Customer Reviews

Sisterchicks in Gondolas (Sisterchicks Series #6)

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Venice ... as Gunn says, is "the city that Italy wears proudly like a diamond-studded broach on the cuff of her tall boot." From the very first page of this book, I felt like I was whisked away to the land of canals and chilled Italian gelato ice cream. It was almost comical how I could actually hear the sweet sounds of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" being played by an Italian violinist every time I opened the book.

The setting in the jewel of Italy is magnificent, and the characters captivated me as well. Jenna and Sue have been sisters-in-law for almost 30 years, yet their friendship has become tightly knit only in the last five. In exchange for cooking for a group on a retreat, the women are invited to stay in a 15th-century restored palace on a quiet Venician canal. The descriptions of this palace are breathtaking.

What's even more fun is that Sue and Jenna decide to sleep on the roof of the palace, since the other guests need all the bedroom space. And we're right there with them. Narrator Jenna says, "The evening air swirled with the scent of salt air and garlic. Accordian music floated our way from one of the alleyways..."

Not only do readers get to enjoy the scenery, we're also gently pulled along into the author's deep Christian faith. While on the rooftop, Jenna ponders her relationship with God. She remembers how He comforted her years ago when her husband left her with a newborn daughter to raise. Even though she'd prayed fervently for her marriage to be restored, she was left alone, as a single mom. Yet God carried her through the years.

Her sister-in-law, Sue, is also entering a new season of life as the caretaker of her husband. Both women find rejuvenation in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Italy, and their journey is one that readers around the world can relate to.

I couldn't get enough of this wonderful, faith-driven writing. And it's laugh-out-loud funny too! Now I've become a new Sisterchicks fan, and I can't wait to read the other books in this bestselling series.





- Reviewed by Heather Ivester for Mom 2 Mom Connection, www.mom2momconnection.com

Readers who love exploring the world will relish the pages of Robin Jones Gunn's Sisterchicks in Gondolas. Finding God's purpose in mid-life transition emerges as the main theme, as two sisters-in-law share a retreat along the dreamy canals of Venice. Both have experienced recent disappointments and even tragedy, yet their faith prospers during their Italian adventure.

When Jenna receives an invitation from a mission organization to volunteer in Venice, she invites her sister-in-law, Sue, to join her. In exchange for cooking for the group, the women are invited to stay in a 15th-century restored palace. Deep spiritual growth takes place as the women talk and pray while sleeping beneath the stars on the palace rooftop.

The retreat allows the women time to explore the winding roads their lives have taken. Jenna was left by her husband and spent years in bitterness as a single mom. Yet she shares with Sue how God's "abiding Spirit was like the moon. A sliver of comfort and light rising even on the darkest night." Sue is also emerging from her own nightmare, facing the years ahead as a caregiver for her husband, who barely survived a debilitating accident.

Through friendship and the refreshment of travel, both women sense a new plan God has in store for them. They share a dream of serving Him through helping other women in trying circumstances. Their newfound joy is contagious, spilling into the hearts of readers.

It's not surprising at all that Gunn's Sisterchicks series has sold over three million copies worldwide. Her faith-driven writing offers a wealth of insight. I'd recommend this book to anyone experiencing a major life transition or wanting to experience armchair traveling at its finest. -- Heather Ivester, Christian Book Previews.com

I have read everything Robin Jones Gunn has written...I laughed, cried and cheered through the Christi Miller and Sierra Jensen books with my young teen-age daughter (who is now all grown up). We both loved the Glenbrooke series. And now...I've read every one of the SisterChicks books. I want to go on a trip with a friend like that! Robin makes the cities come alive...she makes sisterhood/friendship into an incredible treasure, and she uses scripture in a way to challenge, uplift and encourage the readers. Keep it up!

Sam, head of an international missionary based in Europe, invites Jenna to cook at a leaders' retreat in Venice; he also gives her a second free ticket so she can bring a friend. Jenna muses that she had not heard form Sam in years and that the one time she came along as a cook she stunk at it. However, something inside her says this is right so she plans to go and knows immediately who she will invite to travel with her from Dallas for a week at a fifteenth century restored palace. She asks her sister-in-law of three decades Sue who has been her best friend of about the last five years to accompany her.

In Venice, Steph meets the sisterchicks as they eat gelato in Campo Apostoli and escorts them to the extravagant palace they are staying. The two American visitors easily fall into the soft warm lifestyle of gondolas while making pastas for the retreat's attendees. As Venetia enters their hearts, they gain courage to live life to the fullest; something neither has tried in a long time out of fear of failure and self pity and ridicule.

Die hard fans of the series or newcomers will enjoy the latest sisterchicks tale. The pairing of two middle age women is fun as Jenna and Sue are genuine friends who take Venetia by storm as they have several adventures and escapades while readers enjoy their guided tour of the canals. Though obviously somewhat like the previous five tales, SISTERCHICKS IN GONDOLAS is a fun gambol that as always cherish the loving friendship between women.

Harriet Klausner

I own and love the entire series, and am ready for Robin to give us more! Robin gives me the glimpse of the world that I long for in these books.

Oh to get the chance of a life time as these two ladies had. The descriptions in this book were so crisp and clear. I could really imagine how it would be to sleep on the roof and just be like a kid again. This book had a powerful message of forgiveness and how to live through the hard times. I love that the author took time to give each character so much flavor and allow you to really know them. I felt that the book showed the extreme pluses to serving others in our journey and how important it is to pass on the friendship to starving women down the road and help others remember how to enjoy life where they are.

I like all the sisterchicks books. This one had an interesting story once they got to Italy, but I thought the one main character, Sue, didn't make alot of sense sometimes. The author threw in some background on the character, but didn't really seem to fit in with the story. Wasn't her best character in the all the sisterchick books I've read. But still a nice read.

These books are always fun and uplifting. I enjoy the stories by Robin Gunn Jones. I appreciate how she uses humor and life to bring me to a higher place spiritually.

Excellent story. Funny but makes you think about your life. You won't be able to put it down.

While I loved the setting because Venice is one of my favorite cities, I found there was a message in this book that is extremely helpful to those who feel of no use because of circumstances.
First off, setting this story in Venice was just perfect. Venice is a place usually considered a great romantic get-a-way, but in this story the love is with God. Jenna and Sue expand their relationship with God, and each fall in love with his blessings over again. Jenna even comes to the conclusion at the end that she can be of use more in the service than she thought, and everyone should take this to heart. That when you feel you are of no use, just look around and there is always an opportunity. Sometimes staring you in the face, and sometimes not that obvious.
It was so wonderful to read about the two friends adventures in this lovely city. I also enjoyed reading about the visits to the market and the baker. For me this is what is great about Venice and other European cities. Also, the Gelatto....makes me want some right now!
I recommend this for all those sisterchicks out there who want an arm chair adventure, and who dream of far away lands and will one day share their own adventure in the place of her choice with her sisterchick(s).