This was my first book by this author and definitely won’t be my last! It was character driven, which isn’t always favorite but it worked for this!

I’m loving finding new to me Christian authors and reading the stories they have to tell. I’ll definitely be reading more this author!

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass is another excellent novel by Katie Powner. Set in a small Montana town, the story revolves around Pete, the local garbageman. Pete has come back home to Sleeping Grass after years and years of hardship and heartache. Abandoned by his mother as a child, Pete has struggled with all the issues you can imagine and then some. His anger got him kicked out of foster homes and landed him in jail. Determined to change his ways, he is lives a simple and humble life. With just two friends, Windy Ray and Pearl, his pet potbellied pig, Pete feels he can’t expect much more in his undeserving life. But then Pete’s world is upended with the friendship of elderly widow, Wilma, and the appearance of his estranged sister Dani and her son Braeden. Pete begins to walk a tightrope trying not to mess up again.

This novel is character-driven. While it is mostly Pete’s story, all the others have just as important stories to tell. Truths about God are shared by Windy Ray, Dani and Pete give grace, Wilma receives forgiveness, and Pearl captures the reader’s heart. There’s much to contemplate — the value of people, the burden of guilt, the importance of community and shared faith. A very diverse group of people come together and offer their love to each other. It’s a quiet, yet beautiful book. There are some things left unanswered, but I chose to give all the characters long-lived happy endings. I think that’s what Windy Ray would want 😉 .

Great for Book Clubs.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

I feel like I have been blessed to make the discovery of some really good Christian authors in the last few years and Katie Powner is definitely one of those delightful finds. I have read some really good books by her and would recommend anything she writes, at least so far.
The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass features a middle-aged man, I would guess, a foster kid, who made some bad choices, but now wants to do what's right; his sister and her son; an old lady with serious regrets; and a younger lady who seems skittish. and a few more fun characters. Throw all those characters together and you get a story that is sad and redemptive, hopeful and healing.
Pete drives a garbage truck and doesn't see much beyond that for his future, just him and his pot-bellied pig, but then so much more happens to him and he is able to find hope and joy again. I am not going to say much more, but just read the book.
Warning: there is some domestic abuse talked about in here--it's not descriptive and yet, you can gather what is going on right from the beginning of the book.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this one.

The story moved along really well. I feel like the writing was captivating. I hadn't read anything like this previously. I will read more from this author in the future.

A contemporary read so full of emotion and heart, I was glued to my seat!

Pete Ryman never thought he would find himself back in Sleeping Grass, his hometown; but now at fifty-years old, he is back with his potbellied pig, Pearl. He dropped out of high school making it hard for him to find work except for the sanitation department. Wilma Jacobsen is trying to live her live life now that she is a widow and her children have all left. When Pete Ryman shows up in town, a wave of guilt washes over her from the past she has never been able to get over. Pete’s younger sister shows up in town with her young son and Pete suddenly finds himself with everything he wanted and afraid of losing it all.

Katie Powner has written a powerful story with heart, emotion, and pure enjoyment. Every character in this story had just the right moments and just the right pull on the heartstrings. Pearl, the pig, had a bigger part than some might enjoy but it did bring some light-hearted moments to a story that did get heavy at times. Usually I would say a thriller is my favorite type of book to read but lately I have picked up some contemporary reads that have been just what I needed in that moment. Overall, this was a fabulously written story that brought me into the heart of Montana and in the living room with these characters as they hashed out the struggles they lived with and learned that happiness was something for everyone no matter what they had done or been through.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Sanitation worker, Pete, makes his rounds each week in the town of Sleeping Grass area of Montana. After a short prison stay, he returns to his childhood town to try and turn his life around. It is hard to get a decent job, but the garbage service suits his need for employment. He finds himself learning about the residents and takes a special shine to 40-year-old, trapped Lily and an elderly widow, Wilma.

Wilma has had a soft spot for years for battered women. She donates all that she can to support programs for turning their lives around.

Pete’s younger sister and her middle school son join the story when they need a reset on their lives.

Pete must find his role in this new family, after years of feeling outcast.

I truly enjoyed this story by Katie Powner. It delved into family relationships, and visited the impact and long lasting effects our decisions can have on family. I loved the deep character development. This was a story of redemption, and I loved how Ms. Powner brought everyone back together for a second chance at relationships that would have been sad to have lost otherwise. I love a good story of redemption and forgiveness, and the author delivered. I will be seeking more stories by Ms. Powner.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bethany House, for this opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to Sleeping Grass, a small town where the characters are flawed and so very real. Through deepening friendships and family ties, each character discovered new sources of hope. The hope infused courage, strength and confidence into their lives and relationships.

I loved how pets were an important part of life in Sleeping Grass. The pets added a richness and vitality to the everyday lives of the characters, much like they do in real life. The storyline about Miss Pearl not parting easily with her pastries had me smiling and laughing more than once. So very funny!

More than one character carried a burden of regrets. Through second chances, forgiveness and much grace being extended, burdens were shared and made lighter. Smiles replaced some of the tears and hope was restored and shared.

Pete had been taught to love words. After reading this well written book, it is obvious to me that the author truly loves words. Well done!

I received complimentary copies of this book through UpLit Reads and NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This story is so beautifully written and I loved the characters and the animal companions etc. This book was a healing balm to my soul, it sounds cheesy saying that but really and truly this one will live on in my memory for awhile and I'm so thankful to have a hard copy to re-read!

This book was not what I expected, it was even better! I was instantly pulled into the story and loved the snowy setting of Sleeping Grass Montana. The characters were all so lovable but, I have to say, Pearl the pig was my absolute favorite of them all. This book is filled with humor, sadness, second chances, rediscovered and found family, forgiveness, friendship, and love. I really enjoyed how as the seasons changed, so did the character growth. Spring was full of new beginnings and an amazing ending to the book. I would definitely recommend you read it.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The book follows Pete who lives in a small town with his potbellied pig and a meddling widow harboring guilt and is an elderly meddler. All that changes when his younger sister and his nephew shows up. It is a story of facing the past , guilt and redemption. The characters are relatable and well developed and the plot a breath of fresh air.

Unique read of a different place and time. Enjoyed the characters and the faith arc! Beautiful story...just plan on slipping away into these pages. Not my usual read, but really enjoyed it.

I was an early reader, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was an emotional read, in a good way. There were fantastic characters that all experienced loss, but there were lighter moments as well.

I loved that the animals were so loved and cared for. The storyline was original and poignant.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass is a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I read very little fiction that doesn’t have a strong romance thread, but this sounded compelling so I gave it a try and was richly rewarded.

The story itself started quite slowly as the author introduced us to the main characters (one of them a pig). But the pace lulled me into a rhythm of life to match the characters so every time I picked the book up, I felt in step with them.

We meet Pete, a middle aged man who has drifted back to his home town. He’s as settled as he’s ever been with his pet pig (Pearl) and his job as the garbage truck driver. Pete has one friend besides Pearl and seems fine. Until he encounters Wilma. Getting on in years, Wilma lives alone, and is financial trouble after overspending on payments to various good causes. She’s even hired a cleaner she doesn’t really need to help the young woman out.

Out of the blue, Pete’s sister arrives with a nephew Pete knew nothing about. This gives him a chance to atone for mistakes from his past and face the reasons he made those mistakes. In trying to help Pete, his family and Lily the cleaner, Wilma goes on a journey to correct a terrible wrong she thinks she caused. As the lives entwine, a beautiful story of second chances and the Lord’s provision emerges. It’s a story that’ll leave you thinking for some time to come. Definitely recommended.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, my opinions are my own.

I'm so glad to have learned about Katie Powner, who is clearly a very gifted writer.

This is a charming story about a down on his luck sanitation worker who just so happens to have a pet pig named Pearl. Powner does a wonderful job of bringing the various members of this small town Montana community to life. There isn't a ton of suspense, but rather a gentle curiosity about how various secrets will be received once they are revealed and how some of life's problems will be resolved, which may involve compromise. In this way, the novel reminds me of the works of Elizabeth Berg. While the pacing is on the slow side, the journey is delightful. The conclusion is superb as it feels a lot like real life.

I will look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary e-galley; all opinions in this review are my own.

Wonderful book. Characters were so well developed. Engaging plot. The conclusion had some unexpected elements but it was perfect! The themes of compassion, forgiveness and extending grace and mercy to all were evident throughout. I enjoyed this book.

this story definitely brought lots of emotions. Pete was such a likeable character. He's been through so much in his life but all he wants is to have a family, even though he might not realize it at first. I just love the cast of characters and how they are all Inter-related. Second chances is a big theme of the book, which I always find heart warming. The writing is beautiful and descriptive and I was very immersed in the story. I read it quickly and loved every minute! Side note, this book does contain religious messages and talks about God and the Creator. As a non-religious person, I didn't find it overwhelming or overdone.

“He says everything the Creator makes has value, but a man must choose whether he wants to see it.” “Like with Pearl.” “One person thought she wasn’t worth the effort, but I thought she was. And I don’t just think you’re worth the effort, Braedon. I know it.”

Author Katie Powner has delivered another winner. I literally couldn’t put it down. I was flipping pages engrossed in the story wanting to see what would happen with each character. She takes tarnished characters that have been through tough times and shows them that through grace God will be there right beside them each step of the way. That is one reason why she’s such a talented story teller.

Pete Ryman along with his cherished potbelly pig Pearl has returned to his hometown of Sleeping Grass Montana. He doesn’t know why he’s chosen to return there since it only brings back bad childhood memories. But he’s decided to look at it on the bright side being 50 years old and collecting garbage really can’t be that bad. His best friend, Windy Ray, and his three legged dog, Apisi, makes his days much brighter. Windy shows him that the creator can help bring us peace if you just turn to him. “Everyone has value.” And Wilma Jacobsen has many secrets that she’s ashamed of but she slowly learns that making peace with the past will make her feel much better. The secondary characters, Dani, Lily, and Braedon helped tie the story all together. I was smiling through the antics and feeling like I could relate when the characters were struggling with their issues and emotions. I really didn’t want to see the story end. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.

I received an advanced copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.

A well-rounded story with layers upon layers of goodness! This book has so much depth to it, interesting characters, a small town feel, neighbors and friends who take care of each other, painful histories and painful relationships, oh and throw in a couple fun, quirky pets!

Pete Ryman is the local garbage man who has a long complicated history with the town of Sleeping Grass. His past is full of pain and heartache that makes you forget he's a grown man and want to reach through the pages to wrap him in a bear hug. He's quiet and intuitive and keeps an eye on all his neighbors along his pickup route. His care for each of them is just so endearing! The supporting characters are just as important. From Pete's best friend Windy Ray to elderly Miss Wilma that's keeping a secret to Lily, who's haunting demeanor has caught Pete's eye. Along with his baby sister, he feels like he failed, and his nephew he knew nothing about. Each of these characters reveals a different side of Pete that makes his depth and loveability grow. There's so much to enjoy and learn within this story. I believe most everyone will enjoy the pages within its beautiful cover!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to my partners, UpLit Reads, Bethany House Fiction, and NetGalley, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback and ebook and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒆 - Pete could never have imagined that he was going to end up as a father-figure to a very important young man. He is forced to come to terms with his actions of the past and show his nephew just what it means to be a man.

2. 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒆 - Although Wilma has let her relationships with her own children slide a little, she becomes the mother that many of the characters in this story need. Without her guidance, they would not have been able to conquer their demons.

3. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑨𝒍𝒍 - Whether familial love or romantic love, we see the power of it in this story. Love wraps everyone in its embrace and doesn’t let go until all is right.

4. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊-𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒂 - Living on the hi-line of Montana myself, albeit - the far eastern side of it, this story just resonates. The true small town rural life is perfectly executed within these pages and it truly felt like home.

5. 𝑨𝒕 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 - While the resolution may not have been exactly what my heart desired, it was exactly what each character needed in their own lives. A resounding applause for every page up until the very end.