"Share the Bounty" by Benita Long

When I received a big box in the mail from Thomas Nelson Publishers, I was stumped. What could they possibly be sending in such a large package? I wondered if I had somehow won a book club bundle through a promotion and didn't even know it. When I arrived home, I opened the box and found not 10 books but one: "Share the Bounty: Finding God's Grace Through the Spirit of Hospitality." It is by far the largest book I've ever reviewed. It's approximately 9"x12.5" and weighs almost 3 lbs! But it is also easily the most visually stunning volume I've done in my reviewing stint.

"Share the Bounty" is a feast for the eyes and spirit. The illustrations are luxurious and plenteous in number. Just check out the sneak peek on Amazon and see for yourself. The recipes tempt you to head to the kitchen immediately to see if you have ingredients for Orange Kiwi Salad or Chocolate Coffee Pie. There are a wide range of recipes; everything from fancy Sockeye Salmon Mousse, to light Chicken Tarts, to breakfast foods such as Ham Croissant Casserole, and kid-friendly food such as the 3-ingredient Strawberry Fruit Dip, which looks absolutely amazing. I will definitely be trying some of these out!

My favorite part, though, was the abundance of soul-feeding quotes which put me in a calm and comforted mood just from reading them. The quotes included Scriptures, prayers by saints of old, song lyrics, and thoughts from everyone from Plutarch to Louisa May Alcott. Here are a few examples:

Friendship is a sheltering tree. - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill

If you can eat today,
Enjoy the sunlight today,
Mix good cheer with friends today
Enjoy it,
And bless God for it.
- Henry Ward Beecher

In my opinion, the quotes and the recipes make this book. There is not much original writing, and while I greatly enjoyed what was there, this is more of an idea book than an instructional book. More ethereal than practical. It would be an excellent gift for anyone who is passionate about homemaking and beauty. Not so much for someone who is not already naturally inclined to hospitality, as I imagine it could be overwhelming. At the end of the day, after all, hospitality is not about the perfectly-decorated home nor the exquisite three-course meal you spent the day preparing. It's about opening your heart and your personal space to share the love of Christ and your fellow men. It doesn't have to be formal or flawless. It just needs to be sincere, sharing our bounty in whatever measure God has given us. For truly He has blessed us well!

I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.