The Sowing Season, (Paperback)

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.

An excellent, heartrending debut by Katie Powner. The author gives us beautifully flawed but realistic characters searching for a purpose in life. This book shows not only how we affect the lives of others, but how they affect us. Are our goals worthy or are we missing the journey? Garrit is a crusty old farmer who just retired and is at loose ends. His past haunts him and colors all his actions. Rae is a teen who is reluctant to let anything get in the way of The Plan. What did she want? The question frightened her. Without The Plan, her future was nothing but a scary swarm of unknowns. A place with more questions than answers. A place she did not want to be. Friendships are formed and life lessons learned. There are light moments as well in the scenes with Daisy the dog, Mister Whiskers, the cat and Bernard, the cantankerous rooster. While not overtly peppered with scripture, faith is lived out by the characters. Forgiveness is sought and godly principles are practiced. This story demonstrates what it means to invest in people and not just exist in life. And that being a witness will reap fruit. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*