Customer Reviews

Take Two (Above the Line Series #2)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those who haven't read Karen Kingsbury before, this book follows on from the Redemption series (5 books), the Firstborn series (5 books) and the Sunrise series (4 books). Don't worry - you can still enjoy this without reading all the others. This offering will most appeal to those who have read Take One (first in the Above the Line series), as it follows directly on from that without covering a lot of the back story (Amazon buyers may like to order both, or to re-read Take One while they are waiting for Take Two to arrive).

So, what's happening? Missionaries-turned-film producers Keith and Chase have returned to LA to edit their film, but face professional and personal challenges as they try to get it ready in time for some prestigous film festivals, and work towards a theatrical release (rather than the less desirable straight-to-DVD). Meanwhile, they are also negotiating the production of their second film, based on a best-selling novel with Christian themes (ring any bells, anyone?).

Kelly is finding Chase's continuing absences from home to be difficult, as she struggles to run a household and look after two small children with no money and a husband who doesn't understand. Keith's family is managing better - their daughter, Andi, is at college in Bloomington, but Andi is facing her own challenges away from the Indonesian jungle where she grew up. She is rooming with Bailey Flanigan, and both girls want acting careers, as does Bailey's boyfriend, Tim. All three are involved in a campus musical, and have the opportunity to decide what they are prepared to do - or give up - to pursue their dreams.

I've no doubt this will be popular with Karen's many fans. I enjoyed it more than Take One (because it had more on the Bailey/Tim/Cody sub-plot which I have been watching since Cody left Bloomington). Take Two is typical Kingsbury, with enough predictability around the characters and their reactions to keep me happy, but enough suprises in the plot to keep it interesting. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Anytime Karen Kingsbury realeases a new book, I set aside whatever other novel I am reading, and start reading her new book. Take Two was a wondereful installment for the series. I am loving reading about Cody and Bailey's relationship, and anxiously awaiting the day they finally get together. I also really like Andi Ellison, and while what happens with her in this book is heart-wretching, I know in the end Karen will redeem her, and that's something else I cannot wait to read. My only, very minor, complaint is there wasn't enough of the Baxter family in this one.

Let me start by saying I love Karen Kingsbury and I have read/listened to at least 90% of her work...

With that, I love where this series is going, but I have to say, I'm not loving how the BIG story seems to be just cut and is ended in odd places. It's like there is this really long story and it has be forced to find a stopping point. "Above The Line - Take One," had an okay "ending," but "Above The Line - Take Two," just stops... I was left pretty disappointed. There is a difference between being left with wanting more and feeling like there was a mistake. I felt like I had missed a whole other chapter or portion. I'm sure once the series is complete I'll be left with a wonderful story. This book is not a stand alone and you will most likely be left saying, "what," after this book. Now having to wait 7 months until the next is released.... Not sure this series was handled the best.

I loved this book even better then Take One. I love Cody and Bailey..and I was cheering for them the whole way through. I really liked how the story was about Kelly, Chase's wife and all about her struggles. In the end, she became closer to God. I can't wait for Take Three. Each one just gets better and better!!

Another wonderful book by Karen Kingsbury. Let me say first that I have read almost everything Karen Kingsbury has written. She is by far my favorite author. Besides captivating story lines her books do come with a strong moral message. Sometimes I think the message may come across just a little bit too repetitively, but all in all, I love her work, and this book was no exception. (If there are any weaknesses in Karen's writing style, I have found them to be easily overlooked in favor of the interesting characters and story lines.) Enjoyed following up on all the characters and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. Some fiction works I have difficulty jumping into, but this is never the case with a Kingsbury book. Sure wish she could write 'em as fast as we can read 'em!

I am completely head over heels in love with this series. I can hardly wait until the next book comes out in March! I love this series because I feel the storyline is so relevant to a lot of what's going on today. I love Chase and Keith's storyline, Bailey and Cody's, and Andi's story as well. I love that this book is able to connect with people on all different levels and in various age groups. I'm in my 20s and absolutely love this series.

First of all, Cody and Bailey's story is just so moving. They are both in love with each other and are slowly finding their way to each other (which can be painful at times - Bailey break up with Tim already!). I just love to see God writing their love story. It's so true to life how you can be with a person who seems to have everything, yet is simply NOT the one. That is what Tim is to Bailey - a great guy who is simply not the RIGHT guy for her. I can't wait until Cody and her finally get together.

Secondly, Keith and Chase's storyline is really powerful as well. They are struggling to shine the light of Christ in a world that is covered in darkness and specifically an industry that is swarmed in darkness as well. Yet the push on as God continues to open and close doors for them. I can't wait to see the end result.

Andi's story resonates with me as well. Though I never went through the things Andi went through, I have seen many Andi's during my college careers. Girls who start out serving the Lord but start out compromising very slowly, until finally the sin consumes them as they refuse to break away from it. Andi's storyline is heartbreaking, because she literally starts out questioning here and there..but then full fledge gives herself away. And for what? Someone who will take a piece of her and move on to the next girl? My heart broke reading this part of the book. I truly hope, and believe, that Andi will find hope and fullfillment in Christ by the end of the series.

In the end, the series is one that anyone can read and make a connection with in some way. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out.

The second book in this series which continues the story that started with the Redemption series. What is great about Karen Kingsbury's books is that each book can be read on it's own, but it is better to read the series in order. You won't be disappointed if you read this series about Christians making an impact on "Hollywood"-the movie industry.

I've completed this entire series now, and this is book two of the "Above the Line" series. The story line follows two producers who are trying to make a difference in Hollywood with the movies they produce.

One of my favorites in this one is the struggle of defining priorities and staying true to yourself. It does give one pause to think about how those very topics apply to our own lives.

I'm a new fan of Karen Kingsbury and believe her books are great reads and thought provoking as the topics relate to our lives. In the past few months, I've read over 20 of her books and find myself constantly looking for more.

This is a great series. I recommend any book by Karen Kingsbury to those looking for inspiration and clean wholesome reading.

I love stories that show the institution of marriage standing strong against the storms of temptation, work and culture. What's amazing about this story is that Chase deftly dodges temptation in book 1 of the series, but in book 2 finds himself drawn to a fellow Christian - the lovely and engaging Kendall Adams never means to step in the way of an ordained marriage, but Chase's wife is mired in depression, and distance grows. The glowing message of marriage, despite the odds, being a covenant, not just a loosely entered into contract, is amazing, and the way Karen handles the topic is right on point. I love Kendall, and I love Chase, and their resolution is satisfying in a tender and bittersweet way. :-) I wish there were more stories like this one. I'd give it a ten if I could!!!!!