A Very Unlikely Friendship
Description
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?
Details
- Book Title: The Sowing Season
- Author: Katie Powner
- Author Q&A
- Pages: 368
- Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
- Publisher: Bethany House
- Release date: October 13, 2020
- Recommended for those who like clean stories with inspirational characters
- Content Rating: It’s for everyone
- Excerpt
My Thoughts
I loved this debut novel. And when I analyze why my answer is always the same. The characters felt real. They were all people I could relate to. But even relatable, interesting, characters have to have a story to tell, and these most certainly do.
Gerrit who has known nothing other than working hard on the family-owned dairy farm finds the farm sold and time on his hands. And with time, he is forced to realize he and his wife Hannie are in trouble. She has been basically a single parent to their two children, and a wife without a husband for years and years. Gerrit has spent every minute at the demanding dairy.
And his children? They are resentful and slow to forgive their father for not being there for them. He has missed performances and holidays, not to mention the day to day life.
So that pretty much leaves Gerrit lonely and at home with his wife’s dog Daisy. Gerrit has some dandy discussions with the dog he’s never really paid much attention to. And what dog lover won’t enjoy those?
Then of course there is the pony barn that Gerrit constructed for his daughter Evie years ago. A barn with dreams that were never fulfilled.
But with extra time on his hands Gerrit, who has become a crusty older man, realizes someone is using the barn. Can this grouchy fellow and young girl, who is using the barn to get away from the world, form a friendship. One that’s full of understanding and honesty.
It’s a story with many facets. And if these characters don’t manage to quickly win your heart, I will be most surprised.
It’s a story that you will read slower and slower as you near the end. You won’t want to say goodbye to the characters.
My Concerns
None
What I Liked
As I mentioned earlier, the characters immediately won me over. Gerrit, the cranky older man who has time on his hands and lifetime regrets. Rae, the girl in the barn who is trying to meet her parents’ expectations, which aren’t always hers. Hannie, Gerrit’s wife who has tried to support him but finally has had her fill with coming in second to the dairy farm. Evi and Noah, Gerrit and Hannie’s children, are dealing with understandable disappointments regarding their dad. And Luke, Gerrit’s older brother who is now passed, continually haunts Garrit’s memories.
I highly recommend this to everyone. And if Powner weaves this unique cast of characters into a second novel, I will be right there to pick it up.
It is said perfectly by this review:
“Powner debuts with an enjoyable tale of friendship between a retired farmer and a teen girl, both of whom are struggling to find their place in the world. . . . This is an excellent tale of family, friendship, and finding one’s path.”–Publishers Weekly
Rating
I thought it was great!
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.
Photo Credit: © E.A.H. Creative Photography
