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Christy Miller #4
Surprise Endings
Cheerleading tryouts are coming up, and Christy is giving it all she’s got. The competition is tough, and some of the girls are just rude, but Christy thinks she has a good chance to make the squad.
Meanwhile, prom is just around the corner. Christy hopes her parents will make an exception to their “no dating until 16” rule. She’d love to go with Todd to his prom.
Will things go as she planned? As the surprises keep coming, will Christy end up springing a surprise of her own?
Meanwhile, prom is just around the corner. Christy hopes her parents will make an exception to their “no dating until 16” rule. She’d love to go with Todd to his prom.
Will things go as she planned? As the surprises keep coming, will Christy end up springing a surprise of her own?
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
14 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
162 books2,632 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 59 reviews
April 29, 2015
The continued adventures of Christy Miller (#4).
Christy wants to be a cheerleader. But it costs money, money that her farming family doesn't have. She has to earn half the money ($300) herself.
But that's not the REAL plot of this book. The real plot is, of course, boys with a side of God.
There are two boys in 15-year-old Christy's life: Todd and Rick. Todd is a strong Christian, a California surfer, and a putz. He's late to dates. He asks her on dates and then "surprises" her with a bunch of friends coming along. He comes over to her house to spend the day there and ends up spending all his time helping her 9-year-old brother David learn to skateboard, and helping her dad paint the bedroom. He drives Christy nuts because he runs so hot and cold...or lukewarm and cold (to quote BtVS). He's kissed her exactly once: in the middle of a crowded street when he knew they weren't going to see each other for months afterwards. He's always preaching to her about God, quoting Bible verses at her, and guiding her and helping her become a better Christian.
Rick is a creeper. He's a senior, two or three years older than Christy. He also has only kissed Christy once or twice, making sure to do it far away from any witnesses (like he's ashamed of her). He's always going on about how innocent and pure she is and how hot that makes him. EW, EW, EW. Christy is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and I don't think she realizes that this guy is not on the up-and-up. For the last two volumes, I thought for sure he was just making nice to her in order to get her in bed, but in this book it seems like his goal is instead to groom her into becoming the perfect future wife. He tells her to become a cheerleader. Not "asks" her or "encourages" her, he just basically says, "You will try out for cheerleading." Being rather spineless, Christy just goes along with this. After she makes the squad, he tells her that she's "more on his level now." To her credit, Christy is all, "Excuse me? You're not on my level. Try harder." I was screaming, "Boo-yah! You tell him, Christy! Work it, girl!" I swear, that was the only time she showed some ovaries in this novel.
What I really want is for Christy not to end up with either of these guys. I know Jones Gunn is trying to say that Todd is the perfect Christian man, or something, but to me he's just annoying. Men who act like that drive me up the wall. I would have dumped his a** already, but Christy just accepts it. Rick's even worse, he gives out this predatory creeper vibe, especially his long explanations about how pure Christy is and how hot that makes him. I wish Christy could say 'no' to both of them. In my opinion, neither is good enough for her and she deserves better. But, like all teenage girls, she thinks that if she doesn't take what's offered now, it's over. She believes no other guys will ever be attracted to her, etc. Christy, wait for a real man who (unlike Todd) isn't afraid to be alone with her and (unlike Rick) is not a total creep.
Oh, and don't even get me started on Christy's parents. What the *&^% are they teaching their daughter? Christy's parents refuse to let her go to prom because the music is obscene, the dresses are risqué, and the dancing is suggestive. But what really makes her parents lose their sh*t is when Christy tells them that Rick didn't ask her out...SHE asked HIM out. GASP! You did what, young lady? You asked a boy on a date!? Hussy! Wow. I cannot believe the females-should-know-their-place message her mom and dad are sending her.
Christy, of course, is really upset and goes to her room. Her dad follows her up there, and they have a talk about boys. Her dad explains that boys who dance with her while listening to suggestive music will only be thinking about f*cking her. Great job making all men out to be total pigs, man. You're doing a great service to your sex. Teach your daughter that men are rapists who just can't control themselves and only pretend to love you in order to get in your pants. Wow. I have no words for this. Epic fail on Dad's part.
Another part that was interesting was slut-shaming. When Todd takes Christy out for ice cream, the girl behind the counter flirts with him and offers him free ice cream. This makes Christy upset. I can understand her being upset. You see, normally, I would be like, "Laugh it off, girl. Be confident in your man. He's not interested in ice-cream-girl. He's interested in YOU. Be cool." BUT, and this is a big BUT, Todd is so wishy-washy and flakey that I actually don't know for sure whether he's into Christy or not. I can't really blame her for being insecure here.
But Christy makes the wrong choice by bashing ice-cream-girl. And even worse, bad-mouthing her to Todd. She should know that Todd's not going to be okay with that. He shuts her down pretty hard. I'm glad that he stops the slut-shaming cold. I'm glad that he tells Christy that it's not okay to talk about other people like that. BUT, and this is a big BUT, I think he went about it all wrong. He just lectures her, like he's her Dad or something. He doesn't make it clear that he has feelings for her. He doesn't make it clear that he has no interest in ice-cream-girl. Throughout this whole book (and series) he just gives Christy JUST ENOUGH to make her think he might have feelings for her, and then immediately acts like he could care less. If I were her, it would have been over two books ago, but that's just me.
Christy wants to be a cheerleader. But it costs money, money that her farming family doesn't have. She has to earn half the money ($300) herself.
But that's not the REAL plot of this book. The real plot is, of course, boys with a side of God.
There are two boys in 15-year-old Christy's life: Todd and Rick. Todd is a strong Christian, a California surfer, and a putz. He's late to dates. He asks her on dates and then "surprises" her with a bunch of friends coming along. He comes over to her house to spend the day there and ends up spending all his time helping her 9-year-old brother David learn to skateboard, and helping her dad paint the bedroom. He drives Christy nuts because he runs so hot and cold...or lukewarm and cold (to quote BtVS). He's kissed her exactly once: in the middle of a crowded street when he knew they weren't going to see each other for months afterwards. He's always preaching to her about God, quoting Bible verses at her, and guiding her and helping her become a better Christian.
Rick is a creeper. He's a senior, two or three years older than Christy. He also has only kissed Christy once or twice, making sure to do it far away from any witnesses (like he's ashamed of her). He's always going on about how innocent and pure she is and how hot that makes him. EW, EW, EW. Christy is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and I don't think she realizes that this guy is not on the up-and-up. For the last two volumes, I thought for sure he was just making nice to her in order to get her in bed, but in this book it seems like his goal is instead to groom her into becoming the perfect future wife. He tells her to become a cheerleader. Not "asks" her or "encourages" her, he just basically says, "You will try out for cheerleading." Being rather spineless, Christy just goes along with this. After she makes the squad, he tells her that she's "more on his level now." To her credit, Christy is all, "Excuse me? You're not on my level. Try harder." I was screaming, "Boo-yah! You tell him, Christy! Work it, girl!" I swear, that was the only time she showed some ovaries in this novel.
What I really want is for Christy not to end up with either of these guys. I know Jones Gunn is trying to say that Todd is the perfect Christian man, or something, but to me he's just annoying. Men who act like that drive me up the wall. I would have dumped his a** already, but Christy just accepts it. Rick's even worse, he gives out this predatory creeper vibe, especially his long explanations about how pure Christy is and how hot that makes him. I wish Christy could say 'no' to both of them. In my opinion, neither is good enough for her and she deserves better. But, like all teenage girls, she thinks that if she doesn't take what's offered now, it's over. She believes no other guys will ever be attracted to her, etc. Christy, wait for a real man who (unlike Todd) isn't afraid to be alone with her and (unlike Rick) is not a total creep.
Oh, and don't even get me started on Christy's parents. What the *&^% are they teaching their daughter? Christy's parents refuse to let her go to prom because the music is obscene, the dresses are risqué, and the dancing is suggestive. But what really makes her parents lose their sh*t is when Christy tells them that Rick didn't ask her out...SHE asked HIM out. GASP! You did what, young lady? You asked a boy on a date!? Hussy! Wow. I cannot believe the females-should-know-their-place message her mom and dad are sending her.
Christy, of course, is really upset and goes to her room. Her dad follows her up there, and they have a talk about boys. Her dad explains that boys who dance with her while listening to suggestive music will only be thinking about f*cking her. Great job making all men out to be total pigs, man. You're doing a great service to your sex. Teach your daughter that men are rapists who just can't control themselves and only pretend to love you in order to get in your pants. Wow. I have no words for this. Epic fail on Dad's part.
Another part that was interesting was slut-shaming. When Todd takes Christy out for ice cream, the girl behind the counter flirts with him and offers him free ice cream. This makes Christy upset. I can understand her being upset. You see, normally, I would be like, "Laugh it off, girl. Be confident in your man. He's not interested in ice-cream-girl. He's interested in YOU. Be cool." BUT, and this is a big BUT, Todd is so wishy-washy and flakey that I actually don't know for sure whether he's into Christy or not. I can't really blame her for being insecure here.
But Christy makes the wrong choice by bashing ice-cream-girl. And even worse, bad-mouthing her to Todd. She should know that Todd's not going to be okay with that. He shuts her down pretty hard. I'm glad that he stops the slut-shaming cold. I'm glad that he tells Christy that it's not okay to talk about other people like that. BUT, and this is a big BUT, I think he went about it all wrong. He just lectures her, like he's her Dad or something. He doesn't make it clear that he has feelings for her. He doesn't make it clear that he has no interest in ice-cream-girl. Throughout this whole book (and series) he just gives Christy JUST ENOUGH to make her think he might have feelings for her, and then immediately acts like he could care less. If I were her, it would have been over two books ago, but that's just me.
March 3, 2023
Surprise Endings was a fun continuation. Christy tries out for cheerleading and some of the girls are mean, however she finds a friend in Teri.
Prom is here and there's drama around that. In the end Christy isn't allowed to go.
I loved a decision Christy made in the end (to give up her cheerleading spot for Teri).
I liked how Christy is starting to stand up for herself and tells Rick he might not be the kind of guy for her (at least right now).
Prom is here and there's drama around that. In the end Christy isn't allowed to go.
I loved a decision Christy made in the end (to give up her cheerleading spot for Teri).
I liked how Christy is starting to stand up for herself and tells Rick he might not be the kind of guy for her (at least right now).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
Some reread thoughts as an adult (2020):
This one had a lot of emotional drama, but that is part of why I liked this series so much as a teen. They feel very realistic to the up and down minute to minute mood swings that are an unfun part of adolescence.
Continuing my thoughts from A Whisper and A Wish, here's another example of overblown parental reactions in this series: why do her parents act like she is a monster because she wants to go to a school dance? Another example of Christy being an average (tame, even) teenager, and her parents acting like she is just the worst. I understand their opposition to school dances, but their reaction seems extreme.
I understand Christy's crush on Todd. He's good looking, a strong Christian, he treats her with respect and gets along great with her family. What I didn't appreciate then and really don't appreciate now is the way he seems to string her along emotionally. One moment they're just buddies, then he's holding her hand and rubbing her back while she cries, and then he's announcing he's taking a classmate to prom. Like, look, dude, either you're just her friend and spiritual mentor, or you have a romantic interest. It isn't fair to make her keep guessing and throwing her for loops when your behavior switches back and forth. I'm glad Christy realizes in this book that she can't confuse her feelings for Todd with her feelings for God.
This book only: Christy never before and never again expresses an interest in any sort of athletic or school spirit activity after this cheerleading experience. If memory serves, she is described as klutzy/uncoordinated on the skiing trip in True Friends and while water skiing in A Time to Cherish.
This one had a lot of emotional drama, but that is part of why I liked this series so much as a teen. They feel very realistic to the up and down minute to minute mood swings that are an unfun part of adolescence.
Continuing my thoughts from A Whisper and A Wish, here's another example of overblown parental reactions in this series: why do her parents act like she is a monster because she wants to go to a school dance? Another example of Christy being an average (tame, even) teenager, and her parents acting like she is just the worst. I understand their opposition to school dances, but their reaction seems extreme.
I understand Christy's crush on Todd. He's good looking, a strong Christian, he treats her with respect and gets along great with her family. What I didn't appreciate then and really don't appreciate now is the way he seems to string her along emotionally. One moment they're just buddies, then he's holding her hand and rubbing her back while she cries, and then he's announcing he's taking a classmate to prom. Like, look, dude, either you're just her friend and spiritual mentor, or you have a romantic interest. It isn't fair to make her keep guessing and throwing her for loops when your behavior switches back and forth. I'm glad Christy realizes in this book that she can't confuse her feelings for Todd with her feelings for God.
This book only: Christy never before and never again expresses an interest in any sort of athletic or school spirit activity after this cheerleading experience. If memory serves, she is described as klutzy/uncoordinated on the skiing trip in True Friends and while water skiing in A Time to Cherish.
July 18, 2025
it was cute, but not my fav(: i still enjoyed it-- 4 stars
December 13, 2015
Re-read Dec 2015
Prom and cheeleading tryouts. Can Christy balance her grades, these big events plus figure out what is going on with either Rick or Todd?! Lots of teen drama and jealousy in this one. I thought the past books had that but this one is more than ever. Christy flat out becomes a green-eyed jealousy monster just about. The humble lessons about love are fantastic and seeing others as God sees them is beautifully put in this book. Although I do think her parents were a bit rash about the "no dances" thing. But at least it keeps her more wholesome and pure. Katie is starting to grow a bit it seems and her prom tales are sadly amusing. And we meet a new girl, Teri, whom I really liked and hope to see more of.And I think Todd really owes Christy a letter! :)
Prom and cheeleading tryouts. Can Christy balance her grades, these big events plus figure out what is going on with either Rick or Todd?! Lots of teen drama and jealousy in this one. I thought the past books had that but this one is more than ever. Christy flat out becomes a green-eyed jealousy monster just about. The humble lessons about love are fantastic and seeing others as God sees them is beautifully put in this book. Although I do think her parents were a bit rash about the "no dances" thing. But at least it keeps her more wholesome and pure. Katie is starting to grow a bit it seems and her prom tales are sadly amusing. And we meet a new girl, Teri, whom I really liked and hope to see more of.And I think Todd really owes Christy a letter! :)
March 8, 2023
In this book Christy is most concerned about two things, going to prom and making the cheerleader squad.
Rick annoyed me so much in this book, but so did Christy.
The ending was kind of predictable, , but I loved the moment - so nice and kind! I'm loving rereading these books and am looking forward to the next one.
Rick annoyed me so much in this book, but so did Christy.
The ending was kind of predictable, , but I loved the moment - so nice and kind! I'm loving rereading these books and am looking forward to the next one.
February 6, 2016
Finished the fourth book, Surprise Endings:)
In this book Christy Miller is hoping to become a cheerleader, with controlling Rick making sure she does it.
When Todd comes over one night, Christy is waiting for him to ask her to the prom. He does bring up the prom, but in a way that makes Christy think their relationship is over! She ignores God for awhile, and makes plans to go to prom with Rick... Through it all, Christy makes a new friend, Teri, who helps her with her cheerleading practice. It comes together again as Christy reunites with God, and Todd, tells Rick what she thinks, and gives up something for a friend in a SURPRISE ENDING for the others!
In this book Christy Miller is hoping to become a cheerleader, with controlling Rick making sure she does it.
When Todd comes over one night, Christy is waiting for him to ask her to the prom. He does bring up the prom, but in a way that makes Christy think their relationship is over! She ignores God for awhile, and makes plans to go to prom with Rick... Through it all, Christy makes a new friend, Teri, who helps her with her cheerleading practice. It comes together again as Christy reunites with God, and Todd, tells Rick what she thinks, and gives up something for a friend in a SURPRISE ENDING for the others!
August 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. This book really showed what true, biblical loce looks like. I do have to say that Christy was driving me crazy a little bit. She was definitely more mopey in this book then the others, and I wasn't a huge fan of that. However, the ending made up for it.
April 22, 2019
Ackkkk Loved this one too😍😍
May 9, 2020
If you want to discuss this book I am the Mod of a Clean Romance group! Feel free to join! https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 25, 2024
i feel so nostalgic listening to these books!
December 13, 2020
It was a surprise ending!! lol😆
June 24, 2021
Todd is literally the worst! And Christy is pretty awful too. Why must she be so feely?
June 11, 2020
UGhH i just really can't deal with Rick. He annoys me sooooo much and Christy aaaaaaghhh Christy what are you doing?? I understand she's young and a baby christian and is still learning, but idk man. as someone who isn't allowed to date until my 2nd year in college (yes, my SECOND year of college) I just idkkk. I don't like how she was letting Rick control her life, and i liked what Christy's mom said in their little pep talk about how she doesn't need to change herself to be popular and well liked. There's nothing wrong with being in a small group of good friends. Another thing with Rick, Rick really ticks me off and the whole thing with jealousy is awful. I know jealousy is a big part and that everyone experiences jealousy but i just really hate reading/watching things with jealousy. There were many parts where i had to put the book away cause i just couldn't handle it.
August 5, 2020
I really liked it. The author did the plot well-done, very interesting and surprise! What I liked most was the way he makes us think like "what would I do if I was Christy?" and I didn't only thing what I would do if I was her in what happens during the story, God is in there too. And I liked it, the author makes you think " What would I do this time in my relationship with God, to please Him?". I loved it, I'm already reading other book of " Christy Miller series" and I'll buy all of them. The author is really awesome making you think about being a teenager, going for parties, get drunk and all those things that unfortunately, teens do; and at the same time being a christian and have the responsibility to have a relationship with God. Read it.
January 6, 2012
Christy's story continues in a pretty typical high school story arc -- trying out for cheerleader, sparring with peer nastiness, and wishing for a date to the prom. The only difference is that Christy struggles to align all this with her newly-fledged faith, and of course eventually comes out on top.
This book also introduces us to Teri Moreno, later seen in one of Gunn's Glenbrooke novels.
This book also introduces us to Teri Moreno, later seen in one of Gunn's Glenbrooke novels.
November 29, 2013
This book's title is apt, and it's yet another good Christy Miller novel from Robin Jones Gunn. New characters were introduced, and I really hope they stick around; we'll see if they actually do, though.
EDIT: See my review of the entire series at:
http://rwlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/0...
EDIT: See my review of the entire series at:
http://rwlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/0...
January 15, 2009
I pretty much swept through this series, I read all the books in one fell swoop. I thought this was an enjoyable book and would recommend it to others.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
October 4, 2010
Christy tries to make the cheerleading team and struggles with her parents' decision not to let her go to the prom. I thought this was the best book of the series so far, with Christy's faith in God being very real and natural. It was nice to see growth in this fictional heroine!
July 18, 2014
Good book, just not one of my favorites in the series. I thought the whole story with cheer leading wasn't exactly true to life. But it still had great parts to it, I right away wanted to read the next one.
July 23, 2016
This book has been the best of the series to help me with what God wants me to do when things do not look great and I need to have faith in him. I can not wait to continue the series and continue to strengthen my faith.
August 12, 2023
Oh the angst and internal dialog of growing up and having all.the.feels. I remember it so well, and reading a 15 year old perspective is bringing all the emotions back. You nailed it, Mrs. Gunn, simply nailed it. ♥️
March 18, 2008
its great
January 19, 2010
She strugles to keep your faith thru high school.
Read
March 26, 2010F GUN cms bk. 4
Read
July 24, 2010Read this christian books series as a tween. High school drama with an emphasis on the characters' relationship with Christ.
May 27, 2020
I always think this one isn't really one of my favorites, until I get to the end and it gets me every time! So touching and beautiful!
October 25, 2016
Just as good as the first time I read it, if not better!
June 26, 2014
This book was good, it really related to a normal teens life.
November 14, 2016
good to read again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews