Sisterchicks Do the Hula Book Review

SUMMARY:  Watch out, Waikiki!
     Wherever there's chocolate, there's sure to be a Sisterchick celebrating, and this trip to Hawaii is no exception.  Best friends Hope and Laurie are on an audacious mission to commemorate their fortieth birthdays in style.  Surfing and sailing, sushi and snorkeling - these two macadamia nuts from the mainland sample it all, unhindered by a surprise little stowaway.
     Luaus are only the beginning.  The island experience binds Hope and Laurie's souls together, gently restoring their unfinished dreams.  Garlanded with leis or swimming with sea turtles, they join the dance of delight in their Maker, entering the next season of their lives filled with the unforced rhythm of grace.

REVIEW:  Look out, Hawaii!  Sisterchicks are coming!
     Laurie and Hope have been friends since college.   After losing touch for many years, they reconnect and pick up where they left off.  Since their previous plan to visit Hawaii did not happen, Laurie and Hope decide to go and celebrate their 40th birthdays in the Aloha state.  They meet native Hawaiians who give them insight into the native culture and the meanings (even spiritual meanings) behind some of the traditions, like leis, hula and more.  These sections are my favorite parts.  I also like everyone's reaction to Hope's pregnancy, even though her kids are getting ready to finish high school.  They are all genuinely excited about this coming bundle of joy.
     This novel is a great read if you are looking for something fun and enjoyable.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah for review without compensation.

Robin Jones Gunn has written more than eighty-five books, including the well-loved Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, and Sierra Jensen series.  More than 4.5 million copies of her books have sold worldwide.  Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have two grown children.

Sisterchicks On the Loose Book Review

SUMMARY:  Helsinki or Bust!
     Meet unlikely best friends Sharon, quiet mother of four, and Penny, former flower child/motorcycle mama.  For these young moms, a twenty-year friendship is about to take a surprising leap!  Penny hatches plans for a "post-kids" trip to seek out her only living relatives - somewhere in far-off Finland.
     The land of reindeer, Finnish saunas, and starry, starry nights holds infinite promise for the free-flying Sisterchicks who feel their hearts fill with a new zest for living...and a fresh view of the One who flung the galaxies across the heavens..

REVIEW:  Penny and Sharon have been best friends for many years even though they now live in different cities and states.  When Penny decides to visit her mother's homeland to see if she can connect with family, she drags Sharon along for the adventure.  And an adventure it is.
     I love how Penny stretches Sharon and helps her get out of her comfort zone and experience new things.  When her luggage is lost, Sharon learns to live simply and to roll with the flow. Penny learns a lot about her mother and her father, who have both been dead many years and the family Penny's mom left behind when she moved to America.
     The book was good but I'm not sure about some parts.  At times, Penny seems flighty, not wanting to stick around anywhere long.  She stays with her aunt she's never met but only heard about while she was growing up for just a few days then leaves again to meet and stay with a cousin in London she's never met.  In London, she and Penny impose on her cousin Elina who is under a lot of stress with her job, family and husband's job situation.  The very next day, Penny, Sharon and Elina go to Liverpool to meet up with someone Penny met on their flight to Helsinki and cause a ruckus in the hotel spa.  After a few bumps and awkward moments, everything all works out in the end but it just seemed awkward to me.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah for review without compensation.

Robin Jones Gunn has written more than eighty-five books, including the well-loved Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, and Sierra Jensen series.  More than 4.5 million copies of her books have sold worldwide.  Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have two grown children.