A Kiss At Sunset Beach

Sierra Jensen

by Robin Jones Gunn

When a wealthy friend offers Sierra Jensen a vacation at an oceanfront beach house on the island of Oahu, Sierra envisions a quiet retreat where she can figure out what to do now that she's at the crossroads in her life. The timing coincides with a wedding that puts her face to face with Paul, her high school crush and introduces her to Jordan, the wedding photographer. Sierra and Jordan connect unexpectedly the next day and feel the damaging effects of a tropical storm that brings in the big waves and launches the annual surfing competition. Sierra begins to wonder why she and Jordan connected the way they did. But Jordan's lens and attention are focused on the surfers and he is not willing to let anyone get in his way of landing the next cover shot for Surf Days magazine. Sierra and Jordan came to Sunset Beach looking for different things. But as the surf pounds the North Shore, will they discover something better than either of them had imagined?

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

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2011

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

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to objectively judge this book, because for me it deserves so many more than five stars just because it's like reconnecting with an old friend. It hardly feels as if nearly a decade has passed since hearing about this girl I related to so well in high school, and it was a pleasant read to see how she has grown during her years in Brazil. Even for those who haven't read previous chapters in Sierra's life, it's an engaging romp through the ups and downs that we go through while following what God has in store for our stories and accepting that when our hearts are in the right place, what we want is what God wants. It was refreshing to see a Christian book focus on how some people are called to their own backyards instead of around the globe, and that it can be equally selfish to push yourself into a situation that looks good but isn't where you're meant to be. I definitely recommend this for those who are fans of the previous Sierra books or Robin's other books. I'm looking forward to reading more about the happy couple next summer!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurous, independent Sierra Jensen suddenly finds herself at a crossroads in her life. She's spent the last four years doing ministry in Brazil. When her work comes to an abrupt end, she doesn't know what to do next. Accepting the offer of a week in Hawaii with her friend, Sierra hopes to seek God and find out where life's going to take her next. Jordan Bryce is an upcoming professional photographer sent to Hawaii to capture photos of the surfing competition. He's seeking to start making a name for himself and finds himself captivated by the lovely Sierra. When a series of "God-things" keep throwing the two of them together, they both question if this is God's will. Will they be willing to take a chance on love or will they go their separate ways?

I was so thrilled to pick up this story about Sierra. I've watched her grow up through Robin's books. I've always felt that Sierra's story wasn't finished and kept hoping that one day Robin would write more to Sierra's story. I got my wish with Love Finds You in Sunset Beach. Please be aware that spoilers will follow.

It was such a delight to come back into Sierra's world. Like most fans who grew up with Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, I wanted to know answers to some very important questions. Did Sierra ever end up with Paul? Is she still the free-spirit that she was as a teenager? And is her heart for God as big as it was in her teens? Yes my questions were answered. There was finally a chance for closure with her relationship with Paul. I admit that I loved Jordan. He's not like most heroes. He's quirky and funny and has his faults. Yet he's a man that seeks God with all of his heart. And I loved him with Sierra.

I think that what really helped Sierra to make a decision about coming back to the States as opposed to staying in Brazil was her friend Mariana. When Mariana calls on Sierra to pick her up from a wild night, Sierra goes. But it's while the girls are together that Mariana admits that she's needing what Sierra, Jordan, and Derek all have - a personal relationship with God. I think that Mariana's salvation was God's way of closing the door on the Brazil chapter of Sierra's life. One of the thoughts that really stood out to me though was when Mariana told Sierra to stop trying to make God proud of her. I had to stop reading for a minute and think about that. So often in own life, I've felt that I was trying to make my Daddy God proud of me. I wanted Him to be able to be proud to call me His daughter. I realized, like Sierra, that God's already proud of me and that all I have to do is to just keep loving Him. With that thought in mind, I'm looking forward to my retreat this weekend where I'll spend some time with some of my sisters and be able to escape for a few days.

Robin, thank you so much for writing more of Sierra's story. I'm eagerly awaiting the book mentioned in your author's note, Cottage By the Sea. I know that when I read it, not only will I fall in love with additional characters, I'll get to meet up with one of my favorite friends again.

My thoughts and my opinions are my own.


Reread June 29 - 30, 2017. Sierra is still one of my favorite forever friends. Still love the book. Still 5 stars.

[Carrie Turansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! I lived on Oahu and Robin Jones Gunn did a great job capturing the culture and beauty of Oahu. The story included a sweet romance, but also interesting spiritual threads that made me think about the way God works in our lives. If you like inspirational contemporary romance, then I think you will like this book. It was also fun to read about the heroine who was introduced as a teenager several years ago in the Sierra Jensen series by this same author.

[Lena Morrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I write my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.

Dear Robin Jones Gunn,

I did not like this book. I’m sorry Robin Jones Gunn, you ARE one of my favorite authors, but this one was so boring. I read all of it because it was yours, but I wasn't really drawn in. Sierra is usually such a great character, but I feel she wasn't the same. Jordan was okay.
I guess my problem was that the book was such a cliche romance. I was not surprised by nearly anything. I wanted to be. But nothing really happened.
Jordan and Sierra's relationship was practically non-existent throughout the entire book. They really confused me. And also, "Jordo" was such an awful nickname.
Anyways, this book wasn't awful, but it wasn't very good.

Sincerely,
Lena Marie

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and clean, Christian read. Wish it had more romance and less dramarama. A book should have a minimum of two nice kissing scenes.

[Lydia Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had written a long-ish 3,000 character review but then Goodreads decided to be "down for maintenance" and all my review was lost. So let me explain my review -- no, there is too much. Let me sum up. ;)

1. Sierra and Jordan were adorable. I appreciated their romance and how it was hardly physical at all.
2. The getting-saved side plot with Mariana felt unnecessary and just random. RJG's books always have unsaved people drinking and partying and getting high, too. Not all of them are like that. Most of them are just . . . normal, responsible people. (*gasp*)
3. I was glad the Paul thing was wrapped up once and for all because I never liked Paul and I felt like he was added to the main series out of an obligation.

I went into this book w/ low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. 4 stars out of 5!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was VERY excited to see that there is a book that we finally find out what happens to Sierra Jensen!!!

I first saw this about 19, and I refused to buy it because I was mad that SIERRA DOESN'T END UP WITH PAUL.

*cue teenage gasps*

What I read now (at the age of 21) was something far better than little old 19 yo me could have thought of. There were so many themes in this (admittedly beach reading level) book that really ring true in my own life. Things like:
- charitable exhaustion (when is it time to say "I'm tired of giving without end. I want to pursue my dreams too and that is OKAY). <-- very much a phenom in Christian circles and ladies (and men if you're bravely reading this) this book is GREAT for that. Workaholics, read this.
- the question of agency over our own lives (does God want us to rest?) (answer: Duh, he made Sunday) :O
- patience
- the door that closes is not be half as good as the one God opens
- only in a Christian book will a Christian man and woman of 'marriageable age' get stuck in a beach house because the stairs fall off in a freak storm for *literally* two days (tbh i don't even know how long it was for) and not end up like bunnies or sequestered on the other side of the room. In fact they marry each other (BIG spoiler jk, you knew what was coming).

if that happened to me, I don't *CARE* if you are a Christian or a photographer or if you are the Dalai Lama himself. I will share my biscuits with you (yes in the South we make biscuits) but the sort of man who needs to be imprisoned in a stairless beach house with me for two days before making a move is not my kind of dude. It's not the time for romance.

(ok, ok, Jordan turns out to be a great guy in the book and is just shy but really. I'm not dating my beach-house-prison-fellow-inmate). One more gripe. The name Jordan is SOOOO OVERUSED. Can we let it die PLEASE. Name him Egbert. Or Tamiko. Or Donald. Something realistic, where readers really go through the "Ohh.... hmm... am I interested in himm...?" It's harder to do that with a Jordan. It's a nice name. It's green lights from mile 0. Let's make it a little harder okay?

These books these are all so predictable now but I like them. It's fun to read them. As someone who likes their books without physical romance scenes, Christian fiction is a great way to keep the descriptions to a minimum, while actually concentrating on what matters - a personality - in finding a mate. This book reminded me of the Christy Miller series, which I read religiously (ha) as a teenager, and loved, despite their corniness.

Really do recommend it. :)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Sierra Jensen will love catching up with an old friend in this novel. Four years have passed since readers last saw the fiery blond with a heart for God. When Sierra's job in Brazil ends, she finds herself at a loss at what do next. When her friend offers her a trip to Sunset Beach, Hawaii, Sierra knows it's a gift from God. She'll have time to catch up with her sister and to figure out God's plan for her life next. When she keeps running into Jordan, a photographer with his own career plans, Sierra must decide whether to return to Brazil and take the job offered or follow her heart and Jordan back to the states.



I read the Sierra Jensen series back in high school and felt the series ended before Sierra's story did. I was thrilled when Robin Jones Gunn wrote this book, telling the next phase of Sierra's life. However, one book didn't do justice to this amazing character. Most of the book felt rushed, and several times I wished there had been more reflection on an event (like Sierra's work in Brazil ,her conversations with Tawni, or even Sierra's thoughts on seeing Paul married) than was given. The events of this book could have been told with more depth in a two or three book series.

Overall, I enjoyed catching up with a character I consider an old friend.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, traditional romance, set in a gorgeous setting, the author paints beautiful word pictures of the scenery, and makes the reader feel at home there. With Christian undertones, the book has a lot going on ... my favorite author has another hit!

[Jessie Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read anything Robin Jones Gunn writes. I would read her grocery list. Seriously. It was fun to read about Sierra Jensen again and how her life has gone since the last time we saw her. This isn't Gunn's best work, but it's still good and fulfills the Christy Miller fan-girl inside me.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

i will forever be grateful for Robin Jones Gunn

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice “conclusion” to Sierra Jensen’s story. I’m sorry I put off reading it for so long because of my frustration with how the Sierra/Paul storyline fizzled after twelve will they/won’t they books.

[Sarah Lynd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still 5 ⭐️’s second time around!

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary



After four years of ministry work in Brazil, Sierra Jensen needs a break. So when a friend invites her to an oceanfront beach house in Hawaii, Sierra envisions a quiet retreat where she can reflect on what's next for her life. Her plan is disrupted by her wild friend's antics, by the noisy surfing competitions on Sunset Beach, and by Jordan Bryce, her handsome new neighbor.



Jordan is an up-and-coming photographer whose lens and attention are focused on the surfers, and he cannot afford any distractions--even one as lovely as Sierra.



Sierra and Jordan came to Sunset Beach looking for different things. But as the surf pounds the North Shore, will they discover something better than either of them had imagined?



What I Loved



This book is so sweet. From the very beginning the plot meanders through the lives of Sierra and Jordan as time after time they "meet" without really "meeting." (Don't worry, they do eventually meet and become friends.) Their story made me smile over and over. Though I usually prefer the conflict of historical romances with traditional "bad guys," this contemporary love story is perfect for a lazy afternoon.



The tension between Sierra's desire to know what to do next with her life and fulfill God's plan for her comes across as very real and compelling. One particular quote made me pause reading (that's rare for me) to ponder the meaning.



"We are made to love God and serve people. If you start to focus on just serving God, then pretty soon you run out of love for people."



So true.




What I Didn't Love As Much



The ending hangs. As the author puts it, "What happens to Sierra and Jordan after this story ends? I wanted to find out so I included them in a story I wrote about Jordan's mother, Erin Bryce. That book is entitled Cottage by the Sea and releases in the summer of 2012."



I'm one of those romance readers who wants everything wrapped up in the end. Okay, so maybe not everything as in Happily Ever After. I'm all for a great sequal or two. Still, I found the hanging ending to this book a bit disappointing.



Why I Recommend This Book


If you love contemporary romances, then you'll enjoy this story that is full of an exotic island-feel. Plus, the message is inspiring and provides a lot of food for thought.

About the Author



Robin Jones Gunn is an award-winning author of more than seventy books that have sold four million copies. Her titles include the Christy Miller, Sisterchicks, and Katie Weldon books, the Glenbrooke series, the Sierra Jensen series, and the Mrs. Rosey Posey series. She and her husband, Ross, have two grown children and live in Hawaii. Read more at www.robingunn.com

[Ashley - Book Labyrinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a treat to read this book. I've been a fan of Robin Jones Gunn since elementary school, so it's pretty crazy and awesome to come back to a favourite character. I loved checking in on Sierra's life and seeing where she ended up. I just loved the feel of this one, and the message.

I do wish there had been more interaction between Sierra and Jordan in the second half of the book, because it seemed like they were constantly missing out on each other and not spending much time together, and their whole feelings were based on that one long night of conversation. I would have preferred some more scenes with them together, connecting, instead of just their inner thoughts about the other person. Still, I loved the two characters, and I was happy with how it turned out.

So lots of good stuff about this one. The surfing and photography aspect was awesome, and the setting was gorgeous. I could really picture all the locations, and it made me wish I could be there! Overall a really sweet book with a promise of strong romance. Can't wait to see how their story turns out in 'Cottage By The Sea' (though I wish it was a whole novel about them! I think their story could have taken place over 2 or 3 books).

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Robin Jones Gunn, for writing such a beautiful story! I have been wondering for quite some time what became of Sierra Jensen. Early on, I identified with the more reserved and quiet Christy of the Christy Miller series, and not so much with the seemingly rambunctious and outgoing Sierra. But Christy had a relationship with Todd from the very beginning. There were different stages of their relationship, but Christy knew him from the time she was 15! And Todd knew the whole time that Christy was the one for him. Now I feel more drawn to Sierra because she is in a similar stage of life to my own. She has been on her own for a while and is wondering what the next chapter of life holds for her. She is single, and has been for a long time. Sometimes she feels lonely, and she is frustrated that she doesn't know exactly what lies around the corner. Sierra's story gives me hope because I know that God has a plan for my life, and that it is perfect. As long as I follow Him, His Will will reveal itself. I have nothing to worry about because my days have already been written. God is the author of my story, and I am excited to see what the next chapter holds!

[Joy Michelle Austin · Rating 2 out of 5]

what the heck did i just read?

Allow me to preface this review by saying that I was a teen in the 90s who loved reading the Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen stories from Robin Jones Gunn. And frankly I thought Sierra's story ended well with #12 Take My Hand.

So I was surprised to see that years later Robin had written book #13. Curious I picked up a copy at the library and was shocked to read the book jacket saying that Paul is marrying someone ELSE! (This is NOT a spoiler.) Seriously? I still read the book (okay, I skimmed) and while Sierra gets a HEA, I felt like all those years I read the Sierra Jensen series as a teen cheering for the Daffodil Queen and Paul were wasted. Like seriously, what was the need for this extra book?

If you grew up with the Sierra Jensen books in the 90s and want to go down memory lane with this novel, take my advice and skip it. Save your happy and silly teenage memories about Sierra and Paul and pretend this book doesn't exist.

[Klui Joesween · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, this book is so perfectly sweet and rich in so many ways. I love their relationships with God and each other, and everyone feels like a real person I once knew. I read all the Christy Miller books and Sierra Jensen books as a young teen multiple times and coming back to reread this book feels like a grand reunion of the friends I haven’t seen in years. The first time I read this book I had just gotten home from a 2 week trip to Kawaii, so everything in this book had crystal-clear images from my own experience on the islands and reading it now is bringing back everything I experienced in that trip, making this the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. It’s crazy how real this story feels. I definitely recommend reading this book even if you haven’t read all the books before it.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find the romance between Sierra and Jordan to be believable or even really a romance. At the end of the book I felt like they both could have just gone separate directions and not been any worse off than before they met. That's not a romance in my opinion. A romance is when you love the other person (and tell them) and you have that intimacy with them that you feel you could tell them anything and everything and actually want to tell them. I didn't get anything close to that in this book.

I did like the setting and that they both looked to God for answers but this is no romance.

[Carla Laureano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, I really enjoyed this lighthearted story. I've read a lot of heavy, oh-so-serious books lately (even in the romance category!), so I enjoyed the cute interaction between the characters. Gunn has a nice, descriptive writing style that is a great change of pace from the very terse and concise style that seems to be in fashion among CBA romances these days.

A worthwhile use of several hours of my day. Based on this one, I'll be looking for more of Gunn's books.

[Jenn N]

What a treat to read about Sierra Jensen again. I loved this book. Sierra is my 2nd favorite Gunn character after Katie. I loved Sierra's independent spirit, devotion and because I have naturally curly hair too, I love her hair!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an AMAZING book!

[Noelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

“In one motion, Sierra transferred the gardenia to her left ear. She was taken. She knew it in her heart. This was so right. The most adventuresome, dream-filled season of her life was just about to begin.”

Title: Love Fonds You in Sunset Beach
Author: Robin Jones Gunn

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5

This is a Young Adult romance book.

This book follows Sierra. She’s on a vacation to Hawaii with a friend. She’s trying to figure out what is next for her. She seems to keep running into Jordan, a photographer who is trying to accomplish his dream of getting one of his photos on the cover of a surfing magazine. She wonders if it is a coincidence or not that they seem to be crossing paths so frequently. Is God trying to tell her something? What does she want for her future? Will it include Jordan? Or something else happening?

This book has been the book that I’ve had on my shelf for the longest to be read. This author is an author that I read no matter what. I was a huge Christy Miller book series fan growing up so I have a lot of her books. The book was OK. This character has a whole chapter book series about her, and I think there are some more books after this one happens, but this is the last book that I have and will probably read. Overall on ok read with an ok plot.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sierra’s friend Mariana invites her to Hawaii on vacation to have a fun break. The trip comes at a great time as Sierra Mist decide whether she will stay in Brazil for her next mission assignment or not. Torn between the assignment that doesn’t feel ‘her’ and the unknown, she heads to Hawaii; however, her decision becomes more complicated when she meets Jordan at a friend’s wedding. She also sees Paul again and has some closure on that relationship. Overall, the book events were predictable but engaging, the dual third person writing was captivating, but I felt a lack of depth with the character’s romance and relationship. I wish Sierra and Jordan spent more time together. The book had some quotes that stuck with me though, which I appreciated.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars ⭐️
I love Robin Jones Gunn & I love Sierra! I love Sierra & Jordan together, but I felt this book was “forced” and not the amazing love story, life searching moment Sierra deserved, because she deserved the same kind of Happily Ever After that Christy and Katie got! Still love this series, still think Sierra and Jordan’s “Meet Cute” was, all, cute. Will still be reading the books and trying to figure out the chronological reading order to all of these God-Lover friends’ books! Just a disappointing read.

[Lyra Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a RJG book, but when I saw that my school's library had this one, I picked it up. This is a continuation of the Sierra Jensen series that takes place a few years after that series ended. This was a cute story, but I wish that more happened. I enjoyed it the whole time, but it felt like it was over as soon as the plot really got going. The banter between the characters was great.

Read my full review here: https://lyrat16.wixsite.com/read-it-a...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I related to Sierra more in this book than any of the main series. Her situation of being burnt out and coming to some major life decisions is reminiscent of things I have gone through and am going through as an average adult. Also, it was fun to read this story about Hawaii while I was vacationing there.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book when I was looking for books on Oahu and Hawaii and thought that it would be a good book to read before traveling. I really enjoyed reading this book , I thought the connection between Sierra and Jordan was very well done and I had a hard time with the suspense right till the very end, finding out what Sierra and Jordan’s future held, wither together or not.

[Becca Catherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the style of writing bouncing back and forth from different characters' perspectives. I also found it to be a little over the top in the cheesey department.

But I like Robin's relatable characters, feel good nature and how she always incorporates Christian faith. This book was no exception to these things.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! I'm going to Hawaii later this year and it definitely got me in the mood for the trip. Several good one-liners throughout the book, about pursuing God's heart as well as how our desires fit in with that.