Luke Baxter, 34: Luke is a lawyer, married to Reagan Baxter, 34, a blogger. The couple has three children: Tommy, 14; Malin, 9; and Johnny, 5. Luke met Reagan in college. They experienced a major separation early on, after having Tommy out of wedlock. Eventually the two married, though they could not have more children. Malin and Johnny are both adopted.
• • •
IN ADDITION TO the Baxters, this book revisits the Flanigan family. The Flanigans have been friends with the Baxters for many years. So much so that I previously wrote five books about their oldest daughter—Bailey Flanigan. Those books are part of the twenty-some Baxter family books. For the purpose of this book and those that follow, here are the names and ages of the Flanigans:
Jim and Jenny Flanigan, both 45. Jim is a football coach for the Indianapolis Colts, and Jenny is a freelance writer who works from home. Bailey, 23, is married to Brandon Paul, 26. Bailey and Brandon were once actors in Hollywood—Brandon, very well known. Today they run the Christian Kids Theater in downtown Bloomington and they are the parents of baby Hannah Jennifer. Bailey’s brothers are Connor, 20—a student at Liberty University; Shawn and Justin—both age 17 and juniors at Clear Creek High; BJ, 16, a sophomore; and Ricky, 14, an eighth grader.
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 that they have “one chance to write the story of their lives!”™ 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 genuine religion care for 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 Jennifer, The love of my life! My artist muse! Thank you for every day. Love Brett
• Love our great kids, Steve, Mike & Patty, & 7 gr-kids! Mom E (Sharon Evers)
• To the One Chance Foundation—Randy Collins
• To our incredible children and grandchildren—Jim and Peggy Peterson
• In memory of AJ my sweet son in Heaven, my love for you is forever. Love mom (Cynthia Tuttle)
• To Ron Brudi, my loving husband of 58 years. Love, Lois. Psalm 91:14–16
• Don, “Pops”—Your legacy lives on in our children. You are forever in our hearts. Our bond is eternal. Love Ya! Loretta, Zach & Meghan, Taylor, Jacob & Alex
• To My Beloved Wesley, I miss you more than words can express. I love you the most. Always! Thank you for loving me unconditionally for the short time we had together.—Amy
• For Sherry, my God-given mother. He could not have chosen better. Love, Kristy
• In memory of my mom, Huldah Coltrane, who taught me about Jesus. Miss you, Mom! Susan
• To my mom and Theresa for introducing me to life changing books. Love, Pam
• Kyle & Lexi, Julie, Paul, & Carlin . . . 3 John 1:4 . . . Love & Blessings, Mom & Dad
• To Joe & our children & grandchildren: Crystal, Rob, Staci, Joe, T, Megan, Ryan, CJ, Ray, Riley, Rowdy, Brody, Cole & Hunter—All my love, Jackie Holson
• To my sisters Sarah & Becca. I love you! Love, Amy
• Richard Shawback—Your faith inspired so many! We love & miss you! Psalm 27:1. Love, Leslie Kelley
• I’m thankful for you, Mom! Love, Lynette Fryling
• My Mom, Ruth Jones—Finally Home with Jesus! We love & miss you. Joy for us all
• Maeva Kaye 12-30-16—You were wanted and loved beyond words! Forever in our hearts
• Grammie, Before I was born, God knew how much I would need you. I love you! Amber
• Lisa Cromwell—“IN THIS MOMENT” God will sustain you. Love Tina, Tracy & Sylvia
• To the One Chance Foundation—Fonda Baker
• Zuzu, I am blessed God chose you to be my Mom. You are my inspiration! Love, Kayla
• Anna Marie, The Lord joined us, and you changed my life, my forever love. Your Nick
• To Reba: Mother, You are all I ever aspire to be. I love you always, Erin
• In memory of my sister, Christine Adair Delano. We miss you so much. You are always in our hearts. Love Jenny
• In memory of our baby boy, Amos Steven Frei. 8.18.16–2.15.17 Love, Mommy and Daddy
• Remembering Art . . . who lived well, loved well, and laughed much!—Kurt & Sheila Holman
• Hi Mommy! You have been such an example of Christ for me. I love you so much! Love, Jennifer
• In Memory of Jody Mathis—Mom, you taught us how to love, have courage & faith when the world seems out of control. You shared your life, stories & love with us each day! We love & miss your smile & encouraging words each day! Love Forever, Your Family
• In Memory of Norma Green—Mom, you shared your servant’s heart with us & everyone you came in contact with. You were an inspiration, encourager, cheerleader & a biblical example of what a Christian should be. You taught us to love Jesus & others. We love & miss you! Your Family
• In Memory of Mavis Hussey—Gate, Gram, Nana, Mum. We all love and miss you. Love, Jon & Kristy Hatch
• Betty Hoadley—4 yrs. ago GOD took you home. Miss & Love You Mom. Kathy Raymond
• To my wonderful children, Ashley Lauren and Trey Alexander. Love forever, Mom, Cindy Vestal
• Baby Girl—I loved you before I even saw you! Love Mom (Meghan Clark, June 2017)
• To my beautiful daughter and Mommy, we miss you so very much. You’ll always be in our hearts. Erika Ann Louise West, 01/22/1975 to 09/09/2015
• Mom, Thank you for all that you do and all that you’ve made us! Love, Shelby and Kennedy
• 2016, Evette finding us, larger family. Praise God. Love to all my children, Mom
• In loving memory of Mom & Dad—forever in our hearts. Love Julie, Dave, Alan & Andrea
• Jeramiah wasn’t a bullfrog, but a very special person to many friends & loved ones. His smile, hugs & jokes could turn anyone’s day from dark to light. We lost a piece of our hearts when we lost you. This isn’t goodbye but see you later alligator.—Love Mom, Dad, Sis, Dave & your love bug Mia. (Jeramiah J. Truckey 1983–2016)
• To Mary Arnholt, Thanks for being our prayer warrior mom! Love, Staci & Becci
• Deb Garber: To Mom, Shirley Van Gilst, I love you. XOXO
• For Larry Fox: Daddy, We will always remember for you. Love, Lisa, Donna & Rich
• Mom, thanks for teaching me to love, live, and to always trust God. I love you! Jessica Glasscock
• Kylie + Caroline: You make us so proud. Never forget you’re priceless! Love, Mama
• Susie Lewis—forever in our hearts. Love, Wendy, Rhonda, Victoria & Angela
• Thank you Mom for showing us what true love is! Love, Chris, Ben and Jess
• Sarah; I love being your Nana Fia, Love Sophia Smither
• In loving memory of Velma Resseguie. Thank you for all the happiness you brought your family & friends. Love, Judy Resley
• Maria Gardner: Without you none of these moments would be possible. Love, your six monkey kids!
• Mom, The ribbons are packed away, but thanks for the awesome memories! Love, Julie
• In honor of Rachel Maurer, Nicole Farr, Sarah Nicolai. I love you always, Mom, Chris Vroman
• To Dr. Vicky Arcadi & Jackie Padgette-Baird: Both of you use your God given gifts & have blessed my life & countless othe
rs by patiently teaching and supporting through FYF4Good. Thank you for always being there. I’m one of God’s miracles in the making because of both of you. Love, Jan Kukkola-Miller
• Remembering Adella Grace & John Max Sellers—Always in our hearts and thoughts!
• In honor of the One Chance Foundation! Love, Claudina Masura
• One Chance Foundation—Thank you for all you do! Love, Shannon Bush
• In loving memory of Papa & Granny, Big Will & Meme! In out hearts forever!
• To Jeri, you inspired my love of reading and of life! Love you, mom! ~Melinda
• Team KK, You are the BEST team around!! It’s an honor to work with you all! Love, Susan
• In memory of an amazing Mom & Mamaw who is now with her Lord. Her favorite hobby was reading Karen Kingsbury. We miss you, Nora Francis Sackman (Feb. 24, 1921–Mar. 2, 2017). We hope you are enjoying your new eternal home. Love, Christy & Jackie
HOWARD BOOKS READING GROUP GUIDE
IN THIS MOMENT
KAREN KINGSBURY
1. What are your thoughts on Wendell Quinn as a principal? What sort of man was he?
2. Do you think it was wrong or right for Wendell to begin the Raise the Bar club? Explain your thoughts.
3. What do you think of Wendell’s claim that he was merely trying to do his job by starting the club?
4. Would you be willing to defend Wendell Quinn in a court of law? Why or why not?
5. What have you noticed about religious freedom in the United States or in your country? Give examples.
6. How do you think the founding fathers intended us to view religious freedom?
7. Have you ever felt afraid to talk about your faith in public? Share your feelings or stories about that.
8. What is one way you can help preserve religious freedom in this country or in the nation where you live?
9. Why is it important that we have religious freedom? What are the risks if those freedoms and rights are taken away?
10. Alicia lived much of her life consumed by fear. Explain her fears and whether you feel they were rational or not.
11. When have you been deeply afraid? How did you come through that time?
12. Luke Baxter has a very supportive family. Still, his work hours were out of control. Has work ever consumed you or someone you love?
13. What did you think about Reagan’s determination to love Luke despite her husband’s excessive work?
14. Reagan’s Bible study taught her that marriage requires 100 percent from both people, every day. What does this mean to you? Do you agree?
15. Another lesson from Reagan’s Bible study was the idea of loving your spouse because such an action is mandated by God—whether the spouse deserves the love or not. How can this truth help you or someone you love?
16. The Raise the Bar club made tremendous changes in the lives of the students at Hamilton High. When have you seen God work in a transformational way in your life or in the life of someone you know?
17. Cami and her father were jaded toward God because of a hurtful past experience. Have you or has someone you know ever blamed God for something another person has done? Why or why not? How did that situation work out and what did you learn?
18. What were some of the key reasons Luke was able to successfully defend Wendell Quinn? Discuss this.
19. Reagan’s surprise party for Luke was her way of loving him, even when his actions frustrated her. Talk about a time when you or someone you know loved unconditionally. What was the result? How did it feel to love that way?
20. What do you think about the lawsuits that are often filed against schools and sports teams because of long-standing traditions that involve God and religion? Are there cases that have come to your attention? What are your thoughts?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KAREN KINGSBURY, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twentyfive million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing in 2018. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001, she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
MEET THE AUTHORS, WATCH VIDEOS AND MORE AT
SimonandSchuster.com
Authors.SimonandSchuster.com/Karen-Kingsbury
Facebook.com/HowardBooksAtria
Read more from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury
Angels WalkingBox Set
Angels Walking Box Set
* * *
Love Story
Love Story
* * *
Baxter Family Christmas
A Baxter Family Christmas
* * *
Fifteen Minutes
Fifteen Minutes
* * *
The Chance
The Chance
* * *
The Bridge
The Bridge
* * *
Angels Walking
Angels Walking
* * *
Chasing Sunsets
Chasing Sunsets
* * *
Brush of Wings
Brush of Wings
* * *
ORDER YOUR COPIES TODAY!
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 Baxter Family Christmas
The Baxter Family: Love Story
The Baxter Family: In This Moment
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
Cod
y 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