Salty Kisses

Christy & Todd: The Baby Years #2

by Robin Jones Gunn

Christy is elated when her best friend and favorite redhead arrives in Newport Beach. The reason for Katie's journey from Kenya is complicated, but that doesn't stop the two Peculiar Treasures from hoping for lots of memorable catch-up time.

Their plans keep getting altered and Christy can tell something is wrong. Katie isn't herself. Add to that the ongoing demands Christy feels as the mother of a toddler along with her husband's determination to not cancel their vacation plans. Nothing seems to be as it should.

The circumstances shift. Katie's husband, Eli, arrives, and the Surfin' Safari plans are back on. Gussie the Bussie is ready for the trek up the coast to Glenbrooke, Oregon, with a strop along the way to see Sierra and her husband, Jordan. The reunions continue as they spend sun-filled days with Doug and Tracy, Alissa, and Christy's brother, David.

Why is it that Christy's heart feels so unsettled? It's not because of the challenges of traveling and camping with a little one. It's not because they left Eli and Katie in Newport Beach awaiting their return. It's the realization that everyone she knows has changed. What does friendship mean in this season of life?

Christy finds out as she celebrates her twenty-ninth birthday with her true friend followed by a string of hellos, good-byes, and many God-blessed salty kisses.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Adult, Christian Romance

287 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2017

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

[Lena Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy and Todd have a baby. *sigh*
These characters are so dear to me. I grew up with them during my teen years. I laughed and cried in their stories. Now they're all grown up and have families of their own. I felt so nostalgic reading these books. I miss the old days, when Christy and Todd were just teenagers that loved each other. Back when Katie was in Christy's life. So many memories...

I did enjoy this book. Some of it was sad. Some of it was sweet. All of it was good. It was amazing seeing all the older characters. It was like taking a small tour of Christy's past life. I'm so excited for what's to come.

For whatever reason, the Christy Miller books had more spark when they were in her teen years. I think it's because she was much more dramatic and more unsure about Todd during that time. Everything was on a roller-coaster. Now Christy is stable, serious, and her life has few really entertaining moments. I enjoy the series, but people who want a good plot would not. I really appreciate Robin Jones Gunn and her writing, but I know it's not for everybody. I wish sometimes that more exciting things would happen, but I am honestly content just reading about Christy and her simple adventures. She is a great character.

In conclusion, this is a good book for Christy Miller fans.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully sweet book by Robin Jones Gunn.
This second book in the Christy and Todd: The Baby Years Series was beautifully written and heart-warming. Gunn’s writing leaves your heart feeling light and your soul feeling refreshed and I love that feeling.
This book, Salty Kisses, brings us back into Todd and Christy’s life with parenthood in full swing. Christy’s dear friend Katie is back in California as well and it was so sweet to have her fun personality back into the series and to see her and Christ’s friendship get a deep sense of renewal. It was such a sweet story and I can’t wait to read the final book in this series once I get my hands on it.

[Shantelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salty Kisses is a nice continuation to the CHRISTY & TODD: THE BABY YEARS series. We get to take a peak at many of the different characters from the earlier Christy books and it's fun to see where they are in life. This story has some special moments for Christy's best friend, Katie, as well as her younger brother. Mostly it's just normal life stuff for this young married couple and their toddler, Hana. I have found some of the books from the numerous series about Christy to be not as exciting and lighthearted, maybe because it seems Christy is often in a bad mood, discontent, or overreacting? I especially felt that way with this story. But there were also some good and heartwarming moments. I plan to read Book Three soon.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read any book Robin Jones Gunn writes about these characters because I've been reading about them for 20+ years and they feel like old friends at this point. By the cover it was pretty obvious what was coming by the end and it was enjoyable to see SO MANY old characters pop up (SO MANY) but also, maybe strains credibility, a little? But still enjoyed it and inspired me to reread the ENTIRE series, all 30+ books. It's so fun.

[Victoria Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...every time I read a book by Robin Jones Gunn, all I can think is "Writer Goals!" I love how she wove so many of her characters in this book. If you've read her books before, you'll be delighted to see old friends again. If you haven't, you'll love going to read her books now and learning deeper things about the friends you met here. Plus I think I love Christy because Christy is me. Her thoughts are my thoughts. How does Gunn do it?

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Salty Kisses” continues the story of Christy and Todd. This book is so good. It’s always great to read more about Christy and Todd as they go through life and in this particular book, parenting as well. They now have a baby and it was so fun to read about. Also in this book Christy and Todd and their baby catch up with lots of old friends. If you’ve read any of the other Christy Miller books then you’ll definitely recognize a bunch of characters. This book is just so fun and I am really excited to read the next book, “Sunset Lullaby”.

[Nicole Magolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book.

I absolutely love the Christy Miller series, and I am always happy to enter back into her world. But here, we have a very stale addition to the series.

Things happen, but I felt like I was constantly reading a summary of the events. A small example...Christy is nervous about attending a dinner in which she barely knows anyone and feels like an outsider. Instead of journeying through it alongside her, we skip over it entirely, only getting a recap of what happened while she talks to Todd.
There are so many moments like this in the book. I think what frustrated me the most was that a lot of the time with Katie felt glossed over. She has long been my favourite character and the time spent between her and Christy in this book is supposed to be wonderful and precious, yadda yadda yadda. We are told this, but never get to feel it, never get to participate in it as the reader. Something that I haven't experienced in the previous books. It was very disappointing.
:(
Still, this book did have a lovely ending. I look forward to reading the next book - which apparently will also be the final one. Aww.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Jones Gunn is such a wonderful writer. Like most people, I have discovered her writings with the Christy Miller series when I was a young teenager. Luckily for me, I have grown up with Christy Miller, even if the ages don't actually match the years anymore. She should be in her forties, not in her late twenties, but that is the joy of being an author. You can tell the story from any time period and get away with it. But with her latest story, Salty Kisses, I felt like I was plopped right back into the lives of Christy and Todd with no problem. There were moments of smiling and excitement as Todd and Christy met some new friends that appeared in the Glenbrooke series or met up with old friends from Christy teenage years. It was delightful, and I LOVE returning to Christy and Todd's life. This book is definitely going to be a keeper with all my other Robin Jones Gunn's books. I can't wait for Sunset Lullaby to see what has happened to Christy and Todd.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Ms. Gunn has always been a favorite author with uncanny timing, but her message of changing seasons and adjusting to life at different seasons as adults was perfect. This book is primarily about being married and having babies (of which I have experienced neither), but as Christy realized her friendships are changing and her need to adjust to those changes, I found that I could relate to that concept.
This is a Christian novel and she is able to work in her message without being too preachy. I loved the verse that resonates throughout the book, "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Being grateful for one's blessings is a secondary message of this book. I was just very inspired and convicted as I read this book.

[Kimberly Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie.... the baby years have not been it.

Todd and Christy's relationship has turned into a very old school "Christian" patriarchal relationship.

Time for Todd to parent in hard moments and actually help Christy. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I'm sorry but Todd needs to be called out and being the "perfect" forgiving wife isn't this generation. We aren't fake and up until the baby years, Christy was never fake.

[Megan Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!! I loved that Katie and Eli got to visit. It was also nice to see a return appearance of all the characters in Glenbrooke. I also felt for Christy and her changing friendships. That is always a stressful thing when friendships change. She handled it well though. I am so sad that there is only one book left, but I am very excited to read it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about the Christy Miller & Co. books is that it follows them throughout life. So many series stop at the wedding. This is the only story of its kind that I've ever read.

I'm not married. I don't have kids. I'm not in my upper 20s. But this book resonated with me in a way that hasn't happened since I read the Christy Miller books for the first time. I find different things to connect with in each book and with each character, but this one majorly hit me because of the theme of change and moving on.

My friends and I are growing up. Some of us have gone away to school, moved to another state, or just gotten really busy with "grown up stuff" and work. It's hard because the relationship changes. We don't see each other every week. People's lives change and they move on. It's hard when you haven't moved on and feel like things should stay the same.

Christy's struggles in this area spoke to me because I'm going through the same thing.

It's kind of neat to see Gunn incorporating two of her series together. I didn't know Alissa had her own book and I'm totally going to read it next. (Since I can't finish this series yet anyway). She did a similar thing with Sierra; putting her story in the Love Finds You series.

I'm enjoying coming along with Christy and Todd as they navigate parenthood. It's actually kind of funny that these books don't have a lot of drama or action, just everyday life and events, and yet they are so interesting. I guess that speaks to why it's nice to be able to experience your own life in fiction form. You can work through things and see them in a different light.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing to me how God speaks to me through Gunn's books. It's as if the characters are hearing the words that I need to hear. It connects me to the stories at a heart level that few do.

[Kayleigh(Kay) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the books in the series!

I can’t wait for Christy and Todd’s second baby to be born! I hope it’s a boy!

David has a girlfriend y’all!!!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

July 2024
I have been reading (and rereading) about these characters for over two decades and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.

I enjoyed the visit to Glenbrooke and checking in with several familiar characters. Loved the long visit with Katie and Eli. RJG writes female friendship so well and it was great to have Christy and Katie together again.

It has been interesting rereading this series while parenting a toddler and comparing/contrasting Christy’s experience as a mother with my own. I do understand that 1) this is fiction and 2) all experience is subjective, but when Christy was crying about mothering alone, I thought, Girl, please. You have an attentive husband who provides hands-on care for your child alongside you, you have extended family minutes away who can take your child at a moments notice if you’re not feeling well or want to do something child free, you have babysitters that conveniently appear while you’re vacationing so you can spend time with other adults. You are not “mothering alone.” You simply lack close friends your own age geographically nearby. There is a big difference.

Continuity notes: while visiting Alissa and Brad, comments are made that Todd had not met their twin daughters because the adoption had not been finalized on his previous trip to Oregon, yet when Todd did visit in One More Wish he spoke about visiting the whole family.

January 2022 re-read.

February 2019, perfect for a beach vacation. Good to catch up with old friends in a new stage of life.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved peeking in on Todd and Christy again! They've long been favorite RJG characters for me, and I can't wait to 'meet' Baby Spencer #2. :) Also loved all the cameos by Glenbrooke characters and even Sierra and Jordan, not to mention crazy Katie and Eli.

[Ellie Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fed my baby fever for sure 😂

[Misti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy and Todd are looking forward to their vacation. After planning and postponing for a couple of years, they're finally going to take a road trip up the California coast to Glenbrooke, Oregon. First, however, Christy's best friend Katie is coming back to the States for her father's funeral. Though it's for a sad reason, Christy is still excited to see her forever friend again. Of course, there's no predicting the twists and turns the summer might take for Christy and her friends.

I've read all of Gunn's Christy Miller books, and all of her Glenbrooke books. In this book, Christy goes to Glenbrooke, which should be the best thing ever, right? Not so much. Introverted Christy is stressed out over meeting the Glenbrooke cadre, and none of the Glenbrooke characters get more than a passing nod (my favorite, Wren, doesn't even get name-checked). If Gunn wants to write more about Glenbrooke, she should perhaps give thought to writing a collection of short stories featuring each character, because this sort of fleeting visit doesn't do any of the characters justice -- the world she's created is too big for anyone to shine when they're all crammed together in a small portion of a book.

Other than that, this book is about what I expect from this author and series: cozy and pleasant, not particularly challenging or demanding, and a little less polished in terms of writing than one would necessarily like. Recommended only for those who have followed the series to this point.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy and Todd finally get to go on vacation and Christy gets to see Katie for an unexpectedly extended trip.

The reality of Katie's hardships (especially her unresolved relationship with her dad who passed away recently) and her distant family relationships are so relatable. While Christy is supportive, it's hard for her to imagine such struggles even though her relationship with her mom has been slightly distant until Christy was grown.

Their vacation was completely accurate as far as traveling with a child that age, especially thinking about what their daughter can say/do/climb. Christy's ability to recognize how that vacation (and really the entire summer) were a sweet respite from real life, allowing them to connect their pasts with their future that will inevitably be very different is so sweet. She savors the quality time with friends even when they don't get to talk to each other because their kids are wild.

When Christy and Todd return from vacation and get to soak up time with Katie and Eli, the tension in the pending separation is poignant. Their lives will never quite intersect that way again. But as Christy's birthday wish, I was sincerely glad to see her dawning awareness of her isolation. She only has life-friends and not day-to-day-friends. This is such a struggle for new moms because even maintaining the life-friendships is so difficult.

This story has so many feelings as Christy and Todd truly are all grown up and facing realities as a young family.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up with this series, it's hard to give an unbiased rating that isn't influenced by at least some measure of nostalgia.

Even so, Robin Jones Gunn has such a way of writing realistically about what it means to be a woman who follows Christ-- meaning, it's not all sunshine and roses and faith and hallelujah. There's insecurity and fear and sadness and anxiety and tension, just as much as there is grace and joy and the spontaneity that comes from what it means to be in a dynamic relationship with Jesus. There were times when I got frustrated with Christy, there were times when I completely related with her, there were times when I felt a sense of deja vu because her thoughts and reactions mirrored my own.

Something I really appreciated was getting a glimpse of other characters' perspective and wisdom-- such as Todd's oblique comment about teething, and Alissa's beautiful and concise description of soul wounds and tears. As much as this is about and from Christy's perspective, it's been really neat to have others in her life get a little more air-time in the books.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherhood may not be exactly what Christy was expecting when they're daughter Hana was born, but she wouldn't give it up for anything. When Katie's dad dies she returns to the States for the funeral, with an unexpected surprise. Then Christy and Todd take their first road trip with Hana, and things aren't what they expected. It seems like Christy's relationship with everybody they visit has changed, and she can't figure out why. Is this just another season in their lives, or will this be the new normal?
I feel like the blurbs on the back of these books are greatly exaggerated. You expect one thing from reading the blurb but then realize the book only glosses over it. For example, this blurb places a lot more importance on peoples attitudes and feelings and in reality it's more about a young family on vacation then anything else. I'm not saying the feelings aren't mentioned, because they are, I just thought they'd be more front and center

[Erin_boberin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely shaping up to be my favorite trilogy of the Christy and Todd continuation series. Salty Kisses is definitely a great title for this one because this book comes with such bittersweet plot lines and emotions.

Christy and all her friends have come so far, been through so much and all are entering new seasons in their lives and friendships. I loved the reappearance of old friends like Sierra, Tracy and Doug and having Katie back in California with her exciting plot line really warmed my heart. Plus the ending with Christy and Todd’s family growing again, ugh my heart.

It’s also so bittersweet because I feel like I’ve grown with these characters since first reading about them in the initial Christy Miller series. I’m so sad that there’s only one more book left after this one as I hate to say goodbye to these characters and this world. I honestly love this whole group of God lovers so much.

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS, again, AMAZING!! Isn`t this what Katie always wanted? to have kids a the same time Christy did? to spend this sweet time together growing, praying and beginning their new chapter of life together? AND shes PREGNANT? I cant believe they went back to Africa before she had the baby? hopefully she can get the right care to deliver her baby! Christy and Todd are the cutest (#goals) together and amazing parents to Hana. i requested the next book from our library. it is being processed (my request is pending) Hana is going to be a great big sister. and Christy and Todd i wish you the best of luck being parents of 2 (double the fun, double the love, double the trouble!) Katie and Eli get ready for adventures with your little one.
book 3 here we come!

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think RJG could write a bad book if she wanted to. Once again, she captures the feelings of life's various seasons of relationships with others and how God remains constant over them all. It was nice to see old characters pop up, and to see how the relationships have transitioned among them all. This series has had a major impact on my life ever since my mom introduced it to me when I was thirteen. I will always love returning to the world of the literary kindred spirit I have in Christy Miller.

[Taryn Spearey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great sequel. Christy's best friend, Katie, comes for a visit from Kenya when her dad dies. Later on, we find out that Katie is pregnant. This is a very exciting thing, and Christy is glad to have her best friend with her a little bit longer.

Christy and Todd have planned a trip to go visit a few friends, such as Doug and Tracy, Alyssa and Christy's brother. They have a great time with all their friends, despite having a toddler in tow. When Aunt Marti wants to renovate the house, Christy is very unsure about it.

I loved this and can't wait fro the final book!

[Rachel Modrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Salty Kisses brought me so much joy having Katie and Eli back for a while. I think it’s exactly what they both needed and it worked out so great. As Katie would say, it was a God Thing. When Christy and Todd visited Glenbrooke it brought so much together like when they were younger and we saw how their lives have changed. At the end having Christy meet Jenn also made me happy, she has a new friend so close! I loved this book and how much it brought past characters back. Plus Christy and Katie get to be pregnant together!

[Elledee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m more than slightly embarrassed that I still read these, but this one was probably the most real and nuanced that I’ve read. Christy recognizes her privilege but struggles with the changing of her friendships (sometime that rings very true for me, even though hers have changed with motherhood, and mine have changed as my friends have become mothers and I am childless by choice). I still roll my eyes several times throughout, but I just can’t seem to quit you, Christy and Todd.

[Angelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt rushed. Introducing the Glenbrook characters was nice but felt a little forced with some of them. Katie's parts were great and I wish there were more of them. Christy getting pregnant so easily (not even trying) is hard for me since my husband and I basically aren't able to naturally. Despite my issues I love Robin Jones Gunn and will always read her books to see what is going on in Christy's world.

[Melissa Castor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for all Christy and Todd fans. In this latest book, their daughter Hana is now almost 2. We get to see a visit from Katie and Eli as well as a trip up the coast with visits to see Sierra and Jordan, Doug and Tracy, and Alissa and Brad. It's a season of changes for everyone. A truly enjoyable book. I hope to see more of Sierra and Katie in the third book.

[Lyra Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of cute plots in it, but there wasn't really much of a conflict. It wasn't boring, but there weren't a lot of problems to get resolved in the end. I only have one more book in the whole series, though, so I'm excited to read what happens in the next one.

Full review to come on my blog.