Where the Blue Sky Begins - by Katie Powner

Oh SO good! Another remarkable story by author Katie Powner. From the first line "Eric Larson had never seen such a sorry excuse for a town" to the last line, I was captivated by Where the Blue Sky Begins. In fact, I sincerely hope for a sequel! "When Uncle Jack had told him that he thought Eric was ready for the next step in his career, Eric had assumed he was being promoted. Not being sent to Hicktown, USA." By accident, quite literally, a new and unlikely friendship forms between Eric Larson and his next-door neighbor Eunice Parker. Their relationship as she deals with her terminal illness is simultaneously heartwarming, heartbreaking, and humorous. Eunice: "A groan escaped. Did she really want to spend what little time she had left on these seven people?" What Eric doesn't anticipate is the effect this town and his new friendships will have on him. Author Katie Powner writes so beautifully; the reader is transported to beautiful Montana, encounters a whole host of interesting characters (and animals), and learns so many beautiful lessons of friendship, asking for forgiveness, and seeking that which is truly important. And the humor is so sweet, I loved every minute of this story! I highly recommend Where The Blue Sky Begins! Thank you to the author and publisher Bethany House for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own!

Hi. It's me again, Cindy. Coming to you with a book that I have no idea how to review. I have found that Katie Powner's books have emotional depth, the "wow" factor, and they tend to stick with you long after you read them. I loved Where the Blue Sky Begins. Eric is hard to like at the beginning, especially when he first gets to town. He grows on the town, and he endears himself to the reader. He struggles with faith and what happens after death. He has great character growth and the story wouldn't be the same without him. Oh Eunice! She will make you laugh, and she will tug on your heartstrings. She is strong, stubborn, and determined. She also has character growth. (I don't want to give too many details or give anything away). This small town has all the charm and cast of characters you would expect to find. Where the Blue Sky Begins is thought-provoking, and has a fine balance between humorous and serious, without tipping too far in either direction. I enjoyed the story and loved the ending. Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to read Where the Blue Sky Begins. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where the Blue Sky Begins is such a well written story that it ranks as one of my favorites this year. I was left emotionally bound to Eunice, Eric and the eclectic cast that inhabit Tukston, Montana, population few. Katie Powner has such a beautiful way of crafting an emotionally gripping story amongst pages of laugh out loud humor, molding her characters into a plausible and endearing community that includes an 80 year old receptionist, a retired bull rider and a chicken named Cinderella. This inspiring journey explores small town friendships, broken relationships and forgiveness. It is about relationships between old and young, families and strangers, living and dying, here and gone…a story that will stay with you and one that you will want to reread again and again. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Eric Larsen leaves behind his big city life in Seattle, to fill in at a branch of his uncle's financial company in Tukston, Montana, a small town of around 2,000. As soon as he arrives, he discovers that this town and the people who live there are going to give him a run for his money! He will discover things about himself he wasn't prepared for. And make friendships he didn't know he needed. This story is beautifully written! The words just roll and kept me turning pages as quickly as I could read them. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I would also really love to visit Tukston, MT! Meet the lovely people and make a few lifelong friends...because I'm sure that's exactly what they'd be. Go ahead and read this powerful story...you won't regret it! I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Where the Blue Sky Begins shares the powerful and poignant story of Eunice Parker as she seeks forgiveness from the people she feels that she's wronged. Will she be able to cross all of the names off of her list before she succumbs to her terminal illness? As her condition worsens, it seems unlikely that she will succeed. Can she do it on her own, or will she need her new neighbor to help her with this journey? Where the Blue Sky Begins is definitely a love story, but it isn't about romantic love. It's about two imperfect people, totally different, who create a special bond that changes both of their lives forever. I was totally captivated by this unlikely friendship. Eric is somewhat shallow when he first arrives in Tukston but Eunice's deep faith changes him for the better. Author Katie Powner made me smile, laugh, and cry, and she kept me totally engaged in this touching and thought-provoking story that has a plot twist that I didn't see coming! I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

This was my introduction to the wonder of Katie Powner’s writing, and what a wonderful intro it was! Where The Blue Sky Begins was an emotional and moving read, with characters you can’t help but come to love. Eric Larson comes to work for the summer in his uncle’s financial company with hopes of making a strong impression and advancing to a big corner office when he returns to Seattle. He meets the neighbor to his rental property, Eunice, and after a bit of a rough start, a friendship develops. Eunice, terminally ill, reaches out to Eric to help her achieve a list of apologies she wishes to make before her time is up. As Eric’s time is spent in the small Montana town, he grows as a person from his relationship with Eunice and other townsfolk, and finds the smalltown life and atmosphere not as stifling as he initially perceived it to be. Eunice comes to accept and forgive herself for mistakes she made with herself and others throughout her life. I loved the themes of friendship and forgiveness and faith offered throughout this story. The story itself gave me laughs and tears while I read late into the night because I could not put the book down. The author writes in such a warm and heartfelt way that the characters and settings are to be relished. This is a story that stays with the reader and provokes thought. While this is my first Katie Powner novel, it will not be my last! Thanks to publisher Bethany House for gifting me a copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second book I have read by this author. This novel brings two unlikely characters together to go on a journey of discovery that neither were expecting. As you’re learning about these two characters, Eric Larson and Eunice Parker, you start to feel as though you are right there with them. This author does a great job of pulling on your heartstrings, empathy, and compassion for people. A life lesson that can be learned from this book has to do with what really matters in life versus what should not matter as much. Overall, I think anyone would enjoy this book and I would absolutely recommend it. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

What a beautiful heart-tugging story that kept me reading into the night! It brought tears into my eyes and also chuckles and laughing out loud. So many mixed emotions that felt like a roller coaster at times but felt deep and satisfying at the same time. I really couldn’t put it down! Eunice Parker is a forty-six old year woman with a terminal illness. She only has a few months to live. But has before-dying bucket list: she’s determined to ask forgiveness and reconcile with every single person she has grieved. Only God can help her on this task that surely is bigger than herself. And maybe a neighbor stranger that Providence puts in her life in her most dire moments. But maybe she’s not the only one who needs help in this story. Eric Larson is sent by his uncle Jack to from Seattle to Tukston, Montana, to work in the local branch of his financial company, Larson Financial, as the senior advisor. To him, it’s only a summer job that will earn him the chance to prove himself to his uncle and get his coveted promotion and return to Seattle by the end of the summer. He’s in for a surprise, for nothing will prepare him for the self-discovery journey that this small town has in store for him. This story left me in awe and inspired me in many ways. It was poignant and thought provoking to say the least. Especially because it makes us delve in the things that every human heart yearns for: ending this earthly life with purpose and sense. It’s a deep story of redemption and forgiveness: forgiveness from God, forgiveness from the people we’ve hurt, and forgiving ourselves. The characters are so relatable because they are flawed and hence so realistic. Eunice has made her share of mistakes and she wants to earn her entrance to Heaven with her slate as clean as possible. But things are never easy with human relations. Some of her former friends react well, but not all of them. There was rancor and pride. And that made the story even more real, because that is life. We are not perfect, and freedom enables us to accept grace from God, or turn our back to Him and others. Eunice’s journey was a bittersweet one, but I loved it and learned so much from it. I was inspired by her humility and her acceptance of her lot in life. And I loved how she made such a difference in Eric’s life. Eric was a broken soul too, even if he wasn’t so aware of it. Being abandoned by his father when he was very young, the grudges he holds aren’t easy to overcome. I loved his simplicity, his genuine concern for Eunice. And his natural kindness to others. I love how he reluctantly faces his fears and doubts about God’s existence as he experiences Eunice’s drama as if it were his too. He is touched by Eunice’s quest, and it slowly inspires him in different ways. Lastly, this story inspired me too. And made me think about how all of us have our days counted and none of us have guaranteed a long life. God could call us to him anytime, so I want to live each day as if it were my last. Eunice had a chance to prepare herself to eternity, but not everyone has this treasure of a chance. Hopefully, we can learn to embrace life fully and love and forgive in our daily life, without waiting for a life changing drama to make us change our view in life. Each day lived is a gift, a gift from God that we have to make the most of, trying to make a difference in other’s life by shining God’s unconditional love and light to others. This book has also humor. My favorite part was Cinderella, the chicken, and when Eric has to drive the scooter with her! Lol! And the ending was very satisfying, with a few surprises and unexpected things along the way. Thank you, Ms. Powner, for this touching story that inspired me and made me want to live my life to the fullest. Not in the pleasurable way, but in the “think of others” kind of way. This book will stay with me for a while, and I’m sure I’ll be rereading it later.

Such an unexpected story about two people coming to terms with their life. Eunice is dying and vows to make amends/ask forgiveness from those she has wronged. Eric comes to middle of nowhere Montana to prove to his uncle that he has what it takes to run a branch of their financial company in hopes that he will promote him back in Seattle. Eunice and Eric's paths keep crossing and a friendship develops and both of them learn lessons from each other along the way. A good story filled with unexpected life lessons. I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ms Powner has hit it out of the park with another winner. If you haven’t read this author you need to definitely put her books on your must read list. This story is captivating and intense at times as it pulls you into Eunice’s life and has you feeling such empathy for her, but at the same time she is teaching life lessons to Eric that he doesn’t realize he needs. I especially love the smiles Cinderella the chicken brought to the story. Although it seems an unlikely pairing between Eunice and Eric in the beginning the development of the story leaves you gaping at the genius of it. It pulls you in and leaves you wanting more all while leaving you with a hole in your heart and grabbing tissues. Great lessons can be learned as this speaks to your heart about unfinished business on the road to seeking forgiveness. The Faith element is subtle but powerful and left me with understanding of where the blue sky really begins for these characters. I love the uniqueness of this author and look forward to more. Put this on your must read list. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This story was rich with so many ideas and so many emotions. An unlikely friendship slowly developed between a young man, high on his self worth and an older woman facing some serious issues. Eric Larson pulls into small, rural Tukston, Montana with a seemingly sneer on his face. He cannot believe his uncle has sent him to this podunk town from his finance job in Seattle where money is no object. As he rolls into town he comes across an older woman wearing purple crocs and riding a motor scooter. She seems unsteady as she wheels along and finds herself in a ditch. When Eric checks on her she accuses him of running her off the road. An unlikely “friendship” forms between Eric and Eunice and they both have things to learn from each other. I gleaned much from this story as well. You’ll find forgiveness is a center point around much of the story, as well as learning what’s important and what’s not so important among these characters in this small community. Eric has much to learn, and he does eventually “grow up” so to speak. Grab a box of tissues and a hot cup of Keurig coffee and settle in for a good read and some life lessons that we all need to learn. Five stars! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through The Book Club Network but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.

This book is very thought provoking. It is serious with some witty humor sprinkled throughout. I really enjoyed reading this! The characters were deep and interesting. Set in the picturesque state of Montana a story of an unlikely friendship takes place. Eric is spending the summer in Tukston hoping for a better position in the family business. Eunice is dying from a terminal illness and she's seeking forgiveness from people that she'd hurt. As Eric accompanies Eunice on her quest, he starts to look inside himself and seek answers to some hard questions. "How did anyone ever know if they were on the right path or if they were meant for something else?"

This thought-provoking story of forgiveness and reconciliation touched my heart and stirred my soul. The author does an amazing job of tapping into the emotions of her compelling characters. I could feel Eunice’s struggle as she dealt with the difficulties and humiliation caused by her medical condition. I could feel her anxiety and fear as she worked to fulfill her mission to “right a few wrongs” from her past; but, I could also feel the peace she experienced knowing that her eternal destination was where the blue sky begins. Ms. Powner’s portrayal of small town life is spot on. Humor sprinkled here and there periodically relieves the emotional tension. I especially appreciate the strong spiritual truths consistently conveyed throughout the narrative--a poignant reminder of what's really important in life. I loved this wonderfully absorbing, emotionally charged story and highly recommend it especially for fans of contemporary Christian fiction. It is another Katie Powner book headed for my “best reads” list. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.