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Have A Little Faith: Life Lessons on Love, Death and How Lasagne Always Helps
'Thank God for Kate and this book' Dawn French
'Kate's natural warmth, wit and wisdom shines through every page' Sara Cox
*****
Hello there, come on in.
Firstly, I know what you're thinking, 'I'm not religious so I'm not sure if this is for me' but, the truth is, we can all benefit from having a little faith and it will look different to each of us. Granted, some of the stories about a man who can walk on water and come back from the dead are anything but normal, but the point isn't about what we believe in, it's about believing in something. It's what humans have always done, it's in our DNA, because having faith in something makes us feel connected. It makes us feel like we matter. Faith means we are in it together, that we believe we will be OK.
So, yes, this book is about faith, but it's also about being human, because believing in things is just part of our existence. Wherever you sit on the faith spectrum, I'm here to tell you it's okay. You don't have to sign up to all of something to get something out of some of it. You don't have to like every song on the album.
My belief has guided me through life's ups and downs, and I hope that sharing what I've learned will help you face your own challenges armed with hope, and plenty of lasagne.
Love,
Kate x
'Kate's natural warmth, wit and wisdom shines through every page' Sara Cox
*****
Hello there, come on in.
Firstly, I know what you're thinking, 'I'm not religious so I'm not sure if this is for me' but, the truth is, we can all benefit from having a little faith and it will look different to each of us. Granted, some of the stories about a man who can walk on water and come back from the dead are anything but normal, but the point isn't about what we believe in, it's about believing in something. It's what humans have always done, it's in our DNA, because having faith in something makes us feel connected. It makes us feel like we matter. Faith means we are in it together, that we believe we will be OK.
So, yes, this book is about faith, but it's also about being human, because believing in things is just part of our existence. Wherever you sit on the faith spectrum, I'm here to tell you it's okay. You don't have to sign up to all of something to get something out of some of it. You don't have to like every song on the album.
My belief has guided me through life's ups and downs, and I hope that sharing what I've learned will help you face your own challenges armed with hope, and plenty of lasagne.
Love,
Kate x
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
95 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 30, 2023
Funny and heartwarming and wise in all the right places. The most welcoming book about faith I've found. Would recommend both to people who have faith & those just interested in thinking about it - not just in capital R Religion but just what role believing in something plays in our lives and struggles.
October 1, 2024
Enjoyed this one especially the parts about death and grief and the definition of success -
“3 things vicars never say in eulogies:
How much someone weighed
How rich they were
How clean their house was”
Very frank and open and very amusing at times too.
You don’t need to be religious to enjoy this one.
“3 things vicars never say in eulogies:
How much someone weighed
How rich they were
How clean their house was”
Very frank and open and very amusing at times too.
You don’t need to be religious to enjoy this one.
April 23, 2024
Thought provoking, comforting and funny. An absolute joy to read.
January 2, 2024
Loved this book, so relatable. I will be keeping it as a reference book!
January 7, 2024
An honest down to earth guide for every day life that I’ll be referring back to frequently. Kate’s good sense and humour and real life experience was evident on each page.
March 12, 2024
I loved this!
June 6, 2024
Warm and reassuring. Made me cry in a couple of places!
November 1, 2024
A magnificent read, full of love, wisdom and magic.
Reading those pages felt like a warm hug on a crispy, foggy morning in fall. A book I certainly will to turn to again many times in the future.
Reading those pages felt like a warm hug on a crispy, foggy morning in fall. A book I certainly will to turn to again many times in the future.
January 22, 2024
As you would expect a book about hope and faith in the modern world. TW a lot of body hate talk related to the authors experience but hard to read continually
September 30, 2023
I am often amazed that I developed a faith, growing up as I did, in a Church of England Rectory in a family where Holy Orders had been the chosen vocation for four generations. Faith was never openly discussed at home, it was as if we would acquire it through osmosis and whilst that theory worked, to a degree, I always felt that there ought to be something 'more'.
I found the 'more' when I joined the Pentecostal church; challenging yet welcoming, an expectation of one taking on roles and joining in outreach and yet a wonderfully, open and exuberant approach to God. My father would be amazed when I would tell him of all the outreach being done by my church and ask why the Church of England couldn't do the same. Difficult to answer but one reason might be that there aren't sufficient numbers of Church of England clergy with the same attitude and approach as Kate Bottley.
Kate recognises that everyone is curious, searching for something unknown or not acknowledged, in need but not sure of what. She doesn't expect all of her congregants to be 'all in', her quest is just to get them there and minister to them, in the sense of listen to them, care for them, support them. It is an open and honest approach to faith and far more representative of the God that I believe in.
If I termed Kate the 'irreverent reverend', it would not be because she is rude about the church or disrespectful of her faith, but more because she is realistic, down to earth and desperate to fulfil the command to go out and spread the Word, whilst recognising that that doesn't always mean bringing people into church as fully paid up members, but just reaching out and touching hands and showing others, by example, what it means to live a life of faith.
This all sounds a bit serious! whereas, in fact, her book is witty and funny and full of amusing stories. My other half and I went to see her at an Author Event and Book Signing, where she chatted away animatedly for an hour.
I feel sure that along her journey, Kate has probably ruffled a few of the traditional feathers within the church, but I think we need more people like her; there is never any doubt that her faith, her vocation and her commitment are deep, but she also has the life experience to understand people's fears, issues, hurts and woes, and has the heart to want to reach out and stand with those people whilst they work through them.
Faith based, faith curious or completely secular, you are bound to get something out of this book, even if it is just a giggle!
I found the 'more' when I joined the Pentecostal church; challenging yet welcoming, an expectation of one taking on roles and joining in outreach and yet a wonderfully, open and exuberant approach to God. My father would be amazed when I would tell him of all the outreach being done by my church and ask why the Church of England couldn't do the same. Difficult to answer but one reason might be that there aren't sufficient numbers of Church of England clergy with the same attitude and approach as Kate Bottley.
Kate recognises that everyone is curious, searching for something unknown or not acknowledged, in need but not sure of what. She doesn't expect all of her congregants to be 'all in', her quest is just to get them there and minister to them, in the sense of listen to them, care for them, support them. It is an open and honest approach to faith and far more representative of the God that I believe in.
If I termed Kate the 'irreverent reverend', it would not be because she is rude about the church or disrespectful of her faith, but more because she is realistic, down to earth and desperate to fulfil the command to go out and spread the Word, whilst recognising that that doesn't always mean bringing people into church as fully paid up members, but just reaching out and touching hands and showing others, by example, what it means to live a life of faith.
This all sounds a bit serious! whereas, in fact, her book is witty and funny and full of amusing stories. My other half and I went to see her at an Author Event and Book Signing, where she chatted away animatedly for an hour.
I feel sure that along her journey, Kate has probably ruffled a few of the traditional feathers within the church, but I think we need more people like her; there is never any doubt that her faith, her vocation and her commitment are deep, but she also has the life experience to understand people's fears, issues, hurts and woes, and has the heart to want to reach out and stand with those people whilst they work through them.
Faith based, faith curious or completely secular, you are bound to get something out of this book, even if it is just a giggle!
April 25, 2024
This book is as absolutely delightful as you would expect from the lovely Kate Bottley. I will start by saying that you don't need to be a Christian to read this book, you don't need to be religious in any way, and Kate is certainly not here to try and convince you to convert. It's a very honest look at life and all of its ups and downs from Kate's experience. As a reverend, TV personality, googleboxer, friend, wife, daughter, and mum, she has plenty of experience. She talks through some common but often not discussed topics, from love, to death, through loneliness, conflict, and strength.
Kate's down to earth writing style makes these subjects easy to read about and her sensitive manner (probably what makes her an excellent Rev) makes it easy to digest, even with the most difficult subjects (for example, and a trigger warning, a funeral she had to lead for a baby that had been murdered by the father). She talks of her own life experiences, and how faith, however you define faith, has helped her through. At the end of each chapter she lists 'three good things' that you can do - ways to just be a nice person, or to encourage you in that particular area, which I think is lovely as we can all strive to be nicer, kinder, stronger, and more resilient.
Kate acknowledges through the book that faith means different things to different people, she isn't preachy, not does she take an attitude that she is right and everyone who is not a Christian is wrong. The only thing I would say is - Kate, don't put yourself down so much, there is nothing wrong with being short and round, it's a lovely shape to be! She is very balanced, very humble, and just very lovely. A great read, I would definitely recommend.
Kate's down to earth writing style makes these subjects easy to read about and her sensitive manner (probably what makes her an excellent Rev) makes it easy to digest, even with the most difficult subjects (for example, and a trigger warning, a funeral she had to lead for a baby that had been murdered by the father). She talks of her own life experiences, and how faith, however you define faith, has helped her through. At the end of each chapter she lists 'three good things' that you can do - ways to just be a nice person, or to encourage you in that particular area, which I think is lovely as we can all strive to be nicer, kinder, stronger, and more resilient.
Kate acknowledges through the book that faith means different things to different people, she isn't preachy, not does she take an attitude that she is right and everyone who is not a Christian is wrong. The only thing I would say is - Kate, don't put yourself down so much, there is nothing wrong with being short and round, it's a lovely shape to be! She is very balanced, very humble, and just very lovely. A great read, I would definitely recommend.
September 21, 2023
This is a book about ”life lessons on love, death and how Lasagne always helps”. Its also about Kate- or rather it's not, not really. It's about all of us and how we get through life, seen in perhaps a different way in that “faith plays a part in normal life” and by faith not always being what one first might think. Being first a teacher and then a Reverend has given Kate a perspective on life some of us rarely see. Like hairdressers and other therapists, Reverends are sometimes those people we turn to when things are difficult and Kate loves a good chat- she bills herself as a ”curator of faith conversations”. That said, she also mentions that often on train journeys many avoid her as they expect her to talk about nothing but religion- do we all want to talk about work all the time?
It's partly about success and how we measure it, or not and perhaps to be more kind to ourselves in doing so. One person's success isn't always another's, we all have different measuring tapes. It's about ”faith” which maybe a shared love of something- a connection, a coming together of like minds. There are humorous anecdotes sometimes from the most unlikely sources. How can watching Love Island inspire a sermon… ?? I found this both inspiring and affirmative. I’ve often thought faith can be found in the most unlikely of places and Kate corroborates this. A book I’ll most likely read again and again. It’s hope and reassurance. Of remembering to be kind to ourselves as well as others, and that Lasagne may just be the thing we need!
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June 15, 2024
Yes, it's That Kate Bottley, who's on Radio 2, Sunday mornings, is a presenter of BBC's Songs of Praise and formerly on Channel 4's Gogglebox. As you will realise, Kate is not your average vicar.
It took me about a week to read Have A Little Faith. Slow reader you might think. Slow perhaps for you but for me, it's quicker than I get through most books.
It might be a bit unfortunate that having "Faith" in the title, and that the author is a reverend will put some people off from reading this book. That's a great shame. It's not some religious tome trying to convert anybody, it's essentially about being Human.
It does, of course, include elements of Kate's faith within it, but that's unavoidable. In this instance, however, Rev. Kate is not simply referring to religious faith. As much as anything, this book is about having some faith is part of being human. Kates own humanity shines through and her charm and wit make Have A Little Faith an entertaining read. But, through that entertainment there is wisdom which we can all absorb, perhaps unknowingly.
Have a little faith isn't just about Christian faith. It's about how we all need a little faith in something.
I leant it to a friend, who recommended it to a few other friends.
It took me about a week to read Have A Little Faith. Slow reader you might think. Slow perhaps for you but for me, it's quicker than I get through most books.
It might be a bit unfortunate that having "Faith" in the title, and that the author is a reverend will put some people off from reading this book. That's a great shame. It's not some religious tome trying to convert anybody, it's essentially about being Human.
It does, of course, include elements of Kate's faith within it, but that's unavoidable. In this instance, however, Rev. Kate is not simply referring to religious faith. As much as anything, this book is about having some faith is part of being human. Kates own humanity shines through and her charm and wit make Have A Little Faith an entertaining read. But, through that entertainment there is wisdom which we can all absorb, perhaps unknowingly.
Have a little faith isn't just about Christian faith. It's about how we all need a little faith in something.
I leant it to a friend, who recommended it to a few other friends.
June 8, 2025
I'm so glad Kate Bottley wrote this book! I enjoy her T.V and radio work. Seeing her in those contexts results in me experiencing how she shares faith as something relatable and accessible.
What makes her messages easier to hear is that I see her as leading with her humanity first, she's a person with lots of different interests. Religion and faith are big parts of her identity but they aren't the only things to her and that helps me to think of religion and faith as something expansive and freeform i.e there's space for everyone.
For me this book was the last link in a chain that had slowly been being repaired... I saw her book on sale at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday and started reading. On Friday I told my best mate I was going to try attending a service at my local church. On Sunday I committed and gave my local church service a go (after a year or so of thinking more and more frequently that I might like to try attending church again) and on Sunday night I finished Kate's book. Thank you - this book, it's welcome and 'it's ok' approach was a pivotal element in getting me through those doors.
What makes her messages easier to hear is that I see her as leading with her humanity first, she's a person with lots of different interests. Religion and faith are big parts of her identity but they aren't the only things to her and that helps me to think of religion and faith as something expansive and freeform i.e there's space for everyone.
For me this book was the last link in a chain that had slowly been being repaired... I saw her book on sale at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday and started reading. On Friday I told my best mate I was going to try attending a service at my local church. On Sunday I committed and gave my local church service a go (after a year or so of thinking more and more frequently that I might like to try attending church again) and on Sunday night I finished Kate's book. Thank you - this book, it's welcome and 'it's ok' approach was a pivotal element in getting me through those doors.
April 18, 2024
I listened to the audiobook recording of this book. At first, it took a bit of getting used to. I haven't heard so much of Kate Bottley in one go before! Nor have I given much thought to conventional or organised religion, or the Christian faith, in many years (despite being brought up as Church of England), since I lean more towards Buddhism these days.
However, once I overcame my initial discomfort with quite so much of this "talking-about-God-stuff", I found there was quite a lot of practical Christianity in this short book - and that was much more tolerable to my ears and brain than the "organised religion" approach!
Kate's approach to her faith is much more relaxed than mine used to be, and that also took a little getting used to, if I'm honest. There was quite a lot of food for thought in there, though. I will come back to this book and listen again at some stage, I don't doubt.
I never was a particular fan of Kate Bottley, although I don't dislike her. This book was quite a pleasant surprise.
However, once I overcame my initial discomfort with quite so much of this "talking-about-God-stuff", I found there was quite a lot of practical Christianity in this short book - and that was much more tolerable to my ears and brain than the "organised religion" approach!
Kate's approach to her faith is much more relaxed than mine used to be, and that also took a little getting used to, if I'm honest. There was quite a lot of food for thought in there, though. I will come back to this book and listen again at some stage, I don't doubt.
I never was a particular fan of Kate Bottley, although I don't dislike her. This book was quite a pleasant surprise.
May 2, 2024
This is a book to read and then dip back in to when you need some handholding, or reminding how to cope with life. I found it heartfelt, hilarious, thought provoking, educational, and most importantly a book that I won’t forget and will return to when I need to remind myself of a few things. I loved the fact that Kate made it okay to be unsure about your faith and that you can go to church without feeling guilty if you don’t think you believe- we don’t have to believe in all of the bible, or any of it, but we can have faith in community and coming together to help one another. I really loved this book and highly recommend it, Kate comes across as the most down to earth vicar and certainly made me feel better about my wanting to believe but really struggling with it when so many terrible things are happening in the word. Certainly a book I will read again.
October 24, 2023
A warm, open, often funny exploration of life and how the challenges we all face might be helped by engaging in some religious practices. (I was sent it as a gift by my friend Marion.) Bottley is very clear that she's not trying to push anyone, either into Christianity specifically or into more or different religious practice; rather, she speaks mainly to people who are interested or attracted but uncertain, and says that it's okay to have a little bit, okay to be a weddings and funerals Christian, okay to engage with the church when it suits you and not when it doesn't. A very practical and realistic approach which draws on her wide experience and doesn't shy away from the difficulties as well as the benefits of church.
March 30, 2024
Everyone should read this book! It covers everything. It’s lighthearted and laugh out loud funny and also heartbreaking and honest. Reverend Kate is one of my absolute heroes. Her writing is beautiful and real. She talks with a wonderful frankness and honesty about many of the things that we don’t talk about anywhere near enough. I know I will go back to this book again and again. It’s not your typical memoir of a priest, but then Rev Kate isn’t your typical priest either. Her approach to Christianity is refreshing and practical, but there is so much to be gained from this book even if you don’t follow the same faith. In fact, I think you might gain even more.
June 4, 2024
At first, I felt it was more autobiographical but once I closed the book I realised Kate has provided me with an understanding of faith "wherever you choose to focus your structural energy, part of your local church... or affirmarions in the mirror...I can't help thinking there's an unconscious spirituality that everyone of us will experience at some point in life'. I think this book came to me (in a book shop shelf) at the right time as she's hit the nail on the head at a time in life I've started to tune into 'Faith', not God.
April 18, 2024
I had not heard of the author when I picked this up but I was so so so pleasantly surprised. The themes of body image and death couldn’t have come at a better time in my life, I’m sure I’ll revisit it in times of stress. I really appreciate how honest and open this book is, I feel heard and held. It has made me examine what faith means to me in my life and embracing it as somebody who is not religious.
April 21, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book - I was so looking forward to reading it and was not disappointed.
Kate's style of writing is really comfy and easy and I could relate to lots of things she was saying, about life and faith in general.
It certainly is a book I will be re-reading again many times and I've taken some of her phrases and will remember them!
A great read, inspirational and one to get you through each day!
Kate's style of writing is really comfy and easy and I could relate to lots of things she was saying, about life and faith in general.
It certainly is a book I will be re-reading again many times and I've taken some of her phrases and will remember them!
A great read, inspirational and one to get you through each day!
May 29, 2024
Wow! I’ll be honest I started reading this book with some feelings of trepidation that I would be preached at and that it would too ‘Christian’ for me but my goodness I was wrong! This whole book was like a spiritual experience for me. There is so much to think about. The author was so honest about the issues in the Anglican Church (issues that have pushed me away from my original faith) and her honesty was incredibly refreshing.
This is a book that I shall reread time and again - thank you!
This is a book that I shall reread time and again - thank you!
August 24, 2024
3.5 I didn’t find this groundbreaking but I liked the narrative voice. I felt a rare identification with the Christian faith (not that I’d say I’ve been converted) and found some of her insights very reasonable and down-to-earth. I felt more moved towards the end, in the final chapter on grief. I probably would have preferred for it to have been less autobiographical and more grounded in ideas but that’s just personal preference.
July 8, 2025
extremely readable - first book for pleasure ive finished all year actually + i read it all in one evening!
bottley is very likeable and has a lot of personality. the line that stuck out most to me was definitely "it's called faith, not absolute certainty" - a great comfort to know that faith doesn't have to be all figured out nor come without doubts. great starting point for anyone tentatively looking to explore faith in any form.
bottley is very likeable and has a lot of personality. the line that stuck out most to me was definitely "it's called faith, not absolute certainty" - a great comfort to know that faith doesn't have to be all figured out nor come without doubts. great starting point for anyone tentatively looking to explore faith in any form.
February 16, 2024
Kate Bottley's Have a Little Faith is an honest account of her experiences - from life in Sheffield as a child to becoming one of the UK's most well-known Reverends. Covering topics such as jealousy, bereavement and relationships with a perfect blend of humour and wisdom, this was the right read at the right time for me.
March 12, 2024
Very worthwhile read
Love Kate's down to earth, open and warm approach to faith. Brings the (often) arrogance of the major faiths into the everyday lives of ordinary folk. Addresses the 'faults' of the church such as misogyny and being anti gay in an open and honest way. Thank you Kate for writing this with both compassion, humour and hope.
Love Kate's down to earth, open and warm approach to faith. Brings the (often) arrogance of the major faiths into the everyday lives of ordinary folk. Addresses the 'faults' of the church such as misogyny and being anti gay in an open and honest way. Thank you Kate for writing this with both compassion, humour and hope.
April 29, 2024
I absolutely loved this book; so warming, thought provoking and relatable. Kate’s writing style is a joy to read and reads in a conversational style that was easy going. So many moments within that were points for thought or questioning. This isn’t a stuffy, religious book, this is a modern and applicable read relating to religion. Just brilliant!
May 29, 2024
It took me a while to get into it - after The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo... Once I got into it though... amazing. So much wisdom and so many profound comments that I felt like taking notes all the time. I liked the 3 point summaries at the end of each section. What I took away - the metaphorical rucksack full of things that we use.
Thank you Kate for writing it.
Thank you Kate for writing it.
December 5, 2024
“Have a Little Faith” is a warm, honest book written by the Reverend Kate Bottley, who you may recognise from Gogglebox. Although scattered with religious tales, this isn’t a preachy read, but instead asks you to have a little faith in life, whatever that might mean to you. 4 stars!
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
March 26, 2025
An excellent read. I found it refreshing and relatable, although I am not a practising church goer. I do believe in a God, and have issues concerning my church. But Kate's condor and honesty helped me to realise that my beliefs all these years are not way off base. There was no preaching, yet I found Kate's views and opinions refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews