Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes

Sisterchicks #8

by Robin Jones Gunn

A multi-tasking mama, Summer Finley has found ways to handle whatever life throws at her with grace and a grin. Until now, that is. An “abnormal†medical test result sends Summer into an emotional tailspin and prompts her to fulfill a life-long dream of “meeting†her best friend and pen pal since fourth grade, Noelle Van Zandt, face-to-face.

Their blissful week together in the Netherlands finds Summer and Noelle floating down a canal in Amsterdam, visiting Corrie Ten Boom’s Hiding Place, sipping decadent Dutch cocoa in Delft, and bobbing merrily along through a sea of brilliant, spring-fresh tulips. Each day takes them further from midlife anxiety and closer to trusting God in deeper ways.

When Summer finally confides in Noelle about the abnormal test results, Summer’s honesty prompts Noelle to share a long-held heartache. The two friends find they both needed to be together more than either of them realized. Could it be this adventure was tucked away in God’s imagination long before Summer bought her ticket to fly to the land of merry tulips and kalomping wooden shoes?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Chick Lit, Christian, Travel, Contemporary, Religion

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2009

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read of Robin's and I was surprised that I liked it, I was expecting something corny with the title, "Sisterchicks", but I found the story of the two friends inspiring. OK, some of the story was corny but I loved it having lived in Amsterdam, I could imagine the bikes falling into the canal and wish I could have seen the wooden shoe boat! Robin has a good way of bringing Bible verses into the story --- I needed to be reminded to hold the words in my heart instead of just memorizing them.

[Nancy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an okay story. I liked the non-judgmental friendship between the women, and the fact that they accepted each other and each others' lives as they were. I don't know much about the Netherlands, so it was interesting to me to read about the places and things there.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I would really be into this book and read it for Book Club. But I did enjoy it. I actually hopped online to book a trip to see the Tulips and Ten Boom house.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all of the books in this series, so I knew what I was getting into with this book. But even with that knowledge I was not disappointed.

Gunn writes fiction with a base in Christianity, but the books never feel preachy. This book, like the other, follows the friendship and travels of two women. In this case it is Summer and Noelle, lifelong pen pals who have never met. Both middle-aged now, Summer, who lives in the midwest, gets news that her mammogram has come back with an abnormality and she needs further tests. This call sends her into quick action. She books a flight to meet her friend Noelle at her home in the Netherlands. The two women meet and travel through the area. Their friendship and faith grow as they enjoy their week together.

The book is fun, a bit light, but a wonderful read. I have always enjoyed Gunn's work and this book is no exception.

It should also be said that this book can completely be read as a stand alone. There's no need to have read the other books in the series.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book about trust in God and Friendships! I enjoyed this books and seeing how Summer is going to cope with the possibility of cancer by booking a trip to the Netherlands to visit her long time pen pal. I loved the descriptions of the Netherlands, the author does a wonderful job of describing every detail making it feel as though you are right there. I enjoyed learning about some of the customs and fun and better yet interesting places to visit in the Netherlands. This was a quick easy read but very touching on so many levels it is difficult to cover them all. The long distance friendship and just how these women interact with each other and the world around them touches me.

[Charity Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that these are books that make me think deeper. Maybe just one little thought, but still deeper than most fiction books. I love how Robin's books always make me think about God in a deeper way and that she takes the ordinary of life and makes it interesting. I read some of thisbseries while in my 20's and liked them, but I connect more now that I'm closer to 40. I love that she has books for whatever age of life you are in.
This particular book I liked. Would I reread it? Probably not unless I had a mammogram scare or was going to Holland. But I did enjoy the book, learned some things, and would recommend it. I probably wouldn't own it? Hence the 4 stars. If you like Holland, the author, are over 40, if you have had breast cancer or a scare you would probably like this book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, when it first came out. And there was this one tiny part that stuck with me--the main character is visiting another country and staying with a friend. On the bedside table is a little devotional she picks up and God speaks to her through it.

I don't know why that detail has stuck with me, but it's a desire I've had--to be somewhere "random" and have God speak to me from something that is probably forgotten by someone else.

And I think sometimes books ARE like that. This book came out years ago, but here I am reading it again and loving and trusting Jesus more because of it.

This isn't my favorite of the series (3.5 stars) but a visit with my sisterchick, Robin Jones Gunn is always a treat and a retreat.

[Deb Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just loved reading through Robin Jones Gunn's Sisterchicks series. They're light, fun, casual romps, but it never fails that I come away inspired and learning something that strengthens my faith. It has been several (many?) years since I last read one of her books, and I think I may have even read Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes before, but the storyline is still joyful and fulfilling. The kind of book I just want to hug to my chest when I finish with it and savor the good time I had reading it.

[Kathy Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Jones Gunn, never fails to make me laugh until I cry . And cry until laugh. The many adventures of her Sisterchicks.. take me to place I've never been. I am able to visit and adventure my way around the world.
I will never think about the Netherlands with out invisioning the shoe boat.
I give this book 5 stars , because I just finished and could start back at the beginning and read it again !

[Karol L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed the land of tulips and friendships

Each Sisterchick book has been so unique, fun, moving, and inspirational And, each took you on an informative trip through a different country. What fun that has been. I loved the vivid description of each landmark. This book was no different. Tulips, windmills, food, and more enabled me to feel as I had visited. I hope Robin writes more Sisierchick books.

[Kathryn Rothermel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of good information about Holland. In fact, the book has made me want to go there. I especially want to see the flower fields and windmills. I found it a bit boring, however. The ending was nice with a good message.

[Penny Clawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunn has this wonderful ability to use words to spark an image, challenge a heart, and cause a laugh! And all within a story that transports the reader to a new place with senses stimulated. This book was no exception and provided that for me as the reader, and a sisterchick!

[Eryca Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. I loved the different stories of the area and the history. I truly loved the long friendship as well as some of the funny things that happened. Especially with the wooden shoe boat.

[Karla Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fun installment in the popular Sisterchicks series by Robin Jones Gunn. It was fun to learn about Holland, and "visit" some of the points of interest along with the characters in the book.

[Bethany Heid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me wanna visit The Netherlands more than I ever have before! My only complaint is the authors use of The Message translation of the Bible. It's such a cringy sounding translation and there are so many better ones that could be used. Oh well.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little forced in the beginning and fairly cliche but once I got further in it got much better. Fun, easy, entertaining read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the travel descriptions. It made me want to visit the Netherlands.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too cheesy.

[Ann Kiefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the descriptions of the Netherlands and the nuggets of truth that Summer discovers on her trip to visit her childhood pen pal.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last in the series, and I think it was my second favorite. A great story about faith in God and friendship.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful vicarious trip to a less-familiar country for me. Appreciated the theme of meeting fears head on and choosing trust and thankfulness instead of fear.

[Beth Branstetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book—it had so many thought provoking questions in it regarding the main character’s life. I’m a little sad that this series is now over, but I’m so glad I read them all.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was silly at times but I liked it anyway. I liked it because it explained things I never understood about my background such as; why I people watch, why I love pancakes, why I value constructive criticism and more. I may never travel to the Netherlands but reading about it was the next best thing.

[D.W. Earnhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to Holland this week...sort of. But I travelled to Holland without boarding the plane or touching a toe to foreign ground…all compliments of SISTERCHICKS in WOODEN SHOES by Robin Jones Gunn!

SisterChicks in Wooden Shoes is a book in the SisterChicks series. Not knowing anything about this author, the book or the series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And when I saw there was a prologue (I’m not a huge fan of prologues), I was leery. But she grabbed with the first line.

“We do what we have to do so we can do what we want to do.“

I was intrigued. I am in need of more discipline in my life, and this sentence struck a chord. According to the description of the book, it is not about discipline, but rather about trust. So why start with this sentence? It took me until the end of the book and the writing of this review, but I finally figured it out…

Summer Finley is a pastor’s wife, mom to six grown children and control-freak. (Know anyone like that?) Her life has been orderly, even in the midst of miscarriages, adoption, surprise pregnancies, and the death of her mother from breast cancer. And though her ability to control her surroundings with grace has served her well, her world is shattered by a phone call and four little words: abnormal mammogram. biopsy needed.

Unable to cope with even the thoughts of following in her mother’s cancer-laden footsteps, Summer books an expensive and sudden flight to Holland to meet her life-long pen pal, Noelle Zandt. A rash decision for someone as orderly as Summer helps set the stage for the changes in store for her life and those around her.

By the time we meet Summer’s penpal, Noelle, we already know much about their friendship. Though they’ve never met in person NOR talked on the phone (in 30 years), we find that the letters they have shared are full of much information they could not, or would not, share with other people. Even so, Summer chooses not to tell Noelle the reason for her visit right away. Not to be outdone, Noelle has painful secrets of her own she has chosen to keep private, even from her pen pal and semi-therapist, Summer.

As Summer experiences Holland, she allows herself to live in denial about what “might” be waiting for her back home. She is under the illusion that she can control what happens simply by not trying not to think about it. But the fear continues to creep up her spine. In the midst of her adventure, Summer finds something she is not expecting. She discovers what she really wants in life: FREEDOM.

Summer wants to be free of the possibility of cancer. Free of the “out of control” feeling. Free of the fear that has plopped down in the middle of her little world. In the midst of working out the subtle differences (and sometimes not so subtle) in their relationship, Summer finds that the one thing she MUST do is the one thing she hasn’t yet done… TRUST.

That is when I finally understand the first sentence of the story… We do what we have to do so we can do what we want to do. Summer must TRUST God completely in order to walk in complete FREEDOM.

Gunn took me on an intimate trip through Holland with Summer. I smelled the scrumptious bread, saw the dancing tulip fields and felt the warmth of forgiveness as she described Corrie Ten Boom and her “hiding place”. I even learned a little Dutch along the way! But more than that, I came away with a deeper longing to trust my heavenly Father with all things “me”.

Even though some of the story seemed a little slow-paced and the first person writing felt a little heavy-handed in places, the descriptions of the Holland, friendship and discovery were all well written. And yes, I admit it, I even cried a little!

I recommend this book to anyone searching for freedom. If you want to do something that you haven’t yet done, perhaps this book will help you discover what it is you need to do first!

I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

note: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could totally relate to the premise of this book. When Noelle says to Summer, take my hand and I’ll show you the sites of my town. I thought back to when I visited Lea, my high school BFF, for the first time in Toronto, Canada. We had gone to school together and after graduation she moved to Canada. We didn’t have the speed of email, back then but I really enjoyed her letters. When it was time for me to visit her she took me by the hand and showed me the lovely sites of her new home. Lea showed me amazing Castles, lovely flowers, took me on my first subway ride ever, had me eat special treats only found in Canada and had my face splashed by the breath taking waters of Niagara Falls.

Toronto was strikingly clean for such a big city. We shopped through the Eaton Center which is the biggest mall I’d ever seen, and found time to talk about how the Lord was moving in our lives.

I envisioned myself standing with Summer as she looked out the window and thought this,” It was as if God had invited the shy new day to come and spread her beauty over this corner of His world, and she was being obedient but at the same time was embarrassed to be put in the spotlight of the rising sun.”

My husband and I met while working on the stage version of “The Hiding Place.” I was cast in the part of Betsy, Corrie ten Boom’s sister. When Robin Jones Gunn took me to the very place where Corrie ten Boom’s family hid the Jews, it was an extremely special part of the book for me.


I loved the way Robin Jones Gunn described how to look at art. Robin tells of all the art museums they explored, and the art inside, like that of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, Noelle says, “Appreciation of beauty isn’t work. All you have to do is look. Open your eyes, your mind, and your heart. Take in whatever it is you see. Let the painting do all the work. Just listen with your eyes, and the painting will tell you its story.” Wow, I’m going to try that!

I totally agreed with the author when she said this,” God somehow touched people, places and moments, and the everyday became glimpses of heaven here on earth.” I’ve experienced this!

I felt like I was viewing the sites along with the character Summer as Robin took my hand and said follow me through the pages of her book. That’s why I love the Sisterchick series. What I especially love about this series is that every now and then Robin tosses out treasures from heaven for me to ponder and get a hold of in my heart. Just when everything in the book is full of fun, friendship and exploration, the author has one of the characters in her book discover a truth from the word that would pierce my heart and make me think along with the character. Robin has a special gift for doing this in her writing, which makes her stories so rich.

I totally enjoyed the pictures at the end of this book where Robin shares her real life trip to visit her friend in Holland. That was the icing on the cake for me.

I don’t know how Robin does this, but I feel like I’ve experienced this amazing town with her and learned many valuable lessons along the way. Thank you Robin, for writing such delightful books were I can make believe I’ve gone traveling with you and learn so much without leaving my home.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read, showing the power of friendship and God’s love. The whole of the sisterchicks series is like this and I enjoyed reading these and learning about it each setting the story is set in.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SISTERCHICK (R) (n): a friend who laughs with you till you cry
and cries with you until you laugh; a gift from God.

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes! is a heartwarming story of fear and faith, hope and love. How can a friend you have never met become one of your dearest friends? Will God use her to bring you closer to Him?

Summer and Noelle have been pen pals since the fourth grade. They have shared their secrets, hopes, dreams, and family's through letters sent between Ohio and the Netherlands. Now, after receiving an abnormal medical test result, Summer decides to fly off to the Netherlands to meet Noelle, her forever pen pal, face to face. Summer's husband Wayne stands behind her decision and tells her to "Go make your own adventure. When you come home, I'll want to hear all about it."

On her first morning at Noelle's, Summer finds a devotional book on her nightstand. Slowly she begins to close the gap between her and God. Throughout the week, the Scriptures she is reading are coming to life around her. While in a simple cheese shop, she realizes "the sacredness of the everyday." Everything we do, even if it is doing dishes or cradling a child, is sacred to God.


"Every day unfolded with moments when the eternal seemed to touch the temporal. Light overcame darkness. Hope triumphed over despair. Nothing here in the earthly realm changed. But God somehow touched people, places, and moments, and the everyday became a glimpse of heaven."

During her joyful week with Noelle, the girls are found wading through fields of brightly colored tulips, floating down an Amsterdam canal, visiting Corrie ten Boom's Hiding Place home, and sipping decadent Dutch cocoa in Delft after finding tile souvenirs.

The girls realize that they did not orchestrate this impromtu meeting; God did. Both Summer and Noelle find peace during their time spent in the land of tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes.

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes! is definitely a keeper on my bookshelf to be read over and over.

Click HERE to read an excerpt from Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that author Robin Jones Gunn lives in Oregon. I decided I wanted to read one of her books. Then I learned she was in Hawaii. I’m not sure why, but somehow that made me feel cheated. Her book, however, didn’t make me feel cheated at all. And though I’d like to visit Hawaii one day, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Holland with Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes.

Actually, I really have been to Holland. I’ve sailed on the canals in Amsterdam and Robin Jones Gunn’s descriptions brought it all back. I’ve heard Dutch voices and I listened to them again in her writing. I’ve seen tulip fields (well, actually, in Oregon) and they’re just as inspiring with colors in well-ordered lines and muddy passageways, as those the protagonist visits.

It’s interesting how moving out of your comfort zone can change your perspective. In this Sisterchicks story, the American friend can’t work out how she feels about Holland’s different attitudes and ideas. She learns to appreciate them though, and even at times to question her own preconceptions. Most of all, she learns to see “the sacred in the everyday,” and to communicate it to her friend.

The author communicates something sacred to her readers too, or at least to Christian readers. Her protagonist has just heard that dreaded word “abnormal” after a mammogram. But what do we do when our security feels threatened and we know, as Christians, that Christ is our healer and our hope? If we’re afraid, what are we afraid of? If we’re in denial, what are we trying to hide?

Protagonist and reader come to recognition of God’s mercy through the gentle coincidences and beautiful hints of His word and His world, and the novel leaves a pleasant taste and a feeling of challenge encountered and spirit strengthened as it comes to an end. It’s an enjoyable tale, light-hearted and sad, amusing and deeply moving, American and European, and a pleasantly good read.



Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

[Delia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abnormal.

The moment Summer Finley hears that word in connection with medical tests, her world changes. Having seen "abnormal" results finally take her mother's life, she finds herself emotionally unable to face the possibilities innate in the ugly term. Her reaction is to make an uncharacteristically spur-of-the-moment trip to the Netherlands. She'll deal with the interminable period of waiting for biopsy results after this long-anticipated trip. Never having met her pen pal and best friend since fourth grade, Noelle Van Zandt, Summer determines to wait no longer.

She arranges for one week with this friend she knows so well, yet not at all. Summer and Noelle make the most of every moment. In the process, they learn a lot about one another ... and perhaps even more about themselves.

A field of tulips, a cup of rich Dutch cocoa, a wooden-shoe boat on an Amsterdam canal, a tour through Corrie ten Boom's Hiding Place, a visit to a unique farmhouse full of special women ... each visit, every experience opens Summer's heart and mind to a greater trust and faith in God. Noelle, too, confronts painful ghosts from her past and learns valuable lessons in release and forgiveness.

By the time Summer returns home to face her future, both she and her life-long friend have a new understanding of their heavenly Father's grace and love--and a deeper, closer relationship with each other. With God's ever-perfect timing, He brings these sisterchicks together at a time when they need each other most.

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes is a fun, touching, sometimes poignant look at learning to let go and let God. Robin Jones Gunn, with typical excellence, includes humor and angst, history and progress, love and the things that test it. Dotted with wonderful geographical and historical detail, it's a beautiful snapshot of friendship--what it means to be a friend, and what it means to have one.

An unforgettable, undeniable, absolutely perfect Dutch treat!

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book was absolutely cheesy in so many places, I'm giving it three stars because it had some really lovely moments and I liked reading about the Netherlands.