Step into the heartfelt world of Above the Line, where dreams of filmmaking collide with faith, love, and the gritty realities of Hollywood! Karen Kingsbury’s beloved series, a spinoff of her iconic Baxter Family saga, follows two aspiring producers chasing their vision to create movies that change lives. With its blend of inspiration, drama, and relatable characters, Above the Line captures the essence of staying true to your values in a high-stakes world.
Kingsbury, dubbed the 'Queen of Christian Fiction' by Time Magazine, weaves a narrative that’s both uplifting and authentic, making this series a must-read for fans of inspirational fiction. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime Baxter fan, Above the Line offers a captivating journey that’s hard to put down.
How Above the Line Began
Karen Kingsbury, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, launched Above the Line in 2009 as a fresh chapter in her Baxter Family universe. Inspired by her own faith and passion for storytelling, Kingsbury crafted a series that explores the power of film to spread hope. The idea sprouted from her desire to show how ordinary people, guided by faith, can achieve extraordinary things, even in the cutthroat world of Hollywood. With over 25 million books in print, Kingsbury’s shift from crime fiction to inspirational stories resonated deeply, and Above the Line became a standout in her prolific career.
The Heart of Above the Line
The series spans four novels: Take One, Take Two, Take Three, and Take Four. In Take One, filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison leave the mission fields of Indonesia to pursue their dream of producing faith-based movies in Hollywood. Their journey is fraught with challenges, from financial risks to personal sacrifices. Take Two sees them navigating Hollywood’s allure as their first film gains traction, but Chase’s marriage strains under the pressure. Take Three introduces a crisis for Keith’s daughter, Andi, whose quest for stardom leads to devastating choices. Finally, Take Four brings resolution as the producers act as missionaries to save their film and a young star’s reputation.
Above the Line shines through its themes of faith, integrity, and redemption. Kingsbury’s characters grapple with real-world issues—ambition, family struggles, and moral dilemmas—while leaning on their Christian values. Set against the glamorous yet challenging backdrop of Hollywood, the series blends heartwarming romance with high-stakes drama, making it both relatable and inspiring. Kingsbury’s signature style, rich with scripture and emotional depth, creates a narrative that feels like a warm hug and a bold challenge to live purposefully.
Why Above the Line Resonates
Above the Line has touched countless readers with its message of hope and perseverance. As part of the Baxter Family saga, it’s found a devoted audience among Christian fiction fans, with many praising its authentic characters and uplifting themes. The series’ focus on using art to spread faith has inspired readers to reflect on their own callings. Its emotional storytelling and connection to the broader Baxter universe have cemented its place as a beloved chapter in Kingsbury’s legacy, with fans eagerly awaiting its TV adaptations.
- Publication Years: 2009–2010
- Number of Books: 4
- Awards: Take One was a Christian Retailing’s Best (Women’s Fiction) Finalist in 2006.
Grab Take One and dive into Above the Line’s inspiring world of faith, film, and second chances!