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The Holy Éclair, Signs and Wonders from an Accidental Pilgrimage
American mom and Baptist church lady Becky Ramsey moves to France knowing her family's life will change, but her faith? Why would it? Then a quirky new friend gives her a holy card she found at the flea market and soon Becky finds herself on an accidental pilgrimage out of the pew and into the streets of France. Readers come along as she collects a ragtag assortment of unlikely saints and sacred everyday things, each one earning a chapter and holy card of its own. Curious encounters with a silver haired prostitute and the ghost of Vincent Van Gogh, a bowl of cidre in a stranger's garage and an éclair chocolat at Patisserie Antoinette, among others, whisper into her workaholic heart, revealing the wildness of God's love, tempting her to let go of her striving to become God's teacher's pet and finally accept grace for herself.
220 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2017
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 4, 2017
I just finished reading her book. It was awesome! I love the details Becky provides of her journey in France with her family “collecting” saint cards and the prayers along the way. I felt like I was traveling along with Becky and her family. Becky, thank you for reminding us all of God’s love for us just as we are!
December 5, 2017
I've read Becky's other book, "French by Heart" and I adore her honest, charming and funny voice. Her adventures as an American living in France thoroughly entertain and "The Holy Eclair" gives a spiritual lens to her experience. Each chapter could read as a stand-alone devotional, or you can breeze through the whole book as a novel. No matter how you slice it, The Holy Eclair reminds the reader that God is in the details and people and nature and a presence to be enjoyed! Never preachy, always refreshingly real, full of gorgeous descriptions of la vie Francais, this book is a must-read for any Francophile, memoir fan or armchair traveler.
December 4, 2017
I have been a fan of Becky Ramsey's writing for quite several years, ever since I stumbled upon her blog (I don't even recall how -- a God-thing, I'd say!). I was so excited to learn about her newest book because I've always found her writing to be inspiring and uplifting. THE HOLY ECLAIR is all that I expected and more -- a genuinely honest exploration of where faith fits amid the ups and downs, twists and turns of daily life.
When Becky's husband is transferred to France for his job, he, Becky, and their three young children move from their familiar hometown and church involvement in South Caroline to a village in France. I wouldn't say "uprooted," nor would I mention "culture shock," because Becky's writing testifies to her openness toward the new adventure and her delight in the quaintness, the beauty, and the different pace of life in her new environs. However, she does struggle with inner conflict about how to continue to live out her staunch Christian faith when everything has changed, and such is the basis for this delightful and engaging book. For we all struggle with the pushes and pulls of sacred vs. secular, faith vs. life (as if they are two separate things), church vs. "the world, don't we? The difference is that Becky Ramsey is not shy to admit it.
Having received a "saint card" depicting Joan of Arc, Becky starts to make sense of the encounters she experiences in France by creating imaginary saint cards for them, be they persons or things. There is the motorcycle-riding woman in pink, whom Becky dubs "Madame Pink Suit"; the car decorated lavishly with flowers and fruits and vegetables, presumably for a wedding couple getting married in a nearby church; a grandfather (or grandmother) clock designed to look like what Becky imagines to be a fairy godmother; even her American friend Jessie, who wears combat boots and cut-off shorts, talks too loud in public, and paints copies of famous artworks, including nudes, for her home -- and so many more! Each of these "saints" helps Becky understand that perhaps her faith needn't be lived out ONLY in the patterns of weekly worship and Sunday School teaching at her church, daily "quiet time" for prayer and meditation, and a calendar full of "serving" through volunteer activities. Maybe time with her family, a more leisurely pace of life, recognizing "beauty in things of God and God in things of beauty," praying spontaneously -- maybe even without words -- rather than in a routinized fashion, and being open to ALL the ways God meets us in life... maybe all of that is staunch faithfulness too.
I hope so -- because I often need the grace for myself that Becky discovered and learned how to practice for herself. If you do too, grab this book! You'll devour it -- like a delectable chocolate eclair!
When Becky's husband is transferred to France for his job, he, Becky, and their three young children move from their familiar hometown and church involvement in South Caroline to a village in France. I wouldn't say "uprooted," nor would I mention "culture shock," because Becky's writing testifies to her openness toward the new adventure and her delight in the quaintness, the beauty, and the different pace of life in her new environs. However, she does struggle with inner conflict about how to continue to live out her staunch Christian faith when everything has changed, and such is the basis for this delightful and engaging book. For we all struggle with the pushes and pulls of sacred vs. secular, faith vs. life (as if they are two separate things), church vs. "the world, don't we? The difference is that Becky Ramsey is not shy to admit it.
Having received a "saint card" depicting Joan of Arc, Becky starts to make sense of the encounters she experiences in France by creating imaginary saint cards for them, be they persons or things. There is the motorcycle-riding woman in pink, whom Becky dubs "Madame Pink Suit"; the car decorated lavishly with flowers and fruits and vegetables, presumably for a wedding couple getting married in a nearby church; a grandfather (or grandmother) clock designed to look like what Becky imagines to be a fairy godmother; even her American friend Jessie, who wears combat boots and cut-off shorts, talks too loud in public, and paints copies of famous artworks, including nudes, for her home -- and so many more! Each of these "saints" helps Becky understand that perhaps her faith needn't be lived out ONLY in the patterns of weekly worship and Sunday School teaching at her church, daily "quiet time" for prayer and meditation, and a calendar full of "serving" through volunteer activities. Maybe time with her family, a more leisurely pace of life, recognizing "beauty in things of God and God in things of beauty," praying spontaneously -- maybe even without words -- rather than in a routinized fashion, and being open to ALL the ways God meets us in life... maybe all of that is staunch faithfulness too.
I hope so -- because I often need the grace for myself that Becky discovered and learned how to practice for herself. If you do too, grab this book! You'll devour it -- like a delectable chocolate eclair!
December 4, 2017
In her most recent book, The Holy Éclair, Becky Ramsey weaves a tale that brings together her love for church, family, and France. From Joan of Arc to Dolly Parton, Becky invites us into a playful game of hide-and-seek with the Divine and a number of accidental pilgrims placed in her path at just the right time. As we journey together we remain watchful for humble blue toed Saints with walking sticks to God’s ordinary caped crusaders clothed in flannel and combat boots. If we listen closely we might glimpse the divine laughter, as the ordinary is consecrated and celebrated as we run home toward the divine embrace. Just when we think the journey is complete we hear God’s invitation; Le Répas est prêt “The feast is ready. Take, eat, and fear not” as we once again find our place at the ever-expanding table of the Eucharist.
- Eric V.G. Coleman
- Eric V.G. Coleman
December 6, 2017
I was so excited to learn that Becky Ramsey had a new book coming out because I absolutely loved both her first book, French by Heart" and her collaboration with Jim Dant, "What's a Nice God Like You Doing in a Place Like This." Becky is such a great storyteller!! As I read each chapter, I could picture everything happening vividly. I loved the way she used the Joan of Arc Saint card that she was given early in their time in France as a way to tie all of the stories together. It was inspiring to read of her journey in finding the sacred in the ordinary things of life. I think that is a lesson that we all need to learn! I highly recommend sinking your teeth into this delicious book! Bon appetit!!
December 2, 2017
When I got this book, I was determined to read the whole thing in one sitting...but one thing after another conspired to thwart my plan. Between Thanksgiving, fun times with visiting family, and other holiday events, I had to savor one chapter here, one chapter there in stolen moments. It turns out that Ramsey's message is exactly that...you don't need to wait for a big reveal from God, but rather, savor each delightful morsel and look for God's presence in the ordinary moments and people you encounter. Kudos to Ramsey for her thoughtful testimony of grace!
December 7, 2017
This book illustrates over and over the joy of meeting sacred moments where ever we are in our journey both literally and figuratively. The authenticity of self doubt and cross cultural experiences exposes the reader to an insider view of real faith. Our current time has us readers thirsty to know real rather than superficial. My takeaway challenge is to start making my own “card collection” as inspired by this great, encouraging book. A must read!
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January 1, 2019This was very sweet.
December 4, 2017
Becky Ramsey lets us tag along on her "accidental pilgrimage," and the journey is rich. At each stop she introduces us to extra-ordinary people and places and we are transformed serendipitously. A spiritual repast...bon appétit!
December 7, 2017
Like a great cup of coffee, The Holy Éclair is a book to be savored. As I drank in each chapter, Rebecca Ramsey transported me to France - the sights, the sounds, the aromas - as she shares the charming story of her family’s first months living in what she finds to be a beautiful yet strikingly different country, a world away from her comfortable and predictable home in South Carolina. Becky’s vivid details make each place described come to life. At times I found myself laughing out loud, other times reflecting in deep silence. Her conversational writing style made me feel we were actually sitting in a French café together with a friendly, warm cup of coffee in hand as she shared each experience leading to her gradual awakening.
While The Holy Éclair is a story, for me the book read like a devotional. I found myself torn between wanting to keep reading (what happens next?) and wanting to linger longer over the chapter I’d just read, pondering both Becky’s insights and their significance for my own life. Because of that conundrum, it took me longer to read than I originally anticipated. But that’s exactly the main message I received from the book: I need to slow down and savor this one wonderful life I’ve been given.
Because I can so relate to Becky’s service-oriented Christian life in South Carolina, this book was a great reminder that my life in Christ is meant to be so much more. Coincidentally, as I was reading this book, I was in the middle of a move myself. With the reading of each subsequent chapter, I found myself slowly releasing my task-oriented, must-get-this-done mindset for a more relaxed, enjoy-the-ride frame of mind. Whether we are currently in major life transition or unchanging routine, The Holy Éclair gently guides us to a greater awareness of the grace that is ours to give and receive freely.
While The Holy Éclair is a story, for me the book read like a devotional. I found myself torn between wanting to keep reading (what happens next?) and wanting to linger longer over the chapter I’d just read, pondering both Becky’s insights and their significance for my own life. Because of that conundrum, it took me longer to read than I originally anticipated. But that’s exactly the main message I received from the book: I need to slow down and savor this one wonderful life I’ve been given.
Because I can so relate to Becky’s service-oriented Christian life in South Carolina, this book was a great reminder that my life in Christ is meant to be so much more. Coincidentally, as I was reading this book, I was in the middle of a move myself. With the reading of each subsequent chapter, I found myself slowly releasing my task-oriented, must-get-this-done mindset for a more relaxed, enjoy-the-ride frame of mind. Whether we are currently in major life transition or unchanging routine, The Holy Éclair gently guides us to a greater awareness of the grace that is ours to give and receive freely.
December 4, 2017
Tom Clancy says the only way to do all the things you'd like to do is to read. This book, and Rebecca Ramsey's first book French By Heart, allow me to live in a small village in France--something I dream of doing, especially now. Without spoilers, here's how to know if you'll like this book: it's in essay-form, like blog posts, but characters carry through each chapter, and there is a full narrative arc with the narrator and a hook that ties each essay together. Its theme is similar to Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor. It's the story of a faith shake-up--in this case, in a beautiful country that's foreign to the narrator. This book finds God in unique people, places, and traditions. For me, the main character is all of us who grew up in protestant American church and eventually realize our traditions are only one expression of relationship with God. The characters in this book (the real people) are so colorful. It's everything a glimpse into a foreign country should be. I could see, taste, and feel it. I felt as foreign sometimes as the narrator felt, but I usually wanted to be right there with her.
December 6, 2017
Rebecca S. Ramsey went to France and found her comfortable, service-oriented faith challenged. She struggled to find God in the places and ways that she normally did, but in her struggle her faith became more expansive and inclusive. A Baptist from the U.S. south, she began to be drawn practices and ideas from other traditions. She carried a saint card (and mentally created several of her own) and found beauty and comfort in crossing herself. When she was unable find God in the pews where she was used feeling His presence, she walked out and made all of France her church, finding God instead in the faces of everyone she encountered - even the most unlikely ones. When she was denied the opportunities for service that had made her feel worthwhile in the past, she learned to savor and appreciate the bounty of time, friendship, and pastry that France and God were offering her. This is an extremely engaging account of a faith journey from somewhat prescribed to deeply personal. Ramsey's insights along the way are meaningful no matter what one's faith (or even lack thereof).
December 5, 2017
I love this book and will read it at least once more - and I’m giving copies to family members as an extra Christmas surprise. Each chapter in The Holy Eclair is a delicious adventure. Becky’s been a ‘doer��� for God with deep faith her whole life yet when her family gets sent to a mysterious village in France for her husband’s job, her spiritual life spins out of control. What can she do to reclaim it?
Becky sees God everywhere - just not in church or the traditional places she’s used to. She decides to embrace life in all its quirkiness, takes us on amazing adventures and finds many saints along the way. There are beggar saints, flea market saints, fairy godmother saints - saints of all kinds - all enshrined with their very own Saint Card and some of the most beautiful short prayers I’ve ever read.
This book is easy to read, not at all preachy, keenly insightful, deeply spiritual and really funny - all at the same time.
Becky sees God everywhere - just not in church or the traditional places she’s used to. She decides to embrace life in all its quirkiness, takes us on amazing adventures and finds many saints along the way. There are beggar saints, flea market saints, fairy godmother saints - saints of all kinds - all enshrined with their very own Saint Card and some of the most beautiful short prayers I’ve ever read.
This book is easy to read, not at all preachy, keenly insightful, deeply spiritual and really funny - all at the same time.
December 4, 2017
As a fan of Ramsey's French by Heart, I eagerly anticipated The Holy Eclair. I was not disappointed! Normally, I order a book with the best intensions of reading it, but quickly lose interest. Not with this book! I finished it up in a couple of days spurred on by a entrancing and colorful vision of an expat's life in France. Ramsey is a compelling and insightful storyteller and has the gift of seeing the world through gentle eyes and leading the reader to do the same. Her stories are beautifully crafted with history, visual details and her own special brand of witty and unexpected humor.
Because each chapter is a stand alone vignette, the book would be a great choice for a book club (with discussion following each chapter) or a unique devotional with a sweet French flavor.
I am buying this book for my mother in law for Christmas and wrapping it with a box of eclairs!
Because each chapter is a stand alone vignette, the book would be a great choice for a book club (with discussion following each chapter) or a unique devotional with a sweet French flavor.
I am buying this book for my mother in law for Christmas and wrapping it with a box of eclairs!
December 3, 2017
Just finished a joyfully engrossing trip to France ... Through the words of Becky Skaggs Ramsey ! Her authentic, unintended pilgrimage, discovering the Divine in the ordinary and broken will make you laugh and cry and turn page after page ! An immersion experience opens Becky to face her preconceived ideas when the rigors of her life in the States comes to a sudden halt. Struggling with a new language and strange customs, managing three young children and a new household, she find the God of her understanding is no longer “there.” Becky discovers the willingness to explore the possibility that perhaps, just perhaps, the God of her understanding can and has been speaking to her always and in all ways. Well written. Great character development. And, a perfect ending. Take. Eat.
October 24, 2020
I enjoyed her 'French by Heart' so I thought I would check this out. The tone of this book is much more introspective and spiritual. As I read it I wonder to myself whether she wrote all those small observations down in a diary or were she planning for a book all along because it's filled with events that someone may run into each day without putting much thoughts: A kind stranger on the street, a tasty drink, a small encounter in life...etc. This feel like a slower read than than the first book in comparison, but I did find myself reflecting on my own spiritual search so in that regard it was worth the read.
December 4, 2017
Ramsey is a storyteller extraordinaire! She invites the reader into her life in France as well as into her inner life as she processes things that are different from the faith of her childhood. She is observant, honest, and a master of description. She brought me right into each and every story she shares. Her heart opens wider, she gives more grace to herself and to others, and her Christian faith shifts as she lives life in a beautiful and sensual place. Her first book, French by Heart, is also a lovely journey full of beautiful stories.
December 31, 2017
The Holy Eclair has been a majestic breath of fresh air. Ramsey redefines "sacred" in a beautiful way and teaches the reader how to live always attentive to the movement of God in this world. Whether God's movement is through a pastry, a baby screaming in a church, or a giant french clock, we can learn more about God through everyday happenings than we ever could've imagined. After finishing this book all I want is to read MORE of it!
December 5, 2017
This is a wonderful book! Becky's journey of finding God in unexpected places reminds us to take time to look and listen to hear God's voice around us. Her message about mistakes and God's grace is not to be overlooked. Becky encourages the reader to pay attention to the simple moments to discern what God is revealing.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews