MY REVIEW:
I had no idea what to expect when I began reading The Sowing Season but I was pleasantly surprised by its content. Married 50 years to my own retired farmer, I could relate to this story in so many ways. Like Gerrit’s wife I often felt that the farm was the proverbial other woman and there were times when it seemed that my children had only one parent. Much like Gerrit, my husband sometimes still finds himself at a loss without the constant demands of the farm work.
But – there is much more to the story than that. I was captivated by the relationship that developed between Gerrit and young Rae. So uncomfortable and tentative at first, the grumpy old man and the lonely, fearful young girl grew a friendship that eventually healed the broken places in both of them and helped make a difference in the lives of others. From poignant scenes that nearly brought me to tears to the laugh-out-loud moments scattered throughout the story, I enjoyed every minute I spent with these amazing characters.
I am so thankful I had a chance to read The Sowing Season and look forward to what this new author has in store next for her readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can an unlikely friendship give them the courage to start again? Forced to sell the dairy farm he’s worked his entire life to make successful, Gerrit Laninga, now sixty-three, doesn’t know what to do with himself. He sacrificed everything for his cows–his time, his health, his family–with nothing to show for it but bitterness, regret, and two grown children who want nothing to do with him. Fifteen-year-old Rae Walters is stricken with panic every time she climbs behind the wheel. But any failure, including not passing her driver’s test, jeopardizes The Plan–the detailed blueprint for high school and beyond that has her following in her lawyer father’s footsteps. Though she’s always been committed to The Plan, now that the pressure to succeed is building, doubts about whether she has what it takes begin to haunt her. What was supposed to unite her family in purpose could end up tearing it apart. As their paths cross and a friendship begins to form, Gerrit’s and Rae’s lives change in unexpected ways. Will they discover what really matters in life and together learn it’s never too late for a second chance?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Powner (www.katiepowner.com) is an award-winning author who lives in rural Montana where cows still outnumber people. She is a two-time OCW Cascade Award and ACFW First Impressions Award winner. Katie is a biological and adoptive mother of three and foster mother to many more. She and her husband have been in youth ministry for over a decade.
