Love Story: A Novel

Love Story by Karen Kingsbury held my heart as I reunited with the Baxter Family and learned about the not so perfect John and Elizabeth Baxter.Cole has a heritage project for school and wants to talk to his grandfather, John Baxter. As you can imagine there are mixed emotions in the family as John will have to relive his life with Elizabeth Baxter. Since John is remarried, this creates an even more awkward situation for him.I absolutely loved the concept for this story. I thought the class project was a brilliant and interesting way for the story to play out. In what could be a long drawn out family history lesson-turned into a trip to the past where I was standing and watching a love story blossom.Through Cole’s project, we learn how John and Elizabeth met and their relationship. Many times we can view John as a picture perfect individual who seems to do what is right, but in this story, we get to see a different side of him.I love how beautifully Karen wove together this story with tenderness, hurt, sorrow, forgiveness, and love.It was fun to reconnect with the Baxters, a family so many readers have come to know and love. While the story focused a lot on John and Elizabeth, we were able to connect with other members in the family as well.This story inspired me to take a look at my own heritage, which is something I had been considering doing for a while.This was truly a story only Karen Kingsbury could write. One that drew me in, took me back in time, and melted my heart all at the same time.

As I've started studying the Bible and becoming more interested in learning what it has to say, I also wanted to explore the religious fiction genre. I had heard of Karen Kingsbury but never read anything so I looked for a good title to start with. Love Story just came out and I am always a fan of a good love story so I figured this would be the perfect place for me to start!Love Story is part of Karen Kingsbury's Baxter Family series but you don't have to read the other Baxter family books to follow this one. I haven't yet read them and I was mostly able to follow the family stories. The beginning of the book offers an introduction to all of the characters which is great if you aren't familiar with the family. Love Story follows multiple love stories and all tie into the Baxters. Cole Blake is a high school student who is doing a school project on his family history. He asks his mother, Ashley (nee Baxter) to accompany him when he asks his grandfather, John Baxter, to share his love story. Over the next four weeks, Cole and Ashley sit and listen to John as he reveals the beginning of his love story and the power of love, family, and friendship. The entire family ends up learning about how their family started as well as more about themselves.Though a good part of Love Story focuses directly on John and his first wife, Elizabeth's, story, there are other love stories weaved in. We hear about Cody Coleman and Andi Ellison as well as Bailey and Brandon Paul. Everyone knows the Baxters in some way and it's beautiful to see how their stories are tied together.I finished this book last night and loved it! I enjoyed the love stories, along with all of the emotions the characters experience. If a book is well-written, I often feel what the characters feel and I definitely felt them while reading this book. I felt the love, sadness, joy, and heartache because Karen Kingsbury wrote this book so well! I even cried toward the end because I loved it that much. Perhaps one of the things I enjoyed the most was seeing how all of the characters talk to God, pray, asking Him for guidance, and read the Bible. Some of the characters even turn their lives around because of the presence of God and signs He shows them and that made me enjoy this book even more.Love Story was my first Karen Kingsbury book and I'm already reading another one! You definitely don't have to have read the other Baxter family books to read this one because an overview of the characters helps you get to know them. Still, I will be reading more of her books and am looking forward to the second book in this series! I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy love stories where the characters are religious and talk to God daily!

Such a touching and inspiring story. Even though it is John and Elizabeth's love story, the book is so much more than that. It provides stories from many of the characters from all the Baxter family books. Loved how even though its been a while since we had a new book about this family its like things pick up close to where the previous series ended plus even if you haven't read any of the series it gives enough back story to completely follow the story. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

I just finished Love Story . I loved the book . I do not want to give away the story because so many of you are reading the book . There are like 25 books in the Baxter series but you can start with Love Story and learn about the family . I do suggest reading the series because each book is special .The books are not romance novels so do not let Love Story make you think all the books are . The books are about love , family , and faith in God . I 'm sad because I finished the book but happy there will be a new book in the Baxter family series that comes out in Aug . Enjoy reading my friends . Yes, I laughed , smiled , and cried reading this book. Another masterpiece for Karen Kingsbury.

I have read all the Baxter Family books leading up to this. They hold a special place in my heart...almost like real people. It has been a very long time since we've gotten to visit with Elizabeth, and I loved that this book returns to John and Elizabeth's love story. I also loved Cody and Andi's story. A bit of a roller coaster getting there, but I think they grew and developed as believers along the way. I even enjoyed revisiting Landon and Ashley's love story...though we are reminded of their story in just about every book. I can't wait until the next book about the Baxters comes out.

This book has been the best ever edition to the Baxter family stories. The love story of John and Elizabeth being the foundation of the whole family. The most amazing thing in the story is the testimony of the vet. The way he shared his faith never knowing if it was taken to heart or not. Conviction set in ad I thought of how much more I need to share my faith. Because you never know what difference that could make to so many. Thank you for this most enjoyable book.

This book brings the whole Baxter family series together and includes a retrospective story sharing of John and Elizabeth's beautiful brave relationship. There is beauty from tragedy and faith built in several lives from one act of kindness and opportunity to share Jesus with another taken.A must read for Baxter fans but it will stand alone too.

I'm writing this review with tears running down my cheeks. There are several emotional stories weaving their way through this book and I enjoyed them all. Brilliant read.

Loved how this book involved the Baxter family again. John and Elizabeth’s love story was just beautiful and displayed God’s love and grace.

So lovely to hear the story of John and his first wife as well as catching up with some members of the Baxter family. Very compelling, found it hard to put the book down.

Lovely to read about the Baxter family again.

Brilliant book unable to put it down, wonderful story.

Enjoyed reading this as I always do, really helped to complete the series

Another brilliant Baxter family book by Karen. Had me in tears at points! Cannot wait for another!

Amazing.

Ich hatte das Buch im Null-Komma-nichts fertig. Hat mich gefesselt und ich war nicht enttäuscht. Ich war erst etwas skeptisch dass das Buch nur ein Thema hat, aber es wurde, wie in den anderen Büchern, die Geschichten mehrere Charaktere dargestellt.

As always, this book had me in tears in public reading it, as all Karen’s books usually do. The Love story of John and Elizabeth was just beautiful, as was Cody and Andy’s story woven throughout the book. It’s always like meeting old family when I read about the Baxters, I have missed them so much and this did not disappoint!!

Karen Kingsbury is always getting to the heart of the matter and doesn't disappoint!

Another easy to read Karen Kingsbury novel - I've read most of the Baxter Family novels so enjoyed this prequel that also tied up some loose ends of other characters. I read this over a weekend - something I rarely do with an e-book!

So good. Loved the laughter and tears that came with this book. What an amazing family.