WINNIE'S REVIEW:
It was such a treat to visit the Come Around Ranch in talented author Katie Powner’s new book, When the Road Comes Around. Powner is such a pro at creating diverse, flawed, realistic characters and plopping them in intriguing settings and situations where they can grow, change, and interact with each other in a fascinating story. I enjoy her insights into human nature.
Set in rural Montana, the Come Around Ranch is run as a guest ranch by Anita and Dan Wilson, with their special-needs adult son Sam. Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble but is trying to turn his life around and keep his new job working for the Wilsons. He develops a liking for Sam and is a good friend to him. I enjoyed seeing their relationships change and deepen as they interact and overcome challenges.
Themes of redemption, grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances are seamlessly incorporated into the tale and add depth and inspiration. I loved Tad’s determination to overcome his reputation, Anita’s compassion for others, and Dan’s willingness to give second chances. The ending was a little open-ended which left me wanting a bit more resolution, but the story was thought-provoking and beautiful.
It was such a treat to visit the Come Around Ranch in talented author Katie Powner’s new book, When the Road Comes Around. Powner is such a pro at creating diverse, flawed, realistic characters and plopping them in intriguing settings and situations where they can grow, change, and interact with each other in a fascinating story. I enjoy her insights into human nature.
Set in rural Montana, the Come Around Ranch is run as a guest ranch by Anita and Dan Wilson, with their special-needs adult son Sam. Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble but is trying to turn his life around and keep his new job working for the Wilsons. He develops a liking for Sam and is a good friend to him. I enjoyed seeing their relationships change and deepen as they interact and overcome challenges.
Themes of redemption, grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances are seamlessly incorporated into the tale and add depth and inspiration. I loved Tad’s determination to overcome his reputation, Anita’s compassion for others, and Dan’s willingness to give second chances. The ending was a little open-ended which left me wanting a bit more resolution, but the story was thought-provoking and beautiful.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Have you ever heard of grace, Tad? . . . It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it."
Tad Bungley has already lived a lifetime of poor choices at the young age of twenty-four, so when he lands employment at Come Around Ranch, he doesn't want to mess things up. Kindly befriending the owners' disabled son, and working steadily at even the most menial of tasks, Tad is thrown completely off guard when his life takes another unexpected turn. Will he ever be able to evade his blasted reputation?
Having a soft place in her heart for the lonely and downtrodden, ranch owner Anita Wilson is grateful when her husband takes a chance on hiring Tad Bungley. The young man seems intent on bettering himself and proving to them that he is reliable. Nevertheless, sometimes life throws curve balls when least expected. Anita should know.
An exceptionally touching story with well positioned wellsprings of hope, featuring the power of prayer and the significance of grace.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Have you ever heard of grace, Tad? . . . It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it."
Tad Bungley has already lived a lifetime of poor choices at the young age of twenty-four, so when he lands employment at Come Around Ranch, he doesn't want to mess things up. Kindly befriending the owners' disabled son, and working steadily at even the most menial of tasks, Tad is thrown completely off guard when his life takes another unexpected turn. Will he ever be able to evade his blasted reputation?
Having a soft place in her heart for the lonely and downtrodden, ranch owner Anita Wilson is grateful when her husband takes a chance on hiring Tad Bungley. The young man seems intent on bettering himself and proving to them that he is reliable. Nevertheless, sometimes life throws curve balls when least expected. Anita should know.
An exceptionally touching story with well positioned wellsprings of hope, featuring the power of prayer and the significance of grace.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
BackCover Blurb:
Only trouble can bring about the beauty of redemption and grace.
In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to bungle it up this time.
Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more of a mess than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and what grace really means.
Only trouble can bring about the beauty of redemption and grace.
In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to bungle it up this time.
Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more of a mess than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and what grace really means.
Revell Publishing, August, 2025
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