Readers who enjoy realistic fiction will love this book. All the characters except one are all very likeable and easy to relate with. The antics of Pearl, the potbelly pig provides humor to the seriousness of life's challenges. Everyone makes mistakes but it what is learned through those mistakes that is important as portrayed in this heartwarming story. Recommended!

When I first started reading I felt an instant, overwhelming sadness that shrouds the narrative. As we’re introduced to each character they all feel as frigid as the brutal Montana winters, but there is an underlying hopefulness that hovers just above the surface. Without yet knowing the characters and their unique situations, you find yourself instantly vested in their narratives, the wonder of why they are where they are in life propels you to turn the pages.

The story is told through Pete, Sleeping Grass’s garbage man and Wilma, an elderly resident in Pete’s town that is somehow connected to Pete, a mystery that takes time to unravel. Pete lives with his pig rescue, Pearl, who is one of my favorite parts of the novel. The relationship between Pete and Pearl is the sweetest! There’s something to be said about a man and his dog, but a man and his pig is on a whole other level. There are moments that left me with a goofy grin and these scenes normally revolved around Pearl. That pig is a vibe all her own and I loved every scene she was in.

There are two more characters that round out this simple tale, Windy Ray, Pete’s best friend, and Lily, Wilma’s part time housekeeper. Windy Ray is another favorite character of mine. He is a unique being that quickly won me over with his mild demeanor and how he interacts with the few he allows in his circle, especially his special relationship with his three-legged dog, Apisi.

Despite its seemingly depressive feel, I really liked The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass. It is a simple tale told by simple characters, but there is something endearing about them that makes you want to know their story. It feels very true to life and this general fiction completely won me over. I read a lot of clean romance, and have been growing tired of the same old troupes and this novel really hit the spot. With heart and humor, a rare tale is told through the eyes of an uncomplicated man and a meddlesome woman in a moment in time.

I have to start off by saying my favorite character is Pearl! Don’t worry, I loved so many of the characters in this book. Pearl just had such a spunky personality and added so much to the story. By the way, Pearl is a pig!

This story is full of endearing characters and a town with stories waiting to be told.

I was immediately curious about Pete’s story and the role Wilma played in it all. I love how involved Pete became in his nephew’s life and how Pete and his sister were finally able to come together as family after a tough childhood.

My only complaint is that everything seemed to wrap up very quickly in the end.
I think most of that was just me not ready to say goodbye to Sleeping Grass and these characters. They will stay with you long after you finish the story.

Thank you to Uplit Reads and Bethany House for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

“Everything God makes has value, whether we choose to see it or not.”

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass is regrettably my first read by Katie Powner but it will absolutely not be my last. I was immediately captivated by the author’s smooth writing voice, the almost tangible setting, and the array of incredibly compelling characters – the ones with two legs and the ones with four (or three, as the case may be). But most of all, what drew me to this story – and what continues to keep me thinking about it – are its many poetic paradoxes.

Pete Ryman is a contradictory blend of rough-around-the-edges and the-soul-of-a-creative, and it’s a far more endearing mix than I anticipated. Despite his tragic & violent past and because of his tender care for the ragtag group of friends and family he’s gathered since returning to Sleeping Grass, Pete is the kind of person I’d want in my corner. I just wanted to reach in through the pages and give him a big hug, on several different occasions, and the same is true for the other eclectic characters that make up his inner circle. Pearl, his loyal potbellied pig with a fondness for getting into mischief. Windy Ray, his oxygen-tank-carting, tiny-3-legged-dog-owning, rock-collecting best friend. Miss Wilma, an octogenarian on his garbage collection route who’s been keeping her share of secrets. Lily, the timid & enchanting woman on his route with a bully of a boyfriend. Dani and Braeden, Pete’s sister and 11-year-old nephew who unexpectedly invade his life and his heart. In his own quiet way, he rescues each one of them in some form or fashion and they – in turn – rescue him.

This rescue from both sides isn’t neat and tidy, though. On the contrary, there’s a metaphor to be found between his chosen occupation and the situations he encounters. The beauty of Pete’s story is in this messiness, that same Divine paradox that we see on the pages of Scripture and in our own lives if we’re being honest. The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass beautifully illustrates this poetry of grace, with the layered characters you’ll come to love and the events that bring them all together. And therein lies the final beautifully poignant paradox that has prevented this story from leaving my thoughts since I closed the last page… because sometimes what heals us also breaks us apart.

Bottom Line: The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner is the kind of book to sink into, to peel apart layer by layer until you’ve not only uncovered the obvious treasures but the hidden nuggets to ponder as well. This character-driven novel wrestles with some heavy issues without being a heavy story, soothing all the heart-bruises with a little humor and a lot of affection. It’s about real faith, real doubt, real joy, real sorrow, real regret… and real healing. The author’s impeccable skills as a storyteller are evident from the first page to the last, and I expect this book to linger with me for quite some time.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

This was a heartwarming story of found family who is there for each other no questions asked. Sleeping Grass may be the smallest small town but is where we find some interesting characters. Pete is troubled and trying to escape his past. Windy Ray is very unique but complex and interesting at the same time. Wilma is the biggest meddler in the world but means well. Also, if my husband would let me, I would gladly adopt Pearl 🐷 and Apisi 🐶.

I enjoyed the story although I wanted a bit more from the ending. I felt there was more to each characters stories and felt the ending was a bit unresolved. This was a fairly quick read with short chapters which I enjoy. The characters showed a lot of growth and the author touched on some tough topics throughout. I didn’t realize this would have a religious element to it which did throw me off but didn’t over take the plot. This also did read as a historical fiction even though it wasn’t. So if historical fiction is your vibe, you should definitely check this one out!

Katie Powner always writes thoughtful (and thought-provoking) reads, and this is no exception!

Romance plays a small role in the book, but it’s not the focus—always a nice change, as a bulk of my reads include that much more prominently!

This book is slow paced, character driven, and filled with hope. Sometimes the first two can challenge me a bit; I also usually go for more plot-forward reads—but this one works really well. It reminded me of the Mitford series a bit: small-town life, complex characters, and everything that goes with those.

Very good read.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story and really liked the characters. I liked how kind Pete was and how he cared for those people and things entrusted to his care. I thought the author did a good job telling this story and making us care about what happens to the characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Katie Powner has a gift of bringing together unexpected characters in a story and weaving a lovely tale of human kindness and understanding, while bringing to light the brokenness of society. The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass is a story that will stay with me for awhile. Even as Pete has lived a life of distress and tragedy, he has turned it around. He works as a garbage collector (thank you Katie Powner for giving a nod to the folks who work hard and seem invisible to society.) In his travels he gathers people who he comes to care about. HIs side-kick, Pearl, the pot bellied pig, is a star. What strikes me as beautiful in this story is the way God brings people in and out of Pete's life for a reason, just as he does for us. Powner has captured the extraordinary of every day life. I received a free copy with no expectations. Opinions are my own.

This was the most unusual story that I have read in a while. Pete returns to Sleeping Grass Montana. He comes back to memories of abandonment and self recrimination. He has fought all of his life, trying to win the battles in his head.

Eighty year old Wilma can't believe her second chance at restoring her relationship with Pete. She has been harboring guilt for so many years. She befriends Pete and his pot belly pig Pearl but has a hard time revealing her involvement in his past life.

The secondary characters brought sunshine into the story. Pete's sister and nephew, Windy Ray, Lily and Wilma's friends, Edna and brazen Gladys were well rounded characters.

Pete takes a stand that every life has value. It all starts with overcoming hardships, forgiveness and the importance of friendship. There is a bit of violence through out the story and I was saddened and disappointed with the ending.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

4.5 stars
This book certainly had all the feels!! Pete returns to his hometown after many years of being away. There he adopts a pit bellied pig he calls Pearl, befriends widower Wilma and Windy Ray, abd reclusive Lilly. Enter his separated at childhood sister and her son. I'm not going recap the whole book but wanted to share some fave qoutes:
•"Windy Ray says everything the Creator makes has value, but a man must choose whether he wants to see it."
•when meeting Windy Ray for the 1st time, " That's my pig and Windy Ray pointed at Apisi and said, 'that's my dog.' We've been best friends ever since."
•"Windy Ray says the Creator made us to need each other and to need Him."
•on losing his wife and son, Windy Ray says, " he has his mother and the Creator to keep him company and fill his heart with joy. It is I who am alone."
•" He'd held on to his anger, his loss, his shame, his failure. Not realizing true hope, the kind Windy Ray talked about, could only be found in letting go."
Thank you to Uplit Reads and Bethany House Fiction for the book to read and review.

I love a good found family trope. The Wind Blows in Sweet Grass is very much that, with a little original family thrown in, complete with a sweet, spoiled pig and a precocious dog. Their stories will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner was one of my most anticipated novels of the year and I loved everything about it. This 'general fiction' story will appeal to a wide range of readers - no history, mystery, or romance but an outstanding tale well told.

In her trademark style, the author creates characters with great depth and humor who lead ordinary lives in small Montana towns. Pete, Wilma, and Lily live in Sleeping Grass and could easily be ignored by society: a man who drives a garbage truck, a senior citizen who's beginning to struggle with daily activities, and a reclusive woman who cultivates a beautiful garden but seldom leaves her home. They carry secrets and regrets and form an unlikely 'family.' A 'colorful' array of secondary characters add interest, wisdom and comedy.

The blowing wind in the title symbolizes challenges the characters face, and they are considerable. Content warnings include domestic abuse, financial exploitation, anger management issues, bullying, and discussion of abortion. But alongside life's trials there's references to poetry, books, ice cream, Indigenous philosophy, and many laughs, including an unforgettable scene in a restaurant kitchen on Valentine's Day night. The organic threads of faith and hope elevate this from four to five stars for me.

Every Powner novel includes animals, and they are always full of personality. This story wouldn't be the same without Pearl the pot-bellied pig or Apisi the three-legged dog. Both bring heart and humor to the plot in meaningful ways.

Thank you to Bethany House, UpLit Reads, and NetGalley for review copies of this memorable novel. I loved this book, and it's now more difficult to choose my favorite Powner book - such a wonderful problem to have.

In a completely refreshing voice, Katie Powner introduces readers to Pete…a completely unexpected hero: a sanitation expert, former foster kid, and a fellow with an unrequited love, an eye for the things that others overlook, and a potbellied pig named Pearl. Pete’s temper has gotten the better of him in the past, but he’s determined to stick around Sleeping Grass because it’s the one place he remembers from “before”. But as he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters like Wilma, Windy Ray, Lily, Dani, and Braedon, Pete discovers something he never imagined—a family. The surprising thing is what happens when his past catches up to him. There are so many nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout this journey, and I think readers will both laugh at some of lighter moments and shed a few tears along the way. This one is definitely not to be missed! I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review.

This author does such a fantastic job of writing characters and relationships with depth and complexity. I am typically a reader of novels with lots of romance, but I love how these books make me slow down and appreciate other important relationships in life, such as those found with family and friends. The setting in this novel is beautifully told and easily transported me to rural Montana. Plus, Pearl is a hoot! Wilma may be a class A meddler, but her heart is sweet and she definitely grew on me. This novel dives into some deep issues and creates a story that allows each unique character to grow in a fantastic way. It did not take long for me to feel like these characters were real people and I think their authentic voices came from the fact that they were not perfect. I love the growth of faith in the story and the theme of everyone being valued by God. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬
𝐁𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟗.𝟐𝟔.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

Thank you @uplitreads and @authorkatiepowner for a spot on tour and a gifted book.


A wonderful story - mixing humor and tender moments with serious and moving issues.

I instantly fell in love with Pete and his pet pig, Pearl. Pete has returned to his hometown of Sleeping Grass, Montana after years of being away. Now, he is the local garbage man. Pete and Pearl don’t have many friends save Windy Ray, an old Native American with a three-legged dog. But they are loyal friends, and Pete is trying to live better than he had been. Pete may want to stay unnoticed, but from his garbage truck, he notices the people in this quiet little town.

Wilma is an elderly widow who watches Pete pick up her garbage every Monday. She has been carrying a heavy load of guilt around, regarding Pete - all those years ago it was her fault Pete had to leave Sleeping Grass. She has been withholding secrets, even to her own family. It’s time to come clean.

This is such a sweet story. The story takes shape as more characters get involved, a woman in a bad situation catches Pete’s eye and Pete’s sister and nephew return to town. Full of warmth, drama (even with Pearl), and themes of friendship and forgiveness, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬 is a delightful read.

This was an awesome read! Pete, Wilma, Windy Ray and of course Pearl the pig help make this story an unforgettable book. These characters gave me all the feels, I felt like I was right there with Pete and Pearl in the garbage truck or with Wilma at her house. Their struggles and dreams made this a book I pretty much devoured in less than 24 hours. A simply fantastic book and one for my keeper shelf.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This is a great small town story about family, friends, loss, hope and forgiveness. It’s realistic. It pulled me in and I enjoyed most of the characters and their stories. I love the dose of humor and faith. Pearl, the seventy-nine pound potbellied pig and Apisi the dog are precious. There might be different thoughts about the ending of this book but I was satisfied with it and think it ended just fine.

Spend some time under the Big Skies of Montana in the town of Sleeping Grass. You will not want to leave. Pete picks up your garbage with his trusty sidekick Pearl (a feisty pig), Windy Ray (Raymond) and his little dog Apisi will greet you warmly and share remembering rocks, Wilma will meddle in your life in the best of ways, and Lily will remind you that it is okay to ask for help. Dani and her son Braedon will also steal your heart as they get used to the new and improved brother/uncle Pete. These people have real problems and they aren't all neatly tied up by the end of the book, but they are all works in progress. Their Creator reminds them they are saved by the Son and the Spirit sends fresh encouragement on the wind. Finally, Pearl the pig is an absolute star. She rides shotgun with Pete and will let you know in aromatic ways if you are threatening her boundaries. 🐖

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

“Everything God makes has value, whether we choose to see it or not." I have read each of Katie Powner’s books and loved each one of them. The way she brings her characters to life, its as if you’re part of their story. The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass takes place in a small, rural town in Montana that holds a promise of second chances for Pete Ryman who has settled down Pearl, a potbelly pig, Wilma Jackson, a widow and Pete’s younger sister and her son whom he has not seen in a long time a story of foster care, bullying, and everyday struggles, where we walk through their journey with them. A book that will be with you long after you turn the last page.
A beautiful story of forgiveness, friendship and moving forward. A book that will be with you long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend all of Katie’s books. I am looking forward to the next one.

This book is an absolute *Must Read*! It's a beautifully written story full of hope and inspiration that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author brings the book to life with her words, and you feel like you are there. I loved everything about this book!
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and Katie Powner via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.