Thank you NetGalley and Father Bill for the arc of this book, 5 Things with Father Bill: Hope, Humor, and Help for the Soul. This book was such a pleasure to read. Father Bill covers a wide array of topics like, what I learned from my dog, how to face terror, why baseball is good for your family and how to get the most out of Easter. Within each short chapter Father Bill includes a lists of 5 important points or lessons and suggestions, each endearing list is designed to bring you back to God, to the present moment and finding joy even in the small things. Father Bills writing style and tone is very warm and friendly. This is a great book to give as a gift or to keep close by for moments of inspiration.

Like many, I can always use a lift of my spirits. Even better is when this lift helps me consider how to grow in relationship to Christ and my fellow humans.

Father Bill does this with a dash of humor tossed into the mix. Covering a variety of topics important to living life as a Catholic, you get quick, actionable ideas to improve your life. It is written in a conversational style that makes it easier to not only grasp but feel seen.

Don't ask me to pick a favorite list of 5 things. SO much goodness in this title that it is impossible.
However, some are less timely for me (e.g. new parents as that season of life is behind me, I hope!)

I want to thank Loyola Press and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of 5 Things with Father Bill (Hope, Humor and Help for the Soul). “Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

I loved this book. It is the perfect go to read in these turbulent and confusing times. It is easy to get caught up in the angst these days and this book is the perfect calm in the storm my soul needs. I will be sending several copies as Christmas gifts.

A book that made me smile and think. An excellent read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

If you are like me and looking for a spiritual pick me up, then 5 Things with Father Bill (Hope, Humor and Help for the Soul) might just be the book you are looking for. Father Bill Byrne brings faith, optimism and a bit of humor to the table to assist us in our everyday journey through this life. When I first read the description of this book, I have to admit I was a bit curious. Fifty short chapters each listing five things to inspire and enrich our daily lives sounded like a win win to me. What I didn't expect as I began reading was how beautiful and wonderful these chapters were going to be. I felt spiritually lifted with his words and advice and each new chapter filled me with longing and a sense of hope.

I can say honestly, this book has something for everyone. Some of the chapters dealt with facing fears, birthday gifts, vacation musts, purgatory, weddings, babies and forgiveness, just to name a few. Some of the chapters centered around the liturgical calendar such as Advent, Christmas and Lent and some talked about the saints, Mary and myths about the priesthood. And just when I thought I had found my favorite chapter (and 5 things), I would proceed to the next and enjoy that one just as much, if not more. Going back over the book I decided that although I loved everything in the book, my five favorite chapters (sticking with the theme) were Things I Learned From My Dog, (it made me cry), Easily Forgotten Blessings, The Sacred Heart, New Year’s Restitutions and Baseball Is Good for Your Family. I can guarantee that anyone who reads this book will feel spiritually lighter and desire to develop a new game plan for their life.There is nothing difficult in this book, just good sound advice for living your best spiritual life. I ordered myself a copy and when I receive it, I plan to read just a chapter a day. I want to savor the thoughts, words and ideas and implement them as best I can in my own life. When you read 5 Things with Father Bill (Hope, Humor and Help for the Soul), I know you will be inspired to do that too.

I want to thank Loyola Press and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of 5 Things with Father Bill (Hope, Humor and Help for the Soul). “Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

I am new to Father Bill but the book looked interesting. I am a devout Catholic, even worked as a church secretary for several years. While my background certainly colors my interpretation of the book, I found the information very accessible and friendly in nature. I would feel comfortable giving this to friends, and will certainly give copies to my college age daughters this Christmas. .The sections are short reads, very conversational in style, interesting, humorous and fosters reflection. HIs experiences and lists are very straight forward and easy to understand. This book made me smile and feel inspired. I tend to be a more casual reader when it comes to books of this type, but I absolutely fell in love from the very beginning and now feel very motivated to pursue other writings and endeavors of Father Bill.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. It really did bring me a bit of reflection and joy in a difficult year.

An absolutely delightful book, full of wise Catholic advice that anyone can easily put into practice. A priest in the Archdiocese of Washington DC, Father Bill finds lessons in the everyday activities of life & the people he sees: walking the dog, watching a baseball game, talking to new parents, or training a puppy. Many of his ideas you can, as i did, put into practice immediately.

5 Things with Father Bill is a lovely book, uplifting and inspirational. The author, Father William Byrne is a native of Washington, D.C. For 8 years he was the Pastor of St. Peter's on Capitol Hill, mixing with the great and good in Congress. He is now pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Potomac, MD. He is also , I discovered, a bit of a Youtube personality. The warmth of his personality comes through the pages of this work which provides a range of simple exercises and ideas for how to get closer to God in our daily lives with all its modern trappings and distractions. It is never preachy or judgemental, but always practical and encouraging. As a Catholic, I understand lots of his references but I wasn't entirely sure it would be accessible to all. But I wish we all had a parish priest like Father Bill

Thanks verbally for allowing me to read This book. I thought that this book was very inspiring. Made me think.

Had never heard of Father Bill, but requested this book from NetGalley because it seemed interesting. Even though I am pretty much a lapsed Catholic, I found this book both informative and humorous. Wasn't my favorite book of the year, but I have read much worse :)

I received an advance copy of 5 Things with Father Bill, by William Byrne. You also learn things from his dog, Maggie. I loved this book, 5 ways to do or be a better person, Catholic or Not.