4.5 stars

“How many times had God answered my prayers with His exact and best answers, even though I’d been so sure I had a better plan for what I wanted and needed?”

It’s been entirely too long since I read a book by Robin Jones Gunn but as I began reading Tea with Elephants it felt like coming home, as though I had just put down the Glenbrooke series yesterday. (But… let’s not talk about how many yesterdays it’s been since I was in college and read those… lol) Gunn’s writing voice wraps warmly around a reader’s heart like a comforting quilt or a hug from an old friend, and along those lines I loved the nods to her other fan-treasured series. They won’t feel awkward to you if this is your first book by this author (and it would be a GREAT one to start with), but if you have been a fan of Gunn’s from Christy Miller to Glenbrooke and beyond, you’ll love finding these little nuggets tucked away.

Anyway… on to THIS story. Longtime best friends Fern and Lily are finally going on the trip of a lifetime that they’d dreamed about together as adolescents, before life went in unexpected directions for them both. But while they may have packed light as far as their suitcases are concerned, they are both bringing some emotional baggage with them too. More on that in a moment. Oh but wow! Gunn makes Africa come alive through Fern’s first person narrative. In fact, some of the scenes are so lovingly drawn that they brought tears to my eyes at even just the taste of majesty I could sense from their experiences. I felt as though I was touring the tea fields or riding along on the safari or huddling close on their shopping trip with Wanja (so much so that I may have shrieked aloud at the impromptu passenger they picked up… if you know me, you’ll know why when you get to that scene lol).

One of my very favorite aspects of Tea with Elephants is how richly faith is woven through the narrative, not only in the exquisitely tender moments in Fern’s spiritual life (which touched me on a deeply personal level) but also in Fern & Lily’s relationship, their history, and their experiences in Africa. It’s never trite or forced; rather it flows naturally as an extension of these characters and their stories. There is a particularly moving scene between Fern and a delightful woman named Njeri that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. It was beautifully written and just so sweet… and it was exactly what I needed to read right in that moment after a big disappointment today in my own life. “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart…” Yes, Lord, thank You ♥ (and thank you, Robin Jones Gunn ♥)

Bottom Line: Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn is a tender and heartfelt love letter to Africa, to friendship-sisterhood, and to the God who not only put the stars in place but also personally reveals His thoughts to those who follow Him. Fern and Lily are wonderfully layered characters, and their friendship brought me smiles and giggles along with a few tears and a grateful heart for a couple of cherished friends of the same caliber in my own life. I loved following Fern & Lily’s journeys on these pages – their travels, yes, and even more so the personal & spiritual growth each experiences in the process. I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish, despite the fact that (brace yourself) it is not a romance. Honestly, I was so immersed in this novel that I didn’t even miss the kissing, and I am so excited to see where this series takes the Suitcase Sisters next.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Robin Jones Gunn was always a favorite of mine years ago so I was excited to jump at the chance to read her latest. She really made the African safari come alive for me and now I want to go feed giraffes from my balcony! The issues that "old" college friends, Fern and Lily, had were realistic and it was good to watch them work their problems together and alone. I admit I had a few tears while reading and her writing really emphasizes how God really works things out for us even when we think it's the worst thing possible!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 15 October 2024

I tried to like this book, I really did. Honestly though, it just wasn't my thing.

A couple of things in the book were kind of weird and unnecessary in my opinion:

"Lily and I had both opted to sleep in our undies and camisoles late last night so we could get into bed as quickly as possible without unpacking."

Okay, I'm a gal, but I didn't find these couple of details necessary or appropriate for a book that both girls and guys will read.

Then there's this:
"It says something about our double-decade friendship when our favorite photo of the two of us is a picture of our behinds.”

Umm...weird much? The author doesn't clue us in on what she's meaning, but this line had me cringing.

I did really like the cover though- it was beautiful and was the first thing I noticed when I considered requesting the book. :)

I also liked the grandmotherly figure Njeri and her caring heart. Here's a quote from her:

“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 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.’”

Other than the two odd parts I mentioned earlier, this could be a book someone else might like. I just didn't personally like it.

Thank you to Revell Books for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

A fun contemporary read that is full of adventure, friendship and amazing faith filled moments.

It’s been almost 20 years since Fern and Lily met volunteering at a center in Costa Rica and ever since they have remained close friends. When they get the chance to go on an African Safari together, they jump at the opportunity to get back out and see what the world has to offer them. The last 20 years has been hard on both of them and being out in the wild and connecting with their faith and each other is a little harder than when they were young.

Tea with Elephants is a great contemporary read, full of all the great adventure moments one would come to expect from a book like this. I loved the way Gunn brought readers right into the thick of the African wilds with all the exotic animals and the glory that comes with being in the presence of God’s greatness. Both Fern and Lily have a lot going on in their lives and have to be able to work through it in order to return from this trip better than when they started it. I enjoyed the way they struggled with decisions they had to make and the fact that it wasn’t too easy and expected that would have made me roll my eyes at the way it was written. This is the first book by Robin Jones Gunn I have read, it was well written and enjoyable making her a new author to add to my shelves. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy contemporary adventures in an exotic setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

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!

Thanks NetGalley and Revell for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I’ve read several of Robin Jones Gunn’s adult novels, so when I saw this new one, I couldn’t wait to read it. I liked the premise of two long-time, long-distance girlfriends who have the opportunity to travel together to Africa and experience an all expenses paid upscale safari.

The novel begins when they fly first class, enjoying the new-to-them pampering. Each step of the trip made me want to book one for myself – from the plane to each of the hotels and resorts where they stayed, the meals, the safaris, the tours, even the souvenir shopping.

But the heart of the novel is the personal problems that Fern and Lily bring with them on their trip, and how they help each other resolve their significant life issues. Each chapter opens with a quote, the kind you want to underline. Here are a couple about friendship – a little corny, but sweet, nonetheless.

“A good friend listens to your adventures. Your best friend makes them with you.”
“A true friend sees the first tear, catches the second and stops the third.”

Who wouldn’t want a friend like that?

Worth noting is that this is Christian fiction, and contains Bible quotations, affirmations of faith, and prayers. It could be an encouraging read for those who enjoy stories about Christians who have life problems and how they solve them.

I thought the storyline could have been more substantial. The trip itinerary took priority over the plot, so landscape and animal descriptions were featured rather than any dramatic story arc. There were a few times I thought the threat of safety was hinting at what was to come, but things remained peaceful other than a hyena eating its prey on the savannah.

If you’re looking for a story of Christian friendship that takes place in Africa, try this quick read. This is a novel of friendship, hope, family and faith, and includes a couple of delicious-sounding recipes to make and eat while reading.

I devoured this book in one sitting. It was emotional and inspirational and had me ready to go on a safari. I loved the characters, their friendship felt real and relatable, as did their life experiences. I was invested in their personal journeys as well as their holiday adventures.

I 100% recommend this book and would love there to be more in the series.

Thank you to the Author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for my eARC. All thoughts are my own.

3.5 rounded to 4 ⭐️

Fern and Lily met as teens at a church camp and have remained friends since. Now in their late 30s, they get the chance to go on an African safari. Each woman brings lots of emotional baggage fueled by the current circumstances of their lives. Through new friends, their beliefs, and their love for each other, they learn how to break through the roadblocks previously weighing on them as they enjoy the scenery and animals around them.

Their friendship was really lovely to see and the setting in Kenya was spectacular. This is a perfect cozy read for Fall!

Title: Tea with Elephants
Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Ch: 23

Pg: 304

Series: Suitcase Sisters


Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Ever since I first picked up the author’s books as a teenager, each time I’ve read a book by heart they’ve touch my heart. And Tea with Elephants was no different. It’s the first book in the Suitcase sisters. And it’s set in Africa when two friends Fern and Lily get gifted the trip of a lifetime.

I was hooked from page one and loved every many of it. And I have to say I was happy to discover what happened to a beloved character after their book had ended. Fern was the one I related to the most. And while Danny was a secondary character I also related a bit to him especially with what he has to face. As at least to me it’s one of the hardest things a child has to face even as an adult.

The faith thread throughout the book not only weaves Lily and Ferns story it also weaves the bigger story of God’s plan. And just like I’ve been since I was a teenager I feel blessed by the story and scripture. And so glad the author’s writing fiction again. And can’t wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

#BookReview : TEA WITH ELEPHANTS by Robin Jones Gunn

“What if your crossroads is more of a pause so you can make a new choice? Or a renewed choice.”

Lily and Fern's friendship began at a Christian conference in Costa Rica, where they shared a dream of world travel and the belief that anything was possible.

Their childhood dreams of travel have finally come true, and now they're living it up in Africa. Experiencing Africa through Lily and Fern's eyes has been an absolute delight. Their descriptions brought Africa to life, allowing me to almost feel the emotions they experienced and see the different animals like the giraffes and peacocks. The sights and sounds of Africa sound incredible, and the food descriptions are amazing! I've especially enjoyed Fern's prayer journal and the faith elements woven through the story and their journeys of personal growth.

I recommend this story of friendship, faith and self discovery in a foreign land. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐
A Suitcase Sisters Novel
Pub date: Oct 15 2024

Thank you Revell books for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Serving together at a conference in Costa Rica, Fern and Lily developed a friendship. Despite coming from vastly different backgrounds and living states apart, they bonded over their love of the Lord and travel. When an unexpected trip to Africa arises, the two use the opportunity to connect in person and check off a destination they have longed to visit. Will their time in Africa provide them with lasting memories, or will the trials facing their individual families back home stand in their way?

Reading has been a blessing in my life. While there are tons of authors I love and will always recommend, there is one that stands out above the rest, Robin Jones Gunn.

I was first introduced to Robin as a teenager when I discovered, The Christy Miller Series. That series left an imprint on my heart and spoke to my soul. It showcased that you could combine faith and love into one book and served as my introduction to contemporary Christian romances.

Gunn’s latest book, Tea with Elephants, falls under the category of Women’s Fiction and is the first book in the Suitcase Sisters Series. This series follows Fern and Lily and is a love letter to female friendship. It illustrates the importance of having and being a good friend in all seasons of life. True friends are there to challenge one another to be the very best version of themselves. They are the ones that hold are deepest longings and darkest secrets while reminding us who we are and what we are capable of.

If you are searching for a five star read that combines faith, friendship, and love of travel, I highly recommend reading this book.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Revell, and Robin Jones Gunn for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this story of two women that are friends for years and decide to go on a safari together at a time when their lives are changing. I loved that these women help each other to face some troubles they are having in their lives. I enjoyed seeing an African safari through these women’s eyes. I loved all the descriptions of this wild land. I laughed and cried as I learned what Fern and Lily were going through. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This book was so good. I loved the characters, the way it grabbed my attention from the first page, and it kept me hooked throughout the book.
I really loved Fern and Lily. I loved how they were both struggling with something, yet they were able to be there for each other in the way each needed. Their friendship was truly inspiring.
I now have a need to visit Africa. The way it was portrayed in this book was incredible. The immagry was so vivid and I almost felt like I was there, now I really want to be.
I love the was this story unfolds. It's very well written and easy to get lost in.

* I received an ARC to review. All opinions are my own*

*I received a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own*

First, thank you the NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

I spent my early mom-years reading the Sister Chicks books, and my best friend and I are Sister Chicks to the end. Suitcase Sisters, not quite Sister Chicks. A little less carefree, a little less humor, and a lot more somberness. But that is the way of life sometimes.

I enjoyed going on Safari and traveling through Africa with our suitcase sisters. I loved their reactions to many of the "first time" events. I was excited and overwhelmed with them. (I may have looked up the cost to stay at the hotel to have breakfast with giraffes!)
I understood the pauses and the hesitations to share. The struggles of a long-distance friendship over time. (Sister chick and I are at 25 years, 20 of them long distance)

Once again, Robin writes the truth about women, about our feelings, our journeys, our goods and our bads. She is one of us, she knows and writes truths. Maybe that is where I picked up on the somberness... reflecting some of my own life back into the novel. I know that her novels are not for everyone, that they do have a certain audience. But those women NEED to pick up the Suitcase SIsters and go on adventures of a lifetime.

Personally, my dauther grew up on Christy Miller and is just starting to read Sister Chicks. I look forward to the time in her life when she is ready to pick up Suitcase Sisters.

I haven't read a book by Robin Jones Gunn in awhile, so it was a pleasure to enjoy one of her books again. In this delightful book, you get to travel to Africa with two best friends Fern and Lily as they take a trip of a lifetime. But this book is more than charting their adventure, it's a story of friendship and how iron-sharpens-iron. Each of them learned something new about themselves. EAch of them helped the other deal with a major life crisis during the book. They give godly wisdom and show agape love for each other.

I loved the advice Fern gives Lily about giving her husband some "honey" in their conversations since its been gone for so long. To guide her in falling back in love with her husband and dealing with her past trauma. Likewise Lily helps Fern figure out that she can stand on her own two feet moving forward and be courageous in the new opportunities that life has given her.

I wrote down a few passages for my own journal. The part that really brought tears to my eyes though was the special dishwashing moment between Fern and the older woman. So special.

The whole thing with Mia also cracked me up and made me roll my eyes at the same time.

5 stars because it was just a soul soothing story.

*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for the ARC to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

I have never been to Africa but after reading Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn, I feel as if I've been immersed in all the sights and sounds right along with her characters.

Tea with Elephants is beautifully written and so descriptive that you will hear the elephants, you will feel the tickle of the giraffe's tongue on the palm of your hand as you feed it, and you will gasp with awe at the beauty of the land. Jones Gunn has done a remarkable job of bringing Africa to me and I'm forever grateful to have taken the journey with her characters.

​When Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden are given the gift of a lifetime to travel to Africa neither one realizes how life-changing it would be. Even the reader will find this book life-changing! From peering into Fern's journal and her wonderful way of talking to God, to Lily's friendly and patient way with strangers, you are sure to be touched in some way by this novel.

Both women find themselves on a journey not just of miles, but of introspection as each faces a crossroads in their lives. Their faith in the Lord is strong and I love how Fern allows Him to work in her life.

If you want to go on vacation to Africa, but can't afford it, I highly recommend you get a copy of this book and a nice place to read it. You won't be disappointed!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest review.

Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn is a delightful women’s fiction travel novel and is part of a new series The Suitcase Sisters. The beautiful cover had me wondering about what sort of adventures Lily Garden and Fern Espinoza were going to have as they traveled through Africa. Lily and Fern were friends who met at summer camp many years ago, and now they had an opportunity to fulfill their dream of traveling to Africa.

This was a sweet and well written story told from Fern’s point of view. I was very engaged with Fern and Lily and enjoyed watching them both transform as they traveled through Africa. The descriptions of their time in Africa were mesmerizing and I enjoyed making new friends with the Suitcase Sisters during their adventure. The author knows the heart of women and that comes through in the characters.

This is a delightful story where you will make new friends, travel through Africa, and learn a little more about yourself. I was so drawn in and look forward to more time with the Suitcase Sisters. I highly recommend Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunnn,

I was given copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

** spoiler alert ** 3.5 stars. Read this during and right after our church's missions conference. One of the missionaries who came is a veteran missionary to the country of Kenya. Ironically, this is where the majority of Tea with Elephants is set. Gunn portrays a more luxurious and touristy view of Kenya than the missionary did, which may have affected my review. I am sure there are different places in Kenya as described in this story, however, I kept thinking back to the stories the missionary told of the impoverished people he met and the great spiritual darkness they live in. However, I enjoyed reading about the culture of the people and the nature/animals of Africa.
The story was well written though, the plot was moving and easy to read. One of the main characters is named Fern after Charlotte's Web which made my literary heart glad. Fern is an editor who (spoiler alert) becomes a freelance writer by the end of the book, so I enjoyed that aspect as well.
The key premise of the book discussed when one chapter of your life is closing and another is opening.

1) Make sure you are living a godly life and ask God for wisdom.
2)Talk to family and friends about the problem or decision.
3) Make lists to help you think. This may be listing pros and cons of each situation, etc.
4)Be willing to move forward in your life. Get rid of any feelings or grudges that are weighing you down and preventing you from moving on.
5)Take advantage of opportunities. Say yes to opportunities that come your way.
6)When making a decision about a career, make sure it's something you love; something that uses a gift God has given you.
7)In all of your decision making, make sure you consider the effects your decision will have on others.
8)Never cease to appreciate God's creation.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review this book.

This was my first RJG novel. I’d heard her name before, so even though I don’t usually read “chick books,” I decided to give this one a try. I was well written and I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed. She painted a beautiful picture of Africa, too. I would have enjoyed it more if I was a travel person who was interested in detailed descriptions. It was a cerebral book, with lots of thoughts and feelings, which, again, isn’t my typical reading material. I think this book is perfect for its genre. Unfortunately, its genre isn’t perfect for me. Not the writer’s fault. I’m glad to read such a good example of this genre,

Tea with Elephants is a book about two best friends who have the opportunity to take a "free of charge" African safari. They travel light and begin reconnecting (they now live in different states). Both are going through a bit of a rough patch in their lives. Tea with Elephants is so beautifully written. The scenery and hotels sound amazing.

Tea with Elephants was my first book by Robin Jones Gunn. I'm always so thankful when NetGalley introduces me to a a "new to me author" that I really enjoy. I plan to purchase this book for my mother-in-law who loves elephants. It is a nice Christian book.

edited: I really love this prayer in Tea with Elephants. Wanted to make sure that I captured in my review. "I am drawing near to You, Father God. Please draw near to me." (possibly drawn from James 4:8).

Many thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publishing for approving my request to read Tea with Elephants in exchange for an honest review. Approx 304 pages. Publication date is Oct 15, 2024.