A beautiful book full of wonderful readings for Advent and Lent. I will definitely be picking this back up for the Advent season coming up!

Lent is seen as a time for reflection. Many people give something up as they think about the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. In the weeks leading up to Easter, many Christians spend more time than usual in prayer and study. Bread and Wine would be a great starting place. These 72 readings come from writers throughout Christian history and across the theological spectrum, including Kathleen Norris, Oswald Chambers, Barbara Brown Taylor, John Donne, Christina Rossetti, Watchman Nee, Madeleine L'Engle, Saint Augustine, and Mother Teresa.

In a perfect world, I would have finished reading this collection of devotions during Lent and written my review right around Easter. Unfortunately, I finished it in May and am just reviewing it now. This is definitely not the kind of book you can race through. Many of the selections require some time to think about deeper commitment during Lent, the temptation and crucifixion of Christ, and the new life we experience because of Easter. As with any collection, different selections will resonate with different readers but the diversity in this book ensures that there is something for everyone.

This would be an excellent resource for any church. Pastors and teachers could certainly draw from this volume during Lent and any Christian will find new ways to think about Lent and Easter and new writers to inspire and teach them.

Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
Plough Publishing House November 2014
430 pages
Read via Netgalley

For 2018, I wanted to vary my use of devotionals. Instead of picking one that was 365 days, I plan to find some 30 days, 90 days, or certain Christian Holiday themed ones. Since this book has some of my all-time favorite Christian writers, and the writings were chosen for Lent and beyond, it was an easy choice.

I really appreciated that the readings chosen were serious and gave me a lot to think about. There are some devotionals out there that seem so uninspired, not really saying a thing that helps with growth. I want that growth!

This is a keeper, and I know I’ll be saving it to use again.

Bread and Wine is a rich collection of deep and meaningful writings. I highly recommend picking this book up for the Lenten season. I’m already anticipating re-reading it next year and know that I will find new treasures upon each reading.

This is truly a remarkable set of writings for the season of Lent. That being said, it is obviously a wonderful resource year round. One of the best things about such a wide-ranging diversity of opinions and thought is just that. One can discover completely unique and different approaches to a wide range of relevant topics. One can skim or one can dive.

Thank you to Net galley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was delighted to see this book as I have been searching for Lenten Readings. This collection features writings by prominent authors in Christian literature and should be thought provoking.
It also features readings to be read during Easter that focus upon the Resurrection.
I received an Advance Review Copy from netgalley (thank you so very much for offering this archived copy at again!). All opinions are my own.

This is a well thought out collection of readings for Lent.
The first two readings may appear fluffy and light but I don't feel they are representative of the rest of the book.
Each reading is written by a different author and provides the reader with plenty to think about.
I highly recommend this volume for Lent and any time of year. The challenges will still remain!
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.