Monday, November 28, 2016

A Baxter Family Christmas

GIVEAWAY

KINGSBURY, KAREN
A BAXTER FAMILY CHRISTMAS

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes A Baster Family Christmas, the first in a new series, combining the charm and holiday ambiance of The Bridge with the familiar members of fan-favourite family, the Baxters.

Two sorrowful years have passed since the terrible car accident that took the life of John Baxter's daughter, Erin, along with her husband and three of her four daughters. But this year John has invited a stranger for dinner -- Kendra Bryant, the transplant recipient who now has Erin's heart.

In light of her father's idea, Ashley and her brother Luke don't think it's right. They want to protect their ten-year-old niece, Amy -- the only surviving member of the accident. But John is determined and believes meeting this woman is something his deceased daughter would want.

At the same time, Maddie West, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Brooke Baxter West, is praying for meaning this Christmas. Could she find it in a newfound friendship with a boy she never expected to see again? Maddie believes in miracles, especially at Christmastime, but this is a stretch even she can't imagine.

Meanwhile, Kendra Bryant has been struggling these past few years to find meaning in the tragedy that gave her a second chance. She believes this invitation to see the Baxters and witness their unwavering faith in God can instill hope and happiness back into her life.

Heartwarming and touching, filled with love and hope, A Baxter Family Christmas brings together two families in the aftermath of tragedy and in the midst of an unfolding love story, all with the help of one very special child.

My Review:

Five Kleenex and multiple goosebump alert! And I haven't read any of the other Baster Family series, so if you have you'll be even more emotional than I was. This is actually the 24th Baxter book but the author kindly provides a 'who's who' list at the beginning of the book so us newcomers can keep things straight. And it did work well as a standalone Christmas story, with all the spiritual elements of the season and celebration of family and faith. In fact, that's something that really impressed me. Kingsbury doesn't hold back when it comes to faith and prayer and families who are striving to live a Christian life.

The story is told from multiple points of view and carries the reader through a tumultuous time during the heart of the holiday season. It's the kind of book I'd like to see come alive in movie format. It makes that kind of an impact. And good news for Baxter Family fans because this series is being made into a TV series, according to the author's notes. Plus she's committed to continuing the series with more books about the Baxter's adult children as well as their grandchildren.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Baxter Family Christmas please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 4 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

48 comments:

  1. What a book! This sounds like one not to be missed. Thank you for your wonderful review, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. I really enjoyed it, Melanie. And I got an audio version from my public library which was a real treat to listen to. Good luck.

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  2. I am a sucker for a beautiful Christmas cover. And this one sounds like a winner. Thank you for your terrific review, Kav! I look forward to reading it!

    Cnnamongirl@aol.com

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    1. Doesn't that cover just scream Christmas? I want to live in that house! Good luck, Deanne.

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  3. This book will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit! Awesome review, Kav!
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. It really put me in the Christmas spirit. Good luck, Caryl.

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  4. I love your review, and I would love to read this book! Thanks so much for sharing, Kav!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  5. Just stopping by....I've read it (from library) and loved it....as I did all of Karen's books!! Your review is great, Kav.
    Your winner will be thrilled!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and say 'hey', Jackie.

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  6. I always enjoy Karen's books and this one is perfect for a snowy day in December. I can't wait to read it. Thanks, Kav.
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. I haven't read that many of her books but I am enjoying her angel series. Good luck, Diane.

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  7. Loved this series. TY for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. If you've read the whole series you really will be thrilled with this Christmas story. Good luck, Lucy.

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  8. I've read parts of the series and loved each book. Thanks for the giveaway.

    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. I don't think I have a hope of catching up but she's starting fresh again so I'll try to keep up from now on. Good luck, Mindy.

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  9. I haven't read any of this series but this story is calling my name! Wow, I did read an excerpt of this book and I sure didn't want it to end. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  10. I think I must be the only person on the planet who hasn't read Karen Kingsbury. This one sounds like a good place to start. Thanks so much for the great review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. That was me until I got the opportunity to review the first book in her angel series. LOL It's Good luck, Pam.

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  11. I've not kept up on the Baxter family for a long time, though I have read the first few books she put out years ago. I know she also made a couple of her other books into Hallmark movies (The Bridge and A December Bride), the latter I just watched while I was visiting my sister-in-law for Thanksgiving. A very good one!! Now I want to read the book to see how it stacks up to the movie :-) (or vise versa)

    I have this book coming to me (soon I hope). There's been so many books after all the ones I've read, it will be interesting to see if I remember any of the characters...lol!

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    1. I saw The Bridge last year and was ticked off that they left it hanging for a whole year. Just saw the conclusion a few months ago and I am happier now. They really should have aired the two back to back first time round.

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  12. I have never read a Karen Kingsbury book but have heard they are wonderful. What better way to start reading her books than to win a Christmas one, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Definitely a great place to start. Good luck, Wendy.

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  13. Love a good christmas story.cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I love the Baxter Family they are like my family, though I haven't kept up with them. Another awesome review, Kav and I'd love to win! Thanks for the chance.

    mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

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  15. Oh, I love the Baxters! Karen always writes amazing stories.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  16. I have not read the Baxter series either, but I do love a good Karen Kingsbury book! She has some awesome ones out there. What a gorgeous Christmas cover. amylsmith AT bledsoe DOT net

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    1. She's a writing legend, I think. Good luck, Aimee.

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  17. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the opportunity
    marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  18. Our church library readers love books about Christmas and especially ones by Karen Kingsbury. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Ohh! I'd love to be entered. My mom LOVED this family and their series' and I'm sure she'd love this one!
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. I'm sure she would too. Good luck, Nicole.

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  20. I had no idea there were 24 books in this series. Wow! Sounds like it's perfect for the upcoming TV show.
    Dianna

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    1. And exciting that it will be a Christian themed tv show. Hope we get it up here in Canada. Good luck, Dianna.

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  21. Oh she is good. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. I haven't read any of the Baxter Family books either, but I'm looking forward to this one. And I'll be checking out the Baxter Family TV series.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  23. Sounds like a great book! I'm also new to the Baxter's :D And I heard about the TV series, I'm looking forward to it and hope it will be good!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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  24. I would Love to read this book. I love Christmas books. Thanks so much for the chances to win. iamabho (at) gmail (.) com

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