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Faith, Farming, and Family: Cultivating Hope and Harvesting Joy Wherever You Are

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A young farmer’s wife draws on her life with kids, cows, and a front-porch view to help us see God’s goodness and beauty wherever we are, reminding us that the simple life is not a place to be but a way to be.
 
“Grab a cup of coffee and join Caitlin on her porch to hear the lessons God has taught her through the good and hard of everyday life.”—Vivian Mabuni, speaker and author of  Open Hands, Willing Heart: Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God

When Caitlin, a small-town girl, fell in love with a farm boy named Jake Henderson, she had little idea what farm life—or marriage and motherhood—would bring. But raising a family on a farm is teaching her more about God’s goodness and grace than she could have imagined.
 
Faith, Farming, and Family is a rich, story-filled walk through farmhouse hallways , harvest-ready fields, and God’s bountiful dreams for our lives. As Caitlin reflects on everything from wayward tractors to watching a marriage grow from surviving to flourishing, she reminds us to see the redemption in our own stories.
 
Join Caitlin in exploring biblical truth through the eyes of a farmer’s wife, whether you are wrangling kids onto a school bus, sowing creative seeds in a business meeting, or walking the pastures of your own family farm. Faith, Farming, and Family invites us to recognize God’s beauty right in front of us so that we might find the courage to take the next step—or the first step—into His incredible calling.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 19, 2021

20 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

Caitlin Henderson

4 books6 followers

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5 stars
107 (55%)
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62 (32%)
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12 (6%)
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9 (4%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Kendra Gaines.
555 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2021
I just love when I grab a book from the library that catches my eye for whatever reason and it ends up being just what I need to read! This was a short and encouraging book written by a farmers wife about lessons she’s learned “on the farm” that have shaped her faith. She shares real and messy moments that the Lord has redeemed- how He can make all things beautiful in His time, AND how we can use any story good or bad to point others towards Him and His unconditional love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for hannah ☆ ୨ৎ˚࿔.
244 reviews61 followers
May 19, 2022
“How much joy can we have if we are putting our efforts into striving to be like someone else?”

Ah! I loved this book! For starters, Caitlin is from Kansas like I am. 🌻 So that immediately makes me like her/her book. 😉 Real talk though, this book is wonderful and if you like “You’re Not Enough (and That’s OK)” by Allie Beth Stuckey then I think you’ll like this book. Caitlin touches on a lot of similar things regarding faith but with a lot of farm wife life sprinkled in. 🌾 🚜 She shares stories about faith, friendships, and motherhood and doesn’t hold back. She always points back to Jesus and how different life situations have strengthened her faith. I love how much Scripture is used throughout this book, not just feel good fluff that some Christian authors try to push!

In short, I love and recommend this book! Besides wanting to be besties with Caitlin, you’ll learn a lot and be pointed to Scripture!
Profile Image for Stacy.
222 reviews
March 1, 2021
Relatable stories from a fellow farm wife. But, I think it’s slightly more geared toward women who are not in agriculture. Either way, it’s an enjoyable read, full of hope and encouragement.
Profile Image for Tammy Simons.
1 review1 follower
January 19, 2021
The author opens with a conversational style, an invitation to join her on her front porch watching the sunset and enjoying coffee, and it’s a warm, welcoming style that lasts to the end of the book. But it was the line that said, “We would skip the small talk and we would get down to the good stuff,” which hooked me in and I knew this wasn’t going to be just a feel-good, keep-it-on-the-surface read. I had hoped it would be, because I know Caitlin is as authentic in real life as her written words are, wasting no time getting right to the good stuff!

Even the Chapter titles, like “Will the Rain Ever Come?” and “Keep on Plowing”, give fellow farm wives a clue that this book is the real deal, no sugar coating the life lessons the farm life taught the author and likewise teaches those of us lucky to still live on a working farm. Each new chapter makes you feel right at home sharing in her joys and sorrows, all the while weaving in lessons of faith and God’s unconditional love.

Make no mistake, her true stories of God’s redemption and faithfulness are relatable to any woman, anywhere. They are crafted so carefully as to let God’s light shine through, that it doesn’t matter if you live on a farm or not. All of us deal with fear, control issues, broken relationships, or excessive busyness, to name a few. And anyone who reads this will find some lesson in it that seems it was written just for them. In fact, I think the cover should say: “All who read this will know they are loved by Jesus through his faithful servant, Caitlin.” In the end, it really is about leading the reader to God through her stories of faith, farming, and family. I already can’t wait for her next book, because I know there is more of the good stuff to come!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. My comments are an independent and honest review.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Film Director's Wife.
220 reviews
January 13, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!

The author Caitlin Henderson is down-to-earth and this book literally felt like a chat in her kitchen over coffee.

I enjoyed how she took Biblical lessons and wrapped them up with tales that happened on the Henderson's farm.

I definitely would recommend this book to fellow ladies who love living in the country, moms, or just ladies who enjoy an encouraging read in general.

I do hope the author chooses to write another book in the near future!

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
Profile Image for Jess.
39 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2021
Pick up a copy of Faith, Farming, & Family by Caitlin Henderson and find a comfy spot to curl up! You won’t want to put this friendly book down! Caitlin wrote this book in the voice that she is already best friends with each of her readers; and I have no doubt that we would become the best of friends!
Caitlin talks about her life as a farmer's wife (and mom) and how it came to be. She talks of her struggles personally, their family struggles, and their doubts. She talks about how she never felt like she could be who God called her to be and her journey of overcoming that. Marriage and money struggles are touched upon, too. Overall, Caitlin is a wonderful teacher through words, bringing us back to Biblical perspective with every trial and every praise. She is incredibly down -to-earth and I can hear her country voice in her writing (though I’ve never actually heard her voice and am only guessing she has a bit of a country accent!).
Like so many others have said, the recurring theme throughout her book that really spoke to me (especially in the last 5 or 6 chapters) was the theme of God’s redemption. Even Caitlyn talks about this theme. No matter what they faced, they continued to put their trust in God and he continued to redeem them, no matter the trial. He rewarded their faithfulness in Him in ways only He could do.
Caitlin writes in a way that we should all desire to live - hopeful in her Lord & Savior, trusting Him in her every day - with her children, her marriage, their livelihood, and their home. Trusting that God leads them in the direction they should go and provide for them as He promises in his Word.
I hope to meet Caitlin one day and have the front porch coffee (or tea) chat in person!
Profile Image for Joan.
4,370 reviews126 followers
January 14, 2021
Henderson's book is a refreshing collection of honest essays on lessons she has learned. She writes about feeling insecure, feeling broken, being authentic, being vulnerable, being a perfectionist, reactions to suffering, fear, and many more. She shares the lessons in the context of her life experiences, telling stories about farm and family life.

Her writing style is engaging and she shares her insights in a very readable way. My favorite essay is the one on control. She is quick to point out we cannot control the actions of others. What we can control is our reactions to them. This lesson and the others encourage readers to focus on God rather than self.

Her book is also an interesting commentary on social media. We are told several times about how some of her social media posts were well received, even going viral, pouring her heart out to thousands of strangers. (Loc 1133/2256). She would be on cloud nine. (Loc 1718/2256) At another times, scrolling through comments on a post, she played the comparison game and went from feeling content and joyous to feeling frustrated and doubtful about her efforts. (Loc 1591/2256) I am sure young women who put much store in social media will identify with her various reactions.

Henderson encourages her readers to be vulnerable and open to others, pointing them to Jesus and the hope He offers. The idea is to let God bring healing to you and others through the vulnerability. She is a good story teller and has an engaging writing style. Young women will like the honesty and vulnerability she shares in this book.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Nyla Kay.
Author 1 book24 followers
January 7, 2021
Faith, Farming, and Family - Cultivating Hope and Harvesting Joy Wherever You Are by author Kaitlin Henderson is a beautifully inspirational book for all women. There is something to glean for women of all ages, whether a country gal or city girl. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The author is transparent as she writes about her life, trials, and struggles as a farming wife and mother. She has a warm, inviting style that feels more like a conversation over coffee or tea. I found myself nodding in agreement in certain sections, chuckling in others, and even grabbing a tissue in the emotions ones.

She writes from an ”I’ve been there, too” point of view. Honestly telling her story, the author shares with readers how she has managed. Nothing in her story has been sugar-coated. She allows readers the real story. All of it - the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

Scripture and biblical messages are heavily woven throughout this charming book. I was simply captivated. Even the chapters are eye catching with titles such are: Shark Week Has Nothing on Cows; Loosening the Reins; Stuck in the Muck; Giving God My Children; City Meets Rural; and Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea; to name a few.

This book will encourage and help any woman to deepen her faith. It is a sweet reminder that God is always with us whether we are in a trial or triumph. It is full of timeless life and spiritual lessons.

I highly recommend Faith, Farming, and Family. Any woman will benefit from reading it. This would make a wonderful book club choice. I give it a 5 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my own, true words.
Profile Image for Jeanette Fallon.
794 reviews16 followers
January 18, 2021
GOD has a plan for you. I believe that. I haven't always believed that. During my low moments, I questioned what was wrong with me? Why did my marriage fail? What did I do wrong? It had to be my fault after two failed marriages.

I prayed. I suffered. I hurt. But I continued on..what choice did I have? Every day was a struggle until one day I felt a little better and realized that GOD was working in my life. He had a plan. I was in a hurry. GOD knew what was in store for me.

Seven years later I met a man that I totally believe GOD had planned for me. My soulmate. The love of my life. I can look back and see how GOD blessed my life. I appreciate what I have so much more because of my past.



I was given the chance to read Faith, Farming and Family by Caitlin Henderson. I never heard of this young woman who wrote this beautiful book. She opened her heart and life to her readers. It was a wonderful read. She touched my heart with her writing. I immediately signed up for her blog.



I highly recommend this book to my friends and family. Ms. Henderson has something to say that is valuable for us all.

I received this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah to review for free.

About Author:

I’m an author, speaker, and woman on a mission. I want to impact the Kingdom of God, but I don’t want to do it alone. I’m here to encourage you and speak truth into your life so that we can start a domino effect that goes on for generations of women boldly going where God calls. So friend, I’m going to metaphorically grab your hand and look you in the eyes and ask you a question. Do you believe God wants to use you for His glory? (He does) Then sis, let’s go!
Profile Image for Kirstyn Johnson.
8 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2021
As a fellow farm wife who married into the lifestyle, there are so many parts of Caitlin's story I relate to. Some of the struggles she talks about I'm currently drowning in, some I've overcome and some, I'm sure, are sitting on the horizon. Caitlin made me feel so much less alone trying to navigate life in this 2%. It is a very well put together summary of her struggles and victories. Easy enough read to hop in and out of since I decided harvest was a good time to read it, but also a sit down with a blanket and coffee and wrap myself in her words type book.

As far as 4/5 stars, as I was finishing the book I couldn't help but think about how even a year ago I wasn't ready to receive parts of her message and I feel I may have gained anxiety instead of comfort and inspiration from it. I worry that may be the case for others though I pray it is not. I've also never been a verse dropping Christian so to me it felt there were a few too many throughout the story.
Profile Image for Susan.
2 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2021
Caitlin Henderson has done an amazing job of sharing life experiences and the way God has moved in her life. Don't let the title fool you, God has words for everyone to hear through Caitlin's writing, even if you don't have anything to do with farming.

So many experiences and the way God has moved and comforted and loved. Caitlin has done an amazing job of glorifying God and I'm sure you will love this book just as much as I have. I felt like I was sitting down having coffee listening to her share the wonders of God in her life and showing how they are also in mine. I laughed, I cried, I prayed, and I studied more scripture than I have in quite some time, yearning to get closer.

Preorder this book and when it comes in, grab your favorite blanket and a cup of coffee, and dig in. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Madison Koehn .
1 review2 followers
January 14, 2021
Caitlin Henderson’s “Faith, Farming, and Family: Cultivating Hope and Harvesting Joy Wherever You Are” is a raw, authentic, and vulnerable story that shows the lessons to be found in every day life. Her heart for the Lord and her willingness to study and share scripture with her readers is inspiring and a breath of fresh air. Her honesty about topics that are challenging and relatable makes it feel like you are sitting face to face with her, having a conversation about the highs and lows of life. She is open and real and her words are written so beautifully. I love this book and think that it it’s such a good read, whether you live on a farm or live in the city. There is something to be learned by everyone from this book!
1 review
Read
January 12, 2021
Caitlin has the gift of making you feel as if you are sitting on her porch with sweet tea and your best friend. Her topics are relatable, every day circumstances in which we all find ourselves. She is brutally honest about her feelings, failures, and burdens, sharing them with an openness usually reserved for a trusted confidant. The level of connection with the reader is rare with authors, especially in a book of this genre. Caitlin's ability to bring her stories around to incorporate her faith and the lessons she has learned will help any reader connect to Jesus and apply Biblical teaching to their own lives.
19 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2021
Grab your cup of (tea, whatever that may be), have a seat on the front porch, and settle in for a conversation with a friend. That’s what you’ll find between the covers of this book. Caitlin opens her heart and has a conversation through her writing. Whether you are part of agriculture or not, and even if you don’t live in a rural area, that’s not the important message of this book. Does the farm impact her decisions and lifestyle? Absolutely, and there are you’ll see the influence of that throughout the book (starting on the first page, with some scary cows). But you’ll also find a friend, who shares her struggles, her triumphs, and ultimately, her faith.
Profile Image for Amanda.
80 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2021
Fantastic Read

As a farmers wife riding this boom brought so much light to the lifestyle that we live. Farming isn't easy and being a farmers wife is not for the faint of heart. I loved reading these words and finding the comfort in the verses shared, and knowing that although no two farms or farm lifestyles are the same we all share triumps, hardships, wins, and loss. And we are not alone in this life. I also felt so encouraged, I often times feel God calling but giving in to his callings are so hard. Knowing that I'm not alone in that struggle was so comforting. I cannot wait to share this book with so many others.
Profile Image for Jeana Curtis.
3 reviews
January 14, 2021
Faith, Farming, and Family is a book that no matter which season of life you're in, what your profession is, or where you live you will be able to relate to the stories shared. While it's written from the farm perspective, the messages are valuable to all. Caitlin does a great job of being vulnerable and truly allowing the reader to understand her life lessons. Throughout the book I laughed, I cried, I prayed and I was inspired. There is no denying God's work through Caitlin as a mother, farm wife, and author. Once you start reading be prepared to binge because you'll be hooked right away!
Profile Image for Stephany Long.
185 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
This book was so relatable to me and I appreciated Caitlin’s honest writing style in giving her experiences. This book was raw and emotional and left me in tears more than once. I feel like more women than just farmers’ wives could relate to her stories. Her scripture quotes were very spot on and a refreshing way to share advice on living as we are meant to. This book focused on God and not on selfish desires as so many biographies and self help type books do these days- that is what really stood out to me.
Profile Image for Kailey Edwards.
8 reviews
March 12, 2023
The bones were so good. The author had some really great ideas, but the execution was off for me.

Very cliche and predictable metaphors, some pretty distracting grammatical and clarification issues that make it difficult to read with flow.

I think this book would have earned 3 stars if it had a better editor. I appreciate the work put into it and I truly thought long and hard before posting my review. I just felt it lacked passion and relatability and any substantive, real-world application that hasn’t been done 1,000 times over.
2 reviews
January 14, 2021
Faith, Farming and Family is a book that speaks to anyone regardless if you're connected to farming or not. Caitlin does an amazing job being vulnerable, authentic, sharing her heart and the way God has moved in her life. This book inspired me to become closer with God, dive into my Bible and pray for my marriage more often. I would no doubt recommend this book. You will walk away feeling more connected with God as Caitlin does a great job glorifying God in each chapter and story of her life.
1 review
January 21, 2021
Author, Caitlin Henderson, makes you feel like you’re right there on the farm with her. Her stories of struggles, hardships and even comical stories of life on the farm will have you laughing one minute and reaching for a tissue the next. I really appreciate that you can gain so much from this book whether you’re living in a rural area or a city. There are amazing lessons for everyone in this book! A must read!!
Profile Image for Tiffany Todd.
10 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2021
Caitlin Henderson really out did herself on her first book debut. I was captivated by her insights and the peek-into-her-farm-world. You feel Jesus's love and she equips us with great advice. I loved how she talked about being faithful, but how we also get stuck in the muck of excuses. If we don't utilize our spiritual gifts we are not obeying and being willing. I highly recommend this for your 2021 to-read-list.
Profile Image for Becca Sue.
16 reviews
December 21, 2021
Caitlin has this wonderful way of pulling you into her stories that make you remember how you felt in certain situations. Maybe not the same way she has but kind of the same. To take a step back and look at your life and make you reevaluate what you have been living. I love how she pulls God and the things He has done for her and her family into everything and makes you open your eyes to how he has been there for you as well.
1 review
January 12, 2021
Caitlin Henderson’s “Faith, Farming, & Family; Cultivating Hope and Harvesting Joy Wherever You Are” is best described as vulnerable, authentic, and raw, while also leading us a deeper connection to God. Caitlin does a fabulous job of relating her own trials and joys to God’s Word. The balance she found is fantastic, as Caitlin lets God’s glory shine through every chapter. She gives enough of her own experience for the reader to relate, then takes them straight to the Word and their Maker. You will walk away from this book not only feeling like you know Caitlin as close as friend, but also in a more profound relationship with God. Thank you Caitlin for following God’s call to share your story with us!
1 review
January 8, 2021
Such a pure and honest testimony of God’s faithfulness. I feel like God placed this book in my hands. It is so raw and made me think deeply about various situations in my own life. This book is not just for the wives of farmers... it’s for everyone who loves a true story about Jesus showing up time and time again, even when it seems like you have nothing left.
1 review
January 14, 2021
Caitlin takes her everyday moments and trials and uses them to show us God’s goodness. This was a fantastic book for anyone wondering about God’s purpose in the tough stuff. I related to many of the chapters on a personal level—I felt as though they were written just for me and my struggles. This book truly helped me grow in my faith.
Profile Image for Steph Cherry.
155 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2021
I truly enjoyed this book. Caitlyn wrote that she hoped we would feel like she was chatting with us over coffee on the porch. I did. Her style is delightfully conversational. I enjoyed learning about her life as a farmer's wife and how God was by her side through lean and plentiful times. Her vulnerability is refreshing and healing. She also mad me laugh out loud. As God seems to continually do, the words in these pages mingled in with my Bible study on Philippians reiterating our need for dependance on our faithful God. Bringing vulnerability to the table creates beauty out of pain. Great job, Caitlin.

I also took a selfie with a cow to prove I was fearless after she wrote that cows kill more people than sharks do each year.
Profile Image for Trish Boese.
839 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2022
4* Genuine and vulnerable, Caitlin shares stories from the farm and the lessons God has taught her along the way. As a farmer's wife I could relate to about every one! Caitlin is true blue - salt of the earth. I guess I knocked off one star because her writing style and stories did get a bit repetitive. Content 5*
1 review
January 21, 2021
Similar to the warmth you feel when sipping the first cup of coffee, this was how I felt while reading Caitlin's book.

I loved her style of writing, it felt natural, just as if you were having the conversation in person. It felt authentic, and honestly it even had me in tears in some chapters. It was the book I needed, not just having experienced the year 2020, but in general. It was refreshing and encouraging and I enjoyed the scriptures that also connected the dots in experiences I have had myself.

Thank you Caitlin for being obedient to write and to write your heart. Will definitely be recommending and buying as gifts for friends & family.

I received a complimentary digital copy of the book from the publisher. My comments are my own and intended to encourage many other women to read a copy for themselves.
1 review
January 21, 2021
I started this audio book yesterday, and I can't stop listening. I'm not sure I've ever related to anything more in my life. The author is raw and real. The book has been an excellent reminder to take a step back and give it to God.
Profile Image for Lacie Millsaps.
1 review
January 21, 2021
The best book I have ever read. I felt like I was sitting there with Caitlin! So wild how it relates to my life in so many different ways! God is doing AMAZING things and I encourage everyone to read this book!!
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