Longing by Karen Kingsbury

TODAY is the release date for Karen Kingsbury's latest novel Longing. In honor of the release ... here's my review!

Karen Kingsbury has done it again. She has written a book that made me laugh, cry, and think about my relationship with God in a new way. Certainly not an easy feat!

I just finished reading Longing, the third books in the Bailey Flanigan series. And just before this one, I read Learning so I would be all caught up. I finished both of them in three days, so I think you could safely say that I enjoyed them. (Grin.)

I was immediately drawn into the story and am not sure how I will be able to wait until March for the final book in the series. Karen has a unique way of telling a story in such a way that you feel like you’re friends with the characters. I found myself conflicted as Bailey examined her relationships with Cody and Brandon. I thought I was a Cody fan, but I’m now officially rooting for Bailey and Brandon. Hopefully, Cody will be able to find a love that will change his life too.

I love the way that Bailey’s relationship with the Lord truly does impact every aspect of her life – family, work, love, friends. Every part of her is different because she relies on the Lord to lead her. Challenging for sure. The way that God speaks to her by bringing Scripture to mind as she wrestles through problems is such an encouragement to really get in the Word.

The relationship between Bailey and the cast of Hairspray was definitely unique. What a great testimony to how important it is to consistently speak up for and live for Christ – especially in the most difficult places. The difference in her relationship with her castmates from Learning to Longing was remarkable, and it was thrilling to see how some of those relationships continued to change in Longing!

I realize that this seems a bit all over the place, but let me just say that I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of Longing (and Learning too). The tension between Bailey and Cody and Brandon was torturous at times, and even now I’m not sure of how exactly the story will conclude. I can’t wait to read the final installment when it comes out in March.

I highly recommend Longing and the entire Bailey Flanigan series. I think it would be super helpful to start at the beginning of the series so you won’t miss out on what all’s going on. And if you want to start at the very beginning, then start with the Redemption, Firstborn, Sunrise, and Above the Line series before moving onto this one. (I’ve read them all . . . you won’t be disappointed!)

I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan and Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
Longing, book three in the Bailey Flanigan Series, picks up where Learning ended. After a long and lonely silence from Cody Coleman, Bailey Flanigan becomes closer to her one-time Hollywood co-star, Brandon Paul. Nights on the town in New York City and long talks on the balcony of Brandon's Malibu Beach home make Bailey dizzy with new feelings and cause her to wonder if her days with Cody are over forever.

About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s favorite inspirational novelist, with nearly 20 million books in print. Her Life-Changing Fiction™ has produced multiple bestsellers, including Unlocked, Leaving, Take One, Between Sundays, Even Now, One Tuesday Morning, Beyond Tuesday Morning, and Ever After, which was named the 2007 Christian Book of the Year. An award-winning author and newly published songwriter, Karen has several movies optioned for production, and her novel Like Dandelion Dust was made into a major motion picture, now available on DVD. Karen is also a nationally known speaker with several women’s groups including Women of Faith. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Don, their daughter and five sons, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.