Part meditation and part journal, Wilderness Within is a thorough guide for the Lenten season written by a Sister and mental health counselor. With several included companion pieces, this guide offers not only spiritual reading but also exercises often drawing from the field of psychology. This element in particular is what drew me to this book.

This is perhaps the most extensive Lenten guide I’ve come across so far in my life. The exercises are extremely introspective while maintaining an ultimate focus on faith, which, nowadays, can be tricky to find. I appreciate how much thought went into this book and that it includes further reading/watching with links scattered throughout. Though I’ve read the book outside of Lent, I believe this book is a great starting point for people looking to do more than give up something. I would also say it can be used as a guide for everyday spiritual journaling.

Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.

It's early to think about Lent--after all, we haven't gotten through Advent and Christmas yet--but you should definitely put the Wilderness Within on your wish list.

This incredible work is a guided journal for prayer and meditation during Lent. The author, Sister Josephine Garrett, has created a spiritual masterpiece. With grace and wisdom, she gets to the heart of the matter.

Her prose is elegant, yet down-to-earth. She is not only a gifted spiritual guide; she is also an insightful student of human behavior. As a result, she has created a journal which can lead readers to true spiritual progress.

I must admit--I have been a fan of Sister Josephine for quite some time. But with Wilderness Within, her writing has reached new heights.

The journal is likely to be a much-treasured companion for your journey through Lent--and beyond.