Multnomah asked me to review Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn. And if you’ve been around here for even five minutes you know I replied with a big resounding YES!
Not only do I admire Robin Jones Gunn (see blog gush #1 and 2), I also have my own group of sisterchicks which I literally could not do without! This is the 8th book in the series (and I heard a rumor it might be the last! is that true?!) and in each book, there is a new “kind” of friendship—long lost friends, sisters, new friends and in this one, pen-pals.
Pen-pals is something I have lots of experience with—one of my best friends growing up was my pen-pal, Jodi from Michigan. I have her wedding invitation hanging on my fridge (well, I did till I got a stainless fridge) and every time I look at, my heart squeezes a little.
And now with the internet, I’ve got my messageboard mamas and my best blogging buds—I have real true friends that I’ve never even seen face to face! As I was reading this story of two friends meeting IRL* for the first time, I was imagining meeting up with some of my bloggy friends for a sisterchick adventure!
In Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes , I knew from the first page I was going to love the book. The intro-ish page has this verse, “The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.” (2 Corinthians 5:5 MSG) Remember my heaven post? This is exactly what I wanted to say–I just didn’t know this verse existed!
Noelle and Summer, the pen-pal heroines of this book have their appetites whet while they tiptoe through the tulips, float down a canal in a giant wooden shoe and sip Dutch chocolate in Amsterdam. (See? Don’t you want to do that stuff?!) And ugh, I wish I could tell you how many times I’ve tried to write this review. The story is fun and engaging, the peek into Amsterdam’s culture is intriguing, but what I really love about Robin Jones Gunn’s books is the sweet heart-achy-ness of it.
Somehow all her books make you wish you were the main character. I want an adventure like Noelle and Summer’s. I want to wake up in a foreign country and read a devotional book that sends me careening into an adventure with God. I want to have a spontaneous escapade that speaks to my heart and ultimately changes my life for the better.
I want to experience God—not in a crazy, hyped-up, super-spiritual, weird way you might normally think. Nor in a heady, intellectual way. I want to experience God in the “sacredness of the everyday” as Noelle discovers in this book. That’s what Robin Jones Gunn has got cornered in her Sisterchick books. She uses everyday people in slightly above average adventures to show God’s “unfolding grace”…the grace He desires to show you and me everyday.
So. Did I get you even slightly interested in reading this book? I hope so. Because Multnomah sent me one to give away to you, too! Just leave me a comment, any comment will do, but I’d especially love one that shows you actually read this post! I’ll pick a winner on…uhm, Sunday, maybe? Congrats, Jenni!
Mary B says
I have not had the privilege to read one of her books yet. (Gasp I know) This one looks great!
Vanderbilt Wife says
I luuuurv Robin Jones Gunn and I think this may be the only Sisterchicks book I haven’t read yet. Looking forward to our Sisterchicks Trip!
<3
Jess
Staci Brown says
How cool is that?
Tricia says
I could go for some good Christian fiction reading….going a beach trip soon!
Sarah says
Back in the day, I think I read the entire Christi Miller series in a week. Although I haven’t read any of the Sisterchicks books, I have a feeling I’d love them just as much.
And can I say anything that involves tulips and dutch chocolate has to be good? Seriously. Yes, I think I’d want to BE those characters… just like the 14 year old me wanted to BE Christi Miller.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
You know, Robin Jones Gunn was one of the first Christian authors I read (back when I discovered Palisade Romance novels), but I haven’t read her Sisterchick books. I’d like to, though…!
Tamara says
Sounds like a fun read. I always enjoy Robin Jones Gunn!
Jeni says
I haven’t yet read any of the Sisterchicks books, but I’ve heard great things about them! I’d love a chance to read it!
valerie2350 says
sipping dutch chocolate in amsterdam mmmmmmmmm 🙂
Leigh says
Oh, I am so in with you! Let’s go! I’ve never read that translation of 2 Cor 5:5 – I love that. and, um… I’ve never read Robin Jones Gunn, either. I need to start!
TCKK says
I would love to read this book. I’ve read several of the Sister Chick books and just listened to one on tape a couple weeks ago!!! Love love love them.
Ashley says
Sounds like a great read (and I love the Message translation of the 2 Corinthians verse)!
Lori A. says
I have not ready anything by this author…YET! I love reading and this sounds like the kind of book I would really enjoy. I hadn’t heard that verse from Corinthians either but I love it!!
Kathy says
Commented on Facebook, but am commenting here too.
Would love to read this one.
Danette says
Sounds like a great series, this will be a new author for me. Love to curl up with a good book and listen to the waves at the beach. And hubby has a business trip to Daytona coming up!
PS Found your blog through “life with the Ferrells”, part of our church family!
DebbieLynne says
I read your post! I’ve never read any of these books, but sounds like good “poolside” reading for the summer. Count me in. I found you on Twitter!