Our Not-Quite-Holy Family by Mark and Melanie Hart is a true treasure. Part self-help book, part religious tome, this work is a refreshing take on how to raise children who love God and each other.

Honest to the core, the book offers some laugh-out-loud vignettes about life in a typical family struggling for holiness. It also provides timeless truths about marriage and family and the beautiful messiness that comes with learning to love together.

I was especially captivated by the Harts' recognition of the family dinner table as a kind of altar for the domestic church. The reference really transformed the way that I thought of such concepts as home and holiness.

With great humility and wisdom, the Harts offer us a playbook for parenting using a Christ-centered approach. As a result, the book is a great gift for pregnant mothers and expectant fathers.

Any parent who is Catholic can benefit from this title.

The Harts share from their not-quite-holy family in a way that will resonate with many. Social media allows people to share just their best moments. This can lead to some of us thinking we are failing big time.

When you are done reading this title, you'll have been comforted that your failings are not abnormal. And given actionable ideas to improve what you are doing so that you, your spouse, and your kids may get to heaven.

Just be ready to be convicted by the Holy Spirit while reading!

This Catholic parent is thankful for their authentic sharing from their lives as well as short testimonials from other Catholic parents. I'm now using the conviction points from this book to consider how Lent in 2021 can be different. We've had more time together as a family, but not necessarily drawn closer to God in the process.

I've read several works by Mr. Hart and I'm a long-time listener (never caller) to The Catholic Guy Show. In all past efforts and especially on the show,I appreciate his insight, humor and clear commitment to Christ. He further displays those great qualities in this compendium of stories, advice, scripture references and practical to-dos. I was skeptical about the "not so holy" part of the title, but some of his stories made me feel slightly better about the holiness label. I hope to implement his advice soon!

Having parented my kids in this "not-quite-holy family" style, I can relate to the Hart family. I loved the wit as the Harts describe their experiences! I stood in their shoes once. As a Catholic family, if you are feeling like a failure, read this and become enlightened that you are not alone and, that you are actually doing a great job. Well written, insightful, practical and funny anecdotes. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this for an honest review. 4 Stars

So often with faith-based literature one of two things happens: either the content is idealistic and lacking practicality or the text is hefty and unavoidably philosophical. But every once in a while a true unicorn comes along that is not only inspirational and wise, but also deeply practical, humble, and funny.

Mark and Melanie Hart just simply shine in their book, “Our Not-Quite-Holy Family.” From countless relatable parenting moments to endlessly quotable nuggets of wisdom, their parenting advice is everything I want because it’s everything I didn’t know I needed. From the heart of their storytelling, I am reassured that it is OK to be a mess... because love is messy. And, parenting sure is the messiest form of love.

I would absolutely recommend this book if your hope is to raise your kids in the Catholic faith and need a bit of practical encouragement on the journey. Mark and Melanie teach us that parenthood is hard, but so incredibly worth the struggle. And they share this message through “Our Not-Quite-Holy Family" in the most entertaining and loving way possible.