Leaving (1) (The Baxters―Bailey Flanigan)

Kingsbury, Karen

ISBN 10: 0310331498 ISBN 13: 9780310331490

Publisher: Zondervan, 2011

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Karen 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 as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books have been developed into a TV series now available everywhere. 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 four of their adult children.

Review:

Bailey Flanigan leaves Bloomington, IN, to audition for a Broadway musical. She's hesitant to leave home and those she loves, but she's determined to take this amazing opportunity. While she waits for a callback, she is approached by a bevy of suitors, including Brandon Paul, her former movie costar, and NFL newcomer Matt Keagan. Unfortunately for them, Bailey still loves ex-boyfriend Cody Coleman who has disappeared from her life to protect her from his mother's drug-related crimes. VERDICT As with Kingsbury's other novels (Unlocked), her latest is emotionally charged and features well-drawn characters struggling with their faith. The author is a perpetual CF favorite. Characters from her Baxter series appear in this series launch, and fans will be clamoring for it. Readers of Janette Oke may also enjoy. -- Library Journal

(Library Journal)

After another audition,she waits anxiously to hear if she's made it. Bailey's parents brace themselves for the inevitable day when she leaves the family nest. Meanwhile, Cody, Bailey's once boyfriend, has disappeared without a word, leaving a hole in her heart...and in her family's. Why hasn't he contacted them? Ashley and Landon are friends of the Flanigans, and Ashley worries about Landon's cough. As a firefighter, he volunteered at Ground Zero, and Ashley wonders if he has suffered side effects. Their son, Cole, will soon be aging out of the Little League and is growing up. Leaving is about families and relationships and the different kinds of 'leaving' that occur in life. Well-drawn characters and hometown stories make this another Kingsbury hit. -- CBA Retailers & Resources

(CBA Retailers & Resources)

About this edition

• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0310331498
• ISBN 13: 9780310331490
• Binding: Audio CD
• Number of pages: 9