RaVae EricksonHaving just finished this series (alright, it was a few weeks ago, but still, I read it recently!) I have to say I am looking forward to reading the Firstborn Series (the continuation of the Baxter Family story line along with some new story lines).
Redemption:
Redemption tells the story of Kari and her struggling marriage while introducing us to the rest of the Baxters and setting up story lines for the future books. Throughout this book I was rooting for Kari and her first love rather than Kari and her husband Tim. By the time they began to work things out I was disappointed, but resigned to the fact that Love, indeed, is a choice. Kari was choosing to honor her husband by leaving her high school love in every possible way so as to devote herself to her husband and her marriage. The end of this book was not shocking since it had been set up from the very beginning. The good thing is Kari and Tim’s marriage was not longer on the rocks. In fact, they were better than ever, which left Kari in a good position (even though it was hard).
Remember:
This book follows Ashley as she sorts through her past. She learns to love again by remembering not only the good times and God’s faithfulness, but His great LOVE for her through every step. Once Ashley realizes the good that came from her past she is able to open her heart and love again.
Return:
Return follows Luke’s journey from turning his back on God to returning to his first love. When Luke realizes his past is not as far gone as he thinks it is he is reminded of God’s faithfulness and love and he returns to his first love. The end of this book is amazing as Luke not only returns to God but to his future wife as well.
Rejoice:
This is not a particularly happy book as the title would lead you to believe. Brooke is busy leading her “perfect” life as she realizes it is slowly falling apart. Her daughter has an accident and we watch her marriage dissipate and revive. This book is about finding a way to rejoice all the time-regardless of your circumstances.
Reunion:
Reunion is all about both Elizabeth’ (the head Mrs. Baxter)cancer diagnosis as well as Elizabeth and John’s marriage-long secret. Yes, she dies at the end of the book, but not before her entire family spends a few weeks at a reunion at her house. And not before she gets closure for that secret. This book closes out the series by reminding one that God will work redemption in our lives, to remember the good times and the bad, to return to your first love (not only the Lord, but your spouse as well), and the rejoice in the Lord regardless of your circumstances. God comes out on top in the end, no matter what happens.
This series was written by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley to illustrate some of Smalley’s most important relationship advice. They do a wonderful job of tying it all together in a story of a family that could be the neighbors down the street (or even our own family at times).