Tea with Elephants: Contemporary Women's Fiction Book Set in Kenya with Female Friendship, Sisterhood, and International Travel (Suitcase Sisters)
Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young.
Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.
Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.
Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.
Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.
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Community Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What can I say, if a book is presented to me with any semblance of African adventure, animals, or folklore I’m immediately diving in!
The promise of a storyline set in Africa while two friends bonded over adventure and faith while tackling troubles in their lives back home, I was prepared for a feel good fuzzy story that was both heartwarming and rapt with the essence of Africa, whom I love so much.
I can say the book did deliver on a feel good story about friends. I was, in fact, feeling warm and fuzzy at the surface level whilst we journeyed throughout Africa following the “Suitcase Sisters”. The chapters were short and easy to read, making this a simple thing to digest between heavier books on my shelf.
However. This plot, though warm and fuzzy, ended up feeling somewhat shallow and surface level. I wasn’t expecting to be reading strictly from Fern’s POV, but maybe a dual POV from each friend, which left me feeling disconnected and not emotionally invested in Lily’s arc or inner turmoils.
As with any book about Africa, there’s always a personal agenda placed somewhere in the middle, and the placement of reference to Hemingway’s iconic Green Hills of Africa felt like the author was presenting his accounts as barbaric and bloody, in reference to hunting. Hunting and ecotourism in these areas are of equal importance, and though I wish not to debate one over the other, I always roll my eyes at the bias of “poor, segregated, mismanaged Africa”. This was further extended with the mention of a hyena taking down a zebra. Not saying that doesn’t happen, but being scavengers themselves unless they ripped the foal out of the mare in active labor (which has happened) the hyena is not built for heavy foot pursuit to take down prey. The characters had to look away, for it was so brutal. But this is nature. Dog’s gotta eat. I don’t know, I felt these details felt inferior and unnecessary, along with som of the other details around food, outfits, Lily’s sleeping habits, etc.
Furthermore, presentation of Africa was very…nontypical? The premise of the book is a gifted, unexpected trip to Africa bearing resemblance to Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore’s “Blended” minus the romantic strife. But the setting was very “bougie” and felt strategically ad-driven for real places: the Giraffe Manor, luxury safari lodges, etc. The tourism in this areas and in Africa as a whole cannot be overstated in importance, and they have their place, but trying to formulate this deep, philosophical connection to Africa as this wild and untamed place from the safety of a safari vehicle and the confines of a plush and “posh” hotel room felt misplaced.
There were inconsistencies with the location and time of year. The wildebeest migration (I won’t get into my TED talk about bad tourism tactics during said time) typically moves through the Maasai Mara in the dry months (June/July - October) and wildlife are typically calving and having their babies in November- February, their spring. We were experiencing both migrations of wildebeest and zebra AND baby elephants and zebras and lions on this trip. An elephants gestation is long enough a baby can pop out any time, I suppose, but I was confused what time of year we were actually traveling. This is such a niche complaint for a reader to have, and I’d guess most wouldn’t care or know this information…but it was something that bothered me nonetheless.
I had highs and lows with each chapter; some of the character dynamics felt off, as if they were just filler, without ever propelling the story forward. There wasn’t any interaction with locals outside of the workers at these locations, which is fine, but it felt flat for me. The whole inner section dealing with entitled influencer Mia and Jack and his wife had me rolling my eyes, if not for their lackluster development and introduction and general annoyance…for the FMC’s “ higher than thou” interactions with said individuals.
The faith aspects were short and sweet and simple, woven throughout tastefully, but it still just felt “eh”. I wasn’t feeling any profound emotions towards any aspect of this story, when I was anticipating something much more impactful from the summary.
There’s no real plot to this book so much as it is following along on safari and divulging in personal conflicts and ultimate resolve of the main characters. I didn’t mind this, but the way this flowed it could quickly become boring.
There were several empty plot holes that left me wondering why they were added to begin with: Mia and privileged couple, the sisters from Brazil, the shot they heard while on safari?? (there’s no hunting in the national parks, so there’s no room for political correctness there)The random instruction of wanting to have a baby felt out of left field.
I ultimately stayed for the promise of Africa, using the words here to remind me of my own magical experiences there on a MUCH different (and more realistic, imo) level. I would recommend this book to the right individual, and I could see myself reading her other installments of this series if only for more travel destinations and female friendships. This is a feel-good story that delivers on girls-supporting-girls, long distance friendship, experiencing the wonders of the world and God’s creation. But I felt disappointed in the representation of such wonders, and generally annoyed with the layout and execution of everything while simultaneously feeling like not a lot had happened.
What can I say, if a book is presented to me with any semblance of African adventure, animals, or folklore I’m immediately diving in!
The promise of a storyline set in Africa while two friends bonded over adventure and faith while tackling troubles in their lives back home, I was prepared for a feel good fuzzy story that was both heartwarming and rapt with the essence of Africa, whom I love so much.
I can say the book did deliver on a feel good story about friends. I was, in fact, feeling warm and fuzzy at the surface level whilst we journeyed throughout Africa following the “Suitcase Sisters”. The chapters were short and easy to read, making this a simple thing to digest between heavier books on my shelf.
However. This plot, though warm and fuzzy, ended up feeling somewhat shallow and surface level. I wasn’t expecting to be reading strictly from Fern’s POV, but maybe a dual POV from each friend, which left me feeling disconnected and not emotionally invested in Lily’s arc or inner turmoils.
As with any book about Africa, there’s always a personal agenda placed somewhere in the middle, and the placement of reference to Hemingway’s iconic Green Hills of Africa felt like the author was presenting his accounts as barbaric and bloody, in reference to hunting. Hunting and ecotourism in these areas are of equal importance, and though I wish not to debate one over the other, I always roll my eyes at the bias of “poor, segregated, mismanaged Africa”. This was further extended with the mention of a hyena taking down a zebra. Not saying that doesn’t happen, but being scavengers themselves unless they ripped the foal out of the mare in active labor (which has happened) the hyena is not built for heavy foot pursuit to take down prey. The characters had to look away, for it was so brutal. But this is nature. Dog’s gotta eat. I don’t know, I felt these details felt inferior and unnecessary, along with som of the other details around food, outfits, Lily’s sleeping habits, etc.
Furthermore, presentation of Africa was very…nontypical? The premise of the book is a gifted, unexpected trip to Africa bearing resemblance to Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore’s “Blended” minus the romantic strife. But the setting was very “bougie” and felt strategically ad-driven for real places: the Giraffe Manor, luxury safari lodges, etc. The tourism in this areas and in Africa as a whole cannot be overstated in importance, and they have their place, but trying to formulate this deep, philosophical connection to Africa as this wild and untamed place from the safety of a safari vehicle and the confines of a plush and “posh” hotel room felt misplaced.
There were inconsistencies with the location and time of year. The wildebeest migration (I won’t get into my TED talk about bad tourism tactics during said time) typically moves through the Maasai Mara in the dry months (June/July - October) and wildlife are typically calving and having their babies in November- February, their spring. We were experiencing both migrations of wildebeest and zebra AND baby elephants and zebras and lions on this trip. An elephants gestation is long enough a baby can pop out any time, I suppose, but I was confused what time of year we were actually traveling. This is such a niche complaint for a reader to have, and I’d guess most wouldn’t care or know this information…but it was something that bothered me nonetheless.
I had highs and lows with each chapter; some of the character dynamics felt off, as if they were just filler, without ever propelling the story forward. There wasn’t any interaction with locals outside of the workers at these locations, which is fine, but it felt flat for me. The whole inner section dealing with entitled influencer Mia and Jack and his wife had me rolling my eyes, if not for their lackluster development and introduction and general annoyance…for the FMC’s “ higher than thou” interactions with said individuals.
The faith aspects were short and sweet and simple, woven throughout tastefully, but it still just felt “eh”. I wasn’t feeling any profound emotions towards any aspect of this story, when I was anticipating something much more impactful from the summary.
There’s no real plot to this book so much as it is following along on safari and divulging in personal conflicts and ultimate resolve of the main characters. I didn’t mind this, but the way this flowed it could quickly become boring.
There were several empty plot holes that left me wondering why they were added to begin with: Mia and privileged couple, the sisters from Brazil, the shot they heard while on safari?? (there’s no hunting in the national parks, so there’s no room for political correctness there)The random instruction of wanting to have a baby felt out of left field.
I ultimately stayed for the promise of Africa, using the words here to remind me of my own magical experiences there on a MUCH different (and more realistic, imo) level. I would recommend this book to the right individual, and I could see myself reading her other installments of this series if only for more travel destinations and female friendships. This is a feel-good story that delivers on girls-supporting-girls, long distance friendship, experiencing the wonders of the world and God’s creation. But I felt disappointed in the representation of such wonders, and generally annoyed with the layout and execution of everything while simultaneously feeling like not a lot had happened.
Tea With Elephants – Book Review
Synopsis:
Tea With Elephants, the first installment of the Suitcase Sisters series by Robin Jones Gunn, is a tender story of friendship, faith, and renewal. Lifelong friends Fern and Lily finally embark on their long-dreamed-of African adventure, carrying with them not only suitcases but also personal burdens—job loss, questions of identity, and the ache of unmet expectations. Amid tea fields, elephants, and quiet moments of reflection, they discover God’s gentle presence, the healing power of friendship, and the beauty of surrendering their hearts to Him. This soothing, faith-filled journey invites readers to slow down, rest, and trust that God’s plans are always greater than our own.
✨A gentle, soul-soothing read, Tea With Elephants is a beautiful reminder of God’s presence, the gift of true friendship, and the peace that comes when we surrender our hearts to Him.✨
My Review:
I didn’t know what to expect going into this story, but I was completely overwhelmed by its beauty. I’ve always dreamed of going to Africa someday—to minister there, share the love of Jesus, and experience such a beautiful culture—and I found myself living vicariously through Fern, Lily, and the unforgettable supporting characters (Wanja was my favorite! 😍). As I read, I felt God’s gentle whispers to my own heart, often weeping as His nearness and love washed over me in a way I haven’t experienced in a very long time.
This book drew me back into the hands of my Creator in such a tender, life-giving way that I can’t put it fully into words. Tea With Elephants is a warm embrace in the form of a novel—an invitation to journey alongside faithful women rediscovering joy, calling, and spiritual direction. It beautifully balances gentle adventure, emotional authenticity, and rich Christian faith. If you’ve ever longed for a story that feeds your soul, strengthens your faith, or simply reminds you that God’s guiding hand is seen—even in the wild—you’ll find much to love here. I certainly did. 🫶
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Book 2 in the series, Gelato at the Villa, just released and has quickly made its way to the top of my wishlist! 😍 I can’t wait to follow a new set of characters on their journeys of friendship, faith, and adventure—knowing that God’s gentle hand will guide them every step of the way.
My rating:
A wholehearted ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Lily and Fern then reminisced on their two-decade friendship, remembering that as teens they hadn’t had a real choice but to volunteer in different states. Their fortune can scarcely be believed when their long-held dream of visiting Africa finally comes true. This then became the “trip of a lifetime” where they go to a land in which there is a tea plantation, majestic giraffes, with elephants that can be elusive. But then their adventure begins, and they begin to discover that life isn’t so free.
Both women are bearing the weight of the complications that two decades of life have weighed on their hearts and souls. However, they meet people and explore places as they travel Africa that, if they let them, will become very significant to them.
Fern and Lily find out some unexpected truths about themselves and each other, as they travel. They encounter people and other cultures, wildlife, and other travelers, whose demands on them confront them with aspects of themselves they prefer to avoid. But the landscapes of Africa are staggering and their growth into deeper friendship heals them. Spiritually they become closer to the people and the land of Africa, and themselves and each other.
This novel shares themes of friendship, personal growth, and a new perspective on life, and does it beautifully. Against the pulsating scenes of Africa, Fern and Lily’s journey of forgiveness, acceptance, and self-discovery will resonate with readers finding hope in the fact that travel and friendship can uplift the human spirit. Change is always possible because everyone’s got their burdens to carry, but we are all capable.
I have been a fan of Robin’s for quite some time now, so this book was hands down a definite read for me. I am looking forward to book two of this series. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys books with such descriptive scenery that you will feel like you are in Africa.
I want to thank Revell Reads for allowing me to read and review this book.
Both women are bearing the weight of the complications that two decades of life have weighed on their hearts and souls. However, they meet people and explore places as they travel Africa that, if they let them, will become very significant to them.
Fern and Lily find out some unexpected truths about themselves and each other, as they travel. They encounter people and other cultures, wildlife, and other travelers, whose demands on them confront them with aspects of themselves they prefer to avoid. But the landscapes of Africa are staggering and their growth into deeper friendship heals them. Spiritually they become closer to the people and the land of Africa, and themselves and each other.
This novel shares themes of friendship, personal growth, and a new perspective on life, and does it beautifully. Against the pulsating scenes of Africa, Fern and Lily’s journey of forgiveness, acceptance, and self-discovery will resonate with readers finding hope in the fact that travel and friendship can uplift the human spirit. Change is always possible because everyone’s got their burdens to carry, but we are all capable.
I have been a fan of Robin’s for quite some time now, so this book was hands down a definite read for me. I am looking forward to book two of this series. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys books with such descriptive scenery that you will feel like you are in Africa.
I want to thank Revell Reads for allowing me to read and review this book.
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