Book Review: Take One

Karen Kingsbury's books are always easy to get into and easy to read.  This book, Take One, was no exception. Plus, it is always interesting to read where she gained inspiration for certain minor characters.  She holds auctions to include real individuals as characters in her novels to raise money for her favored charities.

This was the first book in the Above the Line series.  We meet Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison, who have left missionary work in Indonesia to work as producers of a film they hope will change lives.  But at every step of the venture they are beset by opposition.  From a temperamental lead star to food trucks burning up and actors being bitten by the animals in the film, Chase and Keith continue to plug away at their dream, refusing to give in to discouragement despite the battle.  They are also running behind in funding and are praying for a miracle in that regard.

In the midst of the action with the film, we also meet Keith Ellison's sheltered daughter, Andi.  She is tired of being seen as the missionary kid and wants to experience more of life.  She is also struggling with her faith after the senseless loss of her dear friend.  Now that she is attending university in Bloomington, Indiana, (where the filming is set) she pairs up with her room-mate, Bailey Flanigan, a solid Christian struggling with relationship issues (in love with one boy, but dating another).  Each of these characters propels the action of the novel along well.

I read this book while I was at music camp and I also loved that this book's theme verse was the same one I chose for my campers when I was officer of the day: "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.  For you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance ..."  I will be happy to look for the further installments of this series.  Karen Kingsbury has a way of weaving faith into stories of interest.  You can never go wrong with a Karen Kingsbury book!