This book is richer than a daily devotional book. It demands a slow read, with plenty to ponder. Gemma Simmonds writes in a gentle but inspirational way. The book is practical and applicable to everyday life, containing stories about the lives of both Ignatius of Loyola and Mary Ward. It is a good introduction to some of the main themes of Ignatius.

The book is full of gems to reflect on. Some of my favourites:
“In some ways it can be far more challenging to face the toxic ways in which we have learned to function, and to realize that God is calling us to be our truest selves …”
“The compulsive compensation mechanisms that kill the pain of modern living may be television, sport, the internet, shopping, even the pursuit of the spiritual as if it were a lifestyle choice or accessory.”
“Both savour and relish are words frequently used by Ignatius.”

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with God, and not just during Lent.

I really wanted to like this book, as I am a teacher in an Ignatian school and I was hoping to use this on my own Lenten journey. However, I found it to be too heady and not enough journey for me personally. For someone who wasn’t as steeped in Ignatian tradition, it might be more useful.

This book is more a contemporary examination of Ignatian spirituality than "a prayer journey through Lent," but it was nonetheless an excellent book. The author gives a nice biography of Ignatius which is highly readable and engaging. The author also profiles Mary Ward, an early English practitioner of Ignatian spirituality, which nicely enhances the book.

I recommend this book for any season, not just Lent! Although many liturgical church-goers do look for books of this type for use in Lent, many readers who are serious about spirituality will find this book helpful throughout the year.