After he’s forced to sell the family farm he’s labored on his whole life, 63-year-old Gerrit Laninga doesn’t know what to do with himself. He sacrificed everything for the land–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 has growing doubts and fears about The Plan–the … detailed blueprint for high school that will help her follow in her lawyer father’s footsteps. She’s always been committed to The Plan, but now that the pressure to succeed is building, what was supposed to unite her family in purpose, may end up tearing it apart.When their paths cross just as they each need a friend the most, Gerrit’s and Rae’s lives begin to change in unexpected ways. Can they discover together what really matters in life and learn it’s never too late for a second chance?
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Loved this book. It wasn’t one of those books for me that I had to finish in one day, instead it was one I kept coming back to, like an old friend, that I knew would make me smile. So many heart warming stories knit together for a beautiful book with lots of grins. I think Gerrit may be one of the most loveable flawed characters I’ve read in a long time
I loved this sweet, thoughtful story! The characters were so well drawn all around, but I especially loved Gerritt, the recently retired farmer learning how to reinvent himself, restore his marriage and relationship with his adult children. His view of the world and reactions to it had me laughing out loud. The author struck a beautiful balance between light-hearted moments and sober themes, between youth and older age, a life stretching out in front of a teenage girl and the life stretching behind the farmer. I loved how it all intersected. Well done, Katie Powner. Can’t wait to read what you write next.
The Sowing Season is Katie Powner‘s debut novel. It’s a Christian contemporary story about second chances. It’s not the type of novel I usually read, but I’m so glad I picked up this story! The pacing and tone are just the type of story I love and the characters will stay in your heart for a long time.
Gerrit Laninga had no choice but to sell his dairy farm, unable to keep it up on his own as age caught up to him. Now that he has nothing to do, how should he spend his days? Especially when his work cost him his relationship with his wife and children.
Teenager Rae Walters has her future laid out in front of her, but to stay on track, she has to overcome her fear of driving. Not doing so would mean she would fail for the first time in her life and not passing driver’s ed is not an option.
Two very different people from different generations whose stories cross and intertwine. As the granddaughter of a dairy farmer, it was easy to picture Gerrit. It also had me rooting for him to find new purpose and heal what had broken.
As I mentioned, this story is not typical of my reading habits in that it isn’t a romance or historical fiction. It also doesn’t have the usual plot sequences of those types of stories. It’s more nostolgic. But don’t mistake that for lacking in plot. The Sowing Season kept me reading because I had to find out what happened with the characters.
If you’re looking for a book that is different from typical genre fiction, definitely try The Sowing Season. I’m excited to learn what Katie Powner’s next story will be about.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
The Sowing Season is the first and may be the only book I’ve read about an old guy facing retirement, and how he copes with resentment, unforgiveness and the confusion that comes with losing your identity.
Bring in a smart teenage girl who needs to learn to drive and you have a story that’s as poignant as anything I’ve recently read. Family drama, driving lessons, a neighborhood rivalry, a boy at risk, and a very mean rooster make this story unforgettable.
Gerrit Laninga doesn’t know what to do with himself after being forced to sell off the family farm that he labored on his whole life. He realizes that a lot of life happened while he was tending to the farm and the livestock, is it too late to make amends?
15 year old Rae Walters has had her whole life planned out for as long as she can remember. The intense pressure to succeed starts to get to her. A powerful story of friendship, second chances, and what matters most.
From the very beginning I was drawn in by the characters, and at first glance Rae and Gerrit are as different as can be. Gerrit has spent so much of his live pouring himself into the farm that he missed out on being present in the lives of his wife and children. He is a gruff, socially awkward man suddenly exploring a new chapter in his life. I liked how Rae pulled him out of his shell, and pushed him out of his comfort zone. Taking him with her to volunteer and meeting Morgan. Rae is an intelligent young woman so eager to please, but terrified of failing. I loved her heart for others.
Overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Realistic characters, heart-tugging and emotional, this is a book that is captivating in it’s remarkable everyday situations. I can’t believe that I put off reading it for so long! Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It is hard to believe “The Sowing Season” is a debut novel. Katie is a witty, polished, inspiring author. One minute one cannot stop smiling and the next one’s heart is being squeezed from all the emotions being portrayed throughout the pages. The story contains many world-building opportunities, regrets, real reactions to different real-world experiences, and just plain fun. I cannot wait to get her next novel in my hands. And the one after that. And the one after that. And…
I always have a big heart for a fantastic debut, and this one is no exception! I was extremely frustrated by Gerrit’s lack of communication with his wife, and I suppose the same could be said about Rae with her father’s “The Plan” for the rest of her life. That being said, the author writes with such warmth and depth that brings to life very relatable characters. I really felt like I got to know the characters, along with their deepest feelings, and you are drawn into their lives. It was also easy to relate to Rae and her fear of learning how to drive, as it was something I did not enjoy either.
Her next novel, A Flicker of Light releases the first week of October, 2021, and you better believe I will definitely be reading her sophomore novel!
I received a copy of this book from the author as a giveaway and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The author does a great job of addressing Christian themes without being preachy. The characters are well developed and provide you an opportunity to explore your personal life and realize that it’s never too late for second chances. While the story is about farming, it is also an analogy of reaping what you sow. When you add in the rooster and the dog, Daisy, you will find yourself drawn even more into the story and you will find yourself chuckling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I loved the way the characters evolved over time, not from imperfect to perfect, but from broken to healing. I’m by no means a farm girl, but Powner’s beautiful writing put me right there in this oh-so-relatable story. Well done!
I’m so happy to write this review because it’s not often that I love a debut novel and it’s not often that I love a book outside my genre, but this book delivered on both counts. It took a while to read it, not because the book was hard to read or because it was uninteresting, but because it was so good that I had to force myself to only read a few pages at a time until I finished up a big project (otherwise I would have stopped working to read the book).
Powner’s characters have relatable situations and attitudes. They also have heart and humor. I usually prefer to read books with a strong romantic thread, but Powner’s story of a 63-year-old retiree and a 16-year-old overachiever hit all the right notes and pulled at all the right heartstrings to keep this romance-loving reader engaged and entertained through the entire book.
What a great start to what I’m sure will be a successful career for Powner.
Rated PG.
This was a wonderful book by a new author to me. It definitely wasn’t just about a farmer but was about relationships and the need for healing many times in those relationships. Great characters and great storyline!
I loved this story! The characters are well-rounded and so full of life! Gerritt has retired from a lifetime of dairy farming and has no idea what to do with himself. With his marriage falling apart, what is Gerritt to do with his life?
Fifteen-year-old Rae’s life has been laid out for as long as she can remember. Everything she does is to help her accomplish The Plan. What happens when she gets tired of The Plan?
When Gerritt and Rae meet, great things are about to happen! How much can these two do to help each other and those around them?
I highly recommend this story for those looking for a feel-good story and contemporary Christian fiction.
Katie Powner pens a powerful story of second chances after a lifetime of regret. After reading the description I knew I would enjoy this story, but was totally unprepared for the way Garrit found a place into my heart.
Told from the perspective of two narrators, that of a grumpy 63 year-old retired farmer and a teen neighbor girl, this story of life choices, those we make as well as those made for us, is compelling. While Garrit is trying to overcome the distance that grew between him and his family over a lifetime of hardwork that is shadowed by guilt and regret, Rae is overwhelmed by the expectations of others.
This story is full of heart, moments that will make you laugh out loud as well as those that will tug at your heart strings, but the overwhelming message of hope and family will make you smile as you turn the last page. Wonderful debut!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Characters: Gerrit (yes, I mispronounced his name a lot) and Rae were both very realistic characters. I was impressed by how different Katie Powner made their voices. And they had to be different. A sixty-something guy doesn’t think or act like a teenage girl. You hope! Both Gerrit and Rae had their flaws and things they needed to overcome throughout this story.
Language: Clean. There was a reference to a cuss word that was unnecessary though. The word wasn’t written out but it was described as a word that rhymed with another word. Of course, my brain immediately filled in the word … Like I said, not necessary!
Morals: The main moral was that you reap what you sow. Forgiveness and using your life wisely were also themes presented in this book. One problem I had was that neither of the main characters were Christians. Ever. Yes, Rae did start praying and Gerrit said he’d go to church, but they never got saved. Now that I think about it, maybe Gerrit was a Christian who’d grown far from God, but it was never clear. So I’m confused. 🙂
Plot: Even though I’m not a big fan of contemporary fiction, this plot had enough going on to hold my attention.
Romance: Clean. Because Gerrit was married, there were a few veiled mentions of relations within marriage, but everything stayed appropriate.
Writing: This is my first book by Katie Powner (it’s her first published book too), and I was impressed by her writing. This didn’t read like your average debut novel.
Overall: I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers of Christian fiction and contemporary fiction
The Sowing Season by Katie Powner is a marvellous Christian debut novel about love and life and family.
Katie Powner has created a delightful set of characters, all misfits in their own way, struggling to make sense of life in the season they are in. The main pairing is a fifteen year old girl and a sixty three year old man. On the surface they appear to have nothing in common, underneath they are both struggling to find their way in life and are not so dissimilar. Both are at, or approaching, a crossroads in life.
The two are both guilty of working to the exclusion of all else and they have both been trying to earn the love of their parents. “The years spent trying to make his father proud. Lost in his brother’s shadow.” Even now, years removed from events, they still have the power to haunt and to hurt. In contrast they both have God as the perfect parent but have yet to enter into a relationship with Him. God loves each of us unconditionally for just who we are.
It is no good trying to live out the dreams of others. We were each created with a unique dream and it is this we need to pursue.
Parental pressure is hard. “Proud of her? Only if she kept up with The Plan.” In our wish for our children to succeed, we may inadvertently be putting far too much pressure on them. What is success anyway? I believe it is to be happy, healthy and to know whose you are. The pressure to succeed puts far too much stress on a young life.
We need to own our choices or our choices will own us. “The weight of bad choices in the past.” God does not want us to buckle under our pasts. He wants us to give Him all our guilt and shame and to approach the future with a light heart, fully surrendered to Him.
We are never too old to have a fresh start. There are no retirement plans in the Kingdom. We witness lives in parallel as they try volunteering at the local church after school drop-in. As we make a difference in the lives of others, we find ourselves being altered and our lives become richer.
Withholding forgiveness is never good. We become bitter and that bitterness will consume us and destroy us. We need to throw off the shackles of bitterness and forgive as we have been forgiven.
Pets turn a house into a home. There are some pets within the novel that will make you smile. They are characters in their own right. Look out for a grumpy cockerel called Bernard!
The Sowing Season was a delightful read. It showed us that we will reap what we sow. We need to be sure to sow seeds of love and not seeds of bitterness.
I absolutely loved The Sowing Season. It was totally charming. I cannot wait for Katie Powner to write more.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a general fiction book and I didn’t realize how much I had missed that until I read this book. I enjoyed grumpy Gerrit. Maybe because he reminded me a bit of my dad. Like Gerrit, he was of the generation that worked hard for their family and didn’t reveal emotion easily. I particularly liked watching Gerrit learn to connect with his wife again upon his retirement. Their relationship blossoming after years of neglect is a testament to long marriages everywhere – that unwillingness to just walk away. I have to admit that Bernard was fantastic – I loved his role in the book as comedic relief. And Daisy was written so clearly I could picture her head tilts and the look in her eyes. How refreshing that the larger theme of making a difference and leaving a legacy wasn’t specific to just one age group in this novel – each character, regardless of age felt that tug. And I loved the multi-generational aspect of this novel and seeing those generations connect in unexpected ways. It warmed my heart seeing those relationships form. A wonderful debut for Katie Powner. I look forward to her next book!
This is a book that speaks to all of us farmers who’ve seen our lives slip away in a haze of early mornings wake up calls, days filled with back-breaking labor, and working until there’s no light left in the day. Author Katie Powner grew up on a dairy farm so her own knowledge is shared in Gerrit Laninga’s thoughts and recollections and let me tell you, they are ‘spot on’! Gerrit’s story also targets anyone who has allowed their career to preoccupy their time and, in doing so, lost precious time with family.
Best of all, The Sowing Season is a lovely story of hope, renewal, and the power of forgiveness, with a reminder of what most of us have learned—in life, as in farming, we truly reap what we sow. Rae observes that “Maybe this was what that whole “harvest” thing meant. That you get out what you put in. If you plant anger and suspicion, you harvest misery. And if you plant reconciliation, forgiveness, hope—there was no telling what good things might come out of it.”
I recommend this stunning debut novel to all who enjoy realistic faith-filled stories and I certainly look forward to reading more of Powner’s books!
I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
What a wonderful story! Truthfully, when I began reading this book, I wasn’t sure it was the book for me. I at first couldn’t see how the different stories of a sixteen year old girl (Rae) and a 63 year old man (Gerrit) could come together, but the author did a masterful job of bringing their stories to life and connecting them in such a positive way. Gerrit starts out being a very crusty character, but as we get to know him in the book and he begins to have a different view of his life, I came to respect and admire him. Rae is a teenager with a big heart that cares for others. She gives this story it’s heart, and I found myself just as wrapped up in what was happening with her as I was with a Gerrit.
There’s some beautiful themes of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings all throughout this story. By the time I finished the book, I realized as was going to miss these characters. That’s always the sign of a good book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The tittle best describes the book.
Wonderful characters in different phases of life facing their own challenges was so relatable and comforting. Wonderful lessons to be learnt and lived.
The story plot started slow at first but picked up.
Life long lessons of life.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
With no one left to work the family farm, 63 year old Garrit Laninga is forced to sell the farm which has been in his family for years. Unfortunately, it seems he spent more time working the field and the cattle to be involved with his wife and 2 children. Reality hits home when he sees his wife Hennie holding a suitcase.
Garrit wasn’t expecting all the changes and milestones he missed because he put his work before the family. He had grown estranged from his 2 adult children and barely knew Hennie anymore. Slowly, his crusty exterior begins to soften as he accepts his role in deterioration of his relationships with his family. Hennie is patient but unyielding with his expectations and disappointment of the years he “missed.” Garrit finds ways to occupy himself with his open schedule.
He eventually crosses paths with Rae Walters a 15 yr old with “The Plan” which maps out her steps to a successful future to follow in her lawyer father’s footsteps. The Plan didn’t allow much recreational time for the young teen. She would often seek refuge in Garrit’s barn with her cat Mr Whiskers. The barn was rarely used since his kids moved away and stored memories of his brother Luke.
Rae and Garrit form an unlikely bond which helps them both learn what really matters in life and the opportunity for seconds chances. It’s a heartwarming story of family, forgiveness, reconciliation and new beginnings.