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Christy Miller #10
A Time to Cherish
In Book 10 of the Christy Miller series, romance is in the air, and Christy just knows her senior year will be A Time to Cherish. An adventuresome weekend on a houseboat sets the stage for this episode.
189 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
166 books2,710 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 49 reviews
April 29, 2015
After two years of non-dating and nine books, Christy and Todd are finally Boyfriend/Girlfriend. I'm very happy for her! She even gets to hold hands with Todd. :) Yay! They don't kiss at all in this book.
However, now that Todd and Christy are together, Christy has really begun to annoy me. (Todd already annoyed me, so that's not new.)
Christy's best friend is named Katie. She's a cute little redhead. But she's sad because she's never had a boyfriend (she's 17). Christy tries to push her into a relationship with Doug, their mutual friend. But it just isn't working out - Doug doesn't seem to be interested in Katie.
Then, one day, when Katie and Christy go to eat lunch under "their tree," there's a cute Irish boy sitting there. His name is Michael and Katie hits it off with him right away. They start dating and become Boyfriend/Girlfriend.
Instead of being happy for her friend, Christy becomes a preachy worrywart. She's very upset because Michael's not a Christian (I mean, he believes in God - but he's not born-again and born-again is the only Christianity that counts in these books). Every chance she gets, Christy judges Katie's relationship with Michael and tries to get Katie to end it. Needless to say Katie is very annoyed and it causes a rift in her friendship with Christy.
...
The other parts of the book mainly deal with Todd lecturing Christy. He loves to do this. After all, he's been Christian longer than she has, AND he's a man. And it's a man's duty to teach a woman what is right and wrong and guide her in the ways of the Lord. *rolls eyes This annoys me to no end. I would dump Todd's butt so fast he wouldn't know what hit him. But Christy, being raised as a good submissive born-again girl, listens attentively to Todd's many lectures. The one time she actually gets pissed at him, she regrets it immediately and falls all over herself apologizing. Sickening.
Also, Todd is not what I consider a good boyfriend.
1.) He doesn't give Christy much physical affection (she's scared to even reach for his hand),
2.)He always knows better than her (or thinks he does) in every situation,
3.) He's super-obsessed with God to the point where Christy wonders why they're even dating,
4.) and he often spends "dates" with her brother - taking him skateboarding, wrestling with him, buying him ice cream. Or he does chores with her dad. Christy's supposed to think that it's great he gets along so well with her family, but secretly she's super-annoyed, and so am I.
The times Todd is a good boyfriend:
1.) he doesn't believe Rick (Christy's ex) when Rick claims Christy was "easy" and did sexual stuff with him.
2.) He also encourages Christy to let go of her (justified) anger and hurt feelings regarding Rick, that lying scumbag. Todd's right about this, I think she should let it go.
...
Here's the passage that made me the most angry:
Todd says:
"There's something I want to tell you, Christy. I hope you'll take this the right way. One of the things I really appreciate about you is that you don't come on to me. Do you know what I mean?"
"I'm not sure." Christy's eyes still locked on to his.
"You let me make the first moves, and that really helps."
Christy nodded, not exactly sure what he was saying, but agreeing that she did let him make the first moves.
"Girls have no idea what they do to a guy when they come on to him. Not only by touching him but also by what they wear. I love the way you dress. You always look good. Really good. Yet you don't try to show off or, you know, tease a guy."
Christy felt like she was getting an education into the way guys think, and although she had heard some of this before, hearing it from Todd made it real and personal.
"I want you to know," Todd continued, "that you've been helping me be the initiator and by having so much...DIGNITY is the only word I can think of. You treat yourself like a gift. A treasure. And that comes across. It makes you absolutely beautiful, Christy. You have no idea."
Excuse me while I retch.
Okay, I'm back. MESSAGE: Even though men are stronger spiritually than women and the leaders, they are so weak that they can't control themselves when a female wears a midriff-bearing top. Cover up, ladies, or you're tempting men into sin. And they just can't help themselves, okay? It's all on you. You're to blame if a guy touches you without permission or rapes you. What do you expect? Also, since men are in charge, it's offensive to be sexually aggressive. Enjoying touching your boyfriend or kissing him means you are a slut. Good girls don't like sex and only tolerate what boys "do to them."
Blergh.
I think a couple has to figure out what makes them comfortable. If Christy was saying, "I'm a little shy around you and I like you to be the one who initiates kissing," I would be fine with this. Either Todd would say, "Okay, I can do that," or he would say, "Sometimes I need to feel wanted, so if you ever get the urge to kiss me, just go for it!" Also through dating and getting to know each other, two people natural work out each other's likes and dislikes.
However, after that little gem of a speech, I think it's clear to you now why Christy's afraid to even reach out for Todd's hand. He reprimands her for it, or any kind of advance on her part.
My problem in a nutshell is: Christy isn't deciding she doesn't want to initiate, Todd is making this decision FOR her. And when she hints in the books that she might like a little extra something something, he says, basically, "Oh, you're not like OTHER girls. I love how innocent you are. I love how modest you are." Blah, blah, blah, until she's cowed into being meek again. Manipulative bastard.
It's so easy to convince a teenage girl that what she's feeling or desiring is wrong or sinful and I can't forgive this book for crushing a young woman's innocence and desire for a little affection from her boyfriend, whom she's in love with and has been "non-dating" for two whole years. I'm not talking about SEX here, people, just a bit of cuddling and perhaps even *gasp* some kissing.
...
There's minor subplot about this yearbook guy named Fred chasing Christy around. He's nerdy and ugly (at least Christy thinks so) and he's got a crush on her. I'm angry and Christy because she decides she isn't pissed at the guy for his clingy, too-close-for-comfort-stalkerish attitude - no. Instead she decides his problem is that he isn't attractive enough - and promptly gives him a make-over. I'm angry with her (not for rejecting the guy, I think he's unhinged) but for making her whole distaste for him revolve around his looks and not the fact that, oh I don't know, he's creepy!!! A creep in nicer clothes with a better haircut is still a creep, Christy. ALSO: even super-hot attractive guys can be creepers, no lie. I HATE this YA/NA trend of making some disgusting a**hole be "boyfriend material" just because he has six-pack abs, or something. Um, no. That's not how it works.
Tl; dr - Skip this book, it's annoying.
However, now that Todd and Christy are together, Christy has really begun to annoy me. (Todd already annoyed me, so that's not new.)
Christy's best friend is named Katie. She's a cute little redhead. But she's sad because she's never had a boyfriend (she's 17). Christy tries to push her into a relationship with Doug, their mutual friend. But it just isn't working out - Doug doesn't seem to be interested in Katie.
Then, one day, when Katie and Christy go to eat lunch under "their tree," there's a cute Irish boy sitting there. His name is Michael and Katie hits it off with him right away. They start dating and become Boyfriend/Girlfriend.
Instead of being happy for her friend, Christy becomes a preachy worrywart. She's very upset because Michael's not a Christian (I mean, he believes in God - but he's not born-again and born-again is the only Christianity that counts in these books). Every chance she gets, Christy judges Katie's relationship with Michael and tries to get Katie to end it. Needless to say Katie is very annoyed and it causes a rift in her friendship with Christy.
...
The other parts of the book mainly deal with Todd lecturing Christy. He loves to do this. After all, he's been Christian longer than she has, AND he's a man. And it's a man's duty to teach a woman what is right and wrong and guide her in the ways of the Lord. *rolls eyes This annoys me to no end. I would dump Todd's butt so fast he wouldn't know what hit him. But Christy, being raised as a good submissive born-again girl, listens attentively to Todd's many lectures. The one time she actually gets pissed at him, she regrets it immediately and falls all over herself apologizing. Sickening.
Also, Todd is not what I consider a good boyfriend.
1.) He doesn't give Christy much physical affection (she's scared to even reach for his hand),
2.)He always knows better than her (or thinks he does) in every situation,
3.) He's super-obsessed with God to the point where Christy wonders why they're even dating,
4.) and he often spends "dates" with her brother - taking him skateboarding, wrestling with him, buying him ice cream. Or he does chores with her dad. Christy's supposed to think that it's great he gets along so well with her family, but secretly she's super-annoyed, and so am I.
The times Todd is a good boyfriend:
1.) he doesn't believe Rick (Christy's ex) when Rick claims Christy was "easy" and did sexual stuff with him.
2.) He also encourages Christy to let go of her (justified) anger and hurt feelings regarding Rick, that lying scumbag. Todd's right about this, I think she should let it go.
...
Here's the passage that made me the most angry:
Todd says:
"There's something I want to tell you, Christy. I hope you'll take this the right way. One of the things I really appreciate about you is that you don't come on to me. Do you know what I mean?"
"I'm not sure." Christy's eyes still locked on to his.
"You let me make the first moves, and that really helps."
Christy nodded, not exactly sure what he was saying, but agreeing that she did let him make the first moves.
"Girls have no idea what they do to a guy when they come on to him. Not only by touching him but also by what they wear. I love the way you dress. You always look good. Really good. Yet you don't try to show off or, you know, tease a guy."
Christy felt like she was getting an education into the way guys think, and although she had heard some of this before, hearing it from Todd made it real and personal.
"I want you to know," Todd continued, "that you've been helping me be the initiator and by having so much...DIGNITY is the only word I can think of. You treat yourself like a gift. A treasure. And that comes across. It makes you absolutely beautiful, Christy. You have no idea."
Excuse me while I retch.
Okay, I'm back. MESSAGE: Even though men are stronger spiritually than women and the leaders, they are so weak that they can't control themselves when a female wears a midriff-bearing top. Cover up, ladies, or you're tempting men into sin. And they just can't help themselves, okay? It's all on you. You're to blame if a guy touches you without permission or rapes you. What do you expect? Also, since men are in charge, it's offensive to be sexually aggressive. Enjoying touching your boyfriend or kissing him means you are a slut. Good girls don't like sex and only tolerate what boys "do to them."
Blergh.
I think a couple has to figure out what makes them comfortable. If Christy was saying, "I'm a little shy around you and I like you to be the one who initiates kissing," I would be fine with this. Either Todd would say, "Okay, I can do that," or he would say, "Sometimes I need to feel wanted, so if you ever get the urge to kiss me, just go for it!" Also through dating and getting to know each other, two people natural work out each other's likes and dislikes.
However, after that little gem of a speech, I think it's clear to you now why Christy's afraid to even reach out for Todd's hand. He reprimands her for it, or any kind of advance on her part.
My problem in a nutshell is: Christy isn't deciding she doesn't want to initiate, Todd is making this decision FOR her. And when she hints in the books that she might like a little extra something something, he says, basically, "Oh, you're not like OTHER girls. I love how innocent you are. I love how modest you are." Blah, blah, blah, until she's cowed into being meek again. Manipulative bastard.
It's so easy to convince a teenage girl that what she's feeling or desiring is wrong or sinful and I can't forgive this book for crushing a young woman's innocence and desire for a little affection from her boyfriend, whom she's in love with and has been "non-dating" for two whole years. I'm not talking about SEX here, people, just a bit of cuddling and perhaps even *gasp* some kissing.
...
There's minor subplot about this yearbook guy named Fred chasing Christy around. He's nerdy and ugly (at least Christy thinks so) and he's got a crush on her. I'm angry and Christy because she decides she isn't pissed at the guy for his clingy, too-close-for-comfort-stalkerish attitude - no. Instead she decides his problem is that he isn't attractive enough - and promptly gives him a make-over. I'm angry with her (not for rejecting the guy, I think he's unhinged) but for making her whole distaste for him revolve around his looks and not the fact that, oh I don't know, he's creepy!!! A creep in nicer clothes with a better haircut is still a creep, Christy. ALSO: even super-hot attractive guys can be creepers, no lie. I HATE this YA/NA trend of making some disgusting a**hole be "boyfriend material" just because he has six-pack abs, or something. Um, no. That's not how it works.
Tl; dr - Skip this book, it's annoying.
August 18, 2025
This book was really good!! I love how Todd and Christy and starting to get closer in this book!!
The thing with Katie was kind of annoying... I can't believe that she liked Michael 😭
He's literally so weird... 😭
The thing with Katie was kind of annoying... I can't believe that she liked Michael 😭
He's literally so weird... 😭
March 16, 2023
A Time to Cherish was a great read - one of my favorites in this series reread so far. I loved how Christy and Todd are finally going together. I think that stability in a relationship made Christy a more likeable character.
The ending was so good - I loved the meaning behind the color they decide to paint the bookshelf.
We found out that Todd did not know about the bracelet theft or pay it off. I have my guess of who did - DOUG. Curious to see if I'm right, as I can't remember as it's been so long since I originally read the books.
The ending was so good - I loved the meaning behind the color they decide to paint the bookshelf.
We found out that Todd did not know about the bracelet theft or pay it off. I have my guess of who did - DOUG. Curious to see if I'm right, as I can't remember as it's been so long since I originally read the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2018
There's a time for everything
April 14, 2024
Contains my favorite line from the entire series, courtesy of Christy's boss Jon: "What is this, the Annual Hug Christy Miller Fest and I forgot to put up signs in the window?"
I have always liked the cover for this book, and that scene that the cover depicts is one of my favorites. Part of me would still like a “cute” dusty rose bookcase.
December 2007 reread.
December 2011 reread.
June 2019 reread, audiobook.
July 2021 reread, audiobook.
April 2024 reread, audiobook.
I have always liked the cover for this book, and that scene that the cover depicts is one of my favorites. Part of me would still like a “cute” dusty rose bookcase.
December 2007 reread.
December 2011 reread.
June 2019 reread, audiobook.
July 2021 reread, audiobook.
April 2024 reread, audiobook.
October 19, 2018
I really liked this one! Although Katie and Fred annoyed me to no end, I enjoyed the rest of the characters very much. The ending made me tear up, not gonna lie. Great read! One of my favorite books in the Christy Miller series. Onto the next one!
September 2, 2021
This book was pretty good. I felt like it jumped around a little too much though. I also didn't really like Katie in this book. I am really excited that Todd and Christy finally got together. It was about time! Can't wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars
This book was pretty good but Christy's behaviour towards her so-called best friend was awful - I know she was trying to help her and warn her about the relationship she was in, but she didn't do it in a very kind way. Katie (the best friend) also really just bugged me in this book...
But seeing Todd and Christy's relationship grow was really cool :)
This book was pretty good but Christy's behaviour towards her so-called best friend was awful - I know she was trying to help her and warn her about the relationship she was in, but she didn't do it in a very kind way. Katie (the best friend) also really just bugged me in this book...
But seeing Todd and Christy's relationship grow was really cool :)
February 14, 2024
loved getting back into Christy’s world after a month off! these are the perfect books to read when i don’t want to have to think at all and just want to enjoy the stories i know so well. love love love Christy & Todd!!!
July 28, 2025
such a cute one! i'm glad Christy and Todd finally figured things out<3 Katie got a little annoying, though... 5 stars!
April 1, 2026
I can’t tell you a single notable thing that happened in this book which is really bad because I finished it thirty seconds ago.
March 30, 2023
Loved this book! Happy that Christy and Todd are finally together. The ending was so sweet and I loved the reason behind the color they decided to paint her bookshelf.
August 30, 2012
This is one of my favorites in the series. Christy was a much better person in this book, so that's probably why I like it so much.
August 17, 2023
Nitty gritty of dating Christian vs non Christian.
May 15, 2021
This is the moment Christy and practically everyone reading this series has waited for: Christy and Todd are finally official boyfriend and girlfriend. Christy is finally happy to have some security about their relationship (Christy has a thing about needing to have a boyfriend...I don't see anything wrong with that but I wouldn't make that my whole mission). Aside from that, Christy's best friend, Katie, is upset because she has never had much luck in the boyfriend department. During a house boat trip over Labor Day weekend, Christy (unsuccessfully) tries to set Katie up with their mutual friend, Doug. At the start of the school year, Katie falls for Michael, an exchange student from Ireland. Michael isn't a Christian, something that concerns Christy, but every time she brings this up to Katie, it seems to push them further apart.
Again, I'm not quite sure what the big deal is about wanting/needing a boyfriend. Again, I wish that wasn't a major element of these books, but at least Christy and Todd (finally) ended up together.
Again, I'm not quite sure what the big deal is about wanting/needing a boyfriend. Again, I wish that wasn't a major element of these books, but at least Christy and Todd (finally) ended up together.
May 9, 2022
This series has my literal heart. This is the first series that went on my bookshelf and will remain on my favorite shelf. I re-read it at least once a year and every time it's a page turner, hard to put down, type of book. It creates such mazing imagery that as I read I loose focus of words on a page, but the image in my mind. I LOVE this series and recommend this to teens, or even YA.
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February 3, 2025I love seeing the maturity of Christy in this. The way you can see how her mind has shifted in its reactions and thinking. The Christy the series starts with is still there but she is truly becoming a young woman now.
March 29, 2025
There are so many complexities when it comes to growing up and figuring out life. Christy is in the thick of it as she starts her senior year, and I can remember being in similar situations she had found herself in. As friendships ebb and flow, Christy clings close to God & it’s so sweet to see! ♥️
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July 2, 202520 years later and these books still stir up so many emotions.
It’s obvious how Robin Jones Gunn wants to gently lead young ladies into a strong relationship with the Lord and healthy relationships with those around them.
It’s obvious how Robin Jones Gunn wants to gently lead young ladies into a strong relationship with the Lord and healthy relationships with those around them.
July 5, 2019
Another warm, sweet and awww-worthy ending for Todd and Christy!
April 28, 2020
Okay I am finally seeing what Todd was playing at this whole time and I gotta hand it over to that boy.
June 19, 2020
It is an amazing book series a little old for a ten year old book but really good anyway .
August 28, 2020
Kinda cheesy now but I lived for this stuff in high school. Was totally holding out for Todd.
July 12, 2023
3.5 stars
August 7, 2023
"I laughed a lot while reading this book in the series." -Cadee, age 11
July 12, 2024
Love to see the developing relationship between Christy and Todd in this book!🥰
October 1, 2024
Christy annoyed me a little in this one. But her and Todd are finally together!
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May 14, 2025the normal preaching
Christy's aunt make a few comments about Todd not being normal because they have only kissed
Christy's aunt make a few comments about Todd not being normal because they have only kissed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
good to go back and revisit this series. Especially since thanks to my college library I can fill in the gaps
March 1, 2026
I need a Todd!!!!
Christy takes too much. Katie is acting like a real jerk later in the book, I wouldn't have been able to stand it
Christy takes too much. Katie is acting like a real jerk later in the book, I wouldn't have been able to stand it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews