Leaving
by Karen Kingsbury
Zondervan, 2011
336 pages
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
About the Book
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 Thoughts
Another of my favorite writers – I so look forward to each book by this author. I have to admit, I especially love reading the family updates she puts at the beginning of each book as well. 
Although the main character of this book is quite a bit younger than me and at a completely different stage in her life, the fact that I have so much familiarity with the entire cast of characters made this book a quick and enjoyable read.
It’s refreshing to see a story where the focus is on following God’s will in every area of your life even when it may not lead to the romantic relationship you desire.
Note: This is Book #71 of my 2011 Reads (master list here).
I'm a mom with Asperger's raising an amazing son with autism, which means I'm basically the case manager/advocate/cheerleader/chauffeur. The rest of the time, you can usually find me with my nose in a book!
