Atchison Blue

I recommend you take a look at a book by Judith Valente, entitled "Atchison Blue."  She is a lay woman with a career, spouse and yet spends time retreating and visiting with women religious at a convent in Atchison, Kansas.  At least I think it is Kansas.  I found the book quite practical, and helpful.  She is open about her struggles to become a better person, about her interest in Silence and the attitude of the nuns in response to daily life.