Whatever Tomorrow Brings

The Californians #1

by Lori Wick

Lori Wick's bestselling series The Californians (more than 500,000 copies sold) has a fresh new cover design to delight avid Lori Wick fans and readers just introduced to Lori's beloved fiction. In the midst of fresh grief and unfamiliar surroundings, Kaitlin, the Donovans' oldest daughter, must face life in rugged California. Will the men of this restless country take advantage of her innocence? Will she recognize God's unexpected gift of love? Can she keep her family safe until her father returns? Grief turns to triumph and innocence to maturity as Kaitlin lifts her heart to God for the strength to face whatever tomorrow brings.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."

Reviews

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that makes you cry; not because it's sad, but because it's so sweet. It's the first of a four book series. I'm thankful that I did not stumble upon this author, or series, until all the books were released. I enjoy going straight to the next book without having to wait months in between books. Well worth the read.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I really got hooked by the character of Kaitlin, and her siblings, Sean and Marcail. Marcail was especially sweet! Wick did a great job writing such a young character; very realistic! I liked Kaitlin as a character, but she didn't really resonate with me. I actually didn't like Riggs throughout much of the book, but as the series went on, I got really attached to him. I'd take him for a brother-in-law!

My main issue with this book is the amount of emphasis placed on physical attraction. Like seriously, I don't want to know about his ripped should muscles or his chest hair!!! Eew! Completely unnecessary! Also I am not a huge fan of Wick's writing style; WAYY to much head hopping! (POV switches) I had a hard time keeping up with whose head I was in.

All in all, not really my favorite. Too romancey for my liking, but that is just me personally, and doesn't necessarily make the book bad.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clean book, but very mediocre. I didn't find the plot particularly intriguing; I didn't like the way the main characters interacted; it didn't feel particularly authentic to the time period; the author's writing style was awkward.

[Brooklyn Esh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and I don’t really have much more to say other than that I love this book! 🥰🥰🥰🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was annoyed that the author kept switching between "Kaitlin, Katie and Kate", sometimes even within the same sentence. Pick a name!

I didn't like that the father left his kids in San Francisco to go back to Hawaii ONE WEEK after their mother died. His congregation was more important than his own grieving kids? That just did not sit well with me throughout the entire book.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really anything special in my opinion. I was kind of bored through a good portion of it. I think I will read the next in the series just to find out what happens.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaitlin's parents are missionaries in Hawaii. Kaitlin, Sean and Marcail have never been off of the island. For Kaitlin's 20th birthday her parents surprise her with tickets for the whole family to go home to San Francisco, California.

Once they arrive at their Aunt Maureen's in San Francisco the Donovan children find that this is not just a vacation trip. Their mom is very ill and needs to see a doctor. When events happen that have their father returning to Hawaii and leaving Kaitlin, Sean and Marcail stateside they are bereft, but they know they can trust in God whatever tomorrow brings.

Not counting on the advances that their cousin makes towards Kaitlin the Donovan's decided to pack up and head to Santa Rosa where Kate applies for a teaching job. There they meet the Taylor family and their son Marshall Riggs who owns the mercantile. The family takes the Donovan's under their wings and soon a romance blooms between Rigg and Kaitlin. Expecting their father to return any time the Donovan children are upset when he puts off returning any time soon. Kaitlin is feeling the strain of being 20 years old and being responsible for her siblings. Sean is becoming angry and finding it hard to hide his feelings. Will their life be in turmoil until their father returns?

This is the first book in the Californian series which is one of my favorite series. It is a wonderful romance that I enjoy reading over and over again. It never gets old for me. The spiritual aspect of the book is another favorite of mine. It isn't left to be assumed that the characters are Christian. Salvation is clearly mapped out. Faith is real in the characters lives.

[Haley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was literally one of my favorite book ever two years ago. Whenever I was sick, I read it. Whenever I felt like a romance, I read it. Well, I still read it.
Seriously, a few years ago I read like every single Lori Wick book. I missed only a few but that is because my sisters said they weren't as good.
There actually is another book that I would say is my favorite Lori Wick book. Ever heard of Every Storm? Well, if not, read it. It is amazing. But I am not reviewing that book right now.
Out of all of Lori Wick's books, I picked three favorites--Whatever Tomorrow Brings, Every Storm, and Wings of the Morning. Just so you know, I will be reviewing the other two soon.
This book is very good. I fell in love with the characters. I think I finished this book in less than two days. Don't quote me on that. It might have been three days.
The book that I read has a boring cover, but there are other editions of this cover. So, this cover deserves three stars because...sometimes a boring cover is a good cover.
As for the book, it deserves five stars! It is amazing!!!

Title: Whatever Tomorrow Brings
Author: Lori Wick
Author's Website: N/A

This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Karijean31 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Lori wick's Christian novels. They are a lot of fun to read. The characters always learn something religious and change and grow. It is a fun journey.

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

A very sweet, emotionally charged story. Loved it!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whatever Tomorrow Brings was written by Lori Wick and published in 1992. It is the first book in The Californians series. It follows a girl named Kaitlyn whose family are missionaries in Hawaii in the 1870’s. When they travel to California for her mother’s health Kaitlyn gets thrown into a new life. She becomes a school teacher in Santa Rosa and falls for a man named Rigg.

I picked this up because I’m currently reading books set in the western part of the United States particularly during the late 19th century. The fact that this was set in California where I’ve lived all my life was a huge draw. Also the fact it’s set in Santa Rosa. I lived in Sonoma County for awhile where Santa Rosa is located and I often was in Santa Rosa.

That being said this book was a big disappointment. First off I didn’t realize Lori Wick’s Christianity is such a huge part of her writing.I consider myself a very spiritual person, but I’m not religious. I’m open minded to all religions and respect and like to hear everyone’s points of views. That being said the religious aspect seemed to take over this book too much. Also I just didn’t feel like it was explored with any depth. The beliefs just seemed accepted without any deep thought. Perhaps for those that believe similar to Lori Wick they would connect more. I just didn’t connect to this aspect. It also bugged me that the type of Christianity in this book is one that is more popular in modern times and would not historically make much sense.

Which leads me to more things that bugged me about this book. The historic period was not brought to life much at all, which is a bummer as someone who loves the past. I was hoping the setting of Santa Rosa would come to life as I’m familiar with that place. She didn’t describe it all all!

The one thing that she did ok was characters. I liked them a bit and their interactions as well. I liked Kaitlyn’s sass, her strength and her love of her family. I like her and Rigg’s romance and what a good guy he was for her. Always there for her and her family. I have a thing for schoolteachers back in this era, so it was cool that she was a schoolteacher.

Besides characters though and sweet romantic and family relationships, Lori Wick doesn’t have much going for her as a writer. Way too simple and boring writing, no historic research or detail and an inability to paint a scene.

I got a copy that is a bind up with the second book in the series, but I will not be continuing it!

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read this book this week, it has been a long time since I read Lori Wick. I tore through her series in High School and College, but it has been a while since I re-read any of her books. It is weird to go back and reread things from decades ago.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #1 of "The Californians" series.

Lori Wick is a new author for me, but I absolutely love her stories and her writing style. Her novels are very tender, sweet, easy to read, and always leave you with a message.

"San Francisco, 1871. As the Donovans step off the clipper onto the brick-lined streets of San Francisco, the wind holds no hint that their lives are about to change forever.

After a devastating tragedy, Kaitlin, the oldest daughter, must face life in rugged California. Will the men of this restless country take advantage of her innocence? Will she recognize God's unexpected gift of love? Can she keep her family safe until her father returns?

Grief turns into triumph and innocence to maturity as Kaitlin lifts her heart to God for the strength to face...Whatever Tomorrow Brings."

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is the first of four in the Californians series. As always, Lori Wick did a great job of combining history ad culture with a spiritually moving love story. Beginning in Hawaii, it begins with the journey of three young people whose missionaries are serving in Japan. When their Mom dies during a furlough to California, each of the children grow up quickly and develop new lives, both on the mainland and in their relationship to God. Ready to track down the second one in the series, As Time Goes By.

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't get into this type of book, the romance novel, Christian or not, but these kept my attention and were highly recommended one summer by my mother. They are excellent and about more than romance. They are about a family's struggles and real life journey with God. I tried to read others and never got through them. These are the best.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first but certainly not last book by this author. I love the romance that's clean and filled with references to life depending on and revolving around a relationship with God. This book was a quick read but I feel in love with the family and the rest of the series was better book by book!

[Lisa Baudler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Lori Wick writes it... I'm gonna read it and this is the book that got me started I checked it out 3 times from the library before I bought it just to read it again and then I read the rest of the series which is just as great!

[Charity U · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one and "Sean Donovan" were my favorites. :) Highly recommended, they're very good.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. It was amazing! I have reread it quite a few times. I love the story. A great book that kept me reading. Loved it!

[Larry Holshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A must read for anyone who likes romance. A breath of fresh air. A good story with no foul language-wonderful. Lori Wick is a smart, intelligent story teller.

[Laura S. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable plot. Preachy.

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I need book 2 of the series for my Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge I'm glad I needed to do that. I really like the book and enjoyed book 2... review coming next... and want to read books 3 and 4 of series.

I love, love the characters and the time period. Kaitlyn and her siblings are easy to like and feel deep emotion for. The Taylors and their adopted son Riggs are more wonderful than imaginable. I would love to have them as neighbors, church members, or family. They are the feet of Jesus on earth.

"'We need to thank God for this thing He has brought into our lives. It's a precious gift that He's given us by allowing us to know what's wrong with me. So many die without warning. This way we can have special times and you'll have memories to hold close in the days to come when things look black.
'My prayer is that you'll know how much I love you and that whatever tomorrow brings God will be your all when you need comfort.'" pg 39

Yes, early on we have a death in the family. I know about the pain of that. I was only 14 when my dad died and I miss him still... 40 years later. Some days it seems as fresh as if it had been last week.

The spiritual aspect of the book is wonderful. There is no doubt about the spiritual state of the characters and they explain exactly how to get saved. Faith is real, active, daily, and relied on in the characters lives.

I do have one problem with this series. I don't agree with the father staying away for so long. Yes, missions is important, but in 1 Timothy 5:8 it says,
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
I think that means more than just financially... and this father was not even supporting his children financially. He just left them. They did have unexpected events happen, but even after he found out about those he did not come immediately to his children. It is wrong. I don't think God would want a man to do that. He can provide other help for the mission in Hawaii. Those kids needed him. I know it is a fiction book, but even fiction can affect peoples thoughts and actions in real life. If not then why care about the fact that salvation is explained... because someone could get saved. And... someone could be influenced to think badly of missions if that is what is required to serve the Lord. I just don't agree with it... in case you were wondering... and I feel strongly about it.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a Christian romance series or novel, Lori Wick is the way to go. All of her books are fantastic and this one is just as good.

It’s 1871 and Kaitlin Donovan is setting sail to San Francisco with her family from her home in Hawaii. Katie imagines that it was her birthday gift and only a few months. However this is not the case.

With her mother getting ill and men constantly staring at her, Katie doesn’t know what else to do other than turn her heart to the Lord for help on grief and love.

This is the fabulous first book in The Californians. Katie has to grow up so quickly and Wick writes her with just the right maturity that doesn’t make her feel so old or young. You are reminded that this is a twenty year old girl who had to grow up far quicker than she needs. However she does certainly get some help with Marshall Riggs in Santa Rosa. But she definitely doesn’t need him. Wick writes all of her female characters with a strong sense of family and that they don’t need a man to push them around.

In conclusion, definitely check this book out. You won’t regret it.

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever Tomorrow Brings Bk 1 IBSN: 9870890819692
A missionary family of five returns to America because of their mother’s terminal illness; after which the father returns to Hawaii. Because of something that happened at their aunt’s house, the children leave San Francisco for Santa Rosa (Katlin is seeking a job as teacher). It is the story of the adjustment three children must make as they strike out on their own after the death of their mother and the ‘desertion’ of their father. It was a story that had me cheering, laughing and crying.

[Jo Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story and scripture beautifully woven

My favorite part was how beautifully scripture was woven into the storline. It was natural, not forced at all, and added to the richness of the story. I loved getting to know the characters. Even the characters that played more of a minor role were still introduced with depth. The storyline was developed authentically, and the resolution was not forced, but instead was satisfying and realistic. There were some details left undone, but I am hoping they will be a part of the next book.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Lori Wick's books. Whatever Tomorrow brings is no exception. It is the second book in her Californian series and is Bobbie and Jeff's story. I love the gentle romance and the realistic characters. You will never regret reading a Lori Wick novel until you remember that she has retired from writing. So settle back with a cup of tea and a comfy blankie. You are in for a delightful read.

All thoughts are my own.

[Linda Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Donovan family lives in Hawaii, where the father is a missionary. The family goes to Californian furlough and stays with an aunt. The mother dies of TB, and eventually the father decides to return to Hawaii, but the other 3 Donovans are left in a totally unfamiliar place, different types of people. A threat forces the Donovans to leave their aunt's, and the oldest sibling, Kaitlin, gets a job as a teacher in the town of Santa Rosa.

There are four books in this series.

[Alysa Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book was a nice and pleasant read...I feel the editors dropped the ball. Kaitlin, Katie, Kate was referred to by all three names sometimes one right after another, there was no consistency, to the point at first I was confused thinking that Kaitlin and Kate were two different people!

Once you get past the names, it's a sweet story and an easy read!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this series several times. Sometimes you just need a good Lori Wick novel in your life. I love the entire series, although this book and it’s storyline is probably the least riveting of the four.
But like I said, I enjoy it every time and sometimes you just need some sappy, “pure,” Christian romance novels in your life. lol.

[Elizabeth]

I didn't end up finishing this one. The story was fine, I guess, but I didn't like how Rigg kept hugging and snuggling with Kaitlin's 9 year old sister. I don't know. It just made me uncomfortable that after one meeting he'd feel the liberty to do so. And that Kaitlin found it charming.