Fame

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Kingsbury once again tackles some of life's issues within the lives of her popular Baxter family characters. The unknown member of the family, actor Dayne Matthews, continues his quest for meaning. He is also excited by the prospect of bringing Katy Hart to Hollywood for a chance to star in his new movie. Katy, busy with her life as the director of a Christian Children's Theater group, is puzzled by the invite but accepts and is soon blown away by the glitz and romance of Hollywood. But does God really want her to chase after fame? Will Dayne figure out how to find meaning and purpose despite his Hollywood image? And will the long held Baxter family secret of Dayne's existance finally come out?
Kingsbury does an excellent job of sucking show more the reader in to this family saga. There is a suspense element that adds extra drama, a wacko who is stalking Dayne and who may want to do him harm. Kingsbury knows how to lay on the melodrama, and the plot is somewhat predictable. The characters at times seem like foils to explore the issues. But the story is compelling enough and ends on enough of a cliffhanger to make you want to read more.

How Good is it?
Nice for a quick escape or a light "beach read", plan to get sucked into the series. show less

Karen Kingsbury has a gift for writing stories that make you fall in love with the characters. The Baxter family is real, they have struggles and faith to get them through it, and they are lovable. This particular story focuses on Dayne Matthews, the unknown firstborn of the Baxter family. I enjoyed this book greatly and think it is the start to yet another epic tale.

I wanted to give it five stars, but to be honest, it dragged in places. This isn't really a fault because of the type of story. But I just felt I couldn't give it a perfect rating.

When a young drama teacher gets a chance to star in a movie, a dream she's always cherished, will she take it? Katy Hart is torn between her world, and the world she's always dreamed of. She is trying to figure out what God wants for her life, whether she should stay and become famous, or return to the life she loves. She meets the famous movie star, Dayne Matthews, and he pulls her to the new life she's being offered. Then, a crazy stalker attacks Dayne and Katy, and shows Katy what the future might hold for her.

Karen Kingsbury did a great job in this book, really showing the harsh side of fame, and Katy's reaction to it. I realy enjoyed this book, though I almost freaked out when that crazy lady attacked Katy and Dayne. This was one show more of the best books I've ever read. show less

This story gives you a glimpse of what the inside life of a movie star might be like. Dayne Matthews is the "star" (who has a past that is linked to the Baxter family) and is looking for a "leading lady" for his new movie. Enter Katy Hart from Bloomington, Indiana, an "innocent" girl who would be perfect for the part. Watch her struggle to make the right decision and see the beginning of the series of books start to unfold.

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