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Baxter #2
The Day of Reckoning
One man's hatred sets off a community crisis in a chilling page-turning read that is also startlingly inspirational. Textile magnate G. R. Logan lays off a thirty-year employee who dies weeks later, and the man's son means to make Logan pay. In her second novel in the dramatic Baxter series, Kathy Herman unleashes a kidnapper's unresolved anger and explores the honest depths of a believer's anger at God. Sinister messages threaten the lives of two teenage girls while the citizens of Baxter struggle to cope with the evil that plagues this once-peaceful town. How will they react when they learn who's responsible? Can anything break their cycle of bitterness?
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
About the author
Kathy Herman
38 books246 followersBest-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 16, 2013
This book was alright. There were several things I found annoying and convenient, but overall not too bad of a read.
The main problem I have with Herman's writing style is that no matter who dies or who gets hurt in her books, everyone is perfectly fine by the end. It doesn't matter that Sherry, Rebecca, and Wayne are dead, everybody is perfectly fine. Just... NO. That WOULD NOT happen! Everything that happens in this book is very predictable. Wayne tells Rebecca he would rather kill himself than end up in prison. Well, he certainly gets his wish.
I want to like these books, I just wish they had some true plot twists. I probably won't continue with the series, and if I do it'll be a while before I pick up the third book.
The main problem I have with Herman's writing style is that no matter who dies or who gets hurt in her books, everyone is perfectly fine by the end. It doesn't matter that Sherry, Rebecca, and Wayne are dead, everybody is perfectly fine. Just... NO. That WOULD NOT happen! Everything that happens in this book is very predictable. Wayne tells Rebecca he would rather kill himself than end up in prison. Well, he certainly gets his wish.
I want to like these books, I just wish they had some true plot twists. I probably won't continue with the series, and if I do it'll be a while before I pick up the third book.
December 19, 2007
Well, let me say that at first I was leery of reading this book, for a couple of reasons: 1) It was second in the series, and I hadn't read the first book; 2) I was worried it was going to be another cheesy Christian story that didn't seem to be real---and by real I mean have no semblance to real life. With that said let me say that I am glad that I read this book. It was very true to life. Both from a believers perspective to the secular side. Also, it was a stand alone book, that could be read in context of the whole series and enjoyed, or alone. This book is really a message about faith in tragedy, and dealing with both anger and it's relatives hate and resentment. Even though you know how the "bad guy" is the book still has plenty of surprises I didn't see coming. The pace of the book was incredibly fast, it kept me hooked from the beginning until the end. Best of all the characters were incredibly well developed, I felt a sense of attachment to them. To me those are all the hall-marks of a good story: pacing, hooks to draw you in and emotional commitment on the part of the reader. So if you want a good thriller, or something that will speak on deeper level, then I recommend this book.
November 4, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Baxter series. I had read the other series years ago, vaguely remembering what they were about, so I think I would have benefited from this story a whole lot more, had I read the first one in the series first, but nevertheless it was still quite good.
This is about a small town where everybody knows everybody. Five years ago Logan Textile Industries shut down, when G. R. Logan decided to move the operation to Costa Rica in order to hire a cheaper workforce. And even though most people have moved on from then, there is many that felt betrayed and somebody means to make Logan pay.
When G. R. Logan’s daughter Taylor and her best friend Sherry, suddenly disappear, everyone is shocked and it’s anyone’s guess who could be responsible. Sinister messages threaten revenge.
‘If you’re living with bitterness, a giant is growing inside you. If you don’t slay it, it can get big enough to kill your joy, your purpose, your hopes, your dreams… and maybe even someone you love.’
*****
I remember really enjoying the other books in the series and this one did not disappoint. I feel like it’s not like every other book where we always get a happy ending, but a beautiful story. It was a little creepy as a lot of suspense can be, it was also super sad and made me cry. But the experiences Taylor and Sherry had, made the story so very beautiful.
Despite the fact that Sherry could hate, she chooses to forgive and not let hate in.
There is a lot of characters to keep track in your brain, but still worth reading if you enjoy suspense.
This is about a small town where everybody knows everybody. Five years ago Logan Textile Industries shut down, when G. R. Logan decided to move the operation to Costa Rica in order to hire a cheaper workforce. And even though most people have moved on from then, there is many that felt betrayed and somebody means to make Logan pay.
When G. R. Logan’s daughter Taylor and her best friend Sherry, suddenly disappear, everyone is shocked and it’s anyone’s guess who could be responsible. Sinister messages threaten revenge.
‘If you’re living with bitterness, a giant is growing inside you. If you don’t slay it, it can get big enough to kill your joy, your purpose, your hopes, your dreams… and maybe even someone you love.’
*****
I remember really enjoying the other books in the series and this one did not disappoint. I feel like it’s not like every other book where we always get a happy ending, but a beautiful story. It was a little creepy as a lot of suspense can be, it was also super sad and made me cry. But the experiences Taylor and Sherry had, made the story so very beautiful.
Despite the fact that Sherry could hate, she chooses to forgive and not let hate in.
There is a lot of characters to keep track in your brain, but still worth reading if you enjoy suspense.
February 27, 2018
Excellent book
This book kept me reading and I finished it in two days. So hard to imagine what these parents went through but I can see me reacting similar to Mary Beth. I also felt bad for Velma. I enjoy reading books that give the gospel so often and this book did that just like the previous one. Highly recommend this book and author.
This book kept me reading and I finished it in two days. So hard to imagine what these parents went through but I can see me reacting similar to Mary Beth. I also felt bad for Velma. I enjoy reading books that give the gospel so often and this book did that just like the previous one. Highly recommend this book and author.
April 6, 2018
A crazy story line. Suspense, sadness, mystery all in here. The end is made to be encouraging so that can be nice.
June 24, 2019
Great read! Couldn't put it down.
August 12, 2019
Makes you think about any grudge you are holding on to!
August 19, 2019
One of the finest novels in the English language, but unputdownable.
June 29, 2011
This was another one of my random choices from the library. I didn't realize it was a Christian book when I picked it up. I tried hard to not be turned off by all the obvious, preachy references, but the author made it harder and harder as the book progressed. Even considering myself quite a religious person, it's hard to imagine a real person talking to another real person and saying something like "All I know is I've put my life in Jesus' nail-scarred hands." Seriously? Who says that?
But that's not even the worst part. The book was poorly edited (I found a number of typos), the protocol and questioning by the FBI agents seemed completely fake and made up (which indicates to me that the author just made up the story without any research into the accuracy of how law enforcement would really handle these situations), and it seemed painfully obvious to me that the author has never had any experience or understanding of traumatic situations like the one in her story. That is obviously not her fault, but when you're ignorant of something, that is when you RESEARCH! Lazy writing.
Then again, the story was interesting enough that I finished it. So. Not a great book, but not the worst I've read.
But that's not even the worst part. The book was poorly edited (I found a number of typos), the protocol and questioning by the FBI agents seemed completely fake and made up (which indicates to me that the author just made up the story without any research into the accuracy of how law enforcement would really handle these situations), and it seemed painfully obvious to me that the author has never had any experience or understanding of traumatic situations like the one in her story. That is obviously not her fault, but when you're ignorant of something, that is when you RESEARCH! Lazy writing.
Then again, the story was interesting enough that I finished it. So. Not a great book, but not the worst I've read.
January 23, 2016
DAY OF RECKONING is the second novel in The Baxter Series by Kathy Herman. When the Logan Textile plant closed five years ago, it was upsetting to the community and its workers. Feeling betrayed by the young G.R. Logan, who closed the plant so he could using cheaper labor in Costa Rica and raise his revenue, someone decides he should be punished. When G.R.’s daughter and her best friend are kidnapped, the town is shocked. When they find out it’s payback for the plant closure, a mixture of feelings surface. But in all, the small town of Baxter is horrified to think these two girls are going to pay for the sins of the father.
DAY OF RECKONING has an interesting premise. Just how deep can resentment and hate go before it yields bitterness that leads to destruction? I enjoyed DAY OF RECKONING though at times I feel the dialog was a bit stilted. Sherry Kinnsington came across as a teenage super Christian. At times I felt it was a bit distracting, but in the end, I saw the purpose it served. Overall, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the characters of the small town of Baxter and will continue on to VITALS SIGNS, the third book in the series.
DAY OF RECKONING has an interesting premise. Just how deep can resentment and hate go before it yields bitterness that leads to destruction? I enjoyed DAY OF RECKONING though at times I feel the dialog was a bit stilted. Sherry Kinnsington came across as a teenage super Christian. At times I felt it was a bit distracting, but in the end, I saw the purpose it served. Overall, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the characters of the small town of Baxter and will continue on to VITALS SIGNS, the third book in the series.
July 16, 2011
Wow, what a story. This is written by a christian author, and it is about 2 young teenagers that are kidnapped and how it effects them and the small town where they live.
It started out with explanations and the middle was a little slow reading but the last several chapter I could not read fast enough.
Hint! You will need your hankies but you will also be glad you took the sime to read this book.
This is the second book in the Baxter Series. I did not read the first one and do not feel as though I missed out by not reading it. However I do own book 3 and 4 and look forward to reading them.
It started out with explanations and the middle was a little slow reading but the last several chapter I could not read fast enough.
Hint! You will need your hankies but you will also be glad you took the sime to read this book.
This is the second book in the Baxter Series. I did not read the first one and do not feel as though I missed out by not reading it. However I do own book 3 and 4 and look forward to reading them.
June 30, 2016
I enjoyed this book much more than the first book in the Baxter series.
I really thought Herman did a good job of showing how God and pull us through nightmares that we perhaps would not be able to face without him.
The story of what happens to Taylor, Sherry, Rebeccah and Wayne is a great read. I thought that the characters were believable and the message was something that many can relate to.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I really thought Herman did a good job of showing how God and pull us through nightmares that we perhaps would not be able to face without him.
The story of what happens to Taylor, Sherry, Rebeccah and Wayne is a great read. I thought that the characters were believable and the message was something that many can relate to.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 2, 2015
The Day of Reckoning was one intense book. I enjoyed continuing to read about all the people of the town of Baxter. This story line of kidnapping was written in a very different, real and raw way. I will continue with this series, as Kathy Herman has become one of my favorite authors.
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August 26, 2009Book 2 in the Baxter Series
June 28, 2013
Awesome book so touching love these stories of how God guides and directs
April 30, 2013
The upsetting but compelling story of two teen-aged girls who are kidnapped for revenge. Book two in the Baxter Series contains unfolding events that are unpredictable.
August 20, 2013
This book will make you think about whether you really live your fatith in ALL things...very motivating and quick moving plot...one of my favorites in the series
September 29, 2016
Didn't think she could improve on book one
But she did
But she did
April 3, 2017
have to borrow a quote from another reviewer "WARNING: ... hazardous to your sleep..."
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews