the local university. Erin and her husband have recently moved to Texas. Ashley, who has returned home from Paris, considers herself to be the "black sheep of the family" and is a single mother. Luke is still living at home and is unforgiving to Ashley because of the choices she's made in life.

Redemption revolves around Kari and her husband, Tim. When Kari finds out that Tim has been having an affair with a student, she returns home to sort things out. However, when Ryan, an old flame from her past shows up, and Kari is more confused than ever. How can she forgive her husband? What about her renewed feelings for Ryan? What will she do? This is a story of love at all costs.

Remember is about Ashley and what happened to her in Paris. She returned home pregnant and jaded ~ unforgiven by her brother, Luke. She considers herself hopeless, so why doesn't Landon Blake leave her alone? Can working in a nursing home facility somehow help her come to grips with her past? This story is a journey from tragedy to healing.

Return is the story of Luke. The much-loved youngest and only son of John and Elizabeth is quite the golden boy. He seems to stand firm in his faith, but is judgemental toward others, especially his sister, Ashley. However, in the span of one day ~ September 10-11, 2001 ~ his life completely changes. Luke leaves his faith and his family. This is a story of tenacious love and longing for a lost son.

Rejoice is the story of Brooke and her husband, Peter. They are already struggling in their marriage when they are faced with the single worst moment ever. What was supposed to be a pool party for their two daughters ends in disaster leaving their three-year old, Hayley, fighting for her life. Peter, who blames himself for the accident, withdraws from his family and tries to find ways to ease his pain. This is a story of unspeakable loss and the overwhelming miracle of new life.

Reunion is the story of John & Elizabeth. In this final book of the Redemption series, plans are being made for a family reunion. Nearly all the adult Baxter children have a reason to celebrate ~ except one. As the preparations get under way, a deadly diagnosis sends shock waves through the Baxter family and threatens to tear them apart. This is a story of God's grace and redemption, his victory even in the most difficult times.

I liked these books because the characters were "real" Christian people who struggle. All Christian men & women struggle with lust, pride, guilt and fear. It's how we deal with it that makes us different from the world.

Although some aspects of the books are a little typical ~ the characters are wealthy, attractive, popular and talented ~ it doesn't get in the way of the story. Karen delves into their souls and you see a real person.