Karenkingsbury.com
Longing Once again Karen Kingsbury delivers a tale that keeps readers guessing as to what happens next. However, as with the first two books in this series, Longing falls short of being a captivating story. This fan just wants to know what happens next so we can move beyond this series. This story is moving slower than the proverbial molasses dripping uphill.
There are many faults with this writing that began with the Dayne Matthews story. The obvious fascination with fame and Hollywood is a bit suspect. You should write what you know not who you know. A fictional story should be inspired by not based on the lives of the people around you. Kingsbury has lost the distinction between her daughter, Kelsey, and the character, Bailey. If you follow her on Facebook at all you'll see all the similarities between the Flanigans and the Kingsburys.
The blinders are certainly on in telling the story of Bailey Flanigan. Bailey is a too-perfect-to-live-up-to character. Her biggest struggle is choosing between two guys who both worship the ground she walks on. You could say that both of them put her first in their lives although both take the easy way. Cody chose to walk away putting Bailey's perfection above his desire to be with her. Brandon uses his unending money to court her but since his funds are unending it isn't like he sacrifices a lot for her.
There is a line that summarizes my problem with the entire series. "In Bailey's presence Brandon was clearly a new guy." Bailey did not save Brandon nor can she be the reason for his transformation. Brandon, Bailey, and Cody need to have personal relationships with Christ driven by their desire to pursue Him not their need to live up to the expectations of anyone else. If God is their priority there is no time nor need for Facebook stalking your ex, googling your ex, or having thoughts about an ex when you've committed yourself to someone that God placed in your life. It all plays out like a season of One Tree Hill with mentions of God thrown in.
Cheyenne's advice to Cody on her deathbed is wrong. We can make mistakes and chose the wrong person or not chose the right person. Just because we walk away doesn't mean that person wasn't God's will for your life. Just because you choose someone doesn't mean you are following God's will for your life. However, pursuing someone who is in a committed relationship is wrong. Both Cody and Brandon have pushed this boundary and Bailey continues to not dedicate herself to the relationship of her choosing.
The compromise continued in Longing. A few well-placed words glossed over situations that should alarm any reader with its message.
I'm concerned for the message that this series sends to readers. Be a perfect Christian. To be a perfect Christian you must beautiful, pursued by every guy you meet, amazing at all you do, and of course never make a mistake. Never have an unkind thought. Never say an unkind word. Never say the wrong thing even accidentally. If you are that perfect Christian than your ex can't forget you, Zac Efron will fall in love with your headshot, and a Tim Tebow will be waiting in the wings if neither of the aforementioned guys keeps your interest.
Ladies, if you want to find your prince you don't wait/search/long for a man who pursues you like a dying man pursues water in the desert. You pursue God like a dying man pursues water in the desert. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Don't settle for a man who makes you his whole world. Pray and wait for a man whose whole world is focused on Christ. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." It won't matter if he has everything in the world or nothing at all. "For my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." With all you do give the glory to God. Don't do things to attract a man's attention. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Give all your attention to God so when He shows you His will you won't miss it. "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."
