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What I didn't like about the series: I couldn't decide if Ashley was a sincere person or a busybody. There was a thunderstorm or tornado watch in every book. I understand that's common in Indiana, but does it always happen at times of great emotional turmoil? It became cliche. The people were a little too perfect for me... even when they were messing up, they were... well, perfect. They were always "looking into each other's eyes, into the soul." I didn't understand the purpose of the Flannigan family subplots except when they related to the Katy/ Dane storyline.

What I liked about the series: It was refreshing to read a series that always ended happily. On the news and in other novels I read, everything is so depressing. The storylines were relevant; the issues Kingsbury discussed (difficulties of marriage and parenting, sickness, death, birth, teenagers and Internet, guilt/forgiveness,etc.) are ones my friends and I often discuss. I think I cried in every book in all 3 series; granted, I don't like crying, but the plot elicited pathos. I also appreciated the focus on family; no matter what was the crisis du jour, the family supported each other. I loved seeing them have big family gatherings and traditions. I wish everyone could have a family like the Baxters. Even though I did not agree with all of Kingsbury's points, the books encouraged me to be a better person.]]>