A Liturgical Year Lived Well: A Review of Feast, Faith and Flourish
As a Catholic convert, I’ll be the first to admit I have a lot to catch up on. Before reading Feast, Faith and Flourish by the Ember Collective, I had no idea just how deeply my Catholic faith is woven into every season of life. It’s not just spiritual, but physical, rhythmical, and even in the kitchen!
If you’re longing for an authentic integration of wellness and faith in our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed world, this book feels like a deep exhale. It draws spiritual wisdom from Catholic tradition and the rhythms of the liturgical year, while offering practical, grounded reflections on creation, the human body, nutrition, movement, and how to live a more contemplative life.
Throughout the book, reflections are paired with truly beautiful recipes meant not just to nourish, but to invite presence and reflection. I made the roasted chicken recipe and…oh my. I will never roast a chicken a different way again. This recipe is a keeper! Our kitchen smelled incredible all day, and my husband — who is very much the cook in our home — was genuinely impressed (I’m the baker, so this was no small victory!). Beyond flavor, the book reminds us that preparing a simple meal becomes more than nourishment; it’s an invitation to be present. The aromas, the slow rhythm of cooking, the satisfaction of a meal shared all become ways to honor God.
The photography alone made me want to dust off my camera and start experimenting again. It’s the kind of book that slows you down just by opening it — an increasingly rare gift. What I especially loved was how seamlessly the book moves between body and soul. There are explorations of the mysteries of the Rosary, thoughtful quotations from the saints, and gentle encouragement to slow down. Feast, Faith and Flourish also dives into practical ways to reduce stress, improve digestion, get quality sleep, and regulate blood sugar. Everything is framed through the lens of stewardship rather than self-optimization.
One of my favorite sections explored planning celebrations for saints’ feast days — something I’ve never done as a convert, but now fully plan to incorporate in 2026.
At its heart, this book is a reminder that God desires our wholeness. Tending to our souls and our bodies is not indulgent, but obedient and an act of gratitude for the gifts He has placed within our reach.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Feast, Faith and Flourish was born out of Ember’s simple and beautiful mission: “To strive for truth. To be well. To follow Him.” That’s exactly what this book does. It gently leads you to Christ in every season, in every meal, and in the quiet faithfulness of ordinary days — until the ordinary, almost without you noticing, becomes extraordinary in Him.
Amber Apple is a Digital Marketing Manager and writer. When she’s not weaving tales for her novel, you can find her in her natural habitat—snuggled up on the couch, lost in the pages of a book, clutching a cup of tea. Her love language is baking French pastries, so if you’re craving a daily dose of mouthwatering recipes and delightful musings, visit her blog, mrsamberapple.com, or connect with her on Instagram @mrsamberapple.