This was an excellent book. It was well-written. I would highly recommend this book. It's very easy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This book is a good resource for Christians with important reminders about hospitality. It encourages Christians to be like Mary, not Martha, and to prioritize intentional connection over hosting perfection. For all that, I felt it was a bit harsh in its wording and tone in some places (e.g., in dismissing “excuses” for not hosting regularly). Overall though, it is a really thoughtful book full of compassion and specific, practical tips to build community through hospitality. I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

This review is cross-posted on Goodreads. It will be posted on Amazon and Instagram within one week of publication.

Abby Kuykendall said it well in her book when she was explaining why she titled her book "Let the Biscuits Burn". She says, "It was important to me that this not be a book presenting itself as an expert's guide to hospitality but rather a book that declares loudly that it's okay not to have it all together."

Let the Biscuits Burn was a refreshing read for me personally. I am a pastors wife and hospitality is a big part of the "job". I enjoy hosting and showing hospitality in many ways, but it can be draining and exhausting at times. I feel inspired to think outside the box and to never stop showing hospitality. If you are someone who loves welcoming people into your home, but find yourself overwhelmed at the same time, this book is for you. Kuykendall offers many simple and practical ways to welcome others to the table that will open your eyes to the myriad of ways we can show hospitality as humans that long for connection. Her inclusion of scripture and other well known biblically sound leaders brings a well rounded word that not only encourages the art of hospitality, but convicts at the same time. Kuykendall doesn't claim to be a scholar, but she does bring a load of experience to share with her readers. It is my belief that all people in church ministry should be reading this book. Enjoy!

The themes of this book concerning hospitality being a spiritual gift for some and a spiritual discipline for others, and about the importance of surrendering one's plans, desires, and comfort to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to lead others into a relationship with Christ should ring true with all Christians. While the author does stress the difference between the concepts of entertaining and hospitality, and does provide a bit of information on practicing hospitality in various settings, she largely focuses on practicing hospitality in one's home. I tend to have a broader view of hospitality, but understand that this is the focus she has chosen to highlight in this book. She goes a long way in trying to make practicing hospitality accessible to all and supports that with a collection of tips at the end of the book. Overall as I read, I felt like the book was targeting an audience of 20 to 40 somethings in middle- to upper-income homes, although some of the suggestions were more broadly applicable.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Let the Biscuits Burn from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Immediately pulled in by the title, Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby Kuykendall, is a timely read that had me opening my doors to others before I had finished reading the last page. This book gives practical advice and leads you to the realization that hospitality is not about perfection but about connection. I highly recommend this read for anyone struggling with portraying that perfect image, desiring connection with others, or those who feel they are being called to the ministry of hospitality.

(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.)

#LettheBiscuitsBurn #NetGalley

The tell of a good host is not how great the food was or how well the table was set. It is by how the host cares for their guests. As someone who enjoys my time alone I picked up this book to help me in an area I struggle with: hospitality. Upon reading this book, I realized that I already obtain all the skills needed to be a good host. I just need to take the focus off of what others will think of me and put the focus on how I can best be of service to them.

I am very excited to start my journey of growing in the discipline of hospitality. A pressure has been lifted off of my shoulders and I feel ready to serve others. Even if the food is burnt or the table set with mismatched tableware, I can still practice empathy for those around me. Community and connection should be the goal, not showing off any homemaking skills.

This was a very encouraging and also convicting read. I feel encouraged to invite others over regardless of my abilities. I also feel convicted of past excuses to keep others away. I know entering into deeper relationships with others will be a real blessing in my life. I highly recommend this book.

In a post-pandemic world with instagram serving a constant stream of picture perfect parties, hosting can seem like an insurmountable task. And this book came at the perfect time. Even though I love hosting, but have been caught up in all the reasons I shouldn’t - my house isn’t clean enough, my tables setting aren’t cute enough, what if the food doesn’t turn out just right. Abby Kuykendall encourage us to reframe our excuses and even embrace the chaos. Why worry about perfection when you can b present? The difference between entertaining and hospitality really struck a chord with me and immediately made hosting seem more doable.

Overall, this book left me feeling so cozy and hopeful and I’m excited to use what I learned

Abby Kuykendall reminds us that we don't need a perfect house and gourmet meal to serve in order to have hospitality and invite people in. If this is something you struggle with then I recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.