| Title | : | The Sowing Season |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0764237594 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780764237591 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 368 |
| Publication | : | First published October 6, 2020 |
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?
The Sowing Season Reviews
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3.5
"He didn't know how to be anything but a farmer."
Gerrit Laninga does not know what to do with himself. After being forced to sell the family farm, he has time on his hands. He has sacrificed everything in his life for the farm, including his relationships with his wife and children. He is left with regret and two adult children who have turned their backs on him.
Rae Walters is a fifteen-year-old worried about "the plan". She is pushing herself in order to make her father who is lawyer happy and to follow in his footsteps. It is hard work and sometimes she just needs to escape.
When their paths meet, both find an unlikely friend, and both begin to have and make changes in their lives. Gerrit is grumpy but has good intentions even if he makes mistakes acting on those intentions. Rae is sweet and has good intentions of her own. Both make mistakes, both work on themselves, both change and both are likeable.
The sowing season is a very apt title - it can pertain to farming but also to reaping what you sow. This book examines relationships and the fall out of putting work before you family. The book is in the category of Christian Fiction, but it is not preachy, and the characters are not overly religious. There is mention of faith, forgiveness and God but you will find that in various genres. My point, this book can be enjoyed by everyone.
The story is solid, the self-reflection and personal growth is rewarding to read. I was cheering for both characters. I like the message about it is never too late to make change or for second chances.
Well written, thought provoking and with some cute moments (trying on clothes at Macys), every scene the rooster is in and of course, Daisy to dog!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own. -
3.75 retired dairy farmer stars
Gerrit doesn’t know what to do with himself. After years of running a dairy farm, he’s just sold it. He still wakes early in a panic that he overslept, and the cows are waiting. Over those years though he put the farm first over his wife and (now adult) children and he’s now struggling to make his way back to them.
The other main storyline involves a bright teenage girl, Rae, who is an A student, following “the plan” that her parents have in mind for her. Those plans don’t involve a boyfriend though, what’s she supposed to do with her burgeoning feelings for David? She’s also panicked about learning how to drive – lookout mailboxes and curbs around town! This might be her one failure in life.
There are some hilarious moments as Gerrit watches cooking shows in order to teach himself how to cook, shopping at the mall to replace his horrible farming clothes, and all the great animals. I especially loved the rooster and the dog Daisy. There’s a great rivalry with his neighbor that threatens to spin out of control.
Rae and Gerrit meet in an unlikely place and soon begin a sweet friendship. They volunteer at a local church and are helping struggling students. This one has some Christian elements, but I didn’t find it preachy.
I liked the messaging in this one and it reminded me a bit of the dynamic of Kent Haruf novels.
Thank you to Bethany House for the copy of this one to read. -
I loved this debut novel. It is the type of book that deserves to be savored. These characters were so real and relatable and felt like people I could truly know. Gerrit is this crusty old guy who counts his life by the dollars he has left to care for his wife, who loves deeply, but struggles so hard to show it...he had me laughing (and cringing for him) when his well-intention...lol and not so well intentioned attempts to right wrongs and injustices he saw in the world). Daisy the dog was just a gem, and Gerrit's growing relationship with him was so sweet. Rae and the fears and real and imagined pressures she faces was so easy to identify with. Loved watching the love, healing, and understanding unfold with the various characters
I could go on and on about the little things that I loved about this story, but it was such a tender, bittersweet story of finding your way back to love and learning what it is to cherish the things you have in life while you still have them. Don't miss it! -
Wow, What a debut novel. This was so good. The storyline as well as the characters so easy to like and the ending was such a great ending. What at treat from a new author. this is one to watch out for. I can't wait for Powner's next book.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own. -
An excellent, heartrending debut by Katie Powner. Just as good re-reading it! Lessons to glean.
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.* -
Thoroughly enjoyed this read! It was unique and difficult for me to compare to other authors or stories. It was truly heartwarming, multi-generational, and rich in its message of valuing relationships-- both friendships and family. A redemption story of sorts, but not a dramatic one. One of the slow burn, cozy fire, wrap in a Sherpa blanket, type of stories. Loved it!!! A top read for me!
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This is a one of a kind story!
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this debut author, but I picked up "The Sowing Season" because of the cover alone. Yes, I'm not sorry, but I judge a book by the cover. *ques shocked gasps* And, I don't regret it. I wasn't going to willingly read a book that focuses a lot on a girl who has a plan and is working towards college like Rae, only because it would annoy me and I wouldn't agree.
BUT! I am so glad I did, the main characters, Rae, and Gerrit are not your normal hero and heroine. No, they are quite different in a good way! I loved getting to see how they both grew and changed, and just learned from the past and others' mistakes.
I find myself very sad to have finished reading "The Sowing Season" and am looking forward to following Katie Powner to see what she comes up with after this thought-provokingly different book.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. -
Gerrit is finally letting go of the farm. The farm that his father ran, and that he ran for the last few decades. He couldn’t do it no longer, and this was his last resort – selling it off. Not what he wanted but his body was breaking down, and he was no longer coming out ahead with costs. It pained him to do this, even though he knows this is the right decision. His one brother had died years ago, and his other brother was the town drunk that daddy had always bailed out. Gerrit was left to take over the pieces of the family and farm.
Rae Walters is on top of her game. Perfect GPA, volunteers all the time, stays out of trouble, listens to her parents and has always been taught to go above and beyond and this hard work will pay off when she gets into Columbia for law school. Following her fathers footsteps. But there is finally one thing she found she does not seem good at, driver’s ed. She is never going to get her license and the nightmare of the vehicle she is driving going out of control wakes her up nightly.
Gerrit’s new lifestyle is unfathomable! How is he supposed to fill his days, what did his wife do when he was always busy with the farm. He is not used to having all of this free time on his hand, heck with the farm there was on such thing as free time. What is a man to do in retirement. Is this even called retirement? His new job, babysitting the dog and getting the mail. He is not quite sure how to handle this new life.
Rae often goes to the abandoned barn, this is her refuge and place she feel safe. The person who owns it never takes care of it, and seems to never have stepped foot into it, since Rae has been going into it. She did some minor tidying, but that was it. Mainly just stacking the boxes to be more organized, but she has never vandalized or damaged anything in it, she would never do that.
Gerrit finds Rae in his barn one day. What the heck is a teenage girl with her cat doing in his barn! His barn, on his property? Why? Kids these days, does she know that is trespassing! Rae apologizes profusely and mumbles about it feeling safe to her and she meant no harm, she will never come again, she is sorry. As she is starting to get up to leave, he realizes she didn’t do any damage or harm and the dog seems to like her. What is so bad about this, but where are her parents? Do they know where she is?
This starts the two on a path of friendship that neither one realized they needed. Rae pushes Gerrit to take a look at his past, and relationship with his own kids and the things he missed out on in their lives as well as his own, and Rae has found a friend to talk about her parents to without him saying a parent things back to her. He has made her realize her nightmare is not really the fear of driving, but what it symbolizes in life.
This was a VERY well written novel! It was so good, I did not want it to end and I had quite a few chuckles! Growing up on a farm myself, I can completely relate to Gerrit and the farm work he put in, that farming really is your life and there is no free time. It can take everything of you, but it can also teach valuable lessons.
Thank you to Bethany House for the free book, this is going on my “favorites list”. I really enjoyed the characters, the writing style, the lessons and the farm life memories. -
Engaging debut!
The two main characters are quite an unlikely pair! 63 year old Gerritt Laninga has just given up on running the farm that has been in his family for as long as he can remember. 15 year old Rae Walters is laser focused on getting into Columbia Law School. As their paths converge, it's clear they can learn from each other and add value to their lives.
The two parts I loved most were: Corgi Daisy and Community Hope Center. There were so many comical moments with Gerritt and his "wife's dog" Daisy. It was clear he began to love her, but definitely wouldn't admit it. The Community Hope Center was a wonderful place for at risk youth to gather and for volunteers to make a difference.
I look forward to what the author will write next. This debut is definitely recommended!
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own. -
The life of a dairy farmer who has to sell his family farm was vividly--and realistically--portrayed in this moving novel. The focus on a marriage that needed restoration was a refreshing change of pace in the Christian fiction genre. The characters stick with you, which is always something I look for and find in the best reads. In fact, this happens to be one of my fave reads of 2020. A worthwhile, moving book that touches all the right notes, shining rays of hope onto relationships that have become embittered over time. I'll definitely be recommending this polished and gripping debut novel.
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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
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The Sowing Season by Katie Powner is a wonderful debut novel. Powner's story touched my emotions and I both laughed and cried in places.
Gerrit Langinga is forced to sell his dairy farm in his early 60s and retire. He really doesn't know what to do with himself and has relationship struggles with nearly all of his family members. Rae Walters is fifteen and learning to drive reluctantly. Her parents are pushing her to pass her driver's test and to follow her blueprint for life that they have helped her lay out.When Gerrit and Rae cross paths, things begin to change for both of them in some unexpected ways.
I truly enjoyed the characters of Rae and Gerrit as well as several others in The Sowing Season. This book is set in the Northwest but as a Midwestern girl with farmer family members and friends, I thought a lot of her farm descriptions were spot on. It was refreshing to see that both Rae and Kylee were only children as I am an only child and I could relate to some of their relationship struggles. A couple of times, I did feel both Rae and Gerrit were unjustly saddled with all of the responsibility for changing the challenging relationships but that can happen in real life too. They were both good people who made some mistakes and were trying to correct them and dealing with some struggles as things didn't work out the way they always wanted them to. As a foodie, I also love that Gerrit started cooking and hearing about his culinary adventures. I could understand some of Hannie and the kids anger and resentment. I liked Hannie and I loved the scenes where she took Gerrit shopping for new clothes. There was a lot that I loved about this book. I think The Sowing Season is a book that both genders would enjoy. Romance is a very minor part of the book and it mainly focuses on life and relationships.
I received this book at no charge from the publisher. All opinions are my own. -
Phenomenal debut!
There are SO many things to love about this story. The central focus of forgiveness and second chances is sure to resonate with every reader. There was such a beautiful development of unlikely friendships and restored relationships. A timely reminder of how our interactions with those around us can have a long-lasting impact. And there was a temperamental rooster! And a corgi! I have to admit, with my grandma being a breeder of corgis, I absolutely loved Daisy!!! It was a fun connection to my childhood. :)
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I cannot wait for what this author brings next. -
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.
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A poignant Christian fiction book about the consequences of making work a higher priority than relationships, the difficulty of forgiveness, conquering fear, and the power of love coupled with the power of prayer .
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the protagonist in Powner’s debut novel is a 63 year old retired farmer. I loved him-he was like so many men-giving all to his career to provide for his family but at the same time at the expense of his family. When it comes time to retire he needs to learn how to interact with his wife, family and the greater world.
I really enjoyed seeing our protagonist grow and develop. Katie Powner did a great job building this character. One of my book clubs who only like “positive books” would really enjoy reading The Sowing Season -
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. -
The Sowing Season by Katie Powner was one of those books in the category that would be called women’s fiction, but the primary character is a man. If you are looking for a heartwarming story that while is not romance, is filled with the best kind of love story ever, pick this one up. Both men, women and teens will relate and enjoy this book.
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I really wasn't expecting anything out of The Sowing Season, but I was surprised by how it was so heartwarming, I liked ALL of the characters, well not Bernard the Rooster so much, but he did add to it all! It was such an easy read but it dealt with some harsh realities in such a wonderful way. I came away feeling hopeful. 4.5 stars
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I enjoyed every page of this debut from Katie Powner. Relatable characters, beautiful writing, and a heartwarming plot join together to form a novel that is an absolute delight.
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The Sowing Season is so full of real life and the issues and heartache that come with it.
This book follows the lives of two unlikely friends: Rae, a high school career student who just wants to please her parents by followimg the "plan" they have set before her, and Garrett, a retired farmer who has completely neglected his family in the name of working hard to provide for them.
These are the stories of heartache, unfulfilling plans, misunderstandings, and lack of trust. They are filled with some hilarious moments as well as some moments that will have you trying to hold back the tears.
Very well written novel, very relatable characters, very real issues that will have you searching the depths of your heart!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author & publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. -
A heart-warming debut that had me chuckling and wiping a few tears as Powner's beautifully flawed characters stumbled through life. A Man Called Ove and Elinor Oliphant have a new curmudgeonly friend in Powner's crusty, well-intentioned but bumbling recently retired dairy farmer, Gerritt Laninga. The other characters, ranging from teens to retirees and a wonderful Corgi are equally well imagined. Bravo, Katie!
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This is such a sweet story! The strength is in the main characters, sixty-something Gerrit and teenager Rae. Both characters are so clearly drawn and nuanced, and I felt like I really knew them! I especially loved Gerrit's story arc as he slowly realized how he had hurt his family (while doing what he thought he needed to do to care for them) and tried to make amends.
The Sowing Season is one of those novels that draws you in and keeps you thinking about it after you've turned the final page. It's a novel that I think anyone - male, female, young, old - could enjoy.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own. -
I chose to read this book because I thought there would be farming or gardening in the story (based on the title and the cover) but the main character Gerrit actually sells his farm in the very first chapter. He basically retires and takes up learning to cook as a retirement hobby. Most of the story deals with how Gerrit had always put the farm and his cows first, even before his wife and children, and how he is now having to work through those severely damaged relationships since he isn't farming anymore. Gerrit is incredibly grumpy, tired from a lifetime of farmers' hours, and plagued with guilt over some things from many years ago. He seems miserable for the entire length of the story and truly seems awful to be around.
The story is good. I would have liked it better if Gerrit would have shown some improvement in his outlook and attitude earlier on. Gerrit spends the beginning of his retirement realizing how poorly he treated everyone he loves, and he spends a lot of time trying to figure out how to make it up to them. He works on his relationship with his immediate family, which is nice. He also becomes friends with a few local teenagers after reluctantly volunteering in a community afterschool program. Even though Gerrit makes strides to become a better person, this change moves painfully slow. Near the end of the book, he is still exhibiting a poor attitude and an unwillingness to forgive more than one person. Of course, he has changed by the time the book is completely finished, but the ending was very fast compared to the rest of the story in terms of character and relationship development.
This book read young and felt like a debut. It was a good story, but I wanted more emotional involvement with these characters. In the absence of farming or gardening, and in the absence of any real sense of development in Gerrit's character, it just didn't "wow" me. I'm keeping my eyes open for Katie Powner's future books though. I like the way she presented this story without a romance in it. That doesn't seem to happen very often.
I would like to thank Bethany House Publishing for sending me a review copy via NetGalley. These opinions are my own. -
Wonderful story with great characters. Loved Gerrit! An author to watch!
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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. -
Katie Powner's debut book is excellent. I do hope there will be a future b0ok with the same characters. I would like to know more about them.
Gerrit Laninga was really hilarious. That is why I mentioned that this book is also comedic. Gerrit was a farmer for many years, but could not keep up with all the work. When he sold the business, he had a hard time filling his days. He watched a lot of cooking shows while he sat in his recliner. As a result, he became a great cook and baker.
Because of all the time that Gerrit spent working the farm, his family was neglected and it caused his wife to wonder why she remained in the marriage. His daughter and son resented their father.
Gerrit had bitterness in his life and it caused him to have hostility with his neighbor. Gerrit came up with so many outlandish ideas to take revenge.
The other main character in the book was Rae Walters. Rae's father told her to get good grades and he wanted her to become a lawyer like him. One of the things that her father suggested to do to get into a great university was to do volunteer work. Rae was very good at helping others.
Rae was so focused on doing well in school that she did not think there was any room for a boyfriend. Her parents reinforced this plan. Would Rae continue to follow her parent's plan or would she step out in faith and follow her heart?
Both Rae and Gerrit needed to trust in God to help them. -
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. -
My favorite parts of this book were the characters and setting. They just seemed so real. I live in the middle of Dutch farming country, so Gerrit and Hannie could live just across town, and that barn is probably somewhere down the road from me. Gerrit was so crotchety, yet I really felt for him as he tried to make things right. I loved how he took up cooking as a retirement hobby. :) I also appreciated how his problems didn't magically disappear, but things were headed the right direction. And poor Rae. I've never been in her exact situation, but her anxiety was so relatable. It was fun to see her and Gerrit interact. I do wish Rae wouldn't have gone behind her parents' backs as much as she did. It wasn't constant, just a little of that "the parents are the antagonists" feel. At the same time, I realize why that tension existed.
As far as the spiritual aspect of this book…there was lots of change and reformation and resolution going on. That was great. The theme of sowing and reaping came up. But there wasn't much mention of biblical faith. Reading one Bible verse and asking God for "help with all this stuff" or deciding to give church a try does not make someone a child of God, and change without Christ is just…change. True change comes only through faith in Him. Maybe this was a "characters moving in the right direction" kind of story; I'm not sure. Either way, I like a bit more biblical teaching in my Christian fiction. I'm not talking about being preachy; I'm taking about truth lived out on the page.
Caveat notwithstanding, I really enjoyed this story. If you like good characters, family relationships, and rural settings, and if you prefer your fiction on the inspirational side, you should give this one a try. -
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!
