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Leaving (Bailey Flanigan #1)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 7,522 ratings · 298 reviews

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...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 22nd 2011 by Zondervan (first published March 18th 2011)

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Apr 04, 2011 Dana rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 o...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Jodi rated it 3 of 5 stars

There was so much going on in this book. I believe started this book but never finished it. Bailey was trying out in New York for Broadway. She was 21 and leaving home. Cody had vanished without a trace and stopped all contact with the Flannigan family. Cody also met Cheyenne, the finacee of a fellow soldier from Iraq. The man had die and Cody had met his mother and Cheyenne. At first he was uncomfortable going but soon it became his weekly dinner place. Cody had moved away from Bloomington to b...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Elizabeth Dyck rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-bookself

I loved it! I hated it! There’s no other way around it.

I loved it because, there are only a few authors out there who excel at writing clean and pure Christian novels. Novels that inspire, lift up, and make you look in awe at our Creator God. Karen Kingsbury has done that with Leaving and with every other book I have read of hers.

I hated it because, just like every other book I have read of hers, it made me cry.

When Bailey gets a call to audition for the Broadway show Hairspray, she believes tha...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Heather rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I listened to the audio version of Leaving because a friend recommended it to me. This was my first experience reading/listening to Karen Kingsbury, although everyone seems to love her books. Having never read the previous series where the families and main characters are introduced, there was a little bit of a learning curve of who was who and I felt like I was missing some key history to really understand the present-day dilemmas. Having lived in Bloomington, Indiana, where the story is set, I...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Danae rated it 3 of 5 stars

These were on sale via Kindle for a low price a few weeks ago so I thought I'd give them a try. Up to now I'd read only one other Karen Kingsbury book and that was a stand-alone title.

I have now read 2 books of the series and am working on third. I have enjoyed reading them... the storylines are engaging and I like the characters for the most part. But they are a tad bit too modern for my taste. Kingsbury seems to feel the need to provide every last detail, including worship song titles and lyri...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazon-vine

I have read a few of Karen Kingsbury's books before and enjoyed them so I decided to give this book a try. All her books are of a certain style, very American and very Christian, as long as you are happy with that style you should enjoy this book. The story is about Bailey Flanigan who is hoping to move to New York to star on Broadway. Bailey seems to be a very nice, all-American girl growing up in a loving Christian family and with a rather complicated love life, she has recently split from Cod...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Ibjoy1953 rated it 3 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jul 12, 2011 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jul 10, 2011 Coranne (The Best Books Ever) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let's start with what I liked about the book. It was a well written and engaging book. I enjoyed the characters and I thought the plot line was creative and believable. I liked the pace that she set for the book- especially knowing this was going to be a multi-book series.

What I wasn't a fan of. Well, it reminded me of the first time I watched the tv show One Tree Hill. It was engaging, entertaining, but by the end of the show- I still had no idea who anyone was. I felt like I missed a lot (and...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Terri Harr rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have followed the story of Bailey Flannigan through so many of Karen's books. It is wonderful to see her with a series of her own. I can't wait to see how it all plays out. I was so excited to be picked to be one of the first to review Leaving. I told everyone. I have almost all of her books in my home library. I stayed up until two in the morning because I just had to know what happened next. One of the things that I love most about Karen's books is the fact that scripture is intertwined thro...more I have followed the story of Bailey Flannigan through so many of Karen's books. It is wonderful to see her with a series of her own. I can't wait to see how it all plays out. I was so excited to be picked to be one of the first to review Leaving. I told everyone. I have almost all of her books in my home library. I stayed up until two in the morning because I just had to know what happened next. One of the things that I love most about Karen's books is the fact that scripture is intertwined throughout the book. It helps the reader to see how God can speak to us in similar situations.

In Leaving there were many things that stood out to me. The biggest was the fact that life is precious. It passes too quickly and we should live each day to the fullest. We should never spend our days worrying about what is coming up but take that day to laugh and live. It also points out something we don't often think about, the lasts. We focus on our child's firsts, the first time they walk, the first time they play a ball game, etc. But what about the last time they crawl, the last day of elementary school, the last day of high school, the last ... you fill in the blank. There can be so many lasts. And sometimes we don't know they are the last one. So don't worry about your days, enjoy them to the fullest.

Cody shows respect to an authority figure even though that person isn't deserving of that respect. He prays for God to change things instead of him trying to change things himself. That spoke volumes to me. In this world where everyone is out to get what they deserve and wants justice no matter what, this was refreshing. He always keeps his example to the youth he works with pure.

It focused a lot on growing up and moving away from home. It changes for everyone not just the child that has grown up and is now ready to spread their wings in the world. The parents and children still at home have to readjust life as they know it. There is a change in the dynamics. We all have to grow up and move forward in life. The lesson I learned from this book (and the others that had this family in them) was to have no regrets because you spent the years building up to that, supplying them with what they needed to make it. To make sure they are grounded in their faith in God. To make sure your relationship with each other is strong. Then place them in God's hands and love them all the more.

The characters have had my heart from the beginning. I already knew them from previous books. I have walked with them through their ups and downs. Karen has a way of making her characters so real that you just have to know what they are doing. Even she can't stop writing about the Flanigan's and the Baxter's. I cried many times throughout this book. In some of her books I have had heart wrenching cries and others it is just a quiet time where the tears just roll down my face. God uses Karen to speak to my heart through so many situations. What a blessing that this lady is willing to allow God to speak through her writing.(less)

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May 03, 2011 Shellie Neumeier rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bailey Flanigan straddles two worlds as she decides whether or not to follow her dreams or her heart. When a once-in-a-lifetime audition drops in her lap, Bailey fights to earn her way to Broadway with her talent and not her name. Meanwhile Cody Coleman, Bailey’s former flame, faces unending challenges as the new assistant coach for a floundering, small-town football team. Despite their separate woes, both find themselves musing as to the other’s whereabouts and well-being. Will they find themse...more

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Apr 08, 2011 Crystalbasile rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another faith filled Karen Kingsbury book that stays with you all day and night. Just like the other books I read from this author, I felt blessed after reading the first few pages. I was engrossed from the very beginning with the pastor’s sermon and to meeting up with our favorite family, the Baxters. There is so much inspiration to be found in each chapter of this book as our main characters look to the Lord for their help and strength.

As an avid reader, I applaud the way in which the story t...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Mandy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mandys-reads, read-in-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...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Suzanne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, fiction

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 he...more 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.(less)

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Mar 10, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 ear...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Kylie Crucifixion rated it 4 of 5 stars

While I thoroughly enjoyed this and for the most part could barely put it down, there were a few things that bothered me so much I could not give it a 5 star rating.

The premise captivated me. As a HUGE fan of Broadway and musicals and someone with acting/Broadway dreams myself, I felt I would be able to relate to Bailey. But this book annoyed me so much when it switched to the Baxter parts. I understand Kingsbury has another series about them, but those chapters were SO annoying; they made the b...more While I thoroughly enjoyed this and for the most part could barely put it down, there were a few things that bothered me so much I could not give it a 5 star rating.

The premise captivated me. As a HUGE fan of Broadway and musicals and someone with acting/Broadway dreams myself, I felt I would be able to relate to Bailey. But this book annoyed me so much when it switched to the Baxter parts. I understand Kingsbury has another series about them, but those chapters were SO annoying; they made the book drag on endlessly, and every single time I was like "Uggg great, it's a chapter about THEM." I want to know what happens with Bailey and Cody, not them. And while the chapters ended sweetly, I do not think this series is the place for Kingsbury to continue the Baxter saga. She should have made a different series. If the rest of the books have their chapters... ugggg. I will be really skipping them, and I hate skipping parts, but the whole point is BAILEY'S story, not some completely irrelevant separate plot ugggg. I even thought about giving it 3 stars because of the Baxter chapters.

Then there's the Christian thing. I an a huge fan of Kingsbury and Christian fiction, but there is a such thing making it TOO Christian to the point where it feels completely forced, fake, and unrelatable. Especially in Brandon's and BAILEY'S cases. I feel that Brandon especially, in reality, while redeemed by God would at least have SOME struggles still with his old ways and addictions. It would not just be all peachy since he accepted Christ, especially not in Hollywood. I'm not saying he should give into temptation, I'm just saying he should have had some struggles. Especially because he's a huge Hollywood star. I think Bailey would encounter more too from being in the Broadway/Hollywood scene. It was just like everything was STILL absolutely perfect because though they're famous they have God. YES it would be so much better, but in reality there would be much more struggle and pressure in the limelight, even with God.

I would have felt this book WAY more real and not ENTIRELY fiction if the characters hadn't been so freaking everything-is-just-dandy over-the-top Christian. More like Brad in Shades of Blue, who struggles with the reality of God and still has pressure, but he still trusts God. Just not in an unbelievable-this-is-totally-fiction way.

Also, most of the lovey-dovey scenes are PURE cheese. I really enjoyed them, but there were certain moments I was just like COME ON THIS IS SO NOT BELIEVEABLE.

I can't wait to read the next ones, except for the Ashley/Landon chapters. I will be skipping those because they just ruin the series. Hopefully there's not as much fluff and cheese also.(less)

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Jan 08, 2012 Tracy Grant rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

A sweet story and relatively easy to read. However, there were some things that really impacted on my enjoyment.
1. This is my first Karen Kingsbury book and it states that it is Book 1 in the Bailey Flannagan series. However, there is obviously a lot that has happened in the past to these characters in another series. It was quite hard to work out what was going on at times, which made it difficult to understand. I feel that it should be linked to another series, or some sort of recommendation...more

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Jun 26, 2011 Marianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Sarah Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Since I have been TOTALLY ENCHANTED by the members of the Baxter family, the Flanigan family, and Cody Coleman from the VERY FIRST TIME that I met them, I was SUPER EXCITED to discover that Karen Kingsbury felt compelled to focus on the Flanigan clan more exclusively in two series. The first of these collections was entitled the Above the Line. It contained four novels, and it focused on Bailey's experience as a college student at Indiana University. Even though Karen Kingsbury still mentioned t...more Since I have been TOTALLY ENCHANTED by the members of the Baxter family, the Flanigan family, and Cody Coleman from the VERY FIRST TIME that I met them, I was SUPER EXCITED to discover that Karen Kingsbury felt compelled to focus on the Flanigan clan more exclusively in two series. The first of these collections was entitled the Above the Line. It contained four novels, and it focused on Bailey's experience as a college student at Indiana University. Even though Karen Kingsbury still mentioned the Baxter family, she slightly shifted her focus and allowed them to grow and mature with Bailey at this pivotal stage of her life. Of course, Cody Coleman STILL remained a big part of Bailey's life as she went off to college. Not to mention, readers are reacquainted with Tim Reed. The new friends who are made throughout the Above the Line Series are Keith and Lisa Ellison -- as well as their daughter, Andi, Chase and Kelly Ryan -- as well as their two young daughters, Kendall Adams, and Brandon Paul. The second collection was the Bailey Flanigan Series.

By the time that "Leaving," which is the first novel in the series began, Bailey had grown so much. She always knew that she wanted to perform, so God had opened the door and blessed her with the opportunity of starring in a movie. And...as proud as she was of the impact that she had made on the silver screen, Bailey felt God's calling her to perform in another area of the entertainment business. She had always wanted to dance and sing on Broadway. Because she had been an extremely active member of CKT, she felt at home on the stage. So...Bailey worked and prepared hard, traveled to New York City, and auditioned for one of the most well-known, popular musicals that had ever arrived on the scene. Then, when she won the part she had worked so hard to achieve, she left her family, her friends, Cody, and her beloved hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, and moved to New York in order to follow her dreams. New York offers Bailey a whole plethora of possibilities and circumstances that she had never imagined

I thought "Leaving" was wonderful!!!! :-). I loved it!!!! :-). It captured my attention and interest from the beginning, so I could not put it down!!!! :-). I could not wait to see how God was going to work in Bailey's life through all the circumstances that she faced. I was cheering her own every time that she relied on God and His promises to guide her and lead her to the ultimate plans that He had for her life. She was such a shining example of what a Christian should be at all times throughout his or her personal relationship with Jesus Christ: trusting and obedient. I wish that my faith could be as strong as Bailey's NO MATTER WHAT!!!!(less)

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Apr 17, 2013 Leslie Laursen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-christian

I've never picked up a Karen Kingsbury book before. In fact, I didn't even realize that the Bailey Flanigan series was intertwined with other series by Kingsbury. I had asked for this book for Christmas because I totally and absolutely love the gorgeous cover and it sounded like my kind of book. Almost like a more grown up and real version Christy Miller. Well, I got it for Christmas. And when I attempted to start it, I was just oh so confused. That's when I realized I should've started with a d...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars

well, I think I'd love to have a family like Karen Kingsbury does because it sounds like it's perfect! It seems w/ every book she writes she's writing about her family. And come on, noone has a perfect family like the Baxters and Baileys fam. This wasn't a terrible book, none of hers are ever terrible, it just keeps repeating things that all her other books have said. Her books will always have me crying at one point or another and this one hit home 'cause my kids are getting older and I know it...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Brianna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, chick-lit, fiction, kindle, mcpl, indiana

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 li...more 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.(less)

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Jan 03, 2012 Madeline rated it 5 of 5 stars

In Leaving, Karen Kingsbury tells two stories about two different people: Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman. They grew up together and fell in love, but Cody left without any explanation at all. Cody’s mom is in prison and he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from the Iraq war and a lack of self-worth. Life always somehow goes on. So we follow their separate stories until they meet.

As I began reading, I loved the way in which the story transitioned between each character. I was able to...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-my-kindle

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. For me, a mark of a good writer is the ability to make readers feel the same emotions as the characters they are reading about. This is something Karen Kingsbury has always been able to do, in my opinion, and "Leaving" is no exception.

Many of us have followed Bailey and the rest of the Flanigan family ever since the "Redemption" series. We've watched Bailey grow into the beautiful young woman of God that she is. Yes, these area fictional characters. But after many years and several series, they...more

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Mar 11, 2011 Cherie Clayton rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have read many other books that Karen Kingsbury has written, and undoubtedly she has exceeded them all with her new book, “LEAVING”. I have experienced many leaving moments in my life this past year, and as I read this book the emotions that I had tried to drown out came flooding back to the surface. It’s amazing how God can use the simplest of tools to minister to one’s soul.

The gift that God has given to Karen is truly amazing! Within each story, she intertwines the Word of God, and the hope...more

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May 16, 2011 Laurie Carlson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-first-in-a-series, bible-verses, character-female, family, character-male, chic-lit, children-growing-up, christian-fiction, contemporary-fiction, publisher-provided-in-exchange-for, daughter, sons, new-york, broadway, los-angeles, making-movies, movies, from-zondervan-publishers, hollywood-district, love, memories, auditions, god, romance, religion, siblings

“Leaving” by Karen Kingsbury
Out of all the Karen Kingsbury books she has written, I enjoyed this book the absolute most out of all of them.
This book is about Bailey Flanigan’s hopes and dreams for her future now that she is an adult. She will be auditioning and trying to get a part as a singer and a dancer in New York City’s Broadway play called “Hairspray”. This is Bailey’s dream.
In this book, Bailey had just finished filming the movie, “Unlocked”, (which I thought was really clever of the au...more “Leaving” by Karen Kingsbury
Out of all the Karen Kingsbury books she has written, I enjoyed this book the absolute most out of all of them.
This book is about Bailey Flanigan’s hopes and dreams for her future now that she is an adult. She will be auditioning and trying to get a part as a singer and a dancer in New York City’s Broadway play called “Hairspray”. This is Bailey’s dream.
In this book, Bailey had just finished filming the movie, “Unlocked”, (which I thought was really clever of the author to weave in her previous book she had written by turning it into a movie in this book!) Bailey got to fly out to Los Angeles, California, for the red carpet event for the premiere ‘Opening Night’ for ‘Unlocked’. While filming this movie, she met a man named Brandon, who happened to be her co-star in the movie, Unlocked. Romance ignites with him, or at least he is trying to ignite romance. Bailey is holding back because she has and is still going through a lot because her heart still belongs to Cody. She considers it, then not. She had to find out about Cody. He still has her heart. Where is he?
Cody. Cody has still not contact Bailey in the last four months. Why, Bailey asks herself? She goes through a lot trying to figure out why Cody had just disappeared out of her life the way he did. No one can figure out why he is acting the way he is. Bailey feels she cannot give her heart away to anyone else because it is still full of Cody. She cannot figure out ‘why’ Cody did what he did, but where was he? No one knows where he is. He never so much as even called her on the telephone. There is only one thing left for Bailey to do. She must contact Cody’s mother. She knows Cody’s mother is in prison, so she will have to go and visit her there. She had been there once with Cody to visit her, so she could do that on her own. She had to find answers.
Jenny, Bailey’s mother, is having a hard time of her own, as she realizes it s time for Bailey to move on. Bailey, her little girl, has grown up. She is now an adult and ready to live her own life. Jenny has to learn to deal with this difficult part of life, and deep down she is having a hard time. She is feeling all types of emotions. This is her first child that will be ‘leaving’ home, and she is sad, but happy at the same time. All parents go through this, and this is the most difficult part of being a parent. Time to let go.
It felt like it takes forever for time to pass when the children are little, then as they get older, the time just flies by. Next thing is they are ready to move on and live their own lives on their own. This is a difficult time for both the parents and the children, now adults.
As Bailey was packing to go to New York, Brandon flew in from Los Angeles, surprising Bailey. He, again, was trying to talk her into having a relationship with him. He almost convinced her this time, but she still felt she was not finished with Cody, and she explained this to Brandon. She had still not seen Cody and still had to work that part of her life out before she could move on with anyone else. However, when Brandon put his arms around her, it sure felt good. She felt so confused. In a way, she did want to pursue a relationship with Brandon, but still could not. She had to work Cody out.
Bailey did take this matter into her own hands. She goes out to seek Cody. What Bailey does not know is Cody has his own problems that he has been trying to deal with.
One part of this story did not make sense to me, but I am sure will later in this series of books. The author talked about the family of Jenny and Jim Flanigan in a few chapters. He was a Fireman by trade, and had put in a lot of work at Ground Zero. He developed a life-threatening disease, in which eventually he may need a lung transplant. The part that confused me was the two families did not interact at all in this book. No phones calls were exchanged, no information given as to how Jim’s health was, nor anything more. If a reader had not read all of Karen Kingsbury’s novels, they would not understand where this was taking them in the story.
This is most likely painting a picture of things to come, as the author has three more books planned for this series, The Bailey Flanigan Series. The next three books will be: Learning, Longing and Loving. I am excited the author told us there are three more books coming! Three more books to look forward to!
As I said in the beginning of this review, I have to say again, out of ‘all’ the Karen Kingsuby’s novels, I really enjoyed this book the most. I know I am going to enjoy this complete series of books and I am really looking forward to all of them!
This book was provided to me free of charge by the Publisher, Zondervan, in exchange for a written review, either positive or negative. Honestly, it has been my pleasure reading this book and writing the review! I can’t wait for more!
Thanks for reading my review on this book.
Laurie Carlson
www.lauriehere.blogspot.com
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May 15, 2011 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011, arc-reading-challenge

Karen Kingsbury books are guilty pleasures for me. My mother and mother-in-law both kept recommending her books to me so I finally relented and gave one a try. That's all it took. I was hooked! In her new series, we are reacquainted with many familiar characters from her past Baxter series books. I must say I was a bit giddy when I saw that this series would bring us back to Baily Flanigan and Cody Coleman, two of my favorite characters. Baily Flanigan has a big audition in New York but if she g...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Jodi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hive-2011, arc

I had the privilege and pleasure of reviewing Leaving, and I must say that I don’t know how Karen does it, but the books just keep getting better and better.

Most of us are familiar with the Baxter family; in fact I think that most of us consider them to be more like friends then characters in a book. It takes amazing talent (and a God given gift) to bring characters like them to life. When I am reading one of Karen’s books I feel that I am sitting right there, reminiscing with a friend. I share...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Regina rated it 2 of 5 stars

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,...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, tear-jerkers

"Leaving" continues following the threads first woven in Karen's "Redemption" series. This book focuses on Bailey being ready to spread her wings, Cody Coleman living life with a new job and new friends, and Landon & Ashley Blake facing another challenge in their lives. While some of the storylines do seem to drag on, the main thing that took away from this being a 5-star review was the fact that I found this first edition very poorly edited. Example: Kari is not the oldest Baxter daughter....more

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About Karen Kingsbury

FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 1...more FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.

Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 100,000 friends on Facebook along with more than 7,500 followers on Twitter. The popular social networking sites have allowed Karen daily interaction with her reader friends.

Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year.

Karen's latest novel, Above the Line, Take Three, released March 23rd, 2010. Take Three is the third in the Above the Line Series. Look for the final installment in this series, Above The Line, Take Four to hit stores June 22nd, 2010. Shades of Blue, Karen's latest stand alone title, hit stores in October, 2009. Karen's newest series, Above The Line Series began with Take One, which released in March, 2009. The second book in this series, Take Two released in June 2009.

Karen's recent title, This Side of Heaven landed in the #5 spot on the CBD Bestselling Fiction List. Also, Karen's novel, Sunset landed #2 on the New York Times Best Seller's List. Karen has also written many best selling series including The Redemption Series and the Firstborn Series. Her fiction has made her one of the country’s favorite storytellers. Several of Karen's novels are being considered for major motion picture movies. Her emotionally gripping titles include the 9-11 Series, Even Now, Ever After, and Between Sundays.

Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
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“The next time that boy pursues you, he better do it like a dying man looking for water in a desert. When it's the right guy, you'll know, because he'll cherish you.” — 45 people liked it

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