I heard about this series a month or so ago and made it a mission to find the books. Finally, I got them from my online library. And I’m glad I did! This series’s not the contemporary series I have sometimes picked up. This is a novel about actors, broken, hurting characters, it shows just how hard words can wound, how people break down each other and just how much people mistakenly judge on appearances.
Reading Fame you follow along as a long-hidden secret is nearly revealed and a man is stalked by “fans” who don’t know when to stop with their admiration.
You’ll find a family that is filled with imperfect men and women. A woman who is searching for the right choice and her Father’s will. And a man who is trying to live without hurting others.
Dayne is a unique character – surprisingly I love his arc so far. He’s the typical playboy millionaire who has everything except he doesn’t and knows it. The game and riches are wearing on him though as the paparazzi pick apart his life and those of his friends. I found myself feeling sorry did him and everything he goes through in this first book in the Firstborn series.
I didn’t connect with Katy at first. She’s a hard character to get a feel for at the beginning of the book but as layers were slowly peeled away I found out just how strong she was and how the struggles she’d endured had shaped her.
John, the perfect father, right? Well, that’s not so true in this book. He’s a wonderful guy but nowhere near perfect. And in Fame, we get to see just how much heartache is being the patriarch of the Baxter family.
The writing style was somewhat confusing at points when we saw characters' thoughts otherwise the book was nicely written and ready to follow.
I was not expecting the sudden end to the book but I guess that’s all right since I have the other books waiting to be read, right? Anyway, if you don’t like cliffhangers make sure you have the other books in the series.
As my first book in the Baxter books, I am looking forward to the next book.
Since there is talk of drugs, overdosing, sleeping together, and some violence I recommend this for 16/18 older depending on beliefs. I give this book 4 stars. ( )

55668

First in Firstborn Series is FAME...Baxter Familly drama. Sometimes living a dream costs everything.

5/08: tried to read this but I don't think I'm in the mood right now - maybe at a later date... ( )

This was my first Karen Kingsbury book and honestly it was just okay. I probably wouldn't bother to read the rest of this series as it just didn't hold my interest.

The main character is offered a big break in a Hollywood film. She is living in a quiet rural community and was apparently headhunted by a male movie star due to her appearance of innocence. She auditions and perhaps not surprisingly is offered the part...I won't spoil the rest of the story but it revolves around faith vs fame choices.

The storyline was a little unrealistic especially due to the fact that the main character had been involved in film in the past but had walked away due to a personal crisis. What are the chances that she would be headhunted by this man who knew nothing of her background?

I liked the way the author tried to demonstrate the dangers of power/money/fame within Hollywood and how this can corrupt a person. But, I would have liked to read more references to the faith of the main character. She felt God checking her on a number of occasions but proceeded anyway due to being caught up in the excitement. This was a more realistic scenario and something we all need to be aware of--just because it seems to be right, doesn't mean it is. We should proceed with caution and take advice from others.

There was no bad language in this book but there were some bedroom scenes that had a little too much detail and there is a violent scene which is quite graphic.

I wouldn't really recommend this book--it was too predictable with not enough of a Christian message. ( )