Forever, Firstborn Series #5

Katy Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood's Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now she and the members of the Baxter family must travel to Los Angeles and sort through their options. Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service and love to help Katy and Dayne find what they've always been looking for - a chance at forever.

Katie Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood’s Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now she and the members of the Baxter family must travel to Los Angeles and sort through their options. While paparazzi open fire on the Baxter family, Luke Baxter must wrestle with feelings that have troubled him for nearly a year. Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service and love to help Katie and Dayne find what they’ve always been looking for--a chance at forever.

From the moment Katy Hart met movie star Dayne Matthews, her quiet life as director of a children’s theatre group in Bloomington, Indiana, gradually starting losing any semblance of normalcy. First, there was the audition, then the trial, then the proposal, and now this: an ugly car accident that has sent Dayne into a coma, where he teeters precariously between life and death. Meanwhile, the Baxters, who were still adjusting to Dayne as a member of their family, are forced to deal with the possibility of losing the brother they never knew.

In Forever, the fifth and final book in Karen Kingsbury’s Firstborn series, Katy and the Baxter family face some of the biggest trials of their lives—trials that will test their faith, forcing them to band together, and either conquer their weaknesses or be conquered by them.

Those familiar with Kingbury’s work are undoubtedly acquainted with the Baxters, who have been the central characters of ten of her books spanning two series. However, even those who pick up this book with no prior knowledge of plots or characters will find enough background material sprinkled into the story to know what’s going on.

Yet despite Kingbury’s ability to juggle multiple storylines at the same time, her book frequently reads like a clichéd soap opera. Just about every conflict that can happen does, and, of course, all are not only resolved by the end, but culminate into a “happily ever after” finale that would work in a perfect world, but not a real one. Whereas some reviewing and summarizing are necessary, especially in a five-book series, there’s too much here, slowing the story and proving that it could have and should have been told in far fewer books. All in all, there’s too much melodramatic filler and not enough depth.

Kingsbury explores issues, such as salvation, acceptance, teen relationships, marital conflicts, and forgiveness, and while the lessons taught ring true and may impact some, they’re often predictable, and any punches that could’ve been packed are lost when the story drags on far too long. Yes, the writing is good, but it’s clear that the Baxter family and their friends have overstayed their welcome. – Elizabeth Goldsmith, Christian Book Previews.com

Average Rating:

8 of 17 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Kay Whitaker (Millbrae, CA), April 29, 2009

This was the first of the series I read and it was very exciting and such a blessing that I ordered the whole series. It was a blessing spiritually as well as totally holding my interest to where I felt a part of the family.

Reviewed by Helen Emrich (Goddard, KS), November 07, 2008

This is one of the most absorbing series i have read in many years. There are many spiritual lessons to be learned from the stories. One of the best is the vital necessity to forgive others. Considering the sacrifice that Christ made to bring forgiveness to each one of us, there is nothing in this life that we cannot forgive with the help of Christ and the Spirit. I loved reading every one of the five books in this series.

Reviewed by Sybil Dyke (Sun City, CA), October 26, 2008

One of the best series I have ever read. Truly a "can't put it down" book.

Reviewed by Chris (Vineland, ON), September 17, 2008

What! I couldn't even read the last book. Why is Katie even thinking about marrying Dayne Matthews? There is no depth to these series, what so ever. Give me Francine Rivers or Deborah Raney.

Reviewed by Olive Nabors (Bryan, TX), March 07, 2008

I give this book a 5 star rating -- this book touched me in so many ways -- but I especially enjoyed the author's comments about her intent in writing it. I am glad I was privileged to read it.

Reviewed by Linda Shafer (Hartwick, NY), December 12, 2007

The first born series is excellent. I enjoy this author so much and am looking forward to her redemption series. These are hard books to put down and the messages contained in the writings are inspiring.

Reviewed by Elaine Gemuenden (Cable, WI), September 30, 2007

Karen Kingsbury has the ability to grab my heart and emotions and also to maker her characters real to me. The First Born series stresses family and relationship. You'll want to read all of this series and not want it to end.

Reviewed by Cathy Strout (Harrington, ME), August 07, 2007

Another excellent book by Karen Kingsbury. I finished it in one weekend. Author has a wonderful way of drawing the reader into the characters lives. I feel like the Baxter family is my extended family. Thanks, Karen.

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