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The Song of Copper Creek
It’s been more than a year since she lost her family—a tragedy that has left Grace Whitaker a shadow of her former self. Unable to move on surrounded by so many memories, she makes the desperate decision to return to her childhood home in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. There she hopes to salvage the broken pieces of her life—but what she finds is the promise of peace and healing in an unlikely place. Copper Creek Farm is part of a Canadian historical museum, offering glimpses into nineteenth-century pioneer life. Yet the farm offers much more than that—it is a place of second chances. For Grace, the opportunity to work the land alongside the loving Whelan family is the first step toward healing. But she isn’t the only broken soul seeking hope on the farm. Grace is joined by a young man in trouble with the law, as well as the Whelans’ son and grandchildren, who are struggling through their own heartbreak. Together, these survivors discover the strength that can be found in friendship. But when faced with the uncertainty of the future, will they have the courage to move beyond the past to forge new lives for themselves?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2017
About the author
Kristen McKendry
19 books82 followersKristen McKendry began writing in her teens and her work has been published in Canada and the U.S. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Brigham Young University and has always been a voracious reader.
Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada.
Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction.
Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada.
Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 12, 2017
Such a lovely book! Even though it's more women's fiction with just a hint of romance, it was an absolute pleasure to read! (So don't let the lack of romance deter you!) It seems I've been reading quite a few books lately where the characters are dealing with grief, and I was impressed with how much grace and dignity this book had in comparison. Perhaps because the characters aren't so young, perhaps because the time period is several months after the tragedy. There is a beautiful poem that Grace is inspired by as it expresses the devastation of loss, and also the journey into accepting a new life. While Grace is still experiencing deep feelings of grief, she is also striving to take those first steps into beginning again, coming back to life herself. The hard work of the farm and the nurturing of plants is portrayed beautifully yet realistically as it plays a cathartic role in the lives of Grace and others who are struggling. It made me want to throw on a pair of gloves and dig in the dirt of my own garden! I loved how the caring friendships Grace embraces help support her in her new path of recovery. The tender moments brought tears to my eyes, and the hope and faith enriched by the farm and its loving inhabitants made me just feel good while reading. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 13, 2017
I can't imagine going through the grief, heartache, and pain that Grace has endured. I don't know if I would be strong enough to recover from losing my world, and although she has her ups and downs, Copper Creek Farm is really the first step towards finally allowing herself to heal.
I was taken aback by the gentle, tranquil feeling of this story. I can only compare it to a comfort food or something like Anne of Green Gables (without the precocious red-head). Through farming, simple living, acceptance, and pure love, Grace is finally able to begin to know peace and to extend that feeling to others around her who desperately need it.
This rag-tag assembly of characters wrapped themselves around my heart and found myself wishing for a summer exactly like this one, from the setting to the friends. The vivid descriptions and imagery stayed planted in my mind, long after I finished the story.
There's not a lot of romance, some hints here and there, but I was still completely captivated and enchanted by this story.
Content: mild+ religious elements; extremely mild romance.
*I received a copy from the publisher, which didn't affect my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*
I was taken aback by the gentle, tranquil feeling of this story. I can only compare it to a comfort food or something like Anne of Green Gables (without the precocious red-head). Through farming, simple living, acceptance, and pure love, Grace is finally able to begin to know peace and to extend that feeling to others around her who desperately need it.
This rag-tag assembly of characters wrapped themselves around my heart and found myself wishing for a summer exactly like this one, from the setting to the friends. The vivid descriptions and imagery stayed planted in my mind, long after I finished the story.
There's not a lot of romance, some hints here and there, but I was still completely captivated and enchanted by this story.
Content: mild+ religious elements; extremely mild romance.
*I received a copy from the publisher, which didn't affect my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*
July 14, 2017
This story is so gentle and honestly, slow moving. It reminds me of a small creek in the mountains- trickling and meandering it's way down. There is nothing heart pounding or intense about it. It follows one woman and her journey from broken and barely living to healing and light again. This is not a romance. It's more what I would call LDS women's fiction.
Grace has suffered so much heartbreak- honestly, I can't even imagine a scenario such as hers. Grief and devastation have been her constant companion for eighteen months and now she is taking a huge step outward by moving across the country to try something new- some different that will hopefully help piece back together her broken parts. Grace is strong and has so much courage. She is a fantastic character. Her loss has given her a level of empathy and kindness that cannot be replicated any other way.
The farm setting was serene and the perfect place for Grace. Hard work and being surrounded by good people gave way to healing for Grace. The pacing is slow and sometimes I found the very detailed explanations of planting or yarn making to be too lengthy for my taste. This wasn't a book that sucked me in from the beginning and held me tight, but it was soothing and calming. Grace's journey is a very satisfying one involving healing and hope.
Content: LDS fiction- some religious elements
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Grace has suffered so much heartbreak- honestly, I can't even imagine a scenario such as hers. Grief and devastation have been her constant companion for eighteen months and now she is taking a huge step outward by moving across the country to try something new- some different that will hopefully help piece back together her broken parts. Grace is strong and has so much courage. She is a fantastic character. Her loss has given her a level of empathy and kindness that cannot be replicated any other way.
The farm setting was serene and the perfect place for Grace. Hard work and being surrounded by good people gave way to healing for Grace. The pacing is slow and sometimes I found the very detailed explanations of planting or yarn making to be too lengthy for my taste. This wasn't a book that sucked me in from the beginning and held me tight, but it was soothing and calming. Grace's journey is a very satisfying one involving healing and hope.
Content: LDS fiction- some religious elements
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2017
***4.5 stars***
A book of second chances and healing.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. It is always an adventure when you pick up a book. I'm not sure what I expected, but this book captured my attention. At times I could imagine myself there with the characters, seeing the scenes play out in front of me.
Living life after loss is hard. I found empathy for Grace. Her thoughts and feelings came across the pages. If you are looking for a book that offers more than an escape from your life, this would be a good one to pick up.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A book of second chances and healing.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. It is always an adventure when you pick up a book. I'm not sure what I expected, but this book captured my attention. At times I could imagine myself there with the characters, seeing the scenes play out in front of me.
Living life after loss is hard. I found empathy for Grace. Her thoughts and feelings came across the pages. If you are looking for a book that offers more than an escape from your life, this would be a good one to pick up.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2017
I'd have to say this is my favorite book by this author yet! I loved her characters. Grace especially seemed to jump off the pages and become a living, breathing person. I loved that as I was reading, some of the characters seemed really familiar, and then I realized that they were characters in a previous book. So fun to find them again! I also thought the author did a great job with the setting, it seemed so real to me.
I really liked Grace. I liked the way the reader was able to see her grow throughout the book. I liked that her life hadn't been perfect, but she was trying to move on and figure herself out again. I liked that she was willing to work and work hard. And I thought she did a great job as a missionary to her friends.
Grace was the main character, you saw things through the eyes of basically her, although there was a few spots that you see the story through the eyes of Matt, later in the book. I honestly can say this was a bit strange, he's not a love interest of Grace at all. I wasn't quite sure why he was showing up as a main-ish character.
I liked the plot of this one. It was interesting and kept me wondering what would happen to Grace and her friends.
This was a great book. I think it's more considered women's fiction versus a romance like I read a lot of. I enjoyed reading it! I really hope that eventually we find out what happens to Grace, Matt, Mason, and the rest of the characters!
I really liked Grace. I liked the way the reader was able to see her grow throughout the book. I liked that her life hadn't been perfect, but she was trying to move on and figure herself out again. I liked that she was willing to work and work hard. And I thought she did a great job as a missionary to her friends.
Grace was the main character, you saw things through the eyes of basically her, although there was a few spots that you see the story through the eyes of Matt, later in the book. I honestly can say this was a bit strange, he's not a love interest of Grace at all. I wasn't quite sure why he was showing up as a main-ish character.
I liked the plot of this one. It was interesting and kept me wondering what would happen to Grace and her friends.
This was a great book. I think it's more considered women's fiction versus a romance like I read a lot of. I enjoyed reading it! I really hope that eventually we find out what happens to Grace, Matt, Mason, and the rest of the characters!
January 8, 2018
This is tagged as romance, but it really isn't. It's more the story of how a woman learns to heal after a horrible tragedy upends her life. With the hint of a possible romance possible in the after-epilouge (as in - not in this book, but maybe in another).
I enjoyed this story; it's a slowly crafted narrative with lots of detail and no rushing. There are religious aspects, but its not preachy. I found the characters well developed and intriguing while being ordinary folks. I've visited a few historical locations that have re-created times gone by (Plymouth Plantation, George Washington's home at Mt Vernon among others), so I could easily picture what this would look, sound, smell and feel like. Though Ms. McKendry did such a fabulous job describing it you wouldn't have to have that experience to get a feel for it. It's unfortunately a fictional historical location, so I won't be able to visit, but I would love too!
I enjoyed this story; it's a slowly crafted narrative with lots of detail and no rushing. There are religious aspects, but its not preachy. I found the characters well developed and intriguing while being ordinary folks. I've visited a few historical locations that have re-created times gone by (Plymouth Plantation, George Washington's home at Mt Vernon among others), so I could easily picture what this would look, sound, smell and feel like. Though Ms. McKendry did such a fabulous job describing it you wouldn't have to have that experience to get a feel for it. It's unfortunately a fictional historical location, so I won't be able to visit, but I would love too!
September 25, 2017
A great up lifting read!!!! Grace Whitaker has lost her family over a year ago. She returns to her childhood home in port Dover Ontario Canada. There she hopes to salvage the pieces of her broken life. Grace works the land along side the Whelan family.These survivors discover that strength can be found in friendship. Faced with the uncertainty of the future will they have the courage to move beyond the past to have new lives for themselves.
July 25, 2024
A sweet, gentle read about good people struggling with real problems, and surprise, this is not a romance. (There is a romance in it, but it is between side characters not the main story.)
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020: A book published the month of your birthday
Reread 2024: I have nothing to add except that I forgot to find and read Angus's story last time but I will make sure I do it this time.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020: A book published the month of your birthday
Reread 2024: I have nothing to add except that I forgot to find and read Angus's story last time but I will make sure I do it this time.
July 13, 2017
I really did not expect to love this one as much as I did. But I fell in love with the characters immediately and read the book in one sitting. Grace is a very sympathetic character as she struggles to find a new life for herself after losing her entire family in the blink of an eye. She comes to Copper Creek Pioneer Village in search of a respite and a chance to learn to breathe again. She finds so much more than that. She finds a new home and a new adopted family. While no one can replace the family she lost, she can't help learning to love the Whelans and their grandchildren. And as she learns to farm, she also learns the value of hard work and the healing that can be found in working in the soil. Surprises come as she once again opens herself up to friends, and to helping the Whelan's grandchildren deal with a loss of their own. I also found the describes of carding of wool and planting remarkably interesting. There were even moments of humor as well in addition to the possibility of a new love interest. But the focus here is on finding healing and Grace stepping forward into a future different than what she had planned. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2017
Grace Whitaker has decided to return to her childhood home in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. She needs to recover from losing her family in a horrible tragic car accident. She is going to work at the Copper Creek farm in exchange for room and board. What she finds there is more than she expected, and she finds herself gaining in strength and friendship and courage to move forward. The book has excellent descriptions of the farm and the work involved in maintaining it. You can almost feel the exhaustion yourself that Grace feels as she works the soil and learns the workings of the farm. The storyline is good and the author has done a fine job in telling it. I enjoyed reading it. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 1, 2017
I really need to stop expecting different things when I read Kristen McKendry. I keep expecting her books to be like her Garden Plot, which was funny and quick. The Song of Copper Creek was poignant and healing, but it was also slow and something that I could put down for days before I picked it up again. Don't get me wrong, I liked it. The characters were extremely well written and the process that Grace went through was touching. I suppose I just kept expecting something to happen. Some form of climax, and instead it was just a nice sweet story.
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2017
Maybe 4.5 stars. This book was about healing and helping others heal. The setting of a "pioneer village" was so beautiful and gave a lovely way for people to work out their sorrows. A couple lines I liked included:
"What's more important and beautiful than nourishing people?"
It is "The joy that's to be found in caring for other people. In caring for the earth. In caring in general." p. 41
In referring to a character named "Rainbow": "I wonder if people turn out odd because of their names. I mean, how could you lead a normal lire with a name like Rainbow?"
"It's probably not the name. It's more likely being raised by people ho would name their child [Rainbow]." p. 37
"What's more important and beautiful than nourishing people?"
It is "The joy that's to be found in caring for other people. In caring for the earth. In caring in general." p. 41
In referring to a character named "Rainbow": "I wonder if people turn out odd because of their names. I mean, how could you lead a normal lire with a name like Rainbow?"
"It's probably not the name. It's more likely being raised by people ho would name their child [Rainbow]." p. 37
July 12, 2017
Another SUMMER FUN FANTASTIC READ!
Awesome story line that really draws you in!
I really loved the idea of Grace working on a living farm and finding solace and healing not only with the people but also working with the plants and the earth. I adored that she didn't let her vulnerabilities hold her back. She gave of herself and in turn received so much. As true to life she is not the only one hurting.
Follow along as the family of Copper Creek Farm struggle and triumph with life's trials and treasures. I highly recommend this one!
Awesome story line that really draws you in!
I really loved the idea of Grace working on a living farm and finding solace and healing not only with the people but also working with the plants and the earth. I adored that she didn't let her vulnerabilities hold her back. She gave of herself and in turn received so much. As true to life she is not the only one hurting.
Follow along as the family of Copper Creek Farm struggle and triumph with life's trials and treasures. I highly recommend this one!
September 20, 2017
I was a little surprised at how much I liked this sweet book. Two mature adults, one teenager and a young child are all dealing with grief and the difficulty of moving on, opening their hearts for a second chance. All handle it differently, but all are opened to healing by associating with good
"salt of the earth" people and working the land. It also speaks to the value of recognizing the
things in our lives that truly make us happy and then choosing to overcome fear and move forward
toward joy in life.
"salt of the earth" people and working the land. It also speaks to the value of recognizing the
things in our lives that truly make us happy and then choosing to overcome fear and move forward
toward joy in life.
August 13, 2017
Truly heart touching. My soul felt the emotions of heartbreak, loneliness, love and laughter so deeply throughout this novel that I can see life through clearer lenses. Life is difficult and sometimes it's escape that heals, for others its knowing we're loved. Watching Grace, Declan, Mason and Matt struggle and then find their stride was fulfilling. I'd highly recommend this story for those needing tot see hope played out, but be warned, have tissues close by.
September 24, 2017
A little slower paced. There is the the unknown of grace's past that keeps you reading. Why is she moving to Canada to a holistic green farm? What is her story that has brought her to this point, why did she want a place without children.
This place becomes a healing balm to graces life and starts her on a different path. Matt, Declan, mason, margarett, and Toby also find some unexpected turns in their paths. Family, acceptance, belonging, and love are all wrapped up in the package.
This place becomes a healing balm to graces life and starts her on a different path. Matt, Declan, mason, margarett, and Toby also find some unexpected turns in their paths. Family, acceptance, belonging, and love are all wrapped up in the package.
October 5, 2017
I enjoyed the book. The author developed her characters well. The plot was decent too. The book was a little slow. It took me 3 weeks to read it instead of my usual 3-5 days. The author is a Mormon and so was her main character. There was an overtone of religion in the book, but she didn’t beat you over the head with it. Again, it was a good book with likable characters you could relate to and a believable plot.
October 8, 2017
The main character is Grace Whitaker, a survivor of tragedy. She arrives at Copper Creek Farm in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada from Utah to attempt to put her life back together again. The farm is part of a Canadian historical museum and is detailed about nineteenth-century pioneer life. This is an inspirational romance and is rather slow moving. It is a book of second chances. I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways for a review.
October 13, 2020
I really loved this book. The author handles the topic of healing after tragedy with such a gentle hand. While idyllic ( experience tragedy, move to a small town, be loved by several amazing sat-of-the-earth people, and find healing), it still felt genuine and meaningful. I didn’t want it to end. I discovered there is a sort of prequel, and I will probably read it, but with the understanding that it will probably have a very different feel to it (mysterious kidnapping plot).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2018
The story almost gave me the desire to work in the dirt. I thought it interesting that Grace would choose farming to help deal with her grief. Well, in the end, she does find her voice again. I would love to hear her sing.
November 9, 2021
It's been a little bit since I read this book, but I felt like it would be a good idea today to help Kristen McKendry out and let everyone know how good it is!
Grace's backstory and hope to find healing and a new life are so very sad, but they also end up being inspiring. The elderly people whom she goes to stay and farm with are pretty much the best --- I love them as characters! --- and I personally not only learned some things about farming as well but also liked to see how Grace grew and strengthened over the expanse of this plot. I also liked the religious tie-ins, as they are beliefs that I share.
Grace overall is a touching protagonist, and I couldn't help rooting for her, which is obviously exactly what you hope to feel in terms of connection to a main character! So I hope that anyone reading this book review will consider picking up a copy somewhere and letting themselves escape and heal with Grace (while, of course, supporting McKendry's talented writing!) I look forward to reading more from her.
Grace's backstory and hope to find healing and a new life are so very sad, but they also end up being inspiring. The elderly people whom she goes to stay and farm with are pretty much the best --- I love them as characters! --- and I personally not only learned some things about farming as well but also liked to see how Grace grew and strengthened over the expanse of this plot. I also liked the religious tie-ins, as they are beliefs that I share.
Grace overall is a touching protagonist, and I couldn't help rooting for her, which is obviously exactly what you hope to feel in terms of connection to a main character! So I hope that anyone reading this book review will consider picking up a copy somewhere and letting themselves escape and heal with Grace (while, of course, supporting McKendry's talented writing!) I look forward to reading more from her.
July 14, 2017
Grace returns to her childhood home in Canada after a tragic accident leaves her without her husband and 3 kids. Grace begins working at Copper Creek Farm in exchange for room and board in hopes of finding peace and healing. Grace isn't afraid of hard work, but she is afraid to open up to people and have close relationships and even share about her past.
This story was a steady pace but was a little slow for my personal taste. I did like reading about the specific things Grace did on the historical farm and how they made and did things. On a personal level, I can't even imagine the loss and heartache of losing your entire family.
Grace was able to rely on her religion and faith in God which is talked about through out this story. I would consider this a Christian, Womens fiction book.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This story was a steady pace but was a little slow for my personal taste. I did like reading about the specific things Grace did on the historical farm and how they made and did things. On a personal level, I can't even imagine the loss and heartache of losing your entire family.
Grace was able to rely on her religion and faith in God which is talked about through out this story. I would consider this a Christian, Womens fiction book.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2018
I like quite a few of this author's books, so I was excited for this one. It started out full of potential, but it really started to drag after a while. And some of the language was pretty old fashioned. Those were the two things I didn't like about the book. Now for the things I did like. I liked how welcoming and friendly the characters were. I liked that Copper Creek was a place where people could go to heal and everyone was welcome. I liked that the MC didn't end up with Mason because that's how the stories usually go. This book dealt with loss of loved ones to death or divorce and learning to heal and live life again. I especially liked the reference to the poem throughout the story. What a powerful poem! I really like the cover. This one is clean and suitable for any age. I probably wouldn't read it again just because it dragged so much.
July 17, 2018
it might be a great book, but it was so sad and full of hurt for the first long while that I didn't finish. I have plenty of sad already, i like to escape by reading happy and fluffy. and we all have sad. I just don't handle mine well enough to read sad, too.
May 18, 2023
Sweet story about healing. 3.5 stars even. I liked that there wasn’t any focus on romance for Grace, that felt realistic. It was just a summer of healing and the power of kindness and caring shown by Martin and Laura.
July 14, 2017
This was a well written book. To me it read like either the first in a series or like it could use a sequel. For anyone looking for a romance there really wasn't one.
August 26, 2017
This was a good book about second chances and moving on. I liked it, it was a little slow moving for me, but was a good story.
September 9, 2017
This book was a little slow, but I think that was deliberate. I enjoyed the themes of finding peace and healing.
September 21, 2017
Given the subject matter, it feels a little sacrilegious to give this book a low rating. However, it was quite slow and never really developed a story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews