When I first heard about Hallie Lord’s new book Style, Sex, and Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter I was ecstatic to find that many of my favorite Catholic writers/ bloggers/ moms were contributors. I preordered my book and when it finally arrived I planned to devour it immediately. Unfortunately, family circumstances prevented me from having much free time and when I did have a moment the book was never within reach. Finally I downloaded the book onto my Kindle & iPhone so I could read it anytime I had a spare moment. I’m so glad I did!
When I told a fellow mom the title of the book she was a bit skeptical – “Style and Sex?” Those were not high on her radar at this time of her life. Another single friend didn’t consider buying the book since she figured it was only for married moms. In reality, there is something here for every Catholic woman (and as this reviewer shows, Catholic men too!) The authors and topics covered are…



Jennifer Fulwiler – How I Fell Out of My Minivan and Found Myself (Catholic Womanhood)
Hallie Lord – Style: Balance, Beauty, and You
Karen Edmisten – God & Godiva
Elizabeth Duffy – Sex, Passion, and Purity
Anna Mitchell – Single and Seeking God’s Plan
Rebecca Ryskind Teti – What Works for You?
Rachel Balducci – Fruitful Friendship
Danielle Bean – We Said Yes (Marriage)
Simcha Fisher – Receiving, Creating, and Letting Go: Motherhood in Body and Soul
Barbara Nicolosi – Plugging In and Embracing Discipleship in the 21st Century
I breezed through the pages loving the sense of humor and honesty displayed but I found myself time and time again stopping and re-reading a sentence because it was as if the Holy Spirit was tapping me on the shoulder and telling me to pay attention to the lesson He was trying to teach me.
Although, I read quickly through the book, it is not sufficient to stop there. I really need to go back and think about the points that stood out to me. There are also excellent discussion questions after each chapter that can be answered alone or within a book club. Because of this I’ve decided to read the book over and dig a little deeper. For the next few Wednesdays (starting April 18) I’ll share with you my thoughts about each chapter. Feel free to read along and share your own thoughts as well.
If you don’t already have a copy you can order it at Amazon (paperback or kindle) or enter the RoL Birthday Contest to try and win a copy – along with some other goodies! 🙂
As a side note: This book is also a great gift! At the last baby shower I attended I gave the new mama a care package of tea, chocolate and this book. A perfect treat when she finally gets five minutes to herself! 😉
Have a great day and we’ll start our discussion next Wednesday (4/18) with Chapter 1. 🙂