I’m going to change it up today – give you all a book review to read whilst you mull over the self-editing tips

And… instead of doing the August Blog Tour from Revell/Bethany House and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. all at once at the end of the month (like usual), I’ve decided to spread them out a bit over the next 2 weeks. So, let’s get to it!

The Reluctant Entertainer – Sandy Coughlin

Real Entertaining for Real People

True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it’s about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining–connecting deeply with others–she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love.

My Thoughts:  

My first thought when I saw this book was: Did Coughlin write this book for me? Because it’s exactly what I need. Hospitality is not my gift by any means, and I’m beyond reluctant to invite people to my house. Heck, I downright refuse to do so unless absolutely necessary.

Why? It’s probably a combination of reasons. My house is too messy. My house isn’t pretty enough inside. I don’t know how to cook, or can’t cook much beyond pre-packaged meals (I have a few recipes I can make from scratch that I use often, but those have always seemed ‘not good enough’ for company). I’m also busy. And I live far away from my friends. And… excuse, excuse, excuse.

Well, Coughlin takes all those excuses, crunches them up, and tosses them aside. She explains how we don’t need to have the perfect house or the perfect food or even the perfect moment to invite people over. Friends won’t mind if you order pizza. Friends won’t care if your living room looks lived in – you know, like normal people actually live in your house, rather than creating a false, pristine environment where guests are afraid to touch anything.

She breaks down entertaining step by step, with clear explanations from her own experiences of going from reluctant entertainer to perfectionist hostess and finally coming to the realization that hospitality is about people and relationships, not about perfection or impressing others.

Coughlin also provides some VERY easy and tasty recipes (at least they sound really good) that I want to try out. Me! Wants to cook?!? Something must be off…

But I also learned that I can invite people over. The excuses are worthless – but the relationships that get built over a meal and conversation are priceless.

If you’ve been hesitant to open your home to others, this book can and will change your perspective… and your heart. Honest!

Extras

Read a Q&A with Sandy Coughlin here: The Reluctant Entertainer Q&A (PDF)

Read an excerpt from the book here: The Reluctant Entertainer Excerpt (7 pages) (PDF)

About the Author

Sandy Coughlin loves hospitality, cooking, and opening her home to others with her husband and three growing teenagers. She’s the author of The Reluctant Entertainer and co-author (with her husband Paul) ofMarried…But Not Engaged. She’s been featured on numerous media outlets including Moody’s Midday Connection, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and Library Journal.You can find Sandy’s blog about simple but savvy entertaining, as well as the benefits to imperfect living, at ReluctantEntertainer.com

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.