• 5 Star Reads
  • Audiobooks
  • Books on Screen
  • Children’s Books
  • Christian
  • Fiction
  • Giveaways

5 Minutes For Books

  • Home
  • About
    • Who Are We? Reviewer Bios
    • 5 Star Reads
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
  • Join In
    • 5 Minutes for Books Bookclub
    • Children’s Classics
    • Kids’ Picks
    • What’s on Your Nightstand
  • Link To Us
  • Contact
    • Advertise

The Reluctant Entertainer

August 9, 2010 by Lisa

Hello. My name is Lisa and I entertain, when I entertain, reluctantly. In other words, hospitality does not come easily to me. I lack motivation, not to mention organization. Is there help for someone like me?

Oh yes, indeed there is. It is to hesitant hostesses like myself that Sandy Coughlin writes her new book, aptly named The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman’s Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality. From the get go, Sandy offers gentle encouragement and inspiration to those of us who struggle with inadequacy and unrealistic expectations in the entertaining department. It’s Real Entertaining for Real People (coincidentally the title of the first chapter). Other topics included are: Overcoming the Pitfalls of Perfectionism, Simplifying Entertaining, Discovering Your Inner Martha, and The Heart of Hospitality: Conversation (all chapter titles). Sandy shares some of her favorite recipes as well as gorgeous photography from her own home.

Sandy writes with a contagious joy. It is obvious she loves serving others by opening her home. The real strength of the book is that it is both practical and motivating. She offers helpful tips like how to stock your pantry with basic entertaining essentials yet ultimately her purpose is to highlight the connection with people that hospitality fosters. It’s not about being perfect or spending a lot of money. Entertaining is not even all about the food. It’s about building relationships, a point Sandy emphasizes throughout the book.

The Reluctant Entertainer is a helpful resource for any woman, however reluctantly she may view entertaining. I for one greatly appreciate Sandy’s encouragement!

Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes…. Lisa thanks Bethany House publishers for providing the review copy of The Reluctant Entertainer!

Filed Under: Food and Drink, Home, Lisa, Non-Fiction

« Mailbox Monday — August 9
The Case of the Crooked Carnival »

Comments

  1. Nancy says

    August 9, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    I do enjoy entertaining but don’t do it nearly enough. Sounds like a great book.

  2. Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says

    August 9, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    This does sound like a great book. I enjoy it, and am pretty laid back about it, but the busyness of life prevents me from doing more of it. Oh, and I’m lazy. That too.

  3. Violet says

    August 9, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    I am not necessarily a reluctant entertainer but I am not too enthusiastic either. This book might help me too. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

  4. Alyce says

    August 9, 2010 at 11:27 pm

    I would definitely fall into the category of reluctant entertainer. Our house is like our retreat from the world, so when we “entertain” we usually take people out for dinner or ask them to go out and do an activity with us. 🙂

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to 5 Minutes for Books. We are a team blog dedicated to sharing reviews and information about children's lit, fiction, memoir, and more. Read More…

Reviews

5 Minutes for Books

Jennifer Donovan
Managing Editor

MEET OUR TEAM



Connect With Us


Pinterest

Community

Cybils Logo Draft 3

Disclosure:

Find out about our relationships with publishers and affiliate networks in our full disclosure statement.

Recent Posts

  • The Color Line
  • Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
  • The Greenleaf Murders
  • Chaos at Carnegie Hall
  • The Confessions of Matthew Strong

Categories

Privacy Policy    |     Disclosure Policy
Terms & Conditions
© 5 Minutes for Mom

Let’s Socialize

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Pinterest is Our FAVORITE!

Find and Follow Us at
pinterest.com/5min4books

Copyright © 2023 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316