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Firstborn #1
Fame
A Dream Come True
Dayne Matthews is at the top of the Hollywood list—a successful, popular actor with a bright future. He has everything a man could want—fame, fortune, and friends. But his heart is pulling him toward a woman and a family who have no idea how their lives are tied to his. . . .
A Wounded Past
Katy Hart, the director of Christian Kids Theater, is immersed in her new life. Glad to move on and forget her past, she finally feels at home in Bloomington, Indiana. With a successful community theater and the love of many friends, she thinks she is content. But that changes in an instant when she meets Dayne Matthews and he promises a future she left in her past.
A Painful Promise
As Elizabeth Baxter lay dying, John made a promise that he must keep. A promise to reconnect the entire family—including the one child they never spoke of.
Dayne Matthews is at the top of the Hollywood list—a successful, popular actor with a bright future. He has everything a man could want—fame, fortune, and friends. But his heart is pulling him toward a woman and a family who have no idea how their lives are tied to his. . . .
A Wounded Past
Katy Hart, the director of Christian Kids Theater, is immersed in her new life. Glad to move on and forget her past, she finally feels at home in Bloomington, Indiana. With a successful community theater and the love of many friends, she thinks she is content. But that changes in an instant when she meets Dayne Matthews and he promises a future she left in her past.
A Painful Promise
As Elizabeth Baxter lay dying, John made a promise that he must keep. A promise to reconnect the entire family—including the one child they never spoke of.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
1037 people are currently reading
4930 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
May 19, 2018
My heart always feels light and at peace after reading a Karen Kingsbury book. She’s my favorite for a reason and it’s because her words, her characters, and her storylines always resonate deep within me. They’ll teach you life lessons that you’ll carry with you forever... I can promise you that.
Fame is book one of the Firstborn series and I absolutely loved it. Getting to know Dayne Matthews at a deeper level after his brief appearance in the series before this one was a nice treat. You also get to know and befriend Katy Hart and of course dive right back into the heart of the Baxter family. I can’t get enough of the Baxter family and I can’t wait to continue reading this series.
Karen Kingsbury, thank you for sharing stories from your heart and for giving readers like me a lighthearted peace after reading each of your books.
Fame is book one of the Firstborn series and I absolutely loved it. Getting to know Dayne Matthews at a deeper level after his brief appearance in the series before this one was a nice treat. You also get to know and befriend Katy Hart and of course dive right back into the heart of the Baxter family. I can’t get enough of the Baxter family and I can’t wait to continue reading this series.
Karen Kingsbury, thank you for sharing stories from your heart and for giving readers like me a lighthearted peace after reading each of your books.
March 5, 2018
I like Karen Kingsbury because she writes novels with romance, not romance novels. I kept thinking it would be nice if the lead female would just once end up with the underdog (I don't want to give anything away). This whole book was good but then the ending was very unsatisfying. I suppose it leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series. I will if I find it and hope that it pulls the story together instead of just leaving everything in limbo.
October 17, 2021
3.5 stars. Engaging and entertaining story and while I see potential for me to enjoy the author in future books, this wasn't quite a winner. Enjoyed the plot and the characters where interesting to follow. However it wasn't as intriguing as I had hoped. Good time spent though
November 8, 2007
I read several of the books in this series. When will I ever learn?
These books were a complete waste of time. Karen drew the series out way too long, and as a result bored me to death. We don’t need to know every little detail of the characters lives. This was one of her classic Mr. Imperfect and Miss. Perfect books.
Some of the characters were so perfect it scared me. And the others were so imperfect (affairs, illegitimate children, shacking up, abortion… you name it) that it truly was scary. So, you guessed it… Don’t bother reading this series unless you’ve got a lot of time to waste. Sorry Miss Kingsbury, but you and I just don’t hit it off too well.
These books were a complete waste of time. Karen drew the series out way too long, and as a result bored me to death. We don’t need to know every little detail of the characters lives. This was one of her classic Mr. Imperfect and Miss. Perfect books.
Some of the characters were so perfect it scared me. And the others were so imperfect (affairs, illegitimate children, shacking up, abortion… you name it) that it truly was scary. So, you guessed it… Don’t bother reading this series unless you’ve got a lot of time to waste. Sorry Miss Kingsbury, but you and I just don’t hit it off too well.
April 4, 2012
I loved this book and couldn't put it down! Karen Kingsbury continues her series on the beloved Baxter family by delving into the more secret side of the family. Fame is an appropriate name for the book as it deals with both the expectations placed on someone famous, the price of that fame and the toll that newfound fame can take on someone used to being ordinary.
July 11, 2016
My guilty pleasure...wholesome soap operas. :)
March 21, 2014
Okay, this book is really good. I really LOVE the writing style. Other than the falling in love part, I never once went, "This is going too fast." unlike other books that I've read. Plus, the author's writing styles really...Ah, I can't even explain it, but it brings life, and a bit of peppyness that really attracted me.
The whole storyline of a nobody with a celebirty falling for her is cliche, but the author really did her job in making it interesting. Even though the author didn't want Katy to stay in Hollywood, I wish she was in hollywood longer ^^
However, there are things I would like to change. Such as the baxters. I haven't read the redemption series yet, but when I read fame, I was awefully confused. The baxters in this series did almost nothing. I wish they had more interations with the two main characters rather than just living their own life.
This story was cheesy, but I love cheesy, so it's okay. The names seemed perfect for each other, as if I could really imagine meeting a girl named Katy Hart at church, and seeing a movie star named Dane Matthews. Heck, even Sarah Jo is a perfect name since Sarah Jo is trying to be Mary Sue.
I loves this book, I really did, and I can't wait to read the other things that the author has written (Once I have money of course)
The whole storyline of a nobody with a celebirty falling for her is cliche, but the author really did her job in making it interesting. Even though the author didn't want Katy to stay in Hollywood, I wish she was in hollywood longer ^^
However, there are things I would like to change. Such as the baxters. I haven't read the redemption series yet, but when I read fame, I was awefully confused. The baxters in this series did almost nothing. I wish they had more interations with the two main characters rather than just living their own life.
This story was cheesy, but I love cheesy, so it's okay. The names seemed perfect for each other, as if I could really imagine meeting a girl named Katy Hart at church, and seeing a movie star named Dane Matthews. Heck, even Sarah Jo is a perfect name since Sarah Jo is trying to be Mary Sue.
I loves this book, I really did, and I can't wait to read the other things that the author has written (Once I have money of course)
January 22, 2012
My mom talked me into reading these books (yes, all of them) because they take place in Bloomington, Indiana. I, however, didn't realize that Bloomington, Indiana was Christian paradise, or at least it was depicted so in these books which more closely resemble an evangelical soap opera. Karen Kingsbury seems to subscribe to rather bipolar theology where terrible things happen to every single character in the books (murder, suicide, terminal illness, abortion, etc.), but luckily they pray about it and live happily ever after. Two women in the books are married to pro football players, and one marries America's favorite movie star, because that's what happens to everyone, right? I think these books have gone way past "fiction enough to be enjoyable" to " Christianized harlequin romance novels for discontent middle aged women."
October 25, 2018
A reread for me but once again, Mrs. Kingsbury hits a home run with this novel filled with love, hope, understanding and God's saving grace. Still a five star read for me!
April 30, 2018
Fame 3.75⭐️
He needs a star for his newest movie and he wants her a girl he saw once but knows her innocence will be perfect for his leading lady
She is a director and organizer for the CKT Christian kids theater 🎭 she wants to help kids grow in Gods word and help them explore their inner star.
It was adorable and i loved seeing Ashley and Landon and Cole together and watching cole grow up and their relationships form with new people and growing in faith. Also as the book progressed we saw more connections between the Baxters and Dayne.
He needs a star for his newest movie and he wants her a girl he saw once but knows her innocence will be perfect for his leading lady
She is a director and organizer for the CKT Christian kids theater 🎭 she wants to help kids grow in Gods word and help them explore their inner star.
It was adorable and i loved seeing Ashley and Landon and Cole together and watching cole grow up and their relationships form with new people and growing in faith. Also as the book progressed we saw more connections between the Baxters and Dayne.
November 5, 2024
Karen never misses! Can’t wait to finish this series!
October 28, 2023
A good start to the next series in the Baxter family saga. This is quite the interesting development. I am intrigued and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
April 25, 2021
I heard about this series a month or so ago and made it a mission to find the books. Finally, I got them from my online library. And I’m glad I did! This series’s not the contemporary series I have sometimes picked up. This is a novel about actors, broken, hurting characters, it shows just how hard words can wound, how people break down each other and just how much people mistakenly judge on appearances.
Reading Fame you follow along as a long-hidden secret is nearly revealed and a man is stalked by “fans” who don’t know when to stop with their admiration.
You’ll find a family that is filled with imperfect men and women. A woman who is searching for the right choice and her Father’s will. And a man who is trying to live without hurting others.
Dayne is a unique character – surprisingly I love his arc so far. He’s the typical playboy millionaire who has everything except he doesn’t and knows it. The game and riches are wearing on him though as the paparazzi pick apart his life and those of his friends. I found myself feeling sorry did him and everything he goes through in this first book in the Firstborn series.
I didn’t connect with Katy at first. She’s a hard character to get a feel for at the beginning of the book but as layers were slowly peeled away I found out just how strong she was and how the struggles she’d endured had shaped her.
John, the perfect father, right? Well, that’s not so true in this book. He’s a wonderful guy but nowhere near perfect. And in Fame, we get to see just how much heartache is being the patriarch of the Baxter family.
The writing style was somewhat confusing at points when we saw characters' thoughts otherwise the book was nicely written and ready to follow.
I was not expecting the sudden end to the book but I guess that’s all right since I have the other books waiting to be read, right? Anyway, if you don’t like cliffhangers make sure you have the other books in the series.
As my first book in the Baxter books, I am looking forward to the next book.
Since there is talk of drugs, overdosing, sleeping together, and some violence I recommend this for 16/18 older depending on beliefs. I give this book 4 stars.
Reading Fame you follow along as a long-hidden secret is nearly revealed and a man is stalked by “fans” who don’t know when to stop with their admiration.
You’ll find a family that is filled with imperfect men and women. A woman who is searching for the right choice and her Father’s will. And a man who is trying to live without hurting others.
Dayne is a unique character – surprisingly I love his arc so far. He’s the typical playboy millionaire who has everything except he doesn’t and knows it. The game and riches are wearing on him though as the paparazzi pick apart his life and those of his friends. I found myself feeling sorry did him and everything he goes through in this first book in the Firstborn series.
I didn’t connect with Katy at first. She’s a hard character to get a feel for at the beginning of the book but as layers were slowly peeled away I found out just how strong she was and how the struggles she’d endured had shaped her.
John, the perfect father, right? Well, that’s not so true in this book. He’s a wonderful guy but nowhere near perfect. And in Fame, we get to see just how much heartache is being the patriarch of the Baxter family.
The writing style was somewhat confusing at points when we saw characters' thoughts otherwise the book was nicely written and ready to follow.
I was not expecting the sudden end to the book but I guess that’s all right since I have the other books waiting to be read, right? Anyway, if you don’t like cliffhangers make sure you have the other books in the series.
As my first book in the Baxter books, I am looking forward to the next book.
Since there is talk of drugs, overdosing, sleeping together, and some violence I recommend this for 16/18 older depending on beliefs. I give this book 4 stars.
April 23, 2019
This book was more like an introduction to this new series and also a great sequel to the Redemption series. I loved how I got to see more of Ashley and Landon's story and also more of Katy Hart and the Flaningans. And last but not least, Dayne Matthews is a really important character in this series and I'm so intrigued about him and his life and how things will fall into place eventually.
I might or might not start the next book later today, because there was no serious events happening in this first book, not really, and I'm so excited to see and learn more about them.
Ok, there were some key moments, especially for Katy and I loved the way she embraced her feelings and relationship with God and how the things in her life were directed by the Lord. I'm so curios about her journey of faith.
I might or might not start the next book later today, because there was no serious events happening in this first book, not really, and I'm so excited to see and learn more about them.
Ok, there were some key moments, especially for Katy and I loved the way she embraced her feelings and relationship with God and how the things in her life were directed by the Lord. I'm so curios about her journey of faith.
August 3, 2016
I would actually give about 3 1/2 stars. Karen Kingsbury is really good at what she does, which is cheesy Christian fiction with a little bit of romance thrown in. It's very "sweet", and at times a little too much. I'm sure there are people out there like these characters, but I don't know any.
But the writing flows smoothly, and is a style that is easy to read. I liked the book, and was left wanting to read the next in the series at the end. I would definitely read the Redemption series before this one, though, because this book constantly refers to things that happened there, and I think you'd feel a little lost and wouldn't be able to connect with or care about most of the characters.
But the writing flows smoothly, and is a style that is easy to read. I liked the book, and was left wanting to read the next in the series at the end. I would definitely read the Redemption series before this one, though, because this book constantly refers to things that happened there, and I think you'd feel a little lost and wouldn't be able to connect with or care about most of the characters.
June 8, 2009
I am hooked on Karen Kingsbury books! This is book #1 of the second series of "The Baxters." I have gotten so into these books that I have literally caught myself beginning to pray for one of the characters (no joke). These stories show how faith and family bring you through trials, struggles and just life in general.
August 5, 2012
Love Karen Kingsbury! Everything she writes touches my heart. There's always love and family issues that need resolution. God is always the center of that resolution. She has a way of sharing scripture that brings it to a new light for me. I just plain feel good when I read her books. They are an easy read...a curl up in your favorite chair and just enjoy!
August 20, 2012
At first I wasn't sure how I felt about this new twist thrown into the series of touching stories from the Baxter family, but I loved it more and more as I continued reading it. It is different, but in a good way. Famous how their famous son figures out his life and returns to his family, as well as to his faith.
August 31, 2015
"God, please now my future see, make it clear where I should be. Open windows, close the doors, not my will, my God, but yours."
"God, fill me with Your Spirit, Your strength, Your power. I don't need all the answers, I only need YOU."
"God, fill me with Your Spirit, Your strength, Your power. I don't need all the answers, I only need YOU."
March 21, 2017
Book 6 of the Baxter series. My go to when I'm in a reading slump and just need something I know I will like. Sweet, clean and I can count on loving it. This one introduced new characters and was less about the 5 siblings. But I'm sure I'll grow to love these characters too.
September 12, 2014
Good setup to new series, first in the second series featuring the Baxter family.
September 1, 2017
Awesome
I can't get enough of the Baxter family!! I don't want to stop reading when it's bedtime! These are a must read!
I can't get enough of the Baxter family!! I don't want to stop reading when it's bedtime! These are a must read!
January 15, 2019
Title: Fame
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Series: Firstborn, #1; Baxters, #6
Format: paperback
Length: 346 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Synopsis: A Dream Come True
Dayne Matthews is at the top of the Hollywood list—a successful, popular actor with a bright future. He has everything a man could want—fame, fortune, and friends. But his heart is pulling him toward a woman and a family who have no idea how their lives are tied to his. . . .
A Wounded Past
Katy Hart, the director of Christian Kids Theater, is immersed in her new life. Glad to move on and forget her past, she finally feels at home in Bloomington, Indiana. With a successful community theater and the love of many friends, she thinks she is content. But that changes in an instant when she meets Dayne Matthews and he promises a future she left in her past.
A Painful Promise
As Elizabeth Baxter lay dying, John made a promise that he must keep. A promise to reconnect the entire family—including the one child they never spoke of.
Favourite character: I just… I kind of love all them. I can’t pick a favourite.
Least favourite character: Kelly Parker
Mini-review: I’m such trash for the Baxters series. Honestly. I’m kind of addicted to this series, it’s bad. I cannot wait to read the next one. I am just so… I need to know what’s going to happen, if and how John and Dayne meet. If Dayne meets the rest of the Baxter clan. I can’t wait to read Bailey’s story understanding the rest of the characters, not being confused like I was two years ago when I read Leaving. I just love this series.
Fan-cast:
Dayne Matthews - Diego Klattenhoff
Katy Hart - Sophia Bush
Ashley Baxter Blake - Brittany Snow
Landon Blake - Scott Eastwood
Kari Baxter Taylor - Kate Mara
Ryan Taylor - Matt Lanter
John Baxter - Jeff Goldblum
Kelly Parker - Jaime King
Jenny Flanigan - Gabrielle Union
Jim Flanigan - Luke Wilson
Bailey Flanigan - Zendaya
Connor Flanigan - Cameron Boyce
Chloe Madden/Anna Madden - Leslie Mann
Heath Hudson - Jay Baruchel
Tim Reed - Nat Wolff
Cody Coleman - Brandon Larracuente
Alice Stryker - Drea de Matteo
Sarah Jo Stryker - Sabrina Carpenter
Marc David - Joel Kinnaman
Rhonda Sanders - Anna Paquin
Ashley Zarelli - Julia Garner
Mitch Henry - John C. Reilly
Luke Baxter - Cameron Monaghan
Brooke Baxter West - Bryce Dallas Howard
Peter West - John Krasinski
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Series: Firstborn, #1; Baxters, #6
Format: paperback
Length: 346 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Synopsis: A Dream Come True
Dayne Matthews is at the top of the Hollywood list—a successful, popular actor with a bright future. He has everything a man could want—fame, fortune, and friends. But his heart is pulling him toward a woman and a family who have no idea how their lives are tied to his. . . .
A Wounded Past
Katy Hart, the director of Christian Kids Theater, is immersed in her new life. Glad to move on and forget her past, she finally feels at home in Bloomington, Indiana. With a successful community theater and the love of many friends, she thinks she is content. But that changes in an instant when she meets Dayne Matthews and he promises a future she left in her past.
A Painful Promise
As Elizabeth Baxter lay dying, John made a promise that he must keep. A promise to reconnect the entire family—including the one child they never spoke of.
Favourite character: I just… I kind of love all them. I can’t pick a favourite.
Least favourite character: Kelly Parker
Mini-review: I’m such trash for the Baxters series. Honestly. I’m kind of addicted to this series, it’s bad. I cannot wait to read the next one. I am just so… I need to know what’s going to happen, if and how John and Dayne meet. If Dayne meets the rest of the Baxter clan. I can’t wait to read Bailey’s story understanding the rest of the characters, not being confused like I was two years ago when I read Leaving. I just love this series.
Fan-cast:
Dayne Matthews - Diego Klattenhoff
Katy Hart - Sophia Bush
Ashley Baxter Blake - Brittany Snow
Landon Blake - Scott Eastwood
Kari Baxter Taylor - Kate Mara
Ryan Taylor - Matt Lanter
John Baxter - Jeff Goldblum
Kelly Parker - Jaime King
Jenny Flanigan - Gabrielle Union
Jim Flanigan - Luke Wilson
Bailey Flanigan - Zendaya
Connor Flanigan - Cameron Boyce
Chloe Madden/Anna Madden - Leslie Mann
Heath Hudson - Jay Baruchel
Tim Reed - Nat Wolff
Cody Coleman - Brandon Larracuente
Alice Stryker - Drea de Matteo
Sarah Jo Stryker - Sabrina Carpenter
Marc David - Joel Kinnaman
Rhonda Sanders - Anna Paquin
Ashley Zarelli - Julia Garner
Mitch Henry - John C. Reilly
Luke Baxter - Cameron Monaghan
Brooke Baxter West - Bryce Dallas Howard
Peter West - John Krasinski
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 12, 2024The saga of the Baxter Family continue. In this book we delve deeper into actor Dayne Matthews life and see if/how he is tied to the Baxters. .. no hints... read the series. I love these books. Great Christian fiction, with wonderful characters, spiritual growth, and more about the Baxters. A wonderful feel good series. More books just for fun... not counted for my 52 Books challenge this year, but counted for my overall reading goal.
May 23, 2024
like all the other baxter books, i loved this one. i have it four stars because, although it had some chapters about the original 5 siblings, it didn’t have many. i know this is the firstborn series and its supposed to be about Dayne, but wish it had more about the original 5 siblings.
February 1, 2022
I like this author however I could not get into this book. I couldn’t even finish it!
March 15, 2024
Thankful for godly fiction and characters that face tough situations and seek God's guidance. Love the Baxters!
January 23, 2016
FAME is the first book in the Firstborn series, which follows the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury.
Dayne Matthews, Hollywood heartthrob, whom we briefly met in REUNION, is captivated by Katy Hart. Katy is a director of children’s theater that Dayne stumbled across while he was in Bloomington, Indiana. Though their meeting was brief and one-sided, for whatever reason he can’t seem to get her out of his mind. When he returns to Hollywood and is cast in a new romantic comedy, the only woman he can picture to play his leading lady is Katy. After digging into her background, and finding out she was once an actress before a director of children’s theater, he convinces the casting director to give her a call. Dayne’s infatuation with Katy is of overwhelming proportions. His mind wanders constantly about how it would be if they became more than co-stars. His fear–the Hollywood lifestyle will scare her off, and the down home, wholesome, Katy will never be able to see past his tabloid, playboy image.
Katy Hart cannot believe what is happening to her. One day she is casting the roles for her children’s theater, and the next, she is being contacted by a Hollywood casting director wanting her to test for an upcoming movie starring none other than Dayne Matthews, Hollywood’s own Don Juan. Though she is convinced it is some kind of joke or a mistake, Katy follows agrees to fly to Hollywood to do a reading. The electricity she feels with Dayne Matthews is immediate. And soon, Katy feels the struggle of wanting to reach for her dream, and the fear of being drawn into a lifestyle diametrically opposed to her conservative values.
I could not wait to read FAME. I’ve had it since its original release in 2005 but never found the time to read it. When the series, starting with the Redemption series from Karen Kingsbury continued to expand, I fell further behind. So, it was with much anticipation I began to read. Sometimes that kind of anticipation leaves you wanting. I would not say I was disappointed, but I did find myself breezing over some of the longer sections written from the authorial view, and would speed through the sections that did not center on Katy and Dayne. Ms. Kingsbury took her time in developing the story between Katy and Dayne, but all too soon, it came to an abrupt end. I was a little disappointed with the ending, feeling as if too many frayed ends were left exposed. I can only hope that FORGIVEN, the second book in the series, ties up some of those ends without it becoming more drawn out. I am all for suspense, and leaving the reader dangling, but not so much when the filler used to extend the story is not as intriguing.
Dayne Matthews, Hollywood heartthrob, whom we briefly met in REUNION, is captivated by Katy Hart. Katy is a director of children’s theater that Dayne stumbled across while he was in Bloomington, Indiana. Though their meeting was brief and one-sided, for whatever reason he can’t seem to get her out of his mind. When he returns to Hollywood and is cast in a new romantic comedy, the only woman he can picture to play his leading lady is Katy. After digging into her background, and finding out she was once an actress before a director of children’s theater, he convinces the casting director to give her a call. Dayne’s infatuation with Katy is of overwhelming proportions. His mind wanders constantly about how it would be if they became more than co-stars. His fear–the Hollywood lifestyle will scare her off, and the down home, wholesome, Katy will never be able to see past his tabloid, playboy image.
Katy Hart cannot believe what is happening to her. One day she is casting the roles for her children’s theater, and the next, she is being contacted by a Hollywood casting director wanting her to test for an upcoming movie starring none other than Dayne Matthews, Hollywood’s own Don Juan. Though she is convinced it is some kind of joke or a mistake, Katy follows agrees to fly to Hollywood to do a reading. The electricity she feels with Dayne Matthews is immediate. And soon, Katy feels the struggle of wanting to reach for her dream, and the fear of being drawn into a lifestyle diametrically opposed to her conservative values.
I could not wait to read FAME. I’ve had it since its original release in 2005 but never found the time to read it. When the series, starting with the Redemption series from Karen Kingsbury continued to expand, I fell further behind. So, it was with much anticipation I began to read. Sometimes that kind of anticipation leaves you wanting. I would not say I was disappointed, but I did find myself breezing over some of the longer sections written from the authorial view, and would speed through the sections that did not center on Katy and Dayne. Ms. Kingsbury took her time in developing the story between Katy and Dayne, but all too soon, it came to an abrupt end. I was a little disappointed with the ending, feeling as if too many frayed ends were left exposed. I can only hope that FORGIVEN, the second book in the series, ties up some of those ends without it becoming more drawn out. I am all for suspense, and leaving the reader dangling, but not so much when the filler used to extend the story is not as intriguing.
March 2, 2022
This is the first book of the Firstborn series and the sixth book of the Baxter Family series.
I was a little disappointed with the book. I really enjoyed the first five books of the series and was looking forward to finding out more about the eldest son of the Baxter family, Dayne Matthews. As most of you know, Dayne was given up for adoption by Elizabeth when he was born out of wedlock. Elizabeth had a life long desire to connect with her son before she died and she did...but none of the rest of the Baxter family knew of it. Only John knows that Dayne exists but even he doesn't know who Dayne actually is.
Well, Dayne is a famous actor. We get a glimpse of what it is like to be famous. The press, stalkers, autograph hounds and the adoring public. There are a lot of good things that come of it that aren't talked about here though. Security. Not discussed at all.
When Dayne is in Bloomington, meeting his dying birth mother, he stops at a local theatre and sees Kate Hill. It is love at first sight. He then thinks she would be the perfect actress for a new movie he is involved in. He convinces Kate to come out and audition for the role. She does and she is offered the position. Will she take the role and move out to Hollywood?
We get a few glimpses at the main Baxter family and how they are handing the loss of Elizabeth. Everything is interconnected. Some of the Baxters work on the props for the play Kate is producing at the local theatre.
Not horrible but certainly not as good as the previous books from the series.
I was a little disappointed with the book. I really enjoyed the first five books of the series and was looking forward to finding out more about the eldest son of the Baxter family, Dayne Matthews. As most of you know, Dayne was given up for adoption by Elizabeth when he was born out of wedlock. Elizabeth had a life long desire to connect with her son before she died and she did...but none of the rest of the Baxter family knew of it. Only John knows that Dayne exists but even he doesn't know who Dayne actually is.
Well, Dayne is a famous actor. We get a glimpse of what it is like to be famous. The press, stalkers, autograph hounds and the adoring public. There are a lot of good things that come of it that aren't talked about here though. Security. Not discussed at all.
When Dayne is in Bloomington, meeting his dying birth mother, he stops at a local theatre and sees Kate Hill. It is love at first sight. He then thinks she would be the perfect actress for a new movie he is involved in. He convinces Kate to come out and audition for the role. She does and she is offered the position. Will she take the role and move out to Hollywood?
We get a few glimpses at the main Baxter family and how they are handing the loss of Elizabeth. Everything is interconnected. Some of the Baxters work on the props for the play Kate is producing at the local theatre.
Not horrible but certainly not as good as the previous books from the series.
November 17, 2014
I really loved this book. I loved how Karen Kingsbury added in the Baxter family in this book, but mainly focused on Dayne and Katy.
Katy Hart is the young director of CKT (Christian Kid's Theater) and loves what she does. But for as long as she could remember, her dream was to be an actress and when an unexpected offer comes up from a Hollywood casting director, she makes the decision to head up to CA for an audition. But above all, she wants what God wants for her. Is it in His plan for her life to be the lead female actor in this upcoming movie? Or is God leading her in another direction?
Dayne Matthews, a famous actor, has had a grudge against God ever since he was a teenager and wants nothing to do with Him. After what happened a year ago after finding his biological mother, he comes to realize even more what his fame has cost him.
I really loved this story. What was SO refreshing was to see Katy's strong convictions and how she stood by them. She valued purity and wanted to make sure that whatever she did was pleasing to the Lord. Yes, she did make mistakes, but it was so awesome to read of her trying her utmost to be pleasing to the Lord.
I can't wait to begin the second book in this series--Forgiven.
Katy Hart is the young director of CKT (Christian Kid's Theater) and loves what she does. But for as long as she could remember, her dream was to be an actress and when an unexpected offer comes up from a Hollywood casting director, she makes the decision to head up to CA for an audition. But above all, she wants what God wants for her. Is it in His plan for her life to be the lead female actor in this upcoming movie? Or is God leading her in another direction?
Dayne Matthews, a famous actor, has had a grudge against God ever since he was a teenager and wants nothing to do with Him. After what happened a year ago after finding his biological mother, he comes to realize even more what his fame has cost him.
I really loved this story. What was SO refreshing was to see Katy's strong convictions and how she stood by them. She valued purity and wanted to make sure that whatever she did was pleasing to the Lord. Yes, she did make mistakes, but it was so awesome to read of her trying her utmost to be pleasing to the Lord.
I can't wait to begin the second book in this series--Forgiven.
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