shutterz's review
maybe later but writing style didnt hook me in the first chapter
hberneking's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
bibliomaineiac's review
5.0
First off, thank you to the publisher for the copy I received. While some giveaway books are "eh," this one turned out to be one the rare 5 stars. The author, Jake, is living the high life in Florida, busy life, great business (if you don't mind being at the beck and call of others. But finding this lacking in the fulfillment department, she takes the plunge and purchases a farm in rural Mississippi. Without having any experience in working on a farm or actually caring for any of the animals she has made a "wish spreadsheet" of. I chuckled at times at her experiences. Sometimes I wanted to cry. A few times I wanted to tell her to "smarten up' (thinking of Paul). But, no matter what, I enjoyed it all. In a way, it gave me Under the Tuscan Sun vibes.
ana_distracted's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
This book grew on me as I read it, just like the author grew as a person during the events of the book. At the start of this memoir, Jake is living unhappily in Tampa, FL. She soon moves to a farm in rural Mississippi. I didn't really like Jake at the start of her memoir, she seemed shallow and even after she'd moved to her farm, she told people she wanted to have cute animals and only grow cute vegetables. Over time, as Jake grew into her role as a single woman farmer, and her passion for her animals and farm won me over. Jake open writes about the traumas she'd faced in the past, molestation, miscarriages, and an abusive husband. She knew that in someway, moving to a farm from the city was an attempt to get distance from her trauma and heartbreak, but it isn't until later in the memoir, when she begins to confront these issues that she becomes a strong, authentic person. There are a lot of lighthearted and funny moments in the book, but there is also a real message of strength through coming to terms with heartache. I think this book would interest anyone who's ever daydreamed of starting over in a totally different life. I also think women who've suffered a miscarriage may find comfort in reading Jake's story of heartbreak and eventual healing. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Minor: Animal death, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
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