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Katie Weldon #2
On a Whim
What’s next?
Ever since high school, Katie Weldon has wondered what it would be like to be Rick Doyle’s girlfriend. As a college senior she’s about to find out.
In the swirl of Katie’s upgraded dating life, she receives an unexplained bouquet, an unexpected call from her mother, an unprecedented girls’ night out with Christy, and an unhappy moment when her beloved car, Baby Hummer, takes its last wheeze. Rick's new roommate, Eli, complicates things by inviting Katie on a midnight jaunt to see a meteor shower. Under a canopy of stars Katie grasps a new view of the universe—out there as well as up close. As if she had nothing else to do, on a whim she singlehandedly starts a fund-raising campaign for clean water for Africa.
With Rick caught up in making plans for the future, how will Katie navigate her way through the remainder of her college career with no money, no transportation, no spare time, and no idea what God is up to?
On a Whim is the second book in the Katie Weldon Series
Ever since high school, Katie Weldon has wondered what it would be like to be Rick Doyle’s girlfriend. As a college senior she’s about to find out.
In the swirl of Katie’s upgraded dating life, she receives an unexplained bouquet, an unexpected call from her mother, an unprecedented girls’ night out with Christy, and an unhappy moment when her beloved car, Baby Hummer, takes its last wheeze. Rick's new roommate, Eli, complicates things by inviting Katie on a midnight jaunt to see a meteor shower. Under a canopy of stars Katie grasps a new view of the universe—out there as well as up close. As if she had nothing else to do, on a whim she singlehandedly starts a fund-raising campaign for clean water for Africa.
With Rick caught up in making plans for the future, how will Katie navigate her way through the remainder of her college career with no money, no transportation, no spare time, and no idea what God is up to?
On a Whim is the second book in the Katie Weldon Series
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
35 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
163 books2,642 followersROBIN 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 7, 2009
As I said, I love these books! My only complaint is that since the seris started, the characters have only aged 7 years and I have aged 21! What's up with that?!?
May 7, 2010
I like seeing things from Katie's perspective after reading a whole series from the view point of her best friend Christy. Katie is spunky and somehow manages to get herself into a bunch of crazy situations and strange encounters. I enjoyed seeing how she got out of her messes and who she met along the way. There were a couple of characters in this book that I was a little confused as to why they were hanging around, but I figured since there was still another book there was plenty of time for the author to explain later. I'm not really sure how I feel about Katie's relationship at this point...the third book will hopefully set everything right. I would recommend this book.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
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January 23, 2016Although there was some predictability with this book, I enjoyed the trip to get there. The characters were a little more realistic in some places than in others, and although the miracle for Katie's financial problems was a little over the top, it was a good solution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2011
I recommend reading the whole Christy series before diving into this and its predecessor PECULIAR TREASURES. The characters are very developed and one might feel lost. I've found these new Katie stores to be overly thoughtful with little actually happening. Lots of episodic discussions. Plus her relationship with Rick is just not believable -- in this book it seems Gunn is setting the scene for a breakup anyway. There's the new guy for Katie, and the new girl for Rick. It was so obvious.
The books have also gotten more and more "romantic" to be the point I can barely take it. But I still love the characters and find I must read anything that comes out about them.
The books have also gotten more and more "romantic" to be the point I can barely take it. But I still love the characters and find I must read anything that comes out about them.
August 7, 2025
July 2025 reread, audiobook.
I think this is the sweet spot in the series as far as narration – the expressions are appropriate to what is written, no one has an out of place accent, etc. This is also a strong volume in terms of story, character development, faith lessons – all the hallmarks of an RJG novel.
July 2022 reread, paperback.
Definitely enjoyed this more than book one. The back-n-forth between Rick and Katie was less, and the introduction of Joseph and expansion of Eli's character made for a more enjoyable story.
June 2015 reread, audiobook.
May 2014
It was good to see Katie develop as a character and to learn more of her back story.
I think this is the sweet spot in the series as far as narration – the expressions are appropriate to what is written, no one has an out of place accent, etc. This is also a strong volume in terms of story, character development, faith lessons – all the hallmarks of an RJG novel.
July 2022 reread, paperback.
Definitely enjoyed this more than book one. The back-n-forth between Rick and Katie was less, and the introduction of Joseph and expansion of Eli's character made for a more enjoyable story.
June 2015 reread, audiobook.
May 2014
It was good to see Katie develop as a character and to learn more of her back story.
July 11, 2018
Nice to hear more about Katie, Rick, Christy & the gang. Reading from Katie's perspective is sure different from Christy's.
December 29, 2014
I did not like how Katie wait most the story for Rick to say he love her, at the end nothing change.
August 12, 2022
Well, I didn't enjoy the second book as much as I did the first one. I'll explain why, but overall I did enjoy this book on it's own.
I really appreciate all the faith content that Mrs. Gunn's puts in her book. It's not preachy at all. It comes across raw and authentic. I can't count home many times that I just have to stop and ponder the faith content. It really makes me think. One time Julie and Katie were talking about how to "Honor your parents." I really appreciated that conversation and related to Katie's struggle on how to "Honor your parents."
I loved the Christian approach Mrs. Gunn's takes on boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. I think young ladies can learn a lot about relationships from reading this book and other books in the series. Even if, they have never dated in their life.
As always, I adore Katie. I really can relate to her on so many levels.
Eli has definitely caught my interested. Loved all the information of Africa that Mrs. Gunn's wrote about in Eli's background. I am looking forward to getting to know him in future books.
At first, I liked Rick in the first book. The second book, Rick just seemed to be a little consumed in the money aspect and prideful in different parts of the book. Not the biggest fan of him anymore.
I love Christy's and Katie's relationship! Every young lady, should have a best friend like that!
I love how Julie's mentors Katie. Everyone should have a mentor like her.
I really like Joseph and getting to know his background story. I appreciate the sweet surprise he got at the end.
Some of the things I questioned, but not necessary completely disliked:
*Katie does go with Eli and Joseph to go gaze at the stars really late at night. She is between Eli and Joseph and the use a sleep bag to cover themselves. While nothing inappropriate happened, naturally, this wasn't a wise decision on Katie's part. It shows how we all make unwise decisions.
*The would hussy is used in the book. I wasn't a fan of that.
*Lastly, Katie is granted her Aunt's whole estate at the end of the book. Naturally, it is tons of money. For some reason, it didn't seem realistic to me. If this does happen to a lot of people, I don't hear of it. So, Katie receiving the estate and using it to bless other people is basically the end of the book. So, personally, the ending felt a little off to me.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book and I will be continuing this series.
I really appreciate all the faith content that Mrs. Gunn's puts in her book. It's not preachy at all. It comes across raw and authentic. I can't count home many times that I just have to stop and ponder the faith content. It really makes me think. One time Julie and Katie were talking about how to "Honor your parents." I really appreciated that conversation and related to Katie's struggle on how to "Honor your parents."
I loved the Christian approach Mrs. Gunn's takes on boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. I think young ladies can learn a lot about relationships from reading this book and other books in the series. Even if, they have never dated in their life.
As always, I adore Katie. I really can relate to her on so many levels.
Eli has definitely caught my interested. Loved all the information of Africa that Mrs. Gunn's wrote about in Eli's background. I am looking forward to getting to know him in future books.
At first, I liked Rick in the first book. The second book, Rick just seemed to be a little consumed in the money aspect and prideful in different parts of the book. Not the biggest fan of him anymore.
I love Christy's and Katie's relationship! Every young lady, should have a best friend like that!
I love how Julie's mentors Katie. Everyone should have a mentor like her.
I really like Joseph and getting to know his background story. I appreciate the sweet surprise he got at the end.
Some of the things I questioned, but not necessary completely disliked:
*Katie does go with Eli and Joseph to go gaze at the stars really late at night. She is between Eli and Joseph and the use a sleep bag to cover themselves. While nothing inappropriate happened, naturally, this wasn't a wise decision on Katie's part. It shows how we all make unwise decisions.
*The would hussy is used in the book. I wasn't a fan of that.
*Lastly, Katie is granted her Aunt's whole estate at the end of the book. Naturally, it is tons of money. For some reason, it didn't seem realistic to me. If this does happen to a lot of people, I don't hear of it. So, Katie receiving the estate and using it to bless other people is basically the end of the book. So, personally, the ending felt a little off to me.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book and I will be continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Reread over a decade later. What I remembered from my first time through is from the very, very end of the book. Funny that I remembered it as being the complete focus of this specific storyline and it wasn't. Anyway, still amazing as always. I can't wait to discuss it with my book club in a few weeks.
December 12, 2025
I forgot Joplin, MO was mentioned in this book! How fun!
February 18, 2017
Never fails, finishing one of Robin Gunn's novels you can't help but feel inspired and awed. I loved this second Katie Weldon book. Katie is a firecracker! She makes the book fun and exciting. It's a roller coaster ride with her as the protagonist.
Half way in the book there was a moment where Katie is meeting up with her best friend, Christy Spencer (I still can't get over that name change though) for lunch, the two have a heart-to-heart moment and talk about their past years and all the major events that have led up to their lives now. It made me tear up. Thinking back to all the precious God things I have witnessed. Part of why I recognized those things is because of Christy, Katie, and the many other wonderful characters that Robin Gunn created.
I can't wait to read more!
Half way in the book there was a moment where Katie is meeting up with her best friend, Christy Spencer (I still can't get over that name change though) for lunch, the two have a heart-to-heart moment and talk about their past years and all the major events that have led up to their lives now. It made me tear up. Thinking back to all the precious God things I have witnessed. Part of why I recognized those things is because of Christy, Katie, and the many other wonderful characters that Robin Gunn created.
I can't wait to read more!
March 26, 2016
I do my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.
Dear Robin Jones Gunn,
Again, this book gets a 4.5. Maybe a 4.6...
This book was really good! I really like reading about Katie. She is such a good character. I love how she's honest and speaks her mind. She finally realizes that she loves Rick in this book. It's sad that she tells him but he doesn't tell her. But at least he FINALLY kisses her!!
Some of my old dislike of Rick comes back in this book. He's just so materialistic and kind of snobby. Not to mention, he flirts a little with Nicole. She gets along really well with him. They are both very "refined" people. Josh is kind of a jerk, though.
Eli is amazing. He is really chill and kind and has a heart for others. I think he and Katie belong together. She would make such a good missionary woman.
The plot was also good. Katie goes through a lot of ups and downs, and she has great friends to help her through. She also learns to trust God more in this book.
Thank you for writing this book!
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
Dear Robin Jones Gunn,
Again, this book gets a 4.5. Maybe a 4.6...
This book was really good! I really like reading about Katie. She is such a good character. I love how she's honest and speaks her mind. She finally realizes that she loves Rick in this book. It's sad that she tells him but he doesn't tell her. But at least he FINALLY kisses her!!
Some of my old dislike of Rick comes back in this book. He's just so materialistic and kind of snobby. Not to mention, he flirts a little with Nicole. She gets along really well with him. They are both very "refined" people. Josh is kind of a jerk, though.
Eli is amazing. He is really chill and kind and has a heart for others. I think he and Katie belong together. She would make such a good missionary woman.
The plot was also good. Katie goes through a lot of ups and downs, and she has great friends to help her through. She also learns to trust God more in this book.
Thank you for writing this book!
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2020
I never write reviews, but I couldn't help with this one. The Katie Weldon Series is the perfect continuation of the whole Christy Miller Series. As much as I loved Christy, Sierra, and College Years, I have to admit the writing was not superb. It's evident in the Katie Weldon Series just how much Robin Jones Gunn grew as a writer in the time she took away from these characters. Yes, it still has lovey-dovey parts, but it is not super cheesy like the other ones tended to be at times. The characters are better and even new characters like Eli feel as complex and developed as characters like Katie and Christy whom we've known for years. I loved both the first two books and I can't wait to read the next two.
October 3, 2013
Katie Weldon-athletic, competitive, spunky redhead-is also good friends with Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, both of whom are title characters in two other series although many of the stories involve all three friends. Because this series begins when Katie is a senior at college and deals with more complex issues, I think it's better suited to high school seniors and older. At any rate, I really liked the novel and how Katie discovers that she is harboring unforgiveness and pain in her heart; her spiritual growth in the novel is intense, and I felt empathy for her as a character. This is a well-written and fun novel.
April 6, 2020
Having been invested in this character for so long I really want to see more from her than the same old same old complaints. And by the end of the book if Katie had asked to DTR or for an I love you one more time I thought I might scream. As I said previously for the first novel in this series the relationship with Rick is too forced and while I believe that is part of Gunn's point I also think she could have made the point sooner and avoided some of the redundancy and character flaws that keep Katie and Rick static for far too long. However, I do believe there is some realism in what Katie is experiencing and that is what keeps readers invested.
July 27, 2013
A Quickie Review
Continuing the seemingly never-ending life and times of Christy Miller, Katie Weldon, and friends, this book features Katie continuing to deal with the stresses of everything from her relationship with Rick Doyle, to her car breaking down, to her strained interactions with her mother. Anyone who has enjoyed the books leading up to this one should find plenty to love about it. It also makes a good point: Even when interactions with the opposite gender seemingly stay friendly, they can lead to problems! (Katie definitely learns that lesson here.)
Score: 4/5
Continuing the seemingly never-ending life and times of Christy Miller, Katie Weldon, and friends, this book features Katie continuing to deal with the stresses of everything from her relationship with Rick Doyle, to her car breaking down, to her strained interactions with her mother. Anyone who has enjoyed the books leading up to this one should find plenty to love about it. It also makes a good point: Even when interactions with the opposite gender seemingly stay friendly, they can lead to problems! (Katie definitely learns that lesson here.)
Score: 4/5
April 2, 2010
Boring and way too sappy. I understand what the author is doing, creating a world of niceties and wholesomeness, but come on! Let's have a bit of conflict more than, "Why didn't you tell me you were leaving early?"
"Oh, I didn't?"
"No, you didn't."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too." (not actual dialogue, but close)
Not all that well-written, either. It doesn't flow well and is chunky in places.
"Oh, I didn't?"
"No, you didn't."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too." (not actual dialogue, but close)
Not all that well-written, either. It doesn't flow well and is chunky in places.
June 24, 2010
I was a little disappointed with this one, not really sure why. It seemed there were plot lines that didn't go anywhere and Katie seemed less easy to connect with. I hope the next installment "fixes" my uneasiness and ends the series with a "wow" and not an "oh, well."
Update June 24, 2010: Just finished Coming Attractions all uneasiness is forgiven.
Update June 24, 2010: Just finished Coming Attractions all uneasiness is forgiven.
January 25, 2009
I don't know what it is about the Katie Weldon books, perhaps I can just relate so well to what happens, but I think they are really great. I liked the first one a bit better than this one, but this was still good. There were a few things in this book that seemed a bit predictable, but then there were some cool surprises as well.
August 29, 2016
One of my all-time favorites. It was good to read it again. I had forgotten how it ended. Katie went through some things that most college students go through. I appreciate the mostly realistic life problems and responses she has. Although, I don't know too many college students who suddenly receive a large inheritance from a great aunt they've never met. But it makes for a good plot twist.
January 22, 2009
This book was seriously amazing!!! I couldn't put it down! Robin Jones Gunn's books are truly amazing, they help me in little ways but also in huge ways as well!! I can't wait for the next book to come out!
September 21, 2009
This was a great book, and I for sure related to Katie since we were both RAs. However, she is probably less relatable for me than both Christy and Sierra. And speaking of, I want to hear more about Sierra!
May 1, 2011
Love Robin Jones Gunn. Her books and characters have integrity and purity and I love that! This series and the ones associated are great for single gals holding out for Mr. Right, or to encourage young gals to wait on God's timing and direction in life.
December 12, 2011
It was a pretty good book that was about Katie and her collage year.And her job and all the girls she meets and with her boyfriend,Rick.On a scale from 1-10 I would give it a 7 1/2.I would recomend it to some of my friends (that are girls).
June 22, 2012
4.5 Stars
On a Whim was a great sequel to Peculiar Treasures. It's so much fun to get to know these characters better, to watch all of their ups and downs and to see them learn from their mistakes. I highly recommend this awesome series!
On a Whim was a great sequel to Peculiar Treasures. It's so much fun to get to know these characters better, to watch all of their ups and downs and to see them learn from their mistakes. I highly recommend this awesome series!
November 2, 2013
This book spoke a lot about being a wise steward of finances, pacing a Christian dating relationship wisely and being a woman of discretion all in a fun story. I can't believe I don't have the last book with me! I'll have to run to the library first thing Monday morning.
December 30, 2016
WOW!! Just wow! The ending of this book was just so incredible! I am left in awe. I feel joy and it was a reminder of the faithfulness of God and that He truly is good, and He has the whole world in His hands.
Who is like the Lord? Wooah
Who is like the Lord? Wooah
Want to read
April 7, 2008I can't wait to but this book!
March 29, 2021
Last read June 2011
April 29, 2009
Another great one by Gunn
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews