Where the Blue Sky Begins: (Small-Town Contemporary Christian Fiction about What Matters Most and Forgiveness) by Katie Powner

Where the Blue Sky Begins: (Small-Town Contemporary Christian Fiction about What Matters Most and Forgiveness) 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 GottaReadEmAll

  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  Crystal

  I enjoyed this book! I really enjoyed how developed the main characters were, as well as the community feel. There was such a perfect balance of the main story line with Eunice, and how the other characters played into the story. Sometimes with books that have a community that comes into play, story lines can start going off in too many directions. I loved how well written this element was. I also loved the faith based element. AND (one more thing I loved), although there was a heaviness in Eric and Eunices relationship, the two of them together sparked a playfulness that made me laugh out loud several times as well as smile quite a bit while reading this book. There are some romantic scenes with one of the main characters, but nothing I considered inappropriate for a faith based book. It was clean. I was confused at the end of the book, about what two secrets Dusty and Bob shared. I think one was probably how Dusty kept Eunice employed to keep her insured and cover her medical bills, but I just couldn't figure out what the second thing was that Eric said they'd never bring up again. I even went back through the book for clues but am just at a loss. I didn't get the feeling this book will be the first in a series but I felt almost like I missed something or something wasn't finished. I will read more from this author though because I definitely enjoyed this one!
• 
  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.*
• 
  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!
• 
  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!
• 
  Katrina Lybbert

  Wow! Great book! I have so many books I want to read and so initially was not going to read this one... but it was a group read so I started it to see if I would like it, and it pulled me right in. I was fascinated with Eunice and her list. Eric changed a lot from his association with her. A sad but also happy story. Wish there was a sequel. I want to know more about what Eric does next!
• 
  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.
• 
  Anne (In Search of Wonder)

  4.5 ⭐
  
  This author has been on my radar for a little while and I'm so glad I finally got around to reading one of her books. Many of my online friends had read this book last year and gave it raving reviews, and they were not wrong.
  
  🚲I definitely got "Mrs. Kip" vibes from this story, although there are distinct differences. Mrs. Kip didn't really have regrets as she faced the end of her life - her story was inspiring because of her self-sacrifice and all she accomplished. Our heroine in Where the Blue Sky Begins is more of a normal every day person who has normal everyday regrets about things she said and did, and choices she made that affected other people. As she is facing the end of her life, she is determined to deal with each of those regrets.
  
  🚲Along the way, her experience affects a young man who is self-absorbed and vain. While he has a good heart, it's buried pretty deep at the beginning of the story. As he walks with the MC through the valley of the shadow of death, his own life is changed for the better.
  
  🚲This book made me laugh and it made me cry and it made me think - a successful book imo.
  
  
• 
  Kate

  I don't even know where to begin with this review. I mean, we're told from the outset that Eunice is dying, so we know what the inevitable 'end' for her will be, but, man! The journey she takes to make amends with people she feels she's wronged . . . and when she tells Eric she's no longer concerned about those who've wronged her . . . can I be like her when I grow up?
  And Eric's own journey . . . to see how he figures out what might just be important to him after becoming friends with Eunice. The last chapter kinda made me want to know what happens next for him, but honestly? I think it's better this way . . . with a 'hopefully ever after' rather than the 'happily ever after' that ends many stories.
  4.5 stars
• 
  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!
• 
  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.
  
  
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  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!
• 
  Kathy Maresca

  What a marvelous vacation read this is! Are you looking for something heartwarming? Where the Blue Sky Begins will soothe your soul with its believable characters and fabulous plot.
  
  Katie Powner addresses regret in this book, and she does so quite skillfully. Forgiveness is at the heart of the story, and we have a chance to watch the main character mature.
  
  I've never been to Montana. It's beeb on my to-go list for longer than it should have been, but now it has climbed a few notches. I finished this while I was on a cruise, and by chance, we got to sit next to a Montana rancher. What a conversation that followed, and I recommended this book to him. I recommend it to you, too.
• 
  Sarita

  Where the Blue Skies Begins is a story of approaching heartache, but also about forgiveness, growth and making amends when given the chance.
  
  Eunice with her stubborn no nonsense attitude and physical and emotional challenges through what life threw at her made for an emotional reading journey. I enjoyed how her, and Eric’s paths crossed and how they made an impact on each other, Eunice more on Eric.
  
  Eunice’s lesson to Eric, that you can only worry about settling things on your side (what you can control) was thought-provoking.
  
  Eric was a difficult character to love at the start, but at the end there were a few scenes which will soften readers’ hearts towards him.
  
  The twist at the end wasn’t totally expected, but looking back I probably should have expected something in that line.
  
  If you enjoy Women’s fiction, you should add this book, and this author’s other books to your TBR.
  
  *I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
• 
  Simone

  Oh my, what a great read! It has everything: eccentric characters, animals, friendly banter, sarcasm, grief, gossip, etc. This book gave me all the feels!
  
  For a detailed review, see my post on my blog
  here.
• 
  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.* 
• 
  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
• 
  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.