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The Baxter Family #3
To the Moon and Back
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a brand-new love story in the Baxter Family collection about two people who lost their parents in the same national tragedy—two people desperate to find each other and the connection they shared for a single day…a day that changed everything.
Brady Bradshaw was a child when the Oklahoma City bombing killed his mother. Every year, Brady visits the memorial site on the anniversary to remember her. A decade ago on that day, he met Jenna Phillips, who was also a child when her parents were killed in the attack. Brady and Jenna shared a deep heart connection and a single beautiful day together at the memorial. But after that, Brady never saw Jenna again. Every year when he returns, he leaves a note for her in hopes that he might find her again.
This year, Ashley Baxter Blake and her sister Kari Ryan and their families take a spring break trip that includes a visit to the site to see the memorial’s famous Survivor Tree. While there, Ashley spots a young man, alone and troubled. That man is Brady Bradshaw. A chance moment leads Ashley to help Brady find Jenna, the girl he can’t forget.
Ashley’s family is skeptical, but she pushes them to support her efforts to find the girl and bring them together. But will it work? Will her husband, Landon, understand her intentions? And is a shared heartache enough reason to fall in love?
Deeply emotional and beautifully romantic, To the Moon and Back is an unlikely love story about healing, redemption, hope and the belief that sometimes a new tomorrow can grow from the ashes of a shattered yesterday.
Brady Bradshaw was a child when the Oklahoma City bombing killed his mother. Every year, Brady visits the memorial site on the anniversary to remember her. A decade ago on that day, he met Jenna Phillips, who was also a child when her parents were killed in the attack. Brady and Jenna shared a deep heart connection and a single beautiful day together at the memorial. But after that, Brady never saw Jenna again. Every year when he returns, he leaves a note for her in hopes that he might find her again.
This year, Ashley Baxter Blake and her sister Kari Ryan and their families take a spring break trip that includes a visit to the site to see the memorial’s famous Survivor Tree. While there, Ashley spots a young man, alone and troubled. That man is Brady Bradshaw. A chance moment leads Ashley to help Brady find Jenna, the girl he can’t forget.
Ashley’s family is skeptical, but she pushes them to support her efforts to find the girl and bring them together. But will it work? Will her husband, Landon, understand her intentions? And is a shared heartache enough reason to fall in love?
Deeply emotional and beautifully romantic, To the Moon and Back is an unlikely love story about healing, redemption, hope and the belief that sometimes a new tomorrow can grow from the ashes of a shattered yesterday.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
1551 people are currently reading
7166 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12.1k 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 484 reviews
April 29, 2024
Firstly, I was totally oblivious to the fact that I started reading the last book in a series 😂 nevertheless it worked great as a stand-alone book, but I imagine it probably would have been even better having started at the beginning.
This is my first Karen Kingsbury book and it most definitely will not be the last. She has written SO many books and if they are anything like this one I need to get my hands on them!
Anyhow, this is a story about hope, healing and what it means to survive after a tragic event.
Despite the tragedy, there was a real stillness and softness to the book. I think it’s something to do with the wholesome cast of characters and how they react to what happens to them.
The day of the Oklahoma city bombing in 1995 meant something different to everyone. Some would’ve been connected to the bombing they may have lost a friend or family member are they may have survived the attack from inside the building either way it was a day they would never forget…
At the age of 5 both Jenna and Brady loose their parents to the disaster but at the age of 17, the memorial brings them together. Every year since those beautiful hours they spent together, Brady has been waiting for Jenna and leaving her a letter every year since. But Jenna was never to be seen or heard of again…That’s when Ashley Baxter steps in to try and help find Jenna. Her family were great believers in God and the Scripture had helped her learn to live in a way that made her feel that little bit less heartbroken. And although her own family had also been deeply affected by the disaster she firmly believe that “God isn’t the reason bad things happen. He’s the rescue. God was the rescue.”
I love the them of faith running through this book, it had been a big part of their healing process. “Run to Jesus” she had told herself over the years and along the way she has become a new person: “Free, whole. Ready to live again.” Throughout the book we also see Brady’s journey to God; And with that, he would someday be home to his parents in heaven. He slowly began to realise that God wants to make good out of your darkest days and find beauty from the ashes…
Overall, this was a really quick and very enjoyable, comforting read. I highly recommend giving it a go and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is my first Karen Kingsbury book and it most definitely will not be the last. She has written SO many books and if they are anything like this one I need to get my hands on them!
Anyhow, this is a story about hope, healing and what it means to survive after a tragic event.
Despite the tragedy, there was a real stillness and softness to the book. I think it’s something to do with the wholesome cast of characters and how they react to what happens to them.
The day of the Oklahoma city bombing in 1995 meant something different to everyone. Some would’ve been connected to the bombing they may have lost a friend or family member are they may have survived the attack from inside the building either way it was a day they would never forget…
At the age of 5 both Jenna and Brady loose their parents to the disaster but at the age of 17, the memorial brings them together. Every year since those beautiful hours they spent together, Brady has been waiting for Jenna and leaving her a letter every year since. But Jenna was never to be seen or heard of again…That’s when Ashley Baxter steps in to try and help find Jenna. Her family were great believers in God and the Scripture had helped her learn to live in a way that made her feel that little bit less heartbroken. And although her own family had also been deeply affected by the disaster she firmly believe that “God isn’t the reason bad things happen. He’s the rescue. God was the rescue.”
I love the them of faith running through this book, it had been a big part of their healing process. “Run to Jesus” she had told herself over the years and along the way she has become a new person: “Free, whole. Ready to live again.” Throughout the book we also see Brady’s journey to God; And with that, he would someday be home to his parents in heaven. He slowly began to realise that God wants to make good out of your darkest days and find beauty from the ashes…
Overall, this was a really quick and very enjoyable, comforting read. I highly recommend giving it a go and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
April 5, 2018
Check out this full review and many more at: 5171 Miles Book Blog
Many thanks to Howard Books/Simon and Schuster for the chance to read and review this novel!
I was absolutely delighted when Simon and Schuster contacted me about Karen Kingsbury’s upcoming release To the Moon and Back, part three in her much-loved Baxter series. Even before I was an avid reader I heard nothing but praise about Kingsbury’s writing. She is a family favorite and go-to author for my mother-in-law.
Though this is the third book in this particular Baxter Family collection, it can be read perfectly as a standalone and is a great place to get started with the series or with Karen Kingsbury books in general! To the Moon and Back was a special read for me because I happen to be the same age as a couple of the main characters.
Brady Bradshaw and Jenna Phillips were five years old when the Oklahoma City Bombing took their parents’ lives. Every year Brady visits the memorial, unable to move on from the heartbreak of losing his sole caregiver – his mom. On one anniversary, a chance encounter at the memorial brings Brady and Jenna together for a full day of remembrance and shared heartbreak. After exchanging numbers, the pair plans to see each other again after they both felt their unmistakable connection. Unfortunately, a set of circumstances keeps that from ever happening. Though they both fondly remember the day and the connection they shared, they no longer have the means to get in touch.
A decade later, Ashley Baxter Blake, her sister, and their children venture to Oklahoma City for Spring Break to pay their respects on the anniversary of the bombing. When Ashley happens upon Brady, a perfect stranger, she can’t help but be drawn to his haunted expression. She feels compelled to find a way to help this young man, no matter how crazy everyone thinks she may be.
Like Brady and Jenna, I was five years old at the time of the Oklahoma City Bombing. It was the first American tragedy in my lifetime I remember vividly. I remember watching days of news coverage with my mom, asking questions, and wondering how and why something like this could happen. Then I remember hearing children like myself were inside and some had died. It was terrifying to imagine.
Karen Kingsbury brought these characters to life in the most realistic sense. I could truly envision the heartbreak and brokenness that comes with such tragedy. Though some characters had been through more difficulty than others, the prospect of redemption made this an exciting and encouraging read. I loved the chance to equally explore each character’s past and present, making me anxious for every page and new perspective. Though the story is told from three characters’ point of view, it was never a challenge to follow. The only negative for me was the abundance of characters in certain scenes, making it slightly difficult to keep up with who was who. This was the only point I thought it would have been helpful if I had read the other books in the series because I would have known the backstory behind each character’s name.
Overall, this was an interesting and heartwarming read, keeping me interested from beginning to end. I enjoyed Ashley’s influence in the story, and not just because we share a name. She acted as a kind of “middle-man” helping to make a love connection happen. I have been known to feel compelled to do things for strangers in a similar fashion, making me especially enjoy her perspective, as “out-there” as it sometimes seemed.
I’m looking forward to catching up on more of Karen Kingsbury’s books and possibly the TV series, which will be coming soon to Lightworkers.com. If you’re looking for a clean, inspirational Romantic read, To the Moon and Back is one to keep in mind. This beautiful story is available for pre-order now, releasing on May 29th.
Many thanks to Howard Books/Simon and Schuster for the chance to read and review this novel!
I was absolutely delighted when Simon and Schuster contacted me about Karen Kingsbury’s upcoming release To the Moon and Back, part three in her much-loved Baxter series. Even before I was an avid reader I heard nothing but praise about Kingsbury’s writing. She is a family favorite and go-to author for my mother-in-law.
Though this is the third book in this particular Baxter Family collection, it can be read perfectly as a standalone and is a great place to get started with the series or with Karen Kingsbury books in general! To the Moon and Back was a special read for me because I happen to be the same age as a couple of the main characters.
Brady Bradshaw and Jenna Phillips were five years old when the Oklahoma City Bombing took their parents’ lives. Every year Brady visits the memorial, unable to move on from the heartbreak of losing his sole caregiver – his mom. On one anniversary, a chance encounter at the memorial brings Brady and Jenna together for a full day of remembrance and shared heartbreak. After exchanging numbers, the pair plans to see each other again after they both felt their unmistakable connection. Unfortunately, a set of circumstances keeps that from ever happening. Though they both fondly remember the day and the connection they shared, they no longer have the means to get in touch.
A decade later, Ashley Baxter Blake, her sister, and their children venture to Oklahoma City for Spring Break to pay their respects on the anniversary of the bombing. When Ashley happens upon Brady, a perfect stranger, she can’t help but be drawn to his haunted expression. She feels compelled to find a way to help this young man, no matter how crazy everyone thinks she may be.
Like Brady and Jenna, I was five years old at the time of the Oklahoma City Bombing. It was the first American tragedy in my lifetime I remember vividly. I remember watching days of news coverage with my mom, asking questions, and wondering how and why something like this could happen. Then I remember hearing children like myself were inside and some had died. It was terrifying to imagine.
Karen Kingsbury brought these characters to life in the most realistic sense. I could truly envision the heartbreak and brokenness that comes with such tragedy. Though some characters had been through more difficulty than others, the prospect of redemption made this an exciting and encouraging read. I loved the chance to equally explore each character’s past and present, making me anxious for every page and new perspective. Though the story is told from three characters’ point of view, it was never a challenge to follow. The only negative for me was the abundance of characters in certain scenes, making it slightly difficult to keep up with who was who. This was the only point I thought it would have been helpful if I had read the other books in the series because I would have known the backstory behind each character’s name.
Overall, this was an interesting and heartwarming read, keeping me interested from beginning to end. I enjoyed Ashley’s influence in the story, and not just because we share a name. She acted as a kind of “middle-man” helping to make a love connection happen. I have been known to feel compelled to do things for strangers in a similar fashion, making me especially enjoy her perspective, as “out-there” as it sometimes seemed.
I’m looking forward to catching up on more of Karen Kingsbury’s books and possibly the TV series, which will be coming soon to Lightworkers.com. If you’re looking for a clean, inspirational Romantic read, To the Moon and Back is one to keep in mind. This beautiful story is available for pre-order now, releasing on May 29th.
May 29, 2018
To the Moon and Back
Karen Kingsbury
Received from Atria Books
Wow, all I can say is, TO THE MOON AND BACK blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading and be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster ride like you have never experienced before. It is the third book in The Baxter Family series but it can easily be read as a stand alone, which is what I did.
Brady Bradshaw returns to the memorial site every year to mourn his mother who was tragically killed in the Oklahoma City bombing! One year while he is there he meets Jenna who is there mourning her parents who were also killed in the bombing. They share an instant connection as they feel no one else can possibly know what they are going through. TO THE MOON AND BACK is a childhood book that holds a special place in both of their hearts. This year, while at the memorial, Ashley Baxter sees Brady and the pain in his eyes and wants to help him. She sees Brady put a note on the fence and the detective in Ashley comes out. Will Brady ever see Jenna again and be able to move on and heal? He leaves her a note every year hoping to reconnect with her.
TO THE MOON AND BACK is all about family and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Brady and Jenna and all the secondary characters. The characters are all well written and totally believable. TO THE MOON AND BACK is without a doubt one of the best books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Brady and Jenna and for all they were dealing with but Brady shredded me. Karen Kingsbury really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.
Karen Kingsbury
Received from Atria Books
Wow, all I can say is, TO THE MOON AND BACK blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading and be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster ride like you have never experienced before. It is the third book in The Baxter Family series but it can easily be read as a stand alone, which is what I did.
Brady Bradshaw returns to the memorial site every year to mourn his mother who was tragically killed in the Oklahoma City bombing! One year while he is there he meets Jenna who is there mourning her parents who were also killed in the bombing. They share an instant connection as they feel no one else can possibly know what they are going through. TO THE MOON AND BACK is a childhood book that holds a special place in both of their hearts. This year, while at the memorial, Ashley Baxter sees Brady and the pain in his eyes and wants to help him. She sees Brady put a note on the fence and the detective in Ashley comes out. Will Brady ever see Jenna again and be able to move on and heal? He leaves her a note every year hoping to reconnect with her.
TO THE MOON AND BACK is all about family and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Brady and Jenna and all the secondary characters. The characters are all well written and totally believable. TO THE MOON AND BACK is without a doubt one of the best books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Brady and Jenna and for all they were dealing with but Brady shredded me. Karen Kingsbury really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.
September 17, 2018
Okay, I think I've figured out why I'm not loving Kingsbury's books as much as I used to. I'm really done with the Baxters. I enjoyed the original series. And some of the add ons. But I'm read to move on as a reader. The Baxters are just too perfect for me right now. Especially Ashley, who can do no wrong and is always the epitome of wisdom. Even an argument between her and her husband was just glossed over and solved by him apologizing for not understanding as if she didn't have a role to play as well.
I think I would have enjoyed the story of Brady & Jenna had it been a standalone.
I think I would have enjoyed the story of Brady & Jenna had it been a standalone.
December 17, 2018
"Kingsbury skillfully weaves a tale of devine love ..in this romantic tearjerker." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
This is the second book by Karen Kingsbury that I have read. I previously read and enjoyed IN THIS MOMENT.
I like the Baxter family and how they get along together. Some of them are on holidays and are going to visit the memorial in Oklahoma on the anniversary of the bombing. Amy wants to get a sapling from the "survival tree", so that she can plant it in memory of her family who was killed in a car accident when she was little.
Brady Bradshaw was a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing. While at a memorial he met Jenna, a beautiful girl who was also five years old when she lost her parents in the bombing. Both of them were seventeen and each one remembered his/her parent(s) saying at every bedtime, "I love you to the moon and back!" They felt a bond and exchanged phone numbers. BUT he lost her phone number and has been unsuccessfully looking for her the past eleven years.
Ashley Baxter Blake notices Brady at the Memorial and feels compelled to watch him and get involved. Should she interfere? Can she help? Will Brady and Jenna get together?
There are repetitive parts in the book, but I enjoyed listening to January LaVoy and Kirby Heyborne read this deeply emotional story about healing, redemption and hope.
There is an accident. What happens next? Read the book to find the answers. 4.25 stars
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
This is the second book by Karen Kingsbury that I have read. I previously read and enjoyed IN THIS MOMENT.
I like the Baxter family and how they get along together. Some of them are on holidays and are going to visit the memorial in Oklahoma on the anniversary of the bombing. Amy wants to get a sapling from the "survival tree", so that she can plant it in memory of her family who was killed in a car accident when she was little.
Brady Bradshaw was a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing. While at a memorial he met Jenna, a beautiful girl who was also five years old when she lost her parents in the bombing. Both of them were seventeen and each one remembered his/her parent(s) saying at every bedtime, "I love you to the moon and back!" They felt a bond and exchanged phone numbers. BUT he lost her phone number and has been unsuccessfully looking for her the past eleven years.
Ashley Baxter Blake notices Brady at the Memorial and feels compelled to watch him and get involved. Should she interfere? Can she help? Will Brady and Jenna get together?
There are repetitive parts in the book, but I enjoyed listening to January LaVoy and Kirby Heyborne read this deeply emotional story about healing, redemption and hope.
There is an accident. What happens next? Read the book to find the answers. 4.25 stars
June 6, 2018
Oh goodness. I keep wanting to love Karen Kingsbury latest works.....but there is always something that bugs me. Perhaps it is the now obvious endings we will get (think saccharine Hallmark). Maybe it's the "pray and/or have an interaction with an angel and everything will be alright." Maybe it's the emphasis on Ashley Blake.....and how it ALWAYS is about Ashley. I like that character, I do...yet we do have other Baxter family members we could have as the protagonist.
I did love Amy, the little niece and daughter of Erin. Her sweetness, her innocence, her childlike faith. That was one of the bright spots in "To the Moon and Back." I did love all of the attention and detail to OKC's bombing. I was also five years old so I don't remember anything about that event.....I found myself wanting to look things up and learn more.
The message of the book was a good one. I like this quote "The reason a tree survives the storms of any season is because its branches bend in the wind. Otherwise it would blow over and die....Whenever God's spirit might to her (Erin) or lead her in a certain direction, whatever He whispered for her to do or not do....she wanted to be sensitive." May the same be said of me.
So yes, I'll keep reading Kingsbury's books because I can't stay away. But I do wish she felt it okay to leave characters broken sometimes. Because we are human.Even with Christ, we don't always get a happy ending.
I did love Amy, the little niece and daughter of Erin. Her sweetness, her innocence, her childlike faith. That was one of the bright spots in "To the Moon and Back." I did love all of the attention and detail to OKC's bombing. I was also five years old so I don't remember anything about that event.....I found myself wanting to look things up and learn more.
The message of the book was a good one. I like this quote "The reason a tree survives the storms of any season is because its branches bend in the wind. Otherwise it would blow over and die....Whenever God's spirit might to her (Erin) or lead her in a certain direction, whatever He whispered for her to do or not do....she wanted to be sensitive." May the same be said of me.
So yes, I'll keep reading Kingsbury's books because I can't stay away. But I do wish she felt it okay to leave characters broken sometimes. Because we are human.Even with Christ, we don't always get a happy ending.
June 24, 2018
Ashley Baxter Blake and Kari Baxter Taylor and their families are taking a vacation together for Spring Break. Their neice, Amy, who lost her parents and sisters in a tragic car crash, wants to visit the memorial site of the Oklahoma City Bombing. She is hoping for a sapling from the Survivor Tree that they hand out on the anniversary of the bombing. She wants to plant it in their backyard as an emblem of her own journey of hope and moving forward. While they are at the site, Ashley encounters a young man, Brady Bradshaw, who is leaving a note in the fence to Jenna. He met Jenna eleven years prior and their connection was something he couldn't forget. Both Brady and Jenna lost their parents in the bombing, a grief they shared. Brady returned every year hoping Jenna would be there. Ashley is determined to find Jenna in hopes of healing Brady's heart. Can God work the miracle to reunite the two?
Another beautiful story of redemption and faith.
Another beautiful story of redemption and faith.
Read
March 29, 2018I don't think when I picked this up exactly what kind of story I was getting myself into. For now, I'm going to put this one on hold. I don't think it is the type of story for me right now.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
December 14, 2018
Sometimes she prayed God heard her.
Beautiful as always.
Beautiful as always.
June 30, 2018
It’s typical Karen Kingsbury - short, to the point, cliched, obvious ending. Some of her older books were great but her more recent ones are just sub-par. I still read them because they’re an enjoyable way to catch up with the characters but honestly, they aren’t very good.
I also think this book presents a dangerous message - the two characters met each other once when they were 17 and yet they are “meant” to be together? It’s very strange and perpetuates ideas that aren’t realistic. It takes more than a day as teenagers to know whether you are supposed to be with someone. And then to say, “I love you. I always have,” —- you don’t truly love someone after spending a day with them and then not seeing them for eleven years. That’s infatuation, chemistry, and all that is great, but love is far more than that.
I also dislike how the puts angels into all her books now.
Everything is always tied up at the end is a neat bow, and that’s not how life works. Life is messy, and Karen Kingsbury can’t authentically depict that messiness.
I also think this book presents a dangerous message - the two characters met each other once when they were 17 and yet they are “meant” to be together? It’s very strange and perpetuates ideas that aren’t realistic. It takes more than a day as teenagers to know whether you are supposed to be with someone. And then to say, “I love you. I always have,” —- you don’t truly love someone after spending a day with them and then not seeing them for eleven years. That’s infatuation, chemistry, and all that is great, but love is far more than that.
I also dislike how the puts angels into all her books now.
Everything is always tied up at the end is a neat bow, and that’s not how life works. Life is messy, and Karen Kingsbury can’t authentically depict that messiness.
October 11, 2018
Hmm. This was hard for me. I used to LOVE KK's work. But, I feel like something has been lost. Her books strike me as the equivalent of Hallmark Christmas movies -- predictable, lack of depth and character development, re-hashed plots, neat little endings. And it's fine if you like Hallmark movies and KK's work. I just haven't liked the change in her books. She is capable of wonderful, deep, moving Christian fiction. If I wanted fluffy Christian Fiction, I would read more of the monthly club books churned out (like the Love Inspired series, etc) all year long.
I don't like the free publicity plugs for Liberty and her son-in-law. It just seems forced and not genuine.
To each their own. I wish KK nothing but the best, but I don't know if I will keep reading.
I don't like the free publicity plugs for Liberty and her son-in-law. It just seems forced and not genuine.
To each their own. I wish KK nothing but the best, but I don't know if I will keep reading.
July 24, 2018
I wanted to get to the ending and see what happened. However, this was kind of a far fetched story to include the Baxter Family with another storyline and strangers unrelated to them. It was a stretch and not of the high quality I have read in the past. I listened on audio book--simple storyline which is helpful for audio driving to and from work mainly. I found myself rolling my eyes or giggling at points in the reading as it just seemed to over the top coincidental, etc..
January 13, 2019
Heartwarming
Karen Kingsbury just has a way of writing books that make you feel. This is a sweet romance that brought out tears and smiles while reading. I've read several books by the author and this is my first Baxter book. I didn't feel like I was in the dark about anything and I felt it could be a stand alone. So,if you are behind on the Baxter family series, no worries. You'll fall in love with them like I did. I'm sure. Great book.
Karen Kingsbury just has a way of writing books that make you feel. This is a sweet romance that brought out tears and smiles while reading. I've read several books by the author and this is my first Baxter book. I didn't feel like I was in the dark about anything and I felt it could be a stand alone. So,if you are behind on the Baxter family series, no worries. You'll fall in love with them like I did. I'm sure. Great book.
July 6, 2018
Karen Kingsbury hits it out of the park once again with this novel! Even though it's been a while since I've read any of the stories of the Baxter family, this felt like a reunion with old friends. Can't wait for her next book!
Read
June 13, 2018Karen Kingsbury is a master at her craft! I absolutely loved the storyline for these characters and how they grew through the story! There was so much to like about this book that I couldn't find one thing I didn't like! It was an easy read and was even easier to fall in love with!
January 5, 2019
Honestly, Karen Kingsbury has become a very light read for me- some of her writing often seems forced or fake, like the characters are so goody-goody, and the connections and their ideas of what to do next seem contrived and outlandish (really? These two people would just ‘happen’ to meet-up at the exact right place at the exact right time?) Don’t get me wrong- I am a believer in God and His orchestrations of people that seem amazing, but it just seems like her writing has become fluffy and almost too good to be true. It took me a long time to finish the book, not because it was a hard read, but because I figured what would happen was obvious and almost didn’t need to finish the book. I don’t even tear-up at her books anymore because I figure the ‘formula’ of the absolute worst thing that could happen to the characters WILL happen, but then - guess what, everything works out and everyone believes in God after all in the end.
July 6, 2018
Five Tissue Box Alert! (and then some!!)
What an exceptionally moving story! Much more than a romance, To the Moon and Back is also (and more importantly) God's love story for us. Kingsbury expertly weaves diverse lives together in powerful ways. My goosebumps had goosebumps in places. And I cried buckets as these characters learned that "God isn't the reason bad things happen. He's the rescue." The author illustrates that in numerous ways throughout the read. Nothing is random where He is concerned. I loved how the promptings of the Spirit moved different characters in different ways -- all to achieve a purpose that only a loving Father in Heaven can see clearly. Such a profoundly faith-inspiring read!
And yes, this is a short review for me but I'm so gobsmacked I'm at a loss for words. Really. You don't want to miss this story. It's a life changer.
What an exceptionally moving story! Much more than a romance, To the Moon and Back is also (and more importantly) God's love story for us. Kingsbury expertly weaves diverse lives together in powerful ways. My goosebumps had goosebumps in places. And I cried buckets as these characters learned that "God isn't the reason bad things happen. He's the rescue." The author illustrates that in numerous ways throughout the read. Nothing is random where He is concerned. I loved how the promptings of the Spirit moved different characters in different ways -- all to achieve a purpose that only a loving Father in Heaven can see clearly. Such a profoundly faith-inspiring read!
And yes, this is a short review for me but I'm so gobsmacked I'm at a loss for words. Really. You don't want to miss this story. It's a life changer.
July 9, 2018
I normally love Karen Kingsbury books, in particular the Baxter Family books....but I struggled with some of the storyline in this one.
Read
August 19, 2024I know you weren’t going to, but don’t bother reading this one. Not Karen’s finest, unfortunately.
July 12, 2020
As I journey back into reading more Christian fiction, one of the authors I am currently making my way through as I had previously read the majority of her works and now catching up on the later books she wrote is Karen Kingsbury. One thing that I find with Karen Kingsbury's stories are is they all pack a punch and focus on an issue that is powerful, heartfelt, and inspiring. In To The Moon and Back, the story starts with the introduction of a character named Brady whom when he was five years old, his mother and he were involved in the Oklahoma City bombing. Brady survived but his mother who saved him passed away. When Brady was seventeen, he met another survivor Jenna who lost both her parents to the blast and they connected. The book then jumps forward eleven years later and the anniversary has come around again. Each year Brady writes a letter and hopes to reconnect with Jenna but each year passes and he doesn't hear from her. He doesn't expect this year to be different but it will be as whenever the Baxters are involved - anything is possible. This year the Baxters are headed to Oklahoma City to see the Survivor tree as one of the grandchildren Amy - who is a survivor in herself wishes to see the tree. While their Ashley spots Brady and is captivated by him and feels God telling her to help him. At first, Landon is dubious as he doesn't want his wife helping a complete single male stranger but he knows that if it's a God thing, he can't stop the Baxter family. As the story goes along, Ashley will connect with Brady and help him find Jenna and in doing so can this journey help bring Peace and the love of God back into Brady's life and help Jenna find someone worthy of giving her "key" too? Has the Lord through the Baxters, given Brady and Jenna a second chance of love and happiness? Find out in another powerful family saga tale by Karen Kingsbury and to conclude with the lovable picture book which the title is named after - I love you "To the Moon and Back".
March 20, 2023
Brady Bradshaw was a child when the Oklahoma City bombing killed his mother. Every year, Brady visits the memorial site on the anniversary to remember her. More than a decade ago on that day, he met Jenna Phillips, who was also a child when her parents were killed in the attack. Brady and Jenna shared a deep heart connection and a single beautiful day together at the memorial. But after that, Brady never saw Jenna again. Every year when he returns, he leaves a note for her in hopes that he might find her again. This year, Ashley Baxter Blake and her sister Kari Baxter Taylor and their families take a spring break trip that includes a visit to the site to see the memorial’s famous Survivor Tree. While there, Ashley spots a young man, alone and troubled. That man is Brady Bradshaw. A chance moment leads Ashley to help Brady find Jenna, the girl he can’t forget. Ashley’s family is skeptical, but she pushes them to support her efforts to find the girl and bring them together. But will it work? Will her husband, Landon, understand her intentions? And is a shared heartache enough reason to fall in love?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2025
I listened to this book because I’m a Karen Kingsbury fan through and through—and this one did not disappoint. Being from Oklahoma, I’m always drawn to stories connected to the Oklahoma City bombing, and this one was done so well. Karen honored the victims in such a beautiful way while still telling a powerful story of hope and redemption.
This book had me all up in my feelings. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced. The way the gospel is woven throughout the story is just so good—it’s gentle, honest, and incredibly moving. And I found myself genuinely emotional by the end. Like, actual tears. Over a fictional character. Giving his life to Jesus. 😭🔥🙌🏻
Also—it’s completely clean. No language, no spice, just a few sweet kisses. That’s how all of Karen‘s books usually are!
This one is technically part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and had no issues. I’ll probably go back and read the rest now because I’m fully invested.
I recommend this one through and through.
This book had me all up in my feelings. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced. The way the gospel is woven throughout the story is just so good—it’s gentle, honest, and incredibly moving. And I found myself genuinely emotional by the end. Like, actual tears. Over a fictional character. Giving his life to Jesus. 😭🔥🙌🏻
Also—it’s completely clean. No language, no spice, just a few sweet kisses. That’s how all of Karen‘s books usually are!
This one is technically part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and had no issues. I’ll probably go back and read the rest now because I’m fully invested.
I recommend this one through and through.
June 5, 2018
Karen Kingsbury does it again another wonderful book by her i swear as many books ive read about the Baxter family i cant get enough i could read on forever about them. One of the best parts about her books is she includes people from her other books so you get updates on what happened with them and i know these people are not real but they feel real!!! Must read. 100%
February 27, 2019
Ashley's niece, Amy has been living with them ever since her entire family was killed in a car accident. Now Amy wants a sapling from the Survivor Tree at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Center. On Spring Break they go there. While visiting Ashley noticed a heartbroken stranger leaving a note in the chain link fence. Ashley feels compelled to check it out and discovers a letter from a Brady Bradshaw to a girl named Jenna. Brady has been looking for Jenna ever since they met at the center 11 years ago when they were 17. Ashley wants to help the stranger but at first her husband is sceptical. Eventually with permission and her dad's help, Ashley finds Jenna who is now living in Ohio. Unfortunately in the meantime Brady gets badly injured while fighting a fire. Anyway to make a long story short, Jenna moves to Oklahoma for the summer, helps Brady get back on his feet and they start dating. However since Brady is not a believer, Jenna feels she needs to call it off. That was a heartbreaking decision for both of them. However God got Brady's attention in amazing way and Brady turns his life around.
I was deeply touched by this book. It was impressive how Ashley was willing to help a complete stranger. I was impressed by the Baxter's family's love for each other. Best of all was Jenna's determination to be faithful to God even though it broke her heart. This is an incredible story of emotional healing and of God working in impossible situations.
I was deeply touched by this book. It was impressive how Ashley was willing to help a complete stranger. I was impressed by the Baxter's family's love for each other. Best of all was Jenna's determination to be faithful to God even though it broke her heart. This is an incredible story of emotional healing and of God working in impossible situations.
July 25, 2018
Though this book featured characters (Brady and Jenna) who had unspeakable tragedy befall them at a very young age, I thought it was ultimately hopeful. I liked how Karen Kingsbury used the Oklahoma City National Memorial as a backdrop to show us that we can choose, with God's help, to live in the moment of healing, rather than being stuck in the moment of tragedy, or trying to return to the moment before everything changed.
I think a lot of us (if not all) have had pivotal moments in our lives when things are clearly defined as 'before' and 'after'. Perhaps it's not something as tragic as losing your parents in a bombing, but we all have our moments of heartbreak, and to know that we can choose to see God as the rescue from, rather than the reason of our heartache can be very freeing. I loved those concepts that Karen wove into this story!
However, there was a section where Ashley Baxter Blake made what I believe was a series of unwise choices, especially with regards to her husband's feelings. I feel like the consequences of those choices were swept under the rug a bit, in favour of Ashley's heart being in the right place. Yes, I believe her heart was in the right place, but I think she and Landon should have discussed more how her actions affected him and what better actions could be taken instead.
I think a lot of us (if not all) have had pivotal moments in our lives when things are clearly defined as 'before' and 'after'. Perhaps it's not something as tragic as losing your parents in a bombing, but we all have our moments of heartbreak, and to know that we can choose to see God as the rescue from, rather than the reason of our heartache can be very freeing. I loved those concepts that Karen wove into this story!
However, there was a section where Ashley Baxter Blake made what I believe was a series of unwise choices, especially with regards to her husband's feelings. I feel like the consequences of those choices were swept under the rug a bit, in favour of Ashley's heart being in the right place. Yes, I believe her heart was in the right place, but I think she and Landon should have discussed more how her actions affected him and what better actions could be taken instead.
April 23, 2018
The third novel in Kingsbury's Baxter Family series is heart tugging and emotional. Although at times it borders on preachy, the inclusion of the Oklahoma City Bombing and themes of surviving despite horrible circumstances will touch readers deeply. Brady's struggle with faith is raw, yet so realistic. Fans of the Baxters will love this newest offering with both familiar and new characters.
When he was five years old, Brady Bradshaw's mother sacrificed herself in the Oklahoma City Bombing to save him. He has always wondered why God abandoned him and why God didn't stop this horrific event from taking his mother. When he was 17, he met Jenna (who also lost her parents in the event) at the memorial site, and the two clicked completely. They agreed to stay in touch, but Brady never heard from her again and has returned to the ceremony every year for the past eleven years in hopes of seeing her again. Ashley Baxter Blake and her family travel to the memorial at the request of Amy, who identifies with the survivors. When Ashley sees Brady, she feels that God is calling her to help him find Jenna and hopefully lead him back to God.
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
When he was five years old, Brady Bradshaw's mother sacrificed herself in the Oklahoma City Bombing to save him. He has always wondered why God abandoned him and why God didn't stop this horrific event from taking his mother. When he was 17, he met Jenna (who also lost her parents in the event) at the memorial site, and the two clicked completely. They agreed to stay in touch, but Brady never heard from her again and has returned to the ceremony every year for the past eleven years in hopes of seeing her again. Ashley Baxter Blake and her family travel to the memorial at the request of Amy, who identifies with the survivors. When Ashley sees Brady, she feels that God is calling her to help him find Jenna and hopefully lead him back to God.
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
February 12, 2025
Book 3 to this series yet it can be read as a stand alone.
Amy is the niece to Ashley and Landon. She loses her parents in a bad car accident along with her two sisters. She needs time to heal and a place to call home. Ashley and Landon take her in and tries their hardest to make her feel loved and wanted.
Jenna and Brandy lost family at the Oklahoma bombing and need healing. Brady comes every year to think about his mom and when they are 13 they spend the day together talking about who they lost and agree to meet there again the next year... only Jenna gets too busy and forgets and more time passes. ~ enter in Ashley and her wanting to help everyone and she tries to help Brady find Amy again with no hope of ever finding her due to not having her last name.
Will Jenna and Brady find the friendship and healing they need from each other and God? Will Amy be at peace with her own tragedy of that day?
Amy is the niece to Ashley and Landon. She loses her parents in a bad car accident along with her two sisters. She needs time to heal and a place to call home. Ashley and Landon take her in and tries their hardest to make her feel loved and wanted.
Jenna and Brandy lost family at the Oklahoma bombing and need healing. Brady comes every year to think about his mom and when they are 13 they spend the day together talking about who they lost and agree to meet there again the next year... only Jenna gets too busy and forgets and more time passes. ~ enter in Ashley and her wanting to help everyone and she tries to help Brady find Amy again with no hope of ever finding her due to not having her last name.
Will Jenna and Brady find the friendship and healing they need from each other and God? Will Amy be at peace with her own tragedy of that day?
February 18, 2019
This was a cute story, but way too sappy to be realistic.
Several things got on my nerves, ESPECIALLY the plugs for Liberty and Kyle Kupecky. Also how she seems to mention the same Christian music groups in all of her books, it just feels weird and obnoxious. I also think she mentions Liberty in every book... I get that it’s her alma mater, but for real it’s not like people haven’t heard of it. Can’t she just say that so-and-so is enjoying college and leave it at that? It’s fiction, it doesn’t matter what college they go to. And, it seems like she makes all the siblings and cousins who get to be college age go to the same university... that’s so not realistic.
Also, Landon had a right to be upset at Ashley contacting Brady because she was obsessive over it and went behind his back. I didn’t like how it was so easy for Ashley to find Jenna and it wasn’t for Brady... don’t you think that he would have tried EVERYTHING in his power to find her?
Several things got on my nerves, ESPECIALLY the plugs for Liberty and Kyle Kupecky. Also how she seems to mention the same Christian music groups in all of her books, it just feels weird and obnoxious. I also think she mentions Liberty in every book... I get that it’s her alma mater, but for real it’s not like people haven’t heard of it. Can’t she just say that so-and-so is enjoying college and leave it at that? It’s fiction, it doesn’t matter what college they go to. And, it seems like she makes all the siblings and cousins who get to be college age go to the same university... that’s so not realistic.
Also, Landon had a right to be upset at Ashley contacting Brady because she was obsessive over it and went behind his back. I didn’t like how it was so easy for Ashley to find Jenna and it wasn’t for Brady... don’t you think that he would have tried EVERYTHING in his power to find her?
July 9, 2018
The only thing nice I can say about this book is that it reiterated the details of the National Memorial in OKC honoring the people who were victims of Timothy McVeigh's cowardly act. That's it! I found it deplorable that the author would portray any teacher as so ignorant and heartless as to "present a slide show of the devastation" to an OKC classroom of nine year olds on the fourth anniversary of the tragedy. Really! What were you thinking? Your main characters are in their late 20's and you don't have them use the internet/social media to glean the information that they need to find one another. Please, just not believable. And you have another character act immorally and perhaps illegally because her motive is to help them. And you use God as the motivator to act so. Just wrong! I found this very disturbing...………………..
May 27, 2018
I'm giving this book a 4 puppy/star rating. Will post a full review soon!
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