The Montana countryside comes to life in this new release from Katie Powner. Tad, a troubled young man, has been given a second chance on Come Around Ranch. Ranch owner Anita wants to give him a place to thrive, while she herself is struggling with how to parent a grown child with developmental disabilities. Her love has carried Sam through and protected him so far, and she knows it can't stay that way forever, but how can she let go?

Tad grapples with the concepts of grace, responsibilities, secrets, and change as he works at the C-A-R. Twists he can't predict drive these lessons home.

I love Katie Powner's writing. This story didn't move me the way her previous releases did. The novel felt shallower to me, like it was just a glimpse at the much deeper issues and undercurrents for the characters and plot lines. I still enjoyed it and was touched, and would recommend it to my fellow readers. Anita was my favorite character and I could feel her conflict about her son, her community work, and her investment in Tad's life. If you enjoy contemporary stories about grace and second chances, I hope you'll see what's waiting for you at Come Around Ranch.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I love this story about Tad and Sam. Tad learns a lot along the way. Sam has special needs, and his parents are learning how to help him live a more "normal" life. Tad learns what that might look like too.

Katie Powner really immerses us in each character. I feel like I could meet each one in real life.

I love how Katie Powner's books don't remind me of any others. I can't guess what's coming next, and there isn't a central "romance".

Life in agricultural communities is hard. Powner touches on some of the issues that farmers and ranchers face. She often highlights the outsiders in a community and puts us in their shoes.

I want to visit these characters again and see how they're doing in the future. I feel invested in their lives because of Katie Powner's wonderful storytelling.

I give this book 5 stars. Read it!

Book Review: When The Road Comes Around by Katie Powner
A 5 Star Favorite of 2025

I am finding I LOVE a good Christian Contemporary Fiction book that explores themes of family, faith, and real life struggles and WOW - Katie brought SO much to this story. As a special needs Mama still early on in my parenting journey with our son, I related to Anita and was inspired by her so much.

Stay tuned for my reading vlog on YouTube on Thursday, August 28th, 2025! Lots of emotions.

Read if you like:
- Montana Settings
- Christian Contemporary Fiction
- Special Needs Families Represented In Books
- Strong Christian Faith Content in Books
- Second Chances
- Found Family
- Stories with Depth
- Horses and Farm Life

We are in the small town of Grady, Montana. We follow 24 year old Tad who has a reputation for trouble and past mistakes. He gets a job at Come Around Ranch. Here is where he meets Sam, the ranch owners disabled 20 year old son. He develops a soft spot for him and wants to help him any chance he can. Sam is disabled and his mind is more of that of a child.

48 year old Anita Wilson struggles with her rheumatoid arthritis as she works on the guest house with her husband. They hire Tad for the summer, knowing it's a risk, but they could use the help. Anita and her husband Dan try to always do what is best for their son, despite his disability.

We see these characters come together and find the second chances and grace from the good Lord above as they navigate challenges in life.

I had so many beautiful moments reading this book. I think it's one that forever stays with you. Tad experienced so much growth along the way. What is practically dropped in his lap unexpectedly added such a layer of depth to the story. I loved seeing his journey and trying to make the right decisions, despite the struggles he faced with his Dad and the situation he found himself in.

Anita and Dan were a great example of middle age, special needs parents just trying to do the best they could as well. I loved seeing them always take everything to the Lord in prayer. No matter the circumstance, they would say to one another, "we need to pray about this for a few days". Oh what a great example.

Also, Anita really had this perspective I could see I need to have myself in my own special needs parenting journey. Life is hard. We may not always get the perfect, easy answer from the Lord. But we have EVERYTHING we need, perfectly right in front of us in HIS time alone. It is all about perspective.

Thanks to Katie Powner for writing such a powerful story. I cried. I felt true emotions while reading this book and it's definitely a favorite book of 2025.

Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner is a 5-star read! She's a favorite authors because her novels are immersive, relatable, and don't contain genre fiction (romance, mystery, etc.) tropes.

This novel contains the hallmarks of a Katie Powner story:
- contemporary timeline
- rural Montana setting
- realistic characters that are far from perfect but so compelling
- animals full of personality
- sincere faith woven throughout

When the Road Comes Around captured my heart in its first chapters with similarities to my life:
- the family matriarch is Anita, my mother’s name
- Anita’s son has intellectual disabilities as does my nephew
- The quote “It took a lot of courage to be a farmer.” I'm a farmer's daughter.

I appreciated this novel for highlighting the parenting challenge of navigating "roots and wings" for young adults with intellectual disabilities, the emotional burdens of farmers, and risks and rewards of providing a second chance to a young person who has experienced plenty of disadvantages. The story is unapologetically Christian with beautiful examples of grace.

I don't need books to have all plot threads completely tied up at the end so I appreciated the somewhat ambiguous ending, allowing me to imagine the next stage of life for the main characters.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the review copies of this well-written novel.

Wonderful story of grace and second chances! Katie Powner pens stories filled with real-to-life characters that face everyday difficulties. With a compelling message of giving unwarranted grace and second chance woven throughout.

The pages are filled with memorable characters that will grab hold of your heart. I was mostly drawn to Tad and Anita. Tad is a a young man that has started a new job on the Come Around Ranch. His life has been filled with one bad decision after another and a bad reputation that is difficult for him to shake off. Anita and Dan Wilson have given him a chance to prove himself trustworthy, but it seems like he is a target for bad luck. Anita is a voice of encouragement, doling out grace and prayer for others on a regular basis, as she faces her own difficulties.

This is a wonderful story of intergenerational relationships, of families we are born into, and those we choose. Of learning when to hold loved ones close, and when to let go. But mostly a story of love and forgiveness.

A favorite quote: "Have you ever heard of grace, Tad... It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it."

I would love to revisit the characters in another story and see where life takes them. A favorite read of the year. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The author knocks this one out of the park as she weaves a story of forgiveness and grace.

I wanted to be one of the people renting a cabin and seeing the amazing Montana scenery.

The characters resonated with me especially Anita and Sam. I loved how Anita prayed for so many people in her life but also struggled with her own worries. Sam was such a great character as he struggles for his own independence.

Thanks to the author and publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

I loved it! I hated it! I want more of the story! I could not go to sleep for thinking about the story and woke up with it on my mind! This is not a romantic book but it is a story of love especially parental love and the ways it is shown! You will admire Tad as he struggles to be a better man! You will sympathize with Dan and Anita as they try to make wise decisions for their adult disabled son. My only complaint is the many "ends that were left hanging" but I know that is how Katie Powner writes and I love her books! I definitely recommend When the Road Comes Around to others! I received an advance complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House and Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

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. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

I love the down-home charm in this book, with its rural Montana setting. Powner crafts well-developed characters who embrace family, hospitality, and grace. I was particularly impressed with the internal dialogue of Sam, a mentally challenged young man.

Lots of good messages in this book about love, commitment, and hard work. It spotlights the paradox of agricultural workers, who enjoy a more tactile connection with God's creation than most of us do but often face trying circumstances beyond their control despite their arduous labor.

Highly recommended for readers of contemporary fiction who enjoy well-developed characters in small-town settings.

Katie writes such moving stories. I love that this story included povs from characters of different ages of life. It was refreshing, hopeful, deep and meaningful. I loved it.

Katie Powner delivers again! Her sweet spot is multi-generational General Fiction novels with a compelling storyline.

Take a trip to Come Around Ranch in Montana where Dan, Anita and their son Sam offer rental cabins and run a small ranch. Sam is a young adult, but his mind is still elementary age in many ways. Understandably, Dan and Anita are protective of him. Perhaps too protective sometimes.

When Tad, a local young man known for getting into trouble a time or two, is seeking a job, Anita wants to give him a chance, but Dan isn't so sure. While Tad has some growing to do, he adds to their lives and business operation.

Another well written heartfelt read! I love how she always pairs the characters up in her stories, to remind us of faith, patience, kindness and believing in others. Tad isn't so innocent in that he has made some dumb decisions when younger, but he is really trying to prove himself and turn things around when he obtains a position at Come Around Ranch. The Wilson's accept him in like family and he is really enjoying what he does but when a baby is dumped in his lap and he's told he is the father and needs to care for it, he is speechless. He is just starting to get his own life together, how is he supposed to care for another human being who currently needs 24/7 attention. With the help of the Wilson's once again, they are his saving grace and soon a routine is worked out with baby Charlie. Things seem to be going well, until they aren't and trouble always seems to find Tad no matter how hard he tries. Lately he feels he is trying to prove himself over and over to the Wilson's and even though he is front and center in these situations, he was often in the wrong place at the wrong time and so when he gets arrested for something he didn't do, he feels he has lost everything. Can the lessons and faith the Wilson's instilled in him get him through this and will the truth of everything prevail? I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Thank you to the publisher and author for the complementary novel and for allowing me to be a part of the launch team. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

Ms. Powner spins such a good story that you think you are peeking at real life. Her characters are so realistic and they face real situations.
Anita, Dan and their somewhat challenged son, Sam, run a guest ranch. Anita is a prayer warrior who still hovers over Sam, wanting to protect him. Tad hires on to help Dan with the ranch, tend the horses and take guests on trail rides. He becomes a friend to Sam. He unexpectedly gets custody of a baby daughter he never knew about. Things get complicated.
The story is full of lessons in taking responsibility, giving grace when things go wrong, and learning to let go.
The characters grow as they come against difficulties. Things are not wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end but that is just fine because life is like that. Real life is messy. Real life does not end in neat solutions.
This is definitely a story to make you see the grace of God and how He uses people to help their neighbors.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Why do I give Katie Powner stories 5*?

Because she can so naturally weave hard topics within a character driven storyline and not only write-in a couple of lead characters but beautifully develops a handful (plus a few four legged ones) that you can call friends by the ever dreaded The End.

A few reasons to love these characters-without spoilers-

Sam-We get to hear his POV in several chapters of the story. We aren’t told exactly what caused him to be mentally challenged but I love not knowing. That means I can relate him to others I have encountered that have some of the same challenges. He is a brave soul just trying to prove he is an adult.

Anita-Bless her. I had no clue that the hardest age in raising my children would be when I had to allow them to find their own way. Those same emotions find Anita wanting to keep Sam at home, protected and safe. I love her encouraging belief in the good of others and that she believes in prayer. My kind of wife, friend and mother.

Tad-How do you see yourself when you have been told your entire life that you are going to fail? At everything you try to do? I admire his tenacity and that he wants to do the right thing.

Two points I loved—-It is a privilege to pray for those in our life and no matter our past, mistakes, or station in life-we all deserve a little grace—for hasn’t someone given each of us a little undeserved grace along the way?

So choose a time when you can read this book straight through because you will have to know what happens, if they are all okay and how things turn out.

A great book for book club with discussion questions included.

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.

Grady, Montana sounds like a small-town paradise, but the Come Around Ranch is anything but peaceful these days. I always thoroughly enjoy Katie Powner’s novels because she has such a way with words that write straight through to the heart. I appreciate the fact that she is never afraid to pen about difficult subjects like serious disease, handicapped adult children and young adults who never get much of a chance to make something of themselves. The characters themselves are wonderful and deep, but as flawed as the human condition usually is. There is a relatable faith thread throughout, and it flowed so well. It’s amazing that a small-town story can grab your attention so easily!
Katie Powner is an award-winning author and a winner of the coveted Christy Award and was a Selah finalist for Where the Blue Sky Begins. I have read and completely enjoyed each and every one of her published novels and can’t help but recommend them all.
I received a copy of this book from a Net Galley and 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

What initially drew me to this novel was Anita having Rheumatoid Arthritis. As someone who has a form of autoimmune arthritis, I knew I would be able to relate to her and was curious how this would play a part in the novel.

I want to go live and work on Come Around Ranch. Anita, Sam, Tad won me over immediately and as the story developed I loved this cast of characters even more.

Tad is used to being the town screw-up. The way he slowly changes and grows up, finally believing in himself was one of my favorite aspects of this story. Proof that like most of us, Tad needed people to love and believe in him.

Sam and his love of City Slickers was such a great addition to this story. The way Tad is with Sam is just perfect and I love how their friendship was woven into this story.

This book has a group of people I won’t soon forget. Thank you to Bethany House for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

When the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner is a Christian contemporary family drama about Tad Bungley and those he encounters while working at a new job at Come Around Ranch. Tad’s relationship with the Wilsons, the family who owns and operates Come Around Ranch, grows as this moving story develops.
When the Road Comes Around is a great balance of story driven by plot and characters. Powner provides some suspenseful moments as Tad’s journey unfolds. Even though Tad is the focus of When the Road Comes Around, the supporting characters are wonderful. From Anita who is a voice of reason for Tad to Sam and Maddie, the characters enrich the story.
If you enjoy contemporary found family stories with a positive message, add When the Road Comes Round to your to be read pile. You won’t be disappointed, particularly if you enjoy stories set in Montana. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Gotta blame this book for keeping me awake last night! ;)
The characters leapt off the pages and came alive for me.
This is a sweet story about real people, farm country, out west, somewhere in Montana, I think.
Tad is a 20-something young man who hasn't had the easiest life. He's known for bungling things. But now, his job for the Wilsons has given him a new purpose, and he is determined to live up to their belief in him.
Life throws surprises his way. And he learns as he goes.
This book is about relationships. Difficulties. Health issues. A character with a mental disability. And other challenging things.
Lots to take in, ponder, and enjoy.
Gotta say - I'm glad I stayed awake and read. ;)
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Excellent story. I would love to read more about these wonderful characters and the beautiful ranch. I vote for a sequel! Author Katie Powner invites the reader to Come Around Ranch in Grady, Montana where grace is extended, and second chances abound. This beautiful story of not letting your past define you is dedicated to everyone in need of a little grace.

The characters who haven't had good role models struggle with making the right decisions. I loved the unexpected hero former troublemaker Tad Bungley who was raised by a bitter father who never missed a chance to tell him he was a loser. He has a chance to step up to the plate and he does. Anita and Dan Wilson take a chance on him and hire him to work on the ranch. He is especially changed by caring for infant Charlie, and he is patient with the Wilson's son Sam, who is Tad's age, but has the mind of an 8 year old. Sam is such a ray of sunshine.

Anita is a sweet soul, she prays for others, feeds them, volunteers at mental health meet and greet
place in town to serve coffee and donuts to those in the farming community. She like many of us has a hard time letting go, especially as a caregiver to her son. She trusts in God especially due to her own limitations. You don't want to miss this story!

I highly recommend When the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive, it will have a special spot on my keeper shelf with the author's other stories!

New-to-me author Katie Powner whisked me away to rural Montana, where there are acres and acres between farms and towns, making people's lives intertwined out of necessity. It was here at the Come Around Ranch in Grady, Montana, that Powner pulled me in with her spectacular and enriching story about redemption, second chances, and extending grace.

I’m still thinking about Powner’s characters days later! Her choice to highlight unlikely heroes makes her theme of second chances all the more powerful. Thaddeus ‘Tad’ Bungley, thought of as a troublemaker by the small town, gets a summer job at the ranch caring for a rescue horse and the owners’ differently abled son. Readers get to see what extending grace and second chances is all about. All three are worthy of second chances. I don’t think I’ve ever been as amazed by a character arc as I was with Tad’s. He continuously stepped up to the plate and did what was needed. I won’t forget him any time soon.

I’m not a mother, but I felt the emotional pull as Anita’s son grew up and wanted to step out of her shadow. I could appreciate how difficult it must be for parents of differently abled children. Letting go is difficult for us all, but Anita showed us the value of ‘letting go and letting God.’ Anita’s physical challenges pulled her closer to God, and she was anchored in her abilities.

This is a full meal deal book. It’s meaty and it’s full of emotion. I binge read it, but I can definitely see the value of going slow and or re-reading it. Powner has layered her inspirational story, making it possible for us to be fed from each reading. I’ll be putting this one on my forever shelf.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.