Sister Kathleen, Sister Angelina, and Sister Joanna are three young women who have entered St. Bridget's Sisters of the Assumption. The story develops
along a timeline of life before entering the convent, life within the convent, and after leaving the convent for  a secular life.

Kathleen O'Shaughnessy, one of eight children, has always wanted to become a nun. Her family has always supported her decision. Angelina Marcello lost her mother when she was young and was raised by her father who wanted her to take over the family restaurant. Angelina's decision to become a nun is not supported by her father. Joanna Baird had always expected to marry her childhood sweetheart and was met with disappointment when he returned from Vietnam already married.

Much of the book deals with everyday events within the convent and the rigidity of that life. As the story develops, you learn of the reasons why each of the three women chose to leave the convent and return to a secular life.

Debbie Macomber does a wonderful job of presenting the three women as they live the various phases of life. CHANGING HABITS  is a book that you will want to read in one sitting.  I'll read it again and again.