Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 27:2
“Your book is pointing a whole group of our women to the Lord, and bringing unity in the Spirit!”
A pastor’s wife and leader of a women’s book club
Tim Challies Author and Blogger:
“It is one of God’s greatest promises and one of our foremost encouragements: that he is changing us from the inside out. By the work of his Spirit, he is transforming us so we bear fruit—fruit that displays the goodness and grace of our Savior. That is the subject of this book, which has been written by one of my favorite authors. And as Kristin does on her blog and elsewhere, she not only writes what is true, but she writes it beautifully and compellingly.”
Scott Hubbard, Editor, Desiring God (desiringgod.org):
“If Kristin Couch had only helped me to better understand the fruit of the Spirit, I would be grateful. But this book does far more; through brilliant storytelling, Couch makes the Spirit’s fruit smellable, tasteable, and alluringly beautiful.”
Kurt Goff – Host Kurt and Kate Mornings, Moody Radio
“Wouldn’t you know it! I was praying this morning about more of the fruit of the Spirit showing up in my life. This is how God works: Kristin’s work has been on my desk for weeks. I ‘just happened’ to grab it during a moment when I was trying to catch my breath during a super-busy day. BAM! I couldn’t put it down! The right book at the right time! The other stuff can wait. Deep Roots, Good Fruit is filled with Scripture-saturated encouragement. Kristin has a gift for pairing observation with inspiration. She makes me want to be more like Jesus. Thanks, Kristin!”
John Myers, Director of Ministry Advancement, Strategic Renewal
“In a world where ‘spiritual amnesia’ has infiltrated our hearts and minds, Deep Roots, Good Fruit brings us back to the truth of God’s word and the reminder that the Holy Spirit is willing and available to us at any moment of need to give us the desire, power, and ability to accomplish his will. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement and the reminder of God’s love and care for us. Deep Roots, Good Fruit was a huge encouragement to me as it focused on the fruit of the Spirit. Several words came to mind as I read this. Biblical: it never strayed from the truth. Authentic: it’s obvious these were not just words on a page but life-changing words from someone who has experienced them. Encouraging: from beginning to end—and a reminder of the power of the Spirit to change and transform lives, including mine. Thank you, Kristin, for your transparency and authenticity in Deep Roots, Good Fruit.“
Pastor Bryant Crane of Agape Baptist Church in George, South Africa:
“Kristin Couch’s book is a wonderful resource to emphasize the necessity of the Spirit’s work in believers’ lives. More than just teaching about the fruit of the Spirit, Kristin has given us real-life examples of what that looks like in everyday life. I highly recommend it.”
Lyndsay Keith, Host, Centerpoint TBN
“Deep Roots, Good Fruit puts what matters most into plain sight through vivid storytelling. You will walk away feeling encouraged, inspired, and convicted, and ultimately desiring to be more like Christ through the power of his Spirit.”
Sarah Puebla, Biblical Counselor
“Kristin does an outstanding job of weaving together her very personal stories with God’s story to make a beautiful creation. She does an amazing job of capturing the reader’s attention with snippets of tenderness to then draw us in to the beauty of God’s Word and living out our lives as believers to showcase the beauty of the fruit that God intends for us to shower on others as we shine our lights and share our testimonies. Thank you to the author for making this goal tangible.”
Brian McDougal , Executive Pastor Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz Florida
“Deep Roots, Good Fruit is like medicine for a dry and weary soul. When Kristin writes, it is like a brush on canvas that makes you see so vividly what she intends. How she uses her own stories to paint the picture of what the precious Holy Spirit has given to us through the fruit of the Spirit is certainly encouraging and simply refreshing.”
Carolyn Lacey, Author, Say the Right Thing and Extraordinary Hospitality
“Growth in godliness is slow, and it’s easy to become discouraged. In this beautifully written book, Kristin Couch skilfully weaves story and Scripture together to show how God’s Spirit works, gently and patiently, through the day-to-day, seemingly insignificant experiences of life to grow good fruit in his people. Her invitation to slow down and notice this transforming work in your own life will encourage you and fuel your desire to grow more like Jesus.”
Stephanie O’Donnell, Writer and Photographer
“With each chapter of the book, each fruit of the Spirit, I was irresistibly drawn in. I felt like I had been welcomed in with warm hospitality, wrapped in a blanket and given a cup of hot cocoa to watch authentic lives play out before me. And at the end of each chapter, I was prayerfully inspired to walk more worthy of the Lord.”
and also…
Jana Carlson, Writer and Blogger:
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed savoring a different kind of fruit salad—the latest book by one of my favorite writers, Kristin Couch. Deep Roots, Good Fruit: Seeing the Fruit of the Spirit through Story & Scripture is a refreshing read, filled with captivating stories from Kristin’s life, paired with inspiring, biblical reflections on the fruit of the Spirit.
Each chapter focuses on a different fruit, from love through self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:22–23. In her signature style, Kristin captures her readers with charming, funny, and even suspenseful tales from her own life, then seamlessly draws us in for a deeper look through the lens of God’s Word.
This is not a devotional book, nor an in-depth Bible study. It doesn’t quite fit the memoir mold either. Like a vibrant fruit salad served on a sweltering summer day, Deep Roots, Good Fruit is as tantalizing as it is nourishing. It’s a welcome addition to my overflowing bookshelf. “
Andrea Sanborn, Writer and Blogger
“This book was both encouraging and challenging. The format was straightforward and the descriptions rich. It was the kind of book that takes you by the hand as a friend, drawing you into a deeper desire for holiness. Kristin uses vignettes from her life, sets them before the reader, frames them with practical application, and shows us the beauty of walking by the Spirit. In addition, her chapter discussion questions stand out for their way of thoughtfully drawing the reader in rather than the usual surface-level questions some books toss in like an afterthought. Highly recommended for anyone on the journey to Heaven, whether you have just stepped onto the narrow way, or have been traveling it for decades.”
Vanessa Le – Gentle Reformation Book Review
Jessica
“Kristin is a true storyteller. Full of stories that truly make you feel glimmers of hope, longing and encouragement.
I devoured (this book) in three days and will most definitely revisit it. You cannot help but be inspired when you hear of these kinds of stories, of ordinary people, living ordinary lives, but with extraordinary joy, peace, patience and what not…. because of Him. All in all it was a most refreshing read.
This book will make you want to seek Him more.”
Aaron:
“I’ve read countless books on the fruit of the Spirit, and this book sings. The book begins with a big truth: Love gives sacrificially — it requires loss. The thought that Jesus loves me in this way brings supernatural joy.
Couch has an excellent ability to write with nuance. She reminds us that to embrace peace amidst fear is not to disregard our feelings. But neither are we to crawl through trials, chained to our emotions, allowing ourselves to be led by fickle feelings. The Holy Spirit gives the gift of peace as we stand on the solid rock of Jesus.
I was most moved to read how the church is to be a place of refuge, unusually kind during life’s tempests. It was the word “unusually” that took me off guard – but it makes sense. The world is cruel. Christians are kind. I am motivated to exude the warm and simple kindness that Christ exemplifies – not needing to be extravagant or exorbitant, but strong and steadfast.
The book ends by showing how self-control is best rooted in our Savior. Deep Roots, Good Fruit is a beautiful book to read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the fruit of the Spirit, offering profound insights and practical guidance for both new believers and seasoned Christians.”
Danni B
“This book was nothing as I expected. I expected to dig deep into Scripture to learn more about the fruit of the Spirit. Although this book does do that, it does it from a completely different perspective and writing style than I anticipated.
Kristin does an amazing job of sharing inspiring, captivating stories of those in her life who have learned and lived out the fruit of the Spirit in very extraordinary ways. The back cover description hits it spot on: …you will long for it more deeply, pray for it more fervently, and see afresh how the Spirit is growing you to be more like Jesus. As you read every story that so vividly captures the beauty of the fruit of the Spirit, you can’t help but desire the Lord to equip you with each one more deeply.
The book is structured with an introduction, nine chapters, and a reflection questions section. Each chapter touches on one of the fruit of the spirit.
I particularly enjoyed the reflection questions. Although Kristin did a wonderful job of diving into Scripture throughout each chapter, these questions allow the reader to apply more of the truth to their specific lives and situations.
This was definitely a surprisingly joyful read.”
Laura
“Kristin Couch’s book, “It Began on Washington Street” is a precious peek into the life of Kristin, her family and the faithfulness of God. She is transparent in the ways God transforms her heart as she reflects on common days of life. She exalts Christ — always. I love this book, it’s such an encouragement to me. She is brilliant with words and I always look forward to reading her blog, The Palest Ink.“
Paige
The author is an excellent writer! The 65 chapters are short and stand-alone. The stories from the author’s life point to God and His great care. I’m reminded of God’s work within my own heart through my life’s circumstances, my relationships, and especially through the Bible. This is a great book for reading through slowly, chapter by chapter.
Natalie
“This book is just so well written. Wonderfully descriptive. I always feel like I can envision exactly what Kristin Couch is writing about. I especially love how she draws you right into each story and how there are these sweet memories that always point to God. This would be a great book to read aloud or for book club.”
Robin
“Kristin’s writing is so beautiful. I savored each thoughtful chapter. I have found a kindred spirit! I am encouraged to view the world through her eyes and heart and keep God and His word at the center of my life.”
Laurie
“Each of these gentle stories is a reminder that God walks with us throughout the day. In the joys, in the heartbreaks, in the mundane, tedious tasks, He makes himself known. Kristin writes thoughtfully, from a heart that is tender towards God. I savored her stories, and I was sorry when I came to the end of the book. Kristen is a wonderful author and I look forward to each post on her blog, The Palest Ink.“
Anonymous
“This is an incredible collection of stories from one of my favorite authors. I have been reading Kristin’s blog for quite some time, and I was thrilled when I heard she had put them in a book! Kristin shares some of her life experiences, always bringing out the goodness of God with each stand-alone story. I am ordering two more books so I can gift them for Mother’s Day!”
Linda
“I loved this inspiring book! I have laughed, wept, and thought deeply over Kristin’s beautifully woven words. Kristin’s grandfather is a role model for the display of God’s goodness. And Kristin has befriended faithfulness and reaped a bountiful harvest.”
Anonymous
“Such beauty, goodness, and truth that points straight to Jesus Christ! Each chapter makes me want to weep for joy and it stirs a longing for more beauty, goodness, and truth to emit from my life.”
The Palest Ink 