Customer Reviews

Sunset (Sunrise Series-Baxter 3, Book 4)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you've not read the 13 books leading up to this one, but enjoy emotional, character-driven dramas, you'll LOVE this book! If you have read all the previous Baxter tales, you have no choice but to read this one too!

So why the lower rating? Oh, Karen, I hate to say this, but ... I felt like I was reading a novelized re-cap of my favorite TV show. You know how they always have "the best of" episodes in which they show you glimpses of everything you've already watched? That's what this book was like. Yes, there were a few new plot developments, but not enough to keep me interested. I was hoping for a little more action, a little more plot. Instead I got a lot of memories -- great memories!! Tear-jerker memories! But since I already have the other books, I'm a bit disappointed in paying for another book that, for the most part, echoes what was already sitting on my shelf.

That said, I LOVE the Baxters! I miss them already and would love to follow their stories further. This book continued the series' strong themes of redemption and forgiveness, both things we could all use more of. Great story. Great family. Great author. Just too much repetition for avid fans.

This is the 14th book that Karen Kingsbury has written in which have the Baxter clan in them. I suggest starting with the first novel reading them all. If I could title this book any other name it would be Forgiveness. Kari has to deal with forgiving someone from her past and helping that person heal. To fully understand Kari's story you have to start reading from the beginning although Karen does offer a Cliff notes version of what happened. Also, Luke and Reagon have to deal with forgiving her other from the incident that started all their problems.

There are some nice unexpected surprises that happen to one of the Baxter siblings at the end of the book. Often I am tempted to flip to the back of the book and read the last few pages. Don't do that. It will ruin the twists and surprises. You will not regret reading this book. I am thrilled to hear that this is not the last we will hear from the Baxters. She is writing a new series of books about a different family who will be moving to Bloomington, the town where the Baxters live which means we will get updates on what is happening in thier lives. You won't regret reading this novel if you have come to love the Baxters like they were real people.

Sunset by Karen Kingsbury is the final book in the Baxter series, tying up ongoing story lines and giving a kick-off for a new series in which the Baxters will be in the background. There are many storylines in this book, but most of them revolve around the family patriarch, John, selling the family home and remarrying. I was thoroughly impressed with how Kingbury manages to give just enough character history to make new readers feel comfortable without overwhelming previous readers. I was a new reader to this series, but after reading Sunset, even knowing how everything turns out, I absolutely can't wait to read the rest of the series. Kingsbury puts Christians into tough situations to show how God can work even in the darkest nights. One couple is struggling through adultery, another is facing a possibly dangerous pregnancy, another is still working through past trauma. In each, the love of and for God is shown beautifully. This is a family you want to be part of for life!

Cracking the Parenting Code: 6 Clues to Solving the Mystery of Meeting Your Child's Needs

As an avid reader and author, I don't know how Karen does it...but she does it again. I love this story and am so sad that this series is ending. Good for Karen flowing in her gift of writing. Isn't God good?

"The power of a family's love and the healing miracle of redemption." This quote, found on the cover of the book, perfectly describes the wonderful series about the Baxter family. Sunset, is the last book in this Karen Kingsbury's must read series. She has written this book in such a way that you think the Baxter's are a real family and she has written their stories just for you.

A couple tore apart by betrayal. A family dealing with health issues. A widower getting married and dealing with the merging of families. This fictional Baxter family could be anyone's family. The author describes each issue in a way that helps you understand that the Lord is your answer in all your difficulties. You will also see how a family should help instead of hinder each other in their spiritual growth.

If you have read the other books in the series you will love how Sunset brings all the stories to a close. You are left knowing that each member is moving on with their lives and happy.

If you have not read any of the other books you can still enjoy the stories. Just don't be surprised when you put this book down and rush off to find the first book in the series that started it all, Redemption.

First of all, all of Karen kingsbury books are amazing. I have almost every single one, they move me to tears and really touch me. Her books are for so many audiences, I'm 21 and in college and am hooked. I even got my fiance reading her stories!

I was bittersweet about Sunset. Devastated to have the series end, but also happy at the way things turned out for all the characters. This book ties up all the loose hands in a great way. I was happy at how the ending turned out for each and every one of the characters I've come to know and love. They all got an ending they deserved.

This books takes a close look at marriage as well in many aspects. I enjoyed the focus on Luke and Regean's relationship and deteriorating marriage because it's so true of what happens today in society. When we do handle things right away and let things build up and grow inside of us...it's bound to catch up. For Luke and Reagan it does, but thankfully everything works out for them. As a college student who reads I felt I could relate to them.

Anyway, Sunset is a great ending to the series. I finished it in a day. I only hope that Kingsbury will further explore Cody and Bailey's possible relationship.

- also, what happened with Ashley was predictable. But i was still happy.

With the support of their faith and family, Sunset details the trails and tribulations of a family who has lost their mother/wife. With a heavy heart John Baxter realizes that he must sell the family home. The home where with his wife they raised their children and had many happy memories. John asks each of his children if they would like to buy the house but they all decline the offer for various reasons. I don't want to say too much and give away any parts of the story. But I will say that there are a lot of twists and turns in the story to keep it interesting.
My regret is that this is the first book of the Baxter family series that I have read. Now I need to go back to the very first story. I look forward to it.

Dayne and Katy Matthews leave the bright lights of Hollywood to begin anew their life in Bloomington, Indiana where they plan to raise a family and to run the local Christian Kid's Theater; their first production is coming soon. While Cody Coleman fights in Iraq, Bailey Flanagan tries out for a role at the CKT while struggling with her feelings for the deployed soldier.

The family patriarch widower John Baxter and Elaine Denning are getting married. He knows he must sell the family home that ahs meant so much to everyone. However as endings occur with new beginnings, faith, love and friendship guide everyone through the dramatic upheavals of radical change.

As with the previous books in the Baxter family saga (see SOMEDAY, SUMMER and SUNRISE), redemption and faith are recurring themes inside an engaging character driven tale. The Baxters are moving on but it is not easy to leave behind the evidence of their memories though they each know the time is right to do so. Sub-genre fans will want to read Karen Kingsbury's Baxter family tales as love and faith are powerful twin engines in the hands of this superb author.

Harriet Klausner

I LOVED THIS BOOK. At times i got so into this book i felt like i was part of it. This family goes through so much, but they always keep their faith in God.Great book!!!

I recvd this book right on time. I am very pleased with the condition of the book. There showed no trace of wear.