I reviewed Dishing Up Devotions: 36 Faith-Building Activities for Homeschooling Families this Spring, and I will have to say this was a fascinating and unique book! Katie Trent is the author, and she is the homeschooling mom to two children, so this book is specifically designed for homeschooling families. However, anyone would highly likely enjoy it and benefit from it.

This is a lovely, softcover book that is 235 pages long. There are thirty-six different devotions, so you can choose to do them one week at a time and make them last an entire school year. Each devotion covers a different topic, such as "set apart," "strong and courageous," or "peaceful." At the beginning of the devotion is a scripture verse, then a personal example. After that is a prayer, affirmation for your family, family activity, and "baking buddies." Then you will make a delicious, sweet recipe together.

The activities are fun, and a wide age range of children can easily complete them, making the activities perfect for all families.

Katie is very encouraging and open about being a homeschool mom. Unlike the recipes, she does not sugarcoat the reality, which can often be tough! The activities are fun and a fantastic addition to any homeschool. I also love the full-color photos of the delicious-looking recipes in this! Some of the recipes are gluten-free or show modifications for making them gluten-free.

One of my favorite devotions was chapter 4 on being obedient. I had to laugh as I read about Katie and her husband's struggle with their children's bedrooms. I cannot help but believe that most parents have dealt with that challenge at one time or another. My favorite recipe was the "don't fudge it up brownies."

I want to be upfront; these are not particularly healthy desserts; however, you can always tweak recipes to fit your dietary preferences, so this should not deter purchasing this book. The Scripture verses for each devotion come from different translations. Some are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Others come from Holy Bible New Living Translation, The Amplified Bible, or the Passion Translation. Readers can easily substitute their preferred Bible version instead of or in addition to the verse for that devotion.

Overall, this is an excellent way to incorporate the study of God's Word and food into your children's lives. It would make a wonderful gift; the paperback book is $16.99, and it is also available as an e-book for $12.99.

-Product review by Jenny Underwood, The Old Schoolhouse®, May 2022