Below is the complete list of Karen Kingsbury books in publication order. For each series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Above the Line Books in Order
- Take One (2009)
Take One was published in 2009 and is listed as book #1 in the Above the Line series. - Take Two (2009)
Published in 2009, Take Two is listed as book #2 in the Above the Line series. - Take Three (2010)
Take Three is a 2010 release and appears as book #3 in the Above the Line series. - Take Four (2010)
In the Above the Line series, Take Four is book #4 and was published in 2010.
Angels Walking Books in Order
- Angels Walking (2014)
Angels Walking was published in 2014 and is listed as book #1 in the Angels Walking series. - Chasing Sunsets (2015)
Published in 2015, Chasing Sunsets is listed as book #2 in the Angels Walking series. - Brush of Wings (2017)
Brush of Wings is a 2017 release and appears as book #3 in the Angels Walking series.
Bailey Flanigan Books in Order
- Leaving (2011)
Leaving was published in 2011 and is listed as book #1 in the Bailey Flanigan series. - Learning (2011)
Published in 2011, Learning is listed as book #2 in the Bailey Flanigan series. - Longing (2011)
Longing is a 2011 release and appears as book #3 in the Bailey Flanigan series. - Loving (2012)
In the Bailey Flanigan series, Loving is book #4 and was published in 2012.
The Baxter Family Books in Order
- A Baxter Family Christmas (2016)
A Baxter Family Christmas was published in 2016 and is listed as book #1 in the The Baxter Family series. - Love Story (2017)
Published in 2017, Love Story is listed as book #2 in the The Baxter Family series. - In This Moment (2017)
In This Moment is a 2017 release and appears as book #3 in the The Baxter Family series. - To the Moon and Back (2018)
In the The Baxter Family series, To the Moon and Back is book #4 and was published in 2018. - When We Were Young (2018)
When We Were Young was first published in 2018; within the The Baxter Family series, it is listed as book #5. - Two Weeks (2020)
Two Weeks was published in 2020 and is listed as book #6 in the The Baxter Family series. - Someone Like You (2020)
Published in 2020, Someone Like You is listed as book #7 in the The Baxter Family series. - Truly, Madly, Deeply (2020)
Truly, Madly, Deeply is a 2020 release and appears as book #8 in the The Baxter Family series. - Forgiving Paris (2021)
In the The Baxter Family series, Forgiving Paris is book #9 and was published in 2021. - The Baxters: A Prequel (2022)
The Baxters: A Prequel was first published in 2022; within the The Baxter Family series, it is listed as book #10. - The Baxters Devotional (2024)
The Baxters Devotional was published in 2024 and is listed as book #11 in the The Baxter Family series.
Baxter Family Children Books in Order
with Tyler Russell
- Best Family Ever (2019)
Best Family Ever was published in 2019 and is listed as book #1 in the Baxter Family Children series. - Finding Home (2020)
Published in 2020, Finding Home is listed as book #2 in the Baxter Family Children series. - Never Grow Up (2021)
Never Grow Up is a 2021 release and appears as book #3 in the Baxter Family Children series. - Adventure Awaits (2022)
(With Tyler Russell)
In the Baxter Family Children series, Adventure Awaits is book #4 and was published in 2022. - Being Baxters (2023)
(With Tyler Russell)
Being Baxters was first published in 2023; within the Baxter Family Children series, it is listed as book #5.
The Bridge Books in Order
- The Beginning (2012)
The Beginning was published in 2012 and is listed as book #1 in the The Bridge series. - The Bridge (2012)
Published in 2012, The Bridge is listed as book #2 in the The Bridge series.
Cody Gunner Books in Order
- A Thousand Tomorrows (2005)
A Thousand Tomorrows was published in 2005 and is listed as book #1 in the Cody Gunner series. - Just Beyond the Clouds (2007)
Published in 2007, Just Beyond the Clouds is listed as book #2 in the Cody Gunner series. - This Side of Heaven (2009)
This Side of Heaven is a 2009 release and appears as book #3 in the Cody Gunner series.
Coming Home Books in Order
- Coming Home (2012)
Coming Home was published in 2012 and is listed as book #1 in the Coming Home series.
Lost Love Books in Order
- Even Now (2005)
Even Now was published in 2005 and is listed as book #1 in the Lost Love series. - Ever After (2006)
Published in 2006, Ever After is listed as book #2 in the Lost Love series.
Firstborn Books in Order
- Fame (2005)
Fame was published in 2005 and is listed as book #1 in the Firstborn series. - Forgiven (2005)
Published in 2005, Forgiven is listed as book #2 in the Firstborn series. - Found (2006)
Found is a 2006 release and appears as book #3 in the Firstborn series. - Family (2006)
In the Firstborn series, Family is book #4 and was published in 2006. - Forever (2007)
Forever was first published in 2007; within the Firstborn series, it is listed as book #5.
Forever Faithful Books in Order
- Waiting for Morning (1999)
Waiting for Morning was published in 1999 and is listed as book #1 in the Forever Faithful series. - A Moment of Weakness (2000)
Published in 2000, A Moment of Weakness is listed as book #2 in the Forever Faithful series. - Halfway to Forever (2002)
Halfway to Forever is a 2002 release and appears as book #3 in the Forever Faithful series.
Heart of the Story Books in Order
- The Family of Jesus (2014)
The Family of Jesus was published in 2014 and is listed as book #1 in the Heart of the Story series. - The Friends of Jesus (2015)
Published in 2015, The Friends of Jesus is listed as book #2 in the Heart of the Story series.
Liberty University Short Stories/Novellas Books in Order
- Once Upon a Campus (2016)
Once Upon a Campus was published in 2016 and is listed as book #1 in the Liberty University Short Stories/Novellas series.
Red Gloves Books in Order
- Gideon’s Gift (2002)
Gideon’s Gift was published in 2002 and is listed as book #1 in the Red Gloves series. - Maggie’s Miracle (2003)
Published in 2003, Maggie’s Miracle is listed as book #2 in the Red Gloves series. - Sarah’s Song (2004)
Sarah’s Song is a 2004 release and appears as book #3 in the Red Gloves series. - Hannah’s Hope (2005)
In the Red Gloves series, Hannah’s Hope is book #4 and was published in 2005.
Redemption Books in Order
with Gary Smalley
- Redemption (2002)
Redemption was published in 2002 and is listed as book #1 in the Redemption series. - Remember (2003)
Published in 2003, Remember is listed as book #2 in the Redemption series. - Return (2003)
Return is a 2003 release and appears as book #3 in the Redemption series. - Rejoice (2004)
In the Redemption series, Rejoice is book #4 and was published in 2004. - Reunion (2004)
Reunion was first published in 2004; within the Redemption series, it is listed as book #5.
September 11 Books in Order
- One Tuesday Morning (2003)
One Tuesday Morning was published in 2003 and is listed as book #1 in the September 11 series. - Beyond Tuesday Morning (2004)
Published in 2004, Beyond Tuesday Morning is listed as book #2 in the September 11 series. - Every Now & Then / Remember Tuesday Morning (2008)
Every Now & Then / Remember Tuesday Morning is a 2008 release and appears as book #3 in the September 11 series.
Sunrise Books in Order
- Sunrise (2007)
Sunrise was published in 2007 and is listed as book #1 in the Sunrise series. - Summer (2007)
Published in 2007, Summer is listed as book #2 in the Sunrise series. - Someday (2008)
Someday is a 2008 release and appears as book #3 in the Sunrise series. - Sunset (2008)
In the Sunrise series, Sunset is book #4 and was published in 2008.
Timeless Love Books in Order
- A Time to Dance (2001)
A Time to Dance was published in 2001 and is listed as book #1 in the Timeless Love series. - A Time to Embrace (2002)
Published in 2002, A Time to Embrace is listed as book #2 in the Timeless Love series.
Standalone Novels Books in Order
- Where Yesterday Lives (1998)
Where Yesterday Lives was published in 1998 and is listed as book #1 in the Standalone Novels series. - When Joy Came to Stay (2000)
Published in 2000, When Joy Came to Stay is listed as book #2 in the Standalone Novels series. - On Every Side (2001)
On Every Side is a 2001 release and appears as book #3 in the Standalone Novels series. - Oceans Apart (2002)
In the Standalone Novels series, Oceans Apart is book #4 and was published in 2002. - Divine (2006)
Divine was first published in 2006; within the Standalone Novels series, it is listed as book #5. - Like Dandelion Dust (2006)
Like Dandelion Dust was published in 2006 and is listed as book #6 in the Standalone Novels series. - Between Sundays (2007)
Published in 2007, Between Sundays is listed as book #7 in the Standalone Novels series. - Shades of Blue (2008)
Shades of Blue is a 2008 release and appears as book #8 in the Standalone Novels series. - Unlocked (2009)
In the Standalone Novels series, Unlocked is book #9 and was published in 2009. - The Chance (2013)
The Chance was first published in 2013; within the Standalone Novels series, it is listed as book #10. - Fifteen Minutes (2013)
Fifteen Minutes was published in 2013 and is listed as book #11 in the Standalone Novels series. - A Distant Shore (2021)
Published in 2021, A Distant Shore is listed as book #12 in the Standalone Novels series. - Just Once (2023)
Just Once is a 2023 release and appears as book #13 in the Standalone Novels series. - The Christmas Ring (2025)
In the Standalone Novels series, The Christmas Ring is book #14 and was published in 2025.
Picture Books in Order
- Go Ahead and Dream (2000)
Go Ahead and Dream was published in 2000 and is listed as book #1 in the Picture series. - Let Me Hold You Longer (2004)
Published in 2004, Let Me Hold You Longer is listed as book #2 in the Picture series. - Let’s Go on a Mommy Date (2008)
Let’s Go on a Mommy Date is a 2008 release and appears as book #3 in the Picture series. - We Believe in Christmas (2008)
In the Picture series, We Believe in Christmas is book #4 and was published in 2008. - The Princess and the Three Knights (2009)
The Princess and the Three Knights was first published in 2009; within the Picture series, it is listed as book #5. - Let’s Have a Daddy Day (2010)
Let’s Have a Daddy Day was published in 2010 and is listed as book #6 in the Picture series. - Brave Young Knight (2011)
Published in 2011, Brave Young Knight is listed as book #7 in the Picture series. - Far Flutterby (2012)
Far Flutterby is a 2012 release and appears as book #8 in the Picture series. - Always Daddy’s Princess (2013)
In the Picture series, Always Daddy’s Princess is book #9 and was published in 2013. - Whatever You Grow Up to Be (2014)
Whatever You Grow Up to Be was first published in 2014; within the Picture series, it is listed as book #10. - Forever My Little Boy (2016)
Forever My Little Boy was published in 2016 and is listed as book #11 in the Picture series. - Forever My Little Girl (2016)
Published in 2016, Forever My Little Girl is listed as book #12 in the Picture series.
Short Story Collections Books in Order
- A Treasury of Christmas Miracles (2001)
A Treasury of Christmas Miracles was published in 2001 and is listed as book #1 in the Short Story Collections series. - A Treasury of Miracles for Women (2002)
Published in 2002, A Treasury of Miracles for Women is listed as book #2 in the Short Story Collections series. - A Treasury of Miracles for Teens (2003)
A Treasury of Miracles for Teens is a 2003 release and appears as book #3 in the Short Story Collections series. - A Treasury of Miracles for Friends (2004)
In the Short Story Collections series, A Treasury of Miracles for Friends is book #4 and was published in 2004. - A Treasury of Adoption Miracles (2005)
A Treasury of Adoption Miracles was first published in 2005; within the Short Story Collections series, it is listed as book #5.
Non-Fiction Novels Books in Order
- Missy’s Murder (1991)
Missy’s Murder was published in 1991 and is listed as book #1 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - Final Vows (1992)
Published in 1992, Final Vows is listed as book #2 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - Deadly Pretender (1993)
Deadly Pretender is a 1993 release and appears as book #3 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - The Snake and the Spider (1995)
In the Non-Fiction Novels series, The Snake and the Spider is book #4 and was published in 1995. - The Prism Weight Loss Program (1999)
The Prism Weight Loss Program was first published in 1999; within the Non-Fiction Novels series, it is listed as book #5. - Be Safe Little Boy (2006)
Be Safe Little Boy was published in 2006 and is listed as book #6 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - Stay Close Little Girl (2006)
Published in 2006, Stay Close Little Girl is listed as book #7 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - Miracles: A 52-Week Devotional (2009)
Miracles: A 52-Week Devotional is a 2009 release and appears as book #8 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - I Can Only Imagine (2012)
In the Non-Fiction Novels series, I Can Only Imagine is book #9 and was published in 2012. - The Family of Jesus Bible Study (2014)
The Family of Jesus Bible Study was first published in 2014; within the Non-Fiction Novels series, it is listed as book #10. - The Friends of Jesus – Bible Study Book (2015)
The Friends of Jesus – Bible Study Book was published in 2015 and is listed as book #11 in the Non-Fiction Novels series. - Elizabeth Baxter’s 10 Secrets to a Happy Marriage (2019)
Published in 2019, Elizabeth Baxter’s 10 Secrets to a Happy Marriage is listed as book #12 in the Non-Fiction Novels series.
About Karen Kingsbury
Karen Kingsbury is an American inspirational novelist whose fiction is closely associated with faith, family, forgiveness, loss, and the emotional turning points that reshape ordinary lives. She is best known for the Baxter family novels, a long-running group of connected series that became the center of her readership and later moved into screen adaptation. Her work sits firmly within Christian and inspirational fiction, but its appeal often comes from domestic drama: marriages under pressure, parents and children facing painful choices, grief, second chances, adoption, fame, illness, and the hope that broken relationships can be restored.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Kingsbury worked in journalism. That background helped shape the direct, accessible style of her fiction. Her early writing included true-crime material, with Missy’s Murder among her first books, but she later became most widely known for novels that combine emotional storytelling with Christian themes. Her books are often described by the phrase “Life-Changing Fiction,” a label that reflects her emphasis on stories meant not only to entertain but also to encourage reflection, healing, and spiritual hope.
The Baxter family is the major landmark in Kingsbury’s bibliography. Beginning with the Redemption series, co-written with Gary Smalley, the Baxters became the foundation for a large fictional world centered on John and Elizabeth Baxter and their children. The early books explore family crisis, marital strain, illness, faith, and reconciliation, while later branches such as Firstborn, Sunrise, Above the Line, Bailey Flanigan, and the newer Baxter Family books widen the focus to the next generation, Hollywood storylines, young adulthood, and the long-term consequences of earlier family decisions.
One reason the Baxter books have remained central to Kingsbury’s career is that they allow readers to follow characters over many years rather than only through one isolated crisis. The series is not simply about one romance or one family event. It becomes a broad portrait of a faith-centered family living through joy, tragedy, conflict, and change. Readers who stay with the Baxters see relationships mature, children grow up, marriages tested, and old wounds revisited from new angles. That long emotional continuity is a major part of Kingsbury’s identity as a novelist.
Kingsbury has also written several other series and standalones outside the Baxter world. The Angels Walking series brings a stronger spiritual and supernatural element into her fiction, while books such as Even Now, Ever After, Like Dandelion Dust, A Time to Dance, and Someone Like You show her recurring interest in family separation, adoption, marriage, moral choice, and the lasting effect of past decisions. Many of her novels are designed around emotionally difficult premises, but they usually move toward hope rather than despair.
Her writing style is plainspoken, emotional, and highly accessible. Kingsbury does not write literary fiction in a dense or experimental mode; she writes for readers who want story, feeling, faith, and characters whose struggles connect to real family concerns. Her books often include Christian belief as a lived part of the characters’ decisions, not merely as background decoration. Prayer, forgiveness, trust, and redemption are recurring forces in how her characters understand suffering and recovery.
Karen Kingsbury’s bibliography is best understood through its emotional and spiritual continuity. The exact reading order matters most for the Baxter books because of the many connected arcs, but her larger body of work is united by a consistent purpose: stories about people facing painful crossroads and searching for grace, healing, and a way back to love.