As Time Goes By (The Californians, 2)

Lori Wick
Harvest House (2007)
ISBN 0736902562
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (3/07)

This edition of “As Time Goes By,” by Lori Wick, is a re-release of the original novel from 1992, but it has been given a new and updated cover.  This is Book 2 of “The Californians” series.

It is 1871 in Santa Rosa, California, and Roberta “Bobbie” Bradford has been away from home living with her aunt and uncle, for five years.  The Taylor family runs a shipping office in Santa Rosa, and they are in need of an experienced shipping clerk since May Taylor, wife of Bill and mother of Jeff and Gilbert, will be taking some time off from her duties at the family run business.  While away, Bobbie has gained experience working as a shipping clerk, and since she is looking for temporary employment while in town, the match appears perfect for both Bobbie and the Taylors.  Bobbie is uncertain as to what she really wants to do in the long term, as Cleve Ramsey has asked for her hand in marriage.  Uncertain of her feelings, Bobbie has come home to be near her family while she makes her decision.

Jeff Taylor is restless about facing Bobbie again after her five years absence, for Jeff’s thoughtlessness led to Bobbie leaving town.  A social at church where the guys and girls were paired off led Jeff to getting the “short straw,” a date with Bobbie Bradford.  Both Jeff and Richard Black had wanted to accompany the attractive Sylvia Weber, which left no one wanting to ask the four-eyed Bobbie.  It seems the entire youth group was aware of the circumstances leading to Jeff escorting Bobbie to the social, except for Bobbie.  Needless to say, the young Bobbie is humiliated upon finding out at the social by other attendees, why Jeff had asked Bobbie to accompany him.

When Bobbie left town, she was a young girl, but now Bobbie has grown into an attractive young woman.  Bobbie has changed and so has Jeff, for he is now more mature and feels terrible for the way he treated Bobbie several years ago.  Sylvia Weber is his current girlfriend, but she is so spoiled and immature in many areas of her life.  Both Jeff and Bobbie feel confused about what they truly feel, if they are in love, and who they do love.  The two become good friends and confide their concerns to each other.  Then a tragedy occurs and both Bobbie and Jeff realize how important their friendship really is.  But is it anything more?

If you are a Lori Wick fan, my prediction is that you will enjoy “As Time Goes By.”  It is entertaining, wholesome and enjoyable, just what we have come to expect from this proven author.  The book is appropriate for all ages of readers who enjoy Christian romance, and I endorse it highly to all.

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