the reluctant entertainer

The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

Hospitality is a subject I have written on quite a bit over the years because it is something I believe to be very important. I think one reason for this is the memories of times when someone showed me beautiful, heart hospitality and comforted my world when I really needed it. The kindness offered to me was something I wanted to offer others and I have done so for over 25 years.
I wasn't sure what I would get from a book on this topic because I've already read so many ideas, tried so many hints, and tips and more over the years.
Sandy Coughlin wrote a book filled with things to help not only the seasoned at serving people in hospitable ways but those brand new. This book offers help for those who don't know where to start as well as the many who feel it just doesn't come natural enough.
I enjoyed the recipes, the notes on not putting so much pressure on ourselves to have everything perfect and and the wisdom shared on simplifying entertaining. I thoroughly agreed on the importance of paying attention to the five senses when pulling something together and was inspired by the chapter on making deeper connections with those we serve in hospitality. There is so much I liked about this book and it was a blessing to read!

Bethany House Publishers sent me this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

The Silent Gift

The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

This book had me from the first page! I started it not sure what to expect but was interested from chapter to chapter. I found myself caught up in the journey of an abused wife fleeing to safety... all the while not knowing what it would look like until she found it.
Mary and Jack, her son, travel from place to place during the 1930's and must find a way to survive with few resources. One thing discovered along the way is that even though Jack doesn't hear or speak, he does see beyond what is in front of him and others. Jack sees what is happening beforehand - he can see the future.
This gift proves to be a blessing in some ways and a threat in others and it puts me in mind of the television show, "Touch". In that, a father (Keifer Sutherland) and his son work together to figure out clues as to what the boy is seeing ... things others don't see... and work to communicate what is discovered.
This book is a very good read and I was very touched by the end of it.

Bethany House publishers sent me this book at no charge to share my honest review.