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A Place at The Table

Faith, hope and hospitality
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In a world marked by loneliness and isolation, A Place at The Table invites Christians to rediscover the lost art of hospitality. Co-authors Miranda Harris and her daughter Jo Swinney offer a fresh, biblical perspective, showing that true hospitality transcends perfect hosting or culinary skill. Rooted in their experiences within the A Rocha community, the book warmly redefines hospitality as offering welcome despite imperfection and messiness. Tracing the journey of a shared meal from planning to farewell, it celebrates thoughtful food preparation, shared moments, and meaningful conversation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book will resonate deeply with Christians seeking to nurture community and connection through hospitality. It suits readers interested in spiritual growth, practical faith expressions, and those wanting encouragement to welcome others in a meaningful, uncomplicated way. Families, church groups, and individuals striving to embody kindness in everyday life will find inspiration here.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A reflection on hospitality, rooted in the story of A Rocha and the life of the late co-founder Miranda Harris, alongside her daughter Jo Swinney.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

At a time when loneliness and isolation have reached unprecedented levels, it has never been more important for Christians to embrace the practice of hospitality. For many, it is a lost art—a practice we have forgotten, neglected or distorted beyond all recognition. Amid material comforts and rife individualism, practising hospitality can often hold unrealistic expectations and insurmountable pressure. But what if the practice of hospitality was simpler and yet more profound than we imagined?

From the simple act of preparing vegetables to the warm welcome of a stranger, co-authors Miranda Harris and her daughter Jo Swinney re-define hospitality for the modern age. Drawing on biblical insights and a deep well of experience—most significantly within the community in the A Rocha family—this is a warm invitation to embrace the loving kindness of others. To be hospitable doesn't require culinary excellence or matching cutlery—it doesn't even require a home of one's own; true hospitality offers a welcome into imperfection and messiness, a place to belong and be embraced.

Following the progression of a meal, from its planning to the moment every guest has departed, A Place at the Table is a heart-warming invitation into a life of thoughtful food preparation, shared meals and meaningful conversation.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Place at the Table is praised for its transparency and intimate portrayal of hospitality, reflecting the luminous faith of Miranda Harris through the collaborative effort of mother and daughter. Sandra McCracken, singer and songwriter, commends the book for capturing a legacy of generosity and God's light. Rod Wilson, author and former president of Regent College, highlights its timely message and its ability to diminish relational fragmentation, making readers feel as though they are truly sharing the meal with exemplars of hospitality. The writing is noted as beautiful, thought-provoking, and poignant.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529392067

Publisher: John Murray Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Faith

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 160g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Miranda Harris was the co-founder of A Rocha. Married to Peter, she had four children and eight grandchildren. Miranda loved hosting the ever-expanding A Rocha family and was known for her prolific letter-writing, engaging communication style and ability to connect deeply with anyone she met. This is her first book, published posthumously in collaboration with her daughter.

Jo Swinney is Miranda's eldest daughter and mother of two of her grandchildren. Jo wrote her first book in her twenties and has continued writing and editing books, articles and Bible notes ever since. She has inherited her mother's love of hospitality, food and the God from whom all good gifts come.

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