Some dreams take a while before they come true. Best friends Hope and Laurie never made it to Hawaii during their college years. But when they're about to turn forty, the islands still beckon, and off they go - with an unexpected stowaway on board (Hope happens to be seven months pregnant). A little pineapple, a little sunshine, and a surprising little surfing lesson give these two sisterchicks all their crazy hearts could hope for - and more - as they enter the next season of their lives with a splash and with a beautiful vision of what God has dreamed up for them.
Wherever there’s chocolate, there’s sure to be a sisterchick celebrating, and this trip to Hawaii is no exception. Best friends Hope and Laurie are on an audacious mission to commemorate their fortieth birthdays in style. Surfing and sailing, sushi and snorkeling—these two macadamia nuts from the mainland sample it all, unhindered by a surprise little stowaway.
Luaus are only the beginning. The island experience binds Hope and Laurie’s souls together, gently restoring their unfinished dreams. Garlanded with leis or swimming with sea turtles, they join the dance of delight in their Maker, entering the next season of their lives filled with the unforced rhythm of grace.
Story Behind the Book
We lived in Hawai’i when our son was in elementary school and have returned many times for visits. I have a deep and abiding love for all that is Hawaiian so of course the islands were my location of choice for this second Sisterchick novel. The art of hula is an intricate form of storytelling has gone through many changes over the years. Every woman’s life has a story. Every woman goes through many changes over the years. But not every woman has yet learned to "hula". This book will encourage her to "hula" through life as she learns to live out her story with the unforced rhythm of grace.
ROBIN 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.
Absolutely DELIGHTFUL fun story of 2 friends who celebrate their 40th birthdays together in Hawaii! Exactly what I needed at the time!
Favorite quotes:
"To friendship that spans the decades . . . . " ". . . to friendship that spans further than our current hip measurements." . . . . "You are the bright, sheltering umbrella in the fruity slush of my life." (pp. 102-103 LP version)
". . . . the first twenty years are all about charm. From twenty to forty, it's about beauty. Forty to sixty is the contentment season, and then sixty to eighty are the dignity years." (p. 106 LP version)
Just re-read this with my little book group here -- and yes, I still like it! Definitely a religious bent to the book, so if that bothers you, don't read it. Personally, I like reading about people who still believe in God and live a good Christian life. I like not having to worry about running into inappropriate language or situations. If you are in the mood for a light, fun summer read, this is a great option!
I have never read a book of this genre before, so I decided to branch out a bit. I think the author was so intent on creating an uplifting, clean book that she also wound up writing a bland, bland book. I'm not saying I need murder, wall to wall curses and nonstop sex in my books, but I would like a little more conflict in my books than a character getting orange skin from a self tanner. This book read more like a vacation itinerary than an actual novel with a plot, conflict and resolution. I don't care what fruity drink they had every day and what they ate. It might have been a fun vacation for them, but it made some pretty lame reading for us.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. I found some of the dialogue a bit unrealistic (especially in a conversation with the main character and her sons), but it was moving and inspirational at the same time. It made me feel inspired to find my own contentment with the Lord. I really like the subtlety used in introducing the Lord to the reader through Hope's realizations of how God delights in His creations. As well as how it continued on in a soft, sweet pace that made my heart light and wondrous at the magnificence of our Maker.
Who here does not like Hawaii? Nobody? I KNEW IT!! I'm not the only one that just CRAVES for Hawaii. My brother got a chance to go to Hawaii for his high school graduation present, I couldn't. Money issues. (You know, the whole economy sucking, and me working for minimum wage) Anyways, this sisterchicks book is really starting to get to me. I'm really liking it. Kind of makes you think of your friendships and are they really sisterchicks (for they guys, brother-? Bros? The Guys? (Man you guys are dull.)) I do have a lot of friendships, but there is one friend that I consider my sisterchick. Okay, I do have one older sister, but I never really saw her, we never grew up in the same house, just share the same mother. That's all. So, this close friend is like my sisterchick. I do however feel uncomfortable calling her my girlfriend. I know she is a girl, and she is my friend and many woman call their best friends that are girls, um, girlfriends, but....this is like the 21st century. When I hear "Oh I'm going to hang out with my girlfriend" I think is she gay? But then I see that she is talking to her "HUSBAND" and she is just saying that about one of her long time friend that just happens to be a girl. And whenever I say that, I feel uncomfortable because I don't want people to think that I am gay, because I'm not. I'm interested in men, it's just that I am not married or dating a guy right now, and saying I'm going to hang with my girlfriend.........you understand. Right?! Yea, you understand. (Then could you explain what I just said to me?) Just kidding!
I enjoyed reading this book for the second time, and (as often happens), enjoyed it for different reasons.
The recurring theme of the book was "learn the unforced rhythms of grace" (Matthew 11:29).
One friend had a passion but was afraid and unclear what to do with that hobby/passion. I enjoyed watching her learn to embrace the gift that God had given her and choose to use it. (One conversation they had was: "you realize, don't you, that what you have here is not a hobby. This is a gift. A calling." to which she responded: "As long as I keep them tucked away like my own little treasure, then no one can reject them or criticize them." The friend replied, "The point is, you know in your gut that you have to do soemthing with this gift. Otherwise, it wouldn't be burning a hole in you....You've been entrusted with this gift. You must be a good steward and do something with it." p. 79-81)
The book also gave an example of choosing to let go and worship...to focus on our audience of One... and to enjoy God's creation WITH Him.
They talked about the meanings of Aloha and the hula and how that applies to our lives.
One of the women is having a late-in-life baby which made me wonder if that part of the story would be distracting to me but it wasn't.
One woman loves old movies and I counted 10 movies that she referred to....makes me curious to want to watch some of them.
I thought this book was cute. There was no romance, no mystery, just girlfriends having a fun vacation but it was entertaining. I did not want to put it down because I was curious to see what happened next. I have not read any of the other Sisterchick books but I will have to find them now!
I really enjoyed reading all of the fun facts about Hawaii! That is a state that is FAR away from where I live (Florida) and I will most likely never get there but who doesn't want to go and have that experience? LOL. In this book there were historical facts as well as fun facts. The Hawaiian language was an added bonus as well. I feel like I learned a little something while reading but it was not forced learning if that makes any sense.
The last few pages of this book have pictures and little tidbits about Robin Gunn's real life friends in Hawaii. That was a super cute personal touch that I DID enjoy a lot.
The cover is cute and a little catchy. The colors are eye catching. This book is written well and is an easy read. The back cover is colorful and eye catching as well. I thought there were a good number of pages, not too many and not too few. All in all, it was a good book!
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
I have absolutely fallen in love with the Sisterchicks. This was the second book in the series so I did not even get to read the first one in the series so I ordered it online immediately; I want to read every single one of the books in this series.
Hope and Laurie had such an awesome time in Waikiki celebrating their 40th birthdays together only in style, they did everything they could possibly do, they went on all the tours they could go on, they went snorkeling, surfing, sailing, to the luaus, and swimming with sea turtles.
This trip brings Hope and Laurie’s friendship to a completely new beginning filled with the unforced rhythm of grace. I recommend this book to all Robin Jones Gunn’s fans.
I received a free copy of this book for review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, for my honest unbiased opinion.
As a woman on the cusp of 40 herself, I was clearly part of the intended audience of the book. This refreshing tale of best friends reminded me of a more grown-up version of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Although it was a bit too perfect at times, there was an undeniable joy that ran through the story and made me wish for such a perfect vacation like the one the buddies enjoy. The gems of hawaiian culture and language interwoven with rich Christian symbolism earned what would have been a mediocre read another star. If you decide to read this book, be prepared to have a strong desire to book a flight, wear a garland of hosannas, feel the unforced rythmns of grace, and of course, do the hula!
Normally I don't read Christian chick lit, because I find all the blatent references to religion a little unreal (Are there really people who walk around talking about God like that?) BUT...this was still an entertaining read and I could really relate to the joy of nature and creation.... in this story, two women go to Hawaii to celebrate their fortieth birthdays nad come to terms with this new period in their lives. A celebration of friendship and how a true friend can make such a difference in your life.
A light and easy read. Nice story about the women reviving their friendship and going to Hawaii together. I did think it odd that the author spelled it Hawai'i - the two times I have been there I have never seen it with an apostrophe. The character of Hope was a little naive I thought (she had never heard of mahi mahi, a common fish served at restaurants in the US). The writing was rather simplistic and unsophisticated but it was just the thing I needed after a stressful week at work - fast, lightweight, undemanding and comforting.
Another 5!! Robin, why do you insist on blessing us with such awesome books?😭 This one is so so sooooo good!! You are too good to us! Sisterchicks do the hula, is about two Besties who go to Honolulu on vacation and learn the power of hula and God's aloha!! This story is packed with life changing messages, mini umbrellas, and enough pure Hawaiian charm to last, at least another twenty years. Not to mention chocolate!😁
This was such a fun, light hearted read. I recently went to Hawaii so I loved the setting of the book and the inclusion of Hawaiian culture. It felt good to read such a light hearted easy read. 💛💛💛
This was a very nice book! As always, Robin Jones Gunn has terrific characterization and I always seem to love the way she portrays her characters' thoughts and actions. Being a huge fan of the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and Katie Weldon series', I decided to begin this book as my first experiment into the Sisterchicks series. I'm in my mid-twenties now and really hoped I'd be able to relate to these characters in a similar way as the teen and college-aged characters I'd grown up with in the other books (it seemed like it'd be hard to compete, based on how much I adored those characters and because they were always around my age group). I need not have worried at all. These characters were amazing, very likable, and completely identifiable! I was hooked within a few pages and I very much look forward to reading another book from the series soon!
Much like in the Christy Miller series book, 'Island Dreamer' (one of my very favorites!), it's lovely to see Hawaii through Robin's vivid descriptions. This book goes further into depth and around the island more, but was perhaps a bit too preachy for me at times regarding 'authentic versus commercial' Hawaii. It just seemed that the topic was reviewed a few too many times or maybe too obviously.
Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of long lost, college friends Hope and Laurie going on a trip to Hawaii for their 40th birthdays (Hope bringing an extra surprise along with her). I liked the storyline of Laurie discovering her own identity and talent in the photography world. I was also touched by and identified with Hope's amazement and joy of the things and people around her. There were some great 'food for thought' items regarding faith and appreciation and tons of 'fun in the sun', 'gal pal' vacation moments. What a blast to read!
I'm not the only one that just CRAVES for Hawaii. My brother got a chance to go to Hawaii for his high school graduation present, I couldn't. Money issues. (You know, the whole economy sucking, and me working for minimum wage) Anyways, this sisterchicks book is really starting to get to me. I'm really liking it. Kind of makes you think of your friendships and are they really sisterchicks (for they guys, brother-? Bros? The Guys? (Man you guys are dull.)) I do have a lot of friendships, but there is one friend that I consider my sisterchick. Okay, I do have one older sister, but I never really saw her, we never grew up in the same house, just share the same mother. That's all. So, this close friend is like my sisterchick. I do however feel uncomfortable calling her my girlfriend. I know she is a girl, and she is my friend and many woman call their best friends that are girls, um, girlfriends, but....this is like the 21st century. When I hear "Oh I'm going to hang out with my girlfriend" I think is she gay? But then I see that she is talking to her "HUSBAND" and she is just saying that about one of her long time friend that just happens to be a girl. And whenever I say that, I feel uncomfortable because I don't want people to think that I am gay, because I'm not. I'm interested in men, it's just that I am not married or dating a guy right now, and saying I'm going to hang with my girlfriend.........you understand. Right?! Yea, you understand.
Some dreams take a while before they come true. Best friends Hope and Laurie never made it to Hawaii during their college years. But when they're about to turn forty, the islands still beckon, and off they go - with an unexpected stowaway on board (Hope happens to be seven months pregnant). A little pineapple, a little sunshine, and a surprising little surfing lesson give these two sisterchicks all their crazy hearts could hope for - and more - as they enter the next season of their lives with a splash and with a beautiful vision of what God has dreamed up for them.
Wherever there’s chocolate, there’s sure to be a sisterchick celebrating, and this trip to Hawaii is no exception. Best friends Hope and Laurie are on an audacious mission to commemorate their fortieth birthdays in style. Surfing and sailing, sushi and snorkeling—these two macadamia nuts from the mainland sample it all, unhindered by a surprise little stowaway.
Luaus are only the beginning. The island experience binds Hope and Laurie’s souls together, gently restoring their unfinished dreams. Garlanded with leis or swimming with sea turtles, they join the dance of delight in their Maker, entering the next season of their lives filled with the unforced rhythm of grace.
My Thoughts On The Book: This book could have been about me and my best friend. I found it to be an easy read that was just a simple feel good story. I enjoyed their trip to Hawaii and felt as if the perfectness of their trip mimiced my own when I took my best friend/sisterchicks for her fiftieth birthday As an amatuer photographer I was envisioning all the pictures they made and went to find my own album so I could see how I saw the island. I really enjoyed the interesting historical tidbits the The author added . It made me want to visit Hawaii again. This is an easy read that allows the reader just enjoy reading a book for the sake of reading. If you have ever been a part of a sisterchick group, then you will understand what this book is all about.
Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books review program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book.
Sisterchicks Do the Hula by Robin Jones Gunn Two grown women reconnect many years after being college roommates. Agreeing to take the vacation they never got to go on...Hawaii. These best friends learn what good can come from restoring an old friendship. I did enjoy this story but it wasn't what I expected. This is one of those books you keep in your car for when you are stuck waiting at the DMV or doctors office. Even one to read on a beach or vacation where there are lots of people around. Or better yet...if you are planning a trip to Hawaii! This is literally a tour guide in the form of a story. Yes, it is fun and creative, I was not bored or waiting for it to end. Just very tourist style and no real point to the book. I recommend this to anyone who has interest in vacation places or planning to drop in on the homeland of the hula! This book was provided to me free of charge by Blogging for Books, in exchange for my honest opinion and review of the book. Everything above is my own words and honest opinion.
This book was an AWESOME READ !! I just loved this book and could not put it down, I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Hope and Laurie were best friends in collage but after school life happened and they lost contact with each other. After reuniting Laurie and Hope decided to go on a "Getaway", just like they had planned to do during collage. They decided to go to Hawaii to celebrate their fortieth birthdays. But on Thanksgiving Day, Hope finds out that on this trip they will have a little addition to their guest list. Going to Hawaii is just what these two friends needed, it brings their friendship closer than they can imagine and restores their unfinished dreams. Along the way they learn about Hawaii, its wonderful history, more about themselves,each other, and how God brings forth events in our lives to reveal things about himself.
I would definitely recommend this book to read or even give it as a gift to your best Sisterchick.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for my review and opinions.
Divine guidance led me to this book. I was at the library without my reading glasses so I went to the large print section and I liked the title of this book. I had a few minutes so I sat down and started reading. I was hooked. As long as Robin Jones Gunn will write I will read. Her writing style is as easy to read as it is to have a conversation with a friend. You get to know her characters and consider them friends. And when she takes her characters traveling you get to go along as well. She describes things so well that you feel as if you are there too. Read all the Sisterchicks series. They don't have to be read in order. Then read the Glenbrooke Series. They do have an order to follow. And for young girls, even though I liked them too, is the Christy Miller Series. Read them in order and you get to meet Christy's other friends Katie and Sierra. They have series of their own (read in order)
I do my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.
Dear Robin Jones Gunn,
I actually wrote this review a long time ago, but I accidentally erased this book off my bookshelves, and I lost it. Anyways, I enjoyed this book. It wasn't meant for my age group. But I read it and liked it. I felt especially touched by the whole meaning behind the word "Aloha". The main character was likeable, but since she was so much older than me I can't relate to her. I'm so much more used to reading Christy Miller and such from you, so it was a change. But a fun one. If I was older, I would have loved this book, no doubt. But thank you for writing it!
I'm sure most of us have had a good friend go on a wonderful vacation and want to share all the details of it with us. We are excited to hear all about our friend's adventures because we love her and want to know those things that make her smile and the things that moved her spirit.
Well, this story is kind of like that, but these people are not your close friends. They are strangers. And who really cares what some stranger did on vacation?
I noticed the author was trying to send some good messages, but they really weren't anything that hit home for me.
I didn't hate the book, but it really didn't do much for me.
I really liked this entry in the series. The MC's are turning 40, and decide to do it with a long-awaited trip to Hawaii. These books are fun, straightforward stories of women and friendship. The theme of this one seems to be all about learning "the unforced rhythms of grace". And appreciating where you are but not being afraid to try new directions, too. An added bonus is that I really felt like I was in Hawaii. (I've been there but only for a few hours on a layover, so I can only say it felt real to me.)
When you get tired of reading about "young chicks" and want a clean, appealing story about grown up women in an interesting setting, try "sisterchicks".
The section I loved most in this book is when a Hawaiian woman explains that children are sometimes called "pua," the Hawaiian word for flower. Children are "fragile and sweet and small. They stay with us for such a short time. Think of this the next time a child links her arms around your neck and you wear her embrace like a lei."
Light, fun, inspirational, easy read. Join two friends as they had to Hawaii for the trip they always meant to take. Along they way they learn more about themselves and each other.