The Baxters: A Prequel

The Baxters #0

by Karen Kingsbury

This warmhearted and moving prequel to the “heart-tugging and emotional” ( RT Book Reviews ) #1 New York Times bestselling Baxter Family Series follows the family members as they face rising tensions during a wedding and a colossal storm.

A terrible storm builds in the early morning sky over Bloomington, Indiana, as Elizabeth Baxter prepares to celebrate her daughter Kari’s wedding to Tim Jacobs. It’s supposed to be the happiest of days, but Elizabeth can’t shake a growing sense of dread. Is the storm a sign? Something bad is about to happen. Elizabeth knows it.

Indeed, there are dark currents of conflict and doubt coursing through the Baxter family. In the midst of them, Kari Baxter is starting to panic. Is marrying Tim a mistake? And what about her family? Her brother Luke is angry and resentful of their sister Ashley, who has recently returned from Paris, a single mom with a son she too often leaves with their parents. At the same time, Ashley and their sister Brooke have lost the faith that is the family’s glue. Against all this, Kari sees Ashley rejecting her longtime love, Landon Blake, who clearly cares for her, no matter what happened in Paris.

When the storm reaches a terrifying crescendo, a shocking moment of danger brings important truths to light. At the end of the long day, can the Baxters remain a family, tested but stronger?

From an author who “writes with seemingly effortless poetic elegance” ( Booklist ), The Baxters is an unforgettable testament to the power of love, family, and faith.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Christian Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

Karen 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...

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the entire Baxter series along with all the connected novels, I found this to be rather disappointing. It seemed to simply rehash the earlier books in the series. If you've never read any of the books about the Baxter's this would be a nice general introduction. I wonder if this was intended to be a build up to the upcoming TV series.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Baxters: A Prequel was a blast from the past and made me remember what a wonderful storyteller that Karen Kingsbury is as she immerses us in the Baxter family. It has been so long since I read this whole series that I don't remember details but an overall feeling about this faith filled family. If you have not read the series, I would recommend reading this one first. We get a glimpse into the family members and what is going on as the series starts. They are Christian but not perfect yet come together to support each other in love and faith. That doesn't mean it is without normal emotions of anger, disappointment, and sadness. Their stories will bring on those emotions in the reader as well, even some frustration with the characters. I enjoyed this series thoroughly and it would be fun to read it again. I highly recommend this book and the series for those who enjoy stories of family relationships and romance.
I received a complimentary ARC from Atria Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Carrie Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Karen Kingsbury and her Baxter series is my favorite book series of all time. I’ve been so excited about this prequel and, sadly, left disappointed. The first two-three chapters spill out the backstory that was teased out so effectively in the first couple books of the redemption series. I can’t help but think it would spoil reading that series If I’d read this first. Also, Ashley’s backstory was changed from what was written in the redemption series. While both versions were compelling, they vary enough that it would be confusing to read on and have a different story told in Redemption/Remember. (I even went back to check and make sure as I wanted to assure it wasn't my memory that was the issue.) I would highly recommend beginning the Baxter’s with redemption and maybe coming back to this after you go through the series. Karen always writes with heart, and its always a joy to see God working through the imperfect actions of the characters she draws. The feeling/journey etc. of this book still had the magic of Karen Kingsbury. I just love the Baxter’s and if this weren’t sold as a prequel to that series I’d probably rate it higher, but knowing that readers are encouraged to read this first ... I wouldn’t personally suggest that.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, all I can say is, THE BAXTERS blew me away! Be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster ride like you have never experienced before. It is the prequel to The Redemption series but it can easily be read as a stand alone.

Karen Kingsbury sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with the family dealing with all their troubles and THE BAXTERS is exactly that! She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Karen Kingsbury book if you are a fan of the Christian fiction genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a family can stand before it completely breaks down and splits.

THE BAXTERS is a heart tugging story filled with grief, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! The love of God and family is what holds this family together, no matter how tenuous at times it seems to be. Karen Kingsbury isn’t afraid to write about subjects out of the norm as far as the Christian Fiction genre goes. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Karen Kingsbury’s previous books.

Along with the heartbreak there is also hope, faith and healing. I felt so close to the whole family as I finished up THE BAXTERS and really didn’t want the book to end. Karen is an excellent story teller and she gets you so caught up in their lives right from the very first page and never lets you go. This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time!

THE BAXTERS 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 Ashley and Kari, Elizabeth, and all the secondary characters. The characters are all well written and totally believable. THE BAXTERS is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in 2022 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Ashley as well as Kari and for all they were dealing with.

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.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful 4 star series!!

Why did I read this?? The book was wonderful and now I have to read the entire series!! I am stuck but I guess there worst ways to spend time then reading a wonderful series like the Baxters. This story is a prequel to the Baxters series. In this book we read about Kari getting married and her worried she isn't making the right choice. You also read about Ashley and her life in Paris and her son. Both girls go back to the past and remember their long lost love. Will the girls make the right decisions in their lives? I fell in love with the Baxters. Two girls have lost their faith while Mom and Dad pray for them to find Jesus. You also see the conflict both girls face with their long lost loves. Highly recommend this book. The power of Christ is in this whole book and it is truly amazing!!

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Karen Kingsbury‘s writing. And I absolutely love all the Baxter books. So I was really looking forward to this one. I have to say I’m very disappointed. It just felt unnecessary. There are spoilers that are going to make the next books not as powerful I’m afraid if this one is read first. Also there were inconsistencies that don’t match up with the other books. I was debating between two and three stars. If someone who hasn’t read any of the Baxters asked me where to start, I would recommend starting with the redemption series and after they had read all of the Baxters maybe coming back to this.
I might change my mind once I see the TV series. It is possible that what is in this novel is necessary in order to appreciate the series better.

[Inés Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad to have won an arc of this book. This was absolutely great, i love the Baxter family, and getting to know them was a wonderful journey.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kari Baxter, the second oldest daughter is about to be married to Tim Jacobs whey Ryan Taylor, her high school sweetheart and college boyfriend shows up at her house on the morning of her Wedding. Meanwhile middle sister Ashley, a single mother's old boyfriend Landon Blake shows up at the Wedding after a last minute invite from the sisters' mother Elizabeth. Will the sisters break Ryan's and Landon's hearts again? Or will Kari get cold feet and leave Tim at the altar? Find out in this prequel to the first quintet of Baxter Family stories, The Redemption series.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This was a great introduction to many of the Baxter family members and their stories for other books in the Baxter series.

I definitely need to read more in the series. I have read other reviews that this had fairly repetitive information if you have already read the other books in the Baxter series, but for me, as someone brand new to the series, I really appreciated this story and the introductions made to the characters and major stories.

I listened to this on audio and thought it had a good narration, as the male perspective chapters have a male narrator and the female perspective chapters have a female narrator. Once I started listening, I couldn't stop. I was invested in this family.

This was an emotional rollercoaster, no wonder it's going to be a TV series too! This has a drama TV series written all over it!

The first half of the story follows the wedding day of Kari Baxter and her family members. She wrestles with the emotions of "should she marry this guy Tim” or "does she still love her ex Ryan?”

From the very beginning we know she broke up with her boyfriend, Ryan, who was in the hospital after a terrible accident from playing football, all because of miscommunication. The type of miscommunication (or you could also say, misunderstanding) that occurs here is something I never really care for. The "break up but not discussing why" thing that happens is not something I like, unless it's quickly resolved. However, I definitely understand why Karen Kingsbury did this, that it's all part of the story and journey of the characters.

The last portion of this story follows Ashley Baxter and her previous love interest Landon. I loved that part the most. Everything Ashley is going through with her shame and trying to be a single mother was so emotional. I was pulling for Ashley and Landon the whole time. I think this story really sets up future books well for many plot points. We have so many in the Baxter family from the beginning so I can see why there are so many books in this series! I also loved their parents in this story.

I honestly felt like I was right there with the characters going through their struggles and I was connected to them in so many ways. The whole story tugged at my heart strings because this family has been through sadness, grief, heartbreak and others are wavering in their faith. Regardless, we still see God at work in the Baxter family. I am rooting for this family in so many ways and definitely inclined to pick up the series. 

[Sussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on my toes! I loved it and how it presents many topics about faith in God. I am very excited to read the rest of the series and am looking forward to it!

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Baxters is the prequel to the family saga by Karen Kingsbury. I have read several of her books, but I have only read one or two them from the Baxter family. With that said, I feel this is a good read to help anyone to get acquainted with the members of the family. Honestly, I was feeling overwhelmed by the twenty some odd books, and didn't know where to start. Well, now there is a beginning. The author has a list in order at the beginning of the book. So yay! I enjoyed the book and can understand why this series is such a sensation. However, I did get a little frustrated with a couple of the characters. I still liked them and felt for them. This book is an inspirational story and I loved the faith of the family members. They aren't perfect, but they recognize their need for God.

*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Milinda Yount · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love Karen Kingsbury’s books but The Baxters a Prequel was really so-so to me. The main reason to read this would be to get some backstory and see the events that occur the day of Kari Baxter’s wedding so I can see that it would be enjoyable for someone who just loves all the Baxter family stories. Looking at the book on its own, I found the two main characters (Kari and Ashley) frustrating as they both push away the two men who truly love them (and spend most of the book doing this). There isn’t a sense of resolution for either woman’s story as this is essentially book 0 in a series so the ending was not satisfying. Quite a bit of the storyline from her book Forgiving Paris is repeated in this one as remembrance passages which felt a bit old to me (who has read that one) or would be a bit of a spoiler for someone who has not. Overall the book felt very repetitive and stretched out. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an early copy to read and review; this book comes out April 26, 2022.

[Amy Starnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hind sight is 20/20. If you have read the Baxter series then most things won't be a surprise to you in this book. I have to say that while I always enjoy Karen Kingsbury's writing, this book was a bit disappointing to me. I would have rather this book been more about John and Elizabeth. However the majority of this book was rehashing Ashley's story a couple times over. Not only did it repeat from other books, but it was repetitive in this book alone. I also disagree that this would be a good book to start reading the series. I think it might make the first books less effective because now you know how some of the stories work out. Not completely but still a spoiler in some ways. However it was an enjoyable refresher to read with a couple of never before seen parts. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the free advanced copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This is my first book of the original Baxter’s. I read Someone Like You when it came in 2020. I judged it by its cover and picked it up at Walmart. 😂 I didn’t realize it was part of a larger series about this family. It didn’t really spoil anything though. I know this was more of an introduction to the 5 Baxter siblings but I can already tell I’m going to love them. I’m excited to start the Redemption series that this one is a prequel to. January LaVoy nailed the audiobook narration.

[Briann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway, and this is my first adventure with the Baxters. This was not the book or the storyline for me. It oversimplified faith and had a very simplistic and predictable plot. While I did not find the book or its portrayal of faith to be realistic, I did see similarities between some of the characters and people I know in my life. I plan on giving this book to someone who reminds me of Mrs. Baxter. I believe she would appreciate this book more than I do.

[Ann | This Quiet Heart Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

UPDATE: After reading most of Redemption, the next book, I am lowering my review. The timeline of this book incredibly inaccurate according to redemption. I’m a relatively detail oriented person and it really bothered me that the timeline was extremely off. I don’t want to ruin things, so I won’t be specific, but things were added in the characters history and also excluded. I wish the editors had checked that before publishing this book. I wouldn’t read it first. Maybe after to avoid confusion.

I have wanted to read this series for a long time! I decided that now is as good a time as any! I have enjoyed a couple of Karen’s other books so I knew I’d probably enjoy this one too!

This is the prequel to the Baxter Family series that is very popular with Karen Kingsbury. It is a shorter read and really goes over the span of one day! According to the author it is the background story for the rest of the series!

This book is a little heavier than my normal reads but I am also aware that usually prequels have all the hard parts because the resolutions come with the stories in the series!! I actually find it oddly realistic because it does portray the mistakes and pains that people really do struggle with in real life. I look forward to seeing what the resolution to some of the hardships brought out in this book will be!

It does offer hope and reminders of God’s grace even in an imperfect world and with imperfect people! I look forward to continuing with this series and following along the Baxter’s journey.

Content Warnings:
Language: None
Spice: Level 1
TW: Extra-marital Affair (non-detailed, mentioned from past), Car Accident, Grief, Alcohol use mentioned.

[Kindle Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Baxter Family is my favorite family, and Karen Kingsbury is a favorite author. In her newest installment in the series, she travels back in time and writes about the day of Kari’s wedding. There’s a terrible storm brewing, and many are wondering if it’s a portent of things to come. Kari is marrying Tim, but she still has feelings for her ex, Ryan, but are those just left over feelings or is there more to it? Ashley is home from Paris with a surprise for the family. A surprise all are not comfortable with. Others have lost their faith, is the whole family crumbling or will their strong faith and hope bring them back together again ... you’ll have to go back and start at the beginning to find out. After reading the entire series, this book felt a bit on the repetitive side, it also repeated things more than once in this book. There were a few new things to add to their story, but for me it didn’t really add anything to the series. If we’re going back into the past, I’d love to read more about John and Elizabeth’s early love story! Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Laurie Enos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the Baxter books and I absolutely fell in love with this family! This book is the prequel to the series, so it was the perfect introduction to the Baxter's . This book was filled with angst, yet also hope. I did yell at the characters a couple times to just communicate with the person they were at "odds" with.. I am anxious to read the next book in the series to see how/if things were resolved.

i highly recommend this book. I enjoyed the Christian influence/references in this story. I also enjoyed all the characters. Karen did a great job of letting me get to know each one and feel an emotional attachment to them.

Thank you to Atria Books/Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I have to say that I loved the first part of this book of preparation for Keri's wedding and I would have given it five stars. However, since the book was told in parts by different people, there was so much repetition of events and conversations. I actually kept thinking that I read that part already. Basically conversations were repeated word for word and events. I love this author and her books but have to say this was a disappointment.

[Stine Amundsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a huge disappointment! I love the Baxters, but this book just made me angry. If I shall continue to read Karen Kingsburys books, she will have to write something new, not just "spinoff -products" to an earlier story!

[Lori Stadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished!!! I bought my mom a copy also for Mothers Day. We live 2000 miles apart from each other. It was such a joy to read this book at the same time and share our thoughts with one another! I enjoyed that more than anything.
I absolutely loved reading more about the Baxters. Getting to know the characters a little deeper. One thing that really stuck out to me are these words from Landon. They rang true in my heart. “Christians are not perfect. They’re just broken people who know they need a savior. Because we’re such a mess.” Having my faith in God has gotten my husband and I through raising 5 daughters. I am thankful for having these books while raising them. Sometimes I feel like I am channeling a little bit of Elizabeth through me to them. God can use even a book, or two or three, to change hearts. One of my very favorite things is when one of my girls want to read one of Karen’s books when I’m done! I know in my heart that Karen’s writings are a gift from God to all of us. I pray that as each person is reading her books, that God enlightens hearts like it has mine. Oh I can’t wait for the TV series!!!! ❤️

[Elizabeth Geshel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though they can be a bit sappy, I have loved the Baxter family books. This one was just too much though. It always was a little far-fetched for me that Kari broke up with Ryan because of a misunderstanding and never would have talked to him to verify if it was true or at least get an explanation. This book trying to fill in the gaps made it seem even more unbelievable to me. I just don’t buy that she never would have said at some point that he had cheated on her, giving him a chance to set the story straight. Also, if their moms were such good friends, how would they have not talked about this??? It seems crazy to me as well that her family all had reservations about crazy Tim, but that all but one comes around within a couple hours (or less) to being fully on board. I would think her parents would want to at least bring up their specific reservations before giving their daughter away. I know books after this are written, so she had to stay with the storyline that Kari marries Tim, but this book made it all less believable rather than more.
I felt similarly about the Landon and Ashley story. The back and forth feelings of Ashley drove me nuts. Also, both Landon and Ryan just seem too perfect. I can tell she tried to show a flaw by having Landon binge drink one time, but that was it. Otherwise perfect!
I’m not in the medical field, but I also found it incredibly far-fetched that John Baxter would not have known how to save his infant grandson from choking. He runs an ER, but didn’t know the right way to do the Heimlich maneuver on a baby? Not buying it.
I also felt like so much of this was just retelling what we already knew. It’s been a long time since I read the other books, so I don’t know if some details were changed, but there definitely were parts I didn’t remember. Also, don’t you think Elizabeth and John would have told Ashley their own story once she came home pregnant?
Too cheesy and too far-fetched for me.

[Rebecca Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the original Redemption series. I felt like it had a depth her newer novels don't have. So it was a little intriguing to see if, for a prequel, she would go back to writing with that depth that the original series had. There were some moments that did, but overall it was her more current writing style. There was a lot of retelling plots already told, but I suppose if you're reading the prequel first, it makes sense. Overall, I do think this is worth a read for those who love the Baxter family. I will say, Kari annoyed me in this book; she wasn't mature enough to get married. The miscommunication at the hospital that led to her breaking up with Ryan is in other books, but it was ridiculous in this one. She seriously went all that time without ever communicating with Ryan what the nurse said in the hospital that concerned her? She didn't hear from the man she supposedly loved, she just broke up with him and never explained? She assumed he was cheating off of one comment from a stranger and never talked to him about it? Dear gosh, if that's how she communicates in relationships and deals with conflict, Ryan is better off without her. And Tim deserves better than a wife who is questioning if she should get married and thinking so much about an ex on her wedding day. Thankfully she is much more likeable in the Redemption series. Landon is a little too perfect, but he always was. Overall, I'm glad I listened to this book as I've enjoyed the Baxter family and Karen Kingsbury for years, but I still think the older books in the Baxter series are the best.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy launch day for the prequel to the Baxter family books! This book doesn’t disappoint! I know many fans of Karen Kingsbury longed to know more about Elizabeth, so it was special to hear the stories of her kids growing up from her point of view. Also, to experience more of her and John’s day to day life.

I cannot wait to see if Karen finds a way to continue the Baxters story! I received an advance copy of this book and couldn’t wait to share a review since it was truly the missing piece to the Baxters books. It might be time to go back and re-read the entire group! I Received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers, but this did not require me to write a review. I was glad to review the book because I have enjoyed every book in the Baxters series, including this one!

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading books about The Baxter's but this one was a disappointment. It seemed to rehash the past of the Baxter’s children with some inconsistencies from previous stories about them.

I borrowed this book from our library, thus a review was not required. I have simply shared my opinion.

[Stephanie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the Baxter family several years ago. I can say without hesitation this is the best series I have ever read and recommend it for anyone! Do yourself a favor and fall I. Love with this family as much as I have….I promise there is a blessing in it for you! ❤️

[Hannah Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little hesitant at first and didn’t have high expectations for this book but it ended up sucking me in. It’s such a good, clean read that intertwines truths about God with a fictional story line. Apparently it’s a prequel so I will definitely be reading the sequel.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought I would check this out before the Amazon show. Not quite what I expected, but it was enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more about the Baxter family. BTW - pretty cool to have a book set in your home state, just an hour and half west of me. 😁

[Thera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik dacht na een paar pagina’s het verhaal te kunnen voorspellen, maar daar heb ik me gelukkig in vergist! Dit boek geeft een mooie inleiding op het gezin Baxter. Van de enorm aanwezige zoetsappige christelijke touch moet je houden. Ik neem dat voor lief en geef het het voordeel van de twijfel: ik ga verder lezen in deze serie!

[Heidi Chiavaroli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these characters so much in Karen Kingsbury's Redemption series that reading about them was like visiting old friends. It was fun to see some of the struggles they went through pre-series, as well as the relationships they held with their siblings, parents, and love interests.