The Long Winter: Wildflower Valley Book 5

by Kate Hewitt

The harvest is in, and after both the struggles and joys of the autumn season, with both its harvest and heartbreak, Abby and her family are settling into a long, snowy winter in Wildflower Valley, with all the joys of Christmas to look forward to, as well as the challenges of recent events. Homeschooling blues and nights drawing in darkly bring their own challenges for the Bryant family, as they dig deeper into their homesteading life. Bethany is considering a career change and Jack's YouTube channel takes a surprising turn! But when a shock discovery brings a sense of uncertainty to the whole Bryant family, will Abby and Josh have what it takes to keep their lives there on an even keel? The fifth book in a beloved and heartwarming series, for fans of The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie, by a multimillion selling author.

PRAISE FOR KATE

"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

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

Kate 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.

Reviews

[Twobchelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5th book in this series, I’ve enjoyed them all but was a little disappointed how short this one was…

[Violet Batejan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildflower Valley: An enthralling series!

When one reads about a family and a community that burrows into the soft spot in your heart, the characters become friends. The reader, silently cheering in the good times and supporting through rough patches becomes like a family member. Wildflower Valley is such a place, filled with three dimensional, compelling characters who make each book in the series come alive. Josh and Abby face the unpredictability of life with the help of their friends and their maturing family. I'm anxiously awaiting book six. Write quickly, Kate Hewitt!

[Julene Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best

I have enjoyed these ups and downs of the modern day homesteaders! Never did I believe I would be so excited to read the next book
Love KH writing
A wonderful distraction from real life.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

And now the 5th book in the series, things get hard at the farm, Josh after his accident, new jobs and a big surprise in store ! How will they get by and when will,summer arrive

[Sara Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I have been enjoying this series, journeying with the Bryants in their ups and downs and everything in between. I can't wait to see where they end up next!

[Vyonne Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Good book about daily life of a farming family. Family of 4 children and one on the way. Nice story