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Sierra Jensen #6
With This Ring
While attending a wedding with friends, sixteen-year-old Sierra more fully understands the value of sexual abstinence and promises God that she will save herself for marriage
149 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1997
2 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
166 books2,704 followersROBIN 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 29, 2015
Sierra goes on a fancy date with her father, wearing a short skirt and a corsage he's given her. On the date, he gives her a golden purity ring. She doesn't like gold jewelry, she only wears silver. It's inscribed with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. It means she will keep herself pure until she's no longer her father's property, but the property of her husband.
Sierra says:
"It just says that my body is a gift and that God gets to decide who to give the gift to, not me. And the best presents are the ones that are all wrapped up, not the ones that have been opened and rewrapped and now the paper is torn or the bow is squished or the tape no longer sticks...I believe God's best plan for me is to be like a wrapped present. Then, when I get married, I can completely give myself to my future husband for the first time, and he'll know that I'm a special gift just for him.
Women are not objects, they're people.
Sierra's father doesn't own her, and her future husband won't own her either. She's a human being.
Guess who gets to make decisions about who you will have sex with? That's right: YOU. And only you. Only you have a right to make those decisions. Sometimes the decision to have sex, or NOT have sex, will piss someone off. But their feelings should not affect your decisions about your life.
If you want to be a virgin until you marry, or vow celibacy for life, or only have sex with people you are in love with that is completely a fine and valid decision. Some people will try to tell you that you are wrong. Ignore them. Only you know what's right for you.
If you want to have sex a lot, and you decide to have sex with any person you're attracted to or even curious about, that is completely a fine and valid decision. Some people will try to tell you that you are wrong. Ignore them. Only you know what's right for you.
I have friends who are virgins. I have friends who have had over 200 sexual partners. Guess what? All my friends are good people with kind hearts. They all make each other laugh and help each other and are responsible, joyous people.
Notice that Sierra's father did NOT take Sierra's preferences in jewelry into account when he bought her a purity ring. This is because her opinions, thoughts, and desires are of no importance to him. If she likes silver, but he wants her to wear gold, she does. If she wants to have sex with someone without being married to him, she doesn't get to make that choice. Because it's not about what she wants. It's only about what the men who own her want for her.
I don't understand how Sierra can say something insightful, such as:
And the only people who qualify for true, true friends are those who pay attention to what a person is like on the inside.
So...let me get this straight. It's what's on the inside that counts. You can be a good person inside, even if your outer layers seem a bit rough or "damaged?" But somehow, this doesn't matter when it comes to men. Once you're "tainted" by a man's touch, you're filthy and no longer acceptable as a marriage partner. You are no longer deserving of respect, even if inside you are a sweet, nice, good person. Way to mix messages there, Robin Jones Gunn.
...
The rest of the book centers on Sierra coming down hard on her friend Amy and making her feel terrible for kissing a guy on a first date. It's constant and very judgmental. It finally stops at the end of the book when Sierra realizes her super-Christian friends Christy and Katie have both been kissed by boys and are unmarried. This seems to throw her for a loop and hopefully she'll give poor Amy a break.
...
Doug has his first kiss, right at the alter.
P.S. I want to mention that Sierra's brother DOES get a purity ring. However, his dad just tosses it in his lap on the drive home from the mall, whereas the girls are dressed up and taken out on a date with their father, who then reads them lots of Bible verses and makes them vow they'll stay pure and telling them that they are gifts to their future husbands, and that they don't get to decide who gets them as a gift, only God does. Uh-huh. Sure. Wes, the brother, is trusted to make his own decisions. Because he is a man.
Sierra says:
"It just says that my body is a gift and that God gets to decide who to give the gift to, not me. And the best presents are the ones that are all wrapped up, not the ones that have been opened and rewrapped and now the paper is torn or the bow is squished or the tape no longer sticks...I believe God's best plan for me is to be like a wrapped present. Then, when I get married, I can completely give myself to my future husband for the first time, and he'll know that I'm a special gift just for him.
Women are not objects, they're people.
Sierra's father doesn't own her, and her future husband won't own her either. She's a human being.
Guess who gets to make decisions about who you will have sex with? That's right: YOU. And only you. Only you have a right to make those decisions. Sometimes the decision to have sex, or NOT have sex, will piss someone off. But their feelings should not affect your decisions about your life.
If you want to be a virgin until you marry, or vow celibacy for life, or only have sex with people you are in love with that is completely a fine and valid decision. Some people will try to tell you that you are wrong. Ignore them. Only you know what's right for you.
If you want to have sex a lot, and you decide to have sex with any person you're attracted to or even curious about, that is completely a fine and valid decision. Some people will try to tell you that you are wrong. Ignore them. Only you know what's right for you.
I have friends who are virgins. I have friends who have had over 200 sexual partners. Guess what? All my friends are good people with kind hearts. They all make each other laugh and help each other and are responsible, joyous people.
Notice that Sierra's father did NOT take Sierra's preferences in jewelry into account when he bought her a purity ring. This is because her opinions, thoughts, and desires are of no importance to him. If she likes silver, but he wants her to wear gold, she does. If she wants to have sex with someone without being married to him, she doesn't get to make that choice. Because it's not about what she wants. It's only about what the men who own her want for her.
I don't understand how Sierra can say something insightful, such as:
And the only people who qualify for true, true friends are those who pay attention to what a person is like on the inside.
So...let me get this straight. It's what's on the inside that counts. You can be a good person inside, even if your outer layers seem a bit rough or "damaged?" But somehow, this doesn't matter when it comes to men. Once you're "tainted" by a man's touch, you're filthy and no longer acceptable as a marriage partner. You are no longer deserving of respect, even if inside you are a sweet, nice, good person. Way to mix messages there, Robin Jones Gunn.
...
The rest of the book centers on Sierra coming down hard on her friend Amy and making her feel terrible for kissing a guy on a first date. It's constant and very judgmental. It finally stops at the end of the book when Sierra realizes her super-Christian friends Christy and Katie have both been kissed by boys and are unmarried. This seems to throw her for a loop and hopefully she'll give poor Amy a break.
...
Doug has his first kiss, right at the alter.
P.S. I want to mention that Sierra's brother DOES get a purity ring. However, his dad just tosses it in his lap on the drive home from the mall, whereas the girls are dressed up and taken out on a date with their father, who then reads them lots of Bible verses and makes them vow they'll stay pure and telling them that they are gifts to their future husbands, and that they don't get to decide who gets them as a gift, only God does. Uh-huh. Sure. Wes, the brother, is trusted to make his own decisions. Because he is a man.
September 4, 2017
Yet another great Sierra Jensen novel, this one focused on wedding mania. There's not much to say about the series itself, other than what I've already said, so...if you liked the previous Sierra Jensen books, check this one out.
August 28, 2023
I wasn't a mom the first time I read this series. Second time through and I have a preteen daughter to share them with. ❤️
March 21, 2023
With This Ring was the long-awaited wedding of Doug and Tracy! I thought it was crazy how the guys kidnapped Doug as a prank and called Tracy to come save him. It was sad how Katie injured her foot because of Doug's prank to get back at the guys for what they did.
I was surprised that Rick was in this story and that Sierra right away had a bad feeling about him.
I was surprised that Rick was in this story and that Sierra right away had a bad feeling about him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
What fun to read about the gang's first wedding and Sierra's developing thoughts about relationships and purity. I love that "wait" is the message God gives her - it's so easy for girls/women to wish away their single days instead of using them fruitfully.
December 29, 2024
I had so much fun with this one!! Being back with the SD God Lovers crew was so fun & I loved finally reading about Doug and Tracy’s wedding (still kicking myself that I never read these books before)!!
August 25, 2016
I am discarding this from my library's collection due to low circ numbers. I read the back and thought it would be ... enlightening... to read.
The only character I enjoyed was Rick. "You think they're all here to see Doug's lips lose their virginity?" It was worth reading the rest of this crap for the laugh I got from that.
Some more fun parts:
Comparing a "pure" person to a neatly wrapped present, while someone who isn't pure is a present wehre "the paper is torn or the bow is squished or the tape no longer sticks."
A purity ring
The only character I enjoyed was Rick. "You think they're all here to see Doug's lips lose their virginity?" It was worth reading the rest of this crap for the laugh I got from that.
Some more fun parts:
Comparing a "pure" person to a neatly wrapped present, while someone who isn't pure is a present wehre "the paper is torn or the bow is squished or the tape no longer sticks."
A purity ring
November 13, 2017
Growing up this was one of my favorites because of the glimpse into Christy, Todd, Katie, Tracy, and Doug. Now that there are so many series that follow this one, those characters don't seem as necessary to Sierra's story. BUT, also so fun to read about Doug and Tracy's wedding and all that happened with the Forever Friends around that. But I also think Christy and Todd had to backtrack in their relationship a little from this book so there would be content for the College Years and onward.
March 19, 2009
I liked this book, the atmosphere was pretty nice and the interaction between all the characters was often amusing and endearing. I'd recommend to teens who had enjoyed the Christy Miller series.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
March 31, 2023
Love this book! It is probably my favorite in the series. The whole bachelor party prank scene was hilarious...too bad someone got hurt, thankfully not too bad. The wedding ceremony was great and the long awaited kiss -
December 3, 2018
This book has to be my favorite out of the first 6 books. This book wasn't centered around romance like the others are. Well, I take that back, partially about a wedding but it is centered around purity. I really like it when I see a book like that.
Read
December 20, 2007Good emphasis on True Love Waits..
August 8, 2011
Christian series geared toward young adults. Had some very good tie in with life experiences with some great bible passages. I'd recommend my pre-teen or teen to read this.
March 20, 2019
Amazing book, highly recommend this series to any high school female.
November 25, 2023
this was so good
it was a less than 24 hour read
I'm excited to read the next book, bc I don't think I've read past book 6 in the series before!
it was a less than 24 hour read
I'm excited to read the next book, bc I don't think I've read past book 6 in the series before!
December 16, 2025
Number of pages: 140
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: Sierra Jensen Series #6
Age recommendation: High School (15/16)
Summary: Tracy and Doug are finally getting married, and Sierra has been invited to come down for the big event! Before she goes, her dad takes her out to dinner to give her a special gift: a gold purity ring to remind her to save herself for her future husband.
My thoughts: I loved what Sierra said about marrying a God-lover. It’s not about them being a pastor or a missionary or something like that, but just someone whose life is centered around God and serving Him.
I liked this book because I finally got to see Tracy and Doug’s wedding play out. Their first kiss was a bit too detailed, but Rick was there front and centre as promised being even more gross and terrible than he used to be. I kind of liked him when I first met him in the second Christy Miller book, but he quickly went downhill as you got to know him.
I love the relationship between Sierra, Christy, Todd, Katie and the rest of the group. I love that they’re not the same age but they can still help each other out. It really reminds me of my friend group because we have about a six-year age gap between the oldest and youngest, but we can still all be friends and help each other. I love how that is shown in the book.
I felt so bad for Marti. She is trying to be a kind, helpful aunt, but she is so out of touch with everyone, and her efforts often fall flat.
Todd is clueless, and I like how this book showed a little more of his not-so-perfect side. Especially in the earlier Christy books, he's almost built up to perfection, and that kind of impression is not great, considering no one is perfect. I liked that this book showed his humanity.
The whole purity ring stuff was sweet, but a little over the top for being preachy in my opinion. Maybe I’ve just heard this a lot - particularly in the Christy books - so I find it repetitive. However, it’s a good thing to keep in mind, so I don't mind the repetition too much.
Overall, it was a fun read, but had a few parts that made me uncomfortable.
My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: Sierra Jensen Series #6
Age recommendation: High School (15/16)
Summary: Tracy and Doug are finally getting married, and Sierra has been invited to come down for the big event! Before she goes, her dad takes her out to dinner to give her a special gift: a gold purity ring to remind her to save herself for her future husband.
My thoughts: I loved what Sierra said about marrying a God-lover. It’s not about them being a pastor or a missionary or something like that, but just someone whose life is centered around God and serving Him.
I liked this book because I finally got to see Tracy and Doug’s wedding play out. Their first kiss was a bit too detailed, but Rick was there front and centre as promised being even more gross and terrible than he used to be. I kind of liked him when I first met him in the second Christy Miller book, but he quickly went downhill as you got to know him.
I love the relationship between Sierra, Christy, Todd, Katie and the rest of the group. I love that they’re not the same age but they can still help each other out. It really reminds me of my friend group because we have about a six-year age gap between the oldest and youngest, but we can still all be friends and help each other. I love how that is shown in the book.
I felt so bad for Marti. She is trying to be a kind, helpful aunt, but she is so out of touch with everyone, and her efforts often fall flat.
Todd is clueless, and I like how this book showed a little more of his not-so-perfect side. Especially in the earlier Christy books, he's almost built up to perfection, and that kind of impression is not great, considering no one is perfect. I liked that this book showed his humanity.
The whole purity ring stuff was sweet, but a little over the top for being preachy in my opinion. Maybe I’ve just heard this a lot - particularly in the Christy books - so I find it repetitive. However, it’s a good thing to keep in mind, so I don't mind the repetition too much.
Overall, it was a fun read, but had a few parts that made me uncomfortable.
My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
January 13, 2022
I've got to say, Sierra is a pretty likeable protagonist
March 2, 2025
How refeshing to read about young purity before marriage. It was beautiful!
June 3, 2025
"I thought it was cool that even though she wanted to be kissed earlier in the series she understands the importance of saving herself." -Cadee, age 12
September 5, 2018
Last read May 2011
March 12, 2013
March 2013 re-read.
March 29, 2018
Her sister is married!!! So happy for her. What is going to happen with Paul? Will Sierra see hi again?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews