This book is thoughtfully written and enjoyable. It is full of stories, food ideas and extra ideas for personal and parish use. I haven’t finished this book yet, as I’m saving each chapter for the relevant date. But what I have read so far has been interesting. I’m sure that using it will lead to a richer liturgical life. It’s a useful resource to work through during the year.

Excerpts from the review on my website:

If learning about religious customs is your jam or you’re Catholic, you’re gonna want to keep reading. I’m Catholic and went to Catholic school and I feel like there’s such a large gap in my knowledge that was filled in by Aquila...The really cool thing is Aquila lays out how different cultures traditionally celebrate. In the section on Advent, I was excited to see my family’s Christmas Eve tradition explained. I come from an Italian background, with a name like Nicolena – are you surprised?, and on December 24th we celebrate The Feast of Seven Fishes. Aquila details where this tradition originated and how it has evolved. She even gives details on how you can carry on this – and all of the other cool cultural traditions – yourself if you want to!... I’d say you’ll to want to give this a go if you’re interested in traditions surrounding Catholic celebrations, even if you aren’t interested in participating in the traditions yourself.

Festive Faith takes the reader by the hand and patiently guides him or her through the stories and traditions that make up the liturgical year (I am so excited to buy some beeswax candles for my advent wreath this December). Wonderfully researched, with a distinctive author's voice and insightful passages, even devoted, church-going Catholics are likely to learn something new. I was impressed. The book includes some fascinating histories, neatly composed breakdowns of specific traditions for each celebration, and some of the author's own penetrating thoughts.

Not since Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking have I encountered an author with such a passion for (and diligent mastery of) her subject matter. Readers of Festive Faith will become much more informed, as well as inspired to call these celebrations their own.

The opinions expressed are my own. Ave Maria Press was kind enough to approve my request to read an advanced copy through NetGalley.

I received a free copy of, Festive Faith, by Steffani Aquila, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Catholics have a lot of celebrations around the world, different country's having their own. I really liked this book, and reading about how Catholics around the world celebrate their Catholic faith, year round.

What an absolutely beautiful book! From beginning to end, it was just wonderfully done. I really enjoyed this read. It'd be a great gift to give those important to you.