4 down, 21 to go: a review of A Catholic Gardener’s Spiritual Almanac

I just finished the fourth book in my ambitious plan to read 25 books this year (for pleasure — I have other reading to do, too). It gives me such joy to say I’ve read a book by a friend!

I first met Margaret Rose Realy through an email introduction from a mutual friend. We exchanged some conversations about writing, and a little bit about gardening, and here we are several years later, and I’m reviewing her latest book!

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I love this month by month guide that weaves scripture, church history and traditions, with gardening advice into an easy to read and easy to follow manual for growing a beautiful garden. And the garden isn’t the only thing growing, as I find myself reading closely so I can create a space in my yard that complements my faith!

I first read Margaret’s gardening advice in her first book, A Garden of Visible Prayer, and fell in love with the idea that working with my hands in a garden could bring me closer to Jesus and Mary by fostering the work of my hands into the work of my heart. The Almanac takes it to the next logical place for me — a yearlong companion on my faith journey.

One of the quotes in the book captures the unexpected result of my growing interest in gardening:

He who cultivates a garden and brings to perfection flowers and fruits, cultivates and advances at the same time his own nature. ~ Ezra Weston

This is a special work by a very special woman. You’ll want this book if you’re a master gardener, or just like to play in the dirt, like me.

Read more of Margaret’s insights at Morning Rose Prayer Gardens. You’ll be glad you did.

Review: The Grace of Yes

yesOccasionally I’ll pick up a book with the intention of reading it slowly, to really savor it and reread passages that resonate deeply within me.

The Grace of Yes: Eight Virtues for Generous Living by Lisa Hendey could be that kind of book.

Or it could be the kind of book you start reading a little before dinner and before you know it the doorbell is ringing because you got so caught up in it that your husband gave up on promises of pot roast and ordered pizza.

It could be that kind of book.

It is that kind of book.

I’ve enjoyed Hendey’s books in the past — they are practical and offer all kinds of wonderful activities and reflections for the Catholic life, but this one, The Grace of Yes, is something more. We’re invited behind the scenes and into an intimate conversation with the author. She doesn’t pop us over the head and tell us how and when to Yes to God. Instead, she shares her journey. It’s like being invited into her living room for some coffee, and then you don’t want to go.

I heartily recommend this book for those of you who have trouble saying Yes, not because you don’t want to, but because you’re unsure of yourself. And for those of you who don’t know how to say No, there’s something in there for you, too.

Get a copy for yourself, and a copy for a friend. Then, get together and discuss it.

  • Paperback: 160 pages
  • Publisher: Ave Maria Press (November 3, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 159471472X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1594714726

Go ahead and judge this book by its cover!

yesI just pre-ordered it myself and can’t wait to get it and read it.

You’ll want to do the same; I promise.

I’ve been a longtime fan of Lisa’s work, starting with CatholicMom.com, through two other books — The Handbook for Catholic Moms and A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms, her blog at Patheos.com, and now this exciting new book, The Grace of Yes.

You can read all about it at Here.

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