The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass

Author: Katie Powner
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 368
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

For the first time in his life, Pete has everything to lose.

After years of drifting, fifty-year-old Pete Ryman has settled down with his potbellied pig, Pearl, in the small Montana town of Sleeping Grass--a place he never expected to see again. It's not the life he dreamed of, but there aren't many prospects for a high-school dropout like him.

Elderly widow Wilma Jacobsen carries a burden of guilt over her part in events that led to Pete leaving Sleeping Grass decades ago. Now that he's back, she's been praying for the chance to make things right, but she never expected God's answer to leave her flat on her face--literally--and up to her ears in meddling.

When the younger sister Pete was separated from as a child shows up in Sleeping Grass with her eleven-year-old son, Pete is forced to face a past he buried long ago, and Wilma discovers her long-awaited chance at redemption may come at a higher cost than she's willing to pay.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! What an amazing book! It is a story that will touch your heart and remind you that family and friends are the best blessings in life!

The themes of grace and forgiveness are apparent in the story. Katie Powner also deals with some heavy topics, like abuse and abandonment. She also offers that comfort can be found in the Creator.

The characters are wonderful! They are genuine and relatable. I found myself deeply invested in their stories. Pete is a man who's had a hard life. He's also a man who is considerate and faithful to those he cares about. Wilma has been living a life filled with guilt. She desperately wants to find a way to fix something that happened in the past. Windy Rays faith is inspiring! My favorite character is Pearl, the pig! Her personality is big!

Katie Powner's writing gets better with each book. This book will touch the hearts of everyone who reads it. It certainly made me thankful for my family and friends!

I was provided a copy of the book by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.​

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

A unique contemporary read!

I believe I've read everything Katie Powner has written so far, and her books always feature characters who feel like they could be real people. The characters in The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass were no exception. Pete and Wilma were both sympathetic main characters, and I enjoyed Dani, Braedon, and Lily as side characters. Pearl was hilarious, and I loved her antics.

This novel was definitely more character-driven and moved along at a slow but entertaining pace. It still featured moments of conflict, though. Katie Powner's writing style worked well for The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass, but sometimes the style put a bit of distance between me as the reader and the characters. I appreciated that Katie Powner kept both the language and the hint of romance clean. I'm looking forward to reading what she writes next!

As a side note, I thought that the cover fit this book perfectly. It's simple but beautiful.

Overall, The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass was an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and contemporary novels.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Reviewer: Kimberlee Sams

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass is another excellent book by Katie Powner. The author has a magical way of capturing the beauty and trials of humanity that always brings tears to my eyes, a smile to my face, and sometimes both at the same time.

This book tells the story of Pete. He's had a rough life and is seeking peace. He encounters a woman from his past, is reunited with his sister, and learns a good deal about what inner peace actually means. I appreciated the depth of the Christian content included in the story. Side character Windy Ray provides a great deal of spiritual advice and information and added a lot to the story.

The Montana setting was well described and sounded truly beautiful. I've never had the privilege of visiting that area, but Ms. Powner's amazing descriptions are the next-best thing.

My review would not be complete if I didn't add that the sometimes hilarious antics of Pearl the pet pig brightened up every scene she was in!

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Adriann Harris

Every book by Katie Powner makes you laugh and cry and gives you lots to think about well after the closing sentence. Her newest novel, The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass, does not disappoint. From the antics of Pearl, the potbellied pig rescued from the landfill by Pete, to the wrongs done to Wilma, Lily, and Dani. My heart went out to Pete and Wilma throughout the entire story. I wanted to reach into their world, give them both a hug, and tell them everything will be okay, but that is something they needed to work through themselves together and separately.

As in all of Katie Powner’s awesome stories, one character always stands out. For me, this was Windy Ray, an elderly Indian man, and his three-legged dog, Apisi. What a sight they made together riding around Sleeping Grass on a red tricycle with an oxygen tank in tow! The faith that Windy Ray had in the Creator was astounding, and I loved the way he shared his faith with the other characters in the story. The story behind the rocks brought tears to my eyes.

Maybe I have a soft spot for stories like this one that take really hard subjects that happen to people around the world which open your eyes and heart. Katie Powner gives you a real-life ending, which is fitting for this story. I highly recommend reading not only The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass but all of Katie Powner’s heartfelt books.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Good night, Pete. See you when the morning wind blows."

The morning wind had predictably blown the next morning, but Pete Ryman never saw his mother nor heard her voice again. Thus began the beginning of the rest of his fifty-year-to-date life. He and his young sister had been separated from each other, leaving behind all that they knew about family in Sleeping Grass, Montana. Now Pete was back, collecting and dumping trash every single day that his truck would start during the cold, harsh, and unforgiving winter. With only a sweet, sneaky, cantankerous pig riding along for companionship.

As luck would have it, or as his one and only best friend Windy Ray would say, as the "Creator" would have it, everything changed, and nearly all at once. One of his customers became a friend, his sister and young nephew just showed up seemingly out of nowhere, and a local woman in desperate straits began to trust him. Maybe Pete could become a new man after all. People need him now, if only life were that simple.

"You don't become worthless just because you mess up."

An ingenious intergenerational novel spun with layers upon layers of realism, sown with wit, wisdom, believe it or not, sprinkled with poetry. All creatures great and small add comic relief to their corresponding characters whose life issues are undoubtedly as common as the whole of humanity, whether residing in the smallest rural town or living within the confines of a mammoth city. A wonderful story sure to be enjoyed by a wide variety of readers!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

A delightful blend of serious and whimsical. This gifted storyteller weaves a story of important issues and everyday life, along with characters of steadfast faith and those searching for spiritual answers. Ms. Powner shows that the wind blows on all no matter what their station or circumstances.

I went through many emotions, from laughing at the antics of Pearl the pet pig to tears for the wrongs done to Lily, Wilma, and Dani. I am glad that the story did not tie everything up in a big red bow. That is not how life is in reality. Yet people found resolution and peace. Some found their faith strengthened, and some took one step closer to God.

My favorite character was Windy Ray, an old Indian man with a three-legged dog. His voice in my head as I read was that of Chief Dan George, an actor who was in Little Big Man and The Outlaw Josie Wales. He spoke of the Creator as if he knew Him and His Son personally.

"Windy Ray told Pete that the only thing a person can find that will make them stop searching is peace with the Creator. When you have that, it is enough. But without it, nothing is ever enough."

The book dealt with facing shortcomings, overcoming problems, making and relying on friends, and forgiving others. It truly is a gem.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

A very good book! In my opinion, the best from this author yet! I think my favorite was Pearl the Pig. She made me giggle at times. Then another favorite was Windy Ray. He was a totally fun person to know with his quiet and knowing ways. I got rather attached pretty quickly. He also made me laugh at times. Because of his wisdom and friendship with Pete, I appreciated him that much more.
 
I think my heart went out to Pete and Lily the most. Pete, because he had no control over his life's circumstances until a time when he absolutely had to. Sometimes I just shook my head at him, and other times, well, let's just say I found myself rooting for him. Through Christ, I can do all things!
 
I couldn't put this book down. In many places, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride with emotions, and in others, I felt raw over three characters. Wilma especially. I felt like she was my own grandmother.
 
I didn't want to let this story go. This is one of those things that won't let you go until the story is finished. I love when books do that to me. Powner has that special power to do that to me. My whole Sunday evening was gone without me even realizing it.
 
I also loved the small-town feel, as I'm from one myself. The hope, the love, and most of all, forgiveness—in more ways than one—is what community is all about. I especially loved the friendships. Even if it's just for yourself to give you peace of mind, I loved this book in more ways than one.
 
This is my favorite quote that made me cry, and when you read this passage, you'll see why, and it will definitely leave you thinking about it long afterward.

Wilma pondered this. "All the rocks in your house are for remembering."

"Yes. Some to remember hard things, some to remember good things. And now I’ve become quite fond of rocks. They are pieces of the earth, which the Creator holds in His hands, and they are also memories."

She pictured the rocks Raymond had given her. "Whenever I see your rocks on my windowsill, I think of you."

"Yes." He bobbed his head. "I don’t want you to forget about me."

Windy Ray told Pete once that the only thing a person can find that will make them stop searching is peace with the Creator. "When you have that," his friend had said, "it’s enough. But without it, nothing is ever enough."
 
Amen, and I'll leave y'all to think this over as you're reading this powerful, wonderful, and emotional story. Five stars for an excellent and well-written story that I very much enjoyed. I highly recommend it!
 
My thanks go to Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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