4.25

I almost never admit this, but I am jealous. I’m jealous because having lived in West Africa, having lots of friends from East Africa, and having taken work trips to places in Africa where the big five roam the savanna, I’ve never been on a safari. Not even close. Unless you count the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (before “safari” was part of its name).

Safaris are very expensive. Of course neither Lily or Fern could afford to go on safari either, especially not this first class experience that they got. What doesn’t make sense is why Lily’s in-laws chose the safari as the annual destination with their friends, yet weren’t adventurous enough to go, even though they had travelled to other places that are for more seasoned travelers.

When I first selected the book, I hadn’t even noticed it was categorized as a Christian fiction. That does not bother me. I’m just more of a private, quiet worshipper and have had some bad experiences (in Africa, actually) with very charismatic Christians. When Fern started describing meeting Lily at age fourteen at a Christian conference center in Costa Rica, I thought maybe this wasn’t for me. Most importantly though, this is a book about being at a crossroads in life and having faith, not just in God, but in yourself and being open to new possibilities. I could certainly relate to that.

Their faith and gravitation towards others of faith is a constant throughout the book, but is generally more inspirational and often seems inevitable given the amazing experiences they have, and in such a short time. I generally prefer long trips or living in countries to have the life-changing experiences that Fern and Lily achieved in such a short time. Thus the jealousy.

Many of the places are real, though some have slightly different names in real life. It was interesting to actually see pictures of the giraffe hotel and many of the places on the itinerary,, and you could feel what they were seeing, especially on the safari trips. I was glad that they were committed to making the most of the trip like going on all of the drives out to see the animals in the massive “park”. Even as people who thought they didn’t really like animals, it would be amazing.

This isn’t groundbreaking literature, but is very inspirational and is a feel good read whether you appreciate the faith elements or not. A great read.

Thank you to Robin Jones Gunn, NetGalley, and Revell for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

In this faith-filled novel, two long-distance friends embark on a trip to Africa. Both women are at a crossroads in life, and they are hoping that Africa and each other can help them find their way forward.

I loved the premise of this book. First of all, what's not to love about tea and elephants? But also, I was drawn to the idea of a road trip, or in this case, plane trip with two female, middle aged friends. The writing was good, and I feel like this could be a very inspiring read for someone who is feeling the pressures of life. The faith element is very strong here, although it's well-done and adds rather than detracts from the story, and the message is one of hope especially for those who are walking through difficult situations in life. As a story, though, I did think it fell a little flat. The friends were completely enthralled with Africa and found it's nature and it's people a balm to their spirits, but as a reader, I wasn't quite able to capture that excitement myself. I wanted to leave this book with a desire to experience Africa for myself, but I didn't quite get there. However, I still think this is an uplifting read and is perfect for fans of Christian fiction or anyone who needs and infusion of hope, faith, or encouragement in their life.

“Tea with Elephants” is a wonderfully deep novel full of delightful descriptions that invite the reader into the beautiful landscape and culture of Africa. Two women, Fern and Lily, met on a mission trip to Costa Rica when they were just out of high school. Their long-distance friendship has continued through the years, and they both still dream of traveling together one day. Lily calls to invite Fern on a trip to Africa, and God uses this trip to take them, not just on a trip, but on a life-changing journey. Along the way, these two friends meet amazing people and see marvelous works of God in His creation. I loved reading this story. It was like sharing a journey with a friend, and I so wish I could see and experience all the wonderful sights and people that Fern and Lily did. I also loved that each woman went through a personal growth journey during their time in Africa. God used this trip to grow both women in ways they could never have imagined before leaving for Africa. They each guided each other through parts of those growth journeys, which is also an encouragement to women everywhere - be the friend who cheers and encourages! This book was just a lovely, encouraging, fictional escape into the very real world of Africa and our everyday lives. It is well written. The plot moves along gracefully without hurry, but without belaboring anything. The characters in this story are rich, well-developed, and real-to-life; I almost wished that the wrap up at the end would tell me the premise for the novel was true and Fern and Lily are real women. I highly recommend this book. Read it. If for no other reason than to literarily experience the landscape of Africa from your own living room, I encourage you to read it.

I requested a copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

The book kept getting better and better as it went along. By the end I was misty-eyed and felt my own connection to Africa, even though it’s never been a place I’ve had a huge desire to go. But now, it actually is. I saw this awesome country through the eyes of these characters. Beautiful. I also loved their friendship and the interestingly different and real lives they each live. Fantastic story. So well done. And we see a snippet of a character from one of her books from long ago (wonderful surprise).

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tea with Elephants
by Robin Jones Gunn
Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
What a safari journey in time!
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.
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.
I enjoyed how the friends worked to process the struggles in their life--both as friends together and on their own, in their own 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.

Robin's latest book doesn't disappoint. Even though I'm not particularly interested in Africa, I learned so much and really enjoyed the journey the two women went on. Loved it!

One of the most popular series for Christian fiction lovers is the Sister Chicks series by Robin Jones Gunn. She has not published any the last few years and so the introduction of Suitcase Sisters series is exciting. Tea with Elephants will not disappoint fans of the original series. And if like myself, they will love them even more than original!
Fern and Lily met as teens on a mission trip to Costa Rica and pledge to become travel buddies in life. Real life happens and the next trip does not happen for twenty years when Lily is given a trip to Africa and invites Lily to join her. The two have an adventure of a lifetime and have soul seeking conversations and decisions to make while traveling.
I enjoyed that Tea with Elephants went deeper with life struggles and was more than a travel log. I admit that Africa was never on my list of places to travel, but this novel made me rethink that.
I received a complimentary copy of Tea with Elephants thanks to Revel Publishing and Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn embarks on a journey of two friends as the learn to process the struggles in their lives. Both Fern and Lily are at a crossroads, but the timing is perfect to explore Africa and strengthen their friendship, lean on each other in their struggles, and deepen their faith.

Everything Robin Jones Gunn writers is so warm and fulfilling. Her descriptions are vivid and rich creating a sense that the reader is right there with the characters. I can’t wait for book 2!

My heart is full! I'm so happy that Robin Jones Gunn started a new series, Suitcase Sisters, similar to Sisterchicks, which is my all-time favorite series. Tea With Elephants transports you to the wilds of Africa where friends Lily and Fern learn some life lessons while enjoying their long-anticipated trip together. If I could give it a hundred stars, I would.
This book was provided to me by the publisher. All of my opinions here are my own.

"Tea with Elephants" by Robin Jones Gunn is an excellent Christian Woman's fiction book about two best friends, Fern and Lily. The women have been friends for 20 years and when Lily's in-laws give her a trip to Kenya, she invites her friend Fern along. The two first met in Costa Rica and like many of us, made plans to travel the world together as much as possible but due to life, never made the trips they hoped to make earlier in life.

The two women find themselves at a crossroads in each of their respective lives, not sure how to tell the other of the great disappointments in lives each are facing prior to coming on the trip. Throughout the trip they share in each other's struggles and most important to me as a reader, share such a strong faith with one another in their conversations and their conversations with some of the side characters.

The author does a great job describing the scenery and animal encounters during the trip. This book definitely had me wanting to buy a plan ticket, pack my suitcase and explore a world very different from the one I live in. It is the first of what is a new series by Robin and I look forward to the next books she will write for this one.

Thank you to Revell Fiction and Netgalley for the chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Are you looking for a wholesome women’s fiction? Read? Check out Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn. This was a great read.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a first by this author but will not be my last! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.

What an absolutely beautiful story this was! Fern and Lily first connected first met as teenagers in Costa Rica. They connected and made plans to do more traveling in the future-- but life got in the way and that never really happened. Twenty years later, they are given the opportunity to take a trip to Africa together and we get to follow along on that adventure. Both women are at a crossroads in life, trying to figure out their uncertain futures. I loved seeing them support each other along the way... they had such a genuine friendship that I found I really enjoyed. And the setting of Africa was such a perfect backdrop to their story... I must admit I've never considered a trip to Africa myself... until reading this book! This is kind of an unusual read for me in that most books that I read do have at least a small hint of romance and this one does not... but honestly, I enjoyed their friendship so much that I found I really didn't miss it at all. If you're looking for a beautiful women's fiction read filled with inspiration and friendship, this is absolutely one not to be missed.


**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley & Revell for allowing me access to this ebook!

Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn will be released on Oct 15. It's a beautiful exploration of friendship, faith, and self-discovery. The story follows lifelong friends Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden as they embark on a long-awaited journey to Africa, fulfilling a dream they’ve shared since their teenage years. But this trip isn’t just about exotic landscapes and wildlife; it’s a deeply personal journey as both women confront the emotional baggage they've been carrying for years.
I want to acknowledge how gorgeous this cover is! Also, I never read a book by this author and it made me want to explore a bit more of what they have written before!

Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

I have been a fan of Robin Jones Gunn since I read the first Sisterchick book. Each one holds special memories and dreams.
When I heard this new series Suitcase Sisters I knew I had to read this book.

The book is in the same vein as the Sisterchick books with two friends travelling to a distant place in this case Kenya. But it is also different. I found the book to still have Robin's flair for storytelling but there was also a deeper level to the story. Both Fern and lily have issues they are dealing with and both feel overwhelmed due to this. The story has a strong faith element which enriches the story but doesn't bog it down. There are so many times I gained insights. I loved reading about Kenya and the animals there and felt like I was seeing what Fern and Lily were. Even the walk to a tea plantation was insightful.

This book shows how important it is to have that special friend you can talk to. Share your dreams with and not be judged. Someone who gets you. I think this is another part of the charm. Reading the book makes me wish I had that special bond and could go on an adventure the same way.

Again I would love to talk about how different part of the book impacted me but then you wouldn't find these gems on your own, I also know everyone will have different parts they connect with.

If you enjoyed the Sisterchick Books then you will love this new series. I can't wait to read more. This is by far one of the best books I have read this year.

I received a complimentary copy and this review is my own.
I have always loved Robin Jones Gunn and this book did not disappoint!
I was super excited when I heard she had a new one and I can't wait to physically own a copy.
This was well written and can't wait until there is book 2!

Two friends each facing issues take a life-changing trip to Africa in this fictional travel log. The author's descriptions were vivid, and I felt almost like I was there. A very enjoyable read!

Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn reminded me a lot of her Sisterchicks series. I have loved Gunn's writing since I picked up True Friends with Christy and Katie back in high School. Now almost an empty-nester myself, there is a lot of changes coming to my life soon. It is nice to see Gunn create characters who are teenagers and handling that part of their life, then she moves into young adults, then adults, then late thirties adults. With Tea with Elephants, I enjoyed the concept and the characters, but the story really did not capture my attention. It read more like Fern's opinions on her trip. A journal entry of every day. Her thoughts. Her actions. Her descriptions. Once in a while, Gunn would thrown something to move the plot along, but I wanted more in-depth. Sometimes we had discussions between Lily and Fern, but since they were good friends, it took them a long time to allow their own walls to come down and be honest with each other. I found that odd. If they had been such good friends for a long time. Why didn't they share their woes on the plane to Africa or as soon as they entered their first cabin. Why keep it hidden from each other? Gunn does a wonderful job at describing the setting. If readers are interested in Africa, this might help hold the thirst at bay. For me, I have no desire to visit Africa, so it did not seem like a place I wanted to visit. Overall, Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn is a good friendship story, but the story lacked the movement of what I wanted to see when two friends are spending time on the side of the world.

I received a complimentary copy of Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.