The Sowing Season

Written by Katie Powner

Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781705003275

Katie Powner

Katie Powner (www.katiepowner.com) is an award-winning author who lives in rural Montana, where cows still outnumber people. She writes contemporary fiction about redemption, relationships, and finding the dirt road home. She's a mom to the third power (biological, adoptive, and foster) who loves red shoes, Jesus, and candy--not necessarily in that order.

Reviews for The Sowing Season

[brittany Braaksma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful story about forgiveness and purpose, that can easily be enjoyed by anyone.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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...

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was given this book to read and review through Netgalley. The review is my own opinion and a good review is not required. The book was an advanced reader edition and I will take that into account in my review.First, as an advanced copy, I didn't expect the editing to be perfect but this book needs a lot of work.Second, the story was original and I liked the concept. I did not find it very realistic, though.Third, I thought this was a Christian book but there wasn't too much along that line. I guess that would be a plus for many people, but I was disappointed.Last, the characters were fairly well developed but I didn't feel that all the issues were well resolved. Maybe there will be a second book to help.Over-all I did enjoy the book. I give it a 3 out of 5 rating.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Sowing Season is Katie Powner's debut novel. Gerrit has kept the farm going alone, working from before sun up to past sun down and now he is forced to sell and split the proceed with his alcoholic brother. As he ponders his days he sees his brother and neighbor who, his father helped, while ignoring his requests. He deals with a lack of relationship with his wife and children.Rae is working on a Plan for her life, get top grade, volunteer and eventually become a lawyer like her father. He one get away from it all is sneaking into Gerrit's barn. It is there the two meet and Gerrit is talked into volunteering with her.This is an outstanding book that deals with topics such as guilt, mending relationship, retirement and starting over. I enjoyed the humor written in the story, starting from the first sentence. It is very evident that the author has deep knowledge of dairy farming and all that it takes. This story gives a very realistic look at what leaving a life long business is like and how one must find something to do to fill their days. I also like how the story show how faithful Rae is to her parent's plan for her, even when she is wondering if it is still her plan. I received an ebook copy of this story from Bethany House through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Sowing Season by Katie Powner commenced with searing emotion and gave me all the feels as I read through the book. Because the poignant story dealt with heavy issues, I had to take frequent breaks. Despite such interrupted reading, my interest in the characters and their relationships never waned. In The Sowing Season, Gerrit, a cranky, older man with a lifetime of regrets and bitterness, must face the aftermath of his own choices. Rae, a perfectionistic, overachieving teenage girl with a deep attachment to The Plan for her future, must decide who and what she’ll invest her time and energy in. These two characters are good medicine for each other. Their unlikely friendship brings forth character growth in them both. Themes about sowing and reaping, the importance of relationships, and letting go of expectations weave into these characters and their stories.I recommend The Sowing Season to fiction readers who enjoy novels that delve deeply into life experiences, including painful ones. The ending is what I consider an open resolution – there’s resolution, but not every loose end is tied up and there is potential for a sequel.Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.