The Kindred Life: Stories and Recipes to Cultivate a Life of Organic Connection

by Christine Marie Bailey

Even though technology makes us more “connected” than ever, we still hunger for authentic relationships—with the natural world, our creator, and one another. But how do we find them, especially when we’ve lost touch with many of the foundational rhythms that draw us together? The Kindred Life is a rallying cry for real connection in a time when we need to re­capture what’s been lost. In this collection of stories, photos, and recipes from her home on Kindred Farm in Santa Fe, Tennessee, sustainable farmer Christine Bailey shares both the beautiful and gritty moments as she grew from a hopeful urban gardener to co-owner of a farm full of produce, bees, chickens, and flowers that provides meaningful experiences for friends, family, and hundreds of guests each year. Kindred means “tribe” or “family,” and at the center of The Kindred Life is an invita­tion to pursue the experiences that unite us, like spending time in the dirt, slowing down, and joining in a simple meal under the stars. We were all created with the ability to carve out a life of connection, and it’s worth every bit of sweat it takes to get there. We can slow down. We can step forward in bravery to do hard things well. And we can be intentional about gathering with and investing in others. Discover the beauty of community, the magic of coming together around the table, and the lessons the land can teach you as you unearth your very own Kindred Life—right where you are.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Abra Kurt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited to review this book - and expecting to love it, as it is described as "Stories and Recipes to Cultivate a Life of Organic Connection." I couldn't have been more disappointed, as this book is extreme Christian proselytizing cloaked as a book about food, farming, life lessons, and community. It is also very thin on actual food-related content.

I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Arika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book-the story, the pictures, the encouragement, it is a true treasure. The author shares so much of herself and her family's story with the reader and gives a true inside look at what a challenge it is to grow anything and especially enough to share. She weaves a beautiful tapestry of a story about her family, faith, and farm and while it makes you wistful to visit this amazing place, it also gave me a reality check that I am not meant to be a farmer. It sounds like a lot of hard work!

The pictures chosen for this book are perfect, they are bright, vibrant, colorful snapshots into the everyday beauty that the Kindred Farm offers.

Every chapter is laid out in an inspiring, easy to read and follow personal story of her life and how she got to where she is today. She writes in a beautiful but simple way that makes it so easy to read. The challenges she has faced and the way she talks about failure I found so refreshing. This is about more than a farm, it is about the author finding her true self and true happiness. I think anyone who picks up this book could find something to hold on to or learn from it. She also includes a few recipes which all sound delicious and simple enough to actually make them. I definitely recommend this book!

[Emma Troyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really fun memoir and call to action for living life intentionally from an expressive writer. The writing is a little bit flowery for my personal taste, but I have to appreciate her sincerity. I definitely feel like inviting people over to my home after reading this lovely story!

[Amie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I grazed this book, but there were very few recipes and WAY too much religious gobblygook. It’s more of a memoir than cookbook/lifestyle book.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read, and (to me) much more of a memoir/the author's story than a recipe collection or how-to for cultivating organic connection. One recipe in, perhaps, every other chapter--which do look tasty! But, the description and contents didn't entirely jive (at least until about 2/3 through the book).

I did enjoy reading the story, very much, I just got out of it something different than expected. :)

As a fellow American Christian, I could relate to a lot of what she experienced--both stateside and going on mission trips (which often end up impacting us as much as those on the other side). I was encouraged to rethink how I've been spending money and time, and look for ways to invest in lasting treasures rather than temporal.

And, I had to laugh at Bailey's descriptions of her tastes/menus changing! I've experienced much the same in the last couple years; thanks to covid, my gym closed and I started using a fitness app that came with meal planning/recipes. Even now, two years later, I still ask in amazement, "Who even am I anymore?" as I down another sweet-potato fry (among others). :)

The two sections that particularly stood out to me were:
- Slowing down to the speed of listening (because #introvert :D)
- The table being for everyone (and how it gives us a foretaste of the great banquet pictured in Revelation).

3/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is part memoir, part recipe book.

Each chapter of the book talks about what the chapter is about and lists some questions or thoughts. Christine then shares her experiences from meeting her husband to raising her kids and figuring her life out. There's a lot of focus on Christianity in the book and the authors life, which I didn't expect. There is also an immense amount of privilege even in the topics posed, including assuming that readers have a yard to practice some of her advice.

There are a few recipes and they're pretty straightforward. They're for things like bread, jam, and coffee. Christine talks about the significance of each recipe in her life and ties it to the chapter.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about a young couple who establish a farm in middle Tennessee. The photographs are beautiful, and the story is beautiful. If you're looking for a feel-good book, this is your book.

My only criticism was that the story and the book is a bit too pretty. Having lived on a farm in Tennessee for 25 years, I found the book a bit Pollyanna-ish. Farm life has its difficulties, and nature can be vicious. The social life can be very, very isolating.

But enough of that. This is a pretty book, and if you want to vicariously live this kind of fantasy, have at it!

[RaeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. I was expecting a cookbook. It is not that. It does contain some recipes, but it is a book about this couples dream and how they have navigated it. It was so beautiful and encouraging and left me wanting to pursue my dreams more and again. She does not shy away from or sugar coat the hard. But you see that the hard is worth it. My longing for community was stirred yet again and inspired me to start again and keep dreaming. It really was balm for my soul. It was everything I didn't know I needed and more.

[Kristin C · Rating 3 out of 5]

An authentic and sweet book. The Kindred Life tells the story of a Christian girl who meets a boy and builds a beautiful family and a life on a sprawling organic farm. The book is mostly written as a memoir, sprinkled with photos, recipes and gardening tips. Each chapter opens with a key word, a bulleted list of self-reflection questions and an inspirational quote, lending itself to be a journal of sorts for how to build and nurture your very best life, while living in the here and now.

[Brittany Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful books you will ever see. Every photo makes me want to cook something or get outside. Part memoir, part cookbook, Christine shares her journey so far. I've been following her on insta for many years. She is so genuine and thoughtful. She makes you want to be present and find the beauty around you. She has a podcast now and The Kindred Farm dinner is on my bucket list. Be sure to get your hands on this book and check out her gorgeous insta feed!

[Kayla(paperbacksandroses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and full of dreamy photos and memories of her time home, this is a great book to remind you to never lose your true roots and keep your heart soft, and mind open to dream! This book reminds you that the simple things in life are what really matter. It's not always about money and trends! Just enjoy what nature provides, take time to relax and dream!

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book with mostly stories and very few recipes. I'm not sure why they even included recipes, I'm guessing so it could be more broadly marketed as a cookbook?

So if you're looking for a cookbook, pass on this one. However if you are looking for a slightly touchy-feeling how-to book and you like reading biographies of people who are doing what they love, then you may like this one.

[Bridgette Guerzon Mills · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I would have liked this book better if it had been described more accurately by the publishers. 1) thought there'd be more recipes 2) thought there'd be more info/thoughts on cultivating the earth/gardening and being stewards of the land 3)didn't know it was more of a memoir of someone I hadn't heard of 4) didn't know it was going be to be so Christian/preachy

Pretty photos though.

[Abbey Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably more like 3.5 stars but the author has a good heart. I did like the book - the stories, the storytelling style, the life lessons. But it was oddly structured. Stories were out of order, and the questions with each chapter were at the beginning, which sometimes made them hard to answer. I think the book needed some editing in that regard but it was an enjoyable read!

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Bailey's story about organic farming, growing her family and writing. I just was expecting a book with more information about organic food and recipes and those were very few and far between. I feel like the subtitle should be changed to fit the content better.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a memoir, but I enjoyed it. Was inspired to go get my own farm.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book that took me a few chapters to get into. However I overall enjoyed the book as a whole. It was slow in the front but picked up over the course of the chapters.

[JEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful inspiring, comfort read, reminding us to live life well

[Jeremiah Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Call to Value Real Connection

The Kindred Life is a rallying cry for real connection in a time when we need to recapture what’s been lost. In this collection of stories, phots, and receipts from her home on Kindred Farm in Santa Fe (pronounced Santa Fee), Tennessee, sustainable farmer Christine Bailey shares both the beautiful and gritty moments as she grew from a hopeful urban gardener to co-owner of a farm full of produce, bees, chickens, and flowers that provides meaningful experiences for all involved.

To be honest, I am not sure how I stumbled upon those book. I think I accidentally borrowed it on Libby while looking for another book but I am so happy I decided to go ahead and read it. The stories Christine tells are well written and fascinating, but more importantly the ideas she makes you stop and think about are so needed in today’s western world.

I especially appreciate the calls she makes for people to slow down and spend meaningful time. Western culture has pushed us to be so busy, to be so active, that we never make time for real thought or deep connections. This has allowed us to devolve into the society we are today. The only options to heal the world are to get back to valuing people and valuing time for reflection and meditation.

I highly recommend this book.

[JenniB73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book! It's heart felt, relatable, and inspiring. The photos are beautiful, the recipes are actually feasible, and the content is just so good. The author looks at life from a well rounded perspective for holistic thriving: relationships, work, connection to the earth and where our food comes from, community and spirit. This would also make a great gift!