Review: Bury Me With My Pearls (Humor with a Spiritual Twist) by Jane Jenkins Herlong

Title: Bury Me With My Pearls (Humor with a Spiritual Twist)

Author: Jane Jenkins Herlong

Publication Date: November 12th, 2013

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

Genre: Memoir, Motivational

Pages: 155

ISBN13: 978-1938499333

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating: 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Bury Me with My Pearls is a real-life, roller-coaster ride of laughter, tears, and stomach-churning truths by a professional speaker, humorist, and singer who, as Miss South Carolina, represented her state in the Miss America pageant and has been singing, speaking, and writing ever since. Incorporating the analogy of pearls, this book uses humor and spiritual principles to bravely address difficult issues many in her audiences encounter within changing roles, self-actualization, and families.

Bury Me with My Pearls addresses the importance of how to guard the countless gifts given by our Lord and that doing the right thing is the right thing, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. It is about trusting God in all things and how he can turn our irritants into to pearls. Bury Me with My Pearls encourages us to develop our pearls, protect our jewels, carefully wear them next to our hearts, and share with others. All of this with a good splash of humor.

Explore how to walk in love while pruning the family tree in an environment filled with difficult people and how God's power is released when learning to trust Him, to embrace the lessons being taught, and to grow spiritually no matter how painful. Like the process of the pearl, so many women need to find and embrace their buried treasures.

  

Jane entertains using funny, original Southern stories, folksy wisdom and singing to help folks live more productive, stress-free lives. Jane believes in the extraordinary healing power of humor and story telling.  This is evident in Jane’s most recent accomplishment of being an Amazon “Best-Seller” for her new book, “Bury Me with My Pearls.”

As a Southern Humorist, Jane combines humor, original Southern stories, and her award-winning singing (you may hear a parody or two) with life lessons. Combining her talents audiences “laugh at” while learning “how to” handle difficulties at home and in the workplace.

Jane is a Certified Professional Speaking (CSP), professional singer, recording artist and published author. Jane’s award-winning singing and humor is featured on Sirius XM Radio and Pandora. She criss‐crosses the country sharing her “down‐home principles delivered with uptown humor”. Jane has also spoken in New Zealand and Germany and is fluent in four languages: English, Southern, Northern and Gullah (gul‐la).

Jane is active in her church and community and serves on an the Parent Board at Clemson University, Commissioner at Piedmont Technical College of South Carolina, Chair of the National Speakers Association Scholarship Committee and serves on the Foundation Board of the National Speakers Association.

However, Jane’s proudest accomplishments are being a wife and mother. Jane and her family live on the family peach  farm in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

      Jane Jenkins Herlong is a bona fide pearl to add to your strand of inspiration. Very much like Melanie Shankle and Mandy Hale, Herlong brings humor and wit to the scene, even in the most desperate situations. If you're in need of a little perspective, then this book is for you. The book opens up with Herlong's "Mothers of Pearl" where the reader is introduced to the ones who inspired the author throughout her life, planting seeds that grew into [spiritual] fruit that determined several situations in her life.

It doesn't take long to get to know Herlong in Bury Me With My Pearls. She is very open, candid, and has no fear of becoming acquainted with her reader. She takes us through several situations throughout her book of stories about not just her, but of people in her life that added to her strand of pearls. Each story is unique, and comes with its own set of problems and out-of-ordinary solutions that will have you laughing and crying along with them. You will take quite the joy ride through this book, and hopefully you will be left encouraged and inspired as well.

The format of the book is easy to read and easily organized to fit a busy schedule. Each segment is broken up into chapters and subchapters that are short and sweet, but rich in impact. There are only 8 chapters in this book. You will also find plenty of resources in the back to hook you up with more of Herlong's ministry.

The only thing that was missing from my galley was an author bio. It's possible that it's included in the hard copy of the book, but I didn't have access to it at the time. However, I wanted to learn more about the author and was unable to. 

Definitely, if you need a laugh, some encouragement, and a dose of inspiration (so basically, if you are a breathing human being with a soul), then you need to pick up this book. You won't regret it!

Review: Living Life Undaunted by Christine Caine

Title: Living Life Undaunted

Author: Christine Caine

Publication Date: April 1st, 2014

Publisher: Zondervan

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

Pages: 432

ISBN13: 978-0310341413

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating:

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

From bestselling author Christine Caine, Living Life Undaunted provides a daily format for people who desire to reflect deeply on key stories, thoughts, and principles from her bestselling book Undaunted and other inspirational writings.

Here are 365 thought-provoking devotions culled from the spiritually challenging words of acclaimed speaker and advocate Christine Caine. Including an introduction by the author, these short selections offer daily wisdom, inspiration, and companionship. The daily readings that encourage readers to do what God calls them to do are compiled from Undaunted and other inspirational writings from Christine Caine.

Perfect as a meaningful gift for a friend or for those who desire a devotional book with a targeted inspirational thought, Living Life Undaunted is the ideal combination of deep yet digestible wisdom.

A | B&N | Gr

Christine is a lover of Jesus, wife to Nick, and mum to Catie and Sophie. She travels the globe preaching, teaching, and advocating for justice. Powered by hot, extra-dry, skinny, cappuccinos, Christine is a lover of words who speaks too fast, talks too much, and also writes them down. An author of five times over, her most recent book is UNDAUNTED. 

She and her husband Nick have also founded The A21 Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization that fights slavery around the globe. Christine has a heart for freeing captives, both physically and spiritually, but ultimately it comes back to her primary focus: building the Church. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

 "The world is waiting. Do you hear God calling your name?”

     If you've never read or heard Christine Caine, then you are definitely missing out! She is no stranger to James River and I have had the pleasure of hearing her speak for several years now. She is witty, hilarious, wise, and has a serious anointing upon her that tells you exactly what you need to hear in a way that just captivates you and makes you listen. Christine Caine and Priscilla Shire are my most favorite inspirational speakers of this day, and if you have never heard or read them, then you need to stop reading this right now and go to the store and get yourself some blessin'!

     Whew. So as you can tell, I love Christine Caine! The woman is blessed with a gift and uses it to its full ability. This book is the devotional companion to her book, Undaunted, where we get a glimpse into where Caine came from and how she came to be who she is today. I won't go too in-depth about that because I plan on reviewing it, but I'll just tell you that if you're questioning your purpose in life in the slightest bit, you need to grab that book!

     I was so excited to see that Living Life Undaunted was available for me to review! I've been using reading it to my salon girls at work and it's been so inspiring and hopeful for us. A lot of times, devotionals leave you wanting more, but there is still plenty that you are able to reflect on and apply to your every day life. Her devotionals are practical and applicable, and I like that. 

     Everything is divided by the day of the year, so you can keep your place and be sure you don't miss out. A lot of times, devotional books can get repetitive or mundane, but Living Life Undaunted does not. 

     I would recommend this for everyone! Christine Caine is very real and inspirational, and you won't be sorry. But don't stop here! Be sure to hear her speak or check out her other books as well, I promise you will not be disappointed!

Get the book, Undaunted here:

Review: What's In Your 24? by Dana Simone Stovall

Title: What's In Your 24?

Author: Dana Simone Stovall

Publication Date: May 29, 2013

Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.

Genre: Self-help/Time Management

Pages: 60

Source: Paperback from Publisher

Rating: 

Synopsis (from Publisher): Are you a woman who wants to create a “new normal” in your life? If so, What’s In Your 24? is for you! This radical lifestyle guide will help you live happier, get fit from the inside out, take control of your destiny, and live your life without excuses. It will make you laugh and empower you. Learn how to love yourself more completely, prioritize your thoughts, be more selfish with your time, and quiet the chatter around you. This guide also offers 24 Time Efficiency Tips that promise to help you maximize your day and effortlessly exercise at least three times a day. 

Intentionally written in 60 concise pages—three chapters that will change your life forever—What’s In Your 24? shouldn’t take more than 60 minutes to read. It shouldn’t take more than 60 seconds to make the decision to change your life, and no more than 24 hours to begin making that transformation. With such a small commitment and a large payoff, why not learn how to get things done...without getting outdone? 

You can only play the game of life once, so make your own rules, and play it the way you want to!

 

Dana Simone Stovall is a bank examiner with the FDIC, founder of Destiny’s Door consulting company, a basketball/cheer/dance/PTA/track mom, an active & life member of the National Alumni Association at Wiley College, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a dedicated mentor, an officer of a Toastmasters International club, and a 25-year supporter & volunteer of UNCF. She has created a daily routine to stay healthy and physically fit—without excuses and without allowing others to hijack her To Do list. Simone resides in Aurora, Illinois, with her daughter, Destiny Subira Stovall, and her cat, Dominion ShakaZulu Stovall. Dana Simone can be contacted via Facebook, Twitter (whznur24), LinkedIN, and FourSquare.

For more information, visit http://outskirtspress.com/whatsinyour24

"...I learned from motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles that knowledge isn't power at all, but applied knowledge is power."

     What's in Your 24? is a self-help book to get you organized and motivated. Dana Simone Stovall efficiently lays out a plan that allows us to juggle all the tasks that life requires of us, while also finding time to get fit. And the best part? She fit all of her little tips into 60 pages. Finally, someone who realizes that if you're going to write a book about time management, your book itself needs to fit into this category as well!

      I found that Miss Stovall had some excellent points in this book, like finding time for yourself when it seems you're drowning yourself in people-pleasing or, of course, many of her "Time Efficiency Tips". I especially like the idea of writing motivation on the bathroom mirror! There is also scripture included with each segment. You will find some tips that will help you create time to work out and stay fit while still taking your kids to practice or getting them to do homework.

     I think the only thing I didn't really like was that although there are several pieces of good advice in this book, I felt like it was almost too self-centered. What I mean is, if we are applying scripture to our daily habits, then I think it's also important to remember that God comes first, and we come second. Like Mary Kay Ash laid out as principal for us: God first. Family second. Career third. There were a few times in this book where it was literally said that "we come first". I understand the need for us to weed out the people-pleasing in our lives. I'm just as guilty as the next woman of getting caught in that trap, but if we're going to be applying The Word to the reinvention of ourselves, then we need to truly apply it, not just fit it in wherever we want to. I think this could be misconstrued as making us a little too much in control of our lives and being dependent on ourselves rather than the Creator. If there was a little more focus on that aspect, I probably would've given this 5 stars.

     If you're looking for a time-efficient Self-Help book to use as a guideline and a motivator, then I would recommend What's In Your 24? I will definitely be applying many of these principals to my daily life, but I think I'll trade the lipstick for an actual marker meant for writing on mirrors. ;)

Git 'er done,

Review: The 30 Day Praise Challenge by Becky Harling

Title: The 30 Day Praise Challenge

Author: Becky Harling

Publication Date: August 1, 2013

Publisher: David C. Cook

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

Pages: 202

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating: 

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Discover the Power of Praising God When Becky Harling was diagnosed with cancer over ten years ago, she begged God for healing. A friend of hers had another idea. She challenged Becky to spend twenty minutes a day in praise. Becky thought, What if I’m not feeling thankful?But as she intentionally praised God, she began to experience new joy—and her relationship with God has never been the same. Now, in The Thirty-Day Praise Challenge, Becky guides you in praising God for twenty minutes every day for one month. Arranged topically, the book includes music selections to enhance your praise journey and creative ideas for continuing the habit of praise. As Becky writes, “If you take this challenge, your faith will grow more than you dreamed possible. You will experience more joy, less insecurity, more courage, less anxiety. Thirty days of praising God. Are you ready?”

    I'm pretty sure this is the first actual devotional I've reviewed on the blog, and I'm pretty excited about this one. Becky Harling brings us a beautifully organized compilation of reminders and words of encouragement in The 30 Day Praise Challenge. It does exactly that, it challenges us to have perspective and find the good in our every day situations. It also brings a sense of hope. 

     Each day is well organized beginning with a verse the leads into "The Invitation" for the day. The Invitation is exactly that, God inviting us to praise him for the day's concerns and to trust that it's in His hands. This is the main part of each day and it offers words of encouragement that soothe the mind and soul. Next, Harling notes songs for us to listen to that coincide with the theme for that day. As a worship leader, this was one of my favorite parts. For some of us, one of our best avenues for praise is music, and I thought it was really awesome that this was included in this book.

     The third segment offers a prayer. This was great because if you're just finding your faith, you have kind of a guideline. Or, if you're just overwhelmed and are at a loss for words, Harling provides an option for you. The last part is an offer to journal. It usually implies questions that further your thought into that day's devotional. This is good because it really engages you and causes you to truly think about what it is you're reading. It's easy to read through a devotional and forget what it said by the time you walk out the door, but Harling has provided these resources to allow the praise to reach our hearts.

     I've had quite a bit of fun going through this book. I work at a small Christian salon and every girl in there is going through something (as most of us are!). I brought this book in and began going through it with the girls at my salon, and it was so encouraging. We weren't able to do the listening or journaling part, but the gentle reminders were enough to give us some extra peace through the day.

     I would say that you should keep a journal handy. It would be really nice if this was accompanied by a CD with all the songs on it so you don't have to go searching on YouTube. I think that's the only real complaint I have about this book. Other than that, it's been a great resource! I will definitely use it repeatedly.

Throwback Thursday Review/Spotlight: The Alchemist/Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho

Title: The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: May 1, 1993 (first published 1988)

Pages: 167

Genre: Spirituality

Source: Purchased @ Amazon.com

Rating:

Summary (from Goodreads): PAULO COELHO'S enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom points Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transformation power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

   

In honor of Paulo Coelho's latest edition of his book Manuscript Found in Accra, I decided to do a review on an oldie but a goodie. His work that started it all: The Alchemist. I finally read this book last year when it was a pick for a book club I was in at my church. I had heard about it and knew of a lot of people who just thought it was the best book ever. Did I find it to be the absolute best book I've ever read? No, not really. But I did find it very unique and inspiring.

In The Alchemist, we travel on a journey with a boy named Santiago who leaves his home and so-called "destiny" of being a shepherd boy to search for an unknown treasure, his "Personal Legend." Along the way, he comes into contact with people and situations that help or hinder them, but he perseveres nonetheless. 

There are a few things I would recommend a reader to be aware of before diving into this book: 1) This isn't necessarily a novel as it is an extended parable. Coelho writes in a way that is simple and to-the-point so don't expect a lot of "fluff." 2) This book was originally written in Portuguese, not English. ....That's all I have to say about that. 3) Even though this book is written in simple-terms, there is an endless number of symbolism to keep an eye out for.

That being said, the general intent of The Alchemist is to paint a picture of man's journey out of the mundane life to pursue his calling. There are many obstacles in the way, doubts that creep in, and even people who may be against you, but that doesn't make the things that you have set out to accomplish any less real or out of reach. It's a beautiful thing and that's what The Alchemist portrays. It leaves the reader thoughtful and hopefully even a little inspired.

Stay classy my friends,

Title: Manuscript Found in Accra
Author: Paulo Coelho

Publisher: Knopf

Publication Date: April 2, 2013 (first published 2010)

Pages: 208

Genre: Spirituality

Summary (from Goodreads): There is nothing wrong with anxiety. Although we cannot control God's time, it is part of the human condition to want to receive the thing we are waiting for as quickly as possible. Or to drive away whatever is causing our fear....
Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it-just as we have learned to live with storms.

July 14, 1099. Jerusalem awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the city's gates. There, inside the ancient city's walls, men and women of every age and every faith have gathered to hear the wise words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. He has summoned the townspeople to address their fears with truth:

"Tomorrow, harmony will become discord. Joy will be replaced by grief. Peace will give way to war.... None of us can know what tomorrow will hold, because each day has its good and its bad moments. So, when you ask your questions, forget about the troops outside and the fear inside. Our task is not to leave a record of what happened on this date for those who will inherit the Earth; history will take care of that. Therefore, we will speak about our daily lives, about the difficulties we have had to face."

The people begin with questions about defeat, struggle, and the nature of their enemies; they contemplate the will to change and the virtues of loyalty and solitude; and they ultimately turn to questions of beauty, love, wisdom, sex, elegance, and what the future holds. "What is success?" poses the Copt. "It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace."

Now, these many centuries later, the wise man's answers are a record of the human values that have endured throughout time. And, in Paulo Coelho's hands, The Manuscript Found in Accra reveals that who we are, what we fear, and what we hope for the future come from the knowledge and belief that can be found within us, and not from the adversity that surrounds us.

   

Review: Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury

Title: Coming Home

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: June 25, 2012

Pages: 304

Genre: Christian Fiction

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating:

Summary (from Goodreads): Coming Home is a novel about tremendous victory and unprecedented loss, a story of faith and a forever kind of love, love that will stay with you long after the last page. This stand-alone novel will serve as either a grand introduction or a beautiful conclusion in the saga of the Baxter Family. The Baxters make plans to come together for a summer lakeside reunion, a celebration like they haven’t had in years. But before the big day, the unthinkable happens. As the Baxter Family rallies together, memories come to light in the grief-stricken hours of waiting and praying, memories that bring healing and hope during a time when otherwise darkness might have the final word. In a season that changes all of them, the brilliance of family love overshadows even the valley of heartache as the Baxters draw closer to God and each other. Along the way, secrets are revealed and the truth about the Baxter Family history is finally made known. Ultimately, in this portrait of family love, the Baxters cling to each other and to God’s promise of forever.

 

     This was another heart-wrenching book from Karen Kingsbury! I will try my best not to add any spoilers until the end. You're welcome. :)

     This book was not at all what I expected it to be. As I stated in my review for the Bailey Flanigan series, I've been following the Baxter family since the beginning of time. If this is your introduction to the Baxters, and you read this as a stand-alone book like the description says, then you'll probably just view it as a drama you could read for a good cry. As for me, like the Bailey Flanigan series, it goes a bit further than that.

     Karen Kingsbury has been one of my favorite Christian authors for a very long time and I would recommend most of her books to anyone because they reach the reader straight to the heart. They are so real. I know that Karen is transitioning to a new publisher, and I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps they are requiring her to write more books in less time. Since the Bailey series, it seems like her books have become rushed and far away from what made them real and wonderful. Coming Home is a good read, and I feel like Karen reached some of her roots again. Although, the parts with Bailey and Brandon still made me cringe. I tried to get through them as fast as possible so I didn't have to go through that despair all over again!

     So, Coming Home. Although it took up some space in the beginning, I liked the recollection of everyone's pasts and how they got to where they are. That was nice for nostalgia's sake, and it's also nice for new readers who need some of the back-story. It was heart-felt and reconnected the characters with the story and each other. As for the events that took place after that, I understand tragedy happens when we least expect it, and it was  another journey Karen took us through the life of the Baxters. I think the worst part about it, is that this wasn't just another book within the series, it was supposed to be the wrap-up for the entire saga. Honestly, I just don't think is was a good way to end it all. It felt unfinished. It felt like there needed to be more, and it felt like it ended way too soon. Perhaps she has yet another Baxter installment up her sleeve, but I just didn't find this to be a good ending to the entirety of the Baxters.

****WARNING - SPOILERS****

     In the beginning it seemed like such a big deal to be celebrating John Baxter's birthday with everyone writing letters to him. The direction I expected this book to go was something was going to happen to John Baxter and he would pass away, "going home." I was thinking that actually would have been a great way to wrap up the journey we've taken with the Baxters, because in a way, it all started with John and Elizabeth. However, it was so far away from that and in the end, all those letters and John's birthday didn't seem quite as important as we entered into the story thinking they were. It was kind of disappointing. It also seemed out of place and inconsistent to kill off an entire family (or I guess "sub-family") the way Karen did. Like I said before, it all felt incomplete.

****END SPOILERS****

So if you're looking for a tear-jerker and you haven't read any other books by Karen, this is a pretty good book. If I hadn't read them all I would probably give it 4.5 stars. But because I have, I have to give it 3.5. I would advise that you start from the "Redemption" series, because those are all top-notch and really shoot straight to the heart.

Blessings,

Review: Loving by Karen Kingsbury

Title: Loving (Bailey Flanigan #4))

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

Pages: 352

Genre: Christian Fiction

Source: Amazon Kindle Store

Rating: Sadly,

Summary (from Goodreads): The answers Bailey Flanigan once longed and prayed for are finally becoming clear. In Loving, the fourth and final book in the Bailey Flanigan Series by New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, Bailey is planning a wedding and making decisions that will shape her future. Bailey enjoys the beginning of her new career and time spent with Brandon while Cody faithfully coaches his team on and off the field. Will she spend her life with Brandon Paul in Los Angeles, or will her heart draw her back to Bloomington, Indiana and Cody Coleman, her first love? Bailey has learned much and grown over the years, but the greatest challenges, the richest joys, and the deepest heartaches are still to come. Featuring members from Karen Kingsbury's popular Baxter family, Loving completes Bailey and Cody's story --- the finale thousands of fans have been waiting for.

 

      First and foremost, I have to say that I absolutely adore Karen Kingsbury and I have been reading her books for years. As I am approaching the "starting a family" stage of life, Karen has shown me through her writing the standards that I desire to raise my family in. She is incredibly inspiring and I truly look up to her as a Christian woman, writer, wife, and parent.

*****WARNING: SPOILERS*****

I, like many others, have grown with the Baxters and Flanigans since the beginning. And I, like many others, went through the series hoping for a happily ever after for Bailey and Cody. When I went to purchase this book for my kindle, I was still believing that there was going to be some miracle of a turnaround for Bailey and Cody and everything was going to be "okay." But as I got to the Amazon page and saw that there were over 100 people that rated this book as 1 star, my heart sank. No. It couldn't be. Bailey and Cody HAD to find a way! ...right????

I began to scroll down and read the reviews. This wasn't going to end the way I had hope it would all these years. I actually debated whether or not I should even purchase it because I was so upset about it. But, I couldn't do that to Karen. She had her reasons, and I was going to show my support either way, being the loyal reader that I am.

Normally, I read through a Karen Kingsbury book in a day. A day and a half at most. Knowing how this was going to end, it seriously took me over a month to get through this book. I would lay my kindle down on my lap, look at my husband in desperation and say, "this isn't how it's supposed to be! I just don't know if I can finish it!" Yes, I am one of those that feel like these are real people.

I'm glad that I knew the ending beforehand, because although it took time, eventually I started becoming more accepting of the fact that Bailey was going to choose Brandon. And because Karen decided to minimize the character of Cody and maximize the character of Brandon, it became more bearable.

The thing is, with everything Cody had gone through between almost losing his life overseas, losing Cheyenne, and even losing Bailey for a while...you would think he would've had some epiphany that life was too short, keep those you love close....fight for them and never let go, especially Bailey. He wouldn't just shrug his shoulders and move on with his life...that's not the Cody Coleman we all knew! Andi was a bit random, but even making her and Brandon a couple would've made more sense.

I'm still really torn about this series...by the end of it I was able to like the character of Brandon a lot more, but if I didn't know she was going to pick him the whole time, I probably would've been a lot more devastated.

I give a painful 3 star rating because I still think that Karen wrote within the same context we all love her for: Faith, Family, and Love. However, I think the storyline throughout the Bailey Flanigan series started off strong, but slowly became weaker as Karen was trying to decide which direction to take Bailey. I feel like it became too much like a repeat of Katy and Dayne's story. Although it worked for them...and although I know you don't always end up with your first love, I think Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman could have easily had a successful "first love" story that could've been one of the sweetest of them all.

Totally Team Cody,