Honest, clear, and accessible. The author, perhaps better than any, articulates our universal problem, namely ourselves. This is a book of self discovery, one which will enable the reader to search his or her own soul for what drives and motivates them. Highly recommend it!

I thought I already reviewed this book, but apparently that review didn't go through! Here's a belated review for a book I've really come to love and use...

I was hesitant to buy this cookbook since I already have several Lenten cookbooks that frankly leave something to be desired (mostly because they tend to feature recipes that are high in carbs and generally not very appealing). However, when I was at Antiochian Village this summer, I could not pass up the opportunity to buy it because I realized several of the recipes might be a hit with my husband :) I'm glad I did, because this book has become a vital staple on my cookbook shelf. It's useful not only for the recipes, but also for Melissa's expert advice on cooking tips and stocking the pantry, as well as her experiences cooking for a large family and accomodating food allergies. It's a lot of multi-faceted culinary wisdom packed into a small book!

In the months since I purchased the cookbook, I have made numerous recipes in it and have always found them to be tasty and relatively simple. A handful of the recipes have become part of our regular repertoire of fasting-day meals.

In particular, the book introduced me to using smoked oysters during fasts as an inexpensive and nutrient-rich protein. Honestly, oysters gross me out (they still do), but I've long been advised to eat them to alleviate my chronic / recurring bouts of anemia (oysters are a rich source of iron). Melissa's smoked oyster pate is not only tasty, but I forget I'm even eating oysters! Instead, I think I'm eating some kind of fancy smoky cheese spread :) It's not currently a fast, and I have a container of it in our fridge just because. I--and my hemoglobin counts--thank Melissa!

I have recommended the book to numerous friends who are looking for practical ideas for fasting seasons and will continue to do so. Not all of the recipes will appeal to everyone ("breakfast spaghetti" is not my thing), but in general the book is an incredibly helpful resource!

A wonderful look at many religions through the lens of Orthodox Christianity. If your at all interested, you will not be disappointed

I thought it would be too simple and short to provide much value, but I was wrong. This is excellent. If you are wondering if its worth it, go ahead and get it! You wont be disappointed

This is a little gem for anyone who is wanting to grow in their prayer journey. I have been Orthodox for nearly 10 years, and I was encouraged by the instruction and guidance offered in the book.

It's beautiful, well put together, and printed in America. Merry Christmas to me.
Though the pic depicts a grainy leather, I received a smooth leather. That is the only criticism I have.

Excellent chronicle of evangelicals becoming orthodox. Their journey in faith and practices as well as heirarchical is compelling. This book helped me as a protestant understand some of the major differences in doctrine.

Fabulous!

great book

This is a small book that packed a lot of punch!
I probably learned more about prayer from this book than my heavy-duty theological ones!

Favorite book!

This is a must read for anybody that wants a deeper understanding of the journey some of us take to find the True church. Fr. James Bernstein takes us along with him as he discovers the best kept secrete in America - The Orthodox Church. His humor, candor and style makes it easy for us to see through his eyes the road he took from a Queen's New York city Jewish family to Berkley in the 1960's via Jerusalem in war time.

Straight and to the point. Excellent primer for Orthodox Christians. Very informative. Will put you on the right path.

Perhaps the best introduction to the Orthodox prayer life I've read. First rate and recommended.

Great book that's necessary for every parent.

Encouraging Book Recalibrates Our Vision So We Can See God's Love in Our Lives. I was gifted a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - several months ago. I started reading it right away and even purchased an additional KIndle copy for myself so that I could read more easily right before bed at night. Why so many months till I reviewed? Because savory books take my speech away for awhile. You know how you can hardly speak for a bit after eating a good meal? That's how this book affected me. It's a nourishing book, the sort that will recalibrate your taste in stories, setting a new standard for how you believe the world works.

I read and enjoyed The Scent of Holiness a few years ago, and I highly recommend both that and this book that continues Presbytera Constantina Palmer's collection of and reflection on spiritually upbuilding stories. Like a modern-day Egeria (a 4th C Christian pilgrim whose writings give us a taste of devotion at her time), Pres. Constantina draws us into the places and lives of holy people well met in monasteries and churches and by God's grace in all places. I savor her writing because it's so encouraging and eye-opening. Like rich foods, I want a little at a time, but I want a lot of it!

The Sweetness of Grace is a perfect book for reading along with one's daily scriptures and saints' lives. It has much in it that could be read aloud to family members for encouragement. The stories are the sort that arise in awed "Guess what?" tones over coffee and dinner tables. I could see it forming the basis of conversation for a busy parents' group at church; only a few pages are needed to come away feeling built up in the community of faith. For seekers and people discerning and healing, this book is a godsend, as it draws attention to the way God is moving amongst His loved ones. It's a prophetic work in the sense of building up the people of God and testifying to the great love God has for us -- all in accessible, very human stories, engaging real life characters and settings, and well-parsed narration as needed. Get this book to keep by your knitting or in the kitchen while you wait for your tea. Get it for your friends and family. Read a bit to your family. You'll start to notice more that God is working in your life, too.

This book is a must have for Orthodox parents who are new to the Faith or for those raised in the church but are looking to reinvigorate their faith with their children and home life. My wife and I are new to the church, and this book is mandatory reading material for all parents who's children are in Sunday school at our parish, and I'm thankful it is. There are so many wonderful lessons to be learned and things to be incorporated into a families prayer time. The end of the book has a wonderful section on family activities that teach children the history and theology behind our fasting seasons and feast days as well, which really help to immerse children in the teachings of the church at a young age.

It's a wonderfully written gem of a book, and is the first book I've sat down and blew through in one sitting in a long time. I can't recommend it enough.

Fascinating examination of the private life of the last members of the royal family of Russia. The impact of the Tsar on the war effort and the reversal of fortunes after his removal are not well publicized and were previously unknown to me.

Easy, short, comprehensive, and so practical. I very nice guide to do what seems so daunting. I appreciate the simple encouragement and pointing out the difference between what I want to do and what I should do.

I am a collector of prayer books. This is truly one of the best I own. It's words are elegant and meaningful without the use of self degradation to appease God. Traditional orthodox prayers in modern English without changing the meaning of the prayers. All together, this book gets an A+