A bittersweet filled ending to the first Baxter series. The little snippets of backstory were interesting in their build-up to what was going on and what had happened in the Baxter's past, I logged the care and love between the family and how it was shown in the grief that the family goes through in Reunion. The joy and grief, the hurt, and the healing, the smiles and sorrow, they were all woven together into an ending of one story into the next.
There are some parts that got too telling and not enough something but otherwise was fine.

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As I began reading this, I realized that I had read it once before, years ago, so I already knew the outcome of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Being a cancer survivor myself, it was very hard to read that part of the book.

I also recently read a later book in this series so I know what comes down the road for some of the characters as well.

I found the pacing of the story a bit slow at times. I also wonder at some of the reasons characters give for doing or not doing something. ( )

I have grown very attached to the Baxter's. (I didn't start out attached. I made the mistake of reading the 3rd book 1st...not knowing it was a series. At that time, I would have just rated it 3 stars...an average read. But I liked it enough to go back and start the series!) I have enjoyed following the entire family....and especially Ashley and Landon. I'm sure had I read the 3rd book in order, I would have found it every bit as good as the first!
This final book was wonderful in everyway...except that it was an end! Elizabeth was strong and a leader during her illness. I will miss following the Baxter's in their everyday life...does Hayley make a complete recovery? Does Dayne ever let his family know who he is. I"m hoping to see more of the Baxters as I read Dayne's story in the Firstborn series. I'm sure I'll enjoy the books, regardless! ( )

The mother wants a reunion before she dies