Monday, May 16, 2011

Leaving {Zondervan Blog Tour} by Karen Kingsbury

Book Description:  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.

My Review:  I've only read only one other book by Karen Kingsbury and that was Unlocked.  Unlocked was an incredible read so I was excited to read Leaving.  
One thing I've found after reading books by Karen Kingsbury is the incredible way the characters come to life.  In all of my years of reading books I've never read such captivating books that make not only draw one into the story but make one feel as if you are in the story.  
Leaving is a continuation from the Baxter family.  Since I've not read any of the other books I was disappointed to find that, maybe, I should have read these other before books.
Bailey is a likable character.  Cody is  seeking to do right even without the "correct" guidance. 
The relationship between Cody and Bailey is somewhat redundant.  This is a "theme" of many books. Not a a new idea, somewhat tiresome to read about.
This read is about love, acceptance and adult issues.  A word of caution that there adult issues in this read.  No bad scenes, just caution that maybe teens may not be ready to face without adult supervision.
This was an "okay" book.  I was somewhat disappointed in this read.  I love the way Ms. Kingsbury creates a story but this story just.didn't.grab.my.attention.  I think it is a fine stand-alone read.  I don't think reading the other series is necessary to read this book.
Even though the story didn't "grab" me and I had a hard time getting into the story I must say I was still impressed with the characters and the way Ms. Kingsbury presents a story.
Even though I wasn't captivated by this read I will look for more books by Ms. Kingsbury.  
*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*


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