If you've not read the 13 books leading up to this one, but enjoy emotional, character-driven dramas, you'll LOVE this book! If you have read all the previous Baxter tales, you have no choice but to read this one too!
So why the lower rating? Oh, Karen, I hate to say this, but ... I felt like I was reading a novelized re-cap of my favorite TV show. You know how they always have "the best of" episodes in which they show you glimpses of everything you've already watched? That's what this book was like. Yes, there were a few new plot developments, but not enough to keep me interested. I was hoping for a little more action, a little more plot. Instead I got a lot of memories -- great memories!! Tear-jerker memories! But since I already have the other books, I'm a bit disappointed in paying for another book that, for the most part, echoes what was already sitting on my shelf.
That said, I LOVE the Baxters! I miss them already and would love to follow their stories further. This book continued the series' strong themes of redemption and forgiveness, both things we could all use more of. Great story. Great family. Great author. Just too much repetition for avid fans.