Step into the heartwarming world of the Baxter Family, where faith, love, and resilience weave a tapestry of unforgettable stories! Created by Christian fiction powerhouse Karen Kingsbury, the Baxter Family series follows John and Elizabeth Baxter and their five adult children as they navigate life’s joys and challenges in Bloomington, Indiana. With over 25 million copies sold, this saga has become a beacon of hope for readers seeking stories that uplift and inspire.
Kingsbury’s blend of relatable characters, emotional depth, and Christian values makes the series a standout in contemporary Christian fiction. Whether you’re drawn to tales of redemption or family bonds, the Baxters invite you to laugh, cry, and believe in second chances.
How the Baxter Family Began
Karen Kingsbury, a former journalist turned novelist, birthed the Baxter Family in 2002 with Redemption, the first book in the series. Inspired by her desire to craft 'life-changing fiction,' she envisioned a sprawling family saga that mirrored real-world struggles through a lens of faith. On a cross-country flight, the Baxters came to life in her mind—complete with names, backstories, and personalities. Kingsbury’s goal was to reach beyond Christian readers, creating universal stories of love and loss that resonate with all.
With her journalism-honed storytelling skills, Kingsbury crafted a series that grips readers from the first page. Her partnership with relationship expert Gary Smalley for the Redemption series added psychological depth, making the Baxters’ journey both authentic and transformative.
The Heart of the Baxter Family
The Baxter Family series spans multiple sub-series, including Redemption, Firstborn, Sunrise, Above the Line, Bailey Flanigan, and standalone novels. Redemption introduces Kari Baxter Jacobs, who faces her husband’s infidelity but chooses love and forgiveness, showcasing the series’ core theme of redemption. Remember follows Ashley Baxter as she opens her heart amidst the tragedy of September 11, highlighting themes of honoring others. Love Story, a prequel, traces John and Elizabeth’s enduring romance, proving love’s generational impact. A Baxter Family Christmas brings the family together to heal from loss, blending grief with hope.
Set in the charming small town of Bloomington, Indiana, the series explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and family unity. Kingsbury’s conversational style and knack for cliffhanger chapters keep readers hooked, while her inclusion of tough topics—infidelity, loss, and doubt—grounds the stories in reality. Each book stands alone but builds a richer saga when read in order, offering a cozy yet profound reading experience.
Why the Baxter Family Resonates
The Baxter Family series has left an indelible mark on Christian fiction, selling over 25 million copies and inspiring a Prime Video TV adaptation that premiered in March 2024. Fans praise Kingsbury’s ability to make the Baxters feel like family, with characters whose struggles mirror their own. The series’ emphasis on faith as a source of strength has touched readers worldwide, fostering hope and encouraging spiritual reflection.
Its expansion into children’s books and a TV series underscores its cultural impact, proving the Baxters’ universal appeal. By addressing real-life issues with grace, Kingsbury has redefined Christian fiction, making it accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.
- First Book Published: 2002 (Redemption)
- Number of Books: Over 28 across multiple sub-series
- TV Adaptation: Premiered on Prime Video, March 2024
- Awards: Christian Retailing’s 2005 Retailer’s Choice Award for Redemption series
Grab Redemption and dive into the Baxter Family’s world of faith and love! Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, these stories will leave fingerprints on your heart.