Take One (Above the Line Series #1) [NOOK Book]

Kingsbury does it again!

I have each and every Kingsbury novel in my collection. I've read the stand alones as well as the series. I followed the Baxter's from day one. I was a bit sad when Kingsbury decided not to continue the Baxter story. When I purchased "Take One" from the Above the Line Series, I was hesitant to read. I didn't think I would get as involved with the characters. Kingsbury was clever in mingling her new characters with the Baxter's. I read it non-stop. She did it. I'm hooked and can't wait until Take Two is available. Brilliant author!!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Great Christian Fiction

This book is very enjoyable. It has a great storyline and is a good escape. I really appreciate the fact that it is Christian based fiction. Kingsbury is a great author.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

"Take One" - Book One of The 'Above the Line' series by Karen Kingsbury - review

Kingsbury has written a wonderful series of books weaving the lives of the Baxter family into a modern day look at spirituality and the struggles placed before us all.

"Take One" follows a film crew making a movie that will impact the lives of more than the Christian community. The Christian producers of the film are beset at every turn by challenges, both financial and moral, and temptation is a major theme for all the main characters. Christian college students try to make the right decisions, but are pulled by the glamour and mystery of drinking at frat parties and the allure of the first kiss and beyond. A marriage is threatened when bankruptcy becomes a possibility. Friendships are tested by jealousy. Lots of character building permeates the faith-based book.

As always, Kingsbury's writing is so authentic and down-to-earth that her fans will feel as if they are again, standing in the room as the drama unfolds. I admit to a tear or two on this one.

Kingsbury has included study questions at the end of the book, suitable for use in discussion groups.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Refreshing Read

This was my first Karen Kingsbury novel - and my first "Christian" novel. It was refreshing and enjoyable. She understands how to keep the challenges going so that the pacing worked well. I thought she did a great job of portraying the college kids and their complex feelings as they approach adulthood. The wavering faith of the key characters was realistic as well, although at times, the "woe is me" got to be a bit tiring. The author did a great job of tying all the pieces together. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is lookking for a nice read. Could even recommend it for my sweet grandmother, if she were still alive. I'll look for others by this author.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Take Two to "Take One"

This was my first Kingsbury novel and, as a busy writer myself I don't have a lot of reading time, so I was happy to find a truly worthwhile author here. Lots of fiction today feels like it was hurried to press, hurried past copy-editors, and makes me cringe while reading. Not Kingsbury. I loved the smooth, tight writing, great characterization (not a single flat character, even those briefly drawn) and the plot was highly engrossing. I'll definitely look for the next book in this series, and when I can, go back to the earlier ones that introduced many of the characters in this one. My sons are not big fiction readers, but I'll see if I can get them to read this book, as the film-making theme does interest them. It also adds to the enjoyment of the story.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Karen Kingsbury characters are like family!

I have been reading Karen Kingsbury novels for over a year, and I can't get enough of Kingsbury's inspiring stories and reminders of God's truth. Though the book is fiction, the sense of family is recreated in each series, and this latest series "Above the Line" not only gives us some new "families" to follow, but also touches on the lives of previous families that Kingsbury fans have fallen in love with, through joy and sorrow, and the chance to remember that God's plan for our lives will be made known in His time, but that we don't need to fear, but have hope that we are in His care. The families of two Christian film producers is constantly tested, and the Hollywood eyes are watching to see their every response. But as the producers hold on to God's truths, the world is about to be surprised by the reality and consequences of living a life of compromise, yet learn that God is still a loving and accepting Father. Once again, Karen Kingsbury takes a simple truth of God's accepting love, and shares it with so many readers!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Take One definitely worth reading

Take One by Karen Kingsbury was very inspirational and realistic. I enjoyed it very much.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

If you like Karen Kingsbury

Another good book from Karen Kingsbury and I love the fact that it is a series. Knowing there are more coming keeps me hooked. This is a book that deals with today's issues for Christians.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Excellent read!

This is a great book and Karen continues to keep the Baxters alove while moving down the path of another great story/family.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Encouraging and uplifting

Enjoyed reading. Encouraged my faith. Characters were very believable. Learned something about the film industry. Good read. I'd pass on to a friend.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Above the Line: Take One

Above the Line: Take One by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is the story of Keith Ellison and Chase Ryan, missionaries who have developed a movie script they believe will significantly impact the world by offering a message of hope and forgiveness. The two men and their families are confident they can produce a high quality, independent film. The central story-line centers around a critical miracle needed to get the financing to finish the project and doing it without sacrificing integrity.

A reader familiar with Kingsbury's Redemption, Firstborn, and Sunrise Series should expect favorite characters to make an appearance. While it isn't necessary to have read Kingsbury's previous series to enjoy the book, familiarity with the characters may offer a more meaningful experience.

There are subordinate story lines in the text, and Above the Line: Take One readers should be prepared to be left hanging in some instances. As a reviewer and ardent fan of Kingsbury, I wish there had been more resolution in some of the subplots. The lack of information about some of the characters left me feeling a bit empty, even though the main story line satisfies. A reader not familiar with Kingsbury or who has intentions of reading just the one book, may feel a little cheated. My suggestion is this - plan to read a series of books. Fortunately, if you've just now picked up Above the Line: Take One, the timing is perfect to read the recently released Above the Line: Take Two (Zondervan).

In Above the Line: Take One, Kingsbury casts light on the cultural challenges Christians face in living above the line with integrity. Kingsbury effectively addresses topics such as jealousy between friends, temptation in the young adult community, and the dangers that accompany celebrity and accessibility.

Kingsbury's writing in Above the Line: Take One is easy to follow, and her voice leaves you feeling as if you've just had a conversation with an old friend. I'm eager to read Above the Line: Take Two.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Take One

I love this author, I was so glad to see the continuation of the Baxter family and the morals they bring to the stories. She always brings in to the story the way of the world and how as Christians we can stand for good and decent values and turn away from temptation. Not in a sappy way, it can be done. I can't wait until the next book comes out in June, I am on the list. Keep up the good writing Karen

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing! I love Karen Kingsbury!!

Karen Kingsbury never disapoints! She really has a true gift. I can never get enough of her books and I read them within the week of starting them. I try savoring them like chocolate-but I can't get enough. I love her characters and I love the Baxters are in there somehow. I would totally recommend this book! Also with a box of tissues-she always makes me cry!!! I recommend the baxter series and first born series! Start with baxter series then first born then this series! I love her, she is amazing! I'll stop now haha

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have choices to make on a daily basis.

Every time I read one on Karen's books I have trouble putting them down - I loose more sleep because of this!! This is a wonderful book about life's temptations given to us daily by Satan and our choice to follow himor to follow God's will for us. Thank you, Karen, for reminding me in each of your books that I have a choice, and that only I can make that choice for me. But always God is there, ready to take me back into his fold if I should decide to stray to far and decide I want to come back.
God is truely AWESOME!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very Disappointed

I have read all three of the Baxter series and loved them. The characters and the message were wonderful. So, I was really excited to see that Kingsbury was continuing on with some of the characters in the Above the Line series. Unfortunately, this series does not live up to the previous 3.

First of all, the message is questionable, at best. With her previous books, Kingsbury spoke nothing but grace, true redemption through God's power, and love. This series emphasizes a moral code ("above the line") over God's work in peoples' lives. The producers hope to change culture by changing the way people behave. Not by bringing them to God first, but by all people living "above the line."

I was particularly disturbed by one story line in which Kelly, Chase's wife, is struggling with overeating and depression. In Take Two, while a little credence is given to her need for professional help, the overall message is that she should have been praying more and trusting God more or she would not be depressed. What a horrible horrible thing to say about anyone with depression which is an illness that oftentimes a person can do nothing to prevent. Yet Kingsbury seems to suggest she wouldn't be in that situation if she would have prayed more and trusted God more. Poor message.

Second, none of the books in this series sees any closure alone. Yes, it is a series, but both the first and second books leave you hanging. The characters seem to deal with the same issues over and over again without much plot development from book one to two. I'm bored with the series.

Finally, the characters seem very black and white. They are either struggling with their faith (and getting into trouble for it) or have no trouble trusting God (and are perfect). I can't relate to them. The character I can relate most to is Kelly and the message there, as I said above, is that she should've prayed more. As a girl who prays a lot and still struggles with depression and needs medication, I don't buy it.

I wish I hadn't read these books because they have soured my view of the entire Baxter series which taught a completely different message and had much more complex characters. I will probably go back someday, but this book has left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm sorry I cannot be more positive.

Good story

It was pretty good. It gets a bit spread out trying to cover many points of view and storylines. It definitely has a lot of emotion and situations in it. I did feel that Andi was too easily let into drinking and a very bad situation. I do understand that it can happen to the sheltered individual but I felt it was a bit much. The ending was not an ending. I realize that it is a series but I prefer my books to have an actual conclusion even if it will be continued in the next one. This one just stopped. The story and morals behind it are great and very well portrayed.

Take One ...

Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison spent several years, along with their families, on the mission field in Indonesia. They both feel compelled to continue their mission work by producing a movie titled "The Last Letter" that they are expecting will change the lives of anyone who sees the film. Their production company is running on a very limited budget, and they simply can't afford any problems on the movie set. One problem after another does arise, and they have only their own faith and the faith and prayer support of new-found friends in the town of Bloomington, Indiana, to get them through. This story looks at the conflicts very commonly experienced when producing a faith-based film. It also takes a close look at somewhat sheltered missionary kids who are exposed to college life, and how they handle their new-found freedom. Some good choices were made, as well as some not so good. Accepting responsibility for mistakes was a very important part of the journey, and another great lesson that we can apply to our lives. Overall, a very enjoyable book ... and I can't wait to continue this series with Take Two.

Take One

As the story starts you find out that Chase & Keith are directing a movie on only 2 million dollars from investors. As you read on you read about the trials that Chase & Keith are going through. Then God speaks to them. What I really liked about that was it was like the book was talking right to me at that point, because of the trials that I am going through right now. Take One also includes the Baxter family (from Karen Kingsbury's other books). Like I said I can't wait to read the rest of the series, to see what happens next!

Great Christian Fiction

I loved the story. I have read Karen Kingsbury before and the way she incorporates her past characters into the book is awesome.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Another Homerun

I was so excited to have another series that includes the Baxters as background characters. It was everything that I was hoping it would be. It was fun to revisit the characters and have the story move on. I would recommed this book...especially to those that have read the other 2 series!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.