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Suitcase Sisters #1
Tea with Elephants
Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden 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, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.
Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.
Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.
Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2024
214 people are currently reading
7184 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
163 books2,648 followersROBIN 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 - 29 of 374 reviews
October 17, 2024
All. The. Stars. Absolutely adore this book about best friends on safari in Kenya. More of the Suitcase Sisters. ASAP!🐘
Here are some things I loved about this amazing read:
🐘Each chapter begins with an African proverb like this one: "May the African sun always shine through your eyes and the sound of its drums always beat in your heart."
🐘Lily and Fern have been BFFs for twenty years since they met on a mission trip in Costa Rica. They have supported and encouraged each other for decades and continue to do so in helpful and heartwarming ways throughout the story.
🐘Africa is a character with support from the gorgeous scenery and awe-inspiring glimpses of wildlife. Loved visiting Kenya in this book.
🐘There are recipes included for a special banana bread and masala chai tea. My mouth is watering! Am definitely going to try both of them.
🐘It looks like Robin Jones Gunn is planning a Suitcase Sisters series. Looking forward to more world travels with Lily and Fern.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ~ James 4:8a
Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Here are some things I loved about this amazing read:
🐘Each chapter begins with an African proverb like this one: "May the African sun always shine through your eyes and the sound of its drums always beat in your heart."
🐘Lily and Fern have been BFFs for twenty years since they met on a mission trip in Costa Rica. They have supported and encouraged each other for decades and continue to do so in helpful and heartwarming ways throughout the story.
🐘Africa is a character with support from the gorgeous scenery and awe-inspiring glimpses of wildlife. Loved visiting Kenya in this book.
🐘There are recipes included for a special banana bread and masala chai tea. My mouth is watering! Am definitely going to try both of them.
🐘It looks like Robin Jones Gunn is planning a Suitcase Sisters series. Looking forward to more world travels with Lily and Fern.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ~ James 4:8a
Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2024
Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn - 4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This story is a heartfelt journey of friendship, faith, and self-discovery that takes readers on an emotional safari through the stunning landscapes of Africa. Centered on the friendship sister bond between Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden, the book truly captures the essence of a long-term friendship that has weathered the trials of time and distance.
This is a Christian contemporary women's fiction story that I truly felt connected to. I loved the writing style, faith content, travel elements and the characters. This book opens up to the teenage years of Fern and Lily, who first connected while volunteering in Costa Rica. 20 years later, here they are, embarking on a long-awaiting trip to Africa - a dream trip that they talked about many years ago. This trip soon becomes one of emotional growth as each woman carriers their own struggles. The author intertwines their personal stories well with the beautiful backdrop of Africa.
We see Fern dealing with struggles as she lost her job at a Christian publishing company and is unsure of what her next steps in life are, just as Lily is worried about the hardships within her marriage. Both ladies experience personal growth and lessons that challenge their perspectives and encourage them to surrender to the Lord's plan in their lives.
Overall, this is more than just a safari story among friends - this is a story filled with lighthearted moments and deeper reflections between two friends who are more sisters than friends. I loved the side characters they met along the way that encouraged them in their faith and challenges. Anyone who loves good faith filled, travel, contemporary adventure stories will like this!
Highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher for providing an early copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This story is a heartfelt journey of friendship, faith, and self-discovery that takes readers on an emotional safari through the stunning landscapes of Africa. Centered on the friendship sister bond between Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden, the book truly captures the essence of a long-term friendship that has weathered the trials of time and distance.
This is a Christian contemporary women's fiction story that I truly felt connected to. I loved the writing style, faith content, travel elements and the characters. This book opens up to the teenage years of Fern and Lily, who first connected while volunteering in Costa Rica. 20 years later, here they are, embarking on a long-awaiting trip to Africa - a dream trip that they talked about many years ago. This trip soon becomes one of emotional growth as each woman carriers their own struggles. The author intertwines their personal stories well with the beautiful backdrop of Africa.
We see Fern dealing with struggles as she lost her job at a Christian publishing company and is unsure of what her next steps in life are, just as Lily is worried about the hardships within her marriage. Both ladies experience personal growth and lessons that challenge their perspectives and encourage them to surrender to the Lord's plan in their lives.
Overall, this is more than just a safari story among friends - this is a story filled with lighthearted moments and deeper reflections between two friends who are more sisters than friends. I loved the side characters they met along the way that encouraged them in their faith and challenges. Anyone who loves good faith filled, travel, contemporary adventure stories will like this!
Highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher for providing an early copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
“Once you’ve had a taste of faraway places, you long for more. I think the longing diminishes your fondness for everything you left behind.”
Although Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden met as teenagers at camp in Costa Rica and stayed in touch, they failed to carry through with their dream of travelling as Suitcase Sisters. Twenty years later, when these two best friends are gifted a safari travel package and leave, with short notice, on an African adventure, neither of them fully realize until they arrive that they “had brought with [them] great lumps of hurt in [their] punched and kneaded souls.” Despite arriving with heavy hearts, they allow Africa to give them a place to rise and prove like sourdough bread, learn to share honestly with each other again, and leave ready to step back into life.
I connected with the vulnerability the friends exhibited and loved seeing how they invited God into the process of bearing the burdens. I appreciated the reminders each gave the other about times God had provided for them in the past and how his promise to guide them on the journey was still available in the present and future.
Highlighting the importance of female friendships, and focussing on loss, marriage and faith, this novel is a wonderful start to a contemporary women’s fiction series of three books
Three things I’ll remember: Surrender the struggle, enjoy the unravelling and step into your purpose.
I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Although Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden met as teenagers at camp in Costa Rica and stayed in touch, they failed to carry through with their dream of travelling as Suitcase Sisters. Twenty years later, when these two best friends are gifted a safari travel package and leave, with short notice, on an African adventure, neither of them fully realize until they arrive that they “had brought with [them] great lumps of hurt in [their] punched and kneaded souls.” Despite arriving with heavy hearts, they allow Africa to give them a place to rise and prove like sourdough bread, learn to share honestly with each other again, and leave ready to step back into life.
I connected with the vulnerability the friends exhibited and loved seeing how they invited God into the process of bearing the burdens. I appreciated the reminders each gave the other about times God had provided for them in the past and how his promise to guide them on the journey was still available in the present and future.
Highlighting the importance of female friendships, and focussing on loss, marriage and faith, this novel is a wonderful start to a contemporary women’s fiction series of three books
Three things I’ll remember: Surrender the struggle, enjoy the unravelling and step into your purpose.
I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 3, 2025
4 stars
Tea with Elephants was a heartwarming story about two best friends who take the trip of a lifetime to Africa. It was a sweet journey of friendship, faith, and rediscovering life. Fern and Lily were women in their late thirties who had been best friends for so long, and I love that they got to take this trip they had always wanted to take together. Both were going through something in their lives and were able to work through it while on their trip. This was my first book by Robin Jones Gunn, and I look forward to reading more.
Tea with Elephants was a heartwarming story about two best friends who take the trip of a lifetime to Africa. It was a sweet journey of friendship, faith, and rediscovering life. Fern and Lily were women in their late thirties who had been best friends for so long, and I love that they got to take this trip they had always wanted to take together. Both were going through something in their lives and were able to work through it while on their trip. This was my first book by Robin Jones Gunn, and I look forward to reading more.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Frankie Corzo
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 8h 14m
March 4, 2025
Omgoshhhh this was so good!! The ending was amazing and made me cry 🥺
Rtc
Rtc
October 26, 2024
I feel I’ve totally went on an African safari! Like Fern, my dream sighting would be a baby elephant. 🐘 I thought the characters were relatable and I liked their friendship. I see so much of myself in Fern. The walk through the tea leaves would’ve been beautiful. 🫖 There was so much in this story- emotionally and spiritually. I’m so happy with the ending and how both women had a divine resolution to their “crossroads”. I need that moment of kissing the rains in Africa. 🎶🇰🇪 Aslan is on the move! 🦁
November 25, 2024
A majestic meandering novel filled with deep themes of friendship and faith, set in the beautiful landscape of Africa.
This was SO good. I was a little hesitant going into this book but I thought I'd give it a try and BOY am I glad I did.
This sucked me in from the first chapter and it was a glorious ride. I've never been to Africa before but the was the author paints such VIVID imagery of the scenery took my breath away. The descriptions were stunning and just... magical.
The main characters, Fern and Lily, were so delightful! I loved being in Fern's head and all of the talk of authors, editors, and publishing houses was quite fun to read about. 🤭 I thought each of their struggles were relatable, realistic, and not over the top. And their friendship!! 🥹 It made me so grateful for the Lily and Fern's in my life and made me want to draw nearer and deepen my relationship with them. So inspiring. ❤️
And the faith content. 😭 Beautiful. It touched me, brought me to tears, and taught me gorgeous things about the steadfast provision and kindness of our Father God. ❤️
I already want to read it again. 🥹 Well done, Ms. Gunn. 🫶🏻
Content: Lily's struggle is that she feels she is drifting away from her husband and is trying to save her marriage. Done really well, and never dove too deep, though I did skim over parts when they were talking about it since it wasn't relatable/applicable to me. 😅 Mentions of some flirty boys in skimpy swim suits. Mentions of trying to get pregnant. Mentions of falling in love and the accompanying feelings but in retrospect. Mentions/story of divorced parents.
✨ 5 Stars ✨
Note: Thank you to Revell for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
This was SO good. I was a little hesitant going into this book but I thought I'd give it a try and BOY am I glad I did.
This sucked me in from the first chapter and it was a glorious ride. I've never been to Africa before but the was the author paints such VIVID imagery of the scenery took my breath away. The descriptions were stunning and just... magical.
The main characters, Fern and Lily, were so delightful! I loved being in Fern's head and all of the talk of authors, editors, and publishing houses was quite fun to read about. 🤭 I thought each of their struggles were relatable, realistic, and not over the top. And their friendship!! 🥹 It made me so grateful for the Lily and Fern's in my life and made me want to draw nearer and deepen my relationship with them. So inspiring. ❤️
And the faith content. 😭 Beautiful. It touched me, brought me to tears, and taught me gorgeous things about the steadfast provision and kindness of our Father God. ❤️
I already want to read it again. 🥹 Well done, Ms. Gunn. 🫶🏻
Content: Lily's struggle is that she feels she is drifting away from her husband and is trying to save her marriage. Done really well, and never dove too deep, though I did skim over parts when they were talking about it since it wasn't relatable/applicable to me. 😅 Mentions of some flirty boys in skimpy swim suits. Mentions of trying to get pregnant. Mentions of falling in love and the accompanying feelings but in retrospect. Mentions/story of divorced parents.
✨ 5 Stars ✨
Note: Thank you to Revell for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
December 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this story of friendship, faith and new beginnings.
Fern and Lily have decided to revisit their dream of traveling the World together, starting with Africa. These ladies pretty much lived out my fantasy on the big continent. Everything they did has been on my bucket list. I truly loved their friendship and the adventures they had along the way. I loved the way they handled changes in their itinerary and the friendships they made. I can't wait for the next journey with these two sisters.
From the characters, the setting and the animals was such a fun adventure. I especially loved the "chicken" part, you'll have to read it for yourself to find out.
*thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy of this book to read. All thoughts are my own.
Fern and Lily have decided to revisit their dream of traveling the World together, starting with Africa. These ladies pretty much lived out my fantasy on the big continent. Everything they did has been on my bucket list. I truly loved their friendship and the adventures they had along the way. I loved the way they handled changes in their itinerary and the friendships they made. I can't wait for the next journey with these two sisters.
From the characters, the setting and the animals was such a fun adventure. I especially loved the "chicken" part, you'll have to read it for yourself to find out.
*thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy of this book to read. All thoughts are my own.
April 5, 2025
“There is no gift like a friend who knows you by heart.” 🥹💕 A beautiful story of friendship, travel, faith, and self discovery that I will not soon forget.
August 20, 2024
I have been looking forward to Robin Jones Gunn new book, Tea with Elephants so I was excited to have an early copy to review. I got it in the mail and started reading right away! I read and treasured every bit of this book.
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 as 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 was quite rich with details.
I also enjoyed how the friends worked to process the struggles in their life--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 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 release.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
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 as 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 was quite rich with details.
I also enjoyed how the friends worked to process the struggles in their life--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 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 release.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
July 1, 2025
This was my first time reading a book by Robin Jones Gunn, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Fern and Lilly—AKA the “suitcase sisters”—met as teens on a missions trip and continued their long distance friendship into adulthood. Years later, they are FINALLY getting to fulfill one of their childhood bestie dreams of traveling together. During their adventures, they both realize they have brought some emotional and spiritual baggage they need to work through.
Though technically this story takes place in the fall, because it’s a traveling/adventure story in Africa, it FELT like a summer book! It was really fun to visit various locations in Kenya with Fern and Lilly. I also appreciated that the characters were older 30s/ mature adults and that they acted their age 😊 The way they encouraged eachother in the Lord as they worked through their problems was also uplifting.
There were definitely lots of spiritual content. Fern journals prayers and quotes scripture a time or two. Another woman speaks scripture over Fern. However, I did not agree that God speaks to us through things like “list making”. Can we work through our thoughts that way? Absolutely. But GOD actually speaks through His Word. He shows himself in creation, too, but His Word is truth (John 17:17). That was just one instance, but I think that’s important to note. This story still has lots of depth to it, and I appreciated the themes of trusting God, the goodness of God, being content, and the value of good friendships.
Tea with Elephants is definitely one I would recommend. I’m looking forward to the next “suitcase sister” adventure ❤️
Content:convos about getting pregnant or trying for kids (not descriptive), mentions of parental abandonment
Though technically this story takes place in the fall, because it’s a traveling/adventure story in Africa, it FELT like a summer book! It was really fun to visit various locations in Kenya with Fern and Lilly. I also appreciated that the characters were older 30s/ mature adults and that they acted their age 😊 The way they encouraged eachother in the Lord as they worked through their problems was also uplifting.
There were definitely lots of spiritual content. Fern journals prayers and quotes scripture a time or two. Another woman speaks scripture over Fern. However, I did not agree that God speaks to us through things like “list making”. Can we work through our thoughts that way? Absolutely. But GOD actually speaks through His Word. He shows himself in creation, too, but His Word is truth (John 17:17). That was just one instance, but I think that’s important to note. This story still has lots of depth to it, and I appreciated the themes of trusting God, the goodness of God, being content, and the value of good friendships.
Tea with Elephants is definitely one I would recommend. I’m looking forward to the next “suitcase sister” adventure ❤️
Content:convos about getting pregnant or trying for kids (not descriptive), mentions of parental abandonment
November 13, 2024
What a beautiful, sweet, breathtaking, and soul food type of story! This is the perfect buddy read (or sister read) as I read it as Fern and Lily perfectly filled each other out and lifted each other up in the Lord as great friends do. There were also a lot of great Scripture moments and moments where the ladies had to make important life decisions as they were transformed by the beautiful creation in Africa. As someone who works at a zoo and is a die hard giraffe lover, I was audibly squealing at the numerous animal interactions. Overall, this was a very atmospheric and complete immersion into the unique culture of Africa. I can't wait for the Suitcase Sisters' next adventure!! Take me to Italy!!
October 20, 2024
Tea with Elephants is the first in a new series by Robin Jones Gunn called the Suitcase Sisters. Two friends, Fern and Lily, are reconnecting after meeting 20 years ago at a camp in Costa Rica. One is given a safari trip to Kenya, and the two friends set off on their adventure. Along they way, they discover the natural beauty of Kenya, the wildlife, and make close connections with people they encounter.
This was a very quick read, which I liked. Some of the writing felt awkwardly phrased or cringey (commenting on everyone’s skin color, ethnicity, etc). There wasn’t much plot here except the enjoyment of the safari and the reset the two women had on the trip. They return home ready to tackle their everyday problems and they draw closer to God on the vacation. If anyone is interested in travel novels, this would be a good one to try out.
This was a very quick read, which I liked. Some of the writing felt awkwardly phrased or cringey (commenting on everyone’s skin color, ethnicity, etc). There wasn’t much plot here except the enjoyment of the safari and the reset the two women had on the trip. They return home ready to tackle their everyday problems and they draw closer to God on the vacation. If anyone is interested in travel novels, this would be a good one to try out.
October 30, 2024
3.5-4 stars
October 19, 2024
•𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠•
This book spoke volumes to my soul; it was exactly what I needed for this period of my life. My eyes overflowed continually throughout this beautiful journey of a friendship which had spanned decades. This book filled me with such peace and my heart felt completely calm and at rest. I was in awe of the glorious word picture Robin Jones Gunn painted when describing Africa and its many wonders. I felt as though I could vividly see it in my mind’s eye.
𝙾 𝙰𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊!
𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝,
𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏
𝚂𝚘𝚏𝚝 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚑.
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜
𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚠
𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎.
𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚌𝚑𝚘
𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎
𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕.
I loved that this was also a spiritual journey for these long-time friends; it was a time of reevaluation and healing. The scriptures shared within the pages of this book were meant for me in my walk of life as well. I loved to see the goodness of God at play in these women’s lives!
"𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝙶𝚘𝚍, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚐𝚘. 𝚆𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍. 𝙱𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍.”
𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙷𝚒𝚖, 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎, 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛.
I am so happy to have been able to experience this peace filled tale, but I am also sad to be finished with this beautiful journey. I am anxiously awaiting book two coming out in 2025!
On another note, I gasped every time a connection was made in this book with previous Robin Jones Gunn books! It made me so extremely happy to see all the tie-ins!
This book spoke volumes to my soul; it was exactly what I needed for this period of my life. My eyes overflowed continually throughout this beautiful journey of a friendship which had spanned decades. This book filled me with such peace and my heart felt completely calm and at rest. I was in awe of the glorious word picture Robin Jones Gunn painted when describing Africa and its many wonders. I felt as though I could vividly see it in my mind’s eye.
𝙾 𝙰𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊!
𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝,
𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏
𝚂𝚘𝚏𝚝 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚑.
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜
𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚠
𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎.
𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚌𝚑𝚘
𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎
𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕.
I loved that this was also a spiritual journey for these long-time friends; it was a time of reevaluation and healing. The scriptures shared within the pages of this book were meant for me in my walk of life as well. I loved to see the goodness of God at play in these women’s lives!
"𝙸 𝚊𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝙶𝚘𝚍, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚐𝚘. 𝚆𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍. 𝙱𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚍.”
𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙷𝚒𝚖, 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎, 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛.
I am so happy to have been able to experience this peace filled tale, but I am also sad to be finished with this beautiful journey. I am anxiously awaiting book two coming out in 2025!
On another note, I gasped every time a connection was made in this book with previous Robin Jones Gunn books! It made me so extremely happy to see all the tie-ins!
March 23, 2025
Wow! What a fantastic book! I have always wanted to visit Africa, and I felt like I did by reading this book! The imagery is amazing! I could smell the coffee and banana bread. I could see the animals of the safari.
The characters are written brilliantly! I absolutely adored all of them. Wanja is my favorite! She's got the best personality! She's full of life and sunshine! I liked Fern and Lily's friendship. They are honest with each other, they support each other, and they pray for each other.
The characters are written brilliantly! I absolutely adored all of them. Wanja is my favorite! She's got the best personality! She's full of life and sunshine! I liked Fern and Lily's friendship. They are honest with each other, they support each other, and they pray for each other.
September 30, 2024
This book is so delightful on so many levels. I’m so glad I started it right before getting on a plane - so I had uninterrupted time to keep reading, and finish, it!
My teenage, Christy Miller-loving self so enjoyed the subtle nods to that series (and even a Glenbrooke reference!). I’m sure there were many other references that went over my head, but I sure enjoyed the ones I picked up on!
Longtime readers of Gunn’s books (especially the Sisterchicks series) will settle right back in here; it’s totes a comfort read that feels like sitting down with an old friend or putting on a comfy sweater as we enter the fall season. New readers will also enjoy it, and Easter eggs aside, it’s a great start to Gunn’s body of fiction. It also makes me want to travel to Kenya (with the first-class plane tickets and upscale hotels/moments…it’s true, I’ll admit it). I have expensive taste.
I really enjoyed watching the two MCs reconnect in person after some time/life has passed and under trying circumstances. They both experience growth, change, challenges, and epiphanies on the trip - as any good trip has! - and learn about themselves and God in new ways. I’m excited to see how future books in the series unfold!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
My teenage, Christy Miller-loving self so enjoyed the subtle nods to that series (and even a Glenbrooke reference!). I’m sure there were many other references that went over my head, but I sure enjoyed the ones I picked up on!
Longtime readers of Gunn’s books (especially the Sisterchicks series) will settle right back in here; it’s totes a comfort read that feels like sitting down with an old friend or putting on a comfy sweater as we enter the fall season. New readers will also enjoy it, and Easter eggs aside, it’s a great start to Gunn’s body of fiction. It also makes me want to travel to Kenya (with the first-class plane tickets and upscale hotels/moments…it’s true, I’ll admit it). I have expensive taste.
I really enjoyed watching the two MCs reconnect in person after some time/life has passed and under trying circumstances. They both experience growth, change, challenges, and epiphanies on the trip - as any good trip has! - and learn about themselves and God in new ways. I’m excited to see how future books in the series unfold!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2024
Fern and Lily have been long-distance best friends since spending a summer together volunteering in Costa Rica as teenagers. Twenty years later, they’re far removed from the starry-eyed teens that had plans to travel the world together.
When Lily is gifted a trip of a lifetime to Africa, she invites her bestie along for the journey. And these two may have only brought one carry-on suitcase with them on the trip, they’re both carrying a lot more baggage internally that they need to wrestle through.
This is a lovely story filled with friendship, faith, and adventure. I felt like I was transported to Kenya along with Fern and Lily and experienced a sense of awe and wonder right along with them. Most of the side characters were endearing as well.
This is my first Robin Jones Gunn book (I’m imagine tons of gasps being released right now) and I’m looking forward to the next Suitcase Sisters story. Robin did an incredible job seamlessly weaving faith throughout the story. 4.5 ⭐️’s from me!
Thanks so much to @revellfiction for providing me with free copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
When Lily is gifted a trip of a lifetime to Africa, she invites her bestie along for the journey. And these two may have only brought one carry-on suitcase with them on the trip, they’re both carrying a lot more baggage internally that they need to wrestle through.
This is a lovely story filled with friendship, faith, and adventure. I felt like I was transported to Kenya along with Fern and Lily and experienced a sense of awe and wonder right along with them. Most of the side characters were endearing as well.
This is my first Robin Jones Gunn book (I’m imagine tons of gasps being released right now) and I’m looking forward to the next Suitcase Sisters story. Robin did an incredible job seamlessly weaving faith throughout the story. 4.5 ⭐️’s from me!
Thanks so much to @revellfiction for providing me with free copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
I know. I know. Robin could wrote a grocery list and I’d read it. But this was sincerely so lovely. I’m just basking in the glow of God’s attention on each of us. And if you haven’t felt that in a while, this book will lead you there.
July 25, 2025
I just finished Tea with Elephants and what a delightful book. We follow Fern and Lily on their adventure to Africa. Both Christian and as teenagers they wanted to travel the world but family and jobs got in their way. Lily got an all paid trip to Africa and so the ladies went. Fern just lost her beloved job and Lily is having trouble in her marriage, but together on this trip they discover their close friendship and a reconnection to God and His plan for them for the future. A beautiful story of love and friendship and Gods love all mixed in together. I fell in love with Africa and the beauty of it as well as God redemption power that he had on each of the women. I have never read Robin Jones Gunn before and just got the ARC for book 2 so I definitely will be reading the book very soon!! 5 stars and definitely will be reading more from this fabulous author!!!
January 3, 2025
Friendship. Fern and Lily, who met as teenagers 20 years ago, embark on an adventure to Africa that tests and strengthens their bond. Watching their friendship provide unwavering support through family and career challenges was heartwarming and inspiring. The safari in Kenya added a vivid, escapist element that transported me right alongside them. A great read about enduring friendships and new adventures.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Frankie Corzo
Length: 8h 14m
February 28, 2025
This was a sweet book about two close friends who take a trip to Africa. The descriptions of the places and the animals were beautiful. It has Christian undertones in the story. I enjoyed the friendship and travel themes.
January 2, 2025
Loved the concept of this book of two old friends traveling to Kenya, so grabbed it to take on our trip to Uganda and…had a lot of feelings
This books reads like the other took her own extremely extravagant vacation to Kenya, wrote down every single detail ad then tried to insert a very slight plot line in. There was a lot of privilege, a lot of cringey references to feeling British and posh. Though the effects of colonialism was mentioned a couple times, the main characters were very out of touch-staying at the bougiest resorts available. After a week in Kenya the narrative said, “we were becoming familiar with the rhythm of Africa, and with her various moods” (🤮) when in fact the characters the characters never even interacted with a local person who wasn’t working for them until 3/4 of the way through and even then it was deemed too dangerous a situation for them.
I want to like Christian fiction, but the dialogue is just always too saccharine for me.
I do love that this is going to be a sister series, but not sure yet if I’ll read on yet…
This books reads like the other took her own extremely extravagant vacation to Kenya, wrote down every single detail ad then tried to insert a very slight plot line in. There was a lot of privilege, a lot of cringey references to feeling British and posh. Though the effects of colonialism was mentioned a couple times, the main characters were very out of touch-staying at the bougiest resorts available. After a week in Kenya the narrative said, “we were becoming familiar with the rhythm of Africa, and with her various moods” (🤮) when in fact the characters the characters never even interacted with a local person who wasn’t working for them until 3/4 of the way through and even then it was deemed too dangerous a situation for them.
I want to like Christian fiction, but the dialogue is just always too saccharine for me.
I do love that this is going to be a sister series, but not sure yet if I’ll read on yet…
October 16, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. I hate to say it, but I found it super boring. I just really didn't care about the characters. I kept waiting for the story to grab me. It never did. It was like reading those Christmas letters you get telling you all kinds of information that you probably don't want to know about people you never see. The characters seemed like first world problem tourists, which is basically what they were. It feels harsh to say it but it's true. Thanks to Netgalley and Revell for providing a free e-arc in return for my honest review.
August 4, 2025
Robin Jones Gunn is known for her immersive books about travel and female friendships, and Tea With Elephants doesn’t disappoint! She showcases a glamorous side to Africa in this novel, much different from Katie’s trip in Finally and Forever. I loved every moment, from first-class flying to marveling at animals to chaos at a market.
The characters truly made this book. Fern is grappling with significant changes to her life that have completely shifted where her life is headed, and Lily is her sweet friend who feels her marriage is on the track to fall apart. Both women learn so much from Africa and from each other—this is exactly what a Christian friendship should look like! Iron sharpens iron. They push it off for a while, wanting to stay in their little bubbles, but ultimately, they come home from Africa with a new outlook on life.
Wanja was amazing, as was her grandma. I loved the various tour guides and the random people the girls met. Also, there were some fun Easter eggs for those who have read Gunn’s other works!
Gunn always writes such beautiful faith content. I loved that Fern was already a solid Christian, and we got to experience God with her in the wonder of Africa. The faith messages were so natural and ingrained in the plot, and it reminded me why I like this author so much. I might be due for some rereads!
All around, I highly recommend: it’s got travel, friendship, animals, faith messages, and so much fun. You can’t go wrong!
I read this book of my own free will, courtesy of my local library, and all the above thoughts are entirely my own. 😊
The characters truly made this book. Fern is grappling with significant changes to her life that have completely shifted where her life is headed, and Lily is her sweet friend who feels her marriage is on the track to fall apart. Both women learn so much from Africa and from each other—this is exactly what a Christian friendship should look like! Iron sharpens iron. They push it off for a while, wanting to stay in their little bubbles, but ultimately, they come home from Africa with a new outlook on life.
Wanja was amazing, as was her grandma. I loved the various tour guides and the random people the girls met. Also, there were some fun Easter eggs for those who have read Gunn’s other works!
Gunn always writes such beautiful faith content. I loved that Fern was already a solid Christian, and we got to experience God with her in the wonder of Africa. The faith messages were so natural and ingrained in the plot, and it reminded me why I like this author so much. I might be due for some rereads!
All around, I highly recommend: it’s got travel, friendship, animals, faith messages, and so much fun. You can’t go wrong!
I read this book of my own free will, courtesy of my local library, and all the above thoughts are entirely my own. 😊
November 26, 2024
I really liked this book! The African references were such a joy, especially since I’ve been to Kenya before—it felt like reliving my experiences there. It’s rare to find a book centered around two best friends, and I loved that this story focused on two women in their 30s, navigating real-life issues. It was refreshing to see their friendship pick up where it left off, offering a deep and relatable perspective on life and relationships. I really enjoyed the setting for this book, they were on a Safari vacation, and I think they just did such a great job with the setting!!
Some of the characters were absolutely amazing and so lovable—I wish they had appeared more throughout the book! On the other hand, a few characters felt random and didn’t seem to add much to the story.
As a Christian-published book, it beautifully incorporated faith, from journaling and quiet time to scripture and conversations about Jesus. It can be hard to find books like this, that aren’t cheesy, so I felt like this book really was a perfect balance of it all.
This book really did have everything—heart, faith, and an authentic portrayal of friendship. Highly recommend!
Some of the characters were absolutely amazing and so lovable—I wish they had appeared more throughout the book! On the other hand, a few characters felt random and didn’t seem to add much to the story.
As a Christian-published book, it beautifully incorporated faith, from journaling and quiet time to scripture and conversations about Jesus. It can be hard to find books like this, that aren’t cheesy, so I felt like this book really was a perfect balance of it all.
This book really did have everything—heart, faith, and an authentic portrayal of friendship. Highly recommend!
April 22, 2025
I have not enjoyed a fiction book this much in a long time!
🌍A good portion of why I enjoyed it so much was because the book is set in Kenya and there are so many similarities to Uganda that it was easy to see it all in my mind's eye.
🌍She also writes in such a way that it feels like she's telling her own story of going to Africa.
🌍It made me long even more to get back to Uganda!
🐘 "The drivers around us seemed to follow a different set of traffic rules than any I'd ever seen before. The lines on the asphalt seemed to be merely suggestions for traffic lanes. And why use your turn signal when you can simply honk to announce that you're making some sort of unknown turn?"
🐘 "Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates?"
🐘 "The wonder of it all caught on my throat, along with a swirl of dust and probably a bug or two."
🐘 "All I wanted to do was get back to Africa."
🐘 "May the African sun always shine through your eyes and the sound of its drums always beat in your heart."
🌍A good portion of why I enjoyed it so much was because the book is set in Kenya and there are so many similarities to Uganda that it was easy to see it all in my mind's eye.
🌍She also writes in such a way that it feels like she's telling her own story of going to Africa.
🌍It made me long even more to get back to Uganda!
🐘 "The drivers around us seemed to follow a different set of traffic rules than any I'd ever seen before. The lines on the asphalt seemed to be merely suggestions for traffic lanes. And why use your turn signal when you can simply honk to announce that you're making some sort of unknown turn?"
🐘 "Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates?"
🐘 "The wonder of it all caught on my throat, along with a swirl of dust and probably a bug or two."
🐘 "All I wanted to do was get back to Africa."
🐘 "May the African sun always shine through your eyes and the sound of its drums always beat in your heart."
November 5, 2024
4.5⭐️ LOVED. THIS. BOOK!!!🥹🤍
June 12, 2025
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this one! This book is very character driven and is certainly not action-packed, yet it was the style of story that I needed. After reading some of it, I started listening to the audiobook while putting together a puzzle, and it was the perfect story for that.
I really enjoyed this one! This book is very character driven and is certainly not action-packed, yet it was the style of story that I needed. After reading some of it, I started listening to the audiobook while putting together a puzzle, and it was the perfect story for that.
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