My Review of Abby Turner's ~ The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers

I was so excited when DaySpring personally asked me to review Abby Turner's The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers Book. I jumped at the chance; I mean, some of my most treasured memories have been around the table with family. The gatherings at my Pa-Pa & Ma-Ma's(grandparent's) house were so special. I remember so well sitting with my cousins...laughing and enjoying our family’s own sacred dishes that my Ma-Ma, Momma & Aunts had made. Oh, how I wish I could go back! At my Pa-Pa's table, there was never a stranger. Growing up, my Momma says that her Daddy was always welcoming others into their table, and with 9 children, that table was always full. My Pa-Pa's heart was always open to let anyone in need of family and Jesus in. It was not just the food that brought us together; it was the love behind it. I guess you could say my Pa-Pa & Ma-Ma had a living table of their own... what a legacy they left.

My Sweet Ma-Ma's original Million Dollar Cake recipe is pictured in the photo above. She always made this for the holidays, and it was so so good! As you can see, this recipe is a bit worn and smudged and a little hard to read, but I see my Ma-Ma's hands making it in her kitchen. What a Precious Memory! She was the best cook, and my Momma is as well. She taught us that food needs to taste good, yes, but the greatest thing is to see others enjoy it.

Abby Turner - The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers

Growing up in the Midwest, farm country, the dinner table was a tradition in our family. We would eat together at the table, even if we were busy in the fields or with school... we made time for that. We always said grace, we ate good food my sweet Momma had made, shared exciting news from that day, and just enjoyed one another. At that time, I didn't know, but those are some of the best moments that I now hold dear!

Gather at Our Table - Mini Wooden Plaque

I recall old reruns of television shows where the dinner table was so important, shows like Leave it to Beaver, The Waltons, Father Knows Best, and Duck Dynasty. Many of you know the well-loved television show Duck Dynasty. It was always filled with laughter, but at the end, the gathering at the table with family and friends, along with prayer, was a staple to that show. They never failed to gather around a table and share the moments of the day, week, or whatever. Those kinds of times in this fast-paced world are getting lost. It is so easy to let everything else get in the way and not make time to just sit down and have family dinners with one another.

My Review of The Living Table:

From breakfast to dinner, theme meals, desserts, bread, pasta, and sides, The Living Table gives readers abundant reasons to gather together. The book is beautifully photographed and filled with dishes you’ll want to bring into your own home and new recipes for your family to gather around. With each section focusing on specific tables (dinner table, coffee table, outside table, etc.), you'll discover fast and easy ways to liven up any moment, whether that be a weeknight home with family or a well-thought-out Thanksgiving feast. God is asking each of us to open our homes and prepare our tables, and this book does just that. Recipes Include:

Breakfast Sausage Bundt Cake

Berry Crumble Pie

Creamed Chicken Biscuits Bowl

Reindeer Bites

Strawberry Shortcake

French Toast Casserole

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Pesto Penne

Popcorn Board

This recipe/devotional book also includes the following:

● Explore the importance of the table and the art of hospitality as you connect with God and others

● With devotions, a "Food for Thought" section to reflect, delicious recipes, and pro tips, this is a go-to handbook for practicing hospitality

● The Living Table is categorized by a different way Christ teaches us to serve others: the table that connects, teaches, serves, parties, welcomes, and celebrates!

The Living Table pages are infused with warmth and passion by simply gathering around the table with family and friends. It includes recipes for any holiday or occasion: Game Night, Book Club, Bible Study, Prayer meeting, Baby Showers, Movie Night, Picnics, and Christmas! It even includes for any Hallmark Movie Fans who want to throw a Christmas Movie Party 4 delicious recipes inspired by the movies. My favorite would have to be the Creamed Chicken Biscuit Bowls(pictured below). My family loves Chicken Pot Pie, so I knew it would be a hit! Thanks to Hallmark, we can celebrate Christmas every Thursday & Friday Night, or in July, and starting October this year...WOW! I love a holiday party, and a themed one is even better. Christmas is just about 3 months away, so what better time to snuggle up on the couch with a warm blanket and watch a feel-good holiday movie, right?

This book shows there is no better way to celebrate holidays, togetherness, and have deep conversations and traditions, than over a meal at the table. This book exudes Abby's bubbly and giving heart and is filled with her faith in God, her fun-filled recipes, and her inspiration behind The Living Table.

Here is what others are saying about the book and how Abby has blessed them:

● Tasty recipes and fun menus!
The Living Table is a great mix of innovative recipes using both homemade and convenience ingredients, perfect for those who enjoy delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

● With a focus on hospitality (above and beyond entertaining), beautiful photos of each recipe, and thoughtful devotionals, the Living Table is a great addition to anyone’s cookbook library!

● AMAZING - Must-have for all get-togethers
I highly recommend this cookbook. Not only is there great content, but amazing recipes. I love hosting people and the variety of dishes, spreads, and desserts make it great to host any party.

● Wonderful - Bought 8 to give as gifts to all of my friends. Great Content and recipes! Highly recommend! There is so much great content in addition to amazing recipes and recipe hacks! This is my new go-to gift to give!

Whether you love to cook or you are a mishap in the kitchen, this practical devotional, hospitality book, and cookbook equips the most intimidated or experienced hostess. So, what is for dinner tonight? Hopefully, it includes a gathering around the table, a nice meal, and time with family and God! Those times around the table will become treasured memories!

As Abby shares in the book, Jesus spent most of his time around people, food, and tables. Eating with others was Jesus' way of showing love and instilling the heavenly kingdom into their hearts and minds. When I received this book, I immediately thought of the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus used food to draw people together. The miracle that Jesus performed that day was beyond remarkable. Jesus knew that he had fed the 5000, and with the leftovers, He fed the people serving the food(Mark 6:43). Jesus's desire and concern were for their hearts and souls to be with Christ! We always get caught up in all the preparations and presentations, but the best thing is being connected with others and giving of our own hearts. What I took away from this book was that your dining or kitchen table is not just a place where we eat, but it is a place where God weaves together each moment that takes place with joy, His grace, and most of all, the love for others!

~Blessings for the Day ✞o Encourage your Life~

The Blessing for the Day is a quote from Abby in this book: "My God wants me first to worship Him and then second, to dine with Him at the table. He asks us to sit at the table with Him, commune with Him, and enter into His peace. God, in His infinite wisdom, designed the table to be a safe place where the human soul receives healing from past events, forgiveness from past actions, and a deep-seated love that only comes from the presence of God."

I also wanted to share a song from The Oak Ridge Boys that tells of how the dinner table is so important!

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