Two Weeks: A Novel (The Baxter Family)
Page 27
That’s where the adventure of the Baxters begins.
Whether you’ve known the Baxters for years or are just meeting them now, here’s a quick summary of the family, their kids and their ages. Also, because these characters are fictional, I’ve taken some liberty with their ages. Let’s just assume these are their current ages.
Now, let me introduce you to—or remind you of—the Baxter family:
• • •
THE BAXTERS BEGAN in Bloomington, Indiana, and most of the family still lives there today.
The Baxter house is on ten acres outside of town, with a winding creek that runs through the backyard. It has a wraparound porch and a pretty view and the memories of a lifetime. The house was one John and Elizabeth Baxter moved into when their children were young. They raised their family here. Today it is owned by one of their daughters—Ashley—and her husband, Landon Blake. It is still the place where the extended Baxter family gathers for special celebrations.
• • •
JOHN BAXTER: JOHN is the patriarch of the Baxter family. Formerly an emergency room doctor and professor of medicine at Indiana University, he’s now retired. John’s first wife, Elizabeth, died long ago from a recurrence of cancer. Years later, John married Elaine, and the two live in Bloomington.
• • •
DAYNE MATTHEWS, 44: Dayne is the oldest son of John and Elizabeth. Dayne was born out of wedlock and given up for adoption at birth. His adoptive parents died in a small plane crash when he was 18. Years later, Dayne became a very visible and popular movie star. At age 30, he hired an attorney to find his birth parents—John and Elizabeth Baxter. He had a moment with Elizabeth in the hospital before she died, and years later he connected with the rest of his biological family. Dayne is married to Katy, 42. The couple has three children: Sophie, 9; Egan, 7; and Blaise, 5. They are very much part of the Baxter family, and they split time between Los Angeles and Bloomington.
• • •
BROOKE BAXTER WEST, 42: Brooke is a pediatrician in Bloomington, married to Peter West, 42, also a doctor. The couple has two daughters: Maddie, 21, and Hayley, 18. The family experienced a tragedy when Hayley suffered a drowning accident at age 4. She recovered miraculously, but still has disabilities caused by the incident.
• • •
KARI BAXTER TAYLOR, 40: Kari is a designer, married to Ryan Taylor, 42, football coach at Clear Creek High School. The couple has three children: Jessie, 18; RJ, 12; and Annie, 9. Kari had a crush on Ryan when the two were in middle school. They dated through college, and then broke up over a misunderstanding. Kari married a man she met in college, Tim Jacobs, but some years into their marriage he had an affair. The infidelity resulted in his murder at the hands of a stalker. The tragedy devastated Kari, who was pregnant at the time with their first child, Jessie. Ryan came back into her life around the same time, and years later he and Kari married. They live in Bloomington.
• • •
ASHLEY BAXTER BLAKE, 38: Ashley is the former black sheep of the Baxter family, married to Landon Blake, 38, who works for the Bloomington Fire Department. The couple has four children: Cole, 18; Amy, 13; Devin, 11; and Janessa, 7. As a young single mom, Ashley was jaded against God and her family when she reconnected with her firefighter friend Landon, who had secretly always loved her. Eventually Ashley and Landon married and Landon adopted Cole. Together, the couple had two children—Devin and Janessa. Between those children, they lost a baby girl, Sarah Marie, at birth to anencephaly. Amy, Ashley’s niece, came to live with them a few years ago after Amy’s parents, Erin Baxter Hogan and Sam Hogan, and Amy’s three sisters, were killed in a horrific car accident. Amy was the only survivor. Ashley and Landon and their family live in Bloomington, in the old Baxter house, where Ashley and her siblings were raised. Ashley still paints and is successful in selling her work in local boutiques.
• • •
LUKE BAXTER, 36: Luke is a lawyer, married to Reagan Baxter, 36, a blogger. The couple has three children: Tommy, 16; Malin, 11; and Johnny, 7. Luke met Reagan in college. They experienced a major separation early on, after getting pregnant with Tommy while they were dating. Eventually Luke and Reagan married, though they could not have more children. Malin and Johnny are both adopted.
ONE CHANCE FOUNDATION
The Kingsbury family is passionate about seeing orphans all over the world brought home to their forever families. As a result, Karen created a charitable group called the One Chance Foundation.
This foundation was inspired by the memory of her father, Ted C. Kingsbury. Ted always said, “Life is not a dress rehearsal. We have one chance to love, one chance to truly live!”
Karen often tells her reader friends, “You have one chance to write the story of your life!”™ Now, with Karen’s One Chance Foundation, readers can join her in the belief that all of us have one chance to make a difference in the lives of orphans.
In the Bible, James 1:27 says people with pure and faultless religion look after orphans. The One Chance Foundation was created with that truth in mind.
If you are interested in giving to Karen’s One Chance Foundation and having your dedication printed in one of Karen’s upcoming novels, visit www.KarenKingsbury.com. Below are dedications from some of Karen’s reader friends who have contributed to the One Chance Foundation:
• To my twin sister, Jeanice. She passed away in 2008. I will miss her forever and talk to her all the time and know she hears me in heaven. Janice Nelson
• In memory of Allison Holt, our brave CF warrior who fought the good fight & finished the race. How you loved reading these books. You’re forever in our hearts! Mom, Dad & Sister (Sharon, Bill & Kristen)
• Alyssa Mae—You are my Greatest Joy and I am so proud of you. I love you Forever and Always, Mom (Rebecca Lentz)
• To our dear Addisson, May you continue to be blessed by the message of love. Grandma and Grandpap
• In honor of my husband, Gary Q. Geist. 30 years in the US Navy & retired as a Captain (06). Battling Alzheimer’s for the last 8 years, I would like him to be remembered as the great Father & Husband he is. Love, Brenda
• To an Amazing Wife and Mother, Thank you for everything you do! We love you! —Caitlin and Patrick
• To my two gifts from China—Tiffany & Rachel. I’m so thankful that the Lord blessed us with you. You have both grown up to be beautiful young ladies.
• In memory of Ray & Nina Dammar—Karen’s books so blessed Dad as he cared for Mom! Love, Sherry Lynn
• Landon, you are my greatest joy. Remember to have courage and be kind. All my love, sweet boy, Mama
• In honor of our son and brother, Luke. We miss you every single day. Love, Mom, Dad, Lynsey & Lacey
• Happy Birthday to my granddaughter Emma Nelson of Bloomington, IN! Love you 4ever! Grammy Dena Patrick
• Dorothy Peltomaki, I love you very much, Mom! You are strong & courageous. Love & Prayers, Denise
• Mom & Dad/Grandma & PopPop, We love you very much! Joe, Sheri, Jackie, Joey, Seth & Nora
• To my Beautiful Mother and Mother-in-Love, who left us too soon, we will always love you!!—Gayle Clayton
• Thank you, Mom, for cheering me through college! I finished because of your love! Love always, Hannah
• To my grandmothers, Linda and Alma, for always being there for us and loving us. —Heidi
• In memory of Dustin Kyle Fowler. Brother and best friend. Forever missed. Love, Candace and family
• Karen Hammond—My Beautiful 4 Granddaughters, Jaycee Baca, Mila Vonschoech, Samantha Peters & Lu Lu Peters
• Remembering Jacob & Joey. See you at our Heavenly Reunion one day! Love, Mom Karen & Sister Katie
• The Barretts are like Baxters: Faith, Family, FFF! Love You, Lori! Hugs, Ken
• I love you, momma! I will always be here for you. Your Loving Daughter, Kim
• Thank you to the Kingsbury family for changing so many lives with His love! Lots of love, Kristen Sullivan
• With gratitude to my KK Prayer Warriors . . . Blessed that Life-Changing Fiction connected us! Love, Sheila Holman
• Dottie (Mom)—Thanks for sharing your love, talents and wisdom with Lori & me. You model the Proverbs 31 woman with such grace. Love you, Linda
• My dear beloved Robert, Thanks for praying with me & for sharing 16 years of your life with me. Thank you, Jesus, for 2nd chances & for answering the prayer of a lonely father. In my heart, Robert, I will always love you more. Your precious, Lou
• To Marcia Schibi: the nonfictional Elizabeth Baxter of our family. Yellow7, Mom!
• In honor of Debbie Everhart: a true and faithful woman of God. Love, Lee
• In Memory of my beautiful daughter, Marci Taylor Strebin. I will always love you & I will miss you until we are reunited in Heaven. Until then, we will love & watch over your boys. Love always! Mom
• Daughters of my heart: Shannon, Stacie, Nicole, Sarah & Samantha, may God’s Word lead you home. Love, Mom
• To my wonderful, beautiful Mama, Patricia K. Conoly. Thank you for EVERYTHING that you do. We love you very much. Love, Rachel & Jason
• To my loving husband, Howard. Our 8 children: Danielle, Christopher, Travis, Jorrdon, Jaeydon, Sara, Shiarah & Sherese. I love you with all my heart! Mom (Lori Sunkler)
• Julie & Samantha: Beautiful mothers, sisters, daughters. Forever loved, forever missed. Ron and Carol
• In loving memory of Ronda Sue Prentzas. Your loving heart & consistent faith will never be forgotten. Love & miss you —All of us
• To my first grandchild—Baby Boy Dearman! Happy 2nd Anniversary to my kids!! Love, Tammy Atarian Brooks
• Mom, Thank you for being the Mom you didn’t have to be! I love you! Love, Tara
• Audrey—When you need a little loving from home, just press your hand to your cheek Luv ya & Miss ya —Mum
• To Sandy, the bravest God-fearing woman I know! I count it a blessing to call you friend. Vickie
• In memory of Frank, Sadie, Ernest & Juanita. You are forever in our hearts. Your legacy lives on in the lives of your children, grand- & great-grandchildren. In love, Joel, Sheron, Keith & Sonya
• Elizabeth, have strength & courage for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Love, Mom & Dad
• We met in 1960. We married as 87-year-olds. Love you, Dr. (Pastor) Jim Conrod. —Lois Brudi-Conrod
READING GROUP GUIDE
TWO WEEKS
KAREN KINGSBURY
This reading group guide for Two Weeks includes an introduction, discussion questions and ideas for enhancing your book club. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book.
Introduction
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a heart-wrenching and redemptive new story in the Baxter family series about a couple desperately waiting to bring their adopted child home and a young mother about to make the biggest decision of her life.
Topics & Questions for Discussion
1. Share about a time when you were in a difficult situation. In what ways could you relate to Elise?
2. Tell of a situation when you helped or rescued someone in trouble. How did that work out? Why?
3. Why do you think Cole was so quick to stand by Elise—even forever?
4. Elise changed her mind often. What decision would you make if you were in her spot?
5. Do you agree with Elise’s decision? Why or why not?
6. What are your feelings about adoption? Explain.
7. Ashley was quick to think Cole might’ve been the father of Elise’s baby. Tell of a time when you jumped to conclusions. What did you learn from that?
8. Ashley goes through all the emotions of seeing Cole off to college. Have you or has someone you know gone through this type of goodbye? Tell about that experience.
9. Do you know anyone who has struggled with infertility? Talk about their journey.
10. In general, do you relate more to Aaron or Lucy? Explain.
11. Have you prayed for something that didn’t happen the way you hoped? Talk about it.
12. How is it possible to have faith in God, even when your prayers don’t get answered the way you like?
13. Vienna’s accident happened without warning. Tell of a tragedy in your life or the life of someone you know. How do you get through a personal nightmare?
14. How can faith in God help you survive a tragedy? Give practical examples.
15. Read John 16:33 in the Bible. What do these words mean to you? Are they comforting? Why or why not?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. Cole was a true friend till the end with Elise. Talk about a friend like that in your life. What sets that person apart?
2. Cole is a giver, kind to those in need. What can you do to spread kindness in your family, neighborhood or workplace?
3. The goodbye between Cole and Elise was difficult. Tragic almost. When has a goodbye deeply affected you? Talk about it.
4. As Cole sets off for college and a life of new beginnings, he feels sad. But also hopeful. What new experiences are up ahead for you? Have you ever thought of finding fresh opportunities and possibilities at your local church?
5. How did God help Theo and Alma because of their decision to care for a baby girl during those two weeks? What does the phrase “beauty from ashes” mean to you?
More from this Series
When We Were Young
To the Moon and Back
Love Story
A Baxter Family…
More from the Author
Angels Walking…
In This Moment
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KAREN KINGSBURY #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her awardwinning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures and television series. Her Baxter family books have also been developed into a TV series. Karen is an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. She and her husband, Don, live in Tennessee near four of their adult children and their two grandchildren.
SimonandSchuster.com
Authors.SimonandSchuster.com/Karen-Kingsbury
Facebook.com/HowardBooksAtria
Other Life-Changing Fiction™ by Karen Kingsbury
Stand-Alone Titles
Fifteen Minutes
The Chance
The Bridge
Oceans Apart
Between Sundays
When Joy Came to Stay
On Every Side
Divine
Like Dandelion Dust
Where Yesterday Lives
Shades of Blue
Unlocked
Coming Home—The Baxter Family
Angels Walking Series
Angels Walking
Chasing Sunsets
Brush of Wings
The Baxters—Redemption Series
Redemption
Remember
Return
Rejoice
Reunion
The Baxters—Firstborn Series
Fame
Forgiven
Found
Family
Forever
The Baxters—Sunrise Series
Sunrise
Summer
Someday
Sunset
The Baxters—Above the Line Series
Above the Line: Take One
Above the Line: Take Two
Above the Line: Take Three
Above the Line: Take Four
The Baxters—Bailey Flanigan Series
Leaving
Learning
Longing
Loving
Baxter Family Collection
A Baxte
r Family Christmas
Love Story
In This Moment
To the Moon and Back
When We Were Young
Two Weeks
9/11 Series
One Tuesday Morning
Beyond Tuesday Morning
Remember Tuesday Morning
Lost Love Series
Even Now
Ever After
Red Glove Series
Gideon’s Gift
Maggie’s Miracle
Sarah’s Song
Hannah’s Hope
e-Short Stories
The Beginning
I Can Only Imagine
Elizabeth Baxter’s 10 Secrets to a Happy Marriage
Once Upon a Campus
Forever Faithful Series
Waiting for Morning
Moment of Weakness
Halfway to Forever
Women of Faith Fiction Series
A Time to Dance
A Time to Embrace
Cody Gunner Series
A Thousand Tomorrows
Just Beyond the Clouds
This Side of Heaven
Life-Changing Bible Story Collections
Family of Jesus
Friends of Jesus
Children’s Titles
Let Me Hold You Longer
Let’s Go on a Mommy Date
We Believe in Christmas
Let’s Have a Daddy Day
The Princess and the Three Knights
The Brave Young Knight
Far Flutterby
Go Ahead and Dream with Quarterback Alex Smith
Whatever You Grow Up to Be
Always Daddy’s Princess
Miracle Collections
A Treasury of Christmas Miracles
A Treasury of Miracles for Women
A Treasury of Miracles for Teens
A Treasury of Miracles for Friends
A Treasury of Adoption Miracles
Miracles—a Devotional
Gift Books
Forever Young: Ten Gifts of Faith for the Graduate
Forever My Little Boy
Forever My Little Girl
Stay Close Little Girl
Be Safe Little Boy