A Year to Slow Down: A Christian guide to embracing handmade & homegrown

by Rachel Bearn

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[T.K. CHAPMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is divided by seasons, and in each section the author shares ways to live a slower, more mindful, and more sustainable life. Bearn weaves much of her own story throughout the chapters, giving readers examples of how to implement the ideas. She also includes some information about seasons of the Church Year in applicable places, which I really enjoyed. Even if you don't want to incorporate all of the recommendations, there's still plenty here to learn about and enjoy. And mostly likely, you'll find at least a couple ideas of interest.

[Ruth Bearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this helpful book. It challenges you to be intentional when making simple everyday decision that can have an impact on your physical & mental health. Taking you through the seasons she gives ways we can enjoy each season through the things we do and gives practical recipes to go alongside.
There are also scriptural references to back up her ideas and gives personal examples of how simplifying your life in this way can have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health. A useful and enjoyable read & a book to return to throughout the year.

[Maria Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book and very easy to read. I started with Autumn since that’s the current season and continued through the rest of the book in a couple of days. Full of excellent tips for slow living (by choice or by circumstance), mindfulness and how to be the best human you possibly can be. Lovely recipes, craft ideas and well considered bible passages. Congratulations Rachel Bearn.

[Vikki Climpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational and unputdownable book, written by a lady who has learned to live well while gripped by chronic illness. Her ideas for ethical, sustainable and 'slow' living go against the rush and exhaustion of general living in the busy times we live in, but even if you can't subscribe to that style of living there are ideas that can be incorporated into your own life, bringing a bit of joy to you and those you care about.
It's written by a Christian, so her writing is from that viewpoint, but it's not a book that only Christians will enjoy. I recommend it to anyone who wants to slow down a bit and enjoy life before it whizzes by.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Bearn is inspirational. Despite her chronic illness, she was able to crawl out of her hole and find the light--a light that is very much Christ-centric, which helped her get past self-pity and despression.

I encourage anyone who needs that little push to get out of the dumps to grab a copy and be inspired to rock out those knitting needles and dust off that old trowel before it gets too rusty. After reading the book, it makes me want to pull out my embroidery hoops and get back into crafting.

Check my full review here:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/...

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would never read again or recommend. She just tells you about what she does, what her daily rhythms are.
Nothing was super profound or inspirational. More of
"here is what i do if you want to do it too". Lots of random tips and idea for gardening, crafting, baking. So less of a reading book, more just random info? Don't feel like i got anything out of this book. May be a harsh judgment and just not my style book. I don’t enjoy waisting time on books i get nothing out of. She does fight daily to overcome her illness and has done a great job, she’s brave and strong and i can’t imagine walking what she has. Just not a book for me

[T Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praying that this book is received well after publication

[A P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book! I couldn't put it down! Very peaceful read, as if you're having a conversation with Rachel in person.