The Farmer's Wife

My Life in Days

By: Helen Rebanks

Narrated by: Esmée Cook

"An exquisite love-letter to the goodness of the natural world, and to shepherding family, marriage, and a farm to health and prosperity." —Nick Offerman, award-winning actor, comedian, and writer

A heartfelt, unvarnished reflection on the power of domestic life.

Helen Rebanks' beautifully written memoir takes place across a single day on her working farm in the Lake District of England. Weaving past and present, through a journey of self-discovery, the book takes us from the farmhouse table of her grandmother and into the home she now shares with her husband, James, their four kids, and an abundance of animals.

With honesty and grace, Helen shares her life in days—sometimes a wonder and a joy, others a grind to be survived—weaving in stories that read like a well-written pastoral novel. The Farmer's Wife is a book about the love of life, the nourishing simplicity of everyday work, and sharing stories around a family table full of good food.

Full of gentle wisdom, this book is an honest portrait of rural life and an authentic exploration of both the hard work and reward of keeping a home and raising a family—even though the job is often thankless and invisible.

Also included are simple recipes and dozens of guilt-free "Survival Mode" meal ideas.

About Helen and Her Farm:

Along with her husband, James Rebanks (author of The Shepherd’s Life), Helen and her family work as a tight-knit team. Their farm has become globally important through their nature-friendly farming practices and has been a retreat for many, including actor and comedian Nick Offerman. The Rebanks host events regularly at the farm to share their expertise and encourage others to farm sustainably.

What a pair and partner to The Shepherd’s Life!

This woman does the best job I can remember reading of detailing the endlessness of a mother’s tasks. She also vividly shows the roots of bickering that can divide a couple. On the other hand, she talks about wonderful food she makes, about sustainable farming and the importance of great food for our health ( and spirits). I

Precious peek

This was a great follow-on to James’s Shepherd book. I have been research regenerative agriculture and this five a home perspective of the transition of the farm. Loved it.

Beautifully written and performed

I highly recommend this autobiography that interweaves her life story with present day life on the family farm.

A serendipitous find

I loved this book, and it was a serendipitous find for me. Helen, if you should read this, there’s a neat story about how I found your book. A friend sent me a photo of my own book, “Following the Echoes,” on the shelf of a bookshop in Canada. It was in between Alan Rickman’s diary and your book. I took notice of the title “The Farmer’s Wife,” and it immediately piqued my interest. And then I noticed the name Rebanks. I absolutely loved your husband’s book, and when I realized that, indeed, his wife had written one too, I immediately got it on Audible. And, already from the opening lines, I knew I would love it — as I did. I have no kids and no farm, but I live in a rural farming area in Norway, and your story really resonated with me. Thank you for writing a gorgeous book! Cheers from Claudia.

Beautiful countryside lots of whining and complaining

I loved the descriptions of her land, animals, children, her love of all that, and cooking. But, a lot of whining, complaining, self made trouble.