The Gift of an Elephant: A story about Life, Love and Africa

by Jacquie Gauthier, Sarah Currie (Illustrator), Tracey Hawthorne (Editor)

When Canadian Jacquie Gauthier was a young girl, she received a souvenir of Africa - a tiny ebony carving of an elephant. She couldn't have guessed that such a seemingly small gift would ultimately lead her to Africa and the love of her life."The Gift of an Elephant" is a story about faith, change, struggle and, ultimately, love. It's about adaptation, self-exploration and being open to receiving all of life's blessings, even when they come in apparently unwanted ways. And it's about trusting your instincts and your heart.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2015

About the author

In her native Canada, Jacquie Gauthier was a local radio and
television personality, a playwright and producer, and for a short
time, a national politician. Her play Jazzabel, along with Portraits, the
festival of one-woman shows she co-produced, was featured in
Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine.
Since moving to South Africa in 2010 she continues to
create her happily-ever-after with her beloved husband Johann.
She’s a writer, a certified nature guide, a teacher of English and
adult literacy, an amateur photographer and an artistic
entrepreneur. She’s also the co-founder of
Two Girls and an Elephant, a company combining photography,
art and elephant conservation.
www.twogirlsandanelephant.com

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enthralling story! Reading it, I felt I was sharing in the joys and sorrows that come with change, travel, and love. I delighted in Jacquie's descriptions of the colourful people and places she has encountered. How I long to return to South Africa myself someday and share it with the one I love.

[Elizabeth Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Canada to Sudan and finally South Africa The Gift of an Elephant is a simple yet heart-warming story of courage and faith amidst change, uncertainty and challenge. With amusing and insightful descriptions of life in South Africa, particularly "the African bush", it kept me page-turning until the end.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of life and love. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. Jacquie overcame life's obstacles where many of us would have given up. She took a chance on love and won! Inspiring! The book truly touched my heart. A must read!!!

[Wyecroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific book and an inspiration. Jacquie went for her dream and achieved more than that. An easy read, and hard to put down. Well done!

[Patricia Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

We never know what life has in store for us or how we will manage the surprises and challenges that come our way. Jacquie Gauthier has written an inspiring memoir taking us on her transition from popular radio morning-show host in London, Ontario to writer/photographer/artist/wildlife conservationist in South Africa. Seriously. However, as on any voyage, the reader also experiences a few side trips with unanticipated consequences. Along the way Gauthier shares her fears, hopes, highs and lows, and a romantic love story. This is an unfolding journey that will touch your heart and have you cheering for a happy ending. The good news is that there is more to come in this true tale of second chances. I can't wait! Be sure to visit twogirlsandanelephant.com.

[Christine Newland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacquie Gauthier's book "Gift of an Elephant" is one of those books you do not want to put down. Beautifully written and easy to read, it is the story of her amazing journey into a wild and wonderful new world, so completely different to the one she once knew. We feel the range of emotions she experienced, while embracing her new life in Africa.
Jacquie writes about love and life, challenge and adaptability. Her inspiring and uplifting story, demonstrates the importance of having faith in oneself, being open to all life has to offer and to fearlessly accept change in pursuit of one's dream. "The Gift of an Elephant" is a gift of love and hope and faith.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating story. Gauthier deserves a great deal of credit for taking the risks she did for a second chance at love. She appears to be an intelligent, optimistic, genuinely caring person who loves to learn and be challenged. All traits that served her well while she tried to adapt, often on her own, to a significantly different culture and country. Talk about stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The writing style is very engaging. I hope Gauthier is planning to write another book about her life in Africa. I would definitely read it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that touches many elements. Fear, determination, strength ,adventure, uncertainty,faith and the greatest of these...Love! It teaches us that in life we do not meet people by accident . They are part of our journey. This book is a delight to read as Jacquie uses her words like an artists paint brush to paint a vivid picture of Africa for her readers leaving us wanting more! Bravo ! Sharon R. Crowley

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of ADVENTURE, LOVE and the beauty of AFRICA!
Truly inspired by Jacquie’s adventure to leave an old life behind, embrace a new county and culture, motivated by love and new beginnings. I so look forward to further adventures in Africa by this author.

[Germaine Vallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read a signed copy of Jacquie's book. It is an excellent read. I had a difficult time putting it down! How interesting reading about Jacquie's home and life in South Africa. Very proud of her accomplishments. I envy her. Makes me want to visit one day.

[Marita Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story of life, faith, adventure and love. So many of us are afraid to do what Jacquie did!!! I admire her faith and belief that in the end....all will work out and be amazing. Once started, I couldn't put it down.....can't wait for the next book.

[Lyn Froggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of courage and finding love. I started reading this book and could not put it down. Jacquie is a talented writer and inspiring storyteller. Best Christmas gift ever.

[Marj Dubeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having gone to school all our lives together, and buying this book from Jacquie while meeting with her and a few other former classmates at her mother's home..it was one of those books that I always planned on reading, but just never got around to it. .. Now that I did, I found this book a wonderful read. I liked that it was easy to read, a lot of white space on the pages... and a nice easy font to read, when you are in your 50s! Thanks Jacquie!

The book would leave me thinking ... Could I do that? How could she do that? What a life! What an adventure!

I am not an avid reader, but this book only took me a few evenings to read once I got started... and since I got the BOGO 1/2price... I have the second book ready to come on the boat with me tonight. I also believe that things happen for a reason - and the fact that Jacquie posted pictures of her 10 yr anniversary today, when I finished up her book... a coincidence?!!

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us Jacquie!

[Angela Abdallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! I'm a firm believer that life unfolds as it should, even if scares the crap out of us along the way. Jacquie's story is a beautifully written tale about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding love and a wonderful new life as a result. Looking forward to "Twenty-eight Elephants" to see how the story continues. Highly recommend this book!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this quickly...it kind of jumps around a lot, and stops abruptly. It's the story of a Canadian woman who gives up her life here and moves to Africa. She marries a man that she meets there, then they spend a great deal of time in a long distance relationship hopping back and forth between Canada and Africa trying to find jobs. It's a bit of an odd story, but inspiring in the sense that she gives up a secure comfortable life to marry for love, then doesn't get to spend much time with him, and instead has a life which has nothing but uncertainty. She doesn't mind that, but I couldn't do it. There's a fair bit of information about adjusting to life in South Africa, but not so much as you feel immersed in the experience. This book might be of interest to anyone who is from South Africa, has travelled there, or hopes to travel there.

[Marilyn Lazenby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is full of surprises and Jacquie's story "The Gift of an Elephant" proves that if you pay attention your dreams can come true. This heart-warming story was a joy to read and gave me insight into her life and Africa. Well done!

[Cynthia Sillitoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read.

[Ingrid Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacquie lives in my home town of Hoedspruit. It was fun to read about my town and country from the viewpoint of a Canadian
Her love story is brave
Her honesty is brave

[Judith Shone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading, not really exciting. But interesting about a Canadian, which got my attention initially.