Clouds

Glenbrooke #5

by Robin Jones Gunn

Shelly Graham has moved home to Glenbrooke, where she's flooded with memories of her high school sweetheart, who took off for Europe after they broke up. But when Shelly travels to Germany, she suddenly runs into the former boyfriend who has filled her thoughts. Learning that Jonathan is engaged, Shelly hides her feelings for him. After returning home, however, she must face these feelings, especially after her path crosses Jonathan's yet again. Only this time, if they can find the strength to be honest, they just might discover what God has in store.

About the Author:

Robin Jones Gunn is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty-five books, including seven books in the new Glenbrooke series: Secrets, Whispers, Echoes, Sunsets, Clouds, Waterfalls, and Woodlands. She is also the author of the gift book Mothering by Heart. Robin and her family make their home in the Pacific Northwest.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Christian Romance

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

ROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, sweet, touching romance. It had been a while since I'd read any of the books in this series; now, I need to check out the rest of them.

[Faith M:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! Robin Jones Gunn has such an amazing gift of writing. I’ve felt so connected to her characters!!! As books 5 6 are my favorites that I have read of the Glenbrooke series (I haven’t read them all yet lol), I really enjoyed that Mer and Shelly are sisters!!! I want to live with them in the woods XD

The way that Shelly becomes SO connected to the Lord in this book was amazing!!! The Lord becomes her best friend! She constantly prays, and reads the Bible!!! At one part in the book, she picked up the Psalms and read until her eyes couldn’t stay open anymore:) ❤️❤️❤️

The trip to Germany was amazing:) The details were so intricate!!! I felt all of Shelly’s emotions!!! Will definitely be re-reading this in the future!!!

This is a clean book:)

Give this a go!!! You will love it!!!

[Lena Morrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like Robin Jones Gunn books, but this was a slight exception. I disliked it because it was so boring. It's not even Robin that bothers me. It's the usual romance plot. It's always the same. Also, I skim-read many of the portions in this book because I felt they were unrelated to the story. I normally enjoy that about Robin's writing, but I don’t think it worked in this novel. Robin writes quality books for the most part, and she’s greatly influenced me, so it’s difficult to give her a low rating.

[Abigail Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this one a lot, cuz it centered around a flight attendant. I enjoyed the story, these books are kind of slow so I actually nodded off during it woke up and could still figure out what happened.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Robin Jones Gunn book is like catching up with old friends, and this one is no exception. Shelly and Jonathan were childhood best friends who fell in love in high school. After graduation, an argument leaves them to find their own ways, apart from each other. Now, five years later, Shelly moves back to her parents' house and old memories come flooding back. When a chance encounter halfway around the world brings them back in contact, is this a sign they are meant to be?

I love the little town of Glenbrooke and how the cast of characters from the series intersect in each story. As a reader who loves to find out what happens after "the end" of a story, it's nice to see old characters pop up in a new story, letting readers know how they are doing.

The best part of a RJG novel is the soft layering of spiritual truths. Many Christian fiction books come across preachy, but with Clouds, readers discover more about God right along with the character. Shelly's story is authentic and well-developed as she finds the best love of all, Jesus, in a new way. She and Jonathan are sweet characters, and I love the development of Shelly's relationship with her sister, Meredith.

Fans of RJG will love this book. If you haven't read her books, the Glenbrooke series is the place to start!

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

July 2022 reread.
Almost lowered my rating to 2 stars but the second half of the book kept it at 3 stars. The first half of the story is slow and depressing, because Shelly feels stuck and depressed. The story perks up after the Germany trip and the bits about her work at the camp are interesting.

January 2015 re-read.
I've re-read several of the Glenbrooke books over the last 10 years, but Clouds is one I'd only read once. I liked the characters and the setting (esp the Germany trip) and getting to check in with familiar faces in Glenbrooke. My complaint is how little time the hero/heroine spend together and how little interaction/romance there is between the two of them. Almost the entire book is introspection and reflection on Shelley's part.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a perfect storm for me. It hit so many emotional points and I can't even explain how perfect it was for where I'm at in life right now. Her situations weren't exactly the same, but I could certainly relate to Shelly on many different levels. Gunn is at her best when her characters are in the messy reality that is life. Shelly's trip perfectly encapsulates how travel can be both an escape, allowing for insights that one can't reach at home, but also how often it fails to live up to personal expectations. Ultimately, things don't happen when we think they ought to or when we want them to occur, but in God's perfect timing. When all the pieces lock into place, it's marvelous to see.

Is this actually a 5-star novel? Not really. So far, though, it's my favorite in this series.

[Misti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelly had the perfect teenage romance with Jonathan, the boy next door, but when she left to pursue her dreams of becoming a flight attendant, all of their sweet dreams fell apart. When a chance encounter brings them back together, will they be able to reconnect as adults?

This is a pleasant inspirational romance, and though it's part of the Glenbrooke series, this one stands alone pretty well and would be a fine entry point into the series. Shelly and Jonathan are not my favorite couple in the series, but that's personal preference more than anything else, and I do enjoy their story, particularly the part that takes place in Germany. Recommended to fans of the genre.

[Destiny Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I FINISHED IT! Boy, that took a while. 😂
So over all, once we got past the 130 page mark, stuff started to pick up. All the parts before that were rather slow, so I think that is why it took me so long to read. I really did like book, but at first I didn't think it would of ended the way it did. But I like the way it ended. Happy. Though, most of Mrs. Gunn's books end happy. Lol anyway I give this book 4.5/5 stars.

[Bookworman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! This is the best one yet of this series. A spiritual journey and a sweet love story.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clouds signify many different things to different people. Some folks may consider them a nuisance to a day of catching some sunshine on a sandy beach. Others may view them as beautiful mountains of hope. Still others might look up at an overcast sky and see a comforting blanket that reminds them of marshmallows bobbing up and down in their mom's homemade hot cocoa.




In Clouds, flight attendant Shelly Graham thinks "no human could mar their perfection." (page 50) They offer her a subtle reminder of God's perfect love as her life crumbles into an enormous pile of tattered dreams. Her dream job is threatened by airline cutbacks. Her little sister gets to live in Shelly's dream cabin. When she bumps into her childhood best friend and true love, reality splashes ice cold water on her dream future: Jonathan's engaged to be married! Just as the clouds in the sky adapt to God's weather plans, can Shelly adapt to the crushing news pouring all around her? Will a journey into her family's history spark an inner expedition to a Love stronger and steadier than the one she lost?




Clouds by Robin Jones Gunn (www.RobinGunn.com) offers an innocence that is so often lost in today's modern world. Even though this fifth installment in The Glenbrooke Series is a contemporary tale, it still manages to take us back to a slower paced, more meaningful time when families were close-knit and pleasantly, if somewhat irritatingly, meddlesome and everyone hopes for a happily-ever-after. This is by far the sweetest, most heartfelt story I've read all year, and I look forward to reading more of The Glenbrooke Series by Robin Jones Gunn. This novel provides a fresh perspective on God's way of working things out according to His divine plan.




Robin beautifully combined location and history and character to weave a truly touching masterpiece. I was quickly endeared to Shelly and her treasure box of long-forgotten memories. My emotions were on the line nearly as much as Shelly's as I experienced the highs and lows of adventure and lost love right along with her.




Here are two quotes from Clouds that struck my heart as particularly meaningful:




"Sometimes to find the key that will unlock the future, we have to see what keys we buried in the past." (page 37)






"What has been is in the past. What is forms the present. What will be remains to be seen." (page 134)




What keys from your past will clear the clouds from your future?








Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for giving me a free copy of this novel for this review.




You may read a free preview of Clouds here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/91174486/Cl...

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't my favorite of the series, but it wasn't my least favorite either. I appreciated the change of setting and how part of the book took place in Germany. The setting and descriptions made me want to travel and see the things she described. A boy next door romance is also fun and I enjoyed the aspect of the book.

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this book—the whole series. This is book five of the series, and they just get better and better. It’s so much fun to see how all of the characters in each of these books are linked together. Besides good stories, they also are mini travelogues. This one took the reader to Belgium. And they also bring the Lord in so sweetly that one can’t help but praise Him. I’m hooked.

[The Lazy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thoughts on Clouds are mixed.

The title for this book is very apropos. Shelly and Johnathan's friendship and eventual romance during their youth is every bit as soft and gentle as you would imagine a cloud to be. The flashbacks of them together are my favorite parts of the book as childhood into teenhood Shelly and Johnathan are very likable and lovingly crafted, both apart and together. The problem comes with adult Shelly and Johnathan. They're not any less likable or understandable as adults. Shelly is struggling with the reality that her dream of being a flight attendant hasn't panned out as she hoped it would, and now she has to figure out next steps her life. And while we don't get to know much about adult Johnathan, the time we do spend with him makes it clear that he's still deeply in love with Shelly. My problem with them comes in how the breakdown of their relationship all those years ago is subsequently handled in their adult lives.

When they're teens soon to be on their way to colleges and grown-up life, Johnathan proposes. The two of them seem like a very good match, so it's not surprising when he asks her to marry him. But of course (because there's an entire book still to read), things don't quite work out. Without consulting Shelly and already aware that she has been making some plans of her own for her future, Johnathan makes the mistake of creating an entire life plan for the two of them that accounts for all of the things he wants to do but shows no real thought or concern for what Shelly wants. Understandably, this leaves Shelly upset, and the two of them end up in their worst ever argument that then turns into them not speaking to each other until eventually, there's no alternative but for both of them to believe that the relationship is over.

Now up to this point, I'm fine with all of this. They're both young, a little idealist about what they want, and while I think Johnathan is more to blame for what sparks the breakdown of their relationship, Shelly does have selfish moments in there as well. But as we follow adult Shelly through the story, it becomes clear (or at least it felt this way to me) that the one Gunn feels shoulders more of the blame is Shelly. Which I find to be pretty unfairly crummy.

As adults, the two of them meet again and eventually have a conversation about what happened, and Johnathan offers an apology, but it's an apology that kind of stinks. First, he doesn't understand why Shelly couldn't see that he had been trying to create a future for them where she could pursue her dream, but his very proposal proves this to be a very charitable assessment on his part. His plan all those years ago involved her following him to college where she would work full-time while he went to school. When young Shelly asked, 'what about flight school,' his response was 'that will always be there.' On top of this, he'd already talked to her parents about all of this, so she was the only one unaware of his plans.

Adult Johnathan does admit that his plan for their lives was wrong, but this admission feels so...incomplete. I'm not sure what part he's apologizing for, if he really understands the mistake he made, if he even truly cares about what Shelly wanted (and currently wants) in her life. I do have to say here that Gunn does mostly rectify this in the final chapters. When Shelly and Johnathan reconnect, he's engaged to someone else, but the engagement eventually ends, and Johnathan credits this as the aha moment for him. 'That was the first time I understood why you needed to take off and do your own thing after high school. When my parents married, it was so different.' This is a well-needed revelation/reflection on his part that I appreciate. But it also feels very late. By this point, they've already made the decision to get back together. I personally would have preferred for them to have one more conversation where they actually sat down to work things out, and he could have shared this revelation, thus paving the way for them to get back together.

I have only one other complaint about this book, and that is that this is not a book that needed a final hour alter call. We aren't given much information on Shelly's relationship with God throughout most of the book, although the parts of the book that talk about God are mostly well-done and are very meaningful in the context of the overall story. But I never got the impression that Shelly was so far from God that she needed to come to the alter on her knees in penance. Yes, I think she probably needed to take stock of her life and where she was with God, so I don't have a problem with the book addressing that. But a literal alter call (and I mean a literal alter call complete with a walk down the church aisle ending in an almost sinner's prayer confession) was not necessary. The miniature sermon that prompts Shelly self-reflection is rather thought-provoking, and I'm glad it was included, but Shelly could have simply spent some time by herself thinking on these things and deciding she needed to get a little more serious about faith.

I'll probably read this again someday, as I enjoyed a lot of things about it. It's a sweet, gentle story with likable characters. But I'm not putting it on any lists of favorite Christian fiction, or even favorite Christian romance, either.

[Patience · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Clouds in just five days—cheesy and charming, it fits right into the Glenbrooke series like a cozy puzzle piece. After the fondue-level cheesiness of Sunsets, I was hesitant to dive into this one. Thankfully, Gunn tightened the storytelling here. The plot moved with more purpose, and the charm didn’t get lost in slow pacing.

Shelly Graham once said no to her childhood best friend, Jonathan, choosing to chase her dreams as a flight attendant rather than be “tied down.” But the glamorous life she imagined turned out to be far less lucrative or exhilarating than she’d hoped. Broke and disillusioned, Shelly moves in with her sister Meredith—two broke girls sharing one apartment.

When Meredith gets a publishing lead in Germany, they take the trip together. Shelly has no idea Jonathan is there too. Cue the meet-cute in a German market—bouquets, brisk air, and heartbreak, because the flowers are for Jonathan’s fiancée. Oof.

Despite her resentment, Shelly joins Jonathan and his fiancée on a day trip to find her grandmother’s lost grave. This was my favorite part of the book—Gunn paints the German countryside with crisp fall air, old churches, and snippets of the language. It felt like a breath of fresh story.

As the seasons shift from Christmas to January, Shelly continues to struggle. Meredith gets another publishing lead in Oregon, and the sisters head out for a weekend getaway. Surprise: Meredith knew Jonathan would be there—newly single. Another meet-cute unfolds in the woods, and Shelly finally says what she’s been holding in: “Jonathan, I want you.” A Hallmark-worthy moment. They marry and run a Christian camp together.

As always, Gunn weaves faith into the narrative. Shelly’s journey back to God mirrors her journey back to Jonathan, though I’m still unsure how those two threads fully connect. There are also a few weight-related comments—something Gunn tends to include in her books—which felt unnecessary.

Still, I enjoyed this one. It flew by, and that says something. 3.5 stars from me—not perfect, but heartfelt and satisfying.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character, Shelly, followed her own path after high school, leaving behind her childhood friend/high school sweetheart, breaking his heart. Jonathan and Shelly end up meeting again 5 years later in Germany, where he announces his engagement to another woman. Shelly goes through a lot of changes in her personal life and, more importantly, in her spiritual life during this time. With upheaval in her job & living arrangements, she begins stressing about becoming a spinster (at 23!) and starts looking back on her life. After trying to figure it all out on her own, she begins to develop a real relationship with Christ, learning what is really important in life and learning to trust God to take care of her. He's got it all under control and we have to have faith in Him to work everything out.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God's plan will unfold in His timing. We shouldn't worry about the details. He will take care of us if we trust Him and follow His lead.

I'm facing a lot of changes in my own life right now and I needed this reminder to trust in Him to work everything out. You know what they say - We plan, God laughs! God has perfect timing and we all need to recognize that He's pulling the strings and it'll all be okay. The scripture above has been directed at me a few times recently. I've hear 3 sermons about this very thing just in the past week. And now this book. I think God's trying to tell me something... I get it! I'm supposed to relax and let God work it out. Now I'm excited to see what He has in store for me! So bring it on God, I'm ready!

[TheModestMillennial · Rating 2 out of 5]

Choppy, scattered, and a bit forced, I feel like I only started reading this book because I have a desperate need for completion. I am at a point that I simply have to finish the Glenbrooke series because of that compulsion alone. Robin does have good characters, but these stories seen to drag and then finish all in a hurry with blunt speeches and cute cliches. I do enjoy the wholesome storylines and that the characters always grow in their faith, but pretty much all of the heroines seem to have the same struggles and finally arrive at the same conclusions. Overall, it was a good time-killer book, but not one I'll pick up again.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters, I love Shelly and Meredith as sisters. I wish that there were more than 2 books with them as the main characters. Secondly, I love Shelly. I think we're kindred spirits - also I would love to have her temp job at the camp and live in Tulip Cottage! I won't go into her story with Jonathan, but I loved it too. And then I really loved her rekindling a relationship with God, and how Robin handled that.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly was a flight attendant. One day she was told her hours were decreased. She loved being an employee of this airline and felt betrayed.

She was wondering what happened to her childhood friend, Jonathan. They both went their separate ways but never forgot each other.

These books have a lot of friendships intertwined with each other. It is exciting and wonderful how God always works things out best. There were a lot of sweet romances in each of these books.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful love story. Oh, the one between the two people is nice, but the powerful one is the one between the main character and the Lord. I've been where she is, and there's nothing like really knowing Jesus instead of just knowing about Him. The greatest love ever is to tap into the deepest love—God's love that never ends. Very well done!

[Maggie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite Glenbrooke so far. While I didn't grow up next door to my sweetheart our childhoods wove around each other so much its surprising we didn't meet until we were 18 and several states away from home. Jonathan and Shelly had to trust God and his time to bring their story through to His design just like we did. Love the updates on former Glenbrooke characters, too!

[Andi Valentin · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was way too religious for my taste. also some of the conversations between characters felt so unintelligent and unnecessary???

also i hate a story where two ex lovers come back together after not speaking for YEARS and profess their love without trying to get to know each other again.

tis a no from me dawg

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far my least favorite of the Glenbrook series. Don't know why exactly, just wasn't my favorite. Some things are really dated. But I still enjoy visiting this series, you never know who is going to walk in.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about childhood sweethearts, chasing dreams, and the one that got away. When a second chance at love present itself, will Shelly leave one dream behind to chase another one? Highly recommended!

[Rachel Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could tell that this was an earlier work of Robin’s than most I’ve read. And the first few chapters seemed trite and predictable, as the young romance develops. But true to form, Robin came through with a solid faith lesson.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of this series...so far.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Jones Gunn is one of the first authors I read and found out I love to read. Reading one of her books always makes me feel like coming home.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read.

[Samantha Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good!!! :) Love this book!! A very sweet story.. Definitely has it's sad parts, but it's beautiful.. Robin has such a way of crafting stories. Loving it!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this quick read.