I found the attempts of Jenna and Sue to get around in Italian humorous while the life lessons they learn had universal applications to walking in faith. Though I did find the premise that someone would be invited to go to Venice out of the blue a bit unbelievable. ( )

Another one of Gunn's enjoyable travel books, this was set in, of course, Venice. Two sisters-in-law take on an assignment to cook on a religious retreat for a group of missionaries. I love learning a new location through Gunn's characters, and Venice is no exception. Jenna and Sue show me a gracious Venice, along with a sense of reverence and fun.

Bookcrossing: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5466536/ ( )

What a delightful book! I felt as if I were there with Jenna and Sue...as least I sure wanted to be.
We are there to cook for for a small retreat group. Besides experiencing Venice through their eyes, we are also privy to listening to Malachi's bible reading. Another gentlemen is from Kiev, and Jenna and his wife have a connection, yes a small world.
Can you just picture these two slaughtering the Italian language? Way to funny when they end up with a bunch of nectarines, instead of 2. Watch what they do with the mattresses....besides bringing them up onto the roof and sleeping there. Ah sleeping outside...now I hope there aren't any bugs out at night there. Didn't read anything about bug lotion. The idea is marvelous!
Turns out Jenna really knew what she was doing bringing her SIL Sue....Jenna couldn't cook, and Sue can! Also so loved the relationships they established with the locals at the Bakery...ah Lucia, and Paolo's.
This is a really great feel good read.

I received this book from the publisher Multnomah, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

Jenna invites her sister-in-law to join her in Venice for a week of cooking for a small retreat group.

As in all the sisterchick books, two women team up on an adventure overseas--this time is is a sister and her sister-in-law traveling to Venice. While there they must cook for a group of men from missions all over the world there for a retreat. Thus they go on all kinds of adventures through the streets and canals of venice, befriending local merchants and trying to sample every flavor of Gelatto. They also deal with some of their personal problems, learning to trust God and let go of the past.
A nice, fun escape read with a positive message about how God can help heal the past. If you can't travel to Venice to learn the lessons they did, then reading this book may be the next best thing. ( )