The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions

by Sarah Philpott

"Sarah has a voice that can speak to us all, and this book is a beautiful representation of her ability to just be real. After reading this book you’ll feel like she's your best friend."
—Jill Wagner, actress Wisdom on Everything from the Soil to Your Soul

Farm life calls to the heart of every Christian, whether we experience it on daily walks through wide open spaces or in the country music we play while stuck in morning traffic. This is by God’s design—the cycle of trusting, sowing, and reaping mirrors our journey with Him.

With The Growing Season , you’ll witness how intricately farming and faith intertwine. Illuminated through the Bible’s truths and author Sarah Philpott’s own stories from life on a Tennessee cattle ranch, you’ll venture month by month and season by season towards relishing the splendor of God’s creation, realizing the need for you to trust Him in good times and bad, and rejoicing in the vision of abundance He has for you.

Packed with tips for baking, grilling, planting, and learning farm lingo, this collection of funny, moving, and inspiring insights will help keep you rooted in God’s desire for your life. Kick off your work boots, pour yourself a glass of sweet iced tea, and draw closer to your Creator as you celebrate His provision.

Genres: Christian

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 12, 2021

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive an advance copy of The Growing Season. It's a devotional based on seasons and farm life. I grew up with a farming father, so this sounded right up my alley.

If you've ever read Bash and the Pirate Pig, Bash refers to the Bible as the "Farmin' and Fishin' Book." (If you haven't read it, and you have kids, go get it and read with them. But I digress.) Farming is a theme that blends nicely with the Christian faith - the Bible talks about us as believers bearing fruit, the Word of God as a seed that takes root in our hearts, Jesus as the true Vine and believers as the branches, and so much more that fits well with agriculture.

I'm not done with the book yet. It's not designed to be devoured in one sitting, but rather for savoring one devotional each week. I started with Fall, and I'll work my way through. I love how each devotional tells a story from Sarah's own experiences and weaves that in with Scriptural truth. It feels like I'm talking to a friend over a cup of coffee, not being hit upside the head with a King James Bible. (As an aside, I love that she uses the phrase "hades in a handbasket" - I've said that a lot myself!)

The Growing Season is an excellent read for us farm gals and anyone who wants a good dose of simple truth, whether we're actually working on the farm, living in the suburbs, or in a high-rise city apartment. Bonus if you want some good recipes. Pick up this book and use it to draw closer to Christ.

My thanks to the author and publisher for an advance reader copy. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.

[Kristen Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Growing Season is a compilation of “down-on-the-farm devotions” for each month of the year. Each devotion reflects biblical truth presented in the growing seasons of farm life.

In this book addressed to us “farm gals,” we can learn from Sarah Philpott’s wisdom whether we live on a farm or in urban America. She speaks to the seasons of life we all experience using simple, vivid farm life examples. The devotional is organized by the four seasons and further subdivided by months. With each month, we discover a different part of the growing season, which mirrors our own experiences.

Sarah’s personal stories make us feel right at home, and each devotional is grounded in biblical wisdom, helping us harvest truths to apply to our own lives. I gleaned so many takeaways from this book. One of my favorite challenges came from the devotional called “Good Soil on the Farm.” Sarah draws a beautiful analogy about how God uses the waste from animals for the good of the earth, and He can also the bad in our own lives as a “springboard for growth.” What a timely challenge! It reminds me that God wastes nothing, even the tough situations in our lives. He can use even those times for good.

Though I read this book over a long weekend, I anticipate restarting The Growing Season in January and savoring it through the new year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All ideas contained in my review are my own.

[Ginger Hudock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christian devotional book was written by a farmer's wife. The format is a seasonal and monthly one with short chapters. Each chapter includes a Bible verse and a devotional story about the farm or nature. the book also includes some recipes and garden activities.
I love nature and gardens but am not a farmer. This devotional introduced me to some aspects of farm life that I had not thought about. It also increased my love for the plants and animals in God's world. I recommend this devotional for any Christian who also loves nature.
I received a complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Growing Season by Sarah Philpott is a book that aims to devotional yet centered around life on a farm. I thought this approach sounded intriguing, especially in regards to seasons. I found the book to be anecdotes about this author’s farm life, grouped around the seasons, with some Scriptures and thoughts on faith scattered throughout. I thought that the inclusion of recipes was also a nice touch. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers of memoir. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Matraca Beesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blessed to have been able to read an advanced copy of this book, and want to share my open and honest review with you. When reading books, it is important to me that they not only have a good story line, but that I can also relate to them. With this book, Sarah has done a wonderful job with both of these things. Her writing style is easy to follow and throughout this book I've been able to relate to the story line. She had me laughing, crying, nodding my head in agreement, and caused me to realize some areas where I need to really open up my heart. Areas like giving grace, accepting grace when its given to me, offer love before anger, and listen without judgement.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring daily devotional. Reading this book has brought back memories of when I was growing up on a farm. I am reminded daily to be thankful for all I have been given. Thanks to author Sarah Philpott, NetGalley, and Harvest House Publishers for providing a copy of this book for review.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thrilled to have the chance to preview this new devotional that targets what I've long known and loved! Author Sarah Philpot describes herself as a "farm gal, farm wife, and farm mom", and this is what I was for many years. The Growing Season is 'a year of down-on-the-farm devotions' and it's truly inspiring! Philpot offers devotions for all four seasons, and she shares examples and illustrations to make them especially appealing. I like that there are multiple entries for each season and that there are also delicious recipes to try. Best of all, there are heartfelt observations about the joy that comes from working with the soil and seeing God's marvelous creation. Philpot writes in a way that speaks to my heart, and her use of Bible scripture, prayer suggestions, and reflection questions help make my devotion times even more special!

I have always loved 'digging in the dirt and getting dirt under my fingernails' so these are devotions that I can totally relate to. I'll be using this book again, starting in January, and slowly savor it through the year ahead. And, even though it's filled with helpful tips for both novice and experienced farmers, please don't think that you have to be involved in farming to enjoy it. I highly recommend The Growing Season to anyone who loves God and nature, and I consider it a 5 star read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via BlogAbout Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts

[Jennifer Thayer Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful devotional that took me back to my southern roots. Sarah's storytelling made me feel like I was right there on the farm with her. She also provides some yummy recipes, ways to overcome life's challenges as well as encouraging words for each season of life. This is a book I will refer back to again and again.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming devotional covers life on the farm and takes things a step further. Recipes, anecdotes and a friendly atmosphere make this devotional a calming, encouraging place to escape. Philpott has shared family stories, Scriptural insights and fun moments from her real life as a farmer's wife and author.

If you're a Magnolia fan, this book would be right up your alley. There's so much to like here and Philpott is engaging with the reader in ways that seem like you've known her forever. This would be a great gift for anyone looking to inspire and grow in their faith.

This would also make a great gift for just about anyone on your list!

[Jennifer Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! From the 5-10 minutes needed for the daily devotion to the surprise that you get at the ending of the devotion (a prayer, scripture, activity, recipe, etc). I do not live on a farm, but feel myself immersed in all things farm while reading through Sarah's daily farm life. This book is a mashup of little house on the prairie meets working, exhausted, need-to-be-filled mom and wife. I look forward to opening it every morning to start my day!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational! I started in The Fall section and I’m so ready for Holidays with the family.This book so far has me thinking of my moms warm hugs and an appreciation of my hard working dad when I was a little girl. The recipes are all mouth watering and making me want to go ahead and decorate for all the upcoming Holidays. After the past year and half we’ve all had let’s get back to showing love and kindness to our neighbors and family.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may not know this about me, but I come from farm-folk. So when I had the opportunity to review this devotional I was thrilled.
It has a farm theme but the target audience is much broader. The Growing Season is meant for anyone who wants to nurture their faith an sow seeds of love in the lives of other.
I love the recipes and all other extras in this book.

[Sally Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions didn’t make it a full year for me. Instead, I devoured Sarah Philpott’s anecdotes as fast as I could. Sarah describes farm life, calving season and adapting to challenges we face daily, whether we’re a farm gal or a city gal.
Sarah Philpott is the author of Loved Baby, a book I cherished on finding comfort in the midst of grief. She and her family live on a farm in Tennessee. Sarah finds life lessons in manure spreaders and mudcaked boots, and opens our eyes to the beauty of the fields beyond her window.
The Growing Season is broken into segments of seasons, following the cycle of life. Walk the furrows of the field with Sarah while you plant, cultivate, prune and meditate. Sarah starts with a recipe for hot cocoa (one of my go-to beverages), a challenge to tackle (I’m task oriented), and an invitation to look for the blessings in the mess of life (I need that perspective), and gives practical advice for every gal to “meet people where they are.” Farmer Perry even chimes in with tips for planting seeds, harvesting watermelons and chopping down a Christmas tree.
Sarah says taking care of God’s land is holy work, and reminds us we are all stewards. Maybe not of a farm, like she and Perry, but “Stewards of our home. Stewards of our family. Stewards of God’s land. And most importantly, stewards of God’s Word.”
Sarah sees joy in the canvas of the farm horizon and says we can find it, too, when storms dot our landscape. She says, “We don’t always choose change—sometimes change chooses us… We know we can bounce back from anything when we walk with (God). In an ever-changing world, the one thing we can trust will never change is the great I Am.”
I’m loving this new book from Sarah Philpott and can’t wait to try out her recipes for Blackberry Cobbler, Fried Apple Pies, Honeybun Cake and more!
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely devotional by Sarah Philpott, based on the seasons she's experienced as the wife of her high school sweetheart Perry and mom to 4, on the crop and cattle farm they own in Tennessee. Sarah weaves moments from the winter, spring, summer, and fall on a working farm (and some touching, crazy, frightening, hilarious, and gorgeous moments in her family's life) and connects them to what God does in the lives of His children. She addresses her readers as "Farm gal;" not because we all live on farms but because, as believers in Christ, we are God's field. We are instructed to produce fruit; not like the pumpkins or blackberries on the Philpott's farm, but the invisible fruits of the Spirit, or the real-life embodiments of the parables of the soil or the mustard seed. Sarah not only describes this fruit but includes ways we can be faithful followers of God.

I loved reading Sarah's beautiful devotional. She encouraged me with her thoughts on my worth; on God's good plans for me; on the seasons of my life; and on the funny things that also happen in families. Also, she includes some really delicious and unusual recipes, from beef stew, apple dumplings (with Mountain Dew as an ingredient!), homemade cocoa, and more. There's a wonderful list of Southernisms to laugh over. But most of all, Sarah encourages her readers with the knowledge and joy that they are walking out God's good plan, in seasons and days, for their lives. It's wonderful and will encourage any Christ-follower, although I'd say it's especially written for women.

I received this book from the publishers. All opinions are honest and my own.

[Sally Matheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.
Each devotion opens with a verse or two from scripture. Most of the scriptures used are taken from the English Standard Version of the Bible.

Then, Philpott shares an example from farm life followed by her insights. There is a short, printed prayer and the end of each devotion.

Many of the devotions include a little something extra at the end. Usually, it is a family recipe or a helpful gardening tip. A recipe for Snow Cream wrapped up the “Winter Wonderland on the Farm” devotion.
Additionally, at the back of the book, readers will find a delightful chart of “Southern Expressions” compiled by Philpott’s friend, Leah Davis. Here is where you’ll pick up some of my southern “language” such as:

“Quit acting ugly.”

“I’m ‘bout to jerk a knot in your tail.”

“That like to have tickled me to death.”

My only complaint, and it’s a tiny one, is that the title of this book says it is “A Year of Devotions.” There are only fifty-two devotions. I’d love it if there were more! Or, perhaps subtitle it, “Seasons of Devotions ” since it includes devotions centered around the four seasons. Nonetheless, if my only grievance is that I want to see more of Philpott’s writing, then that’s not a bad thing!

Even if you’re not a farm gal, Philpott’s life stories are captivating as she ties them to the spiritual truths she’s gleaning from God’s Word.

THE GROWING SEASON is a light, enjoyable book that not only speaks true to southern farm life, but more importantly, speaks to our common heart-language of faith.

[Deborah Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Philpott pulls lessons from the everyday and the furrowed dirt of their Tennessee cattle ranch. Her words give pause to the splendor of God’s growing earth and His provision in all seasons.

Each devotional entry is a short two to four pages. Inspirational devotionals like this one are ideal for days and seasons when your time is limited. They offer encouragement in easy-to-digest snippets. Each entry can stand alone too. I appreciate this in the days when the minutes aren’t available for longer chapters and continuing subjects.

This book is filled with devotions for all four seasons. The entries are cataloged into months, January through December. There are recipes, Scripture readings, prayers, and Farmer Perry tips.

You’ll find Ruthe’s Pimento Cheese. Gretchen’s Blackberry Cobbler. Chrissi’s Creamed Corn. Amber’s Apple Dumplings. Down-home Deliciousness!

Farmer Perry gives tips from saving heirloom seeds to how to tell if an egg is fresh.

The very end of the book holds two pages titled Say What?
They’re filled with humor and some of the best of the best Southern expressions compiled by Sarah’s friend, Leah Davis.

I received a copy to review and all opinions are completely my own.

[Bran Diyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Growing Season is book of a year's of down on the farm devotions by author Sarah Philpott. The book is set up in seasonal sections and chapters are of each month in a year. It also includes scriptures and recipes.

Even though, this book centers around Sarah's life as a farmer's wife, family, and her religious beliefs: There is a enough inspiration in this devotional book for anyone. This resonated with me for that I grew up in the country with a long line of farmer's on my mom's side of the family. I also went to a school in farm country where Amish are also prevalent. And I was lucky enough in my 30's to live in my great grandparent's farmhouse built in the early 1900's. However, you really do not have to be a farm gal to relate to life lessons and or to the Bible.

The author, knows how to intertwine the lessons of the teachings of the Bible to every day happenings of living life on a farm. I found the adventures of her and her family to be relatable to me, especially growing up and living in a rural area. It is a book of the growing seasons of farm life. When you are reading it, it is like having little a-ha moments.

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a precious devotion! It's not too girly, too know-it-all, or over-the-top. Instead, it has a down-home feel and a sweet country way to it that'll make you think of Grandma's house (even if she never lived on a farm). The advice author Sarah Philpott provides is practical and from a friend standpoint. She lets you know where she struggles and how she uses those opportunities to dig deeper into her faith and then encourages you to do the same. The tone is just right, like Sarah's a dear friend and you're having a cup of tea in her kitchen.

The book also includes fun farm tidbits (with yummy recipes!), and the lessons are biblically based and relevant. I also like the number of devotions provided--not one for every day but enough for each season to keep you busy without getting burned out.

The Growing Season is the kind of devotion any farm-loving mom can appreciate, even if you've never set foot on actual farm.

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this once a week devotional by Sarah Philpott that takes the reader through the seasons from the perspective of the farming life. I have a soft spot for country life since both sets of my grandparents were farmers. I spent lots of time on their farms and have so many great memories from that time, and now one of my daughters lives in the country not far from where those memories took place and I'm making new country memories with her sweet family.

Philpott does a great job of taking experiences from farm life and making spiritual applications that any of us can identify with and benefit from. So regardless of where you live or what your background is, I highly recommend this weekly devotional that will be sure to challenge you to grow in your walk with the Lord.

[Desiree Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the book cover to the inside pages, to the heart of Sarah Philpott the author, this experience was beautiful. As I read each word, I felt as though I was transported to the farm itself, talking to Sarah on that Farmer's porch with a cup of sweet tea. Sharing about the experiences on the farm and how God used each one to reveal Himself to her. She offered up some yummy recipes I plan to use to share those conversations with others around me who might need to hear those same words. This is a devotional I will be using every day. It is my new favorite and I know it will become yours as well, farm girl or not.

[Kristi Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re an actual farm gal, a farm gal at heart, or just a gal in God’s pasture looking for ways to be planted and grow fuller in the seasons of your faith journey, *The Growing Season* won’t disappoint. With a cup of homegrown humor, a spoonful of every day wisdom, and a dash of sheer inspiration, this book serves up exactly the kind of soul food that satisfies. And the recipes are nothing short of heavenly! Thank you, Sarah, for your good heart and inspiring gift! You’ve outdone yourself again!

[Gretchen McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah loving describes the real farm life! The everyday events that take place on the farm. I love how she uses the stories to teach us about God and His blessings. Some of the stories take me back down memory lane when I grew up on the farm! It is a book that I will treasure and read over and over again to be reminded of God’s goodness and blessings for our life.

[Emma MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading this devotional book! As a fellow farmers wife over here in Scotland, UK I can relate to some of the experiences shared, having the recipes and gardening notes is a lovely touch! The seasonal layout of the book is so appropriate to correspond to the theme and it’s lovely having scripture linked in to meditate on too, a beautiful, thoughtful book.

[Stacey Tadlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah writes faith, farm, family and cooking like your best friend that you’ve never met. Her words are like sitting down in the kitchen with an old friend while you sip coffee and bake cookies. I recommend this to any woman regardless if you walk the pavement of suburbia or the fields of a farm.
- Stacey Tadlock writer at Faithfully Failing

[Nina LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Great prayers and easy recipes. Simply relatable and a reminder God created this world and we are here to cultivate what He made for us. Sarah has a way to bridge all knowledge into advice anyone can follow. Each week she offers suggestions on things to try, scriptures to follow, a prayer to get you through. It is a gift to all - farm girl or not.

[Sharon Harrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Philpott is relatable and authentic as she shares life on the farm in these devotions, which are heartwarming, amusing and reminiscent. Although I’m not a “Farm Gal”, I’m
A Country Gal, and thoroughly enjoyed these snippets of life we are familiar with in East Tennessee. I look forward to reading again, beginning in January and working through the seasons with Sarah.

[Corrica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.


I was really excited when I saw this book to read it, but it did not live up to its promise. Overly simplistic, lacking depth, and often repetitive, I found this book tiresome and couldn't bring myself to finish it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love what I have read so far. This book gives encouragement, real life stories, and even some great recipes! My heart needed some good with all that is going on right now! Sending a thank you to the Author Sarah!

[Jenny Rohrer Albers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Growing Season is relatable for women in any walk or season of life. With grace, grit, and a healthy dose of humor, Sarah encourages us all with lessons in faith from her life on the farm. The recipes and activities included in the book are an added bonus!

[Michele Duckworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read of this book the more I fall in love with its grounded faith in God, and the very real down to earthness of Sarah’s writing style.