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Redemption #3
Return
The Redemption series won "Christian Retailing"’s 2005 Retailer’s Choice Award for Best Series! This touching novel reunites readers with the Baxter family and focuses on the only Baxter son, Luke. He is determined to leave his faith and his past behind and embrace a new, free-thinking future. But what he doesn’t realize is that his past holds a secret even he doesn’t know. When Luke finds out, his comfortable new life is turned upside down, and he must turn back to his roots.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
692 people are currently reading
5356 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
236 books11.6k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
March 22, 2010
So far this is definitely the weak link in the Redemption Series. I don't really expect much of this series other than to entertain, give me some sighable romantic moments and perhaps teach a few thought-worthy christian principles. The first two delivered as promised. However, the resolution in Return was just a little too quick and pat for me. Towards the end of the book every conversation was one that the characters had already had at least two or three times before. And I really couldn't get past a particularly annoying product placement reference. Were Kingsbury and Smalley getting some travel perks from priceline.com? If not, they should have to make up for the lameness of the reference.
January 11, 2009
I read this book in one day. I really love this series! The Baxter family is just wonderful.
October 11, 2023
Goodness, I feel like as this series goes on that it just keeps getting better and better. I feel like I'm watching a TV drama and I'm so totally invested in each member of this family. New reveals and revelations(one that I totally guessed) have me so intrigued as to what is going to happen next. I can't wait to find out!
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April 25, 2021Mhmm, this was a surprise . . . It was all right but felt slightly like one of the Firstborn books, like the Firstborn book was a repeat of Return. The plot was different enough that it wasn’t a complete copy but too much duo for my taste. Disappointing really, but still somewhat enjoyable. While it was repetitive it was still a nice read through murder the best in the series. Luke’s mistakes were cliche to me and I wish that the author hasn’t made them what they were but that may just be me.
The writing was a little weak and some parts could have been reworked to be stronger in all it was a timid book. Lukewarm between good and bad.
The writing was a little weak and some parts could have been reworked to be stronger in all it was a timid book. Lukewarm between good and bad.
August 8, 2021
~ Audiobook Review ~
I feel like I really began to get into this series about mid way through this book (which is also the middle of the series) it was when Ashley goes to New York that I felt the book shifts and I began getting more hooked on the story. Definitely excited for what is to come!
Characters: I think this book is meant to focus on Reagan and Luke but Ashley also has a large storyline. The parents and other siblings are also main characters in the story and all have developing storylines.
Series: This is book 3 in the redemption series and is definitely written to be read in order, I’d definitely suggest reading at least book 2 remember first, but Karen does a good job at filling in the main details that you can read it without reading previous books.
Content: Strong Christian content; one character has lots of doubt about God being real; lots of arguments given in the book against God’s existence; rejecting God and living a worldly lifestyle; living with non-Christian girlfriend; single parenting; HIV Aids; Christian characters have personal relationships with God; God speaks to characters;
Book recommendations: Other books with Luke as the main storyline: In This Moment
For more on Ashley’s Story: Forgiving Paris
Audio Performance: 8/10
In this Abridged version Sandra gives a fully voiced performance (meaning each character is given a unique sounding voice) she reads nicely and was relaxing to listen to.
The final chapter felt like the abridged version had cut out some details to explain why the characters reacted the way they did, but it was only a slight feeling, maybe I wasn’t missing anything.
Author: Karen Kingsbury & Gary Smalley
Narrator: Sandra Burr
Length: 4hrs (Abridged)
Book Published: 1-Sep-2003
Audio Released: 20-Oct-2005
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Platform: christianaudio.com
I feel like I really began to get into this series about mid way through this book (which is also the middle of the series) it was when Ashley goes to New York that I felt the book shifts and I began getting more hooked on the story. Definitely excited for what is to come!
Characters: I think this book is meant to focus on Reagan and Luke but Ashley also has a large storyline. The parents and other siblings are also main characters in the story and all have developing storylines.
Series: This is book 3 in the redemption series and is definitely written to be read in order, I’d definitely suggest reading at least book 2 remember first, but Karen does a good job at filling in the main details that you can read it without reading previous books.
Content: Strong Christian content; one character has lots of doubt about God being real; lots of arguments given in the book against God’s existence; rejecting God and living a worldly lifestyle; living with non-Christian girlfriend; single parenting; HIV Aids; Christian characters have personal relationships with God; God speaks to characters;
Book recommendations: Other books with Luke as the main storyline: In This Moment
For more on Ashley’s Story: Forgiving Paris
Audio Performance: 8/10
In this Abridged version Sandra gives a fully voiced performance (meaning each character is given a unique sounding voice) she reads nicely and was relaxing to listen to.
The final chapter felt like the abridged version had cut out some details to explain why the characters reacted the way they did, but it was only a slight feeling, maybe I wasn’t missing anything.
Author: Karen Kingsbury & Gary Smalley
Narrator: Sandra Burr
Length: 4hrs (Abridged)
Book Published: 1-Sep-2003
Audio Released: 20-Oct-2005
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Platform: christianaudio.com
August 12, 2009
One reason I don't read serial novels (or watch the show "Lost") is that as they progress, the plots become increasingly convoluted in order to keep the reader engaged in the story and turning the pages. So I'm not going to read the other two books in this series because the events and circumstances that take place in this family are looking less like every-day life. Where the first book began with one uncomplicated yet heartbreaking plot twist, this book leaves off with a number of inexplicable open ends. And despite their flaws, the characters are still too perfect--especially the men (Ryan Taylor, Landon Blake). They are like fairy-tale princes. They are always there to say the right thing, never use irony or sarcasm, and even remember to put coasters down under their water glasses. Kingsbury's prose becomes a little lazy by this book, too. She relies too heavily upon cliches and dead phrases such as "a piece of her heart was missing," "his thoughts swirled around him like a whirlwind," etc. I feel a bit like that kid in the Princess Bride ("Woah, woah, woah--is this a kissing book?") because of all the descriptions of Landon's kisses and how filled they are with passion, longing, tenderness, love, trust. Blegh. Stop now, please.
So why give it four stars? Because it is a page-turner, and I appreciate what Kingsbury is trying to do. She wants to show God's faithfulness in peoples' lives. I would have preferred a single novel, however, a smaller story that revolved around a few people and showed them with greater depth instead of a large web of characters whose lives intersect in increasingly ridiculous ways.
So why give it four stars? Because it is a page-turner, and I appreciate what Kingsbury is trying to do. She wants to show God's faithfulness in peoples' lives. I would have preferred a single novel, however, a smaller story that revolved around a few people and showed them with greater depth instead of a large web of characters whose lives intersect in increasingly ridiculous ways.
November 18, 2018
I keep giving the series a chance for it’s “clean” “Christian” Fiction. The writing does not improve. Cari said before that Tim completely had her heart (and that is why she was why she wasn’t leaving him after he cheated on her for her “first”, and new-found love, Ryan Taylor). Now, in her wedding vows to Ryan, after Tim’s tragic death in a previous book, she says she’s always, and only truly loved Ryan. Sorry, is this a daytime soap opera?
The character, Luke’s, story isn’t much better. Neither is Ashley’s. Time for more fiction like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
The character, Luke’s, story isn’t much better. Neither is Ashley’s. Time for more fiction like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
The storyline with Ashley took a major turn I was not expecting. I’m still hoping for some misunderstanding there. I’m not crazy about the cliffhangers with these but I get that she’s trying to get people to read the next book. I’m not crazy about that strategy with authors and publishers. The writing and story alone should bring the reader back. I think Luke’s story of getting involved with humanism and new age ideas, especially on a college campus, is something that is a major problem in higher education. There is a complete and total disregard for God and the things of God. Believers are ostracized and treated as being inferior, ignorant and unenlightened. I’m glad this was part of his story. I’m enjoying the series.
The storyline with Ashley took a major turn I was not expecting. I’m still hoping for some misunderstanding there. I’m not crazy about the cliffhangers with these but I get that she’s trying to get people to read the next book. I’m not crazy about that strategy with authors and publishers. The writing and story alone should bring the reader back. I think Luke’s story of getting involved with humanism and new age ideas, especially on a college campus, is something that is a major problem in higher education. There is a complete and total disregard for God and the things of God. Believers are ostracized and treated as being inferior, ignorant and unenlightened. I’m glad this was part of his story. I’m enjoying the series.
May 12, 2025
Her books always make me cry!
March 12, 2013
This book focuses on Luke, the only boy in the Baxter family. In book #2, Luke was very quick to judge and say when someone was "right" or "wrong." In this novel, 9/11 has happened and has had an affect on everyone. Throughout the book, there is a big "secret" no one is aware of that has caused Luke to question and challenge everything he has ever believed in, including his religion.
-After thinking he has lost Reagan forever, he quickly moves on to another girl and ends up living with her to try to fill the "void" in his life. This is another child that has caused John and Elizabeth to go to their knees in prayer together and pray for his protection and guidance. There is a twist at the end of this story that brings Luke's story full-circle and is easily relatable in many situations in life.
-After thinking he has lost Reagan forever, he quickly moves on to another girl and ends up living with her to try to fill the "void" in his life. This is another child that has caused John and Elizabeth to go to their knees in prayer together and pray for his protection and guidance. There is a twist at the end of this story that brings Luke's story full-circle and is easily relatable in many situations in life.
June 2, 2024
I have read the others in the series before this one and I have truly enjoyed watching the Baxter story unfold. However, this book moved a little more slower for me and I found myself feeling pretty frustrated with Luke. I honestly was baffled how he so easily doubted God and how he jumped into the whole “free thinking” belief system. He just seemed to go so quickly into an opposite way of life. Also, the book seemed to be more focused on Ashley, rather than Luke. I do really enjoy reading about Ashley and Landon’s relationship, but what I don’t like is the constant back and forth. Ashley is pretty much always freaking out about something and Landon is trying to convince her everything is fine and that he still loves her. The cycle is kind of exhausting! I am still looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Genială și asta. Chiar cred că termin seria până la finalul săptămânii. Nota 100.
October 27, 2014
Plot is beginning to head to the "really?" area, but still good enough to finish the last book in the series.
July 28, 2024
I know. I am Late to this series. Lots of reviews have been done. I am, however, greatly enjoying this series and reading them fairly quickly. I will be reading the ongoing sets of the Baxter books in the coming months and I am sure years, as I have other things on my TBR, Book Club books for the library, and the yearly book challenge I do that stretches me to books I would not normally read.
This book concentrates on Luke and Reagan with the rest of the family getting time, as usual, as well. This book takes place just after 9/11. Luke has run from God, with speed, and has jumped full tilt into worldly behavior. Mom and Dad, and siblings, pray mightily for him. He is the prodigal son's brother at the beginning of this series (judging others and following God legalistically) and when he himself falls into sin, he cannot handle it, cannot see a way through WITH God so he ditches everything. So sad. But it happens in many families. We, as parents pray and pray that God will call His wandering children home. I know I am one of them.
Using this book for the The 52 Book Club 2024 Challenge prompt #43 - About finding identity (personally and especially spiritually in this book)
This book concentrates on Luke and Reagan with the rest of the family getting time, as usual, as well. This book takes place just after 9/11. Luke has run from God, with speed, and has jumped full tilt into worldly behavior. Mom and Dad, and siblings, pray mightily for him. He is the prodigal son's brother at the beginning of this series (judging others and following God legalistically) and when he himself falls into sin, he cannot handle it, cannot see a way through WITH God so he ditches everything. So sad. But it happens in many families. We, as parents pray and pray that God will call His wandering children home. I know I am one of them.
Using this book for the The 52 Book Club 2024 Challenge prompt #43 - About finding identity (personally and especially spiritually in this book)
January 11, 2023
About halfway through this series and man was I ready for this book to be over.
Maybe it was the fact that I felt like Ashley's story had overtaken Reagen and Luke's, maybe it was the bittersweetness over Kari and Ryan (I'll admit, I miss Tim and the man he was turning into. And was angry when it was said it was wrong for Kari to marry him. But whatever.) maybe it was that conversations kept being rehashed over and over again until I felt myself skimming the same thing over and over again.
Miscommunication (stupidly) reigns. And don't ever tell anyone in this family a secret because there's no way they'll keep it to themselves.
By the end I was tired, and ready, for a different story. So hopefully the next book will give me a fresher breath of air.
Maybe it was the fact that I felt like Ashley's story had overtaken Reagen and Luke's, maybe it was the bittersweetness over Kari and Ryan (I'll admit, I miss Tim and the man he was turning into. And was angry when it was said it was wrong for Kari to marry him. But whatever.) maybe it was that conversations kept being rehashed over and over again until I felt myself skimming the same thing over and over again.
Miscommunication (stupidly) reigns. And don't ever tell anyone in this family a secret because there's no way they'll keep it to themselves.
By the end I was tired, and ready, for a different story. So hopefully the next book will give me a fresher breath of air.
June 2, 2024
literally one of my favorite books i have ever read. i have fallen in love with the characters even more and i feel like i am legitimately apart of their lives and living in Bloomington Indiana. the hope and love and friendship that is in this book bring me so much happiness. i love seeing stories like the one that Karen Kingsbury has brought to life how God redeems His people and how He works through them. this book had me encouraged and entertained the entire time and for that reason, this book gets a solid 5⭐️🤩
June 14, 2024
This was probably my favorite book so far. I was really excited and just could not stop reading. This book had a lot of twists and turns that weren’t always predictable which just liked. I love the faithfulness of the family and how much love and grace they all have for each other.
March 24, 2021
It's a good book. It gave me some background on the characters and how they became whom they are in the latest book.
July 28, 2022
Another book in this series with lots of real life issues and lots of godly advice. Absolutely love the characters, and this one has an especially sweet ending!💕
October 28, 2023
Love the Baxter family! One of the big “returns” in the book was simply summarized in a couple paragraphs, unfortunately. The ending would have been even better if we got to experience that return in real-time.
October 4, 2024
4,5 stars. I loved this book. This whole series has such a wonderful message - whatever you do, how far away you stray from God, he will always be there waiting for you with open arms. And he will always have a plan for you ❤️
December 22, 2024
it is certainly a good story. Kingsbury continues to do a good job with the theme of returning. the end almost had me in happy tears.
April 21, 2025
A heart warming Christian love story.
August 25, 2025
Lest i praksis
September 1, 2025
This is Luke's story. It's really good. Loving this series!
July 29, 2025
Love this series, as well as all Karen Kingsbury books!
February 17, 2017
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/01/Ret...
A Special Note: Redemption series is Christian Fiction. I am not Christian and I have not read the Bible. So, I am not in a position to agree or disagree with the religious side of the book and my review will be solely focus on this series as a work of fiction and my point of views on the characters/situations as a third person. I do not mean to criticize or applaud any of the religious views presented through the stories.
Luke Baxter is the ‘baby’ of the family. He has been in a relationship with Reagan and though they had decided not to ‘do the deed’ before their wedding night, they end up sleeping together. The next day is 9/11 and as the attack on the twin towers devastates the nation, things get personal for Luke and Reagan. Reagan having ignored her father’s call the previous night realizes that she had missed her chance at the ‘last conversation’ with her dad because the attack had claimed his life. She moves to spend some time with her mother and break her contact with Luke. Luke on the other hand not only loses his love, but unknown to him, Reagan gets pregnant from their night together. Now as Luke questions everything as he knew it, it is up to his family to have patience with him and hope that he would find his way back to them and to God. Ashley’s story continues in this book and reached new heights and lows making her too question a few things. Erin on the other hand has a secret that the family doesn’t know about.
Luke hadn’t really made a good first impression with his appearance in the last novel and I was hoping to see a better version of him in this book. But my, did he test my patience or what?! Well, I am glad he did because I realized one major thing about this series. The author has drawn up some major flawed characters… and that is kind of a good thing because that is what people are in real lives. We are all flawed and we often get on people’s nerves whether we realize it or not. All the characters in this series have some major flaws and that is exactly what makes them human and real. The ‘issues’ that are brought up are also issues that people really face outside the world of fiction. And though the way Ms.Karen resolves the issues and ties-up the loose ends in the plot isn’t something I always agree with, I am happy that she at least tries to address these things. The plot remains constant with each book and so does the author’s riveting story-telling.
Another couple of hours well spent in reading this third installment. I will read the other two novels if I can get my hands on them. I will not be going out of my way to procure them, however.
A Special Note: Redemption series is Christian Fiction. I am not Christian and I have not read the Bible. So, I am not in a position to agree or disagree with the religious side of the book and my review will be solely focus on this series as a work of fiction and my point of views on the characters/situations as a third person. I do not mean to criticize or applaud any of the religious views presented through the stories.
Luke Baxter is the ‘baby’ of the family. He has been in a relationship with Reagan and though they had decided not to ‘do the deed’ before their wedding night, they end up sleeping together. The next day is 9/11 and as the attack on the twin towers devastates the nation, things get personal for Luke and Reagan. Reagan having ignored her father’s call the previous night realizes that she had missed her chance at the ‘last conversation’ with her dad because the attack had claimed his life. She moves to spend some time with her mother and break her contact with Luke. Luke on the other hand not only loses his love, but unknown to him, Reagan gets pregnant from their night together. Now as Luke questions everything as he knew it, it is up to his family to have patience with him and hope that he would find his way back to them and to God. Ashley’s story continues in this book and reached new heights and lows making her too question a few things. Erin on the other hand has a secret that the family doesn’t know about.
Luke hadn’t really made a good first impression with his appearance in the last novel and I was hoping to see a better version of him in this book. But my, did he test my patience or what?! Well, I am glad he did because I realized one major thing about this series. The author has drawn up some major flawed characters… and that is kind of a good thing because that is what people are in real lives. We are all flawed and we often get on people’s nerves whether we realize it or not. All the characters in this series have some major flaws and that is exactly what makes them human and real. The ‘issues’ that are brought up are also issues that people really face outside the world of fiction. And though the way Ms.Karen resolves the issues and ties-up the loose ends in the plot isn’t something I always agree with, I am happy that she at least tries to address these things. The plot remains constant with each book and so does the author’s riveting story-telling.
Another couple of hours well spent in reading this third installment. I will read the other two novels if I can get my hands on them. I will not be going out of my way to procure them, however.
October 25, 2014
Return is the story of Luke Baxter, the youngest of the family and also the only son of John and Elizabeth Baxter. 9/11 truly changed Luke's life forever. Now he's certain that God doesn't even exist, and if He does, He doesn't care. After attending several "free-thinking" meetings based on humanism, Luke decides that there's nothing more to this life than random coincidences.
I really enjoyed this story. Luke Baxter's faith had never been tried by fire before and he firmly believed that if a person was obeying the Lord and doing everything God asks of him, then God will give him everything he wants. What he doesn't understand is that sometimes God says no.
Reagan lost her father in 9/11 and she lives with regret and guilt that she didn't answer her father's phone call the night before. After hearing of Luke's bad decisions, she decides not to tell him that she's pregnant with their son. After nearly losing her life and her baby's, she struggles with deciding whether or not to tell Luke about the baby. I really liked Reagan. Even though she and Luke had made a bad decision and through the pain of losing her father, her faith held strong.
I was really content with the end of this story when Luke realizes that there is a God in heaven and even if he might not completely understand why God allowed 9/11, he realizes that He does care and that there is a last day on earth for everybody.
I really enjoyed this story. Luke Baxter's faith had never been tried by fire before and he firmly believed that if a person was obeying the Lord and doing everything God asks of him, then God will give him everything he wants. What he doesn't understand is that sometimes God says no.
Reagan lost her father in 9/11 and she lives with regret and guilt that she didn't answer her father's phone call the night before. After hearing of Luke's bad decisions, she decides not to tell him that she's pregnant with their son. After nearly losing her life and her baby's, she struggles with deciding whether or not to tell Luke about the baby. I really liked Reagan. Even though she and Luke had made a bad decision and through the pain of losing her father, her faith held strong.
I was really content with the end of this story when Luke realizes that there is a God in heaven and even if he might not completely understand why God allowed 9/11, he realizes that He does care and that there is a last day on earth for everybody.
March 1, 2023
So far, Remember has been my favorite. Return was good....but my heart broke for all the characters.
I feel like this series needs to be called the "Ashley Baxter's Family Series." Don't get me wrong...I love Ashley Baxter and Landon Blake's story. I am excited to read about what happens next for them, but I feel like for a book written about Luke Baxter, it talked more about Ashley than Luke.
Which is fine. I rejoiced over Ashley's victory, and broke over her test results. I won't get into spoilers, but dang. :'( That's just so sad.
Now here are the spoiler alerts. Seriously, if you haven't read the series but plan to, don't read past here, it will ruin a lot of stuff. I love Karen Kingsbury's books, but Luke Baxter's turn back to God seemed very....for lack of a better term, cheesy for me. Agnostic, agnostic, agnostic, oh, I see my kid, yup, God exists. Personally I'm not in the "want-to-be-a-parent" category, so this part was a bit disappointing. I mean, Luke walked into Reagan's apartment determined to remain in his free thinking lifestyle and then the moment he laid eyes on Tommy, suddenly, he was a Believer again. Personally, if I was Luke it would take a whole lot more to convince me that God is real than this, but hey. That's not the case for everyone and it was still a good book regardless. I just felt that Luke's return back to God was more of a side story and a dolphin ending, since the book was supposed to be about him.
But all in all, it was a good book! I did enjoy it and I can't wait to read the next one!
I feel like this series needs to be called the "Ashley Baxter's Family Series." Don't get me wrong...I love Ashley Baxter and Landon Blake's story. I am excited to read about what happens next for them, but I feel like for a book written about Luke Baxter, it talked more about Ashley than Luke.
Which is fine. I rejoiced over Ashley's victory, and broke over her test results. I won't get into spoilers, but dang. :'( That's just so sad.
Now here are the spoiler alerts. Seriously, if you haven't read the series but plan to, don't read past here, it will ruin a lot of stuff. I love Karen Kingsbury's books, but Luke Baxter's turn back to God seemed very....for lack of a better term, cheesy for me. Agnostic, agnostic, agnostic, oh, I see my kid, yup, God exists. Personally I'm not in the "want-to-be-a-parent" category, so this part was a bit disappointing. I mean, Luke walked into Reagan's apartment determined to remain in his free thinking lifestyle and then the moment he laid eyes on Tommy, suddenly, he was a Believer again. Personally, if I was Luke it would take a whole lot more to convince me that God is real than this, but hey. That's not the case for everyone and it was still a good book regardless. I just felt that Luke's return back to God was more of a side story and a dolphin ending, since the book was supposed to be about him.
But all in all, it was a good book! I did enjoy it and I can't wait to read the next one!
July 27, 2009
The baby of the Baxter family, Luke, has left his family and all he has ever believed. Can and will the 'prodigal son' return?
One thing that I found to be 'painted' so clearly in this book was the fact that Luke has become a "free thinker"- think outside the box, do whatever feels right at the moment, if you want to be involved with more than one person at a time that's okay, let go of those 'archaic-religious-strangling' morals that you've been raised with. etc... Luke is adamant that his family should accept the new him and his lifestyle; but, he is totally unaccepting of them. He wants to say whatever he wants, but they are to keep their opinions to themselves. I have seen this in so many situations in life and society. Those who break away from the norm so that they can be 'free and accepting of new ideas', but are in fact very closed-minded toward anyone who doesn't agree with them.
I am very curious now to finish the series. Many changes have come over the various members of the family. The underlying question stays the same, "How strong is our faith when tested?" Is our faith like a deep lake that can withstand rain and drought alike? or is it more like the temporary lake that shows up after a hard rain has overloaded the drain system- and just as quickly disappears after the storm?
One thing that I found to be 'painted' so clearly in this book was the fact that Luke has become a "free thinker"- think outside the box, do whatever feels right at the moment, if you want to be involved with more than one person at a time that's okay, let go of those 'archaic-religious-strangling' morals that you've been raised with. etc... Luke is adamant that his family should accept the new him and his lifestyle; but, he is totally unaccepting of them. He wants to say whatever he wants, but they are to keep their opinions to themselves. I have seen this in so many situations in life and society. Those who break away from the norm so that they can be 'free and accepting of new ideas', but are in fact very closed-minded toward anyone who doesn't agree with them.
I am very curious now to finish the series. Many changes have come over the various members of the family. The underlying question stays the same, "How strong is our faith when tested?" Is our faith like a deep lake that can withstand rain and drought alike? or is it more like the temporary lake that shows up after a hard rain has overloaded the drain system- and just as quickly disappears after the storm?
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