Two Weeks: A Novel

by Karen Kingsbury

Hardcover, 2019

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Publication

Howard Books (2019), 384 pages

Description

"From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a heart-wrenching and redemptive new story in the Baxter Family series about a couple desperately waiting to bring their adopted child home and a young mother about to make the biggest decision of her life. Cole Blake, son of Landon and Ashley Baxter Blake, is months away from going off to college and taking the first steps towards his dream--a career in medicine. But as he starts his final semester of high school he meets Elise, a mysterious new girl who captures his attention--and heart--from day one. Elise has her heart set on mending her wild ways and rediscovering the good girl she used to be. But not long after the semester starts, she discovers she's pregnant. Eighteen and alone, she shares her secret with Cole. Undaunted by the news, and in love for the first time in his life, Cole is determined to support Elise--even if it means skipping college, marrying her, and raising another man's baby. When Elise decides to place her baby up for adoption, she is matched with Aaron and Lucy Williams, who moved to Bloomington, Indiana to escape seven painful years of infertility. But as Elise's due date draws near, she becomes focused on one truth: she has two weeks to change her mind about the adoption. With Cole keeping vigil and Lucy and Aaron waiting to welcome their new baby, Elise makes an unexpected decision--one that changes everyone's plans. Tender and deeply moving, Two Weeks is a story about love, faith, and what it really means to be a family"-- "From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a heart-wrenching and redemptive new story in the Baxter Family series about a couple desperately waiting to bring their adopted child home and a young mother about to make the biggest decision of her life"--… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Pam50627
Karen Kingsbury writes emotionally heart gripping stories that wring every sense of emotion from you. This book is actually the story of three different couples and how they are brought together by one tiny baby.

Cole Baxter meets the new girl in school for the last semester. He’s planned his
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life out - college & medical school at Liberty, playing baseball while an undergrad & back to work with his grandfather. Shortly after meeting Cole, Elise finds out she’s pregnant. She doesn’t think she’s ready for a baby but what’s she going to do now? The baby isn’t Coles but he is in love with Elise. Will he change his plans to take care of her?

Aaron & Lucy Williams have been trying to have a baby for years. They’ve struggled with a miscarriage. Had their hearts broken with a couple of failed adoptions. Aaron still believes that God has a plan for them but Lucy doesn’t believe anymore. She’s so tired from the process & the toll it’s taken on their lives & marriage. Can they find their way back to each other or will they be broken apart?

Theo & Alma Brown were foster parents until they had their beautiful daughter, Vienna. Now, Vienna is growing up & feels her parents should go back to fostering kids. After a tragedy changes their lives for ever, will they fall apart or will they follow their promise & find a way back?

At first, I was confused by the different points of view & how they fit together. The story pulls you in from the beginning & starts you on the emotional journey. You feel Elises’s pain & fear deep in your heart. Cole’s faith, love & heart make you believe everything will be better. Theo & Alma pull you into their grief & confusion. Why them? What did they do wrong? Lucy & Aaron were a case of one spouse clinging to his faith & the other spouse discouraged, frustrated & tired. All are brought together to learn something by little Gracie. The ending isn’t what I expected but what I love most about this story.
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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I have to say I've been disappointed in the Kingsbury novels I've read of late. They all seem pretty much the same.

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT:

What I liked: Cole's character--he sees a person in trouble and is willing to help and he doesn't back away from his word even when he's feeling dragged down
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by his promises; Elise's willingness to consider adoption over abortion; the loving support that Landon gives Cole and that Cole gives Elise; the guidance that Ashley and Brooke give Elise; Aaron's refusal to give up asking God for a baby of their own; the Browns willingness to be a 2 week foster family to Gracie Ann; the Browns decision to work as house parents for teens without parents of their own.

What I didn't like: Ashley jumps to conclusions about the relationship between Elise and Cole and also judges Elise--which is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black since Ashley once found herself in a similar situation; the characters are just a bit too perfect--you know things will work out for them--you know Aaron and Lucy will get the baby they've been hoping for etc.; Elise's naivete--she thinks just because Ray forced himself on her that she can't get pregnant? Come on--in this day and age I can't believe a girl doesn't know that pregnancy doesn't work that way by the time she's a senior in high school!
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LibraryThing member marciablnc
This story had a predictable ending. There was a good bond of friendship with Cole and Elise. His support helped her in a time of need.
LibraryThing member Melissa_O
I always love a good visit with the Baxter family. As someone who has read the entire series from the very beginning, I would recommend starting there even though this one could be read a standalone. Reading the whole series allows you to get to know the entire family so you can appreciate the
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visits and updates from the rest of the family in each new book.

This particular book centers around Cole, Ashley's oldest son. Cole is a senior in high school and falls for Elise, a girl he meets at school who is pregnant. This particular book focuses on the issues of unplanned pregnancy, infertility, and adoption.

As I have come to expect from a Karen Kingsbury novel, she has great characters and definitely tugs on the heart strings. Although I do love the Baxter series, I felt like this one was a bit more predictable than the others have been.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own
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LibraryThing member deslivres5
A Baxter Family series novel, this one focus most on Ashley's son, Cole, and a teen, Elise, whom he befriends after she moves from Louisiana to his high school mid-year during their senior year.
I read this one after reading another Karen Kingsbury, Forgiving Paris, which had some similar themes
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about unexpected pregnancy. It was interesting comparing Ashley and Elise and the choices they made.
It it heavy on faith and has themes/parallel stories of adoption, foster care, pregnancy loss and pro-choice.
I found Cole a bit irritatingly sweet/naive and with a savior complex too much for his young years.
There is a shocking tragedy in the story which I could have done without. I wish this portion of the story could have gotten its point across without the tragedy.
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

384 p.; 8.38 inches

ISBN

147670743X / 9781476707433

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