Bethany College Books

Christy Miller thought that returning home from an intense experience working at an orphanage in Switzerland would be relaxing. However, in AS YOU WISH, the second book in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy and Todd: The College Years trilogy, she finds that settling into life at Rancho Corona University is far more stressful than she ever could have imagined.

Christy was looking forward to finally getting to have a more active social life and spend much more time with close friends Katie and Sierra. However, with her parents telling her to get a job and her counselor suggesting she take more classes, it looks like Christy's schedule is going to be full. When long-time boyfriend Todd informs her that he has volunteered her for yet another activity, Christy reaches a breaking point.

As she tries to sort out her chaotic life, Christy soon realizes that her problems lie far beyond her weekend social calendar. With less than a year until she graduates, and a long-term relationship, Christy must finally make some bigger decisions --- decisions that will last a lifetime. She knows that Todd is in love with her, and has been for some time. In fact, she's pretty sure that he would be ready to marry her at any time. But something is still holding her back.

As Todd reveals more and more about his background and childhood, Christy feels closer to him than ever before but also realizes what different worlds they come from. When her first childhood crush from Wisconsin comes to town, Christy begins to wonder if she might be better suited to someone with a similar background, or if she's really ready to commit to anyone at all.

Confused about her romantic future, Christy must also deal with ongoing drama in her family. Her erratic Aunt Marti is threatening to leave her husband and join an "art colony"; Christy must try to stop her before it's too late. As she grows more and more sure of her feelings and intentions, Christy gets ready to make a big declaration. However, a tragic accident occurs before she can reveal her true feelings, and it may be too late. As Christy's friends and family gather at the hospital, she becomes painfully aware of just how important it is to express your feelings while you still can.

AS YOU WISH seems to be an attempt to combine the worlds of all of Robin Jones Gunn's characters into the ongoing storyline of Christy and Todd. For fans of the Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series, this will certainly make sense. However, new readers will experience some difficulty following the many different characters and plot lines that are thrown into the mix. The story comes a long way from its predecessor --- from Christy considering breaking up with Todd, to thinking about marrying him.

Although this (presently) final series in the world of Christy Miller is not Gunn at her best, and relies on quite a bit of recycled material, it is still very readable and will undoubtedly keep fans satisfied.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

I loved this book to pieces. Christy struggles with saying 'I love you' to Todd, because she isn't sure of her love for him. She makes a sudden revelation that Todd is 'the one' and feels she is confident to say those three little words, until a tragic event happens, changing Todd and Christy's life forever. Christy is having a hard time finding when she can confess that to her beloved, especially when the life-altering accident occurs. Christy and Todd both grow closer to the Lord, and Todd discovers that it is his calling to work in the church. Christy helps, and discovers she is in her element as well. The very end is beautifully written, and wonderfully romantic and sweet, which is another event that changes both Todd and Christy's life forever. Grab the Kleenex box, the end will have you wiping your eyes.

I think these books are the best I've ever read! Once you pick it up, don't expect to put it down anytime soon!! I've read them over and over, and still love them. They're clean, focused on God, and have a sweet romance in them. I also recommend the Christy Miller series.

You won't want to miss these books!!!
~Hope

I was very happy with the shipping time and condition of the book. It actually arrived before the date given to me, so I was very pleased. I would definitely buy again.

I just finished this book and loooove it! It is sooo awesome how Christy and Todd work things out. And Todd is so creative at the end when he... oops i almost said it!! But I won't give it away! You have to read it for yourself to find out what a superb novel this is! It also helps if you have read the other books in the series first.

Christy Miller is finally engaged. After meeting Todd Spencer on the beach when she was just 14 years old, Christy is now set to marry the man of her dreams. In I PROMISE, the final installment in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy and Todd: The College Years trilogy, Christy is quickly awoken from her dreamy visions of the future to find that she must soon begin the excruciating task of planning a wedding.

Things don't start out well, as Christy and Todd can't even agree on a date to get married. Todd wants to wed right away, while Christy would like to have up to a year to properly plan it. When they add in Christy's mom, her bossy aunt and an un-requested wedding planner to the equation, it seems like nothing will ever be decided upon.

It's not just the wedding that's worrying Christy. Now that she's thinking of Todd as her future husband, she wonders how they will possibly live with one another. Todd is spontaneous and unprepared; Christy is a detail-maniac. It seems like all of their instincts and reactions are polar opposites. As Christy stresses over everything from the wedding to her future marriage, she gets sick and is forced to miss out on a long-planned camping trip with Todd and her friends. Luckily, the time allows her to bond with her mother like she has never done before and gives her the space to finally plan the intricate details of her wedding. Christy and Todd have come to the conclusion that it is their wedding, and it should be the way they want it. While this seems like a reasonable enough sentiment, it is much harder to communicate to demanding family members.

Christy's friends also have some exciting things going on. Maid of Honor Katie gets a blast from her dating past, when former bad-boy Rick Doyle returns, appearing to have reformed his ways. And this time, it looks like their relationship might be serious. Sierra realizes that as great as Paul is, she needs more adventure in her life and prepares to go to Brazil. With all of her friends heading in different directions, and the big day approaching, Christy reflects on the past and envisions the future. She can only hope that everything comes together in time to say "I Promise."

I PROMISE is the conclusion to a story that has been going on for over six years and 15 books (although I wouldn't be surprised to see the emergence of a Christy and Todd: The Parenting Years series). Readers will breathe a sigh of relief as Christy and Todd are finally married off. The book is filled with extremely detailed accounts of weddings and wedding planning, which can be a bit daunting for some. The story, with its wedding theme, also has a very strong "save sex for marriage" message, which is present throughout the book. Those who have followed Robin Jones Gunn's work up to this point will be delighted to have Christy and Todd be blessed with a very beautiful and fitting ending to their story after so many years.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

With hearts and eyes focused on God's plan for them, Christy and Todd endured much: separation,decisions to give up plans and dreams and wait for God's plan.Heartbrek, tears, but always trying to seek and abide in God's will. Christy returned Todd's "Forever" bracelet, knew she wouldn't see him again;released Todd to follow what he felt was God's call on his life.
In her beautiful and tender words,Robin Jones Gunn brought the story of God's love and fulfillment to Todd and Christy's hopes and dreams.

A story of friendship, hope, love, trust and fiath. don't miss it!

This one is so sweet! I LOVE the Christy and Sierra series, they're my favorite! I could read until my eyes fall out. I cried over this one, and because it was the last Christy book. Robin Jones MUST write more! There needs to be more, we need to know about the box of letters, the honeymoon, whether they had kids, and whether or not Aunt Marti surrendered her life to Jesus! We need more! Keep on writing Robin Jones! And this one was so sweet, Christy and Todd are so perfect for each other. Their wedding sounded so beautiful. This one especially made me want to hold out for a hero like Todd.

The book I Promise by Robin Jones Gunn was published by the Bethany House Publishers in 2001. There are 285 pages and it is a fiction book. In those 285 pages you'll read through happy moments, sad moments, love, disaster and matrimony.

In I Promise, Christy Miller and Todd Spencer are nearing the point of wanting to permanently dedicate themselves to each other. A wedding proposal leads them on their way to a long road of ups and downs of planning a wedding. Throughout, their differences clash making you wonder, will they make it down the aisle to promise themselves to each other forever? This story is told in 3rd person omniscient and is set in Escondido, California. Many changes will take place with some tragedy, but that's for you to find out.

While reading I Promise I came to find that I really liked this book. There were happy moments that made you feel warm inside, funny moments, and even some that make you want to cry. I loved how it would incorporate every girls' dream of the perfect guy (Todd), and also having the cutest things happen between them that make you want it someday too. The way this story is written with such incredible descriptions makes you want know what they feel. Even though this story doesn't relate to me now, I hope someday it will because this has exactly what I want for me one day.

I thought this was an excellent book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good love story that puts your imagination to work.

Ever since I began to read Christy, from where it all began in Newport Beach, from under the trellis, I've become addicted to these series. These books are very special to me. Christy has become a part of me, and I hold the books in my heart. I love these books so much.
In this book, Christy and Todd try to plan their wedding, and they try (and succeed!) to get over their differences in order to become a couple. They go through ups and downs, highs and lows, in order to get to say their promises to each other for the rest of their lives.
Their wedding is beautiful, sweet, and romantic. It paints a stunning picture, and you can just imagine it, and want to be there. I cried quite a bit at the end from the beauty of the wedding, and Christy and Todd's romance, and because this was the last Christy book. I feel as if I lost a friend. And there are so many unanswered questions! Like, does Marti become a Christian? How does Todd react to the box of letters? How does their honeymoon go? What about them having kids? RJB, please write more Christy.
I loved the book and all, but I felt as if the very very last part could be better, and a little more romantic. Everything is all beautiful, but it ends with "It is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Spencer" It's sweet and all, but you want it to be a little more romantic.
I'll miss you dearly Christy, but I know you'll always be tucked into a little corner of my heart. Forever and ever.

Here is a book to kick start parents to stop spoiling and teaching kids that possessions represent love, personal significance or status.
The current generation of high school kids throws a tantrum when they aren't GIVEN 9 yes, given) a new car on their 16th birthday- and pay their own gas. well, theres only a parent to blame- stop buying and send them to work- thye truly feel entitled because they were raised on unearned praise and rewards- their language of love is things and they think their idientiy comes from having the right stiff. I see this in church kids and non-church kids. Wake up nation and reads this book

It's very nice to meet you here. I'm Jackie Ho from
Hong Kong. I'm just reading the book `Money Doesn't Grown On Trees'. It's really very useful. Actually I'm going to design and launch a class of `Money Education' to kids and teens. I want to tell them what the money is and teach them how to manage money, and also, make them more interests in math, logic, reading
comprehension, etc. This book gives me lots of ideas.
Thank you so much, Ms. Kay.

Ellie Kay has done it again. In this book Ellie lays everything out on the table when it comes to teaching your child about finances. Funny thing though, I learned a thing or two myself! Every aspect is broken down from age zero to eighteen and beyond!
I immediately applied what I had learned on my children and saw a dramatic change within one week. You must get this book along with her other books, "Shop, Save and Share" and "A Womans Guide to Family Finance". Your family will thank you later!

Ellie is a gold mine of information regarding saving money and spending what we have wisely. I have 3 children and was pulling my hair out trying to teach them that the way to earning money is not by holding your hand out to daddy. I have read this book more times than I can count and have found and implemented many ideas. My 13 year old daughter is not very fond of her actually having to do something now but she can't hold her hand out forever. We have to remember that what we teach them now greatly effects their future. To have anything when you become an adult, you have to work and be on a budget. With the ideas Ellie has in her books, you can teach your children now. I don't want to see my children have a rough time when they are older because I gave them whatever they wanted when they were younger. I have noticed since my 7 year old has been working for that "I gotta have it toy", he takes care of them better and doesn't forget where he puts it.

Buying Ellie's books has been the best investment I could make to our budget. Thank's Ellie!

I was looking for a book to help guide me and my husband to teach my child about allowance and money management. I had no idea that this is a religious based book. I am a Christian, but I don't believe that God is the answer to money questions. Furthermore, there is not any straight forward, helpful information. This book is mostly just vague ideas. I would not recommend this book

I read The Maiden of Mayfair a couple of years ago and bought its sequel shortly after. But then I forgot all about it. A few days ago, in the mood for a novel set during the turn of the twentieth century, I was digging through my rather large TBR pile and found Catherine's Heart. As I read it, I remembered the characters in The Maiden of Mayfair and was absorbed with the wonderful historical accuracy, which is set in the beginning of the 1880s. It is eighteen-year-old Catherine Rayborn's new life as an university student at Gilton. She meets two lovely friends and three potential suitors. One is a dashing young man who likes to pull pranks, but possesses a kind soul. He has a great deal of success at his father's business, but there is an empty void in his heart that he can't seem to fulfill. The other is an army officer that Catherine finds charming. The third one is the notorious Lord Holt, a rake and someone who had treated William Doyle, Sarah's husband and protagonists of The Maiden of Mayfair, with contempt for having no rank and being what he considered to be a low-class citizen. Catherine has her heart set out on Lord Holt, or does she? After all, he has admitted to his sins and seems to regret his past actions. But something tells her that not all is right, especially when he wants them to meet up in secret. Will she be able to listen to what God, her family and friends and her very own instincts are telling her about him before it's too late?

The second part of the Tales of London is beautifully written and wonderfully told. You get reacquainted with the characters from the first book and meet some great new ones. A lot of things brought up on the Bible -- including those about disobedient children and overindulging parents, which could be found in Proverbs -- are here, and Lawana Blackwell tells them with a great deal of insight and Christian soul without sounding preachy. But the historical elements are what most impressed me about this novel. I love the way Blackwell describes the turn-of-the-century setting with its development of technology and the way in which women begin to become independent. The telephone is brought up a lot in this installment, and I felt as though I had been transported to this fascinating time period, which happens to be my favorite. The characterization is also excellent. Catherine is sweet and relatable, but she is so naïve that sometimes I wanted to get into the book and shout, "Can't you see that the man you are secretly seeing is a total jerk?" I loved Catherine's Heart and I look forward to reading the Tales of London 3. I hope it won't take as long to get to as it did me with this one though!

I really liked Catherine's Heart. It showed girls that not all men are what they seem to be, and you really should really get to know the guy before you agree to marry him. I was glad that this book also continued with the story of Sarah and William.

Four years have past since we left the lovable cast of characters of The Maiden of Mayfair. For the first part of this story the author splits the focus between Sarah, the main character in the previous book, and Catherine Rayborn, Sarah's cousin, who is leaving for her "fresher" year at Girton.
Young nineteen-year-old Catherine seems to fall in love at a drop of a hat, however, she's convinced she's finally found true love with Lord Holt. Despite warnings from her cousin Sarah, who has discovered their secret meetings, Catherine is determined to see Lord Holt no matter the price. And it is a steep one. Catherine begins a web of lies that could be her undoing. She begins scheming and lying to spend every free Sunday afternoon with the man she believes truly loves her.
Meanwhile, Sarah has married William, the love of her life and they are now blessed with an addition to their family. They've moved their family, and their extended family from Mayfair. The home they've moved into has ties to their past as well as Catherine's future.
Catherine gives up too much of herself for the man she loves, and she pays a dear price. When she finally discovers just what kind of man she's given her heart to, will it ever heal? Can she make things right with her friends and family, who she treated badly? And what about how she treated God?
This story is a good one, however, I did feel a few small lulls here and there. It was almost like, too little time spent here, and not enough time spent there. All in all it's a great read, and I'd recommend this book, and any other by this extremely gifted author.
Reviewed by Katharine L. Kroeker for ShortHand Publishing

Catherine Rayborn is enjoying her first taste of freedom and independence after a sheltered upbringing. Her head and heart are easily turned by any young man who looks her way and gives her a kind word. Even though she knows better and has loving, supportive people in her life to offer Godly counsel, she allows her heart to rule her head.

Kudos to Ms. Blackwell for another wonderful series. Her writing is warm and genuine, and her characters draw the reader into the story at the very beginning. Most series weaken with each new addition, but Lawana Blackwell's characters stay strong and true to form. The storyline does not grow tiresome after several books. Unlike most series, I always regret when hers come to an end. She is probably my favorite writer of Inspirational fiction today. I can't get enough of her realistic, endearing characters and their stories.

Great work, Ms. Blackwell. Thank you for an excellent read.

I have been a fan of Lawana Blackwell for about 4 or 5 years now, and I've learned that you can't go wrong with her books. Catherine's Heart is no exception. This was probably the hardest book for me to get through, not because it was poorly written by any means (I sometimes think that Blackwell could re-write my phone book and it would be an interesting read), but because of the story. As a young girl who has yet to embark into the unknown world of boys and their charms, I found myself relating to the main character throughout the entire story. Catherine makes decisions that you know are not good for her, and it's difficult to watch someone you're investing time and energy into doing so. It was because of this that I believe Catherine's Heart is so powerful. I learned the importance of guarding your heart, especially as a young inexperienced woman. Every young girl should take time to read this book. I'm so thankful that I read it when I did before I do begin that portion of my life. Wonderfully written and beautifully told!

lauraine Snelling is a wonderful author. It makes one sad when the book is finished, you get so involved with her characters. I will read all I can get ahold of.

This is one of the best series that I have ever read. It is a must see but beware, once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.

While I'm glad things worked out OK in the end for Thorliff and Elizabeth, it's obvious that Ms. Snelling and/or her editors were out to lunch when the book was proofread, it's loaded with mistakes! Example: Knute Baard rushes to Ingeborg's house when his brother Swen is injured - Ingeborg takes Knute's horse and he stays behind; she arrives at the Baard home and Knute meets her at the door, and a few minutes later Knute arrives in the wagon with Haakan! When did Knute develop teleportation powers?

For those who haven't read the original "Red River of the North" books, mistakes happen all the time when previous happenings are remembered: Kaaren's 2 year-old and 2-week old daughters died when Andrew was 1 year old in "An Untamed Land" but this book says Lizzie was stillborn and Andrew was born AFTER Kaaren's babies died!

Now about the geneology chart in the front of the RTRR books, why is Ingeborg's maiden name shown as STRAND? In "An Untamed Land" (RROTN #1) she introduces herself as "Ingeborg MOE Bjorklund". The Strands were a horrible family introduced in "A New Day Rising" (RROTN #2), and they were definitely Ingeborg's relatives or even her friends (especially when the oldest daughter falsely accusing Hjelmer of dishonoring her). Does Ms. Snelling even remember what she's written in the past?????

Thorliff is off trying to get his college education. There are some really sad moments, but also some really happy ones, too. I must say that I'm rooting for Anji to come to her senses and go back to Thorliff. I like Elizabeth, but just don't think she's the right wife for Thorliff. I like the new characters, but I do wish for more about the ones in Blessing. It was a wonderful book though and I can't wait to read the next one!

As a daughter of a Swedish immigrant that homesteaded in North Dakota in the early 1900's, I have read the 6 book series of Red River, and the first 2 return books. I have shared them with my sisters and daughter. Today I am buying return #3. These books are so real, they are like re-living my childhood. These thing really happened the way the author describes it. I can't wait to see if the series continues!! Awesome, historical,can't put down, truly enjoyable reading!! These books have enhanced my memories,and I recomend them to anyone interested in Dakota history, or Scandinavian immigration!!

A trio of college age friends--two girls, one guy--tour Europe, giving the reader glimpses of interesting places to visit in addition to addressing the challenges of morality, following God, and retaining friendships. The title implies that Christy and Todd's love will last until tomorrow--the future--their future together. Ideal read for teens and college ages. Good read for any age.

Christy Miller is thrilled that boyfriend Todd and best friend Katie are coming to visit her in Europe! UNTIL TOMORROW, the first book in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy and Todd: The College Years trilogy, picks up well after Gunn's original Christy Miller series left off.

Christy is now an independent college woman, attending a university in Switzerland. While she loves her life in Europe, she really misses her friends --- especially Todd. She is sure that the romantic background of Europe will give Todd the encouragement he needs to make some kind of commitment to their relationship. However, the trip starts off on a far-less-than-romantic note. Christy makes elaborate plans to show Todd all around Switzerland while having long talks about their future --- but when she meets him at the train station, she is immediately swept up in a whirlwind, and unplanned, trip.

Katie and Todd are accompanied by Antonio, their Italian exchange student friend, who announces that they will begin their trip camping in the Italian Alps. Camping certainly was not what Christy had in mind, and she is less than thrilled that she wasn't consulted on the idea. Though she tries to rough it, Christy soon decides that living off the land is definitely not for her. As the group makes their way down to Rome, Christy begins to have doubts about her relationship with Todd. Instead of becoming more committed to her, he actually appears to be becoming less. And while they haven't seemed to have their usual strong connection, Katie and Todd have been paying quite a bit of attention to each other.

Unable to stand the increasing tension, Christy dramatically wonders if they should break up --- and is very surprised by Todd's answer. As the group makes their way from the Blue Grotto of Capri, all the way up to the fjords of Norway, Christy, Todd and Katie ponder what it means to be a friend and what it means to be in love.

Fans of the Christy Miller series undoubtedly will be delighted to have Christy back. While those who read the Sierra Jensen titles may have been kept up to date on the general happenings of Christy's life, this new series has a very different feel. The Christy and Todd books are much longer than the novels in Gunn's previous series. They also give much more insight into the thoughts of an older Christy. While there is a different, more mature tone, many of the classic Christy Miller issues are present --- from fear of commitment to jealousy of friends. Whether or not this sort of material has gotten stale is up to the reader to decide.



--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

Robin Gunn does a great job of speaking to young people through fiction.
The College Years wrap up all Christy and Todd have gone through and grown in age and spiritually, since they meet in high school.

Great Stories.

Donna

The reason for the low rating is that Christy's whiny, infantile attitude and behavior overshadows what could have otherwise been an memorable trek around Europe. As Christy's character progresses throughout the series--my view may not be popular there--it is evident that for portraying herself as a strong Christian, her immature behavior proves otherwise. She's just not a likable young woman. Her "poor me" demeanor and overly possessive attitude of Todd is enough to try your patience! I prefer truly strong Christian role models for girls like Christy's friend Katie Weldon (who has the patience of a saint to put up with Christy's nonsense all those years) and Sierra Jensen. I'd go on a trip with Katie and Sierra any day, even one minute with Christy Miller is enough to require a sedative Another thing, prominent throughout the series is Christy's constant disregard for her parents and family; not to mention taking them for granted. If she is as strong a Christian as she claims, she's forgetting one of God's most important commandments: Honor your father and your mother.

Alright people, this is a review for the entire Christy Series..... which was a serious letdown. Christy obviously has some issues. She likes some boy who after several months of no communication sends her a coconut. I'm still trying to figure that one out. If some boy did that he'd get a swift whack across the face. Also... Every time Christy seems to grow in God, all of a sudden she starts whining again. After 3 books of this you get sick of it. Every time Todd does something with another girl she freaks out big time. (Though Todd is kind of a flirt). She needs to get a life. She's a slight spaz. Every time something happens to her that is out of the box, or her routine, she has a hernia. In Europe, Wow. Camping for her was definitely a disaster. Skip these books and read some Bad Girls of the Bible, Linda Chaikin, Liz Curtis Higgs, Linda Windsor etc.

If you are one of those insecure individuals who feel intimidated by the accomplishments of others, don't read this book. For everyone else, you are truly in for a treat. This book not only tells the remarkable life stories of Ohio brothers, Powell and Lewis Crosley, but also takes the reader for a fascinating trip through history. From Crosley's dominance in radio, ownership of the Cincinnati Reds and winning a World Series, appliances, aviation, automobiles and even helping to win World War ll- the list goes on and on. The monumental accomplishments of these two brothers literally "transformed a nation" and greatly impacted the lives of millions of Americans.

Kudos to the authors for their meticulous research and a beautifully written biography. I certainly will have a higher degree of pride driving my '49 Crosley Hot Shot having learned the fascinating history behind the Crosley name.

I did not know anything about the Crosleys until I read this book and was amazed at all the products Powel Crosley dreamt up and created. It is a very thorough book about their lives and successes, and failures, but I give it 4 stars only because the writing sometimes detracted me from the story. (How many Exit, Stage lefts/rights can you put in a book and who even writes that way?) plus too much info about minor or unimportant things (Lewis' dog?) but still a good read, and entertaining and informative.

Great read for a radio fan or anyone interested in early 20th century business moguls.

I bought this book for my brother who owned a Crosley years ago, but I read it before I gave it to him. Great book! One of the best I have read in a long time.

It was a great history lesson and you do not have to be a Crosley buff to enjoy it.

Would highly recommend.

Richard Flory

The person for whom I purchased the book absolutely loves it!! It's the story, the pictures and presentation that just makes reading it so enjoyable. I'm very glad that I made this purchase.

This book had a lot of meaning to me as I lost a child to cancer at the age of almost 6. I could live what the other children went through and the parents, what they were going through. I would recommend this great book.

This novel is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read. I highly recommend it!

I was very surprised that the reviewer from Publishers Weekly didn't like this book. I thought this was a wonderful book.

I thought this book gave a really good idea as to how a family struggles when a family member is seriously ill, as is the
case with Dana. The book was told from Dana's sister's point of view, to give insight about how family members cope with an
illness like cancer.

The book showed Dad, who is struggling with finances and has to make some tough decisions. There is Mom, who is exhausted
from taking care of Dana and the other kids in the family. There is Corey, the baby of the family, who feels left out and
just wants a puppy. There is older brother Brett, who ends up distancing himself from the family. And then there is Erin,
whose point of view the book is told. She is taking care of Corey while her mother takes care of Dana. Erin reaches a point
of frustration, feeling angry at God for Dana's illness, feeling like her teenage years are robbed by the illness, missing
out on her basketball tournament to take care of Corey when Dana got sick, etc.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was that I did feel that Erin was "punished" a little bit for her anger. She had
a right to feel angry. Her sister was sick, she missed out on her teenage years, and a lot of the burden was placed on Erin.
It might have been good to include a scene in the book, where Mom and Dad express appreciation for Erin's hard work and
acknowledgement on how hard things are on her. A serious illness can affect a person deeply.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. I highly recommend this book.

I just finished reading this book in a few hours time. I simply couldn't put it down and I used a half a box of tissues along the way. I thought Dana's Valley was extremely well-written. The Oke writing team captured perfectly the emotions and frustrations of cancer and it addressed them honestly without sugar coating. My Mom died of cancer 6 months ago and my husband spent alot of time in the hospital following a spinal cord injury. I loved this book because it captured some of the feelings I experienced as a Christian trying to make sense of the trials God allows in our lives. Sometimes, like Erin, we are so blinded by our immediate circumstances that we miss the overall picture of how God is working in our lives to accomplish great things. I've read alot of non-fiction books about understanding why God allows trials, but I felt like this fiction book helped me alot more than some of the non-fiction books I've read. I know this story will stick with me. It's not one you can easily forget.

Dana's Valley is written in the same excellent style of all Janette Oke books, however, this book is really sad. I've read it twice and cried a lot both times. I would have only read it once, but I forgot I had read it so read it again. It's a great book, it's just not for me.

I'm afraid I was slightly disappointed with this first look at a more grown-up Mandie. The mystery itself was lacking, and I never got the feeling that the mystery was really "solved". It seemed like the actual mystery was just blown off.
I really missed the heart-to-heart moments we usually see in most Mandie books. We never really get to know how Mandie really feels about her mother being pregnant again and the prospect of a new brother or sister. In earlier books Mandie was very jealous about her new baby brother but eventually overcame that. Did she ever feel that way in this book? Was she scared she might be replaced in her uncle's eyes by his own child? How was she feeling and how did she cope with it? Those questions are never answered as far as I can tell.
This book is a disappointing successer to the enjoyable first Mandie series.

Gee. Everyone is forgetting about Tommy! I want Mandie to marry Tommy! I'm rooting for him. Although I know most are probably rooting for Joe. It'll be WAY too predictable if she marries Joe.

It's nice to see her finally grow up a little. I couldn't put it down. I've read Mandie books since I was seven, and I can't wait to pass them down to my children.

I know alot of people are saying that this book lacket a plot, and was not interest captivating. Well, I personally loved this book. Mandie is facing all this guy trouble, but she still stays herself. Celia is still faithfully by her side, like we hoped she would be. I just do NOT want her to marry Joe. I'd like her to marry Jonathan. Or even Tommy. Just not Joe. Oh, please, Mrs. Leppard, don't let her marry Joe.

I started reading the Mandie series when I was in the sixth grade and I'm now finishing up my last year of law school. And I have to say, I actually felt more connected with Mandie in this book than I've ever felt before. Lois Gladys Leppard does a good job of bringing out the class consciousness in the Deep South and she shows how difficult it can be to fit in new places. I was suprised that the mystery never seemed solved at the end of the book, but I still felt delighted with the novel when I finished. I have long said that the book publishers have not tapped into the market of young women who grew up reading the mystery series such as Mandie and Nancy Drew and thus are not usually into romance novels. I'm glad to see this book as I think it is heading in the right direction. I've been wanting a series that I could be enthralled by that wasn't romancish or off color or too chick lit like and I think this is just the thing. I hope Lois Gladys Leppard will write more installments and that it doesn't fade out like her Lilly series did.

This is an excellent book about college and staying in your Christian faith there. I very highly recommend it.

Over the past ten years pastors in fundamentalist congregations have become increasingly alarmed over the dwindling attendance and participation in church activities by people age 18 - 30. Many of these people were `raised in the church', which is a term used by fundamentalists to indicate that they participated from a very young age in church-sponsored groups for religious instruction and socializing as children, pre-teens, and teenagers. Such young people were exposed to the church on a regular, continuous basis, not just at Sunday services, but at weeknight Bible Study, choral or music group practices, various retreats and `fellowship' sessions, as well as church-sponsored outings and sports activities.

It is thus with considerable consternation that pastors and parents find that when these young people go off to college (in other words, secular colleges and universities), they soon stop attending church. They also pick up what are considered immoral habits, such as consuming alcohol, engaging in premarital sex, listening to rock n' roll music, and jettisoning fundamentalist doctrine in favor of secular humanism. A proportion of these young adults eventually return to fundamentalist congregations when they reach their late 20s and early 30s and get married and have kids. But sufficient numbers fail to reconnect with the church culture they grew up with, so as to present a major dilemma for evangelical pastors and ministers.

The `college crisis' has generated a number of books from various ministers and advisors seeking to address the damage, and `University of Destruction' is one such entry. As far as author David Wheaton is concerned, one way to forestall this crisis is to urge young adults intent on attending a secular college to maintain their fundamentalist ideology. 'Destruction' is essentially a book-length sermon delivered with this goal ever in mind. Wheaton urges fundamentalist youth to avoid engaging in those actions that would compromise their religious upbringing, and to remain ever-vigilant against sliding into immorality.

The main problem I have with Wheaton's philosophy is that it envisions college as a Smorgasbord of Temptation, and a vehicle expertly suited for the downfall of Bible-Believing Youth.

But is this really true ?

Don't get me wrong; with so many incoming college students either already infected with genital warts and genital herpes, or destined to acquire these diseases during their college years, prudence in sexual matters is good advice. And as for alcohol, yes, too many students binge-drink and wind up with their stomachs pumped, or worse yet, suffering permanent or fatal injuries in booze-triggered accidents.

However, college is no more nor no less likely a place to go astray than any other location or habitat. Just ask "Pastor Ted" Haggard, formerly leader of the evangelical New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 2006 it was revealed by Mike Jones, a gay hustler, that Haggard had been having a sexual relationship with him, and later engaging in methamphetamine abuse, over a three-year period. Pastor Ted initially denied the accusations (James Dobson staunchly defended him), but eventually confessed, resigned from New Life Church, and underwent a Christian counseling-based `restoration' procedure. Ted is now a dedicated heterosexual, according to Tim Ralph, one of the restoration process coordinators.

I'm sure if Pastor Ted had been attending a meeting of the Campus Socialists Club every now and then, he may have been able to avoid an inappropriate rendezvous with Mike Jones.

And how about Baptist pastor Coy Privette ? In 2007 he resigned from North Carolina's Christian Action League after it was revealed he had been charged on six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution.

Maybe if Coy had been at the Homecoming dance - even if it meant exposure to rock n' roll - he would not have had idle time for mischief.

And what about W. David Hager, MD, author of several books addressing health and spirituality issues for Christian women ? When serving on an FDA advisory panel in 2003, Hager acted to restrict approval of birth control, reflecting his belief in fundamentalist doctrine. But then, in a 2005 article in `The Nation', his ex-wife revealed that throughout their marriage, Hager had insisted in practicing - without her consent - a form of birth control that many women find physically painful and repugnant.

Perhaps if Dave had going to the campus pub a few nights a week for a few cold ones, his ardor for improper marital relations would have been sublimated.

And finally, let's not forget South Tulsa Baptist Church senior pastor and Southern Baptist Convention executive committee member Lonnie Latham. In 2006 he was arrested for propositioning a male undercover police officer, while cruising in an area with a reputation for fostering gay sex hookups. Lonnie eventually was acquitted of the charge, but it was revealed that he had been a visitor to the `cruising' area at least one time prior to his arrest.

I have to wonder, if Lonnie had been in Biology class- even one that taught Evolution - he would not have had the time to go visiting certain questionable neighborhoods of Tulsa.

So I would argue to David Wheaton that being a reliable congregant at a fundamentalist church is just as likely to lead to the pursuit of Bad Behavior as going off to college. Let Ted, Coy, Dave, and Lonnie serve as reminders of what Christian Youth are NOT to do. You don't need to be at a 'University of Destruction' to understand this fact.

University of Destruction: Your Game Plan for Spiritual Victory on Campus

Here is a must-read for the college-bound. Advice from one who has lived
though it and survived!

Mr Wheaton seems to understand a very fundamental problem that we all share. We are, regardless of whether we believe it or not, all influenced by what we are exposed to. Advertisers understand that very well. No one forces kids to eat the junk that advertisers are pushing. No one forces a kid to start smoking just because all of his friends do. And as another reviewer pointed out, no one forces college students to engage in harmful activities. But the fact is - they do it anyway. Even the best of kids (and adults for that matter) are influenced by their peers. So do we not warn them of the pressures and temptations that they will face because we know that no one will force them into anything? Of course not. If they are at least warned about what they are getting into, they have a much better chance of "keeping the faith". A truth that christians have accepted is that we all need help to stay on track. We know we are all weak with out the help of the Lord. Mr. Wheaton is offering very practical help for those who honest enough with themselves to acknowledge they need help. Most students don't realize they need help so they are not open to it when it is made available. "For those who have ears, let them hear."

This book contains advice for believing Christian students who want to survive a secular college education with faith intact. It covers the concerns of many parents as well, including drugs, drinking, sex, depression, and loss of purpose in life, to name a few. One section I found of interest was the review of the work of Railsback when he was a PhD student at UCLA. Railsback found that about half of those students who said they were conservative Christians as freshman lost their faith as seniors. His exact words were "as many as 50 percent of Christians students say they have lost their faith after four years in college" (book cover) He also found that this was true of not only secular colleges, but of nominal Christian colleges as well. It was less true only of historical black colleges and conservative Christian colleges. In my experience, according to the feedback of my colleagues, a major goal of many professors is to break the religious faith of those Christian students who try to live their religion and act on it in their daily life. The author, who went to Stanford, relates his experience at a top university. If parents knew what actually takes place at college they would not be so willing to fork out 100,000 dollars or more for a four year "education."