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Firstborn #5
Forever
A Dream Come True
Katy Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood’s Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now everything about the future they planned together is hanging on the brink. Only a miracle can help them find their way through.
A Public Struggle
Katy and two of the Baxters travel to Los Angeles to sort through their options. While paparazzi open fire on the Baxter family, Luke helps field requests from the media. At the same time, he must wrestle with feelings that have troubled him for nearly a year.
A Family’s Undying Love
Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service, a labor of love to help Katy and Dayne find what they’ve always longed for—a chance at forever.
Katy Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood’s Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now everything about the future they planned together is hanging on the brink. Only a miracle can help them find their way through.
A Public Struggle
Katy and two of the Baxters travel to Los Angeles to sort through their options. While paparazzi open fire on the Baxter family, Luke helps field requests from the media. At the same time, he must wrestle with feelings that have troubled him for nearly a year.
A Family’s Undying Love
Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service, a labor of love to help Katy and Dayne find what they’ve always longed for—a chance at forever.
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
129 people are currently reading
3422 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 238 reviews
February 2, 2022
Forever by Karen Kingsbury
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I couldn’t sleep last night so I listened to the complete audiobook of “Forever” by Karen Kingsbury. I loved the story line and all the incredible characters. A perfect heartwarming book to cosy down and enjoy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I couldn’t sleep last night so I listened to the complete audiobook of “Forever” by Karen Kingsbury. I loved the story line and all the incredible characters. A perfect heartwarming book to cosy down and enjoy.
January 23, 2016
FOREVER . . . finally! I loved the characters, I loved the drama, and I loved the storyline. But, I didn’t love the long drawn out series. Of course, we all knew how the series would end, but it truly became a quest to get to the end. One of the issues I had with this series is the constant rehashing of past circumstances and trials. I understand the need as a writer to want each book to be a standalone novel, but let’s face it . . . if the series is five strong, people need to read the whole series. The writer should not try to summarize past books. It frustrates the true fan that has read each book up to that point. But, who am I to correct or critique Karen Kingsbury. Her stories are inspiring and engaging, and even though I don’t like redundancy, I will continue on and read the Sunrise series and hope that I don’t have to do too much skimming to get past repetitive information.
August 5, 2018
Forever, the final book in Karen Kingsbury’s Firstborn series, was a wonderful ending to a fantastic storyline. The Firstborn Series as a whole was great, telling the story of love, hope, second chances, and the power of family.
Forever was easily my favorite book in the series, the emotions penned in this one just really tugged at me and I couldn’t put this book down when I was able to get chances to read it.
Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are finally able to pursue their forever and the Baxter family is together again... every, single, one of them.
I highly recommend the Firstborn series, same as I highly recommend any of Karen’s books.
Forever was easily my favorite book in the series, the emotions penned in this one just really tugged at me and I couldn’t put this book down when I was able to get chances to read it.
Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are finally able to pursue their forever and the Baxter family is together again... every, single, one of them.
I highly recommend the Firstborn series, same as I highly recommend any of Karen’s books.
July 31, 2023
Ik ben deze serie helaas te langdradig gaan vinden en vond het grote leesplezier van de Baxters hier niet terug helaas. Ook eindigt het niet zoals je zou verwachten en is de bruiloft en het samen zijn van Dayne en Katy alsnog uitgesteld naar boek 1 van de volgende serie. Super irritant en voor mij geen beste cliff hanger. Ik denk namelijk niet dat ik die serie op korte termijn ga lezen. Maar wie weet ooit weer! Wederom drie sterren voor dit laatste Dayne Matthews boek waar ik heus leesplezier aan hebt beleefd, want schrijven kan Karen Kingsbury wel degelijk!
February 3, 2017
so this book is pretty amazing. when i first read the summary i thought something had happened to Katy's mom. boy, was i wrong. it was really unexpected to see the surprise this book held--Dayne almost killed by a car crash. then on top of it, Luke's attitude. good thing John had found Elizabeth's 10 Secrets To a Happy Marriage, because if he didn't this book would not have been the same.
moving on to the sad part of this, when i ended this book i also ended a wonderful series. to anybody wanting to be attached to a book (it is more than a book, it is like a paper family you can connect with) i would recommend this. they have changed my view on things, or even gave some more perspective on what i already believe in. these are great and i'm so glad Karen Kingsbury was kind enough to continue on with these books in different sections.
moving on to the sad part of this, when i ended this book i also ended a wonderful series. to anybody wanting to be attached to a book (it is more than a book, it is like a paper family you can connect with) i would recommend this. they have changed my view on things, or even gave some more perspective on what i already believe in. these are great and i'm so glad Karen Kingsbury was kind enough to continue on with these books in different sections.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2015
I love how Karen Kingsbury shares more stories of God's healing power, how He works miracles in the most seemingly hopeless situations, and what God means by His words -- "Wait on Me... Be still and know that I am God."
Such powerful words, indeed.
Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
And here's a bonus (one of my favorites!):
The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14
Such powerful words, indeed.
Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
And here's a bonus (one of my favorites!):
The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14
April 21, 2021
Wow! Umm, I’m sad to be finishing this series and am excited to start the next but this was some ending to the Firstborn series. I did not expect everything that happened in this conclusion to happen.
Seeing the characters grow closer and some drift further apart was sweet and sad.
The accident was dreadful but the ending was perfect!
Seeing Dayne, Katy, and all of the others in this book was wonderful. They came together and built a stronger family than before.
Seeing the characters grow closer and some drift further apart was sweet and sad.
The accident was dreadful but the ending was perfect!
Seeing Dayne, Katy, and all of the others in this book was wonderful. They came together and built a stronger family than before.
December 27, 2017
I loved this conclusion to the Firstborn series. The ending is a tearjerker.
January 14, 2024
What a solid ending to the Firstborn series. This book brought tears to my eyes so many times. I can't wait to see what is in store for Bailey Flanigan and the Baxter family in the next series.
February 5, 2017
It looks like things are finally coming together in Dayne and Katy's life. They're planning to get married, planning for a house in Bloomington, and trying to get closer to Dayne's birth family. Just when everything seems to be perfect, a tragic accident occurs and suddenly, Dayne is struggling for his life. They need a miracle.
Meanwhile, Luke is having marriage trouble. In fact, he's having trouble of every kind as he tries to adjust to the idea of having a brother, especially a brother who is so much more successful than he is. He struggles with jealousy, bitterness, and a feeling of loss from his mother being gone, and it spills over into all areas of his life.
Ultimately all must learn to pull together and to really love on each other in words, in acts and in prayer for each other.
This book is a much stronger entry into the Baxter series than the last book. I really loved seeing Dayne's growing relationship with God, his entries into relationship with his family, and the way the family surrounds him to give him and Katy an act of love. As usual, here are my thoughts about each point-of-view character.
Katy: I've complained about her throughout the series. However, when times were hard in this book, she really shone. She realized that she loved Dayne more than her life in Bloomington. She found a strength in herself beyond caring about the tabloids. She found grace and love within herself as well as determination to get through no matter what. She's someone who has realized what's really important about life and has made adjustments in her actions and speech accordingly. That's a really good thing.
Dayne: As I mentioned above, I really loved seeing his spiritual growth, knowing what's going on in his head, and seeing his determination at whatever he puts his mind towards. He spends much of this book in a coma, and yet, his character is not diminished because of it. I'm really pulling for him and for the whole Baxter family, and I've enjoyed the journey through having him as the main character of the story over the past five novels.
Ashley: She's another character who often annoys me, but really shines in this book. She puts all her effort into helping Dayne and Katy during their tough time, and she is able to really pull off an excellent act of pure love. It's beautiful, and might be the best part of the book :-)
Bailey: She's a teenager, and she's shifting back-and-forth between boys, wondering who she really "likes" and who really "likes" her. She's also an actress in the kids' theater group, but most of her role in this book is all caught up in her teenage feelings for different boys. Ugh. Reading this made me feel two things: (1) Old, (2) Like these days are coming up way too fast for my own children!!
John: He has a beautiful emotional range, and I have really enjoyed his role in all five of these books. I would never have wanted Kingsbury to kill off his wife, but he has really shone as he has dealt with that, with finding his child, and with navigating the waters of his life post-spousal death. I have been enjoying the budding relationship with Elaine, and despite a first blip in it this book, I am hoping that Kingsbury writes much, much more about them. I also nearly cry as he remembers his wife, re-reads her old letters and wishes that she was there to see their family now.
Luke: I just wanted to hang my head a few times at how spoiled he was acting this book. A new brother, and he's so jealous that can't stand it. He also feels like a failure because his life is not the way that he had always dreamed and he feels like less than a man as he still can't provide for his wife and young children. He really pulls it together by the end of the book, but not before causing his wife and his whole family a ton of drama.
Jenny: She only has one or two point of view sections in the book. Mostly she's there to provide a calmer, more adult perspective on Bailey's teen drama. She's enjoyable to read, and I always want to hear more from her view on life.
Reagan: There are problems between Reagan and Luke, and Reagan begins the book feeling like they're all Luke's fault. In fact, her life isn't going the way she would like, and she feels like it's Luke's fault. She's still holding grudges from when they got pregnant out of wedlock, and she doesn't even realize it until things are bad enough between them that the word separation comes up. She has to realize that the downward direction of her marriage is not solely Luke's fault but that she has a lot to learn and to atone for in the wrong way she has treated Luke. It's a realization that I've had to make in my life, and it's a good one.
That's all for this Firstborn series of Baxter books. It's a strong finish, enough to keep me reading on into the next series :-) I'm looking forward to hearing more adventures of the family. After all, Kingsbury hasn't even gotten Dayne and Katy married yet!
Meanwhile, Luke is having marriage trouble. In fact, he's having trouble of every kind as he tries to adjust to the idea of having a brother, especially a brother who is so much more successful than he is. He struggles with jealousy, bitterness, and a feeling of loss from his mother being gone, and it spills over into all areas of his life.
Ultimately all must learn to pull together and to really love on each other in words, in acts and in prayer for each other.
This book is a much stronger entry into the Baxter series than the last book. I really loved seeing Dayne's growing relationship with God, his entries into relationship with his family, and the way the family surrounds him to give him and Katy an act of love. As usual, here are my thoughts about each point-of-view character.
Katy: I've complained about her throughout the series. However, when times were hard in this book, she really shone. She realized that she loved Dayne more than her life in Bloomington. She found a strength in herself beyond caring about the tabloids. She found grace and love within herself as well as determination to get through no matter what. She's someone who has realized what's really important about life and has made adjustments in her actions and speech accordingly. That's a really good thing.
Dayne: As I mentioned above, I really loved seeing his spiritual growth, knowing what's going on in his head, and seeing his determination at whatever he puts his mind towards. He spends much of this book in a coma, and yet, his character is not diminished because of it. I'm really pulling for him and for the whole Baxter family, and I've enjoyed the journey through having him as the main character of the story over the past five novels.
Ashley: She's another character who often annoys me, but really shines in this book. She puts all her effort into helping Dayne and Katy during their tough time, and she is able to really pull off an excellent act of pure love. It's beautiful, and might be the best part of the book :-)
Bailey: She's a teenager, and she's shifting back-and-forth between boys, wondering who she really "likes" and who really "likes" her. She's also an actress in the kids' theater group, but most of her role in this book is all caught up in her teenage feelings for different boys. Ugh. Reading this made me feel two things: (1) Old, (2) Like these days are coming up way too fast for my own children!!
John: He has a beautiful emotional range, and I have really enjoyed his role in all five of these books. I would never have wanted Kingsbury to kill off his wife, but he has really shone as he has dealt with that, with finding his child, and with navigating the waters of his life post-spousal death. I have been enjoying the budding relationship with Elaine, and despite a first blip in it this book, I am hoping that Kingsbury writes much, much more about them. I also nearly cry as he remembers his wife, re-reads her old letters and wishes that she was there to see their family now.
Luke: I just wanted to hang my head a few times at how spoiled he was acting this book. A new brother, and he's so jealous that can't stand it. He also feels like a failure because his life is not the way that he had always dreamed and he feels like less than a man as he still can't provide for his wife and young children. He really pulls it together by the end of the book, but not before causing his wife and his whole family a ton of drama.
Jenny: She only has one or two point of view sections in the book. Mostly she's there to provide a calmer, more adult perspective on Bailey's teen drama. She's enjoyable to read, and I always want to hear more from her view on life.
Reagan: There are problems between Reagan and Luke, and Reagan begins the book feeling like they're all Luke's fault. In fact, her life isn't going the way she would like, and she feels like it's Luke's fault. She's still holding grudges from when they got pregnant out of wedlock, and she doesn't even realize it until things are bad enough between them that the word separation comes up. She has to realize that the downward direction of her marriage is not solely Luke's fault but that she has a lot to learn and to atone for in the wrong way she has treated Luke. It's a realization that I've had to make in my life, and it's a good one.
That's all for this Firstborn series of Baxter books. It's a strong finish, enough to keep me reading on into the next series :-) I'm looking forward to hearing more adventures of the family. After all, Kingsbury hasn't even gotten Dayne and Katy married yet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2022
One review for the series:
When I pick up a Christian fiction novel, the goal is to be able to relax some and not scrutinize the media I'm consuming. However, that doesn't work when the entire "faith-based" part misrepresents the Christian faith. I ended up skimming and skipping every prayer or reflective moment, because they were all so cringe-worthy. Stop pulling verses out of context. Stop saying that God audibly answers prayers. Stop saying that God wants his people to have perfect lives. And please, Stop pretending that all of Bloomington are believers.
When I pick up a Christian fiction novel, the goal is to be able to relax some and not scrutinize the media I'm consuming. However, that doesn't work when the entire "faith-based" part misrepresents the Christian faith. I ended up skimming and skipping every prayer or reflective moment, because they were all so cringe-worthy. Stop pulling verses out of context. Stop saying that God audibly answers prayers. Stop saying that God wants his people to have perfect lives. And please, Stop pretending that all of Bloomington are believers.
May 14, 2015
I really loved the end! I was in tears reading it.
April 30, 2019
And done! Last book in the “Firstborn” series and it was just as amazing as the previous ones. There couldn’t have been a better conclusion to the series and I’m so curious about how things will go further. But, for now, five books from the same series in like one week and a couple of days is enough, I need a break :)). A break like reading something different, not a break from reading.
Just as Karen mentioned in the last few pages, this book was about forgiveness through love and forgiveness through serving. And I needed this message so much and it truly stirred something in me and made me question some things and make some promises to myself.
Yes, this series is so worth reading and I’m so happy and thankful that I got to read it. I seriously recommend it to anyone out there looking for a good Christian book from which one could learn something.
Just as Karen mentioned in the last few pages, this book was about forgiveness through love and forgiveness through serving. And I needed this message so much and it truly stirred something in me and made me question some things and make some promises to myself.
Yes, this series is so worth reading and I’m so happy and thankful that I got to read it. I seriously recommend it to anyone out there looking for a good Christian book from which one could learn something.
July 1, 2017
i thought it was a wonderful finish to the 2nd series of the baxters im super excited to keep reading i love everything about this family they are far from perfect but at the same time they try there best and you can relate to them onto sunrise :)
February 15, 2025
Another great book in this series, with so many reminders of God’s unconditional love and grace!
March 7, 2013
This was a wonderful book aout the Baxter family all finally learning about Dayne. Ashely pressed her father to tell the others and make contact with the son. No one had any idea that their was another Baxter sibling and boy were they shocked when it turned out to be Dayne Matthews, America's hottest actor. Dayne was getting fed up with Hollywood and finally decieded his life was in Bloomington with Katy. He was making trips to be with her once a month during filming. He was having breakfast with a costar and then headed to a private plane to meet Katy in Bloomington. He never made it there. There was a horrible accident that put him in a coma for one month. He woke up and realized he may not make it for Thanksgiving in Bloomington with the whole Baxter family. Luke was having a terrible time accepting that a new brother exited and made a poor decision yelling at the cameras and telling the world that just because Dayne was blood did not make him a Baxter. Dayne had a hard time when he found out this and didnt want to go or move to Bloomington. The whole town came to pitch in and get Dayne and Katy's house ready for them. I love the 10 secrets of a good marriage. I even wrote them down. They are so true and they are relevant for any relationship.
June 11, 2018
Excellent cap to the Fame series. Dayne gets in a car accident. Lots of need for forgiveness and acceptance.
The final book in Kingsbury's Firstborn series is a stellar cap to the collection. Katy's devotion to Dayne during a time of crisis is both heartwarming and faith building. The arcing themes
of forgiveness and waiting on the Lord are moving and teach some valuable lessons. But newcomers to the series will be lost without reading the nine previous novels.
Now that the trial is behind them, Katy Hart and Dayne Matthews are moving forward with their wedding plans and their move to Bloomington. They purchase a home that needs a great deal of work and praise God for all he has done in their lives.
But everything shatters in an instant when Dayne is involved in a serious car accident. He lies in a coma, and Katy stays by his side, believing that he will recover. Yet as the days pass, others are not as optimistic. The Baxter family bands together in support of their newfound son and brother, but Luke Baxter is reluctant to give his love and devotion to Dayne so easily. Is there hope for physical and emotional healing?
Review originally appeared in RT BookReviews
The final book in Kingsbury's Firstborn series is a stellar cap to the collection. Katy's devotion to Dayne during a time of crisis is both heartwarming and faith building. The arcing themes
of forgiveness and waiting on the Lord are moving and teach some valuable lessons. But newcomers to the series will be lost without reading the nine previous novels.
Now that the trial is behind them, Katy Hart and Dayne Matthews are moving forward with their wedding plans and their move to Bloomington. They purchase a home that needs a great deal of work and praise God for all he has done in their lives.
But everything shatters in an instant when Dayne is involved in a serious car accident. He lies in a coma, and Katy stays by his side, believing that he will recover. Yet as the days pass, others are not as optimistic. The Baxter family bands together in support of their newfound son and brother, but Luke Baxter is reluctant to give his love and devotion to Dayne so easily. Is there hope for physical and emotional healing?
Review originally appeared in RT BookReviews
July 30, 2020
This book absolutely sucks. Giving it one star is actually generous. It puts out this front of what it means to be a christian and how to be a good christian, but really, all it does is takes all the toxic parts of christianity and puts it on a pedestal. I hated the whole anti-abortion plot. I respect that Ashley wanted to carry her baby to term even though it was going to die, however Brooke should not have been made to be the villain for giving sound medical advice, moreover, I hate that the one doctor was like I would never recommend an abortion. Bitch I don't need you to recommend anything based on your beliefs, I need you to tell me what would be the best option for me medically speaking. I am a Christian woman and I felt judged and discouraged by this disgrace of a display of "Christianity" DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
January 19, 2019
This book touched my heart in so many ways. It made me smile and cry and laugh all at once. I love Karen Kingsbury and her writing style. You really connect with her characters like they are long lost friends and it truly touches your heart when they go through the ups and downs that God helps us during each season. I can't say enough good things about this book series or Karen's writing.
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March 18, 2010I'm caught up in the series but getting way tired of all the whining and self-pity! If these are truly Christian people, raised in a loving Christian home, given consistent Christian education and guidance, they would be more open and loving to begin with.
December 13, 2012
I loved this book. I am sad that I finished this series. I can't wait to start the next final series but I am sad that the story is almost over. I am learning so much from these books. I want to buy all 3 sets and reread them all!
December 13, 2017
A great ending to the Firstborn series. Obviously, this series was about the Baxter’s firstborn son, Dayne Matthews. This book brings about Dayne’s hardest struggle yet, when he is involved in a terrible car accident due to paparazzi following him and his movie co-star, Randi Wells. Miraculously, with many prayers, and with Katy always by his side, Dayne makes a complete recovery. But during Dayne’s rehabilitation, he reads a story in the tabloids about his brother, Luke, being quoted as saying Dayne really wasn’t his brother, even if he had the Baxter’s blood. Dayne is sure reconnecting with the Baxter family was a mistake. He should have never brought them into his world, and now their privacy is gone. Katy makes Dayne promise her he would go back to Bloomington for Thanksgiving anyway. If the family didn’t want Dayne to be with them, he made Katy agree they would live in Malibu and give up living in Bloomington. To Dayne and Katy’s surprise, the house they purchased on Lake Monroe was completely restored and remodeled, from the outside in. The Baxter’s and their friends came together to welcome Dayne and Katy home, especially Luke. Luke apologized from the bottom of his heart to Dayne. Dayne forgives him and keeps his offer open of wanting Luke to be his personal lawyer. Because of Dayne’s offer, Luke and his family will be able to move back to the area, Luke working at a branch of his law office in Indianapolis!
Ashley has really been a strong part of everything coming together for the family. Being a good friend to Katy, she helps out at CKT. She also went with her father and Katy to Los Angeles when Dayne was in the hospital due to the car accident. Ashley takes responsibility in taking care of the home renovation for Katy and Dayne. Because of Ashley, the house was ready to be moved in by the time Katy and Dayne returned to Bloomington for Thanksgiving.
Luke not only was having trouble accepting Dayne as his brother. He was having issues with his marriage to Reagan. Because of his new successful brother, long hours studying for the bar exam, working at the law office, and feeling like Reagan doesn’t appreciate him, Luke was even thinking about separating. Thankfully, his father actually finds a letter his mother had wrote to each of her children titled steps for a happy marriage. When Reagan finds the letter and reads what Elizabeth had written, she realizes it wasn’t only Luke who was in the wrong. Reagan realized she needed to step up too and appreciate Luke’s actions that let her know he loved her.
John Baxter tries his best to be there for his children in their good and bad times. He is unsure about what his friendship with Elaine Denning could mean. Ashley is especially not happy with Elaine spending too much time with her father. But after reading her mother’s steps to a happy marriage letter, she realizes her dad needs his friend. Ashley even calls Elaine to ask her if she can help out at Katy and Dayne’s house and invites her for Thanksgiving dessert.
Ashley has really been a strong part of everything coming together for the family. Being a good friend to Katy, she helps out at CKT. She also went with her father and Katy to Los Angeles when Dayne was in the hospital due to the car accident. Ashley takes responsibility in taking care of the home renovation for Katy and Dayne. Because of Ashley, the house was ready to be moved in by the time Katy and Dayne returned to Bloomington for Thanksgiving.
Luke not only was having trouble accepting Dayne as his brother. He was having issues with his marriage to Reagan. Because of his new successful brother, long hours studying for the bar exam, working at the law office, and feeling like Reagan doesn’t appreciate him, Luke was even thinking about separating. Thankfully, his father actually finds a letter his mother had wrote to each of her children titled steps for a happy marriage. When Reagan finds the letter and reads what Elizabeth had written, she realizes it wasn’t only Luke who was in the wrong. Reagan realized she needed to step up too and appreciate Luke’s actions that let her know he loved her.
John Baxter tries his best to be there for his children in their good and bad times. He is unsure about what his friendship with Elaine Denning could mean. Ashley is especially not happy with Elaine spending too much time with her father. But after reading her mother’s steps to a happy marriage letter, she realizes her dad needs his friend. Ashley even calls Elaine to ask her if she can help out at Katy and Dayne’s house and invites her for Thanksgiving dessert.
July 17, 2017
Forever is the last book in Karen Kingsbury's Firstborn series and the 10th book in the Baxter Family series.
Katy Hart and Dayne Matthews are getting married!! Dayne has decided that he is going to leave Hollywood and live in Bloomington with Katy once they get married. He sends Katy to start looking for a house for them. Without even looking, Katy finds a place that is definitely a fixer upper, but it is the perfect house for them right on the lake. Dayne has breakfast with his co-star before he hops on a plane to go be with Katy at the camp she has been working with the kids all week to do a play at the end of camp. Randi and Dayne are being hounded by the paparazzi and they are being chased. Dayne ends up in the path of a truck that is headed right towards him and hits him on the driver's side of the vehicle. Ashley and John Baxter take Katy to CA to stay by Dayne's side. Dayne could lose his leg and have major brain damage and never wake up from his coma. Katy stays by his side day and night waiting for Dayne to wake up.
The Baxters have been found!! When Ashley and John went to CA to be with Dayne after the car accident, the paparazzi found out about them. They chased them all the way to Bloomington, IL. John found one outside his house and then all the Baxters were having a family picnic and a bunch of paparazzi showed up and were taking pictures.
Luke is struggling with knowing that Dayne Matthews is his biological brother. He is angry. He doesn't want to have an older brother and will never think of Dayne as a brother. He comes out of his building and finds a paparazzi across the street. The guy chases Luke and puts a camera in his face. Luke gets mad and yells at the guy that "Dayne Matthews isn't my brother. Blood doesn't make him a Baxter!!" He instantly regrets saying it but it is out there and the paparazzi got it. Luke and Reagan's marriage is in trouble as well. John sends a letter to them that states the Ten Secrets to a Happy Marriage. These ten things will turn around their marriage.
I can't fit everything into this review b/c I don't want to ruin it for others who are going to read the book. I have very much enjoyed the Firstborn series and I look forward to reading the Sunrise series next. I love the Baxter family and I feel like they are a part of my family.
Katy Hart and Dayne Matthews are getting married!! Dayne has decided that he is going to leave Hollywood and live in Bloomington with Katy once they get married. He sends Katy to start looking for a house for them. Without even looking, Katy finds a place that is definitely a fixer upper, but it is the perfect house for them right on the lake. Dayne has breakfast with his co-star before he hops on a plane to go be with Katy at the camp she has been working with the kids all week to do a play at the end of camp. Randi and Dayne are being hounded by the paparazzi and they are being chased. Dayne ends up in the path of a truck that is headed right towards him and hits him on the driver's side of the vehicle. Ashley and John Baxter take Katy to CA to stay by Dayne's side. Dayne could lose his leg and have major brain damage and never wake up from his coma. Katy stays by his side day and night waiting for Dayne to wake up.
The Baxters have been found!! When Ashley and John went to CA to be with Dayne after the car accident, the paparazzi found out about them. They chased them all the way to Bloomington, IL. John found one outside his house and then all the Baxters were having a family picnic and a bunch of paparazzi showed up and were taking pictures.
Luke is struggling with knowing that Dayne Matthews is his biological brother. He is angry. He doesn't want to have an older brother and will never think of Dayne as a brother. He comes out of his building and finds a paparazzi across the street. The guy chases Luke and puts a camera in his face. Luke gets mad and yells at the guy that "Dayne Matthews isn't my brother. Blood doesn't make him a Baxter!!" He instantly regrets saying it but it is out there and the paparazzi got it. Luke and Reagan's marriage is in trouble as well. John sends a letter to them that states the Ten Secrets to a Happy Marriage. These ten things will turn around their marriage.
I can't fit everything into this review b/c I don't want to ruin it for others who are going to read the book. I have very much enjoyed the Firstborn series and I look forward to reading the Sunrise series next. I love the Baxter family and I feel like they are a part of my family.
August 17, 2021
Okay, it’s been several days since I read this book and now I want to write my thoughts about the series in general.
As a whole, I liked the storyline. It was engaging and fun to read. Yes, it was dragged out a bit, but I still liked reading it anyways. It built suspense.
One of my favorite parts of this novel was how Luke and Reagan had a lot to work through. As a perfectionist, I really related to the way that life after big mistakes affected them both. But it’s possibly to enjoy your life even though it will not look the way you want it to. That part was really nice.
Katy and Dayne fall in love way too quickly. How they love one another doesn’t really make sense, and it isn’t realistic in that sense. It usually seems this way in Karen Kingsbury books. The characters just fall in love quickly and you’re left scrambling to figure out why and how.
In addition to that, the depiction of guys in much of these stories is very unhelpful. They are all very tall, strapping, handsome, and will do anything for the women they love. They are always there for them and can read their emotions perfectly and know just the right thing to say. It’s just not realistic. Not every godly man has to be gorgeous in order to be worth marrying. Men aren’t very good at being aware of other people’s emotions. And no one, no matter how many authors try to say this, will complete a woman’s heart (other than God). God is the one who brings us fullness of joy.
Finally, the biggest issue I tend to have with Christian fiction is that everyone’s problems get fixed. In a sense, that’s why I read these books, because I yearn for the encouragement and hope they give me. But in another sense, it’s not realistic and feels shallow. There aren’t very many teachings about how to love and honor Christ because of who he is and not because the circumstances are all going well. It does not do justice to the thousands of Christians who suffer on a daily basis and still worship God. And God doesn’t always do what we want.
I sound really negative, but I do think these books are worth reading-as long as you have a healthy dose of realism on the side.
As a whole, I liked the storyline. It was engaging and fun to read. Yes, it was dragged out a bit, but I still liked reading it anyways. It built suspense.
One of my favorite parts of this novel was how Luke and Reagan had a lot to work through. As a perfectionist, I really related to the way that life after big mistakes affected them both. But it’s possibly to enjoy your life even though it will not look the way you want it to. That part was really nice.
Katy and Dayne fall in love way too quickly. How they love one another doesn’t really make sense, and it isn’t realistic in that sense. It usually seems this way in Karen Kingsbury books. The characters just fall in love quickly and you’re left scrambling to figure out why and how.
In addition to that, the depiction of guys in much of these stories is very unhelpful. They are all very tall, strapping, handsome, and will do anything for the women they love. They are always there for them and can read their emotions perfectly and know just the right thing to say. It’s just not realistic. Not every godly man has to be gorgeous in order to be worth marrying. Men aren’t very good at being aware of other people’s emotions. And no one, no matter how many authors try to say this, will complete a woman’s heart (other than God). God is the one who brings us fullness of joy.
Finally, the biggest issue I tend to have with Christian fiction is that everyone’s problems get fixed. In a sense, that’s why I read these books, because I yearn for the encouragement and hope they give me. But in another sense, it’s not realistic and feels shallow. There aren’t very many teachings about how to love and honor Christ because of who he is and not because the circumstances are all going well. It does not do justice to the thousands of Christians who suffer on a daily basis and still worship God. And God doesn’t always do what we want.
I sound really negative, but I do think these books are worth reading-as long as you have a healthy dose of realism on the side.
April 3, 2021
Things are going too well. Katy and Dayne are engaged and buying property in Bloomington with a house on the Lake. He travels back and forth from Bloomington to LA in a private jet now so the paparazzi can't tail him. Then he has that fateful breakfast with Randi and the paparazzi are in full force following them down the freeway. Then the crash happens and sends Dayne to the hospital with his life hanging by threads. Just the scenes about Katy's hospital stay before Dayne comes out of his coma are so tense and tender at the same time. The Baxter's have been found out by the paparazzi. They are drug through the magazines with dirt on each of the kids. But Ashley rallies the family and some community members to rebuilt the house on the Lake so it will be ready for Dayne and Katy if he makes it out of rehab for Thanksgiving. Dayne doesn't think the Baxter's will welcome him into their circle after being drug through the magazine articles. And Luke has less than favorable words to say about his brother. But he promises Katy to go to Bloomington for Thanksgiving to give it one final shot. Then the surprise - they see what everyone has done to rebuild their house and they are overwhelmed. They do spend the Thanksgiving holiday with the Baxter's where Dayne is welcomed by all. What a series this was. I read the last book in a day also. The author just drew me in. Loved all the references about God and praying and listening for answers. Now a new series follows the story of everyone so I'm headed to the library to check out those books. I'm a crazy fan!!
April 14, 2019
Title: Forever
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Series: Firstborn, 5; Baxter Family Drama, 10
Format: paperback
Length: 346 pages
Rating: 3 stars
Favourite character: John Baxter
Least favourite character: Luke and Dayne
Mini-review: This was a pretty good book. It annoyed me in some moments, especially those featuring Luke and Dayne, who I found to be very petty in this book. I liked how they showed everyone coming together to do something like a community, and I feel like God smiles on stuff like that. But at the same time, I don't like how everyone gets a miracle and life just continues on happily ever after. Like, no, when you're a Christian you're way more of a target. But it was good.
Fan-cast:
Katy Hart - Sophia Bush
Dayne Matthews - Diego Klattenhoff
Ashley Baxter-Blake - Brittany Snow
Landon Blake - Scott Eastwood
Luke Baxter - Joseph Mazzello
Reagan Decker-Baxter - Elizabeth Olsen
Brooke Baxter-West - Bryce Dallas Howard
Peter West - John Krasinski
Kari Baxter-Taylor - Kate Mara
Ryan Taylor - Matt Lanter
Erin Baxter - Emma Stone
John Baxter - Jeff Goldblum
Bailey Flanigan - Zendaya
Jenny Flanigan - Gabrielle Union
Jim Flanigan - Luke Wilson
Connor Flanigan - Cameron Boyce
Elaine Denning - Christine Baranski
Cody Coleman - Brandon Larracuente
Tim Reed - Nat Wolff
Tanner Williams - Tye Sheridan
Bryan Smythe - Ross Lynch
Randi Wells - Brooklyn Decker
Joe Morris - Josh Gad
Dr. Cynthia Deming - Mamie Gummer
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Series: Firstborn, 5; Baxter Family Drama, 10
Format: paperback
Length: 346 pages
Rating: 3 stars
Favourite character: John Baxter
Least favourite character: Luke and Dayne
Mini-review: This was a pretty good book. It annoyed me in some moments, especially those featuring Luke and Dayne, who I found to be very petty in this book. I liked how they showed everyone coming together to do something like a community, and I feel like God smiles on stuff like that. But at the same time, I don't like how everyone gets a miracle and life just continues on happily ever after. Like, no, when you're a Christian you're way more of a target. But it was good.
Fan-cast:
Katy Hart - Sophia Bush
Dayne Matthews - Diego Klattenhoff
Ashley Baxter-Blake - Brittany Snow
Landon Blake - Scott Eastwood
Luke Baxter - Joseph Mazzello
Reagan Decker-Baxter - Elizabeth Olsen
Brooke Baxter-West - Bryce Dallas Howard
Peter West - John Krasinski
Kari Baxter-Taylor - Kate Mara
Ryan Taylor - Matt Lanter
Erin Baxter - Emma Stone
John Baxter - Jeff Goldblum
Bailey Flanigan - Zendaya
Jenny Flanigan - Gabrielle Union
Jim Flanigan - Luke Wilson
Connor Flanigan - Cameron Boyce
Elaine Denning - Christine Baranski
Cody Coleman - Brandon Larracuente
Tim Reed - Nat Wolff
Tanner Williams - Tye Sheridan
Bryan Smythe - Ross Lynch
Randi Wells - Brooklyn Decker
Joe Morris - Josh Gad
Dr. Cynthia Deming - Mamie Gummer
January 7, 2024
Karen Kingsbury, thank you for these beautiful stories. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I feel blessed to have come across the Baxter family. Their pain has become mine, their joy, mine as well, and their wins,I also celebrate with them. So the ending of this book was so wholesome to me because the Baxters have a comfortable seat in my heart.
I always say that Katy and Dayne have really suffered, and just when I thought everything was okay,something happened again, and I'm like, no!!!! But then, as Karen always does so well,she'll make an amazing story with what looked like a tragedy in the beginning and make it beautiful at the end. I'm also impressed at the way Katy and Dayne always keep up the fight, storms,trials,pain, and all what not come at then but they contend and make it through. I'm greatly inspired by them, and I'm praying that I fight as hard for the people I love, too.
For the first time,I'm very excited that a book is part of a long series, and I have so many more books to read. I know I'll definitely be sad when I go through all the books, but in the meantime,I'll keep enjoying and learning from them. God bless you, Karen Kingsbury. You are a light,keep shining, and doing all that God has called you to do.
I always say that Katy and Dayne have really suffered, and just when I thought everything was okay,something happened again, and I'm like, no!!!! But then, as Karen always does so well,she'll make an amazing story with what looked like a tragedy in the beginning and make it beautiful at the end. I'm also impressed at the way Katy and Dayne always keep up the fight, storms,trials,pain, and all what not come at then but they contend and make it through. I'm greatly inspired by them, and I'm praying that I fight as hard for the people I love, too.
For the first time,I'm very excited that a book is part of a long series, and I have so many more books to read. I know I'll definitely be sad when I go through all the books, but in the meantime,I'll keep enjoying and learning from them. God bless you, Karen Kingsbury. You are a light,keep shining, and doing all that God has called you to do.
May 5, 2022
This is the 5th book of the Firstborn series but the 10th book of the Baxter family series.
In this book Dayne Mathews, recently found first born son of the Baxter family, is badly injured in a car accident caused by the paparazzi. Dayne is a movie star who is set to marry Katy from Bloomington, Indiana. Katy is also friends with the Baxters.
This book hit close to home for me. Not because I am a movie star and have to fend of the paparazzi, but because over 20 years ago I was in a bad car accident in which I had a brain injury and lost my right leg above the knee. Dayne suffered a brain injury and almost lost his leg. I kind of wish he had lost his leg. Then Kingsbury could show the effect in society of losing a limb. How would it affect a movie star? Career done or would Hollywood accept them?
The Dayne/Luke sibling dysfunction was a bit much for me. Still another good book in the Christian soap opera that is the Baxter Family. I like the way Kingsbury brings Bible verses up throughout the book when the characters are facing an issue-God talking to the person.
On to the next mini-series in the Baxter Family mega-series.
In this book Dayne Mathews, recently found first born son of the Baxter family, is badly injured in a car accident caused by the paparazzi. Dayne is a movie star who is set to marry Katy from Bloomington, Indiana. Katy is also friends with the Baxters.
This book hit close to home for me. Not because I am a movie star and have to fend of the paparazzi, but because over 20 years ago I was in a bad car accident in which I had a brain injury and lost my right leg above the knee. Dayne suffered a brain injury and almost lost his leg. I kind of wish he had lost his leg. Then Kingsbury could show the effect in society of losing a limb. How would it affect a movie star? Career done or would Hollywood accept them?
The Dayne/Luke sibling dysfunction was a bit much for me. Still another good book in the Christian soap opera that is the Baxter Family. I like the way Kingsbury brings Bible verses up throughout the book when the characters are facing an issue-God talking to the person.
On to the next mini-series in the Baxter Family mega-series.
October 16, 2025
I couldn’t put it down. Just cried all the way through it. How I love this family. I think maybe this series is even better than the first, but maybe that’s just because of how much I have come to love these fictional people. I’m a person who has prodigals in my life so this series hits very close to home for me. How I laughed at the references to MySpace and Extreme Makeover:Home Edition, one of my obsessions back in the day when America was a kinder more loving place to live. Flip phones! Good grief! It hasn’t been all that long, yet look how far we’ve come. Whether that progress is for better or worse we still don’t know, in my humble opinion. Seems like the easier it is for us to connect with one another the less we do so. My sons don’t even call on my birthday anymore. Yet, it’s as God told Katy, wait and see what He will do. I’m breathlessly waiting for that promise to be fulfilled both in my home and in my nation. Meanwhile, I e got to take a break from the Baxters, make up for everything I haven’t done this week while I absorbed these wonderful stories. I pray they bless you, too.
July 24, 2024
I read this either in college or in high school, so it has been a while. Yet the series was enjoyable to read—it takes you into the challenges and struggles of the characters and brings you through realistic situations. There are parts, looking back, that I cannot find as realistic though: like Landon “waiting” for Ashley since high school; most guys just move on with life and find another girl to marry—or famous Dane Matthews going after small-town Katie. And all of the characters seem good-looking as well (my brother always made fun of me for reading these books—especially when there’s an attractive male on the front cover—haha). There also is a bit of a melodramatic element to these stories, but overall enjoyable and helpful for me when I was younger.
Also… the Firstborn series made me realize the cost of fame. This was really eye-opening for me and made me feel for the celebrities in real life. And it also made me see the emptiness of fame.
Also… the Firstborn series made me realize the cost of fame. This was really eye-opening for me and made me feel for the celebrities in real life. And it also made me see the emptiness of fame.
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