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Leap of Faith:
When Abby Bryant's husband Josh tells her he wants to move to West Virginia to homestead, she's disbelieving... and worried. Josh has had some pretty out-there ideas before, but this one takes the cake! They have a perfectly nice life in suburban New Jersey, even if it's as busy and frantic as everyone else's. And while Josh is his typically eager self, ready to start hammering nails, planting corn, and whatever else he's meant to do according to those YouTube videos he's been watching, Abby is a lot more cautious. Binge-watching Alone doesn't mean you're ready to go off-grid, and they like their life in the suburbs... don't they?
But then their kids get involved... sixteen-year-old Bethany, fourteen-year-old William, eleven-year-old Jack, and six-year-old Rose are all more on board than Abby could have ever expected, even if all little Rose really just wants a cat. Abby starts to suspect she's the only one dragging her feet... but for how long? When their suburban life starts to come off the rails in all sorts of ways, Abby realizes something has to change. But is homesteading really the answer, especially when they're such untested newbies? With the help of her family, can Abby take that leap of faith?
The heartwarming start to a brand-new series by multimillion-selling author Kate Hewitt, Wildflower Valley will introduce you to a wonderful community of quirky characters as you follow the Bryants on their homesteading adventure. For fans of Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, and anyone who has dreamed of having their own little corner of land.
WHAT READERS HAVE SAID ABOUT KATE HEWITT'S
"Gripping, emotional, amazing... I can always depend on Kate Hewitt for a great read." --Goodreads Review
"Wonderful... I was completely immersed in the story, and the ending was heartbreaking and hopeful." --Reader Review
"I loved this book... it was a perfect, feel-good read." --Reader Review
"A truly fantastic read... Emotional. Beautiful." -Goodreads Review
They say there is a spender and a saver in every marriage, but that’s just a nicer way of saying one person is sensible, and one person… isn’t.
At least that’s what I’m thinking when my husband Josh comes bounding into the kitchen one gray February afternoon, a look of excited determination on his face. It’s a look I know well, and it usually means I need to brace myself.
“Abby,” he says. “I have an idea.”
My husband has a lot of ideas. After nineteen years of marriage, I’ve learned to listen to them with a mostly undisturbed equilibrium because often these ideas peter out without too much fanfare or fuss, although occasionally they’ve sputtered on longer than they should have, which takes another, more stalwart kind of patience.
“Okay,” I say as I start slicing some mushrooms for the casserole we’re having for dinner, even though two out of my four children don’t like mushrooms. I like them. I glance into the adjoining family room, to see if any of our four kids is sprawled there, listening with a silent, wide-eyed alertness, because they have the unfortunate tendency of either reacting with melodramatic horror to Josh’s idea (moving to the Falkland Islands) or unfettered excitement (buying a school bus and tricking it out like a camper van to travel the country) and neither is helpful when it comes to the notions that can occasionally grip Josh like a fever.
But then their kids get involved... sixteen-year-old Bethany, fourteen-year-old William, eleven-year-old Jack, and six-year-old Rose are all more on board than Abby could have ever expected, even if all little Rose really just wants a cat. Abby starts to suspect she's the only one dragging her feet... but for how long? When their suburban life starts to come off the rails in all sorts of ways, Abby realizes something has to change. But is homesteading really the answer, especially when they're such untested newbies? With the help of her family, can Abby take that leap of faith?
The heartwarming start to a brand-new series by multimillion-selling author Kate Hewitt, Wildflower Valley will introduce you to a wonderful community of quirky characters as you follow the Bryants on their homesteading adventure. For fans of Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, and anyone who has dreamed of having their own little corner of land.
WHAT READERS HAVE SAID ABOUT KATE HEWITT'S
"Gripping, emotional, amazing... I can always depend on Kate Hewitt for a great read." --Goodreads Review
"Wonderful... I was completely immersed in the story, and the ending was heartbreaking and hopeful." --Reader Review
"I loved this book... it was a perfect, feel-good read." --Reader Review
"A truly fantastic read... Emotional. Beautiful." -Goodreads Review
They say there is a spender and a saver in every marriage, but that’s just a nicer way of saying one person is sensible, and one person… isn’t.
At least that’s what I’m thinking when my husband Josh comes bounding into the kitchen one gray February afternoon, a look of excited determination on his face. It’s a look I know well, and it usually means I need to brace myself.
“Abby,” he says. “I have an idea.”
My husband has a lot of ideas. After nineteen years of marriage, I’ve learned to listen to them with a mostly undisturbed equilibrium because often these ideas peter out without too much fanfare or fuss, although occasionally they’ve sputtered on longer than they should have, which takes another, more stalwart kind of patience.
“Okay,” I say as I start slicing some mushrooms for the casserole we’re having for dinner, even though two out of my four children don’t like mushrooms. I like them. I glance into the adjoining family room, to see if any of our four kids is sprawled there, listening with a silent, wide-eyed alertness, because they have the unfortunate tendency of either reacting with melodramatic horror to Josh’s idea (moving to the Falkland Islands) or unfettered excitement (buying a school bus and tricking it out like a camper van to travel the country) and neither is helpful when it comes to the notions that can occasionally grip Josh like a fever.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2025
503 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
900 books1,731 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 13, 2025
Wildflower valley #1
I expected the book to move along a little faster. The background info is going to be important to the overall series, I think. I'll kero reading to find out.
I expected the book to move along a little faster. The background info is going to be important to the overall series, I think. I'll kero reading to find out.
May 15, 2025
This book… When I say it hit so close to home it hit close to home. I picked this book as a born and raised West Virginia I thought it would be a nice simple read. My son’s name shares their last name. So why not, that’s cool right? Only to start reading and seeing myself in Abby, and my husband in Josh. We also have 4 kids, around the same age as the characters. My husband is carefree and adventurous and also just recently started talking of moving to land we have on my families farm. I recently started my own “concrete” garden of a couple fruits and veggies too see how I would do and like it. I’m always the cautious one, needing a plan, and asking the what ifs. I almost certainly believe me and Abby Bryant could sit down for coffee and talk for hours. I can’t wait for the next book. And I feel like I need to ask Kate all the homesteading questions!
February 10, 2026
Great book to start this series
If you loved reading Little House on the Prairie as a child, then this is for you. The book sets the scene for the family to start on their homesteading journey, it deals with all the emotions and experiences that come with the different ages of the children and navigating that as a parent. It also shows all the back and forth emotions you have when making such a big decision to change your way of life. Definitely recommend this book!
If you loved reading Little House on the Prairie as a child, then this is for you. The book sets the scene for the family to start on their homesteading journey, it deals with all the emotions and experiences that come with the different ages of the children and navigating that as a parent. It also shows all the back and forth emotions you have when making such a big decision to change your way of life. Definitely recommend this book!
February 19, 2026
The reason for the 3 stars instead of a higher rating, is book 1 and 2 could have been one book. Both books are less than 200 pages. I can only assume that's the case with the series as a whole. If I had to pay for each book I would not be continuing. It feels like a trap to get more money from people. But its in Kindle Unlimited, so i'll continue.
The story itself if engaging. I thought it moved along quickly. A little cheesy at times, but overall fun to read.
The story itself if engaging. I thought it moved along quickly. A little cheesy at times, but overall fun to read.
July 17, 2025
Leap of Faith
A remarkable story that get you to think about how we live our lives. The characters are complex, always going through the motions and not really enjoyed their lives or work. An uplifting, and emotional story that full of possibilities and fears of what ifs. Happy reading.
A remarkable story that get you to think about how we live our lives. The characters are complex, always going through the motions and not really enjoyed their lives or work. An uplifting, and emotional story that full of possibilities and fears of what ifs. Happy reading.
January 18, 2026
Great story for this first book in the series, Josh wants to sell up and buy land to try his hand at homesteading but Abby is not sure and takes some time to be persuaded. The story finds the family moving to West Virginia miles from anywhere to a valley called Wild Flower Valley and this is where their story begins.
January 25, 2026
Livro curto,mas profundo em sua história, em minha opinião um assunto ou outro poderia ter sido um pouco mais aprofundado,mas isso não faz com que o enredo não seja cativante e faça o leitor querer saber oque ocorrerá nas próximas páginas.
March 4, 2026
Refdeshing
Well written story. The characters are likeable and real. No necessary drama to detract from the story. I can relate to wanting to make a change like this in today's world.
Well written story. The characters are likeable and real. No necessary drama to detract from the story. I can relate to wanting to make a change like this in today's world.
March 12, 2025
I love Kate Hewitt's books! Another joyful yet honest portrayal of marriage, parenting and the pleasures and challenges of daily life, as we interact with our own families and communities.
March 19, 2025
Very thought provoking ,
March 28, 2025
I loved the portrayal of Abby and Josh's relationship with each other and with their children. This is a lovely, cozy character study.
May 19, 2025
comfort
Not an easy decision, but it happened. I’m sure they’ll be the next Walker family. Time will tell, of course.
Not an easy decision, but it happened. I’m sure they’ll be the next Walker family. Time will tell, of course.
June 17, 2025
Would you change your lifestyle to step back and enjoy ?
A fun read, anxious to get into the next book!
A fun read, anxious to get into the next book!
June 18, 2025
Great story!
Loved this book. It was great seeing the family as they move towards healing and a life changing decision. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Loved this book. It was great seeing the family as they move towards healing and a life changing decision. Can't wait to see what happens next!
September 28, 2025
Very slow moving! I most likely will not continue with the rest of the series
December 2, 2025
Wonderful way to examine your own world
Enjoyed the journey! Now its time to examine my own world and make my own small steps towards amore meaningful life.
Enjoyed the journey! Now its time to examine my own world and make my own small steps towards amore meaningful life.
January 14, 2026
Very simple
And suddenly I want a garden and some goats , makes you really think about our busy life. Cannot wait for #2!
And suddenly I want a garden and some goats , makes you really think about our busy life. Cannot wait for #2!
January 23, 2026
What a fun book…so refreshing..love the characters and “homesteading” concept. Anxious to read the next book in the series!
March 4, 2026
Nice easy read
Like to read before bed and not anything gory,scary, or complicated. This was perfect and I enjoyed the way it all unfolded.
Like to read before bed and not anything gory,scary, or complicated. This was perfect and I enjoyed the way it all unfolded.
January 29, 2026
Great premise and character development, just felt frustrated at how slowly the story moved. The characters, however, made me curious to try the next book, which hopefully moves faster and delves deeper into the interesting aspects of the story.
October 6, 2025
I liked this book! Made me think more than I expected.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews