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Sisterchicks #1
Sisterchicks on the Loose
Sharon has lived calmly in Chinook Springs, Washington, her entire life. All that changes when her best friend of twenty years, Penny, takes an impulsive trip to seek out her only living relatives in Finland -- and brings Sharon with her. The land of reindeer and saunas holds infinite varieties of zaniness for these two unlikely friends -- Sharon is a quiet mother of four and Penny was a motorcycle mama before she came to Christ -- who return home with a new view of God, a new zest for life, and a big impact on those around them for decades to come.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
104 people are currently reading
2539 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
201 books2,585 followersROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
February 15, 2017
Have you ever been surprised by the contents of a book?
Recently, I experienced that very thing.
Having previously loved RobinJones Gunn’s Clouds, I was eager to see what else she had written. When the first of her Sisterchicks books came up on my list of available books on Blogging for Books, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try another of her novels.
The surprises began with the cover. Blue sky and snow, with a bright orange strip of foreign buildings . . . just the hint of adventure I needed to sneak Sisterchickson the Loose! up my ever-growing list of books to read. Plus, the cute little chick in the top left corner with the snazzy sunglasses made me giggle with joy. *Note: When I was browsing at the book store over the weekend, I noticed this book had a different cover than the copy I had. Don’t let that stop you from taking on this adventure!
Upon opening the cover, I discovered the story was written in the first person. Quite startling, since the “norm” for fiction is currently third person writing. I’ve read a few first person fictions before, and they usually took me several chapters to get into the rhythm of them, if I ever did. Much to my delight, the story swiftly unfolded as if told by a dear friend. This negated the first person problems I’d had in the past. In fact, as I was reading, I felt as if I were reading the authors private, intimate thoughts on her own journey to Finland. I’m not sure how much of the tale was based on Ms. Gunn’s personal experiences, but she sure painted an enjoyable tale with plenty of adventure, misunderstandings, hilariousness and sweetly tender moments.
Finally, I was surprised to discover a deep character arc that could easily apply to so many women’s lives. (Men’s, too, for that matter.) Many of us struggle with identity issues at some point or another in our lives. This book provides hope and a bit of guidance where our identities are concerned. It’s nice to see such deep thoughts woven seamlessly into a whim of an adventure.
In Sisterchicks on the Loose!, Penny tells her best friend Sharon, “Pack your bags, girl! We’re finally going to run away from home!” They take off for far away Finland in hopes of reuniting with the aunt Penny’s always wanted to meet. Mishaps seem to appear from every direction, but they decide to trust God and let Him lead the way on this long-awaited journey. Both women have lessons to learn along the way, along with surprises to give and receive. The people they meet on the trip only add to the experience, enhancing the already enjoyable excursion across the globe. Will they miss home or wish they could travel indefinitely? After going on such an exciting trip, how can they ever go back to normal living? Make sure to pick up this Sisterchick novel if you have a bit of the wanderlust in you. It’ll get you itching to board a plane—but don’t forget your carry-on!
Recently, I experienced that very thing.
Having previously loved RobinJones Gunn’s Clouds, I was eager to see what else she had written. When the first of her Sisterchicks books came up on my list of available books on Blogging for Books, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try another of her novels.
The surprises began with the cover. Blue sky and snow, with a bright orange strip of foreign buildings . . . just the hint of adventure I needed to sneak Sisterchickson the Loose! up my ever-growing list of books to read. Plus, the cute little chick in the top left corner with the snazzy sunglasses made me giggle with joy. *Note: When I was browsing at the book store over the weekend, I noticed this book had a different cover than the copy I had. Don’t let that stop you from taking on this adventure!
Upon opening the cover, I discovered the story was written in the first person. Quite startling, since the “norm” for fiction is currently third person writing. I’ve read a few first person fictions before, and they usually took me several chapters to get into the rhythm of them, if I ever did. Much to my delight, the story swiftly unfolded as if told by a dear friend. This negated the first person problems I’d had in the past. In fact, as I was reading, I felt as if I were reading the authors private, intimate thoughts on her own journey to Finland. I’m not sure how much of the tale was based on Ms. Gunn’s personal experiences, but she sure painted an enjoyable tale with plenty of adventure, misunderstandings, hilariousness and sweetly tender moments.
Finally, I was surprised to discover a deep character arc that could easily apply to so many women’s lives. (Men’s, too, for that matter.) Many of us struggle with identity issues at some point or another in our lives. This book provides hope and a bit of guidance where our identities are concerned. It’s nice to see such deep thoughts woven seamlessly into a whim of an adventure.
In Sisterchicks on the Loose!, Penny tells her best friend Sharon, “Pack your bags, girl! We’re finally going to run away from home!” They take off for far away Finland in hopes of reuniting with the aunt Penny’s always wanted to meet. Mishaps seem to appear from every direction, but they decide to trust God and let Him lead the way on this long-awaited journey. Both women have lessons to learn along the way, along with surprises to give and receive. The people they meet on the trip only add to the experience, enhancing the already enjoyable excursion across the globe. Will they miss home or wish they could travel indefinitely? After going on such an exciting trip, how can they ever go back to normal living? Make sure to pick up this Sisterchick novel if you have a bit of the wanderlust in you. It’ll get you itching to board a plane—but don’t forget your carry-on!
September 6, 2007
This was a great book. It had a Christian perspective, but it wasn't overwhelming. I can't say it was subtle, but it was very nicely included and didn't make me feel like I was being preached to, or that they had to struggle to incorporate a Christian theme. It was an extremely quick read. I would have given it 5 stars, but the simplicity of the book just didn't put it on the same level as some of the other books I have read.
February 20, 2008
I’m not going on vacation this summer, so picking up this book was supposed to be the next best thing. ;) The plot: two life-long friends head off to Finland in search of long-lost relatives — and a new perspective on life.
Forgive me for using an airplane analogy, but this book is like salted peanuts: basically healthy (this book was is classified as “Christian fiction,” so there’s a lot of material talking about drawing closer to God and reaching out to others) but not something so tasty you’d actually put in your shopping cart when you’re wandering the snack aisle. I can’t say anything in this book really drew me in or taught me a lot; nor did it make me laugh out loud, even though I think that was the idea in some places.
And yet, like the salted peanuts, I finished the whole thing — just ’cause it was there. ;)
Maybe the problem lies in that I never could get into the chick-lit genre -- haven't read much of it and don't care to, really.
Forgive me for using an airplane analogy, but this book is like salted peanuts: basically healthy (this book was is classified as “Christian fiction,” so there’s a lot of material talking about drawing closer to God and reaching out to others) but not something so tasty you’d actually put in your shopping cart when you’re wandering the snack aisle. I can’t say anything in this book really drew me in or taught me a lot; nor did it make me laugh out loud, even though I think that was the idea in some places.
And yet, like the salted peanuts, I finished the whole thing — just ’cause it was there. ;)
Maybe the problem lies in that I never could get into the chick-lit genre -- haven't read much of it and don't care to, really.
October 16, 2021
2.25 stars
October 6, 2023
I picked this up at my library thinking it would be a light humor read. It turned out to be a heartwarming tale. We follow two best friends, Penny and Sharon, on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Finland to find Penny’s aunt.
The two friends find healing and growth. It’s so wonderfully done. At first, I didn’t think I would like this, but the book picked up once they got to Finland. I recommended this to my mom. I told her she would love it. Also, this book takes place three months before I was born.
If you are looking for a beautiful tale of friendship between women in their forties and living life to the fullest, I highly recommend it. The ending made me cry happy tears.
The two friends find healing and growth. It’s so wonderfully done. At first, I didn’t think I would like this, but the book picked up once they got to Finland. I recommended this to my mom. I told her she would love it. Also, this book takes place three months before I was born.
If you are looking for a beautiful tale of friendship between women in their forties and living life to the fullest, I highly recommend it. The ending made me cry happy tears.
May 17, 2025
This was really good!!!
Frtc
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October 14, 2010
Many of the other reviews said they couldn't identify with the main character because she was too old. Well, I'm the same age as the main character, and couldn't identify either. I kept telling myself to give it more time, it was bound to get better, but after an hour into it I just couldn't see wasting any more time on a book that was actually irritating me. Too much good lit out there to be enjoyed, this wasn't one of them for me.
September 24, 2013
Sisterchicks On The Loose by Robin Jones Gunn
Wouldn't you LOVE to take a trip with your best friend to another country? In this book two friends (Sharon and Penny) go on an adventure filled trip to Finland. As they travel, they learn more about God and his love for them and they realize how short and precious life really is. They start to loosen up and have some fun!
This is the second book of the Sisterchicks series that I have been able to read (This is #1, I am reading them out of order! LOL). I thought it was great! I love the facts about the areas that they visited and all the details of these places. I personally have never left the Eastern United States so it is really neat to read about other places.
I found it very touching that Penny wanted to meet her long lost family. The fact that Sharon went with her, made it more realistic to me. I personally got to meet some of my family years back and will forever be grateful to my friend for accompanying me. She made the trip easier and a lot more fun! So I fully understood Penny and Sharon in this adventure.
This book of course has a Christian base. I personally thought this book had quite a bit of "God talk" but it was not over the top. God was THERE but not thrown in my face, if that makes sense, so I really enjoyed it.
I found the writing style to be enjoyable. I felt like I was on this trip with them. The cover was interesting, but not very eye catching in my opinion. I enjoyed the pictures in the back and the part about the author's actual visit with her friend. I thought that was a nice touch!
I think that any Christian would enjoy this book and the messages that are embedded throughout. I would love to know your thoughts about it.
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
Wouldn't you LOVE to take a trip with your best friend to another country? In this book two friends (Sharon and Penny) go on an adventure filled trip to Finland. As they travel, they learn more about God and his love for them and they realize how short and precious life really is. They start to loosen up and have some fun!
This is the second book of the Sisterchicks series that I have been able to read (This is #1, I am reading them out of order! LOL). I thought it was great! I love the facts about the areas that they visited and all the details of these places. I personally have never left the Eastern United States so it is really neat to read about other places.
I found it very touching that Penny wanted to meet her long lost family. The fact that Sharon went with her, made it more realistic to me. I personally got to meet some of my family years back and will forever be grateful to my friend for accompanying me. She made the trip easier and a lot more fun! So I fully understood Penny and Sharon in this adventure.
This book of course has a Christian base. I personally thought this book had quite a bit of "God talk" but it was not over the top. God was THERE but not thrown in my face, if that makes sense, so I really enjoyed it.
I found the writing style to be enjoyable. I felt like I was on this trip with them. The cover was interesting, but not very eye catching in my opinion. I enjoyed the pictures in the back and the part about the author's actual visit with her friend. I thought that was a nice touch!
I think that any Christian would enjoy this book and the messages that are embedded throughout. I would love to know your thoughts about it.
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
April 4, 2018
Read: June 2008
August 2014 (when I wrote the review)
April 2018
I enjoyed this book but not as much as I remember loving it years ago when I read it the first time.
Some favorite quotes:
I realized today that growing old is a risky journey. I don't want my trip into old age to be the only risky journey I ever take. page 34-35
The unknown elevated her. My "what if" questions were suffocating me with fear and pressing me deeper into myself. page 43
"You are gifted and capable beyond your wildest immagination. You have not yet begun to explore all the ways you can make your life count for eternity. Strength and dignity are your clothing. It's tiem for you to drop your bucket deep down into the well of possibilities that you've been ignoring all these years. Drop it all the way down and see what you pull up." pages 103-104
I figured there was nothing wrong with my choosing to love them both. That was my choice. My new and improved way of viewing life. I could love ____ even if she didn't choose to or care to love me the way I thought she should. page 162
Maybe I really am in the best years now....Now we are getting old, but we feel good. We're free. page 271
August 2014 (when I wrote the review)
April 2018
I enjoyed this book but not as much as I remember loving it years ago when I read it the first time.
Some favorite quotes:
I realized today that growing old is a risky journey. I don't want my trip into old age to be the only risky journey I ever take. page 34-35
The unknown elevated her. My "what if" questions were suffocating me with fear and pressing me deeper into myself. page 43
"You are gifted and capable beyond your wildest immagination. You have not yet begun to explore all the ways you can make your life count for eternity. Strength and dignity are your clothing. It's tiem for you to drop your bucket deep down into the well of possibilities that you've been ignoring all these years. Drop it all the way down and see what you pull up." pages 103-104
I figured there was nothing wrong with my choosing to love them both. That was my choice. My new and improved way of viewing life. I could love ____ even if she didn't choose to or care to love me the way I thought she should. page 162
Maybe I really am in the best years now....Now we are getting old, but we feel good. We're free. page 271
June 17, 2012
Although I liked Sisterchicks Do the Hula better, I'm cutting Gunn some slack because I read them out of order and she was obviously trying something new with this series. Maybe it's because I'm turning 40 and my only kid is starting high school, but these books really speak to me as I am facing a time when I'm starting to redefine myself. Reading these books helps me feel more positive about the changes this stage in life is bringing to me. After reading a Sisterchick novel, it's like going on a voyage of self-discovery. Like Sharon, I realized that I don't need to have the same role in my coming years that I've had previously. I too want to live life with dignity and grace, dropping my bucket deep in the well of possibility. But I don't want to mislead you, although the book has moments of depth and profundity, they are largely light and a funny romp through middle-aged sisterhood. Laugh heartily with the Sisterchicks!
March 26, 2008
I needed a light chicklit read to help me recover from my last book and get me back into reading for pleasure so I picked this up at the library not knowing anything about it.
For me, there was too much mention of God and the Christian religion and that tainted the overall feel of the book for me. Granted, the totality of that kind of talk only lasted 5 or so pages but it statements were peppered throughout and it turned me off.
The book in itself is an okay read about two best friends who go off to Finland on a whim to find long lost relatives of one. I had hoped as I always do that I would feel some sort of kinship to the characters but it wasn't strong enoough for me. Penny was the one I more strongly resemble but only in glimpses. I did relate to being a mother and putting my kids first and myself last. That is universal.
For me, there was too much mention of God and the Christian religion and that tainted the overall feel of the book for me. Granted, the totality of that kind of talk only lasted 5 or so pages but it statements were peppered throughout and it turned me off.
The book in itself is an okay read about two best friends who go off to Finland on a whim to find long lost relatives of one. I had hoped as I always do that I would feel some sort of kinship to the characters but it wasn't strong enoough for me. Penny was the one I more strongly resemble but only in glimpses. I did relate to being a mother and putting my kids first and myself last. That is universal.
July 30, 2015
I read for entertainment.
Book lernin' is hard with me.
Boy - I learned a few things in these conversations.( feels wrong to say 'story' )
Two parts of a forty year friendship take bravery pills,lean into it
with each other and I felt a part of every conversation.
Lovely and Wonderful.
Book lernin' is hard with me.
Boy - I learned a few things in these conversations.( feels wrong to say 'story' )
Two parts of a forty year friendship take bravery pills,lean into it
with each other and I felt a part of every conversation.
Lovely and Wonderful.
September 7, 2010
Gunn's known for her women's fiction, and I wasn't disappointed. While not sappy or silly, her fun story of women and their friendship entertained and kept me turning the pages.
July 29, 2011
Yes, it was definitely awesome. A solid 5. Loved Penny Lane, but could definitely relate to Sharon.
November 15, 2010
This book had a lot of firsts for me. From the two-star rating, you might guess that these "firsts" aren't particularly positive. For one thing, this is the first time I've ever actually stopped reading the book to roll my eyes. It is also the first time that I've said things out loud while reading such as "Oh, come ON," and "You've got to be kidding me," as well as the occasional, "Why am I reading this?"
Why AM I reading this? I'm not exactly a chick-lit girl. The title could not be more cheesy or stupid. And I'm reading something classified as "Christian Fiction" when I'm a highly skeptical Buddhist/spiritualist/agnostic. This sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, I gave the Sisterchicks a chance because my neighbor and close friend recommended the books and was kind enough to let me borrow hers. Okay. So here goes.
This book is a piece of trash. There is literally no creativity whatsoever. First off, the characters. The two best friends at the center of the story, Sharon and Penny, are two of the most irritating characters that I have had the misfortune to spend 274 pages with (at least the vocabulary is at a third-grade level, so you can skim, get the basic idea, and get through the $@#* thing quickly).
Obviously, Gunn made NO attempt whatsoever to create unique characters. Instead, she uncreatively mashed several stereotypes together and gave them names. Sharon = "The Quiet One" + overly stressed mother of four + God-fearing down-home Christian + unconfident/mousy one + subservient housewife. Penny = that-crazy-best-friend-who-takes-the-boring-one-on-a-wild-ride. They are so predictable on so many levels that you feel as though you know them already...because they inhabit every low-budget chick flick and T.V. movie you've ever seen.
The plot is contrived at best, and at worst, a poorly hewn-together string of vaguely unrealistic events. The excuse? Penny is insane. I don't buy it.
Every time anything remotely touching, fortunate, family-related, or unusual happens, Sharon/Penny/other women present/all of the above automatically respond by dissolving into tears. This, more than anything made me roll my eyes every time. I am not exaggerating. I do mean EVERYTHING. Every memory discussed...tears. Sharon discusses visiting Penny Lane as a surprise for Penny...tears. Any mention of family at home...tears. These women are either on the brink of menopause, or highly irritating. I wanted to throw this book through a window every time the words "wept," "sobbed," or "teared up" came into the book.
Sharon herself is extremely irritating. She overthinks EVERYTHING, so we read about every blip and minor detail as if it were a prompt for an analytical essay. And EVERYTHING comes back to God. Does anyone actually do that? Do people actually make no effort to intelligently think things through, and then just shove it all in God's face? "We're at God's mercy." "It is the will of God." Not to mention my personal favorite: "Maybe it wasn't a good thing...maybe it was a GOD thing." Do I really need to explain this one?
I honestly don't know why anyone would read this trash. Maybe it's feel-goody. Maybe it's good for you -- the godliness is very present. (All through the book, we get to hear complaints about how Sharon left her Bible at home. Fascinating.) All I can say is I am DONE with Sisterchicks for good.
Why AM I reading this? I'm not exactly a chick-lit girl. The title could not be more cheesy or stupid. And I'm reading something classified as "Christian Fiction" when I'm a highly skeptical Buddhist/spiritualist/agnostic. This sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, I gave the Sisterchicks a chance because my neighbor and close friend recommended the books and was kind enough to let me borrow hers. Okay. So here goes.
This book is a piece of trash. There is literally no creativity whatsoever. First off, the characters. The two best friends at the center of the story, Sharon and Penny, are two of the most irritating characters that I have had the misfortune to spend 274 pages with (at least the vocabulary is at a third-grade level, so you can skim, get the basic idea, and get through the $@#* thing quickly).
Obviously, Gunn made NO attempt whatsoever to create unique characters. Instead, she uncreatively mashed several stereotypes together and gave them names. Sharon = "The Quiet One" + overly stressed mother of four + God-fearing down-home Christian + unconfident/mousy one + subservient housewife. Penny = that-crazy-best-friend-who-takes-the-boring-one-on-a-wild-ride. They are so predictable on so many levels that you feel as though you know them already...because they inhabit every low-budget chick flick and T.V. movie you've ever seen.
The plot is contrived at best, and at worst, a poorly hewn-together string of vaguely unrealistic events. The excuse? Penny is insane. I don't buy it.
Every time anything remotely touching, fortunate, family-related, or unusual happens, Sharon/Penny/other women present/all of the above automatically respond by dissolving into tears. This, more than anything made me roll my eyes every time. I am not exaggerating. I do mean EVERYTHING. Every memory discussed...tears. Sharon discusses visiting Penny Lane as a surprise for Penny...tears. Any mention of family at home...tears. These women are either on the brink of menopause, or highly irritating. I wanted to throw this book through a window every time the words "wept," "sobbed," or "teared up" came into the book.
Sharon herself is extremely irritating. She overthinks EVERYTHING, so we read about every blip and minor detail as if it were a prompt for an analytical essay. And EVERYTHING comes back to God. Does anyone actually do that? Do people actually make no effort to intelligently think things through, and then just shove it all in God's face? "We're at God's mercy." "It is the will of God." Not to mention my personal favorite: "Maybe it wasn't a good thing...maybe it was a GOD thing." Do I really need to explain this one?
I honestly don't know why anyone would read this trash. Maybe it's feel-goody. Maybe it's good for you -- the godliness is very present. (All through the book, we get to hear complaints about how Sharon left her Bible at home. Fascinating.) All I can say is I am DONE with Sisterchicks for good.
July 29, 2019
So so. Needed a humorous book for summer reading program and this was a very fast read.
May 8, 2015
Sisterchicks on the Loose is the first sisterchick book written by Robin Jones Gunn. Even though this isn't a series there are eight books, I believe, all about friends and sisters who have these incredible God given/appointed trips.
I absolutely love ALL of the Sisterchick books. But Sisterchicks On the Loose is one of my all time favorites!
Sharon and her friend, Penny, have been best friends for twenty years. Penny has the savvy and business attitude; whereas, Sharon is more of the homemaker/dime store type of girl. In fact, this story begins on such a funny note as we find Sharon highlighting her own hair (like a lot of moms who want to save money do). . . .ah! Helsinki or Bust!
But when Penny FedX's Sharon a thick envelope with a ticket to Helsinki, Finland...the dream trip of both women.
This is a fantabulous read! The seriousness of Penny finding and visiting her Finnish aunt and uncle and the outlandish visit to the country with two old women! And finding God's graciousness and peace in Finland!
OH!Such!A! GREAT read!
If you love a great read with nuggets of God's love poured into the written word then you must read the Sisterchicks on the Loose!
I absolutely love ALL of the Sisterchick books. But Sisterchicks On the Loose is one of my all time favorites!
Sharon and her friend, Penny, have been best friends for twenty years. Penny has the savvy and business attitude; whereas, Sharon is more of the homemaker/dime store type of girl. In fact, this story begins on such a funny note as we find Sharon highlighting her own hair (like a lot of moms who want to save money do). . . .ah! Helsinki or Bust!
But when Penny FedX's Sharon a thick envelope with a ticket to Helsinki, Finland...the dream trip of both women.
This is a fantabulous read! The seriousness of Penny finding and visiting her Finnish aunt and uncle and the outlandish visit to the country with two old women! And finding God's graciousness and peace in Finland!
OH!Such!A! GREAT read!
If you love a great read with nuggets of God's love poured into the written word then you must read the Sisterchicks on the Loose!
November 1, 2013
"You are gifted and capable beyond your wildest imagination. You have not yet begun to explore all the ways you can make your life count for eternity. Strength and dignity are your clothing. It's time for you to drop your bucket deep down into the well of possibilities that you've been ignoring all these years. Drop it all the way down and see what you pull up." "It's imperative that I read my Bible to find out how to make my life work the way it was designed to work." These two quotes were favorites in this fun book about close friends who take an adventurous trip to Finland and enjoy "breaking out" from their routines. It was a truly crazy adventure--I prefer to travel knowing where my bed will be that night--but I have also traveled this way and slept in odd places, met unusual people, and broadened my horizons as well. I could relate to this book as I am a person who is full of dreams, willing to take risks, pulling up my own bucket up from my well, and I've been in a sauna in Finland!
January 20, 2015
Corny but very cute. Oddly enough, I read another of the books in this series years and years ago in high school when I lived in a tiny town with a very limited public library selection. Then I lived in Finland for some years and just came across this book because I wanted to read something that was set in Finland. I loved the parts set there-- when they visit Stockmann and the summer cottage with the sauna. Marketta and Anni were great characters. The rest of the book was decent, very Christian perspective, sweet ending. The funniest thing was when Sharon remembered the detail about when Penny was "poor" because her bathroom only had a drain in the middle of the floor with no partition; I thought the author would somehow loop that back around to the fact that virtually all Finnish bathrooms are like that. Would have made a good point about being minimalistic. But oh well :)
July 31, 2013
In preparation for a stop in Helsinki, Finland on a recent cruise, I did a search for books with the subject "Finland."This is the only one I found. Normally, I don't read books by female authors. This book is a good example why I don't. I just don't get into all the touchy Feely emotions characteristic of books by female authors. Looking through the names of reviewers, I am the rule rather than the exception.
In the end, the book didn't give me much good information about Finland. Saunas are not a novelty here in northern Minnesota.
The book just confirmed my opinion about the ditziness of women.
In the end, the book didn't give me much good information about Finland. Saunas are not a novelty here in northern Minnesota.
The book just confirmed my opinion about the ditziness of women.
July 25, 2015
Loved it again ... so many wonderful things to think about ... spiritual truths, family truths, and wonderful travel adventures. I love this series.
August 4, 2021
A little bit too preachy for me but good story of family and friendship
October 29, 2018
For those of us fortunate enough to have 'sisterchicks' in our lives, this book speaks to those friendships and kinships, and we can relate to the feelings of these two women as they go on their first adventure together. Penny is determined to go to Finland to try to find her relatives, and when she buys two tickets and sends one to Sharon, Sharon has no choice but to join her more outgoing friend on a trip of a lifetime. Penny is the free spirit, willing to travel without a fixed schedule or itinerary, while Sharon is quieter and more likely to be the planner. However, when their plane is delayed and one of them loses their luggage, their trip takes them in directions they never expected. But the two discover unexpected miracles and more of life's treasures as they decide to trust God and just go where they never expected to be. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
February 11, 2025
3.5 stars. I’ve lost track of how many times this book has been recommended to me, often as a comedy. I didn’t find it at all funny (different sense of humor from mine, apparently), but it’s a very sweet story about friendship, family, and identity. As an outspoken, college-educated career woman from a non-church-going family, who started traveling at age 19 (solo at 22), I couldn’t really relate to Sharon, which made the first-person POV a bit more challenging for me. I still enjoyed her adventures with Penny, though, and Gunn’s descriptions of Finland and Liverpool are lovely and quite vivid. I suspect I’m 10-15 years too young to fully appreciate this book. I’d have said Baby Boomer readers would most enjoy it, but I’ve seen other, decades younger, reviewers who loved it.
April 12, 2024
What a wonderful story.
July 27, 2025
Two women in their 40s going on an adventure in another country, celebrating their friendship, discovering more about their past, learning to be brave in their every day life, acquiring better understanding about God and His character, and being hilarious along the way. I absolutely love this book!
May 10, 2024
I loved it!! Makes me wish I had a "sisterchick"!
September 19, 2007
Sharon has lived calmly in Chinook Springs, Washington, her entire life. All that changes when her best friend of twenty years, Penny, takes an impulsive trip to seek out her only living relatives in Finland -- and brings Sharon with her. The land of reindeer and saunas holds infinite varieties of zaniness for these two unlikely friends -- Sharon is a quiet mother of four and Penny was a motorcycle mama before she came to Christ -- who return home with a new view of God, a new zest for life, and a big impact on those around them for decades to come.
Get set for adventure as the sisterchicks drive, float, or fly off to faraway places—exploring new territory and delighting in the soul ties that forever bind their hearts.
Sisterchick n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.
Meet unlikely best friends Sharon, quiet mother of four, and Penny, former flower child/motorcycle mama. Connected as young moms, their 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.
Oh, Penny Girl, what have you done?
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!
Get set for adventure as the sisterchicks drive, float, or fly off to faraway places—exploring new territory and delighting in the soul ties that forever bind their hearts.
Sisterchick n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.
Meet unlikely best friends Sharon, quiet mother of four, and Penny, former flower child/motorcycle mama. Connected as young moms, their 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.
Oh, Penny Girl, what have you done?
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!
September 23, 2010
Okay, if you need one series to read this year and you are a woman who wants to learn more about herself and her relationship with God, this is the series. It is fiction, but the characters, who vary in age from mid 30's to mid 50's, are amazing. And the settings!! Oh, I wish I could join them. Robin Jones Gunn takes us all over the world with her characters, from New Zealand to Venice to Finland to Mexico, in each place learning about themselves and what their life is really all about. I love these books and the subtle humor that is in each one. These books are each "stand alone" books and do not have to be read in a particular order. Find a place that interests you and delve in!
This first one is the beginning of the Sisterchicks. They take us to Finland and the main character Sharon, learns about letting go and just relaxing with the flow of life and learning what you can where you are. Wonderful!
This first one is the beginning of the Sisterchicks. They take us to Finland and the main character Sharon, learns about letting go and just relaxing with the flow of life and learning what you can where you are. Wonderful!
December 14, 2013
I adored this book. It made me want to hop on a plane and have some life changing adventure. Oh wait, I've done that, but this made me want to do it with my best friend. Robin lovingly recounts her spur of the moment trip with her best friend Penny. When they were young mother's they promised each other they would go to Finland to find the last of Penny's blood relatives, well, that time has come.
This memoir recounts their first adventure together in 1993 and how it changed their lives. It brought them closer to each other, their families, and God. Who knew what an 11 day trip could do for the soul. In that time they "bared all" in a sauna with 2 ladies in their 70's, lost luggage, got puked on, found long lost family, and much much more.
It's a light fun read that will have you laughing and sympathyzing. A great quick read, I most definitely want to read more in the series.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
This memoir recounts their first adventure together in 1993 and how it changed their lives. It brought them closer to each other, their families, and God. Who knew what an 11 day trip could do for the soul. In that time they "bared all" in a sauna with 2 ladies in their 70's, lost luggage, got puked on, found long lost family, and much much more.
It's a light fun read that will have you laughing and sympathyzing. A great quick read, I most definitely want to read more in the series.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
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