"The Sowing Season" by Katie Powner

 


Gerrit Laninga has poured himself into the family farm, tirelessly keeping it running after the death of his brother. But Luke's been gone a long time now, and Gerrit is in his 60s. His children don't want to keep the property in the family, so he grudgingly sells it—and promptly realizes he's let every relationship that truly matters slip away over the past years. What is he to do with his life now? Can he win back the trust of his family?

Rae Walters has lived all of her fifteen years according to The Plan. She's top of her class and pressing toward going to Columbia to become a lawyer like her father. But she's having nightmares about Driver's Ed, and fear begins creeping in. What if she can't follow The Plan? What will her parents do or say if she's a failure? Will she ever be able to get her driver's license?

When Rae and Gerrit meet, they form a fast and unconventional friendship. Together they begin to see the world a little differently and find inspiration to face their fears.

I haven't read a story like this in a long time. It doesn't fit any of the conventional genre labels. Katie Powner's writing is brilliant in its simplicity. The tension is steady but also gentle, drawing you in naturally. Things do ramp up toward the end when everything comes together, but overall this was a captivating, page-turning read that I didn't want to end. I can't wait to read more from this debut author!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.