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Katie Weldon #1
Peculiar Treasures: Katie Weldon Series #1
Katie's final year of college brings hope and questions as she tries to decide what's next, especially in her relationship with Rick Doyle.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
80 people are currently reading
1576 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
162 books2,635 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 140 reviews
August 3, 2023
Nice storyline, but I found the characters and the plot progression dull.
Really great faith content though. Characters prayed and practiced their faith consistently.
Really great faith content though. Characters prayed and practiced their faith consistently.
June 19, 2011
This book left me with a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart that I haven't felt after reading a book since I was about 13.
I started reading The Christy Miller series when I was in 7th grade. Christy Miller and the gang got me through my awkward tween years, and I can remember crying as I read the last few pages of "I Promise," because of what was happening in the book, but also because I knew it was the end of the series. At the time, Robin Jones Gunn had decided not to write any more about Christy or the other "God-Lovers," and it left me quite upset. Yes, I would always be able to go back and re-enter the world of Christy, Todd, Katie, Rick, Doug, and Tracy, but it just wouldn't be the same. What happened next? Where did they all end up? And how was I to get through my high school years that were looming on the horizon?
Well, turns out I got through high school just fine. And college. And now, years later, I just so happened to be browsing around online to see what Robin Jones Gunn had written lately, and there they were. The Katie Weldon series. Not only had Mrs. Gunn continued their story, she wrote them 3 years ago! How did I miss this? I don't know, but I am so happy I found my way back to the God-Lovers gang. And who better to read about next but Christy's quirky best friend Katie??
It's funny how much I related to Christy all through those years, and now, reading this new installment, I feel more connected to Katie than Christy. Maybe it's where I'm at in my life now, maybe I've just changed that much over the years. Either way, I am enjoying every page in this series. It's like visiting old friends after years apart and you can pick up right where you left off as though nothing has changed. That's how I felt as I began reading Peculiar Treasures. It was like coming home again.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who ever read Christy Miller or Sierra Jensen, and definitely to any girl between the ages of 13 and 23. Heck, anyone could get something out of this book, even if nothing more than a light, breezy read on a warm summer night.
What a perfect way to pick up where Mrs. Gunn left off back in 2001, and what a perfect way to kick off this trilogy spin-off of such a classic story that never fails to warm my heart. :)
I started reading The Christy Miller series when I was in 7th grade. Christy Miller and the gang got me through my awkward tween years, and I can remember crying as I read the last few pages of "I Promise," because of what was happening in the book, but also because I knew it was the end of the series. At the time, Robin Jones Gunn had decided not to write any more about Christy or the other "God-Lovers," and it left me quite upset. Yes, I would always be able to go back and re-enter the world of Christy, Todd, Katie, Rick, Doug, and Tracy, but it just wouldn't be the same. What happened next? Where did they all end up? And how was I to get through my high school years that were looming on the horizon?
Well, turns out I got through high school just fine. And college. And now, years later, I just so happened to be browsing around online to see what Robin Jones Gunn had written lately, and there they were. The Katie Weldon series. Not only had Mrs. Gunn continued their story, she wrote them 3 years ago! How did I miss this? I don't know, but I am so happy I found my way back to the God-Lovers gang. And who better to read about next but Christy's quirky best friend Katie??
It's funny how much I related to Christy all through those years, and now, reading this new installment, I feel more connected to Katie than Christy. Maybe it's where I'm at in my life now, maybe I've just changed that much over the years. Either way, I am enjoying every page in this series. It's like visiting old friends after years apart and you can pick up right where you left off as though nothing has changed. That's how I felt as I began reading Peculiar Treasures. It was like coming home again.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who ever read Christy Miller or Sierra Jensen, and definitely to any girl between the ages of 13 and 23. Heck, anyone could get something out of this book, even if nothing more than a light, breezy read on a warm summer night.
What a perfect way to pick up where Mrs. Gunn left off back in 2001, and what a perfect way to kick off this trilogy spin-off of such a classic story that never fails to warm my heart. :)
March 26, 2016
I do my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.
Dear Robin Jones Gunn,
I would actually give this book a 4.5. I was somewhere between really liking and thinking it was amazing.
Katie is such a great character. Honestly, she's more interesting than Christy. By interesting I mean she's more unpredictable and fun to read about. She is hilarious, spontaneous, and ridiculously honest. I like that so much. She's open about her struggles and confronts people when she is upset. I admire that.
Rick is okay in this book. He's a lot more likeable than he was in the Christy Miller series. He obviously really loves and cares for Katie. Rick is actually serious about God, and he really treats Katie with value.
The other characters were also cool. I met new characters like Eli (Goatee Guy), Nicole, and Julia. It was nice to meet all of them.
The plot was good in this book as well. Katie has to deal with a lot of new things and tensions. She also discovers a lot about God and about his mercy and forgiveness in this book.
Anyways, thank you for this story, Robin. I really liked your writing, as usual.
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
Dear Robin Jones Gunn,
I would actually give this book a 4.5. I was somewhere between really liking and thinking it was amazing.
Katie is such a great character. Honestly, she's more interesting than Christy. By interesting I mean she's more unpredictable and fun to read about. She is hilarious, spontaneous, and ridiculously honest. I like that so much. She's open about her struggles and confronts people when she is upset. I admire that.
Rick is okay in this book. He's a lot more likeable than he was in the Christy Miller series. He obviously really loves and cares for Katie. Rick is actually serious about God, and he really treats Katie with value.
The other characters were also cool. I met new characters like Eli (Goatee Guy), Nicole, and Julia. It was nice to meet all of them.
The plot was good in this book as well. Katie has to deal with a lot of new things and tensions. She also discovers a lot about God and about his mercy and forgiveness in this book.
Anyways, thank you for this story, Robin. I really liked your writing, as usual.
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
December 4, 2008
Okay, it wasn't the writing or even the plot that made this one so fun to read...it was all about the genre. If you aren't Mormon, you probably won't understand the rest of this review and feel free to skip it.
The title of this book caught my eye in the New Fiction shelves because of the clear Biblical reference. I had no idea that Christian literature existed. Naive, I know. However, what was REALLY funny was how much LDS literature fits right in to Christian lit with the same style and plot lines. I have only read a few LDS YA books, but from the summaries that come out in the Deseret Book catalog every few weeks, they are very similar to this book.
Also fun was the fact that Katie, the main character, attends an all Christian university that sounds very similar to BYU. They have their version of an "Honor Code," (not called that, but the same idea) and when girls get caught with a guy in their dorm room after hours, here's a snippet of the conversation:
"Very few colleges have the sort of restrictions that are in effect here at Rancho. But that's part of what makes us Rancho...by coming to Rancho you both signed off on the school policies...if you prefer going to a college without these restrictions, you have plenty of other schools to choose from. Rancho Corona isn't for everyone. And yes, it may seem like a little Christian bubble sometimes..."
BYU, bubble, honor code, anyone? Also funny is that Katie is an Resident Assistant and they go on this retreat. For 1 full day (until 6 pm) they are encouraged to fast and go out enjoying nature and communicating with God. I swear there is a YW camp goal that is like 30 minutes of observing nature, followed by a prayer to thank Him for creation. Here I thought LDS kids were the only ones into doing stuff like that, but it sounded like Katie's experience was very similar to becoming an EFY counselor. She has to rely on "intuition" to rearrange the roommates in her dorm for better cohesion and deal with their problems.
Oh, and Katie's best friend gets married at the beginning of the book and takes letters she has written to her future husband since she was 16 on the honeymoon. Once again, I can't even count how many times in YW we wrote letters to our future husbands. But I loved that the book was all about abstinence, staying close to God (and since this is a generic Christian book, and I am Christian, there wasn't anything different than what I believed in) and living your life serving others.
There apparently is a whole series of the best friend, Christy Miller, that is like 12 books long and mostly in high school...I think I'll skip that. But when the library gets the 2nd Katie Weldon book in, I wouldn't mind seeing how the story turns out! Like I said, so fun and funny (not in a mocking, but in an incredulous way) to read. Sorry for the lengthy review!
The title of this book caught my eye in the New Fiction shelves because of the clear Biblical reference. I had no idea that Christian literature existed. Naive, I know. However, what was REALLY funny was how much LDS literature fits right in to Christian lit with the same style and plot lines. I have only read a few LDS YA books, but from the summaries that come out in the Deseret Book catalog every few weeks, they are very similar to this book.
Also fun was the fact that Katie, the main character, attends an all Christian university that sounds very similar to BYU. They have their version of an "Honor Code," (not called that, but the same idea) and when girls get caught with a guy in their dorm room after hours, here's a snippet of the conversation:
"Very few colleges have the sort of restrictions that are in effect here at Rancho. But that's part of what makes us Rancho...by coming to Rancho you both signed off on the school policies...if you prefer going to a college without these restrictions, you have plenty of other schools to choose from. Rancho Corona isn't for everyone. And yes, it may seem like a little Christian bubble sometimes..."
BYU, bubble, honor code, anyone? Also funny is that Katie is an Resident Assistant and they go on this retreat. For 1 full day (until 6 pm) they are encouraged to fast and go out enjoying nature and communicating with God. I swear there is a YW camp goal that is like 30 minutes of observing nature, followed by a prayer to thank Him for creation. Here I thought LDS kids were the only ones into doing stuff like that, but it sounded like Katie's experience was very similar to becoming an EFY counselor. She has to rely on "intuition" to rearrange the roommates in her dorm for better cohesion and deal with their problems.
Oh, and Katie's best friend gets married at the beginning of the book and takes letters she has written to her future husband since she was 16 on the honeymoon. Once again, I can't even count how many times in YW we wrote letters to our future husbands. But I loved that the book was all about abstinence, staying close to God (and since this is a generic Christian book, and I am Christian, there wasn't anything different than what I believed in) and living your life serving others.
There apparently is a whole series of the best friend, Christy Miller, that is like 12 books long and mostly in high school...I think I'll skip that. But when the library gets the 2nd Katie Weldon book in, I wouldn't mind seeing how the story turns out! Like I said, so fun and funny (not in a mocking, but in an incredulous way) to read. Sorry for the lengthy review!
August 7, 2025
July 2025, reread, audiobook.
This is not a favorite volume because of reasons listed below, but I will read and reread any book about this friend group, as I’ve been with them so long they feel like real friends.
Listening through the trilogy in summer 2025, it’s so interesting that while the same narrator narrates all three book she has terrible expression in this first volume – whenever someone is described as speaking excitedly/angrily/frightened/etc, the narrator completely ignores that and uses her own expression of choice, and she also makes the oddest accent choices for Southern California natives.
July 2022 reread, paperback.
I found Rick and Katie’s back-n-forth tiring. When he got mad at her in the last few chapters (re: her jumping to conclusions about him “cheating” on her) and acted indignant that she doubted their relationship, I thought to myself, “What relationship?” They spent months taking turns wanting and NOT wanting to be a couple, and are good friends who may have a mutual crush. That is not the same thing as an exclusive dating relationship. I didn’t think his acting offended by her feelings was justified.
Though I have read this series before and know where the plot is going, I did not like the way Eli was introduced. I think RJG was going for “mysterious stranger” but it landed at “creepy random admirer.”
As always, RJG excels at writing friendship, and the scenes between Katie and Christy and Katie and Nicole were the strongest in the book. I also enjoyed the details about Katie’s job as an RA and seeing her in that role.
May 2015: reread, audiobook.
I liked the narrator's voice for Katie and her narration, but the way she voiced some of the other characters annoyed me. I'll still listen to the rest of the series, I just had to get used to it, I guess.
May 2014
Getting ready for the new Christy and Todd series to release next month!
This is not a favorite volume because of reasons listed below, but I will read and reread any book about this friend group, as I’ve been with them so long they feel like real friends.
Listening through the trilogy in summer 2025, it’s so interesting that while the same narrator narrates all three book she has terrible expression in this first volume – whenever someone is described as speaking excitedly/angrily/frightened/etc, the narrator completely ignores that and uses her own expression of choice, and she also makes the oddest accent choices for Southern California natives.
July 2022 reread, paperback.
I found Rick and Katie’s back-n-forth tiring. When he got mad at her in the last few chapters (re: her jumping to conclusions about him “cheating” on her) and acted indignant that she doubted their relationship, I thought to myself, “What relationship?” They spent months taking turns wanting and NOT wanting to be a couple, and are good friends who may have a mutual crush. That is not the same thing as an exclusive dating relationship. I didn’t think his acting offended by her feelings was justified.
Though I have read this series before and know where the plot is going, I did not like the way Eli was introduced. I think RJG was going for “mysterious stranger” but it landed at “creepy random admirer.”
As always, RJG excels at writing friendship, and the scenes between Katie and Christy and Katie and Nicole were the strongest in the book. I also enjoyed the details about Katie’s job as an RA and seeing her in that role.
May 2015: reread, audiobook.
I liked the narrator's voice for Katie and her narration, but the way she voiced some of the other characters annoyed me. I'll still listen to the rest of the series, I just had to get used to it, I guess.
May 2014
Getting ready for the new Christy and Todd series to release next month!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2010
I remember finishing the Christy Miller series back in high school and deciding that nothing that Robin Jones Gunn wrote concerning these characters that I had grown to love could ever top that series, so I purposely didn't seek out any of the Sierra or Katie books.
Oh, what a presumptuous mistake!
As I read through this, I kept on thinking back on the events of my life in the past few years, and wondering how I would have been affected-- and then, consequently, how my actions and thought processes would have been affected-- if I had read these books during that time. Then again, hindsight is 20/20, so it's a bit much to assume that anything would have turned out differently.
I say all this only because as I read through the book, I just couldn't help but marvel at how there were some eerily close parallels with the plot of the story to the story of my own life-- for instance, I was an RA myself, so the parts about incident reports and interacting with the residents totally sent me back to those days. I've already put a hold on the second and third book, so I can't wait to read those and see what else God has to say to me through them! (=
Oh, what a presumptuous mistake!
As I read through this, I kept on thinking back on the events of my life in the past few years, and wondering how I would have been affected-- and then, consequently, how my actions and thought processes would have been affected-- if I had read these books during that time. Then again, hindsight is 20/20, so it's a bit much to assume that anything would have turned out differently.
I say all this only because as I read through the book, I just couldn't help but marvel at how there were some eerily close parallels with the plot of the story to the story of my own life-- for instance, I was an RA myself, so the parts about incident reports and interacting with the residents totally sent me back to those days. I've already put a hold on the second and third book, so I can't wait to read those and see what else God has to say to me through them! (=
October 6, 2024
I loved this book sm!! Robin Jones Gunn books are so good!!🩷🩷
April 21, 2024
Peculiar Treasures was my very first RJG title 16 years ago. I instantly felt like these fictional characters were friends and we were figuring out life together. How mad and simultaneously excited was I to learn that despite this being book #1 that there were 27 books before this in various series and many that have been written since that only intensifies my feelings of holding these forever friends deep in my heart. As much as I enjoyed this book my first time through, it was simply even better with all the back stories, as well as enjoying them together as rereads on book club. ❤️
August 28, 2025
4.5 stars! Such a great story, and it's fun to see things through Katie's eyes!:)
June 30, 2022
Wow! This must be my favorite book in 2022! It was such an amazing book.
I’ve tried to find Christian contemporary fiction that met my standards for a long time. Honestly, I think I lost hope. I heard so much about Robin Jones Gunn books and heard why she started writing. So, I decided to give her a try. I’m so glad!
I adored all the characters, but I really related to Katie in many areas. I really liked Katie’s and Christy’s friendship.
The book does not have typical romance which I adored! It deals with raw relationship and conversation which I thoroughly appreciate. There were only hugs and thoughts about kissing that weren’t overboard. And there was a hand kiss. But that was all the physical contact there was.
And oh, the Faith Content was amazing! I teared up and got emotional a couple of times because the faith content went so deep. And it also wasn’t preachy either.
The only constructive criticism I have is that there seemed to be POV errors and more telling than showing in some areas. Overall, the book was fantastic!
If you want to read about a college-age student dealing with life issues in a contemporary setting with amazing faith-content, then I highly recommend this book!
I definitely will be continuing this series!
I’ve tried to find Christian contemporary fiction that met my standards for a long time. Honestly, I think I lost hope. I heard so much about Robin Jones Gunn books and heard why she started writing. So, I decided to give her a try. I’m so glad!
I adored all the characters, but I really related to Katie in many areas. I really liked Katie’s and Christy’s friendship.
The book does not have typical romance which I adored! It deals with raw relationship and conversation which I thoroughly appreciate. There were only hugs and thoughts about kissing that weren’t overboard. And there was a hand kiss. But that was all the physical contact there was.
And oh, the Faith Content was amazing! I teared up and got emotional a couple of times because the faith content went so deep. And it also wasn’t preachy either.
The only constructive criticism I have is that there seemed to be POV errors and more telling than showing in some areas. Overall, the book was fantastic!
If you want to read about a college-age student dealing with life issues in a contemporary setting with amazing faith-content, then I highly recommend this book!
I definitely will be continuing this series!
April 26, 2013
Synopsis: Katie Weldon caught the bouquet at her best friend Christy Miller's wedding, which, as tradition would have it, means that she will be the next to get married. Unfortunately, Katie is sans boyfriend right now; though she has some feelings with her "almost boyfriend" Rick, both of them are unsure whether or not to take their relationship to the next level. Katie also has a new job: a dorm counselor at a Christian college. Add in stresses over her mother, who couldn't care less about her, and Katie has got a lot on her plate...but things are about to get even dicier!
Plot: 3.5/5
The core story is relatively interesting, but it suffers a bit from too much bickering between characters, especially Katie and Rick. If they keep doing each other wrong, why would they be interested in a serious relationship? It'll be interesting to see where Mrs. Gunn takes Katie and Rick; for right now, they're arguing like Tim and Jill Taylor, but without the laughs.
Writing: 4.25/5
Robin Jones Gunn continues to do what she did well in her previous "young adult" series. There was a rough spot or two, but the prose flows well, and the writing makes the story easy to follow.
Moral Content: 4/5
Morally correct talk of sex is present, as is a scene where Katie is asked if she is pregnant; she truthfully says she isn't. No profanity, violence, drug use, nudity, or anything of that sort.
Conclusion: I've read the entire Sierra Jensen and Christy Miller series--twelve books each!--in the past year or so; since I enjoyed them, of course, I would want to read this sequel of sorts. Though this premiere episode wasn't all it could have been, it still interests me enough to make me want to read the next one; now, if only I could find it!
Score: 3.75/5
Plot: 3.5/5
The core story is relatively interesting, but it suffers a bit from too much bickering between characters, especially Katie and Rick. If they keep doing each other wrong, why would they be interested in a serious relationship? It'll be interesting to see where Mrs. Gunn takes Katie and Rick; for right now, they're arguing like Tim and Jill Taylor, but without the laughs.
Writing: 4.25/5
Robin Jones Gunn continues to do what she did well in her previous "young adult" series. There was a rough spot or two, but the prose flows well, and the writing makes the story easy to follow.
Moral Content: 4/5
Morally correct talk of sex is present, as is a scene where Katie is asked if she is pregnant; she truthfully says she isn't. No profanity, violence, drug use, nudity, or anything of that sort.
Conclusion: I've read the entire Sierra Jensen and Christy Miller series--twelve books each!--in the past year or so; since I enjoyed them, of course, I would want to read this sequel of sorts. Though this premiere episode wasn't all it could have been, it still interests me enough to make me want to read the next one; now, if only I could find it!
Score: 3.75/5
July 7, 2008
I really am beginning to like this book. First and foremost Katie has an "almost boyfriend". I have been in that situation before, and can totally relate there. When getting into a book about a character you have met before from someone else's perspective, it is hard to get into their skin at first, but somehow I was able to relate enough, that the transition wasn't to hard. Second, I still get to "see" all my other favorite characters (from previous series; namely Christy, Todd, Rick, Tracey, Doug...) and I met may new and lovable friends (like Nicole). Occasionally while reading, I wasn't sure that something in 'real life' would happen precisely like as it did in the book, but there are no outrageous circumstances so far. I like it. I am enjoying the read. It isn't entirely fluff, nor is it overly preachy. It is just about right. I still have a little ways left to read, so we shall see how I like it at the end...
*edit* Finished book. I like.
*edit* Finished book. I like.
April 27, 2017
Peculiar Treasures by Robin Jones Gunn is the first book in the Katie Weldon series.
I was ecstatic when I received these books for my birthday. I started reading this book immediately. It felt so good to get back to the world of Christy, Todd, Katie, and even Rick. A little bit.
I liked reading about Katie and learning about her backstory and her life a little bit more. Although Katie appeared in almost every Christy book, I still felt like I wanted to learn a bit more about her home situation and her life. I think her problems were quite unique, because her parents weren't abusive. Just very distant.
I still don't like Rick. Never liked him. Never will. :P He and Katie don't seem right for each other.
That's all I have to say about this book. Loved it, read it in less then a day. 5 stars out of 5. :)
I was ecstatic when I received these books for my birthday. I started reading this book immediately. It felt so good to get back to the world of Christy, Todd, Katie, and even Rick. A little bit.
I liked reading about Katie and learning about her backstory and her life a little bit more. Although Katie appeared in almost every Christy book, I still felt like I wanted to learn a bit more about her home situation and her life. I think her problems were quite unique, because her parents weren't abusive. Just very distant.
I still don't like Rick. Never liked him. Never will. :P He and Katie don't seem right for each other.
That's all I have to say about this book. Loved it, read it in less then a day. 5 stars out of 5. :)
April 1, 2016
This book is decent enough.
I definitely prefer Christy over Katie, but I did enjoy this book. It was really nice that Robin picked up the series as though you hadn't read the Christy Miller series... if this is your first time getting to meet the crew then you won't be lost at all. You might get a spoiled ending for Christy's story, but not lost or confused.
Katie was pretty hilarious. She's quick-witted and wise cracking, and I feel like most girls would relate to her in so many ways. How hard it is for her to find a relationship, her outgoing, fun, personality, and the fact that her un-seriousness can sometimes cause people to not take her so seriously.
All in all, if you loved Christy Miller you'll probably enjoy the continuing saga of her best friend.
I definitely prefer Christy over Katie, but I did enjoy this book. It was really nice that Robin picked up the series as though you hadn't read the Christy Miller series... if this is your first time getting to meet the crew then you won't be lost at all. You might get a spoiled ending for Christy's story, but not lost or confused.
Katie was pretty hilarious. She's quick-witted and wise cracking, and I feel like most girls would relate to her in so many ways. How hard it is for her to find a relationship, her outgoing, fun, personality, and the fact that her un-seriousness can sometimes cause people to not take her so seriously.
All in all, if you loved Christy Miller you'll probably enjoy the continuing saga of her best friend.
June 11, 2020
Katie Weldon-athletic,competitive,spunky redhead-is also good friends with Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, both of whom are title characters in two other series although many of the stories involve all three friends. Because this series begins when Katie is a senior at college and deals with more complex issues, I think it's better suited to high school seniors and older. At any rate, I really liked the novel and how Katie discovers that she is harboring unforgiveness and pain in her heart; her spiritual growth in the novel is intense, and I felt empathy for her as a character. This is a well-written and fun novel.
September 3, 2015
Robin Jones Gunn is one of my favorite inspirational authors. This series is somewhat of a continuation of the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, & Christy & Todd: the college years series. It's full of the fun, crazy, stressful, romantic times Katie has as a college student. Robin's characters are endearing, encouraging, & inspire me to think about my own walk with God in this life He has blessed me with.
May 18, 2008
I was so excited to see that Robin Jones Gunn has continued the story of Christy and the gang! I have to admit that I was only reading this book because I wanted more of Christy and Todd, but after reading this, I have to say I'm really looking forward to seeing what's going to happen in the story of Katie and Rick.
March 29, 2021
Fabulous book! I love that Robin Jones Gunn has created another series. Reading this book was like returning to old friendships. I loved hearing how previous characters were doing and it should be interesting to see her further develop the character of Katie. I can't wait to read more!
Last read May 2011
Last read May 2011
June 11, 2008
I think that it totally measures up to Gunns past works. The Christy Miller series captured my heart, but Katie Weldon kept it. I like Katie's spunkiness
April 26, 2016
Squeaky clean Christian romance I would happily recommend to a teenager, but way too drawn out and cheesy for me.
December 6, 2018
Yeah...I know. I FINALLY finished this book, but the truth is, sometimes the timing of delay happens for a reason and I feel like it did this time. The last parts that I recently read really connected to my life right now and that was super awesome. I love how we can learn things from our much-loved fictional characters!
October 19, 2025
So good!!! Robin’s books never cease to teach me a very applicable life lesson AND have very relatable characters and moments!! I feel like I know the characters in this series and love how normal these books are!! There’s not a lot of plot but you really get to know the characters and that’s what I appreciate the most!
April 28, 2022
Loved every minute. So fun to revisit characters from the Christy Miller series.
December 23, 2024
After I read the College Years, and I realized I was now going to read the Katie series, I kinda was considering skipping it and going on to the Married Years.
I liked how it started off at Christy and Todd’s wedding. When Doug and Rick took Christy’s letters.. I am soo happy that Katie found out and gave them to Christy
I actually liked this book a lot more than I thought I would! There were so many twists that I definitely did not see coming
I liked how it started off at Christy and Todd’s wedding. When Doug and Rick took Christy’s letters.. I am soo happy that Katie found out and gave them to Christy
I actually liked this book a lot more than I thought I would! There were so many twists that I definitely did not see coming
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2013
The thing I like about Robin Jones Gunn's writing, is that you can read these books and feel like you are living it. The description of everything is so vivid that I can picture it in my head. That, and the fact that it is a Christian series which I LOVE!
I have read every book from the Christy Miller series, the Sierra Jensen series, and now I am starting to read the Katie Weldon series and I am absolutely loving it! Peculiar Treasures, is about Katie (Christy Miller's best friend) and Rick (Katie's almost boyfriend) trying to figure out their relationship. Katie works at the "Dove's Nest" with Rick, who is the manger of the restaurant, and they are both used to seeing each other everyday at work, that is until Katie is offered the position as an RA at Rancho Corona University, where she attends, and she accepts the offer. With leaving Rick one person short at the restaurant, he had no choice but to hire somebody to take her position, and that somebody happens to be Carley, someone who Katie does not get along with. Now, her life has taken a turn into a new direction. With Katie being busy as an RA, and with Rick trying to close the deal of another "Dove's Nest" restaurant opening in Arizona, they barley have time to see each other. When Katie is free, Rick is busy, and when Rick is busy, Katie is free. And with Rick spending so much time with his new flirty co-worker Carley, and Katie doesn't have much time to spend with Rick, will Katie learn to trust Rick, and will they finally "switch lanes" in their relationship, and be more than just friends, but boyfriend and girlfriend? This book is one of those books that I could not put down and stayed up past midnight many times just so I could read what happens next. I am already reading book number two in this series, and I can not wait to finish it.
I have read every book from the Christy Miller series, the Sierra Jensen series, and now I am starting to read the Katie Weldon series and I am absolutely loving it! Peculiar Treasures, is about Katie (Christy Miller's best friend) and Rick (Katie's almost boyfriend) trying to figure out their relationship. Katie works at the "Dove's Nest" with Rick, who is the manger of the restaurant, and they are both used to seeing each other everyday at work, that is until Katie is offered the position as an RA at Rancho Corona University, where she attends, and she accepts the offer. With leaving Rick one person short at the restaurant, he had no choice but to hire somebody to take her position, and that somebody happens to be Carley, someone who Katie does not get along with. Now, her life has taken a turn into a new direction. With Katie being busy as an RA, and with Rick trying to close the deal of another "Dove's Nest" restaurant opening in Arizona, they barley have time to see each other. When Katie is free, Rick is busy, and when Rick is busy, Katie is free. And with Rick spending so much time with his new flirty co-worker Carley, and Katie doesn't have much time to spend with Rick, will Katie learn to trust Rick, and will they finally "switch lanes" in their relationship, and be more than just friends, but boyfriend and girlfriend? This book is one of those books that I could not put down and stayed up past midnight many times just so I could read what happens next. I am already reading book number two in this series, and I can not wait to finish it.
February 11, 2014
Final feeling: another great one by RJG
This series begins at Christy's wedding, where the Christy Miller series leaves off, now from best friend Katie Weldon's perspective. Katie is just finishing her junior year at a Bible college. She is overwhelmed by her busy life and the big decisions she needs to make soon, such as whether to take a resident advisor position her senior year, and what to do about her undeclared major. Not the least important, she also is trying to understand her relationship with Rick Doyle, her "almost boyfriend," with whom she has a complicated past.
I found the characters in this book multi-dimensional and easy to relate with. The religious tones are not preachy, and rather refreshing: Katie wasn't raised in a Christian home, and therefore has her own set of Christian truisms that are unique and thought-provoking. Although Katie can be a bit over-dramatic (and maybe over-sensitive) at times, she is a charming character and enjoyable to read. The blending of purity and romance is what makes this novel both beneficial for young readers, and satisfying for all ages. I laughed several times, and cried several times! That is rare for me in reading fictional stories. I highly recommend this book.
This series begins at Christy's wedding, where the Christy Miller series leaves off, now from best friend Katie Weldon's perspective. Katie is just finishing her junior year at a Bible college. She is overwhelmed by her busy life and the big decisions she needs to make soon, such as whether to take a resident advisor position her senior year, and what to do about her undeclared major. Not the least important, she also is trying to understand her relationship with Rick Doyle, her "almost boyfriend," with whom she has a complicated past.
I found the characters in this book multi-dimensional and easy to relate with. The religious tones are not preachy, and rather refreshing: Katie wasn't raised in a Christian home, and therefore has her own set of Christian truisms that are unique and thought-provoking. Although Katie can be a bit over-dramatic (and maybe over-sensitive) at times, she is a charming character and enjoyable to read. The blending of purity and romance is what makes this novel both beneficial for young readers, and satisfying for all ages. I laughed several times, and cried several times! That is rare for me in reading fictional stories. I highly recommend this book.
August 21, 2012
I had never read any of the Christy series of books, so all of the characters in this book were new to me. I LOVED this book and have gone on to read the other Katie Weldon books after this. I would highly recommend all of them.
The author, Robin Jones Gunn, writes so well the characters seem like real people, not works of fiction. Robin’s stories are well thought out. At first look, it might seem these books are for teenagers or young women, but the stories are so interesting, they appeal to all ages.
Robin’s stories are family friendly, so I have been very comfortable allowing young family members to read her books. She has a strong moral worldview and it shows through her characters. The situations Robin has her characters be a part of are very realistic and provide good teaching moments for real life.
Although Robin Jones Gunn has written many books, I hope she writes lots more, because at the rate I am currently reading her books, I will have read them all shortly. Lots of Robin’s books take place in different parts of the country or world, and the descriptions she gives of the different locales are as interesting as the stories. Every book I have read has been very entertaining and interesting.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/
The author, Robin Jones Gunn, writes so well the characters seem like real people, not works of fiction. Robin’s stories are well thought out. At first look, it might seem these books are for teenagers or young women, but the stories are so interesting, they appeal to all ages.
Robin’s stories are family friendly, so I have been very comfortable allowing young family members to read her books. She has a strong moral worldview and it shows through her characters. The situations Robin has her characters be a part of are very realistic and provide good teaching moments for real life.
Although Robin Jones Gunn has written many books, I hope she writes lots more, because at the rate I am currently reading her books, I will have read them all shortly. Lots of Robin’s books take place in different parts of the country or world, and the descriptions she gives of the different locales are as interesting as the stories. Every book I have read has been very entertaining and interesting.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/
May 3, 2024
I have read many of Robin Jones Gunn's books, including her Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and Christy and Todd College years series(all of them through twice), and have loved and enjoyed them immensely. It was like opening up an old friend when I read this book, and enjoyed it just as much as the others. Katie is one unique gal, and I love her sense of humor. Gunn makes all of her characters seem real and individual. I would recommend this to any girl between the ages of 14 and up.
April 19, 2016
I've been a fan of the Christy Miller series since my cousin, Sonia, passed on the books to me as a preteen. Christy, through Robin Jones Gunn, has been a Christian role model for me that hasn't been present in my actual life. I've never experienced or encountered such devoted, modern young Christian adults, and I never figured out how to blend my faith so openly like Christy, Katie and the rest. But I connected with the stories, especially Christy and Todd: The College Years. I only recently discovered that there were more books to the characters; an opportunity to learn more about Katie was exciting! Her story, and the continuation of Christy, Todd and the rest, seem to have a natural continuation. I'll eagerly read the rest in Katie's series and Christy and Todd: The Married Years. As for this book, I love how Gunn used Peculiar Treasures for the title. Fits Katie, and it fits a lot of us. Christians don't have to simply fit a mold or be predictable.
April 16, 2012
I was not impressed by this book. I thought Katie was kind of a self-centered flake and I don't really understand why Gunn introduced one character if she wasn't going to go anywhere with it. Maybe it's because this book is one of a series and this character will play a bigger role later on but it was dissapointing.
I usually do not read romance series about single characters and this book reminded me why. I like romance books to be tied up in a single book. I figured I would try something new with this book but I do not believe I will continue. If the series had only 3 or 4 books maybe but since Gunn's other series have like 12 books, I'll pass. The book was not interesting enough for me to spend that much time on one character's story.
I usually do not read romance series about single characters and this book reminded me why. I like romance books to be tied up in a single book. I figured I would try something new with this book but I do not believe I will continue. If the series had only 3 or 4 books maybe but since Gunn's other series have like 12 books, I'll pass. The book was not interesting enough for me to spend that much time on one character's story.
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