And over all this, there is a man who has believed in my career for two decades—my amazing agent, Rick Christian of Alive Literary Agency. From the beginning, Rick, you’ve told me to dream big, set my sights high. Movies, TV series, worldwide reach. You imagined it all, you prayed for it to be. You believed. While I write, you work behind the scenes on film projects and my work with Liberty University, the Baxter family TV series and details regarding every book I’ve ever written. You are brilliant and driven, compassionate and dedicated. I used to dream of having you as my agent. Now I’m the only author who does. God is amazing. Thank you, Rick, and thank you for praying for me and my family. That most of all.
Finally, my greatest thanks to God Almighty, who is First and Last and all things in between. I write for You, through You and because of You. Thank you with my whole being.
Dear Reader Friend,
I stapled together the pages of my first book when I was five years old, when I wrote a story titled The Horse. I never stopped writing, but there was a time, back when I was in college, that I considered becoming a lawyer.
I gave the idea careful consideration. That same semester a writing professor called me to the front of the room after class. He had just finished reading one of my assignments.
“Two things,” he told me. “First, you will never stop writing. And second, you are on the newspaper staff. Report to my office in the morning.”
With those words I put aside my thoughts of a legal career. I was supposed to be a writer. A good decision, for sure.
But over time—every now and then—I think about the very real stories of religious persecution in the United States and I know that if I’d gone into law, I’d be out there on the front lines. Standing up for religious freedom the way Luke Baxter did in Wendell Quinn’s case.
It’s a fine line—the balance between freedom of religion, and freedom “from” religion. We need lawyers working these cases to be sure that the intent of our founding fathers is preserved.
And so it was with a full, sometimes racing heart that I had the pleasure of writing this story. It feels very real to me. Very timely. I hope you learned things from it, truth you can take into your own world and situations as you live freely the faith you have.
As with my other books in this new Baxter Family collection, this book and the ones to come will allow us the chance to live with the Baxters. We will see what matters to them, and how their work and family lives affect the people and culture around them.
The next Baxter book—To the Moon and Back—is another of those! I know you’ll love it! These are among the most favorite books I’ve ever written. I’m grateful you’re sharing in the journey!
Being back with the Baxter family has been the greatest gift. Always when people ask me, “How are the Baxters?” I have an answer. I honestly do. I can see them at work and play, holding close conversations, and looking for new horizons. Participating in never-seen-before adventures.
You’ve probably heard by now that the Baxter family is coming to TV. The series is expected to become one of the most beloved of all time. I know you’ll be watching. You can find out more details about that and how to connect with me on social media at my website—KarenKingsbury.com.
But in the meantime, I’ll see you in the spring with my next book, To the Moon and Back.
Because the Baxter family isn’t just my family. They’re your family.
And with them at the middle of our lives, we are all family.
Until next time . . . thanks for being part of the family.
Love you all!