How to Read The Baxter Family Series
Spanning over two decades of publishing and more than thirty novels, Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter Family saga is one of the most beloved franchises in modern Christian fiction. Because the series is split into distinct sub-series, chronological prequels, and standalone books, readers often struggle with where to start. To get the most out of the emotional lives of John and Elizabeth Baxter and their five adult children, you have two primary reading paths: the Chronological Order or the Publication Order.
Path 1: The Chronological Reading Order (Recommended)
If you want to experience the events of the Baxter family’s lives as they unfold in real time, starting with the 2022 prequel is your best bet. Even though it was written much later, it sets up the family dynamics perfectly before the major trials of the original series begin.
- The Baxters: A Prequel (2022) - Introduces the family and sets the stage for the dramas to come.
- Redemption Series (5 books) - The original foundation of the saga.
- Firstborn Series (5 books) - Focuses on the kids finding their own paths.
- Sunrise Series (4 books) - Explores new beginnings and deeper trials.
- Above the Line Series (4 books) - Follows the family's filmmaking pursuits.
- Bailey Flanigan Series (4 books) - Focuses on Bailey's transition to adulthood and career.
- Coming Home (2012) - A crucial family reunion novel that acts as a capstone to the first major era.
- The Recent Baxter Family Collection (2016–present) - A set of subsequent novels that can be read in publication order.
Path 2: The Publication Reading Order
If you prefer to watch Karen Kingsbury's writing and character designs evolve as they did for original fans, start with the 2002 novel Redemption. Reading this way means you will save the prequel, The Baxters, for much later in your journey. Many readers prefer this because the prequel contains nostalgic nods and character contexts that are richer if you already know the family.
The Core Sagas in Detail
The Baxter Family universe is divided into five distinct sub-series. To preserve character arcs, relationships, and major life updates, these sub-series should be read in sequence.
1. The Redemption Series (Co-authored with Gary Smalley)
This is where the entire phenomenon began. Co-written with relationship expert Gary Smalley, these five books establish the foundational themes of faith, marriage, and restoration.
- Redemption (2002)
- Remember (2003)
- Return (2003)
- Rejoice (2004)
- Reunion (2004)
2. The Firstborn Series
This sub-series shines a spotlight on the next generation of Baxters, dealing with Hollywood, fame, and the cost of pursuing dreams in a secular world.
- Fame (2005)
- Forgiven (2005)
- Found (2006)
- Family (2006)
- Forever (2007)
3. The Sunrise Series
Spiritual battles, new romances, and unexpected losses are front and center in this four-book collection.
- Sunrise (2007)
- Summer (2007)
- Someday (2008)
- Sunset (2008)
4. The Above the Line Series
Centering on filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Flynn, this sub-series integrates the entertainment industry with the Baxter family's Bloomington, Indiana backdrop.
- Take One (2009)
- Take Two (2009)
- Take Three (2010)
- Take Four (2010)
5. The Bailey Flanigan Series
Bailey Flanigan steps into the spotlight as she leaves Bloomington to pursue her Broadway dreams, leading to a long-running romantic conflict.
- Leaving (2011)
- Learning (2011)
- Longing (2011)
- Loving (2012)
Standalone Novels & The Recent Collection
After the Bailey Flanigan series, Kingsbury transitioned to writing standalone novels centered on the Baxter family. While the author notes that these can technically be read in any order, they still follow a loose chronological progression as the family ages. For the best experience, read them in this order:
- Coming Home (2012) - *Note: Do not read this early! It features a massive event that serves as a culmination of the first 22 books.*
- A Baxter Family Christmas (2016)
- Love Story (2017)
- In This Moment (2017)
- To the Moon and Back (2018)
- When We Were Young (2018)
- Two Weeks (2019)
- Someone Like You (2020)
- Truly, Madly, Deeply (2020)
- Forgiving Paris (2021)
- The Baxters: A Prequel (2022)
The Baxter Family Children Series
For younger readers (ages 8–12), Kingsbury wrote a series focusing on the childhood adventures of the Baxter siblings. While older readers can skip these, they are a charming addition for families who want to read together. The order is:
- Best Family Ever (2019)
- Finding Home (2020)
- Never Grow Up (2021)
- Adventure Awaits (2022)
- Being Baxters (2023)
What to Know Before You Start
The Baxter Family series is deeply rooted in evangelical Christian theology. Themes of divine redemption, the power of prayer, and biblical marriage counseling are core to the plots. If you are new to Christian fiction, expect a style that is unapologetically faith-centric.
Additionally, pay close attention to co-authorship. The initial five-book Redemption series was co-authored with Gary Smalley, which gives those early books a heavy focus on relationship advice and marital counseling principles. Subsequent books were written solely by Kingsbury and lean further into dramatic, sweepingly cinematic storylines.
Finally, fans of the books can see the characters brought to life on screen. In March 2024, Prime Video launched a TV series adaptation called The Baxters, executive produced by and starring Roma Downey as Elizabeth Baxter alongside Ted McGinley as John Baxter. The show's narrative draws heavily from the events of the original Redemption novels, making those books must-reads before diving into the show.