 Author: Robin Jones Gunn Genre: Contemporary Fiction Series: Suitcaste Sisters #1 Pages: 304 Release Date: October 15, 2024 Publisher: Revell "If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together." African proverb Ever since Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica twenty years ago, they have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young. Along with their suitcases, both women bring emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. The two best friends slowly open up to each other about the challenges waiting for them back home. Soon they discover that the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they listen to the gentle lessons God is teaching them in this land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.
 Reviewer: Laura J. Davis I have never been to Africa but after reading Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn, I feel as if I've been immersed in all the sights and sounds right along with her characters. Tea with Elephants is beautifully written and so descriptive that you will hear the elephants, you will feel the tickle of the giraffe's tongue on the palm of your hand as you feed it, and you will gasp with awe at the beauty of the land. Jones Gunn has done a remarkable job of bringing Africa to me and I'm forever grateful to have taken the journey with her characters. When Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden are given the gift of a lifetime to travel to Africa neither one realizes how life-changing it would be. Even the reader will find this book life-changing! From peering into Fern's journal and her wonderful way of talking to God, to Lily's friendly and patient way with strangers, you are sure to be touched in some way by this novel. Both women find themselves on a journey not just of miles, but of introspection as each faces a crossroads in their lives. Their faith in the Lord is strong and I love how Fern allows Him to work in her life. If you want to go on vacation to Africa, but can't afford it, I highly recommend you get a copy of this book and a nice place to read it. You won't be disappointed! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer I love, love, love this story! I have never read anything from this author and I am amazed at how well written this story is. Lily and Fern have been friends since high school. They met in Costa Rica on a mission trip. They have been long-distance best friends for more than twenty years, always being there for each other as needed. Lily’s father-in-law gave her tickets to go to Africa, and after her husband declined, she invited Fern to go with her. Years ago, Lily and Fern had made plans to become “the suitcase sisters,” but life brought different plans. They are so excited to get this time together to make up for what was lost. This story is about making up for lost time and figuring out where and who they are in the crest of crazy lives. A reminder every day is a new day to start again. This story is so beautifully written that I felt like I was on a vacation in Africa! The details are amazing and so are the characters. I laughed so hard and cried with “the suitcase sisters”. I felt like I was in the story, interacting with the different characters and enjoying the scenery. This is a must-read for sure! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Linda Klager What a delightful book! Two friends reunite to go on an all-expenses paid for trip to Africa. It is a trip of their lifetimes! The description of the land and how Fern and Lily responded to it was breathtaking! As I read about their adventure, I became excited about taking a trip there myself. Each woman had much to work out in their journeys and this trip helped them see how, with God’s help, they could do the impossible! The author has been to Africa, and she brought her knowledge of the language, people, and land to come alive! These women would never be the same after this wonderful trip! The book reminded me of Alexander McCall Smith’s books set in Africa. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Lori Parrish When I first looked at this book, I wasn’t sure that I wanted it. But now, I’m so glad that I chose it. Oh my! I so enjoyed this! I didn’t want this to end at all! The characters were delightful and fun to know. Especially Wanja and her mom. Fern and Lily are two lucky ladies to get to go on such an adventure. They’re also lucky to have such wonderful families too. Love is an amazing feeling. It also takes work to make things work, too. I was rooting for these ladies that they’d find their inner peace that they needed so much. The animals! I honestly felt like I was there in Africa. I really enjoyed and appreciated the safari a lot. I definitely didn’t want that to end. Now I want to go on one. Five stars from me for keeping me entertained with all the wonderful animals, especially the lions. They’re so beautiful and majestic. Nothing cuter than a lion cub. I will be re-reading this again and again because this is a wonderful adventure. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Monica Huyser
I have been looking forward to Robin Jones Gunn’s new book, Tea with Elephants, so I was excited to have an advanced copy. I read and treasured every bit of this book—starting as soon as I pulled it from the mailbox. Fern and Lily have been friends ever since they met in Costa Rica while doing volunteer work. Together, as young girls, they dreamed of traveling the world and the good that they could do. Then life happened. Lily got married young and had two children. Fern took an internship that led to a job in publishing and has been working ever since. Then, several years later, Fern’s father- and mother-in-law gave Fern and Lily tickets to Africa to go on safari. This is the story of their trip—as well as the challenges in their lives that they left behind. I read Tea with Elephants quickly, and I could not put it down. I enjoyed The Sister Chicks series. This series is along those lines as the start of the Suitcase Sisters novels begins. I enjoyed the camaraderie of Lily and Fern being long-time friends. I enjoyed seeing Africa through these two women’s eyes. The descriptions of the countryside, the people and the animals were quite rich with details. I also enjoyed how the friends worked to process the struggles in their lives—both as friends together and on their own, in their own ways. I tend to be more like Fern, as I like journaling to process my thoughts and I love a relaxing cup of tea. Lily was a bright spot too, and I could relate to her in other ways. As part of the story, there are elements of faith that are well-woven in. At the back of the book, there are even two recipes from their African travels that look like fun to try. This may be a good book club discussion book and the recipes could be made and served at a meeting for fun! I enjoyed this story from cover to cover. I already can’t wait for the next Suitcase Sisters novel to be released. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own. Leave a Reply. |
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