"Dear Heart Come Home: The Path of Midlife Spirituality . . . by Joyce Rupp is directed at those who want to come to a deeper appreciation of Spirit and self. The author of five books including Praying Our Goodbyes, presents musings, poems, and vignettes from her journal as she considers inner work, the dark night of the soul, grief, prayer, transformation, healing, and hope. In each of these chapters, Rupp comes up with images that go to the heart of what she is considering. This sensitive author has the great gift of reading the spiritual meaning of her own experience. Dear Heart, Come Home is tailor-made for middle agers who are intent upon intensifying their spiritual journey."

Because Joyce Rupp monitors her spiritual health, she can give insights into inner growth. As preparation for this book she kept a journal and, in hindsight, noted the changes and growth challenges of midlife. Rupp lives in a religious community with other sisters of faith. Lest her experiences would seem limited, she draws examples from the spiritual growth experiences expressed by others, many of them lay persons handling the fracas of Western society and family life. The whole, experiences and insights, is rich with symbolism and ripe for reflection.