PRAISE

“[This] well-crafted memoir is a powerful and inspiring read.”
—Carolina Mountain Life

“An inspiring and relatable story about trying to discover who you are and what you really want in life, despite the odds and naysayers. And for Rankin, her soul-finding journey begins with a baby and an alpaca.” 
—Angela May, New York Times-bestselling co-author of The Islanders

“With her young son in tow and zero farming knowledge, single mother Lee Rankin set out for a soul-stirring adventure: to raise alpacas atop a mountain and find a new family. From sudden deaths to mountain lions to blizzards, Lee weathered one challenge after another. What she discovered along the way will inspire any of us in search of belonging. Farm Family shows us the grit, wit, and wonder needed to find home in the most unexpected places.” 
—Jeffrey Davis, strategist, speaker, author of Tracking Wonder

“Rankin’s celebratory memoir is about forging an unlikely new family among farm animals . . . each of Rankin’s family members—animals included!—is rendered in vibrant, loving terms, via anecdotes that flesh out their individual personalities.” 
—Foreword Clarion Reviews

“An enchanting, inspirational read. City folk and farmers alike will relish following Rankin’s journey to healing and success.” 
—BlueInk Review

“Rankin does an excellent job of explaining the care and maintenance of the farm’s inhabitants . . . She also makes clear the strong bonds she has with all her animals . . . Deeply felt.” 
—Kirkus Reviews

“Jane Lee Rankin is a wordsmith of the heart. She takes us on a journey to vividly illustrate through farm life how a heart can mend through death and despair to hope and renewal. You will beg her to write the next book, so you can follow her footsteps of bravery and endurance. Her story is captivating and engaging on all levels.” 
—Babette McAuliffe, publisher and editor in chief at Carolina Mountain Life magazine

“Rankin is one of my favorite voices in the world. She has taught me so much about family, life, and, yes, even alpacas. This is a great book for anyone who feels a call back to a simpler way of life by someone who’s been brave enough to take the lead.” 
—Jeff Goins, bestselling author of The In-Between

“The beauty of Rankin’s Farm Family is its honesty without pretension and the unintentional vulnerability of her voice. I felt the pain in her prose, the fear of her challenges, the heartbreak of her failures, and the absolute joy in her successes . . . You will cheer for Jane and embrace her story . . . and feel a part of her farm family.” 
—Jim Hamilton, PhD, Watauga County Extension Director, North Carolina Cooperative Extension