Sisterchicks In Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks In Gondolas is part of a delightful series by Robin Jones Gunn. Sisterchicks novels can be read as stand alone novels since it is the theme rather than the characters that remains consistent. Each novel is about close friends who share a common faith and have a chance for a vacation or simply to spend time together. (Actually, I was very surprised to realize that I had missed reading this one.) The story for Sisterchicks In Gondolas (from the website) is the following:
 
Jenna and Sue have been sisters-in-law for nearly thirty years but inseparable friends for only the last five. When Jenna is invited to a week’s stay at a fifteenth century restored palace on a quiet canal in Venice, Sue is her travel companion of choice. The catch? They must cook for a group that is staying at the palace for a retreat. With about six words of Italian between them, a map, and a keen appetite for gelato, Jenna and Sue enter into the lilting gondola-paced Italian lifestyle. Together they discovering corners of Venice most tourists never see and over boiling pots of pasta they dare each other to dream again. These two Sisterchicks realize that sometimes when serving God, the most important thing to do is just show up…and watch for goodness and mercy to follow close behind. 

I am a huge fan of all of the books in this series, but this one touched me even more than some of the others. I have never been to Venice, so I enjoyed reading more about it. The descriptions and information about the city and surrounding areas was fascinating. There is also a lot of humor in this story, as well as moments that caused me to pause and consider my own life. However, the 2 Sisterchicks in this story both had traits that reminded me of myself. Jenna had been divorced for many years, and felt like she couldn't me as much use to God and that family looked down on her for it. (Me too.) She was also invited to cook for some missionaries on a retreat, but is not a good cook. (I can relate to being a bad cook!) She only knows a few words of Italian, but that doesn't stop her for trying. (You should hear my Spanglish! LOL!)

Sue is adjusting to a new normal since her husband's accident...and is wanting to break out of her old patterns of legalism and being fearful. Also, she can cook! I can identify with the ways she has become a bit fearful of life and is wanting to LIVE rather than just continuing to EXIST. The way Sue and Jenna lean on one another and lift up one when the other is down is such a perfect portrait of unselfish love for a friend. They each want to help the other be the person God intended, plus walk closer with Him. This is both a book that makes a valid point of trusting God and His Grace, but also wrapped in pure joy. I loved it!

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