Let the Biscuits Burn: Cultivating Real-Life Hospitality in a World Craving Connection

by Abby Kuykendall

Find the deeply connected life you've been longing for when you open your home and let God transform your heart through the spiritual practice of hospitality.

Do you long for deep, Christ-centered community, but you're overwhelmed at the thought of inviting people into your home because it doesn't look “perfect”? Do you find yourself making excuses and saying things like “I can't cook,” “My house is too small,” or “I don't have the time or energy to host”? If so, you're not alone in feeling that way, but practicing hospitality is easier and more transformative than you think.

In Let the Biscuits Burn Abby Kuykendall offers practical advice and biblical inspiration that will help you reclaim hospitality as a ritual that is less about performance and perfection and more about care and connection. She also shares personal stories of imperfect but God-honoring hospitality, along with the tips, tricks, and lists she's gathered over the years to make every piece of hosting less stressful. She'll share the profound rewards of welcoming others around your table, helping you:

Understand the differences between cultural entertaining and Christ-like hospitality,
Master the art of the invite and confidently open your home and life to others,
Let go of the excuses that keep you from true connection and community, and
Gain a clearer idea of who God is and why he calls Christians to the spiritual practice of hospitality.
Building a rich, deeply connected life has little to do with the perfect charcuterie board. Let the Biscuits Burn shows you how to open the door, set the table, and let God transform your heart.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Religion, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Laura and Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook; this review is for the audiobook. Read by the author.

An entire book about hospitality!? I’m impressed. God focused hospitality at its finest. Leading us to scripture and community.

This has a Martha Stewart vibe but replace perfection with God centered community.

Tips and tricks on how to host and be a part of community as God calls us to be.

So many quotes that I jotted down while listening.. here are a few favorites!

“The less you strive for perfection, the more room you make for joy”

“Once we prepare our hearts, then everything else flows from it.”

“The goal we are chasing = Godliness”

“Think of hospitality as making space for others.”

Thank you to the author and Libro.fm for the free audiobook!

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

For most of my marriage, I have held the title of “hostess of all family occasions,” a position that I did not seek but found to be mine, nonetheless. I began my duties with enthusiasm, but over the years, my excitement and joy faded. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is a Martha but wants to be a Mary. (Luke 10:38-42) I could not wait for the advanced copy of this book to arrive in the mail!

By page 24, Abby’s words struck a chord with me. Showing hospitality is not just a suggestion; it’s a command. While hospitality may be a spiritual gift for some, for others it will be a spiritual discipline, a habit to be developed and honed. Romans 12:13 tells us to practice hospitality…that’s everybody, girlfriend. (Pause reading this review, and order your book now!)

The author encourages us worn and weary family hostesses to reframe our viewpoints. The table is not a place for perfection but one for real connection, for acceptance, for belonging, and for relaxation. The goal is not only to fill bellies. Amid the chaos of spilled gravy and burned biscuits, hearts are opened, burdens laid down, and deep soul-to-soul bonds are formed.

The last 15 pages include tips and checklists: grocery lists, serving suggestions, table arrangements, and helpful social media resources. These, plus more resources, are aids in creating a warmer experience and lessening the load on the hostess.

My favorite chapter was about the legacy of the table. Abby’s memories of times at her grandmothers’ houses brought back a flood of my own recollections. Any gathering, from Sunday dinner to a birthday party or for no occasion at all, was always an inclusive and love-filled event, with each one feeling heard, valued, and cherished. It was there seated on a ladderback chair, an upturned picking basket, or the piano bench, that I learned about the importance of family, of belonging, and of the table.

“Every meal shared, every conversation sparked, and every invitation extended is leaving a legacy.” That’s what I want for my family.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid and thoughtful read about the importance (and the challenge) of building community. The author makes a strong case for why this is worth the effort. She offers practical strategies for implementing connection, all rooted in scripture, and all of this without being preachy. That is always appreciated and I liked this approach.

I listened to the audio and would definitely recommend that version. The author was extremely personable. It felt more like lunch with a mentor instead of a lecture. She made some of this sound so easy though, and I know from personal experience, it is NOT!!

Well maybe it was much easier when I was single, then much harder with little ones. Knowing my history would suggest that as an empty nester it should be easy again, but that is not the case. It's harder because now I'm always battling my inner hermit.

I'd give this 4.5 stars, but for the simple fact, that I feel I have to listen to this one more time, I'll round up.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby Kuykendall is a book that could be especially helpful for younger Christian women--both single and newly married women.

Abby Kuykendall shares how she made hospitality a priority while a single woman, newly married woman and as a new mother with a baby. She starts off the book by explaining why community matters. She then shares how to begin showing hospitality, how to invite others into your place, and how to continue to serve others without burning out in life. At the back of the book she offers a liturgy for your heart to think about when being hospitable. She also gives table tips and offers ideas for food to serve.

The part I especially liked about Let the Biscuits Burn was in the beginning when she explains the difference between entertaining and being hospitable, which is something I hadn't thought about before. I was raised to entertain by someone who valued perfection so learning to serve in an imperfect way is not something that has come easy to me.

Let the Biscuits Burn is most clearly aimed at Christian women. She quotes Scripture throughout the book and explains why hospitality honors God in several places.

I think Kuykendall offers a lot of solid advice and tips throughout the book. She is a 30-something woman and I think Let the Biscuits Burn will certainly appeal to younger Christian women. To give broader appeal, I wish she had interviewed someone older or shared from her mom on ideas she had for offering hospitality as people get older. I have read that many older people are lonely. She could also talk about how we could draw in folks from multiple generations and that could be helpful. I have a heart for the elderly after working with them for a time too.

I also think it would have been helpful if the author had talked about food allergies and special diets in today's world as we think about having people over for meals or even dessert. I think it is important to ask if people have food issues when inviting them over. For an easy example, I don't want to serve peanut butter sandwiches to someone who has a peanut allergy.

[Suzanne Roq · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+++
review to come

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immediately pulled in by the title, Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby Kuykendall, is a timely read that had me opening my doors to others before I had finished reading the last page. This book gives practical advice and leads you to the realization that hospitality is not about perfection but about connection. I highly recommend this read for anyone struggling with portraying that perfect image, desiring connection with others, or those who feel they are being called to the ministry of hospitality.

(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.)

#LettheBiscuitsBurn #NetGalley

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a post-pandemic world with instagram serving a constant stream of picture perfect parties, hosting can seem like an insurmountable task. And this book came at the perfect time. Even though I love hosting, but have been caught up in all the reasons I shouldn’t - my house isn’t clean enough, my tables setting aren’t cute enough, what if the food doesn’t turn out just right. Abby Kuykendall encourage us to reframe our excuses and even embrace the chaos. Why worry about perfection when you can b present? The difference between entertaining and hospitality really struck a chord with me and immediately made hosting seem more doable.

Overall, this book left me feeling so cozy and hopeful and I’m excited to use what I learned

(I was gifted a copy of this book without the requirement to review. My opinions are unbiased and my own)

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the Biscuits Burn: Cultivating Real-Life Hospitality in a World Craving Connection – A Warm, Imperfect Invitation to Authentic Community
Rating: 4.7/5

Abby Kuykendall’s Let the Biscuits Burn is a balm for anyone who’s ever panicked over charred appetizers or apologized for unmade beds before guests arrived. As someone who oscillates between Pinterest-perfect hosting fantasies and takeout-induced shame, this book felt like a permission slip—to embrace mess, prioritize connection, and redefine hospitality as radical love in action.

Why This Book Resonates
Kuykendall’s voice is equal parts mentor and cheerleader, dismantling the myth that hospitality requires spotless homes and gourmet spreads. Her thesis—that Jesus’ table was a place of grit and grace, not performance—shines in chapters like The Art of the Imperfect Invite, where she reframes “I don’t have time to clean” as “You’re worth more than my vacuuming schedule.” The biblical parallels (e.g., Martha’s distraction vs. Mary’s presence) are revelatory without feeling preachy. Practical gems—like her 5-Minute Hosting Hacks for busy seasons—made me want to text neighbors for an impromptu potluck immediately.

Emotional Impact & Revelations
This book stirred unexpected emotions: laughter at her disastrous early hosting attempts (think flaming biscuits and dog-hair-covered couches), tears during her reflection on post-grad loneliness and how shared meals became her lifeline. Most moving was her challenge to see hospitality as disruptive—a countercultural act in a world of curated Instagram feeds. Her admission that sometimes the most sacred spaces smell like burned toast lingered with me long after reading.

Constructive Criticism
While Kuykendall’s focus on Christian hospitality is profound, broader cultural contexts (e.g., how hospitality differs across class or immigrant experiences) could enrich future editions. The corporate-to-calling narrative, though inspiring, occasionally overshadows deeper systemic barriers to hosting (e.g., small living spaces, food insecurity).

Final Verdict
A must-read for weary souls craving connection beyond casserole competitions. Kuykendall doesn’t just teach hospitality—she embodies it through pages that feel like a long chat over mismatched mugs.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the gifted copy. This book rekindled my belief that cracked plates and chaotic kitchens are where magic happens.

Pair with: The Turquoise Table for neighborhood hospitality or Bread & Wine for culinary spirituality.

For fans of: Shauna Niequist’s warmth, Jen Hatmaker’s humor, and the The Lazy Genius’s practical grace.

Note: Keep a notebook handy—you’ll want to scribble down every “imperfect invitation” idea.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good resource for Christians with important reminders about hospitality. It encourages Christians to be like Mary, not Martha, and to prioritize intentional connection over hosting perfection. For all that, I felt it was a bit harsh in its wording and tone in some places (e.g., in dismissing “excuses” for not hosting regularly). Overall though, it is a really thoughtful book full of compassion and specific, practical tips to build community through hospitality. I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

[Aislinn Burger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting a looong time for this book! I received Abby's cookbook as a gift when I was 20, first living on my own, and often having friends over. I love her Christ-centered outlook on hospitality and have followed her on social media ever since then. I've been so excited to support her on this book venture and preordered as soon as I heard about it! My only critique about this book is that she talks a lot about inviting people into your home to share Jesus and have faith centered conversations, but doesn't really give insight on how to have those conversations. So much of the book was centered around this hosting part. Either way, loved this book and its important topic!

Important thoughts:
- I love that she clarifies the difference between entertaining and hospitality
- Hospitality is both a spiritual gift and spiritual discipline. Just because it doesn’t come naturally to you doesn’t mean it’s a skill that’s not important or possible to cultivate
- One of her main themes throughout the book is to set up rhythms for yourself that make hospitality easier. She suggests things like pantry staples so you always have a snack or drink ready, easy cleaning routine so that you’d feel comfortable inviting someone over on a moment’s notice, etc.
- Her book is focused on people to whom hospitality does not come naturally (i.e. it is not their spiritual gift). After reading her “Invitational Inventory” questions on p.126-128, I’d say hospitality IS a spiritual gift of mine. I didn’t need to be convinced of its importance by reading this book, but I loved the reminders she gave and pairing it to specific passages!
- 3 steps for setting boundaries in hospitality: prioritize time with God to refill your cup so that you have something to pour from; be aware of your capacity and limits for hosting (budget, days of the week, location, etc); communicate boundaries clearly and kindly - including a checklist to do this
- Jesus demonstrates the perfect hospitality cycle: connection and solitude
- I loved that she said her grandma always used the pool table with a tablecloth to serve food. Like my Grammie!

Favorite quotes:
- “Unlike the invitations from the world, biblical hospitality is about meeting people where they are and offering them unconditional acceptance and love, mirroring the open arms of Christ.”
- “We can’t always know the impact of our hospitality, but our role isn’t to measure the outcome. It’s to faithfully extend the invitation. No matter how small or insignificant it may feel, our willingness to open our lives and invite others in could be the very thing God uses to meet someone’s deepest need.”
- “People will walk into your living room faster than they will walk into a church, and hospitality is the tool we can use to invite others to experience Christ.”

[Xine Segalas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby Kuykendall offers a refreshing, down-to-earth look at what real hospitality means. In an age of Instagram perfection, Kuykendall reminds us that opening our homes — and our lives — doesn’t have to be about appearances. It’s about connection.
Kuykendall shares her own experiences with warmth and honesty. She mixes everyday stories with reflections on faith and what it really means to welcome others. Some of the biblical references come through strongly, but they fit her message and feel authentic rather than preachy. Her focus is on helping readers rediscover hospitality as something simple, genuine, and deeply human.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Abby Kuykendall herself, which made the message feel even more personal. Hearing her share her own experiences with warmth and authenticity made it easy to connect with her words — it felt like listening to a friend who truly believes in what she’s sharing.
I especially appreciated her encouragement to step outside your comfort zone — to invite others in, risk a little vulnerability, and in doing so, find new friendships and build real community. In a world where so many people feel isolated, her message feels both timely and important.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Thank you to NetGalley and HCCP & HCF Audio | Thomas Nelson for providing an advance audio copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Kuykendall said it well in her book when she was explaining why she titled her book "Let the Biscuits Burn". She says, "It was important to me that this not be a book presenting itself as an expert's guide to hospitality but rather a book that declares loudly that it's okay not to have it all together."

Let the Biscuits Burn was a refreshing read for me personally. I am a pastors wife and hospitality is a big part of the "job". I enjoy hosting and showing hospitality in many ways, but it can be draining and exhausting at times. I feel inspired to think outside the box and to never stop showing hospitality. If you are someone who loves welcoming people into your home, but find yourself overwhelmed at the same time, this book is for you. Kuykendall offers many simple and practical ways to welcome others to the table that will open your eyes to the myriad of ways we can show hospitality as humans that long for connection. Her inclusion of scripture and other well known biblically sound leaders brings a well rounded word that not only encourages the art of hospitality, but convicts at the same time. Kuykendall doesn't claim to be a scholar, but she does bring a load of experience to share with her readers. It is my belief that all people in church ministry should be reading this book. Enjoy!

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to the audiobook Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby Kuykendall felt like spending time with a kind and encouraging friend who really understands the worries many of us have about inviting people into our homes. I’ve made the same excuses she talks about—my house isn’t big enough, I’m too busy, or it’s not perfect yet. Through her gentle storytelling and faith-filled message, Kuykendall reminded me that hospitality isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

Her voice feels warm and genuine in every chapter as she shares personal stories, Bible truths, and simple, practical ideas that anyone can use. I especially appreciated her honesty about the “burnt biscuit” moments, those times when things don’t go as planned but still turn into meaningful opportunities to show grace and kindness.

By the end, I had a clearer understanding of the difference between entertaining and true, Christ-centered hospitality. Let the Biscuits Burn is an encouraging and uplifting listen for anyone who wants to build real relationships and open their home with confidence. It left me feeling inspired and ready to welcome others just as I am. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who wants to approach hospitality with more grace, authenticity, and joy.

A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the chance to listen to this advance copy. It was such a delight!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The themes of this book concerning hospitality being a spiritual gift for some and a spiritual discipline for others, and about the importance of surrendering one's plans, desires, and comfort to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to lead others into a relationship with Christ should ring true with all Christians. While the author does stress the difference between the concepts of entertaining and hospitality, and does provide a bit of information on practicing hospitality in various settings, she largely focuses on practicing hospitality in one's home. I tend to have a broader view of hospitality, but understand that this is the focus she has chosen to highlight in this book. She goes a long way in trying to make practicing hospitality accessible to all and supports that with a collection of tips at the end of the book. Overall as I read, I felt like the book was targeting an audience of 20 to 40 somethings in middle- to upper-income homes, although some of the suggestions were more broadly applicable.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Let the Biscuits Burn from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Skyler Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

as someone who often tells friends "the door is always open" and invites my group back to our place after hangouts without a single thought to the condition of our home, I read the first few chapters feeling proud and validated, like maybe I don't need this book... insert hebrews 13:2

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

and Luke 6:32-33

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.

definitely feeling convicted and called to take steps today towards inviting the people I've been thinking about, the ones who don't already know they're always welcome, and anyone God puts on my heart

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has certainly challenged me to start opening my home to others. To not focus on the condition of my rugs but on the condition of my heart. God calls us to be open to a hurting world. Plus it’s more conducive to invite friends or neighbors to your home rather than an invite to church. Show them what your faith is about means more than just telling them. The author states her reasons clearly in such a way that you can readily accept the fact that each one of us should be reaching out to others and do it without any guilt. Basically, accept who you are and don’t feel the need for everything to be perfect before you invite people over. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone for sure! Thank God I found this book!!
I received this book for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an audiobook ARC of this book and I was surprised by how much I related to it.

I am an introvert. When I’m around people, I can talk, but I prefer to be at home (most of the time.) Because of this I’ve had a really hard time meeting people. This book reminds us of why we need to invite people into our homes. Why we should offer a seat to others at our table.

Yes, it is a Christian book. A decent amount of quotes from the bible and lessons from the bible. I do however think many people who aren’t Christian would still appreciate the examples of connection from this book.

I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t my favorite and there were a few parts I found repetitive but it would make a great gift for someone new to a town or someone moving.

[Vanessa Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read with lots of good reminders about hospitality in our busy world. I found Abby to be likable and relatable, and I appreciated that she mostly stayed on-topic rather than making it part memoir. Most seasoned Christian women won't find anything here that's earthshattering or that they haven't heard before, but it does give good ideas for how to start the conversation.

In full transparency, I did remove one full star from my review because early in the book Abby quoted the Passion translation and said it can be a helpful secondary source. To her credit, she did say it shouldn't be one's primary Bible translation, but even a semi-recommendation of TPT is an automatic no from me.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about hospitality. Lots of ideas and inspiration.