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Sierra Jensen #1
Only You, Sierra
From the bestselling author of The Christy Miller Series, this series centers around Christy Miller's friend Sierra Jensen. Sierra is a spunky and bold sixteen-year-old with big dreams and unconventional clothes. Today's teens can truly relate to what is going on in Sierra's life -- whether it's friendships, dating, or learning to trust in God. Sierra shows readers how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and how to grow in their commitment to Him.
163 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
14 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
162 books2,638 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 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 29, 2015
Are you ready for another volume in "Boys, with a side of God"? Don't worry it's not Christy Miller again! This is her friend Sierra Jensen's series.
Sierra returns home from her mission trip in Belfast, and has to adjust to her new life in Portland (her family moved there while she was away). On the flight home, she meets a cute Indiana Jones lookalike named Paul. Immediately this thought springs into her head, "Fight for this man!" (Don't ask me why ... and don't ask me what this means... I'm as clueless as you are...)
Paul acts like he's interested in her until he finds out she's just 16. (He's 19...Jones Gunn believes that man should always be AT LEAST 3 years older than the woman. She's never written a couple where the man is the same age or (Heaven forbid) YOUNGER than the female.) She gives him a lecture about how terrible it is that his girlfriend's a non-Christian.
"What are you doing with her? I mean, don't you see the potential for destruction in a relationship that's so lopsided? It's like a trap to get you to settle for less than God's best for your life."
Keep in mind she doesn't know this guy from Adam. They part ways, and although she suspects she might never see him again, she makes sure to pray for him every day.
Like a determined warrior with sword drawn, Sierra prayed that God would protect Paul. She prayed that the enemy would release the hold on Paul's life. She prayed that Paul would break up with Jalene or that Jalene would become a Christian. And Sierra prayed that Paul would be miserable until he got back into a really tight relationship with God.
At the end of the book, she gets
I like that Sierra's family lives with her senile grandmother. It's always tough to live with someone with dementia and I liked seeing how it was dealt with. I also liked that Tawni, Sierra's older sister, is adopted and seeking to reunite with her birthmother. She's 18. Both of these are good issues, but not explored deeply in any way.
I like that Tawni is so gorgeous, flirty, makeup-obsessed, and model-like. It's hard to live with a sister who's so different from you! And it's hard when your sister is "the pretty one."
They were congenial because they were related. Under other circumstances, though, they probably wouldn't have sought each other's friendship.
I completely understand this.
I also like Sierra's adventurous spirit and her loud mouth. She is very unlike Christy! Kudos to Jones Gunn for creating a character with a different voice - sometimes that can be hard for authors to do.
What I don't like is the idea perpetrated in this book that if you don't accept Christ as your savior and become born-again, you're going to hell. It's pretty explicitly stated, and I don't like it.
The plot of Sierra going to a new school and acting cold to everyone because she doesn't want to make friends - only to be seen as a snob - was lame and predictable. I didn't enjoy it.
Overall, not worth reading. It DID make me look up some Bible verses though, and I really enjoyed that.
Sierra returns home from her mission trip in Belfast, and has to adjust to her new life in Portland (her family moved there while she was away). On the flight home, she meets a cute Indiana Jones lookalike named Paul. Immediately this thought springs into her head, "Fight for this man!" (Don't ask me why ... and don't ask me what this means... I'm as clueless as you are...)
Paul acts like he's interested in her until he finds out she's just 16. (He's 19...Jones Gunn believes that man should always be AT LEAST 3 years older than the woman. She's never written a couple where the man is the same age or (Heaven forbid) YOUNGER than the female.) She gives him a lecture about how terrible it is that his girlfriend's a non-Christian.
"What are you doing with her? I mean, don't you see the potential for destruction in a relationship that's so lopsided? It's like a trap to get you to settle for less than God's best for your life."
Keep in mind she doesn't know this guy from Adam. They part ways, and although she suspects she might never see him again, she makes sure to pray for him every day.
Like a determined warrior with sword drawn, Sierra prayed that God would protect Paul. She prayed that the enemy would release the hold on Paul's life. She prayed that Paul would break up with Jalene or that Jalene would become a Christian. And Sierra prayed that Paul would be miserable until he got back into a really tight relationship with God.
At the end of the book, she gets
I like that Sierra's family lives with her senile grandmother. It's always tough to live with someone with dementia and I liked seeing how it was dealt with. I also liked that Tawni, Sierra's older sister, is adopted and seeking to reunite with her birthmother. She's 18. Both of these are good issues, but not explored deeply in any way.
I like that Tawni is so gorgeous, flirty, makeup-obsessed, and model-like. It's hard to live with a sister who's so different from you! And it's hard when your sister is "the pretty one."
They were congenial because they were related. Under other circumstances, though, they probably wouldn't have sought each other's friendship.
I completely understand this.
I also like Sierra's adventurous spirit and her loud mouth. She is very unlike Christy! Kudos to Jones Gunn for creating a character with a different voice - sometimes that can be hard for authors to do.
What I don't like is the idea perpetrated in this book that if you don't accept Christ as your savior and become born-again, you're going to hell. It's pretty explicitly stated, and I don't like it.
The plot of Sierra going to a new school and acting cold to everyone because she doesn't want to make friends - only to be seen as a snob - was lame and predictable. I didn't enjoy it.
Overall, not worth reading. It DID make me look up some Bible verses though, and I really enjoyed that.
January 2, 2021
I remember reading this in grade 5 (or 4... or 6) and thinking it was SO GOOD. But I haven't read this in so long that I only remember my reaction and some parts of this series. (so i'll just rate this a 4 for now :))
July 27, 2015
This certainly wasn't the worst book I've read and there were some nice themes and focus on family and friends in it, but I had a lot of issues that got in my way of enjoying it.
First off, I really wish love interests would stop stalking each other in teenage novels. It really isn't helping teenagers in a positive way.
Secondly, I did not go into reading this knowing it was by a Christian author. No problem there really; I am fine with seeing some religion in my reading. But this book took it way too far and was overly preachy. Sierra used her religion imposingly and almost threateningly at times. At one point, she asks her crush what he's doing dating a girl that isn't Christian.
So yeah...I have a lot of other books on my list to read and would rather not listen to the ramblings of a holier-than-thou teenage girl who maliciously prays about making her potential love interest miserable until he does what she wants him to. :D
First off, I really wish love interests would stop stalking each other in teenage novels. It really isn't helping teenagers in a positive way.
Secondly, I did not go into reading this knowing it was by a Christian author. No problem there really; I am fine with seeing some religion in my reading. But this book took it way too far and was overly preachy. Sierra used her religion imposingly and almost threateningly at times. At one point, she asks her crush what he's doing dating a girl that isn't Christian.
So yeah...I have a lot of other books on my list to read and would rather not listen to the ramblings of a holier-than-thou teenage girl who maliciously prays about making her potential love interest miserable until he does what she wants him to. :D
August 23, 2017
An interesting premiere novel for the Sierra Jensen series. Not sure if I'll read it all the way through, but I'll at least read the next volume or two.
EDIT: I loved this series so much when I read it five years ago, I'm giving it a second go now! It's off to a great start!
EDIT: I loved this series so much when I read it five years ago, I'm giving it a second go now! It's off to a great start!
January 24, 2013
I picked up the three book volume from my library due to the cuteness of the cover (Not the one pictured here) and that it looked like a romance. This is one of the times that I should have listened to the "never just a book by its cover" rule, as it turned out to be a Christian romance for middle schoolers. Perhaps people who normally read Christian romance would like it, but it was way too preachy and judgemental of others for me! (i.e. a character offers advice to a fellow Christain that he should break up with his non-Christian girlfriend because he is wasting God's gift. BLEH!)
September 8, 2011
Sierra is a sixteen years old and trying to find her place in life. She has just spent three weeks in a missionary setting in England. She met many great friends of similar faith and wishes to be more like them.
On her way home to the United States, she runs into a young man named Paul who asks her for a quick loan. They end up on the same flight and their conversation turns religious. Paul is on the fence and Sierra gives him a come to Jesus talk.
Sierra is coming home to a different home. She left to England from California and is coming home to Oregon. She is having a tough time adjusting to the changes in her life and she keeps worrying and praying for Paul.
This book is a story of a young woman learning to accept the changes in her life and listening to God's will in making life decisions.
I received a copy of this book through Library Thing Early Reviewers.
On her way home to the United States, she runs into a young man named Paul who asks her for a quick loan. They end up on the same flight and their conversation turns religious. Paul is on the fence and Sierra gives him a come to Jesus talk.
Sierra is coming home to a different home. She left to England from California and is coming home to Oregon. She is having a tough time adjusting to the changes in her life and she keeps worrying and praying for Paul.
This book is a story of a young woman learning to accept the changes in her life and listening to God's will in making life decisions.
I received a copy of this book through Library Thing Early Reviewers.
March 18, 2009
I started reading this book and was amazed at the similarities between me and Sierra, we had a couple aspects that were exactly alike. But there were other parts of her character that I was nothing like, but I was still surprised. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to fans of 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...
June 15, 2023
such a good book to start this series ☀️
i'm ngl I've read this series wayyyy too many times but it still hits :)
it has such a homey and comfortable vibe to it.
I would definitely recommend!
i'm ngl I've read this series wayyyy too many times but it still hits :)
it has such a homey and comfortable vibe to it.
I would definitely recommend!
August 21, 2023
(2011) "This is like the ultimate God-thing of the universe!" Todd & Christy together again!
(2023) I can soooo relate to the quote "The circles in life are so very small." In reference to the theory of six degrees of separation.
(2023) I can soooo relate to the quote "The circles in life are so very small." In reference to the theory of six degrees of separation.
June 18, 2011
"Only You, Sierra" by Robin Gunn Jones is the first work of Christian fiction I have ever read, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was surprised to see how prevalent Sierra's faith was in the story. The entire story revolved around Sierra waiting for "God-things", or events caused by the creator that were meant to lead Sierra to something.
As a mother, I found this to be a great story. Sierra is a very polite, moral young lady who is not afraid to follow her heart. Her relationship with her parents is very open and adult, with both sides willing to listen to each other and compromise. Sierra definitely thinks about her actions and what effect they will or have had. More than once in the story, she admitted she was wrong and apologized. This character is one that every parent will wish they had.
The only part I was concerned about was Sierra's strong desire to have a boyfriend. For being a Christian novel, I was rather surprised that was the focus of the novel. However, I can recall my teen years and yes, my life revolved around boys. I really commend Jones on her ability to show something most teens worry about in a way that still puts the main focus on God.
One thing I did notice about the novel is that it was originally published in 1995, and it seems like Jones tried to do some minor updating. There are a few times when sentences about cell phones or emails look like they were added in at the last minute. This doesn't change anything about the story, but I found the lack of technology to be refreshing. So much of our lives today focuses on technology, it was nice to read about a family who likes to spend time together.
I would give this book 5 of 5 stars. Jones did a great job writing a story that focuses on real-world problems like dating and relocating that is also wholesome and entertaining. I would recommend this book to any Christian.
As a mother, I found this to be a great story. Sierra is a very polite, moral young lady who is not afraid to follow her heart. Her relationship with her parents is very open and adult, with both sides willing to listen to each other and compromise. Sierra definitely thinks about her actions and what effect they will or have had. More than once in the story, she admitted she was wrong and apologized. This character is one that every parent will wish they had.
The only part I was concerned about was Sierra's strong desire to have a boyfriend. For being a Christian novel, I was rather surprised that was the focus of the novel. However, I can recall my teen years and yes, my life revolved around boys. I really commend Jones on her ability to show something most teens worry about in a way that still puts the main focus on God.
One thing I did notice about the novel is that it was originally published in 1995, and it seems like Jones tried to do some minor updating. There are a few times when sentences about cell phones or emails look like they were added in at the last minute. This doesn't change anything about the story, but I found the lack of technology to be refreshing. So much of our lives today focuses on technology, it was nice to read about a family who likes to spend time together.
I would give this book 5 of 5 stars. Jones did a great job writing a story that focuses on real-world problems like dating and relocating that is also wholesome and entertaining. I would recommend this book to any Christian.
December 1, 2014
After a summer mission’s trip to Europe, Sierra Jensen has to adjust to life in a new town and a new school. Her family had moved while she was away. On the plane ride to her new home, she meets a boy named Paul and feels a connection with him. But, as the plane lands, she wonders if she’ll ever seen him again. When she arrives home, it’s time to start her junior year at her new school. Like any teenager starting a new school, she’s really nervous about meeting new people, keeping in touch with her “old” friends, and getting used to new teachers. To top it off, Sierra’s sister (who is adopted), is starting to confide in her about wanting to find her birth Mom. Sierra tries to juggle all of this, and just when she feels like she’s out of place, an unexpected friend comes her way.
I thought this book was interesting. The things that the author writes about Sierra’s thoughts and feelings seem like something any teenager would feel. I think that Sierra Jensen is really relatable and her personality makes her seem real. She is a good role model for teen girls because of her strong Christian faith. One of my favorite parts in the book was when she starts to make new friends and she realizes that things are going to be alright. I think I liked this book so much because it reminds me of when I started a new school and how I felt.
I thought this book was interesting. The things that the author writes about Sierra’s thoughts and feelings seem like something any teenager would feel. I think that Sierra Jensen is really relatable and her personality makes her seem real. She is a good role model for teen girls because of her strong Christian faith. One of my favorite parts in the book was when she starts to make new friends and she realizes that things are going to be alright. I think I liked this book so much because it reminds me of when I started a new school and how I felt.
August 5, 2011
Old Book Becomes New
Only You, Sierra, written by Robin Jones Gunn and published in 1998, has been released this year as an eBook. The eBook format on my Kindle had a few problems. Chapter headings appeared at the bottom of the page and some words were split in two (“ser vice” for example).
The story centers on sixteen year-old Sierra Jensen who is mature for her age. Her maturity, however, does not keep her out of trouble with her parents as she settles into a new community and her grandmother’s house. A new home, new school, and new semi-relationship with a college student keeps Sierra’s emotions in a constant tangle. The book ends without the happily-ever-after scene, but it is satisfying.
As I read the story, I found myself wishing Robin Jones Gunn’s books would have been available when I was a teenager. None of the books I read at that time reflected my Christian worldview. One of Ms. Gunn’s strengths is to model ways to cope with loneliness, insecurities, and change in a positive manner without being preachy. If you know a Christian girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen, I recommend buying this book for her, as well as Ms. Gunn’s other books.
(I reviewed this book as part of LibraryThing's first reader program.)
Only You, Sierra, written by Robin Jones Gunn and published in 1998, has been released this year as an eBook. The eBook format on my Kindle had a few problems. Chapter headings appeared at the bottom of the page and some words were split in two (“ser vice” for example).
The story centers on sixteen year-old Sierra Jensen who is mature for her age. Her maturity, however, does not keep her out of trouble with her parents as she settles into a new community and her grandmother’s house. A new home, new school, and new semi-relationship with a college student keeps Sierra’s emotions in a constant tangle. The book ends without the happily-ever-after scene, but it is satisfying.
As I read the story, I found myself wishing Robin Jones Gunn’s books would have been available when I was a teenager. None of the books I read at that time reflected my Christian worldview. One of Ms. Gunn’s strengths is to model ways to cope with loneliness, insecurities, and change in a positive manner without being preachy. If you know a Christian girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen, I recommend buying this book for her, as well as Ms. Gunn’s other books.
(I reviewed this book as part of LibraryThing's first reader program.)
September 11, 2011
This is a refreshing young adult book where the teenagers do not worry about their looks and if they do they are reminded about what is really important. In this book we are reintroduced to Sierra Jensen whom we were introduced to in the Christy Miller series. At the beginning of the book she is preparing to return to America from England where she has been serving on a missions team in Ireland. In the airport she meets a young man who is older than her and has random meetings with him. When she does finally return home her family has moved to Portland, Oregon from the small northern California town that she grew up in so that her parents can take care of her grandmother who is suffering from dementia. With any young single woman she wonders if he is the right guy for her and even arranges to try to meet him on his college campus. Her parents do talk sense into her about using the car wisely and about meeting new people in her new town. This book was originally written in the late nineties and it doesn’t have all of the technology that we have today though she does talk about getting a cell phone. However there is one scene in the book that would not have happened if she had her own cell phone that she could make phone calls from internationally.
July 4, 2016
Sierra is a typical 16-year-old struggling to figure out life as she returns home to Oregon from a mission trip to England when she met Christy, thus linking the two series. Though I liked the first series better, Sierra is the character I can relate to best out of any book I've ever read. She's not quiet. She's not meek and mild. She's not a girly-girl (even though deep down she is). This is a real girl learning to balance her life with God's desires for her. While Christy was the girl I wanted to be, Sierra will always be the girl I am.
This is definitely recommended for fans of the first series. There are mentions throughout the series of Christy, letting you know what's going on in her life between her last book and her college books. But I would also recommend it for those like me who may not have been able to relate to Christy quite as well as we would have liked. Sierra's entire journey is perfect, and it was awesome last year to be able to catch up with her in Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Hawaii.
This is definitely recommended for fans of the first series. There are mentions throughout the series of Christy, letting you know what's going on in her life between her last book and her college books. But I would also recommend it for those like me who may not have been able to relate to Christy quite as well as we would have liked. Sierra's entire journey is perfect, and it was awesome last year to be able to catch up with her in Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Hawaii.
March 31, 2023
This book picks up at the end of the mission trip, the one that Christy Miller's series started, and it was interesting seeing things from Sierra's perspective. Especially everyone's reaction to Christy's bracelet and it's meaning, while Sierra had no idea what it meant and why everyone was getting so excited...until it was explained.
Then everyone goes home, and Sierra meets Paul at the airport and then keeps bumping in to him.
Once Sierra gets home, a newish home for her as her family moved states while she was away. I say newish, since it's her grandmother's home and her family is moving in to help care for her. She isn't that old, I think only late 60s, but she's dealing with advancing dementia.
This is a reread, but I honestly didn't remember much about it and am curious to see where things go.
Then everyone goes home, and Sierra meets Paul at the airport and then keeps bumping in to him.
Once Sierra gets home, a newish home for her as her family moved states while she was away. I say newish, since it's her grandmother's home and her family is moving in to help care for her. She isn't that old, I think only late 60s, but she's dealing with advancing dementia.
This is a reread, but I honestly didn't remember much about it and am curious to see where things go.
March 19, 2023
Only You, Sierra was a nice read. It's been a long time since I originally read this series and it's not one I remember much at all.
In this book, it picks up pretty much right where the final book in the Christy Miller series ended - except from Sierra's perspective. It was neat to see all of the friends' reaction to finding out Todd was back.
The ending of this book has me intrigued to see how things continue for Sierra and Paul.
In this book, it picks up pretty much right where the final book in the Christy Miller series ended - except from Sierra's perspective. It was neat to see all of the friends' reaction to finding out Todd was back.
The ending of this book has me intrigued to see how things continue for Sierra and Paul.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2011
Read in junior high. RE-reading as they are so good. Great for pre-teen/teen Christian girls.
September 4, 2025
Number of pages: 149
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: Sierra Jensen Series #1 (it is a spin off from the Christy Miller Series)
Age recommendation: High School (15/16)
Summary: Sierra is back home from her mission trip, but life isn’t as easy as she first hoped. Her family moved while she was away, so she has to start at a new school, and make new friends. But everybody already seems settled into their groups; can Sierra find her place?
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. It kind of reminds me of the later Christy books (3rd and 4th volumes), except Sierra is a little more down to earth and realistic in my opinion. Maybe it’s just that I can relate to her better.
As with the Christy books, I don’t love reading about people who feel they need a boyfriend and are missing out because they don’t have one. I like that at least Sierra realizes that it’s going to be different for everyone, and she can’t compare herself to others (especially since a lot of her friends are older than her). It’s totally normal and fine for people to want a boyfriend/girlfriend, I’m just tired of reading books where the driving force behind the story is the girl’s only thought: “when is he going to kiss me?” I don’t mind a light romance element, but it usually goes too far and becomes the main point of the story.
I love the part with all of Christy’s friends reminiscing over the last few years (basically everything that happened in the Christy books). It was so fun to remember my favourite parts of those books, including the book on 101 ways to use a dead hamster 😊.
I think it’s kind of funny how Sierra thinks the people at her new school are mean and unfriendly, when she’s not even trying to be nice to them. I’m glad she figures it out in the end and makes some friends at her new school.
I love how bold Sierra is. She always says her mind, even if it is to a random stranger on the plane. She’s a very realistic character; she’s not always polite (she sometimes says things when she should probably stay quiet), but she recognizes her mistakes and owns up to them.
This was a great start to the Sierra Jensen series and I can’t wait to read more books!
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: Sierra Jensen Series #1 (it is a spin off from the Christy Miller Series)
Age recommendation: High School (15/16)
Summary: Sierra is back home from her mission trip, but life isn’t as easy as she first hoped. Her family moved while she was away, so she has to start at a new school, and make new friends. But everybody already seems settled into their groups; can Sierra find her place?
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. It kind of reminds me of the later Christy books (3rd and 4th volumes), except Sierra is a little more down to earth and realistic in my opinion. Maybe it’s just that I can relate to her better.
As with the Christy books, I don’t love reading about people who feel they need a boyfriend and are missing out because they don’t have one. I like that at least Sierra realizes that it’s going to be different for everyone, and she can’t compare herself to others (especially since a lot of her friends are older than her). It’s totally normal and fine for people to want a boyfriend/girlfriend, I’m just tired of reading books where the driving force behind the story is the girl’s only thought: “when is he going to kiss me?” I don’t mind a light romance element, but it usually goes too far and becomes the main point of the story.
I love the part with all of Christy’s friends reminiscing over the last few years (basically everything that happened in the Christy books). It was so fun to remember my favourite parts of those books, including the book on 101 ways to use a dead hamster 😊.
I think it’s kind of funny how Sierra thinks the people at her new school are mean and unfriendly, when she’s not even trying to be nice to them. I’m glad she figures it out in the end and makes some friends at her new school.
I love how bold Sierra is. She always says her mind, even if it is to a random stranger on the plane. She’s a very realistic character; she’s not always polite (she sometimes says things when she should probably stay quiet), but she recognizes her mistakes and owns up to them.
This was a great start to the Sierra Jensen series and I can’t wait to read more books!
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
February 20, 2024
was this the best book i’ve ever read? no. but it’s written by one of my favorite authors, and it’s about a Sierra, who is connected to Christy & Todd, (a couple of my favorite characters ever) so there’s no way i can give it less than 5. also, the vibe of the Christian fiction books i read is so different than all the popular secular ones, that i just rate them higher. all that to say i can’t believe this is my first time reading Sierra’s books! i just love that i’m going through the Christy books this year because they are so cozy, easy and fun to read and it’s just so sweet to have that intermixed with more intense books throughout the month. it was also SO FUN to see Christy, Todd, Katie, Doug, & Tracy again right at the beginning because this starts out right after the end of A Promise is Forever (the last Christy book in her OG series) and it was so sweet to see them in that scene.
December 16, 2018
“Only You, Sierra,” by Robin Jones Gunn, is a fantastic introduction to Sierra’s story. Just getting back from a missionary trip in Europe, Sierra comes back to her new home in Oregon. Her family had moved from their house in Pittsville to live with Sierra’s Granna Mae, who’s mind was slipping away. Sierra has to deal with her confused grandmother, a strange new school, and the mysterious boy she met at the airport. I wouldn’t change a thing about the story, and enjoyed it start to end. I’m excited to read her next story to see what happens next!
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September 2, 2019Revisited this book while cleaning out some old shelves... a very formative book in my childhood that was interesting to reread as an adult, to see the rapid expanse of technology in my short years (although my brother commented this book is almost 25 years old!) i.e. references to pay phones, memorizing home phone numbers, writing snail mail letters, etc... and it was also interesting to note the Christian lingo and reiteration of Christian culture that has had both positive and negative effects on my spiritual journey.
December 28, 2025
This was a little nostalgic for me, as I enjoyed being involved in youth witnessing as a teen and grappled with the same kind of emotions as a teen that Sierra does. I found her to be a realistic teen character, and while it was definitely the kind of evangelical non-denominational type of Christianity it wasn't too overpowering to the story.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and how each family member was fleshed out as a character to the extent a short, first book can be.
Compared to other books in this genre I've read I liked this one more. I would read the rest of the series eventually.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and how each family member was fleshed out as a character to the extent a short, first book can be.
Compared to other books in this genre I've read I liked this one more. I would read the rest of the series eventually.
December 10, 2018
I love the christy Miller series and loved this book as well. I can relate to Sierra in many ways as feeling doubt towards God and feeling super new and feeling overwhelmed. I love how Christy Miller and Kate both showed up in the begging of the book, I love how Sierra lives her friends and manages to run into Paul. I like the character Paul, but wished the author included more information about his journey and home life. I absolutely love this book and would recommend!
November 12, 2023
3.5 stars. It was fun to catch the ending of Christy and Sierra's time in Europe at the beginning of the book, then it transitions to Sierra's new life in Portland that she comes home to. I felt like most of the book was setting the stage for the series rather than being very interesting in a stand-alone way.
April 2, 2023
My sister got me a few of these books when I was in junior high. I ended up having to buy the entire series, and Robin Jones-Gunn quickly became one of my favorite authors. I love how I can relate to the characters in her stories.
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December 29, 2023Like visiting an old friend. I read this series in early high school, and Sierra felt like a friend. Short read, but I enjoyed entering her world again. Reminded me of bits of me I had forgotten about, too!
March 29, 2018
I liked this book but it ended wrong. Can't wait to see what happens....
March 20, 2019
LOVE THIS BOOK
So clean, amazing and perfect for Christian female teenagers.
So clean, amazing and perfect for Christian female teenagers.
October 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I remember from my pre-teen days. I think her buddy, Christy Miller, always got more focus, but dare I say, I may like Sierra more? 😱
May 10, 2020
16 year old Sierra Jensen over 16 year old Christy Miller any day.
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