When the Road Comes Around

by Katie Powner

In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to mess up this time.

Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of grace and encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more trouble than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and how to embrace grace.

Set near the towering mountains of rural Montana, Katie Powner explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the true meaning of grace in this evocative contemporary novel.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Christian, Inspirational, Romance, Horses

349 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Katie Powner is a Christy Award-winning author who lives in rural Montana, where cows still outnumber people. She writes contemporary fiction about everyday people, filled with humor and heart. Katie is a mom to the third power: biological, adoptive, and foster. Learn more at www.katiepowner.com.

Reviews

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: When The Road Comes Around by Katie Powner
A 5 Star Favorite of 2025
Blog Post with review graphics: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

I am finding I LOVE a good Christian Contemporary Fiction book that explores themes of family, faith, and real life struggles and WOW - Katie brought SO much to this story. As a special needs Mama still early on in my parenting journey with our son, I related to Anita and was inspired by her so much.

Stay tuned for my reading vlog on YouTube on Thursday, August 28th, 2025! Lots of emotions.

Read if you like:
- Montana Settings
- Christian Contemporary Fiction
- Special Needs Families Represented In Books
- Strong Christian Faith Content in Books
- Second Chances
- Found Family
- Stories with Depth
- Horses and Farm Life

We are in the small town of Grady, Montana. We follow 24 year old Tad who has a reputation for trouble and past mistakes. He gets a job at Come Around Ranch. Here is where he meets Sam, the ranch owners disabled 20 year old son. He develops a soft spot for him and wants to help him any chance he can. Sam is disabled and his mind is more of that of a child.

48 year old Anita Wilson struggles with her rheumatoid arthritis as she works on the guest house with her husband. They hire Tad for the summer, knowing it's a risk, but they could use the help. Anita and her husband Dan try to always do what is best for their son, despite his disability.

We see these characters come together and find the second chances and grace from the good Lord above as they navigate challenges in life.

I had so many beautiful moments reading this book. I think it's one that forever stays with you. Tad experienced so much growth along the way. What is practically dropped in his lap unexpectedly added such a layer of depth to the story. I loved seeing his journey and trying to make the right decisions, despite the struggles he faced with his Dad and the situation he found himself in.

Anita and Dan were a great example of middle age, special needs parents just trying to do the best they could as well. I loved seeing them always take everything to the Lord in prayer. No matter the circumstance, they would say to one another, "we need to pray about this for a few days". Oh what a great example.

Also, Anita really had this perspective I could see I need to have myself in my own special needs parenting journey. Life is hard. We may not always get the perfect, easy answer from the Lord. But we have EVERYTHING we need, perfectly right in front of us in HIS time alone. It is all about perspective.

Thanks to Katie Powner for writing such a powerful story. I cried. I felt true emotions while reading this book and it's definitely a favorite book of 2025.

Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*content warnings: animal death (expected, old age), mentions of drugs briefly, alcohol abuse mentioned, bad relationship with father shown

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

New-to-me author Katie Powner whisked me away to rural Montana, where there are acres and acres between farms and towns, making people's lives intertwined out of necessity. It was here at the Come Around Ranch in Grady, Montana, that Powner pulled me in with her spectacular and enriching story about redemption, second chances, and extending grace.

I’m still thinking about Powner’s characters days later! Her choice to highlight unlikely heroes makes her theme of second chances all the more powerful. Thaddeus ‘Tad’ Bungley, thought of as a troublemaker by the small town, gets a summer job at the ranch caring for a rescue horse and the owners’ differently abled son. Readers get to see what extending grace and second chances is all about. All three are worthy of second chances. I don’t think I’ve ever been as amazed by a character arc as I was with Tad’s. He continuously stepped up to the plate and did what was needed. I won’t forget him any time soon.

I’m not a mother, but I felt the emotional pull as Anita’s son grew up and wanted to step out of her shadow. I could appreciate how difficult it must be for parents of differently abled children. Letting go is difficult for us all, but Anita showed us the value of ‘letting go and letting God.’ Anita’s physical challenges pulled her closer to God, and she was anchored in her abilities.

This is a full meal deal book. It’s meaty and it’s full of emotion. I binge read it, but I can definitely see the value of going slow and or re-reading it. Powner has layered her inspirational story, making it possible for us to be fed from each reading. I’ll be putting this one on my forever shelf.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Powner delivers again! Her sweet spot is multi-generational General Fiction novels with a compelling storyline.

Take a trip to Come Around Ranch in Montana where Dan, Anita and their son Sam offer rental cabins and run a small ranch. Sam is a young adult, but his mind is still elementary age in many ways. Understandably, Dan and Anita are protective of him. Perhaps too protective sometimes.

When Tad, a local young man known for getting into trouble a time or two, is seeking a job, Anita wants to give him a chance, but Dan isn't so sure. While Tad has some growing to do, he adds to their lives and business operation.

[Ranee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tempo of this book felt like a Montana summer day. It was nice to glimpse into this extended family’s life as they dealt with past regrets, disabilities, complicated family relationships, grace, kindness and day to day happenings. The inspiration was soft and sweet. I did want to know before the book ended. Is there a sequel that answers what comes next?

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when a kid who lives up to his father's assertions that he messes up everything he tries to do is given enough grace to make him believe he can be someone else? When responsibility comes pounding on the door, kicks it down, and shoves itself into his hands?

When he discovers something... some ONE worth fighting for? When even trying to do the right thing goes wrong... and he keeps going. For the first time in his life?

You get this book. Full of really messed-up people who do and say really messed-up things, When the Road Comes Around reminds us that no matter how much we've failed, it's not too much for God. And Powner does this with a guy who hasn't ever been on speaking terms with God. But he's getting there. I can feel it.

One of the best things about When the Road Comes Around is the lack of a strong romantic thread. Powner didn't overcomplicate a story just to shove in some heart fuzzies and butterfly belly churns. YES!

I want more of this book--a lot more. I feel like I NEED more. There are so many lessons for Tad to learn, and I want to see it happen. And... this one ended FAST... with a few things that left me going, "But wait. What?" Look, I think it was supposed to. The story was about Tad coming into his own and seeing that he needed to step up and do the right thing for probably the first time in his life. I get that. But the story had a steady pace that zoomed ahead at the end and came to a screeching stop. We know some things are being considered but can only assume the resolutions on those things. I needed more.

It was nearly 4.5 stars for me, but ultimately, I ended at 4.25 because I really felt like it's missing... something.

[Anne Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tad Bungley is a teenager with a troubled past and an even more troubled Dad. When he gets a job on the local ranch, 'Come Around Ranch' it looks like things may be looking up for him. He's friendly with the owner's son Sam, who has learning difficulties and is in many ways much younger than his physical age, and the recipient of years of prayers from Sam's mum Anita.
Before Tad has a chance to get settled in his new role though, his ex girlfriend Jenna arrives on the scene and equally quickly leaves - but not before turning his life upside down in one swoop.

This is a gentle read with a lot in it about grace and redemption. Not to mention about learning what to hold on to and what to let go.

I liked the characters, who were multi-layered and interesting, although Anita came across as much older than her stated 48 years, partly due to the physical struggles she faced due to her rheumatoid arthritis. I was a bit sorry that there wasn't more about the horse TJ. He was mentioned as a horse who Tad develops a special bond with but I didn't really see that described in the story.
The mystery of what is happening 'over the ridge' is of course cleared up before the end, which is somewhat loose. I felt rather like the story just stopped, rather than ended and it raised a few questions as to why. I'm curious as to what happened next for Bud, and what the next stage for Tad and Charlie is. An easy read which does cover some big issues, I found this a slightly disappointing read..

Note for transparency: I read a pre-publication review copy. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The comments above are my own personal views, and mine alone.

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Powner’s books are about every day life. How does someone who seems to have to many strikes against him survive or even have a chance to prove himself. Tad is about to find out when Anita and Dan, well okay mainly Anita, take that chance on a kid who just seems to not be able to catch a break.
A story of forgiveness, not letting your past define you, and trusting when you are pretty sure you can never trust again. Power takes those every day stories and makes them powerful. Ones we are glad we sat down with and learned about life.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with these characters. Katie Powner is fantastic at writing true to life characters with real struggles and brings them back to the grace of God.

I really enjoyed the story and how the characters rallied to support each other through each of their paths. I loved how grace played a huge part in this story. I can't wait for the authors next release.


*thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads. Another really well written story which I’ve come to expect from Katie over the years. Enjoyed this one overall.

[Sarah ⚘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ೃ⁀➷ note for my fellow content-conscientious readers: this story is one about messy, broken people, struggling with life, and faith, and love. And because they're messy, broken people, they do some sinful things. While it is all dealt with in a (mostly) clean, tactful manner, that I personally didn't find too graphic or gratuitous, there's drugs, drinking, guns, a few instances of light swearing (h-, a character flips off his dad), a baby born out of wedlock, and conversations about past relationships that went too far. But it's balanced with faith, hope, forgiveness, redemption, and lessons learned. The characters grow so much over the course of the story, and it's beautiful to see. But it's definitely not a light read, and not one that I would personally recommend to anyone under the age of 16 or so, due to the issues it tackles. And even then, I highly encourage personal discernment.

I'll come back and post a full review later. <3

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story by Katie Powner. When the Road Comes Around is a story of giving people second chances, believing in them and their ability to change. It has representation of arthritis, an adult with metal disabilities and his parents, and a single dad. It reminds you that there is more to people and the decisions they make than what appears on the surface and sometimes you just need one person to take a chance on you and believe in you.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this #gifted book!*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: When the Road Comes Around
Author: Katie Powner
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: Tad Bungley always bungles everything up and almost everyone in the small town he grew up in and lives in reminds him—including his dad. But when the opportunity comes to work for Anita and Dan at Come Around Ranch, he knows this is his big chance for change and he doesn’t want to mess it up. Anita is determined to love others around her well, pray for them, and help them in any way she can, but as her health declines, she finds herself feeling helpless more and more each day. Her son Sam has special needs that have always consumed her life, but Tad and Sam strike up a friendship that changes their relationship. As Tad and Anita navigate life at the ranch, personal struggles surface and unforeseen problems arise. Is there enough grace to go around even when things appear to be falling apart?

Analysis: This is my first book by Katie Powner, but it has me rushing to add her backlist to my TBR. With gritty real-life problems and relatable characters, I loved the way this book explored themes of grace and redemption. Tad is far from perfect, and Anita faces choices that many can relate to. Katie explores having a child with special needs and knows how to write beautiful family dynamics—both biological and found. I also loved the unique and quiet setting of the Montana hills. This book has a cozy, character driven feel that will keep you invested until the very end! I only wish the end had an epilogue because I need to know what happens next. If you’re looking for a heart-filled story, definitely add When the Road Comes Around to your reading list.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of redemption, forgiveness and grace. We meet Tad who is a troubled young man that has been given a second chance by Anita and her husband Dan who are the owners of Come Around Ranch. Tad, though rough around the edges is loved by Anita who has a son with developmental disabilities. Tad is his best friend and looks out for Sam no matter what. Dan at times can't see past the negatives of Tad but because of his love for his wife and God he shows him grace.
Tad unexpectedly gets custody of his daughter that he never knew about so we do see some growth in his character but not enough to make it substantial to the story, at least not for me.

There was another storyline happening in this story that felt a bit disjointed but it did connect all the characters together. This was a good story by Katie Powner and while it didn't resonate with me as her other books have I am sure you may enjoy it. It is definitely one of those stories that at the end its not wrapped up nicely and gives you that deep sigh of resolution. There is not big "come to Jesus moment" or anything like that which I typically expect in a fiction story. So this is more of a realistic ending where everything is still the same. While Tad has learned some lessons, he hasn't realized that he so desperately needs His Savior.

Overall the book was good and did keep me reading but I was a bit disappointed with how it all turned out.

I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novel of a down-and-out teen, Tad, who is given a second chance by Anita and Dan at the Come Around Ranch. Tad becomes friends with Anita and Dan’s son, Sam, who has some disabilities. Tad also takes on the job of rehabilitating a rescue horse named TJ. This novel is one of second chances, and I loved to see the growth that Tad makes throughout the novel.

I was also pulled in by Anita’s story and her struggles with her arthritis. As a Mother, I could also feel the heartaches Anita went through as her son Sam tried to bloom on his own. It is hard to let your kids grow up and fly on their own. This held a very emotional pull for me. This novel clearly showed how complicated family relationships can be.

I really enjoyed When the Road Comes Around for its powerful messages of forgiveness and supporting loved ones in their struggles. This book is very realistic and at times could bring you down emotionally. Still, at the same time, it does make you look at your own life and do an internal search for grace within yourself. This is a novel I’d suggest for adults 18+ because of some very complex themes. This character-rich novel pulled me in and made me evaluate the power of another’s love and grace that we all seek in our lives.

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! This was my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. This book explores so many gritty, real-life themes and does it well. The story was layered and the characters were easy to love and root for.

The strong faith thread—along with the themes of redemption and grace—made the book even more enjoyable for me. The one thing I would have liked to see was an epilogue to wrap the story up better. It would have been nice to know how things turned out for the characters.

If you’re looking for a story with found family, special needs representation, imperfect characters, and a redemption arc, check this one out!

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author knocks this one out of the park as she weaves a story of forgiveness and grace.

I wanted to be one of the people renting a cabin and seeing the amazing Montana scenery.

The characters resonated with me especially Anita and Sam. I loved how Anita prayed for so many people in her life but also struggled with her own worries. Sam was such a great character as he struggles for his own independence.

Thanks to the author and publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Powner spins such a good story that you think you are peeking at real life. Her characters are so realistic and they face real situations.
Anita, Dan and their somewhat challenged son, Sam, run a guest ranch. Anita is a prayer warrior who still hovers over Sam, wanting to protect him. Tad hires on to help Dan with the ranch, tend the horses and take guests on trail rides. He becomes a friend to Sam. He unexpectedly gets custody of a baby daughter he never knew about. Things get complicated.
The story is full of lessons in taking responsibility, giving grace when things go wrong, and learning to let go.
The characters grow as they come against difficulties. Things are not wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end but that is just fine because life is like that. Real life is messy. Real life does not end in neat solutions.
This is definitely a story to make you see the grace of God and how He uses people to help their neighbors.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Ann's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story 💔💖😭 What a moving story about a mother's love for her children and kids growing up trying to find their own right way.
This story touched my heart and I read through it in 2 days because it wouldn't let me go. I really felt for Tad. The gift of grace and second chances feel strange but oh so sweet. This is my first by Katie but won't be my last!
I received a complimentary review from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Katie Powner has given us another winner with When the Road Comes Around. I absolutely loved it. The characters—which she created so masterfully—face a variety of challenges that make them feel so relatable. And the message of grace that she weaves throughout the story shows what life-changing hope can spring from grace extended and received. This is a rich character-driven novel that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages until the very end. Highly recommend.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a road!

I fell deep right into the world of Tad, Sam, Anita, Dan, Maddie, Bud, and sweet little Charlie. This slice of small town agricultural life was so lovely. There are lots of lessons to learn here too…lessons of grace and forgiveness, about knowing when to hold on and when to let go, and above all, to pray without ceasing. There was a mystery to solve, a much needed spotlight shined on the extra support ag workers need, and how to make a family out of bunch of random people who are working toward fostering the same goal. It was lovely!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of grace and second chances! Katie Powner pens stories filled with real-to-life characters that face everyday difficulties. With a compelling message of giving unwarranted grace and second chance woven throughout.

The pages are filled with memorable characters that will grab hold of your heart. I was mostly drawn to Tad and Anita. Tad is a a young man that has started a new job on the Come Around Ranch. His life has been filled with one bad decision after another and a bad reputation that is difficult for him to shake off. Anita and Dan Wilson have given him a chance to prove himself trustworthy, but it seems like he is a target for bad luck. Anita is a voice of encouragement, doling out grace and prayer for others on a regular basis, as she faces her own difficulties.

This is a wonderful story of intergenerational relationships, of families we are born into, and those we choose. Of learning when to hold loved ones close, and when to let go. But mostly a story of love and forgiveness.

A favorite quote: "Have you ever heard of grace, Tad... It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it."

I would love to revisit the characters in another story and see where life takes them. A favorite read of the year. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. I would love to read more about these wonderful characters and the beautiful ranch. I vote for a sequel! Author Katie Powner invites the reader to Come Around Ranch in Grady, Montana where grace is extended, and second chances abound. This beautiful story of not letting your past define you is dedicated to everyone in need of a little grace.

The characters who haven't had good role models struggle with making the right decisions. I loved the unexpected hero former troublemaker Tad Bungley who was raised by a bitter father who never missed a chance to tell him he was a loser. He has a chance to step up to the plate and he does. Anita and Dan Wilson take a chance on him and hire him to work on the ranch. He is especially changed by caring for infant Charlie, and he is patient with the Wilson's son Sam, who is Tad's age, but has the mind of an 8 year old. Sam is such a ray of sunshine.

Anita is a sweet soul, she prays for others, feeds them, volunteers at mental health meet and greet place in town to serve coffee and donuts to those in the farming community. She like many of us has a hard time letting go, especially as a caregiver to her son. She trusts in God especially due to her own limitations. You don't want to miss this story!

I highly recommend When the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive, it will have a special spot on my keeper shelf with the author's other stories!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Beautiful. Though the world was home to many ugly things, God's creation was so beautiful it made her want to cry. How could anyone spend day after day with their head down and never once look up and see it?"

When the Road Comes Around is a big-hearted story that deals with some tough topics. Come Around Ranch, a once cattle ranch turned guest ranch, is our setting. The story is a glimpse into the lives of three perspective characters: Tad, a twenty-four year old screwup who has managed to land a summer job at Come Around Ranch; Anita, the forty-nine year old ranch owner who struggles greatly with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis; and Sam, Anita’s adult, mentally disabled son. All three have their own unique voice and outlook on life and, while some took longer to grow on me than others, I loved getting to know them. I especially loved Anita, whose faith has only been deepened by her struggles. Prayer is as vital and natural to her as breathing. It was her beautiful prayer life that stood out to me again and again over the course of the novel.

"She was never helpless as long as she could pray, so that's what she would do."

This was a slower-paced story that was more character-driven than plot-driven. We see Anita and her husband Dan extend a lot of grace to Tad, even when it seems that trouble haunts his every move. When life blindsides Tad by dumping a baby in his lap, Anita rallies to his aid, even in the midst of her physical pain and emotional heartache over Sam’s increasing frustration with her. Tad demonstrates grace in his own right through his kindness to Sam when others his age see the man with the mind of a child as an easy target for taunts and ridicule. The whole group of Anita and Tad and Sam, and secondary characters like Dan and Maddie, end up knitting an unexpected family for themselves.

"He'd never before known the burden of choosing pain for someone else for their own good. He'd never thought about how protecting someone could look like hurting them."

I had no idea that ranchers and farmers are nearly twice as likely to commit suicide than those in most other occupations. This book touches on some of the reasons for that high statistic, and how stressful farming and ranching can be. It's physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially taxing, to say the least. Anita’s other big passion—aside from taking care of Sam—is doing what she can to help these farmers and ranchers find the support they need.

"Sometimes even little things start to feel like big things, and the bigger they feel, the tighter we hold on to them."

Honestly, there wasn’t really much of a plot here. Instead, we spend our time getting to know these characters inside and out and witness how they grow, both on their own and together. When the Road Comes Around is a slice-of-life story, which means that while we do get some resolutions, there are threads of the story that don’t get tied up in a neat bow before the book ends. Because that’s how life is. There’s always a prayer left unanswered, a task left undone.

"It's about God's grace that He shows to us. We're also supposed to show that same kind of grace to others. Do you understand what that means? ... It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it.”

[PhyllisRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I give Katie Powner books 5*?

Because she can so naturally weave hard topics within a character driven storyline and not only write-in a couple of lead characters but beautifully develops a handful (plus a few four legged ones) that you can call friends by the ever dreaded The End.

A few reasons to love these characters without spoilers-

Sam-We get to hear his POV in several chapters of the story. We aren’t told exactly what caused him to be mentally challenged but I love not knowing. That means I can relate him to others I have encountered that have some of the same challenges. He is a brave soul just trying to prove he is an adult.

Anita-Bless her. I had no clue that the hardest age in raising my children would be when I had to allow them to find their own way. Those same emotions find Anita wanting to keep Sam at home, protected and safe. I love her encouraging belief in the good of others and that she believes in prayer. My kind of wife, friend and mother.

Tad-How do you see yourself when you have been told your entire life that you are going to fail? At everything you try to do? I admire his tenacity and that he wants to do the right thing.

Two points I loved—-It is a privilege to pray for those in our life and no matter our past, mistakes, or station in life-we all deserve a little grace—for hasn’t someone given each of us a little undeserved grace along the way?

So choose a time when you can read this book straight through because you will have to know what happens, if they are all okay and how things turn out.

A great book for book club with discussion questions included.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than 5 stars for this book! It touched my heart, reminded me to pray (about everything), and to extend grace and mercy to those in my life.

The characters are relatable and easy to like! Anita is the one I connected with the most. She's a mother living on a ranch with her disabled son. She is hospitable, compassionate, and loving. She can also do everything that needs to get done in one day right? Right 😄. As her son starts to mature and wants his own life her heart wants to protect him at all costs. Tad has so much going for him and so much going against him. I liked how he matured as the story progressed.

Katie Powner's writing always causes me to ponder and think on a different level. So many people are hurting and as a Christian, I can help those people and more importantly I can pray for those people! I can't wait to read her next book!!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One think that I have discovered about Katie Powner's books is that, while they may not always be those that capture me right from the start, they will build more slowly and by the end, I will find myself completely invested in every character. This was certainly true for this story--- a story filled with imperfect characters who need grace and forgiveness. Each of these characters weaved their way into my heart and had me rooting for them in the end. They each had their own struggles-- Tad learning that he had a child ad having to learn to be a young, single dad, Anita in her struggles with RA and trying to navigate parenting an adult with special needs, and of course that child, Sam, whose disabilities sometimes left him vulnerable to others' ill intentions. This is a story that is messy at times, but also hopeful, beautiful and real. I've enjoyed other books by the author in the past as well, but I do think this might be a new favorite from her. If you enjoy smalltown, contemporary Christian fiction, this is certainly one to add to your TBR.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I have a new favorite Katie Powner book. I ADORED When the Road Comes Around. As a mom of an adult with special needs, I related 💯 to Anita's conflict about Sam. What phenomenal characters. A special, heartfelt story that shows the beauty of grace.

[Abbie]

Sweet story. Wish it wrapped up the storylines a little more. Left quite a few questions. Maybe there’s a sequel coming?

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Katie Powner! She always casts a wide array of characters - by age, ability, life experience and quirkiness. This is a wonderful story of family and friendship; learning to trust and learning to let go.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story revolves around Tad and Sam. They’re both going through life’s challenges.
This was a well thought out story, another good book by this author. I loved the description of the ranch.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book at the beginning. By the end of the book I wasn’t ready for it to end. I found myself wanting a few more chapters. It definitely could use a sequel