Sandy Toes Christy & Todd: The Baby Years. Book #1 Robin Jones Gunn
A new season begins for Christy and Todd with a pregnancy test and a disillusioning visit to the doctor. As they try to catch their balance, Todd’s job swerves in a new direction; Aunt Marti overdoes her self-assigned role of preparing for the family’s addition-to-come; and Christy’s parents face surprising changes that might take them back to Wisconsin. Christy misses Katie more than ever, and just when she thinks life will slow down, Alissa’s daughter, Shawna, comes to visit and brings all her pre-teen charms and challenges with her. A mixture of excitement and anxiety carries Christy through all the baby-bumps. Her hopes and dreams are as many as the grains of sand that cover her sandy toes after sunset walks on the beach with Todd. Christy knows that everything is about to change when she steps into one of the great mysteries of life – motherhood.
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.
I never thought I would DNF a Christy Miller Series book, but I just can't get over how Robin Jones Gunn addressed the topic of modesty in this one. Can I ask one question? Okay, I actually have like a thousand but I need to ask this one first. Since when do guys judge girls on wearing two-piece bathing suits when they wear no shirt at the beach? Why can't people see that modesty is different for everyone. Nowhere in the Bible will you find a certain length or type of clothing that you're supposed to wear. The Bible states that modesty means more than just the clothes that we wear. Modesty is such an important topic. How every person dresses should be up to them and their own personal convictions. If they don't feel right wearing something, then that is a sign that they probably should stop wearing it. But NOT for the reason that a "brother in Christ" will stumble if a girl doesn't dress a certain way. NEVER is it a girl's fault if a guy is looking at her in a lustful way. Okay, if you're trying to get attention and show off then that's different. But MOST girls are just wearing what they want to wear because they like the outfit. They shouldn't have to worry about how anyone else is going to feel about it except for God. If you feel comfortable wearing something, then wear it. Girls, don't let anyone tell you that you should first think about your "brothers in Christ". If they are true Christian men, then they shouldn't be judging your outward appearance anyways.
Before I go any further, here is the comment from Christy that really got to me.
"Christy hoped Shawna would put her sweater back on. Not just for the chill factor but as a kindness to the guys who didn't need to have her parading her blossoming young body around in front of them."
Okay... every time I read that comment I just get more upset. Since when was Shawna, a twelve-year-old little girl, parading around the beach? Can't you just let the young girl feel accepted and not judge her just because she's wearing a two-piece? What is wrong with a two-piece? I wore one when I was her age and I wasn't trying to attract guys or "parade" around the beach? I didn't see anywhere where Christy talked about her husband having his shirt off. Isn't that a double standard?
And here is where Todd's character lost all respect from me. This is a quote from Christy quoting something Todd had said.
"I've seen a lot of girls on the beach over the years, and I've seen a lot of different bathing suits. I've worn a lot of different bathing suits. Here's what's amazing to me. The girls who end up getting the most respect from guys on the beach are the ones who are the most modest. They might not be the ones who get the most attention, but Todd has told me they are the ones who get the most respect."
This is a joke, right? I mean, if a guy was talking to two girls and one was wearing a one-piece and another a two-piece, would he give more respect to one versus the other? If I saw that happen, or experienced it myself, then I would have to give that guy some Bible verses and have a good long chat about how to treat a girl.
I just can't believe this is what Robin Jones Gunn wants to teach girls. That we should worry about our appearance because we might cause boys to "stumble". I am so sad to say that I lost respect for these characters. I won't be finishing this series. And I want to note that this was one of my favorite series. It was in my top three. So for me to say goodbye to it is something I didn't expect.
Also, before I stop my loooong rant, I just want to say that not all men are this way. Most guys I've met respect women regardless of what they wear.
There is so much more that I want/can say, but I obviously can't type it all here. So, here is a blog post that explains so much more. https://liveforgodblog.blogspot.com/2...
Somewhere along the line of reading the nearly endless list of Robin Jones Gunn's books, two particular characters, named Christy and Todd, stole my heart. And now I become excited whenever I hear that a new book is coming out about them ... and the fangirl in me gets all super happy when I actually start reading the book! Sandy Toes proved to be no exception. Book one in the series, CHRISTY & TODD: THE BABY YEARS, the continuing story of these characters delighted me all over again.
I simply loved seeing them in this season of life. Christy and Todd are expecting their first child! I adored watching Christy grow in her marriage and learn more of what it means to be a wife - particularly, Todd's wife - and also stepping into motherhood and preparing to welcome her own baby into the world! It was lovely to see Uncle Bob and Aunt Marti and Christy's parents, as always. We also got glimpses or mentions of all the friends: Doug, Tracy, Katie, Sierra, Alissa, etc. ... *hugs them* It was super cool to see Todd and Christy ministering to teens and young adults! They teach, and connect, and host, and hang out, and organize surfing days. It's such a beautiful ministry they do as a couple. ^_^
The themes in this book: marriage, parenthood, ministering to youth, reconnecting with old friends, God's mysterious timing and ways ... were the best. I was encouraged and inspired, just as I was with CHRISTY & TODD: THE MARRIED YEARS.
The writing style suddenly stood out to me in this book, being I noticed it was a little different than most writing styles I read. I don't prefer it as much, so that's probably why this book didn't quite reach five stars. But other than that, a fabulous read!
So yes. I loved it! *happiness and heart eyes* I love Christy and Todd as a married couple. I love watching them grow and go through different seasons of life. I just love these books! I can hardly wait to read the next two in the series, Salty Kisses and Sunset Lullaby.
Sandy Toes is book 1 in the Christy and Todd the Baby Years series. I first read this book in 2017 and now in 2024 I reread it. I really liked it the first time I read it but absolutely loved it this second time around! It is such a good book. The Christy Miller books are such comfort reads for me. Sandy Toes is especially fun because I loved getting to see Todd and Christy in a new stage of life as they prepare to have their first baby.
Sandy Toes by Robin Jones Gunn is the first book in The Baby Years series.
My rating was originally 3.5 stars because I didn't get the FEELING that I usually get when I finish a four-star read, but I decided to bump it up anyway after thinking about it a little bit because TODD AND CHRISTY HAD A FREAKING BABY GUYS. KLSWAIREJFLSKIDJLSKDJKL.
First of all, Todd and Christy were cuter in this book than they were previously in all of the Married Years books. They both seemed more "real" and they had quite a few scenes together that made me smile (and not cringe, although there were some of those scenes in this book, too).
I liked the little side-plot with Shawna. She was sweet. I liked seeing Christy deal with a teenager that was a lot like her in the main series. I thought it was adorable. I do think it's a little unrealistic, though, that Shawna wouldn't embarrassed about Todd telling the story of her parents in front of alllllllll those people at the YG.
And I'm sorry, but I really dislike their baby's name. It just doesn't seem like Todd and Christy. I thought they would choose something a little more modern after they decided on Cole for their son. :P
I also thought it was too convenient how their parents live 15 minutes from them now. I wish there was some sort of trial in this book besides Marti being her annoying Marti-self and Katie not being able to come visit Christy?? They were built up to be those horrible, terrible things that happened to Christy when they weren't that horrible. :P
That's it for this all-over-the-place review. I just can't believe Christy and Todd have a kid now. THAT'S CRAZY. And now have to wait a week to borrow the next two books!! Ahhhh!
To dive back into Christy’s world was the best treat! I grew up reading the Christy series and to revisit this sweet girl’s world again was a soul-quenching refreshment. Christy is like that best friend that you’ve had by your side your entire life and Robin Jones Gunn’s writing makes you feel like Christy is truly your best friend. Book one of Christy & Todd: The Baby Years was a beautiful story filled with the joys and sorrows of married life and beginning the journey into parenthood. My heart felt so light after reading this book and I am getting ready to pick the second book up as soon as I finish typing this review. I highly recommend this book, but if you haven’t read any of the other Christy books, I recommend you do that first so you can get to know this sweet girl from the inside out. Including her dear friends and of course Todd.
July 2024 I have been reading (and rereading) about these characters for over two decades and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
Continuity notes: Christy comments that Todd had kept up with Alissa, Shawna, and Shawna’s parents over the years. Yet in One More Wish (one month prior to this book) Todd ran into Alissa in Oregon, having not seen or heard from her since their teen years, and found out about Shawna and her parents.
January 2022
February 2019 Perfect for a beach vacation.
December 2016 Good to catch up with old friends in a new stage of life.
Home from college in the middle of my Sophomore year, I got this Christmas morning from my Mommy. I always try to wait to read these CM books until I feel the Holy Spirit's prompting, but since I didn't feel that holy restraint I sometimes feel in trying to decide what to read nest, I decided to dive in. I only read the first chapter before quitting, because the back of the book said "a disillusioning visit to the doctor" which I took to mean a miscarriage. I didn't want to read about a miscarriage. (1) I picked it up the next day, and continued to read through it though I was busy working for Dad unloading the Uhaul at this new house in Sapulpa. (2) The connections to my own life continued: Todd moved into a more permanent teaching position after losing his job at church (3) Secondly, Hana Juliet Spencer was born on November 17 (4) Thank you, Robin Jones Gunn, for being my spiritual fairy God-mother. I hope one day you'll know it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have waited a long time to pick up Robin Jones Gunn's Married and Baby Years books about Christy Miller and Todd Spencer. I'm so glad I got all four at once, so I could binge read them in a couple days. I LOVE them and love watching Christy and Todd deal with their pregnancy while life changes around them in a drastic way that makes for a better stable financial situation. Gunn is still as truthful as she has been with the struggles of a young married couple. I really can't wait to read the last two books in the Baby Years series. I highly recommend this story for fans of Christy Miller and teens alike.
This is my favorite Christy & Todd book since the college years series. Loved being back with (some of) the forever friends and that's really what they feel like after reading about them for over 20 years! I think I liked this book better than the marriage series because it felt like they were more focused, both as characters and the book overall. It was just easier to read when I wasn't frustrated with some of their choices! Definitely recommend to any longtime fans of these series.
Christy & Todd are about to have their first baby! I love all the Christy books & am glad that I got to grow up with her. This is no exception, coming out 2 months after I had my first child. My experience was quite different, but that's the case with every new mom. I'm eager to read the next two in this series. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because for half of the book, nothing happens, fortunately it reads quickly.
I love returning to Christy's world. Every time I read one of these books, I get warm feelings.
As Christy and Todd navigate through pregnancy and the preparation of becoming parents, they realize that their lives are changing. I love watching them grow and change. I can't wait for the next book!
This was my favourite Christy Miller book since The College Years. I always love returning to these characters, this is no exception. It was just such a happy and adorable read, it gave me everything you could want from one of these books. My only out-standing complaint is that a lot of the dialogue, particularly in the first half, felt unnatural. It often didn't flow like a regular conversation but was very rigid. If you were to read it aloud, it would sound terrible. It was quite jarring, but eventually it seemed to flow better and didn't take me out of the story so much. While it bothered me, it wasn't enough to lessen my five star rating as I just adore these characters and the overall story so much. If you're a long time Christy Miller fan, you have got to pick this up.
I can't believe that Christy Miller and Todd Spencer have finally had a baby. Their marriage has produced a sweet and beautiful little girl named Hana. Christy and Todd, who met around 12 years ago at Newport Beach, have had a child. It's so amazing! I loved being able to read about all of Christy and Todd's ups and downs in her pregnancy. I felt like I got to see a close-up of what it will really be like. :) I really love Christy and Todd. Their story is so incredibly dear to my heart.
There were only a few editing mistakes that bothered me, but that was the only real damper, and it wasn't even that big.
I sure can't wait to continue this adventure. :) Thank you Robin Jones Gunn for another beautiful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I saw RJG announce that there was going to be another Christy and Todd series about them having a baby this was me: When I saw the release date will be in almost a month: I can't wait until November 25th!!!!
I enjoyed this book much more than the Married Years series. I found the Married Years series to be a lot of recap from earlier books, and the plots didn't have much action. What I enjoyed about this book was that it was a lot of new information about the characters and their lives. I'm glad that Shawna has been introduced into the books, and I hope that more of her story is included in future books.
I have been reading robin's books since i was 12, I am now 25 and still love these books with a passion. I am so glad she is keeping on with Christy and Todd. This book had me in tears reminding me of the love God has for me and my precious babies! Thank you so much for being a huge part of my life!
Reading Christy and Todd takes me right back to my teenager years reading books with a flashlight in my bed. If I'm totally honest there are things that make me roll my eyes and get annoyed with the characters and writing but it's nostalgia for 90s Christian kids at it's finest. That being said, I did relate to some of Christy's experience as a first time mom. Perfect for a summer beach read.
Welcome to the world Hana Juliet Spencer!congrats on your little peanut Christy and Todd. We are so happy for you. I love Sandy toes. So happy Shawna could spend some time with C&T. Hopefully Eli and Katie can come visit. We can't wait for Hana to meet Aunt Traci and Uncle Doug. Christy had a lot to deal with pregnancy wise but it was all worth it once their little gift from heaven was born. TODD is going o be such a good dad. You saw those special moments in this book. Christy and Todd are going to continue to be a cute wife and great parents!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well that was a trip down memory lane! Not the greatest book ever written but I enjoyed it purely for the nostalgia of having grown up with these characters
Christy and Todd are expecting, and impending parenthood brings increased responsibilities. I've been reading about Christy and Todd since I was a young teen. (I'm still trying to figure out, though, how it happened that Christy used to be a year or two older than me, and now she's a decade younger. Fictional characters, I tell you!) The writing in these later books is not as polished as it could be, but it's always pleasant to slip back into their sweet, comforting story.
This book was the perfect start to the next part of Todd and Christy's journey. It was so sweet to know the characters deeply from past books and see some little things from past books come into play. We're reminded with the characters of all the funny parts and not so funny parts. The whole story is relatable and so, so fun. I loved every moment. I finished it in one day and now I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book. I have loved growing up with these characters and watching them grow up. This is like no other book series for me. These guys are more like real life friends I hear from every few months than fictional characters.
Robin Jones Gunn has a way of making you feel part of the storyline. This one is no different. I get a fuzzy warm feeling reading her books and love how they bring life together with God things. I look forward to seeing what is next for Christy and her friends and family.
Could not put it down, read it straight through. It is so cool that RJG can keep writing books with the same characters throughout life. I have grown up with them as I starting reading them when I was in High School.