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Bailey Flanigan #1
Leaving
The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan. Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
811 people are currently reading
12246 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kingsbury
208 books12k followersKaren Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 629 reviews
October 22, 2011
Well, reading this book was me giving Kingsbury one last chance to reclaim her former writing ability. It didn't work. I get the feeling as I'm reading that these books are what Karen Kingsbury wishes her life were like. Perfection.
Bailey Flanigan gets a part in a major motion picture and a part in a Broadway show? Of course she does. A hot movie star is in love with her? Of course! Ashley Baxter gets her art accepted by a major NY gallery? Of course she does. Oh, there's adversity to overcome, but they always come through with shining colors.
I'm sorry, but real life doesn't work that way. If I wanted to read a fairy tale, I'd sit down with my daughter and read Cinderella. Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you always get the perfect job doing what you love. It doesn't mean you always get the guy or have tons of money and a big house. Not everyone you meet (doctors, teachers, other professionals) all seem to be Christians! I'm starting to wonder if Kingsbury and I even live in the same country!
I don't know about you, but when I read a book I want it to be something I can relate to. I cannot relate to these books. At all. When I was a teenager, I didn't have a bunch of famous boys chasing me. I didn't have Hollywood and Broadway clamoring for my skills. Get real, Karen! Young women are only reading this book and wondering why they are so inadequate. After all, if they're Christians shouldn't God be blessing them similarly? I guess maybe I'm just too much of a realist for these books. So long, Karen.
Bailey Flanigan gets a part in a major motion picture and a part in a Broadway show? Of course she does. A hot movie star is in love with her? Of course! Ashley Baxter gets her art accepted by a major NY gallery? Of course she does. Oh, there's adversity to overcome, but they always come through with shining colors.
I'm sorry, but real life doesn't work that way. If I wanted to read a fairy tale, I'd sit down with my daughter and read Cinderella. Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you always get the perfect job doing what you love. It doesn't mean you always get the guy or have tons of money and a big house. Not everyone you meet (doctors, teachers, other professionals) all seem to be Christians! I'm starting to wonder if Kingsbury and I even live in the same country!
I don't know about you, but when I read a book I want it to be something I can relate to. I cannot relate to these books. At all. When I was a teenager, I didn't have a bunch of famous boys chasing me. I didn't have Hollywood and Broadway clamoring for my skills. Get real, Karen! Young women are only reading this book and wondering why they are so inadequate. After all, if they're Christians shouldn't God be blessing them similarly? I guess maybe I'm just too much of a realist for these books. So long, Karen.
May 31, 2018
{2.5 stars}
I still don't quite know what to make of this book, and it's my second time through. I was introduced to this author a few years ago, and I love her honest, thorough focus on God's Word. She also reminds the readers of how important prayer is in our daily life.
My biggest frustration with this book was how much it was felt like a soap opera. I hate to say this, considering the high faith content! But seriously, the back and forth of emotions got so out of hand. Maybe it's realistic, but it sure got so tiring. One moment Bailey acted like she knew which guy she should be with (even sounding pretty spiritual about it) and the next her feelings would go toward the other. For the record, Brandon got on my nerves! Seriously, he basically told her that they were supposed to be together and he kept repeating it when her heart was in so much turmoil.
But moving one..!! I loved Ashley and Landon's scenes, although they didn't go with Cody and Bailey's scenes, except that their families know each other. Ashley and Landon are so sweet together <3
There is focus on bad things in life throughout this book, but I felt the overall tone of everything working out perfectly. Basically, the characters prayed and they got what they wanted. God does answer prayer quickly at times, but he doesn't always give an affirmative to everything we want. I think previous books have brought the characters to where they are now, so it could be why things are so smooth at the moment.
I do plan to finish the series, as I'm very curious to see how things work out! This book will probably be enjoyed by many, as there is a strong family focus and faith content. I loved that Bailey had such a good relationship with her siblings and parents. So sweet!
I still don't quite know what to make of this book, and it's my second time through. I was introduced to this author a few years ago, and I love her honest, thorough focus on God's Word. She also reminds the readers of how important prayer is in our daily life.
My biggest frustration with this book was how much it was felt like a soap opera. I hate to say this, considering the high faith content! But seriously, the back and forth of emotions got so out of hand. Maybe it's realistic, but it sure got so tiring. One moment Bailey acted like she knew which guy she should be with (even sounding pretty spiritual about it) and the next her feelings would go toward the other. For the record, Brandon got on my nerves! Seriously, he basically told her that they were supposed to be together and he kept repeating it when her heart was in so much turmoil.
But moving one..!! I loved Ashley and Landon's scenes, although they didn't go with Cody and Bailey's scenes, except that their families know each other. Ashley and Landon are so sweet together <3
There is focus on bad things in life throughout this book, but I felt the overall tone of everything working out perfectly. Basically, the characters prayed and they got what they wanted. God does answer prayer quickly at times, but he doesn't always give an affirmative to everything we want. I think previous books have brought the characters to where they are now, so it could be why things are so smooth at the moment.
I do plan to finish the series, as I'm very curious to see how things work out! This book will probably be enjoyed by many, as there is a strong family focus and faith content. I loved that Bailey had such a good relationship with her siblings and parents. So sweet!
March 11, 2011
It was Thursday, March 3rd, that I received an email from Karen Kingsbury's office, informing me that I was chosen to receive an advanced copy of the book Leaving to review and to help promote. I had been looking forward to this new series about Bailey, who has for many series been one of my favorite characters in fiction. I feel like I’ve watched her grow up.
Later that night, I stood by my father's bedside, with my mom and sister beside me, and watched and prayed as my father traded in his earthly home for his heavenly one after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Although I my heart broke as he left us behind, my soul rejoiced that he was with Jesus and finally free from suffering!
I received my book in the mail a couple days later and began reading it the day after the funeral. It was fitting that this book about characters I've loved for so many years was about leaving and saying goodbye. Bailey leaving for New York. Cody leaving for a new job. Cole leaving his sandlot days behind. (Thank you, Karen, for not having my favorite hero Landon leave!)
Leaving is one of the hardest parts of life, whether it be leaving a childhood behind like Bailey is or leaving a frail human body behind like my dad did. The beauty of the Christian faith is that that leaving doesn't ever mean forever when we have a hope in Jesus. Leaving just means saying goodbye until Jesus brings us back together again either in this life time or in the one to come.
Karen writes about difficult life situations, but the hope of Jesus is woven through each storyline.
Thanks for picking me to receive this advanced copy. God knew I would need to read it.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
Later that night, I stood by my father's bedside, with my mom and sister beside me, and watched and prayed as my father traded in his earthly home for his heavenly one after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Although I my heart broke as he left us behind, my soul rejoiced that he was with Jesus and finally free from suffering!
I received my book in the mail a couple days later and began reading it the day after the funeral. It was fitting that this book about characters I've loved for so many years was about leaving and saying goodbye. Bailey leaving for New York. Cody leaving for a new job. Cole leaving his sandlot days behind. (Thank you, Karen, for not having my favorite hero Landon leave!)
Leaving is one of the hardest parts of life, whether it be leaving a childhood behind like Bailey is or leaving a frail human body behind like my dad did. The beauty of the Christian faith is that that leaving doesn't ever mean forever when we have a hope in Jesus. Leaving just means saying goodbye until Jesus brings us back together again either in this life time or in the one to come.
Karen writes about difficult life situations, but the hope of Jesus is woven through each storyline.
Thanks for picking me to receive this advanced copy. God knew I would need to read it.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
September 8, 2015
Cody Coleman you are stressing me out boy!
October 19, 2018
Leaving
Bailey is moving to new york to pursue acting and music.
Ashley and Landon are trying to raise their kids in the word of God but Landons accident in previous books is labding him in the hospital.
I really liked the characters we follow in this but the only thing I dont like (or find a bit annoying) is that no matter what they do what God wants. They must be the best christians in the world. It is always WWJD and just keep God in mind when you do everything. Yes thats nice but throughout everything its not realistic to think that Bailey would be that strong in faith in everything she did, she is still human. I wanted to see them make mistakes and act human not perfect. But otherwise i liked it better than the above the line series.
Bailey is moving to new york to pursue acting and music.
Ashley and Landon are trying to raise their kids in the word of God but Landons accident in previous books is labding him in the hospital.
I really liked the characters we follow in this but the only thing I dont like (or find a bit annoying) is that no matter what they do what God wants. They must be the best christians in the world. It is always WWJD and just keep God in mind when you do everything. Yes thats nice but throughout everything its not realistic to think that Bailey would be that strong in faith in everything she did, she is still human. I wanted to see them make mistakes and act human not perfect. But otherwise i liked it better than the above the line series.
March 3, 2012
I chose this book for two reasons: 1. I've not read much Christian fiction, and I've heard mixed reviews so I thought I'd give it a shot. Karen Kingsbury has sooo many books. 2. But! This one is set primarily in Bloomington, IN, a place I lived in for two years. It's always nice to revisit places you loved through literature, right?
Well, it became clear a third of the way through the novel that Kingsbury's Bloomington has nothing related to my Bloomington, so that was out the window. I rather liked Bailey and Cody so I pushed aside my minor disappointment with the setting and read on. I am not used to novels being so...is preachy the right word? So charismatic? I do know a few people who try to live their lives as the Flanigans and the Baxters do - so perfectly Christian - but it was not something I could relate to. I do admit it inspired me a little to try to be more like that, more thankful and more in contact with my faith, and I can only imagine that this is Kingsbury's intent in writing a family so sweetly perfect. Even my husband's family - the most Christian, the most faithful, the most energetically wholesome family I've ever met - doesn't reach the level of the characters in this novel. So that was something that came as a little shock.
It was a lot easier to take in the beginning of the book, but as devastating problems kept being thrown at the characters in rapid succession (problems that normal people would surely buckle under) it got a little unbelievable how the characters dealt with it. They seemed so detached from human feelings. Two people woke out of comas because a loved one was singing a Chris Tomlin song in the hospital room. Two. Maybe it is a miracle, or maybe Kingsbury is trying to prove something that's gone over my head, but it was difficult to believe. As other readers have said, it's very hard to relate to these characters because they're just so perfectly Christian. I guess I was bothered by the fact that the characters ask so much of God in the novel, and the few times God doesn't deliver, they kind of look around in confusion and say "Oh well, He knows what He's doing." Of course He does. He's God. He always answers prayers, but in the novel He seems to do it in good time for the characters.
Another thing that bothered me was the lack of secondary characters. We meet only the Flanigans, the Baxters, and their close friends. (One more thing that's unbelievable? Basically the entire plot line with famous Hollywood star Brandon Paul - why isn't he ever just called Brandon? - and a seemingly random 21-year-old girl from Bloomington.) We never meet anyone else. Anyone who's not Christian or a pivotal plot mover is never mentioned by name. That only adds to the happy-little-bubble quality of Bailey's world.
One last thing - I do admit that I have not read the preceding series to this novel, and therefore do not wholly understand the connection between the Flanigans and the Baxters, but it was very odd to read two novels in one. Ashley and Landon Baxter's story has nothing to do with Bailey and Cody, and the novel felt a little disjointed because of the inclusion of both stories.
Well, I hadn't been expecting to write so much about this book, which proves it left an impression. All in all it was not a bad read, and I am not forever expelling Karen Kingsbury from future consideration for my reading list. I just found it to be an odd novel.
Well, it became clear a third of the way through the novel that Kingsbury's Bloomington has nothing related to my Bloomington, so that was out the window. I rather liked Bailey and Cody so I pushed aside my minor disappointment with the setting and read on. I am not used to novels being so...is preachy the right word? So charismatic? I do know a few people who try to live their lives as the Flanigans and the Baxters do - so perfectly Christian - but it was not something I could relate to. I do admit it inspired me a little to try to be more like that, more thankful and more in contact with my faith, and I can only imagine that this is Kingsbury's intent in writing a family so sweetly perfect. Even my husband's family - the most Christian, the most faithful, the most energetically wholesome family I've ever met - doesn't reach the level of the characters in this novel. So that was something that came as a little shock.
It was a lot easier to take in the beginning of the book, but as devastating problems kept being thrown at the characters in rapid succession (problems that normal people would surely buckle under) it got a little unbelievable how the characters dealt with it. They seemed so detached from human feelings. Two people woke out of comas because a loved one was singing a Chris Tomlin song in the hospital room. Two. Maybe it is a miracle, or maybe Kingsbury is trying to prove something that's gone over my head, but it was difficult to believe. As other readers have said, it's very hard to relate to these characters because they're just so perfectly Christian. I guess I was bothered by the fact that the characters ask so much of God in the novel, and the few times God doesn't deliver, they kind of look around in confusion and say "Oh well, He knows what He's doing." Of course He does. He's God. He always answers prayers, but in the novel He seems to do it in good time for the characters.
Another thing that bothered me was the lack of secondary characters. We meet only the Flanigans, the Baxters, and their close friends. (One more thing that's unbelievable? Basically the entire plot line with famous Hollywood star Brandon Paul - why isn't he ever just called Brandon? - and a seemingly random 21-year-old girl from Bloomington.) We never meet anyone else. Anyone who's not Christian or a pivotal plot mover is never mentioned by name. That only adds to the happy-little-bubble quality of Bailey's world.
One last thing - I do admit that I have not read the preceding series to this novel, and therefore do not wholly understand the connection between the Flanigans and the Baxters, but it was very odd to read two novels in one. Ashley and Landon Baxter's story has nothing to do with Bailey and Cody, and the novel felt a little disjointed because of the inclusion of both stories.
Well, I hadn't been expecting to write so much about this book, which proves it left an impression. All in all it was not a bad read, and I am not forever expelling Karen Kingsbury from future consideration for my reading list. I just found it to be an odd novel.
July 13, 2011
I LOVE Karen Kingsbury! Her books not only entertain me, but they minister to me with the scripture she weaves into the stories of the people in her books. This book is the first in a series about Bailey Flanigan. I should also say that this series is a continuation of characters from several previous series so if you've read all those other series, which I have, then you already know Bailey. Normally I would give all of Karen's books 5 stars, but I really feel as though the relationship between Bailey and Cody, or rather lack thereof, has been dragged out long enough. Karen really set it up for Bailey and Cody to come together in a committed relationship, but then they never quite make it. It is really getting frustrating with how long this is taking, and it wasn't resolved in this book, either. Next one in the series is Learning, which I'm reading now. We shall see what happens then, but my hopes aren't very high regarding Cody and Bailey. [sigh] I still do recommend the book, though. But read the previous series first, which are Redemption, Firstborn, Sunrise, Above the Line, and then the Bailey Flanigan series.
September 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book....Which is weird because I normally like Fantasy or Dystopian. Especially since I mostly read YA anyway. But I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a meaningful contemporary!
April 4, 2011
I read it yesterday, so it was very hard to put down. You need to have read her previous books with Bailey and Cody to really understand this one or you'll be even more frustrated. I feel like I know them, although it has been a while since I read the Above the Line Series (I think that's the right one) and I so wanted to know about their next step. Anyway, it's good to see the Baxter's back on the peripheral, too. She has some great points on 'Leaving'; however, this love that these 2 have is of the Romeo and Juliet type. So when you love like that, you make decisions in a differnt way than she writes - I think. So that's somewhat annoying and unreal. But it is a book and if they had an easy love, then there's no need to even write this series. Another good point I got out of it, is that through God, we can can be content, even happy, with our circumstances. KK makes this point with both characters. So that's a point to ponder.....
October 19, 2024
Now onto the Bailey Flanagan series. We follow Bailey Flanagan and her journey with love and waiting for her dreams to come true. I have to say I really enjoyed this book but I’m staring to get a little frustrated in the relationship between Cody and Bailey. I know I won’t know if they would get together onto book 4 so I need to be patient!! In the whole this book is a 4.5 star read. I’m glad we are visiting Ashley and Logan in this series. It’s nice to be back with the Baxters!! Looking forward to their journey!!!!!!
June 23, 2020
Daytime soap + Christian romance + melodrama = this novel. It's not that the writing is that bad--its regular Christian romance kind of writing. It's all of this daytime soap opera melodrama that gets added into the mix. I thought I might actually like this at first, so kept reading Of course there should be conflict. I can even deal with that annoying love triangle stuff after awhile. But explain this set of 4 POVs. There are three POVs for main, broken up couple (one being the mother of the woman), but then there is a fourth POV with an apparently completely unrelated story full of soap opera drama of its own, and you certainly don't find out the connection in this first installment of the series. That's right, you don't see all of the POVs in this complex love drama.
What do you call it when you have a broken up couple who are in love but each has someone else that could be romance? A double love triangle? A love rhombus? No, not exactly a pure rhombus, but this:
But not exactly that, either, since each one of them has a separate one that makes a triangle--I can't find a good diagram, since it's not joined exactly at the tip, either.
In any event, I wanted to root for the main couple, but it was made exceedingly difficult. On the one hand, I'd like to know if they get together and I'd like to know how this unrelated family story fits. On the other hand, I don't think I could handle reading the other novel(s) to complete it. If I could get a print copy of the last book, I suppose I could see the resolution.
As for the Broadway tag--Bailey, who has filmed a big new movie, really aspires to Broadway and receives a big invitation to audition for an ensemble spot in Hairspray--whether or not she lands the part I'll say in this in case you don't want to read this.
What do you call it when you have a broken up couple who are in love but each has someone else that could be romance? A double love triangle? A love rhombus? No, not exactly a pure rhombus, but this:
But not exactly that, either, since each one of them has a separate one that makes a triangle--I can't find a good diagram, since it's not joined exactly at the tip, either.
In any event, I wanted to root for the main couple, but it was made exceedingly difficult. On the one hand, I'd like to know if they get together and I'd like to know how this unrelated family story fits. On the other hand, I don't think I could handle reading the other novel(s) to complete it. If I could get a print copy of the last book, I suppose I could see the resolution.
As for the Broadway tag--Bailey, who has filmed a big new movie, really aspires to Broadway and receives a big invitation to audition for an ensemble spot in Hairspray--whether or not she lands the part I'll say in this in case you don't want to read this.
May 12, 2011
“Life changes. People come and go, and seasons never last.” Pastor Mark Atteberry’s voice rang with passionate emotion. “Nothing stays the same. We can count on that. Good times come and go…finances are ever changing…our health will eventually fail us. And though death or decision, everyone we know will someday leave us.” He paused, his eyes searching the congregation. “All except for Jesus Christ. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. And because of that we have the strength to love with all our hearts…even unaware of what tomorrow brings.” He smiled. “That’s what I want you to take away from today’s service. Jesus stays.” – Pg. 25
Zondervan sent out requests for a blog tour for Karen Kingsbury’s “Leaving.” I immediately responded, but the answering email said my blog was not accepted. The package came in the mail anyway and I nearly jumped for joy. I circled it in my day planner and eagerly opened the book. I had not been following a lot of Kingsbury’s books, but was familiar with the Baxter Family Series. The book is part of the “Forever in Fiction” series.
“For a number of years now, I’ve had the privilege of offering Forever in Fiction as an auction item at fund-raisers across the country. So many of my more recent books have had Forever in Fiction characters that I hear from your reader friends how you look forward to this part of my novels, reading this section to see which characters in the coming pages are actually inspired by real-life people, and learning a little about their real stories. Then you enjoy looking for them in the coming pages, knowing with a smile how it must feel to their families, seeing their names Forever in Fiction.” – Pg. 19
There are two stories told in this book: Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman. They grew up together and fell in love, but Cody walked away without any explanation angering Bailey and her family. Cody’s mom resides in prison. He suffers from PTSD from the Iraq war and a lack of self-worth. Bailey’s family thought of him like family and his disappearance caused a lot of hurt. Life goes on though and we follow their stories until their lives collide in the end.
The writing is phenomenal and joyous. Warmth and love flow in the words and around the Baxter family tree. Their faith and struggles draw you into the story. I enjoyed reading the story, but the ending didn’t leave me satisfied. I felt this same way after watching the second installment of the original Star Wars. Kingsbury’s book series continues in June 2011 with the second phase of Bailey Flanigan’s life called Learning. Just like Star Wars, episode II, I have to read the second phase to find out how Bailey’s love life will evolve.
Zondervan gave me the book to review. All reviews are objective.
Zondervan sent out requests for a blog tour for Karen Kingsbury’s “Leaving.” I immediately responded, but the answering email said my blog was not accepted. The package came in the mail anyway and I nearly jumped for joy. I circled it in my day planner and eagerly opened the book. I had not been following a lot of Kingsbury’s books, but was familiar with the Baxter Family Series. The book is part of the “Forever in Fiction” series.
“For a number of years now, I’ve had the privilege of offering Forever in Fiction as an auction item at fund-raisers across the country. So many of my more recent books have had Forever in Fiction characters that I hear from your reader friends how you look forward to this part of my novels, reading this section to see which characters in the coming pages are actually inspired by real-life people, and learning a little about their real stories. Then you enjoy looking for them in the coming pages, knowing with a smile how it must feel to their families, seeing their names Forever in Fiction.” – Pg. 19
There are two stories told in this book: Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman. They grew up together and fell in love, but Cody walked away without any explanation angering Bailey and her family. Cody’s mom resides in prison. He suffers from PTSD from the Iraq war and a lack of self-worth. Bailey’s family thought of him like family and his disappearance caused a lot of hurt. Life goes on though and we follow their stories until their lives collide in the end.
The writing is phenomenal and joyous. Warmth and love flow in the words and around the Baxter family tree. Their faith and struggles draw you into the story. I enjoyed reading the story, but the ending didn’t leave me satisfied. I felt this same way after watching the second installment of the original Star Wars. Kingsbury’s book series continues in June 2011 with the second phase of Bailey Flanigan’s life called Learning. Just like Star Wars, episode II, I have to read the second phase to find out how Bailey’s love life will evolve.
Zondervan gave me the book to review. All reviews are objective.
April 14, 2017
very good. I had high expectations and Karen achieved them!
March 24, 2011
Karen Kingsbury is a celebrated author of dozens of Christian novels and this particular book has a personal connection. Kingsbury has generously offered to help raise money for various charities through her Forever In Fiction program. Last year, at our Catholic School silent auction, many, many friends of my dear friend Roberta Johnson, contributed to raise enough money to win Roberta a place in Karen Kingsbury's next novel. Leaving is that book and while Roberta left this world to live with her Heavenly Father last November, she will live forever in our hearts and now, forever in fiction.
This is the third book I've read by Karen Kingsbury. The first was a collection of true adoption stories, and the second was On A Given Sunday. While I enjoyed both books, Kingsbury's novels aren't the type of books of read on a regular basis. I call them "easy reading" books. That said, I know that Kingsbury has lots of fans, many of my friends among them.
Leaving is the first in a new series about a young woman leaving home to find career and (she hopes) love. I found the characters to be a bit trite, and the story unrealistic. Kingsbury glosses over real life, but that's probably what people like about her books. They want a world that's better than the one we're actually in. As it's part of a series, the book doesn't really have much of an ending. Unfortunately, I'm not interested enough in the story or the characters to want to read more.
The best part of the book was, for me, Roberta. Kingsbury obviously didn't know Roberta well, but there were definitely glimpses of the real Roberta in the character of the next door neighbor. I kept thinking as I read, that I would have written it a bit differently. Of course, I actually knew Roberta, so I definitely have an advantage there. Here's what I would have written for the "Roberta Johnson visit":
She opened the door to find Roberta Johnson, her next door neighbor. The woman was holding a plate of brownies. “Roberta!” The laughter in the background was louder than before. “Come in. If we can hear ourselves above the uproar.”
“Actually, it makes me feel right at home. Loud comes with big families.” Roberta grinned. She handed Jenny the brownies and adjusted the kerchief around the wisps of reddish hair that had started to grow back. “It has been so great to be back home, Jenny – and everyone has been so thoughtful with all the meals and goodies. Unfortunately, we seem to like the goodies too much! Bill thinks we need to cut back on the sweets, so I thought your kids would appreciate the brownies.” With six months straight in the hospital battling leukemia, Roberta had been through quite an ordeal. “You know they will,” Jenny said as they sat down at the kitchen table.
“I’ve another reason for coming today,” Roberta told her. “The kids have been telling me all about Bailey’s new job on Broadway.” Jenny handed Roberta a glass of water and grabbed one for herself. “Yes,” she said, trying to put on a brave face, “she leaves in two weeks.” At those last words, she suddenly lost composure and Jenny’s eyes started welling with tears.
“Oh sweetie!” Roberta set down her glass and put her arms around Jenny. “We spend twenty years preparing them this moment, and when it comes, we’re not sure we’re ready for it ourselves.” Jenny nodded, grabbing a tissue. “Let me tell you something, Jenny. When Jeremiah left home, I felt the same way, but you know what? I found that our relationship changed, and in a good way. It’s not the same, no. But, it’s all good because it’s God’s plan. You’ll see – you’ll miss her and you’ll cry, but the world won’t fall apart. And in the end, you’ll find out that your relationship with Bailey will have matured and changed in a good way, too.”
“Oh, I hope so. I just barely got through the possibility of Bailey moving to Los Angeles, and now New York! What if she’s not ready?” Roberta squeezed her hands gently and smiled. “Do you remember when we were shopping for dresses with Julia?” Jenny nodded. “She passed up dress after dress telling us that the neckline was too low or the slit in the leg was too high.” “She sounded just like you, Roberta,” Jenny laughed. “Exactly!” Roberta exclaimed, “And Bailey is the same way. She chose not to live in Los Angeles because of the values she got from you. We’ve always said a girl needs her mother. Bailey will carry you with her everywhere she goes. Your words and your values emanate from her. You’ve done a great job raising her, Jenny.”
“Thank you for that. And you’re right,” Jenny said giving her friend a big hug, “She’s ready!” Roberta pushed back her chair and grabbed her purse. “In the meantime, I’m right next door if you need a sympathetic ear and a cup of coffee!” “Don’t forget the chocolate!” Jenny added. “Of course not, that’s what friends are for!” Roberta said as she hugged her friend goodbye. Jenny smiled as she watched Roberta make her way down the sidewalk to her own busy house. Friends like Roberta are certainly a sign that God loves us, she thought.
This is the third book I've read by Karen Kingsbury. The first was a collection of true adoption stories, and the second was On A Given Sunday. While I enjoyed both books, Kingsbury's novels aren't the type of books of read on a regular basis. I call them "easy reading" books. That said, I know that Kingsbury has lots of fans, many of my friends among them.
Leaving is the first in a new series about a young woman leaving home to find career and (she hopes) love. I found the characters to be a bit trite, and the story unrealistic. Kingsbury glosses over real life, but that's probably what people like about her books. They want a world that's better than the one we're actually in. As it's part of a series, the book doesn't really have much of an ending. Unfortunately, I'm not interested enough in the story or the characters to want to read more.
The best part of the book was, for me, Roberta. Kingsbury obviously didn't know Roberta well, but there were definitely glimpses of the real Roberta in the character of the next door neighbor. I kept thinking as I read, that I would have written it a bit differently. Of course, I actually knew Roberta, so I definitely have an advantage there. Here's what I would have written for the "Roberta Johnson visit":
She opened the door to find Roberta Johnson, her next door neighbor. The woman was holding a plate of brownies. “Roberta!” The laughter in the background was louder than before. “Come in. If we can hear ourselves above the uproar.”
“Actually, it makes me feel right at home. Loud comes with big families.” Roberta grinned. She handed Jenny the brownies and adjusted the kerchief around the wisps of reddish hair that had started to grow back. “It has been so great to be back home, Jenny – and everyone has been so thoughtful with all the meals and goodies. Unfortunately, we seem to like the goodies too much! Bill thinks we need to cut back on the sweets, so I thought your kids would appreciate the brownies.” With six months straight in the hospital battling leukemia, Roberta had been through quite an ordeal. “You know they will,” Jenny said as they sat down at the kitchen table.
“I’ve another reason for coming today,” Roberta told her. “The kids have been telling me all about Bailey’s new job on Broadway.” Jenny handed Roberta a glass of water and grabbed one for herself. “Yes,” she said, trying to put on a brave face, “she leaves in two weeks.” At those last words, she suddenly lost composure and Jenny’s eyes started welling with tears.
“Oh sweetie!” Roberta set down her glass and put her arms around Jenny. “We spend twenty years preparing them this moment, and when it comes, we’re not sure we’re ready for it ourselves.” Jenny nodded, grabbing a tissue. “Let me tell you something, Jenny. When Jeremiah left home, I felt the same way, but you know what? I found that our relationship changed, and in a good way. It’s not the same, no. But, it’s all good because it’s God’s plan. You’ll see – you’ll miss her and you’ll cry, but the world won’t fall apart. And in the end, you’ll find out that your relationship with Bailey will have matured and changed in a good way, too.”
“Oh, I hope so. I just barely got through the possibility of Bailey moving to Los Angeles, and now New York! What if she’s not ready?” Roberta squeezed her hands gently and smiled. “Do you remember when we were shopping for dresses with Julia?” Jenny nodded. “She passed up dress after dress telling us that the neckline was too low or the slit in the leg was too high.” “She sounded just like you, Roberta,” Jenny laughed. “Exactly!” Roberta exclaimed, “And Bailey is the same way. She chose not to live in Los Angeles because of the values she got from you. We’ve always said a girl needs her mother. Bailey will carry you with her everywhere she goes. Your words and your values emanate from her. You’ve done a great job raising her, Jenny.”
“Thank you for that. And you’re right,” Jenny said giving her friend a big hug, “She’s ready!” Roberta pushed back her chair and grabbed her purse. “In the meantime, I’m right next door if you need a sympathetic ear and a cup of coffee!” “Don’t forget the chocolate!” Jenny added. “Of course not, that’s what friends are for!” Roberta said as she hugged her friend goodbye. Jenny smiled as she watched Roberta make her way down the sidewalk to her own busy house. Friends like Roberta are certainly a sign that God loves us, she thought.
July 14, 2021
Karen, stop plugging your own books in other books…. And while we are having this discussion, how about you not rewrite a story you already wrote, K?
May 15, 2011
It's always hard for me to write a review that is more critical, and less than glowing. I am a fan of Karen Kingsbury's work, and I love everything I've read by her, but for some reason I don't have a lot of interest in the Above the Line series and the Bailey Flanigan series. I know that some people are really loving this series, but the acting/movie/paparazzi storyline is not interesting to me. Often times while reading this book, I'd think, "And why is this important to the story? There's no real substance here." Then there were some scenes between Bailey and Brandon, and I thought, "This seems very familiar to the Dayne and Katy storyline. This is like a repeat of something I've already read." Though Karen is a talented writer, and I love how she weaves in the messages of faith, I just can't get into this. I don't even feel the need to read the rest of the books in this series. I hate to say that, but it's true. As much as I wish I did, I just don't really feel a connection.
I did enjoy Ashley and Landon's story being included, but was frustrated that there was not more resolution on that part of the story. I guess that's how to get people to buy the next book in the series, but I'm thinking maybe I can just read a "spoiler review" to find out what happens.
I do like that the end of the book seemed to pick up a bit, and by the last chapter, Karen had caught a hold of my heart like she always does. I wasn't really surprised to find myself in tears. Karen has a great talent for getting the tears to fall from my eyes! As I closed the last chapter, I was left with the feeling that I need to embrace the teenage years more with my daughters. This time is going to go by so quickly, and I want to make the most of the time we have left, before they're "leaving."
**Thank you to Zondervan for providing this free book to me, in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.**
I did enjoy Ashley and Landon's story being included, but was frustrated that there was not more resolution on that part of the story. I guess that's how to get people to buy the next book in the series, but I'm thinking maybe I can just read a "spoiler review" to find out what happens.
I do like that the end of the book seemed to pick up a bit, and by the last chapter, Karen had caught a hold of my heart like she always does. I wasn't really surprised to find myself in tears. Karen has a great talent for getting the tears to fall from my eyes! As I closed the last chapter, I was left with the feeling that I need to embrace the teenage years more with my daughters. This time is going to go by so quickly, and I want to make the most of the time we have left, before they're "leaving."
**Thank you to Zondervan for providing this free book to me, in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.**
April 4, 2011
MY REVIEW:
Once again Karen Kingsbury has written a captivating story that sucks you in within the first few pages. It's well written with deep characters who share their lives with us to both encourage us and challenge us in our walk.
While I enjoyed the book and the new story that still weaves in past characters I also have a reservation about this book. It is a great relaxing read to unwind with, but you can also get so caught up in the storyline and so attached to the characters that you find yourself wishing you were them or had them in your life. Be careful that this fiction series stays fiction and doesn't become a Christianized soap opera.
Leaving is clean and wholesome in that there are no scenes I feel the need to warn anyone about. However, it is an adult novel and I would advise caution and great supervision in allowing teens to read this book and series. Not because of anything outright wrong, but rather because it addresses issues of life that adults deal with and that teens - especially younger ones - should not.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City.
She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.
Once again Karen Kingsbury has written a captivating story that sucks you in within the first few pages. It's well written with deep characters who share their lives with us to both encourage us and challenge us in our walk.
While I enjoyed the book and the new story that still weaves in past characters I also have a reservation about this book. It is a great relaxing read to unwind with, but you can also get so caught up in the storyline and so attached to the characters that you find yourself wishing you were them or had them in your life. Be careful that this fiction series stays fiction and doesn't become a Christianized soap opera.
Leaving is clean and wholesome in that there are no scenes I feel the need to warn anyone about. However, it is an adult novel and I would advise caution and great supervision in allowing teens to read this book and series. Not because of anything outright wrong, but rather because it addresses issues of life that adults deal with and that teens - especially younger ones - should not.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City.
She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.
June 26, 2011
MY REVIEW
How does one write an unbiased report on a book that talks about your own family? Oh, right, The Flannigan family is NOT my family. Actually, this is a fiction book, and although the family written about may closely resemble a family you personally know, this is not that family. Anyhows, once again Karen Kingsbury has brought the Flannigan, and Baxter families together with their friends into my own livingroom. The situations are so true to life, so honest, i often feel like i should be seeing them on the street, could be interacting with them.
What a better review than this? The only negative i can see about this is that Karen can't write faster. I know there are some of you who read this that might feel that the stories are too contrived, like stories can't all have such happy endings. i guess i don't find that these all do have happy endings, but since i don't always have happy endings in my own life, i love to read about those times when good happens.
How does one write an unbiased report on a book that talks about your own family? Oh, right, The Flannigan family is NOT my family. Actually, this is a fiction book, and although the family written about may closely resemble a family you personally know, this is not that family. Anyhows, once again Karen Kingsbury has brought the Flannigan, and Baxter families together with their friends into my own livingroom. The situations are so true to life, so honest, i often feel like i should be seeing them on the street, could be interacting with them.
What a better review than this? The only negative i can see about this is that Karen can't write faster. I know there are some of you who read this that might feel that the stories are too contrived, like stories can't all have such happy endings. i guess i don't find that these all do have happy endings, but since i don't always have happy endings in my own life, i love to read about those times when good happens.
December 9, 2011
Thank goodness for students who make recommendations! This book was recommended to me by the most beautiful, talented, young lady-Anna Mueller. She loves the Lord, and makes sure that she doesn't read anything that conflicts with her beliefs, and I admire her so much for her convictions.
This is the first Christian fiction book I have ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bailey Flanagan is a talented young lady (much like Anna) and has big choices to make in her life. Thank goodness she relies on God to help her with her decisions, because otherwise life would be very painful for her.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and I am extra thankful today to teach a subject that revolves around reading.
This is the first Christian fiction book I have ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bailey Flanagan is a talented young lady (much like Anna) and has big choices to make in her life. Thank goodness she relies on God to help her with her decisions, because otherwise life would be very painful for her.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and I am extra thankful today to teach a subject that revolves around reading.
April 12, 2019
I was going to give this book one star but I took into consideration that there were some parts/scriptures that were inspiring to me and gave it two instead. There was just some things that made it difficult (at least for me) to read the book smoothly. For example, even though this is the first book in this series we continually changed the point of view for multiple people with little to no explanation. It was really difficult to keep track of who I was currently reading about that I actually had to write the names down just to remember. There were so many things I disliked that I think affected me enjoying the book. Overall it made my eye twitch about the story being helter skelter, it just wasn't for me, I'm sure this is great for someone else, just not for me.
April 23, 2012
I haven't read all of the Baxter Family books, but, between the ones that I have read as well as the Above the Line quadrilogy, I know the characters' backstories well enough to understand and follow Leaving, the first book in the Bailey Flanigan series. As usual for Karen Kingsbury's novel, this book does a great job of showing Christians undergoing real-life struggles. However, I honestly hope that this series is the last we see of Bailey Flanigan, Cody Coleman, and all them; to me, it feels like Mrs. Kingsbury has taken their storylines as far as they can go.
April 23, 2021
Hm, so, I found this at the library and saw that it was a series and that this was number 1. I wanted something light to read so it seemed a perfect fit.
But all throughout reading this book I felt like I was tossed into the middle of a story and asked to engage in a love story (between Bailey and Cody) who separately mope about being "in love forever" but who don't interact for 95% of the book. Instead, we see them engage with different relationships that have a lot of chemistry and connection yet are halted because of their supposed connection.
Only at the end of the book did I realize that Bailey had been featured in another series and that this was probably the reason for my feelings. The idea may be that this should function as a stand-alone, but in my opinion it really does not, at least not if the idea is for me the reader to root for Bailey and Cody.
Also, the background for the characters and their relationships feels like they're just shallow re-caps of a prievous story, not actually thorough narration or indepth characterization, which again, just made me feel like I was in the middle of a story asked to care about a past I had no knowledge of.
The strong parts of the book were the original relationships, like Cody and Cheyenne, and to some degree Bailey and Brandon (they also had more of a past I wasn't familiar with). I couldn't engage with the Ashley Baxter part of the story at all to be honest.
Bailey was kind of a brat at the end which made me lose some interest in her, she just really felt like a character that needed some maturity (makes sense seeing that she is so young). But I would continue to read a story about Cody and Cheyenne for sure.
Mostly I am disappointed that this didn't feel like a story that one could get into without knowing the pre-story of the characters.
But all throughout reading this book I felt like I was tossed into the middle of a story and asked to engage in a love story (between Bailey and Cody) who separately mope about being "in love forever" but who don't interact for 95% of the book. Instead, we see them engage with different relationships that have a lot of chemistry and connection yet are halted because of their supposed connection.
Only at the end of the book did I realize that Bailey had been featured in another series and that this was probably the reason for my feelings. The idea may be that this should function as a stand-alone, but in my opinion it really does not, at least not if the idea is for me the reader to root for Bailey and Cody.
Also, the background for the characters and their relationships feels like they're just shallow re-caps of a prievous story, not actually thorough narration or indepth characterization, which again, just made me feel like I was in the middle of a story asked to care about a past I had no knowledge of.
The strong parts of the book were the original relationships, like Cody and Cheyenne, and to some degree Bailey and Brandon (they also had more of a past I wasn't familiar with). I couldn't engage with the Ashley Baxter part of the story at all to be honest.
Bailey was kind of a brat at the end which made me lose some interest in her, she just really felt like a character that needed some maturity (makes sense seeing that she is so young). But I would continue to read a story about Cody and Cheyenne for sure.
Mostly I am disappointed that this didn't feel like a story that one could get into without knowing the pre-story of the characters.
November 25, 2025
Karen does it again... writing a compelling and challenging novel about human drama with spiritual encouragement. Entertaining as well as heart-warming with spiritual components without being overly cloying. Great read and looking forward to the next in the series...
August 9, 2021
Very cheesey and made me laugh a lot...but not because it was supposed to be funny. It was alright but I won't read it again.
October 6, 2022
nothing that a car crash, coma and Broadway casting call can’t solve. never a dull moment with our karen (even if the storylines are reused).
July 18, 2025
I love these books about the Flannigans and Baxter's and this is no different. it didn't disappoint as it focused on Bailey and her family with a touch of Baxter's as well.
August 31, 2011
In Leaving, Karen Kingsbury continues the story of Bailey and Cody, taking us to Cody’s life after he leaves…… and Bailey’s trip to Broadway. She finds a Christian couple in the area to rent a room from, and tries to reach her co-workers for the Lord. But this doesn’t work too well, because they think she just had the job because of her leading part in the movie Unlocked.
Cody is taking classes and working at a pizza joint, until his teacher helps find a job as an assistant coach at a small high school in a small rural Christian area. He visits his mom in jail, trying to encourage her in her relationship with the Lord. Cody is a very likeable person because of his background and the way he now strives to live for the Lord.
I enjoyed reading this first book in Bailey’s series, with Bailey and Cody struggling to now live apart from each other. I really like Cody, he’s the bad boy turned good, and seems he is content following the Lord’s lead in his life, wanting to help others in need. However, Bailey is a different story for me. Her character is just too perfect! There are just no young ladies, or young men for that matter that is perfect in everything they do, go for the lead roles in movies or plays and get the lead part, befriends a movie star that is now almost perfect, making their relationship almost perfect. The characters of Bailey and Brandon are so flat and perfect throughout the book it was kind of sickening to read. I think having a few flaws would make a more interesting story, because life is full of flaws, no matter who you are.
It was nice to read about Ashley and Landon again, and the difficulties with Landon’s health issues did make the story more interesting. Not that I want anything to happen to Landon. He’s one of my favorites.
On to book two in the series for me, and will let you know how that ends.
Leaving is a book I purchased myself for my stash of books.
Cody is taking classes and working at a pizza joint, until his teacher helps find a job as an assistant coach at a small high school in a small rural Christian area. He visits his mom in jail, trying to encourage her in her relationship with the Lord. Cody is a very likeable person because of his background and the way he now strives to live for the Lord.
I enjoyed reading this first book in Bailey’s series, with Bailey and Cody struggling to now live apart from each other. I really like Cody, he’s the bad boy turned good, and seems he is content following the Lord’s lead in his life, wanting to help others in need. However, Bailey is a different story for me. Her character is just too perfect! There are just no young ladies, or young men for that matter that is perfect in everything they do, go for the lead roles in movies or plays and get the lead part, befriends a movie star that is now almost perfect, making their relationship almost perfect. The characters of Bailey and Brandon are so flat and perfect throughout the book it was kind of sickening to read. I think having a few flaws would make a more interesting story, because life is full of flaws, no matter who you are.
It was nice to read about Ashley and Landon again, and the difficulties with Landon’s health issues did make the story more interesting. Not that I want anything to happen to Landon. He’s one of my favorites.
On to book two in the series for me, and will let you know how that ends.
Leaving is a book I purchased myself for my stash of books.
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February 22, 2015Having to let go of the life you once knew to move onto the next season of your life is always a bittersweet moment. This is exactly what Bailey experienced in Leaving as she had to say goodbye to her family, let go of her past, and move on from her relationship with Cody Coleman in order to chase her Broadway dreams.
Leaving is first book in the Bailey Flanigan series, however the characters were already introduced in Kingsbury’s previous series. I think I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more if I would have read the previous series so I could’ve already been familiar with the characters. They seemed almost a little too perfect and flawless at times: living a dream life by being invited to audition for Broadway, having the perfect Christian family, starring in a movie, and befriending a celebrity. It also frustrated me that Kingsbury showed the point of views from a couple who were from her past series, even though their story didn’t contribute anything to the main plot.
However, although I couldn’t connect well with Bailey, she is someone I can look up to in the way that she relied on her faith to guide her. It was inspiring to see her strive to live for God by seeking Him through every situation she faced.
I seemed to have read Leaving at a convenient time in my life, having just graduated high school and entering into a new season in my life. I think teenagers will also be able to relate in the way that this book is all about changes, growing up, and moving out. There were many things I could take away from Leaving, such as how I should cherish every moment and spend time with those I love. To live each day like it’s my last.
Leaving by Karen Kingsbury is a very clean read, one that could be enjoyed by teenagers, young adults, as well as adults. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and continuing Bailey’s journey as she lives out her dreams on Broadway.
www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
Leaving is first book in the Bailey Flanigan series, however the characters were already introduced in Kingsbury’s previous series. I think I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more if I would have read the previous series so I could’ve already been familiar with the characters. They seemed almost a little too perfect and flawless at times: living a dream life by being invited to audition for Broadway, having the perfect Christian family, starring in a movie, and befriending a celebrity. It also frustrated me that Kingsbury showed the point of views from a couple who were from her past series, even though their story didn’t contribute anything to the main plot.
However, although I couldn’t connect well with Bailey, she is someone I can look up to in the way that she relied on her faith to guide her. It was inspiring to see her strive to live for God by seeking Him through every situation she faced.
I seemed to have read Leaving at a convenient time in my life, having just graduated high school and entering into a new season in my life. I think teenagers will also be able to relate in the way that this book is all about changes, growing up, and moving out. There were many things I could take away from Leaving, such as how I should cherish every moment and spend time with those I love. To live each day like it’s my last.
Leaving by Karen Kingsbury is a very clean read, one that could be enjoyed by teenagers, young adults, as well as adults. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and continuing Bailey’s journey as she lives out her dreams on Broadway.
www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
July 7, 2011
Karen Kingsbury is a Christian author, and her style is probably more like something my mom would like. I enjoy her books when I feel like something "lighter" that's a quick read, but I don't know...maybe I'm just to negative but her characters always just seem too good to be true.
Here's my synopsis of the book, so don't go further if you're planning to read:
Bailey, the main character, gets a gig acting in a blockbuster movie and then a Broadway play (which is the basis for the book as she's leaving her Indiana home to move to New York). Her oldest brother is the star quarterback of the high school football team. Her family has also adopted 3 boys from Haiti who are all perfect angels and get along splendidly, and oh yes, her father is a coach for the Indianapolis Colts...And I forgot to mention that the heartthrob star she was in that movie with, of course has forgotten his evil Hollywood ways, become a Christian and is now madly in love with her.
But the dilemma is she still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend, Cody, who is also a star athlete and Iraq War Hero who has become a head football coach of an area high school while still finishing up his college degree. You see, Cody still has feelings for Bailey as well, but the author can't hook them up yet because she wants to make this a series and what's the point if they hook up in Book 1! So she wrote in a love interest for Cody (the former fiancee of Cody's dead Iraq buddy) who conveniently gets in a life-threatening car crash the same day Bailey was going to profess her feelings to Cody. So now, it wouldn't have been very appropriate for them to get together over poor unconscious, paralyzed Cheyenne.
As cheesy as this sounds, I still kinda liked it and will probably eventually read Book 2. It's like a Christian soap opera!
Here's my synopsis of the book, so don't go further if you're planning to read:
Bailey, the main character, gets a gig acting in a blockbuster movie and then a Broadway play (which is the basis for the book as she's leaving her Indiana home to move to New York). Her oldest brother is the star quarterback of the high school football team. Her family has also adopted 3 boys from Haiti who are all perfect angels and get along splendidly, and oh yes, her father is a coach for the Indianapolis Colts...And I forgot to mention that the heartthrob star she was in that movie with, of course has forgotten his evil Hollywood ways, become a Christian and is now madly in love with her.
But the dilemma is she still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend, Cody, who is also a star athlete and Iraq War Hero who has become a head football coach of an area high school while still finishing up his college degree. You see, Cody still has feelings for Bailey as well, but the author can't hook them up yet because she wants to make this a series and what's the point if they hook up in Book 1! So she wrote in a love interest for Cody (the former fiancee of Cody's dead Iraq buddy) who conveniently gets in a life-threatening car crash the same day Bailey was going to profess her feelings to Cody. So now, it wouldn't have been very appropriate for them to get together over poor unconscious, paralyzed Cheyenne.
As cheesy as this sounds, I still kinda liked it and will probably eventually read Book 2. It's like a Christian soap opera!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2015
Leaving was an intriguing book about love, hope, and forgiveness. First, the story begins as Bailey Flanigan wins the audition for Broadway play, Hairspray. Even though she won the part, she feels let down because she thinks it's because of her starring role in the movie Unlocked. She stills worked hard and tried her best to win that role, and she is trying to tell her self that it was because of her persistent attitude not just her role in the movie. While all of this is going on, she is having other issues, her old boyfriend Cody has moved away and not hanging out with her family any more, and he is not even sending her texts. This worries Bailey, and she isn't sure that he's alright. Cody left Bailey, and that was upsetting to her! She wanted to love him so bad, she wanted to be able to call him, her official boyfriend. Even though he left she still holds on to the fact that their love might survive. Lastly, Cody has left to coach in the small town of Lyle. These kids here just don't get football, they are all a mess. They drink, have family issues, and even sleep with there girlfriends. While all of this is happening in their lives, their coach treats them in a very bad way. He makes them run a lot looses his temper fast and screams at them loudly. Cody sees all these issues and wants to help these kids win again. He wants to try and fix this big mess. Will Bailey find the true meaning of herself? Will Cody and Bailey's love survive? Will Cody's team get back into shape? All these things will be answered in this book, Leaving, by Karen Kingsbury.
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