Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen cross paths on their way to summer vacations that reveal what a gift it is to have a true Forever Friend.

Now Boarding at Gate 10
After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd’s departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, an old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.

In the Event of a Water Landing
Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can’t wait to spend her summer vacation with her friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana’s only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it’s possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences.



The Review:
My Ranking: 10 out of 10
Ages: 13 & up

This short book took me about two hours to read, and it was two hours of happiness! ;) I am a fan of Christy Millers, so I knew I'd like this book which had a Christy Miller story along with a Sierra Jensen story. Both were cute and fun to read.

Out of the two, I think I liked Christy's story more. It might have been that I already know Christy pretty well from reading the first three books in the Christy Miller series, while Sierra was new to me. But still, I enjoyed both of their stories. In Christy's, I really liked Matthew and the lessons Christy learned while she explored her relationship with him. Since I fell completely for Todd, I didn't like how she had a bit of a crush on Matt, but he still was a really sweet character and I would have liked to know him in real life.

In Sierra's, I really liked Gregg and was a bit surprised Sierra didn't. Well, not that she didn't, but for the reasons she didn't. Gregg was really protective -- a trait I really like -- so I was kinda annoyed by her about that, but I really liked what she learned through the book. I won't tell you what -- you'll have to find out yourself by reading it! ;)

Sensuality:

There was little to tell about this book -- Christy contemplates kissing a guy a bit but never does. Sierra is pushed into a lake while she has a skirt on and her skirt falls off. The mother tells the two boys present to turn around while she got her skirt.
There is a bit of crush talk -- "that guys cute" or "I have to go talk to him!", blah blah blah -- but that's all. Not even a kiss was present.
This was all around a cute book that I really liked! I recommend it to teenagers who enjoyed the Christy Miller or Sierra Jensen series, or for any girl who wants to read two short stories with comical events and life long lessons.

I received this free book in return for an honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.