Katie Weldon thought that when she and long-time love interest Rick Doyle became “official,” their relationship would finally start to move forward. However, in ON A WHIM, the second book in Robin Jones Gunn’s Katie Weldon series, Katie is more than frustrated that the long-running relationship is continuing to move at a glacial pace. With only one semester of college left, and several of her best friends now married, she can’t help but wonder what her own future has in store.
Katie’s frustrations are made even greater by Rick’s constant business trips and his elusive roommate, Eli, who always makes her uneasy. Rick encourages Katie to really get to know Eli, so when Eli invites her to drive out to the desert one night to view a meteor shower, Katie accepts. Looking at the glorious stars in the wide-open sky, she realizes that there is much more to Eli than she originally thought. However, when Rick finds out about the late-night adventure, he is furious and reprimands Katie for her impulsive behavior. When a mysterious bouquet of flowers arrives, she can’t help but wonder if perhaps Eli really did get the wrong impression.
Katie continues to struggle with Rick’s inability to make any further commitment to her. Then one night, at just the right moment, Rick finally makes a big move, and she realizes for the first time that she is completely in love with him and can finally see her future more clearly.
After getting to know Eli and Joseph, his friend from Africa, better, Katie begins to acknowledge just how lucky she is and how much other people are in need. As she balances her growing relationship with Rick, her stressful position as an RA and a big fundraising effort for Africa, she is busier than ever. Will Katie have time to carefully make some big decisions that may end up defining her life?
Those who enjoyed the Christy Miller books will be thrilled to have this continuation of the story. However, with ON A WHIM, and its predecessor, PECULIAR TREASURES, the author creates a series strong in its own right. Like its characters, the Katie Weldon series is more mature and developed, and we get to see a much deeper side of the fun-loving Katie, who was always just a sidekick. This novel will appeal both to Christy Miller fans (who undoubtedly will love seeing what all of the familiar characters are up to) and newcomers, who will find the story both enjoyable and heartfelt. Robin Jones Gunn manages to create something very fresh out of an old favorite, which is a rare treat.
--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby
