Of St. Teresa's major works, Fr. Foley says in the The Book of Her Foundations: A Study Guide that the text describing St. Teresa's foundations is "the least read, the least quoted, the least known" of her works. While it might seem like a travel diary, or an account of dry political and legal maneuverings, the text is incredibly relevant to modern lay people and members of secular orders. It shows us the life of a busy contemplative, a woman who offers a model for reliance on God in the midst of difficulties and obstacles.