Book 1

Take One

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 1 January 2009

Book 1

The Baxters Take One

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 4 June 2015

Two unknown producers struggle to fulfill their dreams to change lives through the power of film. With millions of investors’ dollars on the line, everything starts to fall apart and they realize they may be in over their heads. Is it possible to beat the odds and make a movie unlike anything ever done before? Or, will they lose everything in the process?

Could they change the world—before the world changes them? Filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison left the mission field of Indonesia for the mission field of Hollywood with a dream bigger than both of them. Now they have done the impossible: raised enough money to produce a feature film with a message that could change the world. But as Chase and Keith begin shooting, their well-laid plans begin to unravel. With millions of dollars on the line, they make a desperate attempt to keep the film from falling apart—even as a temperamental actress, a botched production schedule, and their own insecurities leave little room for the creative and spiritual passion that once motivated them. Was God really behind this movie after all? A chance meeting and friendship with John Baxter could bring the encouragement they need to stay on mission and produce a movie that will actually change people’s lives. In the midst of the questions and the cameras, is it possible to keep things above the line and make a movie unlike anything done before—or is the risk too great for everyone?

  • Part of New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury's beloved Baxter series that begins with Redemption, Remember, Return, and Rejoice, now streaming online
  • Inspirational women's fiction with plenty of heart and a thread of sweet romance

Book 2

Take Two

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 21 June 2009

Will the price of fame be worth the cost?

Filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison have completed their first feature film, and Hollywood is buzzing with the news. In the wake of that excitement, the producers acquire rights to a novel that has all the ingredients they want for their next project. At the same time they cross paths with a well-connected player who introduces them to the right people, and suddenly every studio in town wants to talk to Chase and Keith.

The producers' dreams are on the verge of coming true, but Chase's marriage is strained and Keith's daughter-Andi Ellison-is making questionable choices in her quest for stardom. The producers are gaining respect and are on the verge of truly changing culture through the power of film-but is the change worth the cost?


Book 3

Take Three

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 1 March 2010

For the sake of a dream . . . or the love of fame?

Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison set out to change the world with their films-and they are finally seeing their dreams come true. The dedicated producers are deep in negotiations with America's top young movie star to play the lead in their next inspirational movie. But life takes a sudden turn for Chase, removing him from Jeremiah Productions permanently. In the process, Keith brings on one of the Baxter family members and the moviemaking continues.

At the same time, a crisis hits Keith's daughter, Andi, and Keith feels helpless to respond.

Devastated by the consequences of her wrong actions, Andi ventures out on her own and decides on a course of action that could destroy her. Meanwhile, Bailey Flanigan is caught up in her own drama with Cody Coleman. A Campus Crusade retreat gives them time alone along the shores of Lake Monroe and lets them face a possibility they've avoided for years.

Will Keith keep the passion he had at the start of his filmmaking-and will there be enough passion left over for his hurting daughter? Or has their quest to change American culture become nothing more than a quest for fame?


Book 4

Take Four

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 30 June 2010

The Above the Line Series follows two dedicated Hollywood producers as they seek to transform the culture through the power of film. In Take Four, after Chase Ryan returns to his family and a job in his hometown, filmmakers Keith Ellison and Dayne Matthews finally ink a deal to have the nation's top young actor star in their current film. But at the same time, the actor takes a very public fall that threatens his reputation among his fan base. Meanwhile, healing happens for Andi Ellison in her relationship with God, her family, and those she loves, but is it too late? The new producers find they must truly act as missionaries in order to help save the film, their families, and the young movie star. Breakthroughs take place that the public will never know about, as the possibility of saving the world through film is finally a very real possibility.


Take Two

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 21 June 2009

Take Four

by Karen Kingsbury

Published 22 June 2010