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Christy and Todd: College Years #3
I Promise
Todd and Christy have different ideas about how soon they should marry and what direction their lives will take after their wedding day. As advice pours in from all direction, Christy wonders if their relationship will survive the strain of outside influences. Not only does she have a wedding to plan, but she's also striving to pass her final college exams in order to graduate. In the midst of it all, Christy discovers a startling truth about herself and her love that makes her wonder if she can promise Todd forever.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
54 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
198books2,494followersROBIN 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 87 reviews
April 29, 2015
Imagine watching two people plan their wedding. In excruciating detail. For months.
So boring. I was nodding off while reading this. Really, I could barely keep my eyes open.
So boring. I was nodding off while reading this. Really, I could barely keep my eyes open.
August 31, 2012
This book made me realize just how much I loved Christy and Todd. I almost cried like 5 times, I don't do that. It had all the drama Christy requires to make it through life and all the sweetness that Todd requires. The wedding was so beautiful. It left with you hope for their future, knowing that they would have problems, but they would love each other enough to make it through. I applaud Mrs. Gunn, she crafted a unique series.
Todd is the most original guy ever and I fall in love when she said he had a VW bus. And who doesn't love a surfer? But it's more than that; he wouldn't give her false hope, he wouldn't hold her back, he was into symbolism, he was a forever kind of dude, he wasn't all or nothing, he understood that life had gray areas, he loved God, he wanted serve Him, he had dreams, and he believed in love at first sight.
Christy really grew on me too; she was confused(aren't we all?), she grew so much, she was kind to everyone, she didn't give up, she was smart, and she was, in all certainty, perfect for Todd.
And, yes, I used past tense on purpose. I feel like they've died. That's how you know a book series really got inside of you. But as someone smart once said "A good book has no ending" they will forever live on in my mind.
This one needs a higher age recommendation though, due to their impending wedding they talk about certain parts of their future.
Todd is the most original guy ever and I fall in love when she said he had a VW bus. And who doesn't love a surfer? But it's more than that; he wouldn't give her false hope, he wouldn't hold her back, he was into symbolism, he was a forever kind of dude, he wasn't all or nothing, he understood that life had gray areas, he loved God, he wanted serve Him, he had dreams, and he believed in love at first sight.
Christy really grew on me too; she was confused(aren't we all?), she grew so much, she was kind to everyone, she didn't give up, she was smart, and she was, in all certainty, perfect for Todd.
And, yes, I used past tense on purpose. I feel like they've died. That's how you know a book series really got inside of you. But as someone smart once said "A good book has no ending" they will forever live on in my mind.
This one needs a higher age recommendation though, due to their impending wedding they talk about certain parts of their future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2012
When I think back to fifteen years ago, when I read the Christy Miller teen years series for the first time, I seem to recall identifying with Christy and enjoying the fact thoroughly. A month or two ago, as I began the college series, my overall expectation was that I would no longer identify with the characters as much, since I've ben through a lot more of life, and Christian fiction tends to flatten characters by making them act too "perfectly" when life hits them hard. So, all in all, I wasn't expecting much from these books, although I wasn't expecting to hate them. I simply wanted to finish the series to gain a sense of completeness, of a finished task.
So imagine my surprise when I found that God had some small lessons in mind for me as I read the books. Contrary to what I expected, instead of disliking the book because of Christy's close to "perfect" responses to life hazards, I began to see her more as, I suppose you could say, a role model. What made this really evident to me was the surprising renewed revelation that Christy's shortcomings are extremely similar to mine--but she handles them much, much better than I do. And for the first time I read these books in such a way that, instead of glorying in the fact that she has all the same problems I do, I was gently challenged to start to mature out of my shortcomings as Christy does. I was gently challenged to trust God more, worry less, and, above all, not wallow in my failures, but try to grow out of them. That last bit went especially deep.
I feel like I read these books at just the right time. More than just the fact that I am very close to Christy's age and stage in life in this series, I feel that this was the right time in my walk with God for me to read these books. I was completely not expecting it, but God used them to show me some quiet truths He's been conveying to me little by little.
As to the 4 stars, those are given from a more objective, literary stance, and that rating doesn't matter as much as how God used them in my life.
So imagine my surprise when I found that God had some small lessons in mind for me as I read the books. Contrary to what I expected, instead of disliking the book because of Christy's close to "perfect" responses to life hazards, I began to see her more as, I suppose you could say, a role model. What made this really evident to me was the surprising renewed revelation that Christy's shortcomings are extremely similar to mine--but she handles them much, much better than I do. And for the first time I read these books in such a way that, instead of glorying in the fact that she has all the same problems I do, I was gently challenged to start to mature out of my shortcomings as Christy does. I was gently challenged to trust God more, worry less, and, above all, not wallow in my failures, but try to grow out of them. That last bit went especially deep.
I feel like I read these books at just the right time. More than just the fact that I am very close to Christy's age and stage in life in this series, I feel that this was the right time in my walk with God for me to read these books. I was completely not expecting it, but God used them to show me some quiet truths He's been conveying to me little by little.
As to the 4 stars, those are given from a more objective, literary stance, and that rating doesn't matter as much as how God used them in my life.
March 6, 2013
*Has a spoiler*
This book was so cool for me. It's been around fifteen to eighteen books of Christy and Todd's story and I started reading the series when I was around ten. It was amazing to see them be engaged, plan their wedding, work out their differences, and finally get married. I liked that they planned their wedding how they wanted it to be, not bending to anyone else's pressure for a certain venue or theme. I really appreciated that the differences between them was addressed. They have completely different ways of going about things and that isn't bad, but could cause problems. I liked that Marti was finally considering God, even if she didn't become saved. I think that would have been too perfect of an ending, even though they have been working on her for awhile but oh well. I really liked that some of Todd's issues were addressed, as well as the issue of waiting and being ready for sex when they got married. This was a perfect ending. I loved the details of the wedding, especially her dress. And Katie's part of the story made me excited to read her series. A great way to end it.
This book was so cool for me. It's been around fifteen to eighteen books of Christy and Todd's story and I started reading the series when I was around ten. It was amazing to see them be engaged, plan their wedding, work out their differences, and finally get married. I liked that they planned their wedding how they wanted it to be, not bending to anyone else's pressure for a certain venue or theme. I really appreciated that the differences between them was addressed. They have completely different ways of going about things and that isn't bad, but could cause problems. I liked that Marti was finally considering God, even if she didn't become saved. I think that would have been too perfect of an ending, even though they have been working on her for awhile but oh well. I really liked that some of Todd's issues were addressed, as well as the issue of waiting and being ready for sex when they got married. This was a perfect ending. I loved the details of the wedding, especially her dress. And Katie's part of the story made me excited to read her series. A great way to end it.
January 31, 2013
This was the straw that broke the camels back.
When I reviewed the previous two books, I came away with a decidedly "meh" opinion of them. Although, if I'm honest, I was a little more "meh" about the second book than the first.
Because they were just "meh" and had no extremely detracting qualities, I decided that they would stay on my shelf, for now.
Then along came this book or should I say, "Here comes the bride."
There is absolutely no real plot to this book. If you want a work of fiction all about planning a wedding with a few cutesy stories thrown in, this is your cup of tea. Seriously. Wedding planning with the last few pages being the actual wedding. I think Hallmark wants their cheesy clichés back.
I knew yesterday that I wasn't keeping this book. However, once I start a book I usually finish it so I finished it.
This is not real life. Life is not all about going to college but spending your senior year wedding planning/working to save money for after the wedding/a little bit of studying thrown in on the side.
Whatever you do, don't read this book. Don't waste your time.
When I reviewed the previous two books, I came away with a decidedly "meh" opinion of them. Although, if I'm honest, I was a little more "meh" about the second book than the first.
Because they were just "meh" and had no extremely detracting qualities, I decided that they would stay on my shelf, for now.
Then along came this book or should I say, "Here comes the bride."
There is absolutely no real plot to this book. If you want a work of fiction all about planning a wedding with a few cutesy stories thrown in, this is your cup of tea. Seriously. Wedding planning with the last few pages being the actual wedding. I think Hallmark wants their cheesy clichés back.
I knew yesterday that I wasn't keeping this book. However, once I start a book I usually finish it so I finished it.
This is not real life. Life is not all about going to college but spending your senior year wedding planning/working to save money for after the wedding/a little bit of studying thrown in on the side.
Whatever you do, don't read this book. Don't waste your time.
August 26, 2011
I found this a complete disappointment, considering it was the Story everyone was waiting for -- that of Christy and Todd finally getting married. But where was the story? This was just a wedding plan in stages, with some arguments here and there that we never saw get settled, sprinkled with a glimpse of Katie & Rick's new relationship and finally larded with stereotypical romantic traditions of weddings and a woman's place in the world (read: only good if connected to a man).
I'm harsh, yes, but that's because I know RJG CAN give us a story. How much more fun and interesting if she'd shown us the marriage, not told us the wedding planning.
I'm harsh, yes, but that's because I know RJG CAN give us a story. How much more fun and interesting if she'd shown us the marriage, not told us the wedding planning.
January 7, 2010
It was nice to see a conclusion to the love story between Todd and Christy and while I found this book entertaining, sometimes I found certain parts to be drawn-out or kind of boring. I agree with the message though and think there is a definite gap these books fill with their stance on purity and real relationships. I'd recommend.
*Taken from my book reviews blog:
*Taken from my book reviews blog:
August 1, 2012
I loved this series!!! It was sooooo good! I can't even explain how much I enjoyed it! Every teen girl has to read all of the Christy Miller books! They are amazing!! Robin will have me reading these books forever!! :)
March 10, 2014
Such a wonderful series. I'm glad more of the wedding is in Katie's first book. I love it every time! I think I'll try to read this series once a year- it seems it will provide me with new insights during each season of life. I know it has so far. Well done, Mrs. Gunn!
August 26, 2016
It was everything I could have ever wanted for an ending. I'm crying right now because I keep looking back at 14 year old Christy and now she's 21 year old Christy. Or 20. Whatever. Thank you, Robin. And I can't wait for The Married Years.
February 21, 2008
This is the last book of the series. I very disliked how it ended but I loved it too. It could be a cliff hanger. The hard work and time you spend in a relationship will be worth it.
April 4, 2017
Wonderful books that I loved years ago and are just as great as a re-read! This one is a fantastic climax to the series. Excited to start "The Married Years!"
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September 25, 2021I’ve been meaning to finish the college years for far too long. I knew it would be a wonderful ride, and I wanted to wait until I was in the right mindset to finish this stage of the journey with these characters whom I adore! A wonderful friend of mine 😉 gave me the inspiration I needed to read this book. I read it. I finished it. I loved it. All the things, ya know? I feel as if I’ve grown up with Christy and Todd a little bit over the past few years, and I was overjoyed to see these fictional people finally get married.
September 8, 2021
10 stars! This was the most amazing, wonderful, incredible book ever. I loved this book so much! It made me so incredibly happy and left me with the most wonderful feeling ever! I also really enjoyed the Scriptural analogies in this book. I think these has been my favorite Scriptural analogies in this series so far.
December 15, 2020
This book was soo so beautiful. I can't even begin to explain how satisfying and wonderful this book was. TODD AND CHRISTY FOREVER!!
It was just.. amazing!! PLEASE READ THIS!! It makes me want to plan my wedding now even though I am only a teenager and not even dating, lol.
5 OUT OF 5!!!
It was just.. amazing!! PLEASE READ THIS!! It makes me want to plan my wedding now even though I am only a teenager and not even dating, lol.
5 OUT OF 5!!!
February 11, 2024
Sigh. There is all.the.reasons. why I keep rereading these 40 some books on repeat over the years. It's simply like spending time with the best of friends in all of their highs and lows. Each time, I connect to something different and it amazes me. Can't wait for our next book club discussion of I Promise (College Years #3). ♥️
February 7, 2025
FINALLY. Todd and Christy have always been end game. I love how Gunn handles an equal amount of advice and overall story arc to her readers. She reminds them of the importance of boundaries and communication when it comes to the one you love and the importance of it.
October 14, 2022
Ahhhh!!!! Christy and Todd got married! I have been waiting for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2010
In this third book in the Christy and Tood the College Years series we see Christy and Todd preparing for their wedding only a few days after Christy's graduation from college and only a few months after Todd's graduation. Their friends Doug and Tracy who were married in the Sierra Jensen series are expecting their first child. You see Christy's preparations and her plans to abstain from sexual activity until her and Todd are married which is becoming a struggle for them. Both her and Todd attend a small Christian college where marrying young is the norm and is expected. This is an expected ending to the series where Christy meets Todd and fantazies about him ever since she was fourteen years old. In this series you do not see those who marry later on in life or those who are disappointed that they are not married by the time that they are 25 years old. In her following serieses the Katie Weldon, the Glenbrooke and the Sisterchick serieses you do see women who do not marry right out of college to a man that they meet while in high school.
May 6, 2014
It made sense to hold off on my review until the final book in the trilogy. I've read the other Christy books but none of the Sierra or Katie series.
Even taking into account Christy's youth, I found her to be an annoying character. There. I've said it. I much prefer Katie as a character. Christy's level of self-doubt seems off the scale to me - and that's coming from someone who was no stranger to it in her younger years. I find her coping skills lacking, her faith in God notwithstanding.
From a writing point of view, there were several places where I wonder if the editor was asleep - the phrase "...always would" made several appearances and I wanted to change it to "would always". There's no excuse for that kind of awkward verbage.
If you're into Christian YA, there's not a great deal available, so by all means give it a try by starting with the earlier books.
Even taking into account Christy's youth, I found her to be an annoying character. There. I've said it. I much prefer Katie as a character. Christy's level of self-doubt seems off the scale to me - and that's coming from someone who was no stranger to it in her younger years. I find her coping skills lacking, her faith in God notwithstanding.
From a writing point of view, there were several places where I wonder if the editor was asleep - the phrase "...always would" made several appearances and I wanted to change it to "would always". There's no excuse for that kind of awkward verbage.
If you're into Christian YA, there's not a great deal available, so by all means give it a try by starting with the earlier books.
July 31, 2016
This is the third and final book in the series Christy and Todd's College Years. Although I do wish there was more of a story (as one reviewer mentioned) I can't say anything bad about these books because they have really been a center piece in my life. I wish I had taken more seriously the topics that are brought up in these books: spiritual matters, careers, relationships, physical affection boundaries, and friendship. The conversations in the books are so spiritual and things you wish you could say and talk about. I love these books and really hope I can teach my daughters to keep themselves virgins for their future husbands.
November 4, 2022
July 2022 reread.
The Christy Miller series have been some of my favorites for over 20 years, and I’ve read and listened to them countless times. It surprises me that I don’t enjoy this follow up trilogy more. This book is all the minute details of planning and executing a wedding and reading some of it just stresses me out. Not my favorite RJG series, hence the 12 years since I last reread it.
The Christy Miller series have been some of my favorites for over 20 years, and I’ve read and listened to them countless times. It surprises me that I don’t enjoy this follow up trilogy more. This book is all the minute details of planning and executing a wedding and reading some of it just stresses me out. Not my favorite RJG series, hence the 12 years since I last reread it.
June 15, 2009
Best christain books I have ever read. A cute christian love story. Clean, fun, and captivating. I read some of these books in a single day. All of my friends have loved the Christy Miller series and I STRONGLY recomend this book to any teenage girl.
August 17, 2014
I loved this book it was an Awesome ending to the series as Doug would say haha. The last chapter brought tears to my eyes. It was amazing I loved it. A wonderful ending to Todd and Christy story I will never forget these books.�:)�
March 23, 2016
Woo! They finally got married! Such a sweet book. I can't somehow find the words to explain what it was that made it so great but it was. I'm sad that Todd and Christy's story is over. And wish I could have a small peak into their married life. :(
August 6, 2008
I really enjoyed the College ones of the Christy Miller books. I'm really glad my friend told me about the WHOLE series! I'm hoping who every reads these book will enjoy them as much as I have...
October 7, 2008
I really am running out of things to write�
February 22, 2009
awesome ending to the best christian series of romance that i´ve ever read!!!
July 22, 2009
Best of the three. I couldn't put it down! Love. Absolutely.
March 28, 2010
Perfect and beautiful ending to a series that defined a good deal of my early teen years. For those who love the Christy Miller series, this book will get you teary-eyed.
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