Once Upon a Farm: Lessons on Growing Love, Life, and Hope on a New Frontier

by Rory Feek

Sometimes, it’s not only what we plant but where we’re planted

Now raising their 3-year old daughter, Indiana, alone, after Joey’s passing, Rory Feek digs deep into the soil of his life and career to share the choices made and lessons learned that helped turn a middle Tennessee farm into a place that grew love and hope.

As opposed to homesteading, this is instead a book on lifesteading, as Feek learns to cultivate faith, love, and fatherhood on a small farm, while doing everything but farming. With frequent stories of his and Joey’s years together, and how those guide his life today, Rory unpacks just what it means to be open to new experiences. Much like Jesus’ biblical parable, when we scatter our seeds, some will grow in the fertile land and warm sun. Feek contends that it’s the same way with our dreams but we must always pay attention to what our story is teaching us.

It’s long been said that timing is everything, and it is, unless you haven't done the work to be prepared. What does it mean to cultivate life, to be open to new directions, to invest in another person as a way of connecting with God? Through his wealth of stories and vulnerable spirit, Rory opens up on those struggles in his own life and, in the process, shows the way for us all.

“This isn’t a ‘how to’ book, it’s more of a ‘how we’ or more accurately “how He” (God) planted us on a few acres of land and grew something bigger than Joey or I could have ever imagined.”

It’s an ongoing story of a new frontier, all woven into a new season of learning to grow a new life and love in the land that his wife loved so much. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Christian Non Fiction, Christian, Inspirational

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 19, 2018

About the author

Rory Feek is a country music singer, songwriter, filmmaker and a former United States Marine. In his career, he has written singles for Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Clay Walker, Tracy Byrd and other artists. In 2004, Feek achieved his first Number One as a songwriter when Blake Shelton topped the country charts with "Some Beach". Feek wrote and produced a film, Josephine, which was set in the American Civil. The film later debuted at the Nashville Film Festival.

In 2002, he married Joey Martin, with whom he started the country, bluegrass and gospel duo Joey + Rory. They have one daughter, Indiana Boon (born February 17, 2014), who was born with Down Syndrome. Feek also has two adult daughters, Heidi and Hopie from a previous marriage. Joey died of metastatic cervical cancer on March 4, 2016.

Rory shares his life with the world through his thislifeilive.com blog that has over 2 million followers. His blog follows the amazing love story of him and his wife, her recent battle and loss to cancer, and inspirational stories of faith and hope.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t give this any less than 5 stars. Once Upon a Farm is beautifully written.

I don’t listen to gospel music, and I didn’t know who Rory and Joey Feek were when I first read their story on social media a few years ago. At the time, Joey Feek had just had a baby, Indiana, with Down Syndrome, and had recently learned that the cervical cancer she had previously treated was back and aggressive. From then on, I followed Joey and Rory, inspired by their love for each other and for their daughter. Sadly, Joey has since passed away. I bought Rory’s first book about his love story with Joey, but I haven’t made the time to read it. When I saw he had a new book out, I made time for this one.

Once Upon a Farm is an homage to Joey, and I think the first book is a love letter to her. This one expands on the life they made together at their farm, and the story is about life for Rory and Indiana after Joey has passed away. Rory does many things on the farm, learns lessons, teaches his daughter, finds hope in unlikely places, and restores his faith. He speaks from the heart, and his words made me both laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time.

Rory Feek is a simple man with a huge heart and an immense and inspiring capacity for love of life.

Thank you to Rory Feek, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the ARC. Once Upon a Farm will be available on June 19, 2018.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sad yet uplifting and well-written book by Rory Feek of Rory and Joey fame, his second book sharing about his life. I was not aware of the story of this pair until it came out that Joey was dying of cancer, leaving behind a devoted husband and baby daughter. That was about all I knew then. This book really helped to fill in the story and then some, sharing their beautiful love story and their strong faith, and telling how Rory is now raising Indiana. An advance digital copy was provided by NetGalley & Edelweiss, author Rory Feek, and the publisher for my unbiased review.

Thomas Nelson
Publication: June 19, 2018

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is basically more of the same as the previous Rory Feek book I finished earlier today...in both good and bad ways. You may be disturbed by some of the personal details revealed here.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no idea who Rory Feek was until a couple years ago when he became, as he says, "famous for loving my wife". I read his blog about holding on to her while also slowly letting her go and I was stunned by the power conveyed through his writing. It was no surprise to me then to learn he's a professional songwriter and that his storytelling has taken many forms through the years.
Once Upon a Farm is written in the same format found on his blog so it pulled me in at once with his conversational writing. This book is a compilation of musings on the most important roles in his life as a father and husband, as well as the story of how their farm came to be and what it means to him.
Feek is a dreamer who manages to make so many of his dreams a reality with his belief system, hard work, and quiet determination. He isn't afraid to share his beliefs or his flaws on the page and lift up the people he loves without judgment.
I appreciate his unflinching honesty and willingness to share his life and faith with others. The straightforward writing style pulled me back in to Feek's story to capture my attention and my heart all over again.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very similar writing style & content to his first book. Feek manages to tell a simple and sometimes sad story of his life with Joey and some new revelations about his family currently. The simplicity of his life and ideas is inspiring as is faith.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although ths can be read as a "stand alone", I feel my review would have been more complete if I had read the first book about his life before and after his second wife's appearance.

Once Upon a Farm, was a heartfelt story of country musician, Rory Feek's, courageous journey through life, after the dreadful loss of his beloved wife.

He reminisces of events past and present, and offers much wisdom he has gained.

I would like to expand on two separate comments he made.

#1 in a reference to "new information" he received from a daughter that devastated him he stated, "I'm not the judge.." ..."It's my job to love her."
I feel many of us could beneficent from this if we applied it to not only loved ones, but to others as well. For Christians, it would be well for us all to remember those are the words Jesus taught..

#2 When discussing his reading (or lack of) he stated he was "a non-fiction guy..." and liked to "read about real people and the lives they lived."
I felt this way for many of my adult years. I read both non-fiction and fiction (almost any book I could get my hands on) as a youth. Then I decided I needed "real knowledge" so pursued only non-fiction.

In my more "mature" years, I have made a new discovery. Fiction can not only stimulate one's imagination, but many authors do hours of research before writing a book. I have learned about the Amish lifestyle and the variations of Amish cultures and the difference between Amish and Mennonites, in a delightful way, through fiction!

I considered my knowledge of history was quite good until I read a few Historical Fiction stories, which brought out little known facts in history. I have realized by having a wider interest in most genres, I have enhanced my reading enjoyment.

Rory Feek, writes in a personable manor which enables the reader' to feel like he/she is being "spoken" to. There are many more valuable and interesting points of consideration he makes throughout his personal "journey".

The book Title and Cover are very well-chosen.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Once Upon a Farm”, an autobiographical book by Rory Feek, is a story about lessons learned and life lived. Feek is living his life for God and shares little snippets of that life with the reader. Feek is a well-known songwriter and musician who used to be one half of the country music duo “Joey and Rory”; the other half being his wife Joey who passed away in 2016.

I have seen a lot about Joey and Rory on social media, especially Joey’s battle with cancer. I thought this book would be about how Rory is dealing with her death and moving on. Instead, it’s more of a compilation of essays written by Rory about random topics involving his life and lessons he’s learned. It’s not in chronological order either. The book is interesting because I did learn more about his life. It did make me realize that life is short and I should live in the moment. I should not always wish for a better life but love the one I’m living. Rory Feek is a good writer and there are some great lessons in this book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves hearing the personal stories of famous individuals, or who loves country music and living, or is even just a fan of the couple!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating due to some issues discussed and some content. Some examples of the content are: Rory talks about his past life drinking and chasing women; there is some content that may be controversial in the Christian community; the word “hell” is used; references to sex; the Lord’s name is taken in vain.

Rating: I give this book 3 stars.

Genre: Christian non-fiction

I want to thank Rory Feek, BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am probably one of the few people who did not know who Rory and Joey Feek were before I read, This Life I Live last year. However, I enjoyed Rory's tender, thoughtful writing and then listened to their music several times since then. When I saw Rory had a new book out, Once Upon a Farm, I was anxious to see how he, Indiana and his girls were doing.


Once Upon a Farm is book of random essays. I expected the book to be mainly about life after Joey passing away and fathering their daughter Indiana, who is in the cover photo with Rory. However, they seemed much more random to me and the book sort of jumps around from one subject to another in the short chapter essays. The good part of that is that you can set the book down and read short chapters whenever you get time.


I enjoyed Once Upon a Farm as a whole. Rory is a thoughtful person and writer and I can relate to that as I have been told I am a deep thinker myself. However, because of the randomness and the wandering element of the essays, while I enjoyed the writing style, I didn't feel as compelled to read it as I did with his first book. It just felt a bit more aimless to me. However, I truly appreciate how down-to-earth and honest Rory is in his writing. I also think readers can see just how close to "regular people" he is. Even though he has fame, he also has an every day life just like most of the rest of us. I am sure the Rory and Joey fans will appreciate Once Upon a Farm as they continue to get to know him better in this book.


I received this book from Booklook Bloggers and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I knew I loved Rory's writing as I have visited his blog before in the past but this book, it was something else. It touched me in ways I didn't even know a book could and I think it will resonate with me for some time to come.

Hopefully I can read his other book soon.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy his story telling abilities and his way of making bad things seem better. And his deep faith. I liked hearing about how his journey to losing his wife and having a new daughter with Down syndrome helped make him the man he is today. I liked the first book more, but I am definitely glad I read this one as well. Truly inspiring.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of the world, I followed Rory and Joey's story as Joey fought cancer. I grieved with the rest of the world when Joey lost that fight and was called Home. Rory and Joey had a beautiful love story and a beautiful family. I love that her passing is not stopping Rory from continuing to celebrate their love and life. This book is a homage to their life on the farm before Joey passed and how their life is continuing on the farm after her death. Rory is a beautiful storyteller and I love how he is able to inject so many emotions into his writing. This is a beautiful tribute to his bride and how God has worked in his life. If like me the top three in your life are faith, family, and friends then this is the book for you! For me, Once Upon a Farm was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars. Once Upon a Farm hits shelves June 19th! Thank you @thomasnelson for this advance reader in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the memoir of Rory Feek who has many accomplishments on his resume, but I know him as a country song writer. I loved his story. Memoirs as a genre, is one where I often ask myself, "Why did the authr feel the need to write this?" And with this one, Rory has so much to offer to the world in terms of faith, bloom where you are planted, endure to the end, and what more can I do. All worthy and important messages for everyone. So 4 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Farm is a sweet, gentle book. Rory Feek shares life lessons and experiences from his life with his wife Joey, and reading it feels like sitting down and talking with a friend over coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing it with me. #OnceUponaFarm #NetGalley

[Karen Germain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Thomas Nelson- W Publishing for providing me with a copy of Rory Feek's memoir, Once Upon a Farm, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT- Rory Feek reflects on his life after losing his wife and singing partner, Joey.

LIKE- Nearly a decade ago, I had the most amazing concert experience and actually met Rory and Joey Feek. They opened for the Zak Brown Band during a sold-out concert at the Universal Amphitheatre in California. The show was amazing and at the end of the concert, with a crowd of over six thousand, it was announced that the performers would head to the lobby to sign autographs for anyone who wanted to stick around. I've never seen something like that happen at a concert, especially one with so many people. Prior to that night, I had not heard of Rory and Joey, but I did recognize their songs. I waited about an hour in line to meet the performers and when I got to Rory and Joey, I was given the warmest handshake and smiles. They both were kind and humble, just happy to meet with fans. I was immediately smitten.

A few years ago, just weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Indiana, Joey was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer. Rory shared their journey through her illness and eventually death, on social media. I followed Rory's posts and was heartbroken. Truly, I was surprised by how the life of these strangers impacted me. I feel that it is a testament to the way that they opened up their lives through their art.

I was thrilled to come across Once Upon a Farm on Netgalley. Feek's memoir is a constant affirmation of his love towards Joey and his three daughters. He does not shy away from discussing his grief or speaking about difficult times that he has had in his past. 

A chapter that hit home was one in which Feek discusses love languages. Joey experienced difficulties as a stepmom and when they gave it more thought, they realized that it certainly wasn't for lack of love, but that Joey and Feek's daughters spoke different love languages. They had a communication problem. I read this book as we were in the middle of our summer visit with my step-kids, a visit where I was feeling very overwhelmed. Reading Feek's words made me consider that perhaps I needed to figure out a better way to communicate. It gave me perspective.

Once Upon a Farm is a Christian memoir. I did not know this prior to reading it and although many of my family members are Christian, I am not religious. Although I did not always agree with Feek's perspective, I did appreciate hearing a different view point. He is certainly a man with strong convictions and even had a local church move into the barn on his property. Feek's entire lifestyle is polar opposite to mine, which is part of the charm of his memoir. I love hearing about different lifestyles and views. The Feek farm does sound like an idyllic slice of heaven. 

DISLIKE- A majority of the book is a polished memoir, but a few chapters rambled and were repetitive with regard to content already mentioned in previous chapters. 

RECOMMEND- Yes! If you're a fan of Rory and Joey this is a must-read. I can imagine that some readers may find the Christian aspect to be off-putting ( and some will find it right up their alley!), either way, I encourage you to give Once Upon a Farm a read. 

Like my review? Check out my blog!

[Staci Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, I didn’t know much about this couple before I saw Facebook explode with support for them while Joey was battling cancer. After reading Rory’s latest book, Once Upon a Farm, it sent me on an internet hunt to learn more about them and the rest of their family. The way he describes Joey is so beautiful that it almost makes her seem fictitious. Surely, no one is that genuine and loving and kindhearted. He describes their love for each other so deeply that it’s kind of hard to believe. Surely, this is overstated and overrated. Alas, after watching a couple of episodes of The Joey+Rory Show, I think they are the real deal.

For starters, I do believe that Once Upon A Farm can absolutely stand on its own. Although, it doesn’t flow in chronological order. It’s more like a collection of stories in loose order.

The first book shares how he bought the farm they ultimately worked and lived on together but his second book goes into more detail about how much the farm means to them and how it, too, has changed over the years and continues to do so. Rory is 53 years old but I continue to be amazed at just how much life he has lived in that time. He seems to have an endless supply of amazing stories and life lessons to be shared. It’s hard to fathom how much they accomplished together in such a seemingly short period of time. They had their own TV show, music career, farm, restaurant, recording studio, concerts, onsite church, schoolhouse, and more!

His books have a way of incorporating their faith in a natural and inspiring way. His approach to life and family is pretty simple and attractive. Overall, this book was easy and enjoyable to read. Each chapter can read like it’s own short story but there is always a takeaway lesson to be discovered.

Full Review: https://bishopfamily.farm/2018/10/rev...

[Koren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes sense to me that one of the best songwriters in Nashville would also write a good book. It helps that I have loved these two and their music since the first time I saw them on a show called "Can You Duet". Every time I saw Joey I thought she should be in People's Most Beautiful People Issue. She was beautiful inside and out. Unfortunately a beautiful voice was silenced due to cancer two years ago. I am grateful that her husband Rory has chosen to let us into their lives from the start of her cancer journey and continues to write a blog about his life and continuing after her death. His last book took us through their cancer journey until shortly afterwards and this book continues the journey and also reflects on his life and things he wishes he had done differently. What I liked best was this book does not get preachy or sound like he has all the answers. He presents himself with all his faults and mistakes. My favorite part of this book was his chapter about reading my personal favorite all-time book- All Over But The Shoutin'. I think I will have to read that chapter again before I take it back to the library. You will need a whole box of tissues when you read this.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I had pretty low expectations of this book. A lot of celebrities write a book about their life and its not well written and pretty bland. Rory is a self proclaimed story teller and he's right. The stories he shares in his book are well explained. At no point was I confused about the relevancy or what was happening in his stories.

Joey and Rory's story is so sweet. The dedication he had to her, even after death is admirable. His firm trust in God to sustain him is incredible. He opens up about his two older daughters. One shares that she is gay and has asked to have their wedding on the farm. The other has rejected the notion of God. Both lifestyles are in stark contrast to what he believes yet he loves them unconditionally. He shares: it's not my place to judge or "change" them. As their father, I am called to love them. He never says he agrees with them, just that he loves them no matter what.
What a different place our world would be if more parents shared this perspective...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Upon a Farm is a great read that may has some intense moments, but the book isn't this how to guide about life, hope and faith, but rather it's about how God planted a beautiful family on a farm and did something bigger than they could have ever imagined. The stories that fill this book are beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring and a conversational style that I enjoy reading. I love Rory's honesty and willingness to share his life, faith and struggles in front of others. His straightforward and his amazing ability to tell a story is what will you draw you in! I really enjoyed this book and I know you will too! It was a quick and easy read.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory Feek thinks of himself as primarily a story-teller. In this book, he does a lovely job of telling more stories from his life. They drew me in and kept me wanting to learn more about the life he led and the life he continues to live. Interesting vignettes of a life from someone who never thinks of himself as extraordinary, just a man who has had extraordinary experiences.
I voluntarily read an advance review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinion in response.

[MICHELLE JOHNSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my soul in so many ways. Some of the things he said made me actually stop reading and truly think about the words and the impact they had on me. I highly recommend anyone to read this, no matter the situation your life is currently bringing you, no matter if you are or are not going through trials. I promise you will relate to something in this book and it will leave a lasting impact on your heart.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of vignettes. The book opens with a real tearful one. I expected it to proceed to his life after but it jumped all around. Some were hardly two pages. He paints a good picture of himself and his life but it is too jumpy. My mind seems to start down one path only to get derailed and I never quite got over the initial heartbreak.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rory's first book and I love reading his blog posts. He's down to earth, yet his writing is profound to me. This book reads a lot like his blog posts. Each chapter is its own story. Very heartwarming.

[Marsha Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Real life. Family.. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, Heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time.. An honest look at life after the death of someone so very loved and their impact on life ongoing. Definitely worth reading.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon A Farm
By Rory Feek

A beautifully written hodgepodge of stories written by Rory, about his late wife Joey and their family.

You need a box of tissues ready to read this.
5 Stars !

I received this ARC through Netgalley for a honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I was able to read an advanced PDF version of Rory Feek's new book. This man writes from the heart. He truly is a gifted storyteller. Very honest and real. I loved his first book, "This Life I Live" and his second one does not disappoint.

[Audrelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about Rory Feeks story going into this book..... I found it to be an honest reflection of a beautiful yet painful time in his life.
Very well written.

[Jeanne Bowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not my cup of tea. Too disjointed and “inspirational” for me.

[Judy Zegers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the first book. Each chapter stands alone. He mentioned a blog. Possibly just a reprint of that.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Good book on reflection of your life. Helped me to have a new perspective. Last lines made the book a year jerker for me.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember seeing and reading about Joey and Rory Feek’s life on social media when she was battling cancer. The poignant updates I read about their life and love story touched me deeply. Reading about their daughter, born with Down’s Syndrome caused me to stop and rejoice at this miracle child born into this world. So when I received the opportunity to review Once Upon a Farm: lessons on Growing Love, Life, and Hope on a New Frontier by Rory Feek,I knew I had to read it.

Faith and God permeate every page of the book, which I love. For without God, the world would not exist. The power and emotion found in this book drew me in, just as his blog posts did during the days when his wife was battling cancer before her death.

Rory Feek shares his life and his daughter through the pages of this book. I can not imagine the pain of losing my spouse with a child so young, and Rory takes the reader on a journey through finding hope and the desire to go on despite his loss. This book truly includes love, life, and hope.

I have always tried to live the belief of blooming where you are planted by God, and this book follows that idea. As a child, our family moved every few years. Then in 2004, my husband went active duty in the Army Reserves and now as an adult, we have moved every few years. Sometimes, it is hard to find joy when forced into new circumstances. But Rory Feek illustrates how to do it with love and faith in this book.

So if you are wanting to read an inspirational and emotional book about one man’s journey through love, loss, and finding his way after that loss, check out Once Upon a Farm for yourself.