Sierra Jensen Collection, Vol. 4

Sierra Jensen #10-12

by Robin Jones Gunn

College on the Horizon

She’s the bold, free-spirited type. She’s young, she’s fun, and she’s following God. She’s Sierra Jensen—Christy Miller’s good friend—in her senior year of high school with college fast approaching! In this fourth volume of the popular Sierra Jensen series, Sierra’s life becomes a roller coaster of decisions as she strives to Hold on Tight through choices about friendship, honesty, and college. Then, with high school graduation Closer Than Ever , she eagerly plans for Paul’s visit and can’t wait to know where everyone will be going to college. Finally, in Take My Hand , a misunderstanding with Paul means Sierra must start college hurt and confused. Is the damage to their relationship as final as it feels?

Christy Miller knows a good friend when she meets her,

and so will you— Sierra Jensen is better than ever!

Hold On Tight

Decisions, decisions. That’s all Sierra’s life is lately. Eager to escape the stress, she can’t wait to join her brother and a few friends on a road trip as they visit a university in Southern California and tack on a day at an amusement park. It’ll be great! But right from the start, things go wrong. And suddenly Sierra’s trip is full of more twists and turns than any roller coaster. There’s only one way to handle a wild ride like hold on tight, trust God to keep her safe—and scream for all she’s worth.

Closer Than Ever

Paul is coming home! What’s more, he’s coming to Sierra’s graduation party. She spends every spare moment planning—after all, his visit has to be perfect. Then, more good news! Sierra and Randy are accepted into Rancho Corona University . Sierra couldn’t be happier—until she hears Vicki hasn’t received an acceptance letter. Does that mean Sierra and her friends won’t be in college together? But the worst news of all comes on graduation night. There’s been a terrible accident. With limited information, Sierra fears the worst. Can she let go and trust her dreams to God?

Take My Hand

What a year! Not only is Sierra starting college, but her older sister, Tawni, is engaged—to Paul’s older brother, Jeremy! As the two families prepare for the wedding, Sierra’s excitement grows. At last, she and Paul will be together—face-to-face! But their longed-for reunion is marred by a costly misunderstanding that turns Paul away and sends Sierra off to college hurt and confused. Only the gentle wisdom of Sierra’s good friend, Christy Miller, helps her face a difficult decision. But is it too late for Sierra and Paul?

Story Behind the Book

“After writing the twelve-book Christy Miller series for teens, a new teen character showed up on the pages of the final novel. Her name was Sierra Jensen, and she was such a compelling character that readers began asking for a series about Sierra in order to hear more about her life choices. Our family had just moved to Portland at the time, and I found it easy to picture a sixteen-year-old like Sierra shopping at the local vintage clothing stores, hanging out with friends at a garage band concert, and serving at the homeless shelter on weekends.” —Robin Jones Gunn

Genres: Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens, Teen

464 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2006

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

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it like all the books this author wrote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lorelei Angelino · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could read this book for the first time again, I would.

When I finished reading it, I wished I could just stay in that satisfied, smiling-like-an-idiot moment forever.

I would say this was my favorite volume in the series...but then again, they were all so good. This volume, though, was a very emotional story (that just about BUTCHERED my heart!); and it was more about taking a step into growing up and keeping yourself pure for your future husband than Gunn's usual romance.

The Sierra Jensen Series is a must-read for every teenage girl. The lessons on purity in these books are priceless. Even though the story did seem to drag at times, you just have to stick with it, because the messages are invaluable.

No doubt something I would recommend!

[Carissa Marie]

Oh my goodness!!!!! Loveedddd it! its amazing

[Lena Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Dear Robin Jones Gunn,

I will review each of the three books separately.

Hold on Tight-

This book was so entertaining! I wish I had gone on the road trip with them. Sierra, Randy, Amy, and Vicki are my friend goals. They're so close, and they know each other so well. It was annoying at first to have Warner be a part of the trip, but after he left it was okay. I don't like Warner. Other than him, the trip was amazing. I had fun reading about their trip to different colleges, and also about their trip to the amusement park. Rancho Corona University sounds amazing. I wish I could go there with Katie, Christy, Todd, and Sierra.

Closer Than Ever-

This book was kind of depressing. I thought it was was kind of sad to see Sierra finally graduate. But their dinner party went really bad. I freaked out a little when I thought that Paul had been in an accident. But I was amazed at how loyal Sierra's friends were to her, and how much they cared for her. I really like Randy. I wish, even after all this time, that he and Sierra had become boyfriend and girlfriend. He was such a perfect friend for her, and such a good match. Anyways, it was good to know that Paul was okay-but his story was still interesting. I felt sad that Sierra didn't get to see him, though.

Take My Hand-

Well, Sierra managed to ruin everything, like she always does. I felt kind of weird with the way she was acting towards Paul again. She just expresses herself too much, and she didn't think about the fact that maybe Paul didn't feel the same way. So, because of that, she got into a huge mess with him. Also, I can't believe she thought Paul and Jalene had had a baby! Oh, Sierra. At least she managed to fix that, with the help of Christy and Ketie.



I liked the Sierra Jensen series. Sierra is a very open and expressive person. Even though sometimes it was stressful to read about what she did, I still liked reading about it. I wasn't too sure how I would feel about this series (I thought I would like it, but I didn't think I would like it as much as I did9, but I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you, Robin, for writing about these characters. They are very inspiring, and they are role models to me.

Sincerely,
Lena Marie

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was frustrated by the conclusion of this series. After eleven books of romantic build up, there is no established relationship between Sierra and Paul when the story ends. While this may be realistic, it was a let down after all of the books pointed to that conclusion. I was also annoyed (practically offended on her behalf) when Paul accused Sierra of coming on to him when he treated her as romantically as possible, and then she tried to (hold his hand? hug him?) in response to his actions. I do *get* the author's point, as Sierra and Paul discuss it in the final chapters, but that does not excuse the behavior. It reminded me of my complaint with Julie Lessman's A Love Surrendered, when the hero makes checking his romantic passion entirely the female's responsibility. I remember being disappointed when I finished this series as a teen, but as an adult I am really bothered by the message it sends to young women.

[Arianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say that this has been one of my favorite books that I’ve ever read. I know it’s 3-in-1, but I read it as one big one. I think that everyone one in the book matured so significantly. I loved that Amy finally turned to God again, and that a lot of relationships were solved. I finished the book on my back patio, and I’m sure my neighbors think I’m a little emotional, because I definitely shed a few tears and laughs.

[Nomonde Wanzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. Even though I made a major rookie mistake and bought it not realising that it was actually part of a series! Has this ever happened to anyone else? Anyway, despite not having read the previous volumes, this book still had a great impact on me because I was at the point when I had just finished high school and wondering what to do next when I first read it. It made me feel like I wasn't the only one struggling with the "what to do next" question, especially since it seemed like all my friends knew what they were doing. Every character in this series is just so relatable and as the first Christian themed fiction book I've ever read, I love how the book doesn't view being a young Christian as this rigid thing where you are simply born as a Christian living in a small town and as such, have this perfect and sheltered childhood. The book explored the complexities of how everyone is at a different level in their relationship with God. From Amy, to Paul, to Katie, they all have their own perspectives regarding Christianity and I'd never experienced this in a book before. Thank you Robin Jones Gunn.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sierra is the type of teenager I wish I was and the type of teenager I am a little afraid I was. Which makes her a relatable, realistic character. Having read the Christy series, I enjoyed the crossover to Sierra, but was also glad to see a completely unique storyline and character. One who is a little more spiritually mature, but still a teenager dealing with life. Gunn does an excellent job developing the character and the relationships over the course of the three books. Like Katie and Christy, Sierra is a little boy crazy, but I find the friendship angle to be stronger in these books which I believe is a valuable theme for teenagers.

[Megan Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet series. I read the Christy Miller series as a pre-teen and teen and recently learned about the Sierra Jensen series so I had to read them! They are sweet, nostalgic, cheesy, and easy reads. They’re warm reads for the soul.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sierra Jensen series was good I love her family most of all...

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was the best book in the Sierra Jenson series yet!

[Lyra Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold On Tight - 5 stars
Closer Than Ever - 5 stars
Take My Hand - 4 stars

[Lillian B (Kaladin Stormblessed version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! I wish I could give all of Robin Jones Gunns books five million stars!! Sierra is a well rounded, impulsive main character. Her little brothers are super real, unlike some younger siblings in other teens books. I love how she finally meets Paul again in this book! I can't believe what she thought about Paul, though. Even after reading and rereading every book in the series I feel like Sierra should've ended up with Randy--they would be perfect together. But Sieras also perfect with Paul...
CW: Skateboard accident, hugs, hand holding, hand kiss, mentions of boyfriends and girlfriends.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean teens read, but its probably best for 12+.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Jones Gunn is by far my favorite author! I read all the Christy Miller books and was so glad when I found out that there was another series!
This book is amazing and is so relatable. I love Seirra's fun and joyful spirit throughout this series! My favorite part was how I was able to see all these characters from other books come together! All in all I would recommend this book series to anyone!!

[Ellie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content Rating: 5/5
Content Notes: There was a scene where the character suspects immorality in a relationship. There's also some clean, undetailed discussions of physical affections in relationships and temptation.
Theme Rating: 5/5
Age Rating: 14/15+

Great book!! Definitely emotional to read as a senior in high school.<3

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky individualist Sierra Jensen is such an awesome character.In these first three books about her,she grows in her faith and learns to make new friends and adjust to new situations.They're well written, entertaining, and insightful--totally appropriate for older kids and teens.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Christy and Co like to say, the times I read these books are total God-things!!! It’s always perfect timing that I come back to them and find some new way to relate. Sierra, Christy, and Katie have helped me so much through the years and God has used them in my life over and over.

[Karis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. I loved the suspense that it gave me. I wish that there were more to the series. Sierra Jensen is most denfinitly my best friend. Loved the entier series can't wait to read them again and again.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the best book in the sieries!!!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading these books taught me so much about infatuations, love, and growing up. this series is a must read for all christian girls, along with the christy miller series by the same author.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good like the rest of them.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its sooo good!!

[Kayla Rose]

*Sigh* The last volume! I just hope she writes mroe about her!!!!

[Abigael Suarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for young teenagers to read, especially if you want them to understand why they should wait till marriage to have sex.

[Godsprincess · Rating 4 out of 5]

great series

[Christena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it!!!

[Morgan Parson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about how much Sierra grows and learns. It teaches a great lesson to it's young readers.

[Leah]

I wish this wasn't the end! These books have inspired me to stay closer to God. I loved every one of them. It also made me crave cinnamon rolls ;).

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely written with the young teenage girl in mind. That being said, these books teach valuable lessons, in a fun light hearted manner.