Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner

Where the Blue Sky Begins Reviews

• 
  Darla

  Eric Larson is leaving his urban world in Seattle to spend the summer managing his uncle's investment firm in Big Sky Country. Not only is the small town life a lot different, he also has a quirky neighbor named Eunice (rhymes with fleece) and a Polish chicken named Cinderella to get used to. Everyone is sure they have the perfect girl for him, the owner of the local thrift store wants to take him fishing, and Eunice has blackmailed him into helping her with her "list." While Eric believes he has been sent to this town to make improvements in the office, he begins to realize that he is the one who needs to make some changes. Filled with small-town charm and a good amount of soul-searching, this new release from Katie Powner will remind you that the real blue sky is only visible through the eyes of faith.
  
  Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Kristina Hall

  Characters: I wasn't a big fan of Eric at first. He was shallow and egotistical. But I did warm up to him and enjoyed seeing him grow throughout the book. Eunice was an entertaining character. Even though she was terminally ill, she still had a sense of humor.
  
  Language: Clean.
  
  Moral/theme: Where the Blue Sky Begins featured themes of life and death, forgiveness, and friendship.
  
  Plot: I'd say this was a more character-driven novel. That's not to say it dragged. Eunice and Eric's developing friendship and all their misadventures kept the plot moving right along.
  
  Romance: Clean. Just a hint of romance at the very end.
  
  Writing: Katie Powner's clear, descriptive writing style worked well for this book. I'm looking forward to reading more books by her in the future.
  
  Overall: Where the Blue Sky Begins was an entertaining, thought-provoking read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian contemporary fiction.
  
  Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
• 
  Amanda (BookLoverAmanda)

  Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner really impacted me in such an emotional way ya’ll. 4.5 stars. I truly enjoyed my time with this book and will be picking up more by this author as it was my first read by her. I laughed, I cried – just an emotional rollercoaster with an incredible impact.
  
  This book is centered about 2 characters – Eric Larson and Eunice Parker. Eric is 32 years old, and his Uncle Jack sends him to a small rural town in Montana to help with a branch of the family financial company during the summer. He is determined to do very well with this new challenge, but the moment he gets there, things aren’t exactly what he expected.
  
  Then we have 46 year old, Eunice Parker. Eunice has come to terms with her terminal illness and given herself a goal to make a point to apologize to everyone on her “forgiveness bucket list” before she dies. She has cancer and very few months to live. She is going through all the emotions from the diagnosis, but in the end, she knows where she is going and talks to God often in this book about how she feels.
  
  Eric is driving through the small town when he speeds by Eunice and knocks her off her scooter, her only transportation at that time, and breaks it. Eunice realizes Eric is her new neighbor and threatens him by saying “You ran me off the road, broke my scooter – I am calling the cops unless you drive me around to everyone on my list that I need to talk to.” The story takes off from here as Eunice and Eric form an unlikely friendship and each gain something from one another along their journey.
  
  So I really enjoyed my time with this book ya’ll. It was so close to being a 5 star read for me but there were just a couple of things keeping it from being a 5 star. Either way, let’s get in to what I loved so much.
  
  Eric starts off being this arrogant guy, has a flighty “relationship” back home and looks down on everything about this small town and his circumstances. Once he meets Eunice, everything changes. Her perspective on life – her illness – her life story – he realizes what matters most in life.
  
  He really goes out of his way to help Eunice in every circumstance, and she becomes his best friend. It truly touched my heart, and I was CRYING at the end. And the reason this is called Where the blue sky begins…..WOW. JUST BEAUTIFUL.
  
  My only complaint is I could have done without Tiffani’s parts and I wish we had more faith growth with Eric so that kept it from being a 5 star but it was just so good either way! It really impacted me and it makes you think about all the things we put off, harboring hard feelings, not forgiving others, letting things sit until its too late. My heart.
  
  “In the end, it only matters where you stand with one person ---to get to the other side.”
  
  Thank you to Baker Publishing and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review.
  
  *Trigger Warnings – this book has (not a spoiler) with a character who has a terminal illness, cancer, and only has months to live.*
• 
  Oceana

  Expect an intense story with character growth all over the place.
  Eric and Eunice meet in an unfortunate circumstance, but being neighbours, they find an understanding that grows into a sweet friendship. Eric helps Eunice speak to the people she has unfinished business with before cancer takes her.
  There were aspects I really enjoyed, but for me, romance for Eric would have made the story even better. It was slow paced, and I found that I didn't care what was going on a lot of the time. I was most interested in Eric and his lifestyle while living in this tiny town.
  The last bit of the book was so good though. It almost made it 4 stars for me.
  I would recommend it if you don't like romance in your books, and if you appreciate a character reflecting on their life and making amends before it's too late. And an unlikely friendship.
  
  Did I have a crush on Eric this whole book? Yes, I did.
  
  Thank you to the publisher for the free review copy! All opinions in this review are honest.
• 
  Susan Snodgrass

  'God? I'm scared.'
  
  This was my first time reading a Katie Powner book and it was very moving. When Eric Larsen is sent to a very, very small town by his uncle to handle some things in one branch of the family business, he is horrified to find a town that the GPS can't even find. A town so small that there is not a decent cup of coffee to be had, and no health food. His next door neighbor is a seemingly curmudgeon of a woman who pounces on him and demands that he drive her to places so she can hopefully make things right with people she's offended. Eric is counting the days until his time is over in this place and he can leave. But what Eric doesn't understand is that he is about to embark on one of the most meaningful journeys of his life. A journey he didn't even expect in his wildest imaginations, but one that will change his entire life.
  
  Powner brings together the folks of this town in such a way that it impacts the reader's heart fully. Sometimes we learn most when we think we are in a hard place. Her way of crafting these characters and their lives resounded within me so much. The character of Eunice is one I won't soon forget. And the ending is such a sweet surprise. Very moving and well written, this is one for the keeper shelf.
  
  My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is entirely my own.
• 
  Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader

  This was my first book by Powner, and I will tell you this it was a very moving read. I am still thinking about the characters. And that ending oh boy was it was a good one. I can't wait to read more of Powner's books. The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
• 
  Carrie Walker

  "Oh, Lo-ord" did I love Eunice. She won me over with her sparkly purple helmet and honda scooter from the second she appeared on the page. What a joy it was to watch the unlikely pair of Eric and Eunice grow from irritable neighbors to friends, and join them on the journey. We could all afford to spend some time with the questions posed in this book and the challenges put forth. And of course who can resist a Polish Chicken named Cinderella? I smiled every time she appeared in the story. Another great book by Katie Powner! If you haven't read her books yet I highly recommend them!
• 
  Kerry Johnson

  I read an early version of this story and it slayed me. With honesty, humor, and grace, Where the Blue Sky Begins challenges what it means to love one another and how important forgiveness is. The story still resonates in my mind and heart, months later. Author Katie Powner just keeps getting better and better. So very good!
• 
  Paula Shreckhise

  Two unusual companions and neighbors set out to cross off a unique bucket list. Eunice is dying and at a prompting from God seeks forgiveness from those she has wronged. Eric who has arrived in the small town of Tuckston at the request of his uncle, agrees to be her transportation. But Uncle Jack may have more in mind for Eric than overseeing the Tuckston branch of his company. “Tuckston was not what he had expected. It was rougher and smaller and rednecker than he could have imagined.”
  But the Montana setting was certainly full of big blue skies and Eric was determined to make his mark on the small town.
  This was a heartwarming story about friendship and forgiveness and re-evaluating your life. As Eunice said: “ I don’t have enough life left for anger.”
  Eric was learning the life lesson that money is not everything but getting to know people by giving of yourself is.
  I highly recommend this thought provoking, sometimes poignant, sometimes funny book.
  *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
• 
  Monica H (TeaandBooks)

  Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner will make you laugh and also may leave you in tears so keep a tissue box handy. Powner is a rich storyteller who leaves me feeling as though I am in the story with the characters, living and feeling things right along with them.
  
  In Where the Blue Sky Begins, she tells the story of Eric Larson, who is sent to his Uncle's financial company in rural Montana to work for the summer. Eric is in his early 30s, strong and handsome, eats only healthy foods and drinks the best coffee as he is from the big city, Seattle. Now, his summer rental house is next to Eunice Parker--with whom he had a literal run-in with when first he came to town, before he knew she was his neighbor. Even though she is only in her 40s, Eunice his a terminal illness, with little time left to reach out to a list of people to talk to before she passes away. After their run-in, she strong-arms Eric into helping her with her list.
  
  Where the Blue Sky Begins made me chuckle out loud more than a few times--and it also left me in tears a few times. I really enjoyed watching the characters in this book evolve as the summer progressed. This beautiful story has themes of redemption and forgiveness although nothing preachy is included. It was interesting to ride along with Eunice and Eric and watch how Eunice's actions were received by local people in town. Some reacted well to what she had to say and others didn't. I think that is pretty true to how life would be. As someone who has lived in a small town, is an only child and had some health issues, although much different than Eunice,. . .some of Eunice's story hit a little too close to home for me. I could also relate to some of Eric's thoughts and challenges. Powner puts both heart and humor into her work, so I am glad I read Where the Blue Sky Begins and got to know all of the wonderful characters. I would be up for a sequel if one were out there as she leaves us with some possibilities with Eric.
  
  I received a copy of this book from the author through the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
• 
  Deborah Raney

  Another five-star read from Katie Powner. I loved this unique story and especially its tender surprise ending. I would love a sequel dearly!
• 
  Susie Finkbeiner

  I love all of Katie Powner's books, but this one is even more special. Eunice will live in my heart and imagination for a long time, I just know it.
• 
  Janyre Tromp

  As beautiful as the big blue sky.
  
  I’ve loved Katie Powner’s previous 2 books, but I think this one is my favorite so far. Such deep characters and beautifully subtle writing.
• 
  Nora St Laurent

  The only way Eric Larson would consider ever going to a small town in Montana was the promise of a promotion to a different location, at the end of his stay. Little did Eric know what was in store for him in that small town. He first has a close encounter with Eunice Parker. She uses that encounter to get Eric to accompany her on a mission. A hard and urgent mission Eunice’s not sure if she’s up to taking but knows she must.
  
  Eric struggles with the slow pace of life in this rural town. He misses his friends, high internet speeds, power lunches, and his lifestyle back home. There is no health food, no fancy coffee, and the fact that his uncle has taken him to this place is mind-blowing to him. He learns a thing or two about a few things that surprise Eric and readers as something unexpected happens to him as he intermingles with the locals. He sees things he never paid attention to before, as he slows down to help his neighbor and the chicken that lives in his yard.
  
  This author takes her time in showing Eric and the reader around town, getting to know his neighbors and get a sense of community. Eric respects his uncle and wants to do his best to please him. What Eric is about to discover will change his life and his perspective on everything. This unexpected journey he’s on is the most meaningful he could ever go on. There he learns things his uncle could never teach him. He had to experience them for himself.
  
  This is an emotional journey that will tug at your heart strings, and make you think, as it did Eric. Eunice doesn’t have long to make things right. The author also lets you see things through Eunice ‘s eyes as she faces the hardest challenges of her life.
  
  This is a novel that stays with you long after you close the book. It’s one that would work well for your next book club pick. There is so much to talk about.
  
  Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
  
  Nora St. Laurent
  TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
  https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
  The Book Club Network blog
• 
  Meagan

  This read is a worthy addition to both inspy-fic and the non-romance fiction genre! I've mentioned in other reviews that I read a lot of clean romance--which is great!--but it's always refreshing to change things up a little (and enjoy the process).
  
  Anything that (accurately) incorporates Seattle, as _Where the Blue Sky Begins_ does (yay!), always makes me happy too. My expectations ramp up a bit accordingly, and thankfully, Powner does a great job. (It helps she spent her fair share of time in the PNW, as well, and I chuckled at the outright mention of Pete Carroll and the Seahawks. Woo hoo!)
  
  Disease and ill health can hit anyone, with no seeming rhyme or reason. Powner explores this topic throughout _Where the Blue Sky Begins_, bringing it to life on every page and struggling--as we all do--with the answer (or lack thereof). I admired Eunice on all the levels; she is an all-too-relatable character, very human and yet very noble, too. Would I be seeking people out for the same reasons she does, knowing the end is coming? I'd like to think I would, but on the same token, I also have seen myself at the height of what I'd like to blame on PMS or some moon cycle or anything other than my own fallen humanity. (That dang apple, Eve; I ask you, as ever: was it worth it? LOL. Kidding, not kidding.)
  
  Well worth the read and subsequent self-reflection, for sure. Hard sometimes, but rewarding all the time.
  
  I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Cheryl Barker

  What a great read! The further I got into the story, the more I loved it. Loved the characters, the small town setting in Montana, the relationships, and the easy-to-read writing style. Everything flowed so naturally.
  
  In some ways, this story reminded me of the Mitford books. That small town setting with its quirky characters -- all with a close-knit feel. And the way the story ended? Loved it so much! I can easily see this turning into a series of books. I want to read the next one already! :) By the way, this is the first book I've read by Katie Powner but certainly won't be my last. For now, I highly recommend Where the Blue Sky Begins!
• 
  Caitlin (CMAReads)

  Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
  When it comes to Powner, I know that I am going to get a book packed full of emotion. That's the case here. Eric is sent to Montana where he doesn't want to be, yet strikes up a friendship with his neighbor Eunice. These two characters were so well defined. Each felt like a real person which kept me involved in their story and character arc. I also liked how this friendship developed. A small town, secrets, and lots of hurt had these characters building trust with each other slowly. I also liked how the author chose to incorporate both POVs because that made the story that much richer. My only complaint was not understanding what was going on with a few side characters. I felt like I missed something that I should've gotten. But I did get teary at the end. This is a beautiful book about growth and change and forgiveness.
• 
  Jeanne Alfveby Crea

  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!
• 
  The Film Director's Wife

  "Even though she couldn't see it yet,
  she had faith. But what if her faith was only as strong as her desire to have something to believe in?"
  
  "Sometimes the hardest road of all is the road home."
  
  Easily a five-star read - this book was excellent!
  
  From the compelling and engaging storyline to the realistic and heartwarming cast of characters,
  I throughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
  
  I laughed and cried while reading this moving story that is full of heart and faith.
  
  Author Katie Powner is one of the best current Contemporary Christian Fiction authors I have read and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
  
  *Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary ARC of the book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.* 
• 
  Becca Kinzer

  What another great story by Katie Powner. Part of me still can’t believe how much I can enjoy reading a book that isn’t a romance! But this is the third time I’ve been immediately hooked from the get-go. Once again I loved the smalltown Montana setting, but once again it was her characters who made this story so endearing to me. Powner really has a way of writing characters who stay with me long after I finish the last page. And Eunice Parker is definitely one of those characters I won’t forget anytime soon. I loved the combination of her dry wit and authentic vulnerability. Such a great story!
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
• 
  Jocelyn Green

  Katie Powner writes with such heart, I can't help but care about every character I meet within her pages. The cast in this particular novel was the perfect combination to bring about believable development while making me laugh and tugging on my heart strings in turn. Powner's books are always a breath of fresh air, and I feel better off having read them.
• 
  Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict

  I discovered Katie Powner last year when I picked up A Flicker of Light and fell in love with her ability to weave real life stories with heart that makes you feel so many emotions.
  
  This coming of age story had me imagining a hallmark-ish type of story, but I was wrong. It's much deeper than that. Eric took a bit of getting used to, and certainly Eunice (rhymes with Denise - that's an important fact) doesn't exactly scream warm-hearted, friendly next-door-neighbour. While it takes a while to warm up to the characters, around the halfway point I realized how invested I was in everyone... even the cranky ridiculous chicken. I'm not going to take the time to explain that one - y'all just gotta read this book.
  
  And allow me to point out how much I love small town stories. Katie Powner just knows how to do small towns justice.
  
  Personally I wasn’t a fan of Tiffani’s part in the story. And I do feel like the faith was not as deep as I’d expect from a story about a woman who’s nearing the end of her life. Eunice did a lot of talking to God and about going to heaven, but it wasn't clear how to get there (salvation, forgiveness of sins, etc). Okay hear me out on this one. Yes, this is a story about forgiveness, but it's not so much about God's forgiveness of our sins so much as us forgiving one another... making peace with others before we die. Which, ultimately, means nothing if we do not have saving grace and forgiveness of our own sins. I would've liked the faith to have been stronger and clearer. And Eric's overall faith arc remains vaguely unresolved by the end.
  
  All that to say, Katie Powner is writing stories that break the mold of the typical Christian contemporary fiction and I love it. This is not a romance, but it is tug-on-your-heartstrings kinda story that you'll be thinking about long after you set the book down.
  
  Content Notes
  
  This is a story about a woman who is dying. Some readers may not be comfortable with the details of Eunice's illness, and it may be difficult to read for those who have recently lost a loved one.
• 
  Emma

  This book was so good! It was a unique story that really touched my heart. One minute I was laughing, the next I was crying. Ultimately, it was the kind of book that inspired to be a better person.
  
  I loved the unusual friendship that developed between Eric and Eunice. It was fun, odd, and bittersweet. I loved their interactions and watching their friendship grow.
  Honestly, I didn’t like Eric very well in the beginning but by the end of the book, I loved his character! All he did for Eunice, especially towards the end of the book, really touched my heart and that’s when I really started caring about him.❤️ I loved his character growth throughout the book. It was so well done! I will say, I would have liked to see more of his story, particularly his journey to faith. Even so, I think it ended on a hopeful note for him.
  As for Eunice, I ended up loving her character too. Her story really touched me. I was tearing up so many times. I love how she wanted to use her limited time for good and be a better person. It inspired me to do the same.
  
  I absolutely love the small town setting! Books that feature small towns are my favorite and this one did it so well. Everybody knows everybody which makes it entertaining and gives the setting a homey feel.
  
  The only part of this book I didn’t enjoy were the parts with Tiffani in it. I see how her part in the story played a part in Eric’s character development but I just didn’t enjoy the parts where she was involved. Besides that and wanting a bit more from the faith aspect of the story, I really enjoyed this story!
  
  I was so invested in these characters’ stories. When I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about the characters which means it was a good book.
  If you love stories with small town settings, an inspiring message, and unusual friendships, I think you will really enjoy this story!
  
  *Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
• 
  Connie Saunders

  Eric Larson is ready to leave Tukston, Montana as soon as he gets there! Who would want to stay in a place that's 'like Tombstone', a place where GPS won't work? What Erik doesn't count on are the life lessons that are about to come his way, via a next-door neighbor he can't quite figure out. 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.
• 
  Laura (laurapedenjones)

  Where the Blue Sky Begins is a heartwarming, touching, emotional story of two people who are total opposites, and the most unlikely pair to become friends or to rely on one another, and they are sure to win your heart as you read their story. Eric Larson comes to small town Montana from the big city to help his Uncle Jack in their local financial office, and while he's there, he ends up staying in a modest house next to one eccentric Eunice Parker. As it turns out, Eunice is the same woman who was riding a scooter on the road, causing Eric to swerve to miss her in his bright blue Jeep on his way into town. Eric is unprepared for Eunice's quick wit, purple crocs, and the empathy he will feel for her loneliness. Soon, he finds himself helping Eunice and it becomes clear that both Eric and Eunice need each other more than they could ever realize. This is a feel-good story of small town kindness and a true example of people selflessly taking care of others. There is a little twist revealed at the end that had me in tears. The story is well-written and its the perfect book to slow down the pace, experience some joy, and a reminder to appreciate what you have in life, especially the wonderful people.
  
  Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for providing me with a complimentary review copy of this moving novel.
• 
  Staci

  I love a good General Fiction novel! I've read all three of Katie's novels and I'm not sure if this one or her debut is my favorite. Both are so good. I love how Katie writes multi-generational novels. In Where the Blue Sky Begins, the two main characters are about 15 years apart so not a huge age difference. What is a differentiator between the two is that Eunice is terminal at age 46 and views her life and days through a more heartfelt and focused lens than 32 year old Eric who is only in small town Tukston, Montana to pave the way to a promotion back in Seattle.
  
  This unlikely pair meet in a most unusual way. Neither is looking for a friend.
  
  Where the Blue Sky Begins grabbed from my interest from beginning to end. Great use of humor and animals throughout the novel. The secondary characters were well done and added depth to the story. Readers might want a tissue at the ready.
  
  My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
  
  
• 
  Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner

  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. 
• 
  Tamara

  Eric Larson has been sent to Tukston, Montana to spend time before he anticipates his move up to the tenth floor, which he expects his Uncle Jack to promote him at that time. He doesn't understand the reason why he has been sent to Tukston, he is just biding his time before he can return to his life in Seattle and put this experience behind him. Eric is spoiled, he expects the best in food, clothes, his women, well everything.
  
  Eunice is dying and is determined to ask forgiveness from everyone who is on her bucket list. She doesn't know how much time she has, but when she has a literal run-in with Eric's deep blue Jeep, she ropes him in to help her.
  
  What Eric doesn't expect is to be affected by the people of Tukston and it makes him think about things that normally wouldn't concern him. He learns to care about his neighbours, his co-workers, and those he passes on the street. He began to see parallels to his life in his relationship with his brother and his father, who is trying to reach out to Eric after a lengthy absence from his life. Through his friendship with Eunice, his heart opens up to the possibilities that have always been there for him to be who he really is. I really liked this exploration of human connections, I mean getting to know people and not just passing them by. Everyone has a story and Where the Blue Sky Begins shows us where it begins. 4.5 stars
• 
  Cover Lover Book Review

  Oh, how I love a book that makes me feel so many amazing emotions! I also love when an author hooks me with my first taste of their writing.
  
  Where the Blue Sky Begins is the first book I’ve read by Katie Powner. It made me laugh, cry gasp, and sigh. And upon closing the book, it left me inspired. Now that’s signs of a gifted storyteller.
  
  It was effortless to connect with Eunice. I learned a lot from her and admired how she sought forgiveness from those she’d wronged, despite her fears. Her eternal life was what mattered most.
  
  It took a little bit to fully connect with Eric, but his growth is evident, and I enjoyed his transformation and his discoveries along the way.
  
  This is such a satisfying redemption story with themes of hope, forgiveness, and understanding. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Powner’s work.
  
  First Line: Eric Larson had never seen such a sorry excuse for a town.
  Genre: Christian Fiction
  Page Count: 352
  
  Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.