What do you think?
Rate this book
This Promised Land
When she ran away as a young war bride, she was cut off from her family forever . . . or so she believed. Decades later, maybe the only way to move on is to go home.
Ginny Pickering Boyden can’t wait for her last day of work, when she’ll be free to pursue a lifelong ambition through a master gardener apprenticeship. But an unexpected letter brings shocking Ginny has inherited her family’s Christmas tree farm, a dream she’d long ago given up.
Facing a past laced with memories and lies she’s tried hard to bury, a furious nephew who thought the land would be his, and a failing farm with a mountain of debt, Ginny returns to New Scrivelsby, Virginia, determined to sell. But when her younger nephew, a Vietnam vet, appears with demons of his own and three young children in tow, Ginny isn’t sure what to do. Too much of their story reminds Ginny of her own. She has little hope, however, that three generations of warring Pickerings can set aside their differences to restore all that’s broken, both on the land and in their hearts.
Set against the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, This Promised Land is the story of a daughter’s longing to make sense of the past and of the unbreakable bonds that bring prodigals home.
A modern take on the prodigal son story, written by a four-time Christy award–winning authorContains discussion questions ideal for book clubs
“History buffs looking for deep writing and character development will want to add Gohlke to their lists. Recommend to fans of Lisa Wingate, Amanda Dykes, and Valerie Fraser Luesse.” Library Journal, on Ladies of the Lake
Ginny Pickering Boyden can’t wait for her last day of work, when she’ll be free to pursue a lifelong ambition through a master gardener apprenticeship. But an unexpected letter brings shocking Ginny has inherited her family’s Christmas tree farm, a dream she’d long ago given up.
Facing a past laced with memories and lies she’s tried hard to bury, a furious nephew who thought the land would be his, and a failing farm with a mountain of debt, Ginny returns to New Scrivelsby, Virginia, determined to sell. But when her younger nephew, a Vietnam vet, appears with demons of his own and three young children in tow, Ginny isn’t sure what to do. Too much of their story reminds Ginny of her own. She has little hope, however, that three generations of warring Pickerings can set aside their differences to restore all that’s broken, both on the land and in their hearts.
Set against the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, This Promised Land is the story of a daughter’s longing to make sense of the past and of the unbreakable bonds that bring prodigals home.
A modern take on the prodigal son story, written by a four-time Christy award–winning authorContains discussion questions ideal for book clubs
“History buffs looking for deep writing and character development will want to add Gohlke to their lists. Recommend to fans of Lisa Wingate, Amanda Dykes, and Valerie Fraser Luesse.” Library Journal, on Ladies of the Lake
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
67 people are currently reading
2361 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Gohlke
16 books1,326 followersBestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Her critically acclaimed novels include This Promised Land, Ladies of the Lake, A Hundred Crickets Singing, Night Bird Calling, The Medallion (Christy Award), Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (Christy Award; Carol Award; INSPY Award); Saving Amelie (INSPY AWARD); Band of Sisters; Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2012); I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (Christy Award, American Christian Fiction Writers Award and listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2008) and William Henry Is a Fine Name (Christy Award).
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 3, 2025
“It’s not about seeing the good right off. It’s about looking for the good, for the image of God in every person.”
This family saga packs a punch!
Set on the Wetherill Pickering’s Christmas Tree Farm in New Scrivelsby, Virginia and spanning fifty years beginning in the 1940s, this story chronicles the intricacies of the Pickerings’ family life and the impact societal changes brought to their family dynamics. Cathy Gohlke spotlights the concept of home and belonging, especially those who fend for themselves, struggle without the support of a family, or are without a place to feel loved and welcome.
The strong matriarch in this family is a great aunt, 65-year-old Ginny Boyden. She’d been written out of her family’s will and life 50 years ago and was on the cusp of realizing her dreams for retirement when she received a letter about a family inheritance. She returns to Virginia with no expectations other than realizing that she’s considered the prodigal daughter who’d disappointed her entire family. Her plans included a quick sale and return to New Jersey. She didn’t plan on second chances and new beginnings.
I quickly became absorbed in the lives of the Pickering family and saw why Ginny referred to them as a family of prodigals. Gohlke’s rich storytelling made it easy to connect to her reimagining of the biblical story of the prodigal son. I appreciated the reminders that we are all at one time or another runaways from God, that we can’t change our past but we can change the trajectory of our future, that there’s danger in being judgemental, and that most of us are bent on grabbing our wants.
Arlo, Marley, and Cooper and their father, Mark, in addition to Bethany, Luke and Ginny nestled their way into my heart and I was sad to say goodbye. I was rooting for everyone in this family and hoping they broke free from the hurt and fear to receive the love and hope they were searching for. Gohlke adeptly used the canvas of this family saga to explore history, family dynamics and tie them tightly with threads of faith.
I was gifted this copy by Tyndale and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This family saga packs a punch!
Set on the Wetherill Pickering’s Christmas Tree Farm in New Scrivelsby, Virginia and spanning fifty years beginning in the 1940s, this story chronicles the intricacies of the Pickerings’ family life and the impact societal changes brought to their family dynamics. Cathy Gohlke spotlights the concept of home and belonging, especially those who fend for themselves, struggle without the support of a family, or are without a place to feel loved and welcome.
The strong matriarch in this family is a great aunt, 65-year-old Ginny Boyden. She’d been written out of her family’s will and life 50 years ago and was on the cusp of realizing her dreams for retirement when she received a letter about a family inheritance. She returns to Virginia with no expectations other than realizing that she’s considered the prodigal daughter who’d disappointed her entire family. Her plans included a quick sale and return to New Jersey. She didn’t plan on second chances and new beginnings.
I quickly became absorbed in the lives of the Pickering family and saw why Ginny referred to them as a family of prodigals. Gohlke’s rich storytelling made it easy to connect to her reimagining of the biblical story of the prodigal son. I appreciated the reminders that we are all at one time or another runaways from God, that we can’t change our past but we can change the trajectory of our future, that there’s danger in being judgemental, and that most of us are bent on grabbing our wants.
Arlo, Marley, and Cooper and their father, Mark, in addition to Bethany, Luke and Ginny nestled their way into my heart and I was sad to say goodbye. I was rooting for everyone in this family and hoping they broke free from the hurt and fear to receive the love and hope they were searching for. Gohlke adeptly used the canvas of this family saga to explore history, family dynamics and tie them tightly with threads of faith.
I was gifted this copy by Tyndale and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 5, 2025
This story of faith and healing came to me when I needed it most, as timeless stories often do. Gohlke's straightforward yet heartfelt style strikes just the right chord. As I await the return of prodigals in my own life, This Promised Land reminds me to never give up hope and never stop keeping watch over the road. I couldn't quit turning pages. If you love stories like He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox, you will love This Promised Land.
June 6, 2025
This is my first by Cathy but will not be my last!
She broke my heart, almost made me cry, healed it and showed there is love and forgiveness for every story and family. The saying I have said for years she portrayed very accurately "We did the best we could at the time as we knew how"
This story is very precious to me and I'm definitely putting it on my keeper shelf. A must read!
She broke my heart, almost made me cry, healed it and showed there is love and forgiveness for every story and family. The saying I have said for years she portrayed very accurately "We did the best we could at the time as we knew how"
This story is very precious to me and I'm definitely putting it on my keeper shelf. A must read!
October 8, 2025
1992 Virginia
Lovely! Such a wonderful cast of characters, broken families, heartbreak, PTSD and so much more combine to make a compelling tale.
The novel has similarities to the parable of the prodigal son. Favorites lines: "We all have the chance to be any one of those characters-the runaway, prodigal son who finally wants to come home, the older, selfish, self-righteous brother who doesn't want to forgive or share what there is; or the running father, the one who doesn't hold the past against either son but welcomes each of them home once they come."
I think it was young Arlo and her father Mark that stole my heart most of all. Be prepared for an emotional and rewarding journey in the pages. It's time well spent.
Lovely! Such a wonderful cast of characters, broken families, heartbreak, PTSD and so much more combine to make a compelling tale.
The novel has similarities to the parable of the prodigal son. Favorites lines: "We all have the chance to be any one of those characters-the runaway, prodigal son who finally wants to come home, the older, selfish, self-righteous brother who doesn't want to forgive or share what there is; or the running father, the one who doesn't hold the past against either son but welcomes each of them home once they come."
I think it was young Arlo and her father Mark that stole my heart most of all. Be prepared for an emotional and rewarding journey in the pages. It's time well spent.
December 1, 2025
I loved this book.
😊The characters were so real, I felt I knew them, even though there was a large cast of characters. They were each finely nuanced, a blend of good and bad, positive and negative.
🌲The setting was 👌, but I might be biased because it's a local setting that I know and love.
🥺 The emotions were pitch perfect. I had a lump in my throat for much of the story, but it wasn't so heavy that it dragged me down. And the third act tension was significant but not too much .
🏃♀️ The primary theme of the prodigal son was maybe a but heavily handled but honestly I ate it up. Normally, I dislike it when a book focuses too much on its themes to the detriment of the storytelling, but it didn't feel preachy or didactic at all.
👵I loved that our main protagonist was the age of a grandmother. But we also had the POV of a young girl and a woman in between their ages, resulting in a multigenerational family story. ❤️
😊The characters were so real, I felt I knew them, even though there was a large cast of characters. They were each finely nuanced, a blend of good and bad, positive and negative.
🌲The setting was 👌, but I might be biased because it's a local setting that I know and love.
🥺 The emotions were pitch perfect. I had a lump in my throat for much of the story, but it wasn't so heavy that it dragged me down. And the third act tension was significant but not too much .
🏃♀️ The primary theme of the prodigal son was maybe a but heavily handled but honestly I ate it up. Normally, I dislike it when a book focuses too much on its themes to the detriment of the storytelling, but it didn't feel preachy or didactic at all.
👵I loved that our main protagonist was the age of a grandmother. But we also had the POV of a young girl and a woman in between their ages, resulting in a multigenerational family story. ❤️
October 3, 2025
[3.5 stars only because it's just not my favorite genre/pace of book]
This Promised Land is unapologetically inspired by the story of the prodigal son found in Scripture. It is a second-chance family drama set on a Christmas tree farm in the mountains of Virginia in the 90s.
It’s not a son finding his way home, but a nephew and a great aunt looking for belonging and experiencing forgiveness and love once again.
This is probably a great book for readers who enjoy family dramas or fiction novels. It felt a little slow to me because my preferred genre is usually suspense thrillers and mysteries. I can enjoy non-mystery historical fiction when I’m learning things. This one didn’t really have a mystery and the period wasn’t very historical. It was more just a day-to-day happenings and character development type of book.
I didn’t see anything problematic or frustrating with the book; it just isn’t my favorite kind of read.
Here’s a brief summary of the plot.
In the beginning of the book we find that Ginny wanted to marry Curtis, a teenage foster boy whom their family took in. It was right before WWII and Curtis was drafted. Ginny’s mother advised her not to marry until he returned from war. Ginny went against her mother’s wishes and found herself disowned by her family and unwelcome to return to the family farm where she had been promised her inheritance— part of the farm.
She’s 65 years old now, widowed, and newly retired, ready to live her dream in England doing horticultural stuff (she’s a master gardener). But she is informed by letter that her inheritance never fully went to her now deceased brother. The farm is hers.
Ginny returns to a farm on the verge of collapse due to her brother’s poor choices and hostile nephews who thought they would be the ones inheriting the farm.
“She needed to put her demons to rest and move on. She’d stay only as long as required to get things settled about the farm. Maybe in that time she’d find the answers she needed. She couldn’t stay longer. She wouldn’t get sucked into anger and regret like she imagined Harold had.”
The story revolves around the three families (Ginny and her nephews Luke and Mark) and their efforts to come up with the funds to pay back-taxes. There are many obstacles working against them. Through it all they must reconcile their hurts and do what family should do— stick together.
Every character has a development arc.
Ginny is struggling with her conflicting desires to ‘follow her dream’ and be with family. She also sees similarities between Mark’s war PTSD with what she dealt with with Curtis. She feels she failed her husband and wants to try to help Mark in ways she was never able to with Curtis.
Mark has three children as a single dad. His time in Vietnam leading him to drunkenness and his and his ex-wife’s dabbling in drugs all resulted with his kids spending time in foster care. He’s sober now and determined to do what he has to keep his kids.
His kids (Arlo, Marley, and Cooper) have never experienced a stable home or a healthy mother figure. Ginny and Luke’s wife Bethany stand in the gap and offer them love and security and meet their physical needs. If things go awry, the future is uncertain and scary for them. They don’t want to have to leave again.
Luke is the ‘older son.’ He is battling anger with the lies and failures of his father and his responsibility to clean up the mess without the resources and ability to do it on his own. He’s angry at his brother for leaving and being unreliable. He’s angry at Ginny because she ‘took’ his inheritance and is probably going to sell it.
Bethany is stuck between supporting her husband and wanting to be there for the kids. Having no kids of her own, being with the kids is filling up her heart, but Luke doesn’t want her to get too attached to them.
Will is one of the side characters— his father was Ginny’s parents’ lawyer and now he’s the one handling her mother and brother’s estates. But there is some romantic interest between Will and Ginny.
I think Will is probably my favorite character. He is a solid guy that loves helping people. He is generous with his time and resources and he’s really good with troubled kids. He is wise and present and is always saving the day. He was the glue that held everyone together.
So all of these things collide and play off each other over the course of the story as they all realize they need each other.
I guess one thing that I felt was misleading was when at the beginning of the story Ginny confesses that she paid off years of debt “all while keeping her husband’s secret… and hers.”
That was a hook for me. Secrets! What could they be?! But in the end I feel like there really wasn’t a secret. It felt like too big of a hook for the little minnow that comes out of the water.
I did enjoy the Christmas tree farm setting. There is just something magical about it, even when it’s the summertime. I’m glad the story took us into the holiday season and we got to experience some of the anticipation of preparing for Christmas. I think it might have been better if more of the book could have taken place during that time, but the character arcs probably needed all those months to make sense.
Recommendation
I think the heart of this book could be summed up in this quote:
“‘Hurt, fear, grief— all make people do and say things that can come out rough. Being trapped in their hurts and fears keeps folks from seeing the good around them, the good in others.’”
If you want to read a slower story that encompasses this quote and shows how a broken family can be restored, then I think you’ll love this book.
If you are looking for mysteries and fast-paced narratives, this is probably not going to do the trick for you.
It wasn’t my favorite type of book, but sometimes it’s good to slow down every once and awhile.
[Content Advisory: none]
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
This Promised Land is unapologetically inspired by the story of the prodigal son found in Scripture. It is a second-chance family drama set on a Christmas tree farm in the mountains of Virginia in the 90s.
It’s not a son finding his way home, but a nephew and a great aunt looking for belonging and experiencing forgiveness and love once again.
This is probably a great book for readers who enjoy family dramas or fiction novels. It felt a little slow to me because my preferred genre is usually suspense thrillers and mysteries. I can enjoy non-mystery historical fiction when I’m learning things. This one didn’t really have a mystery and the period wasn’t very historical. It was more just a day-to-day happenings and character development type of book.
I didn’t see anything problematic or frustrating with the book; it just isn’t my favorite kind of read.
Here’s a brief summary of the plot.
In the beginning of the book we find that Ginny wanted to marry Curtis, a teenage foster boy whom their family took in. It was right before WWII and Curtis was drafted. Ginny’s mother advised her not to marry until he returned from war. Ginny went against her mother’s wishes and found herself disowned by her family and unwelcome to return to the family farm where she had been promised her inheritance— part of the farm.
She’s 65 years old now, widowed, and newly retired, ready to live her dream in England doing horticultural stuff (she’s a master gardener). But she is informed by letter that her inheritance never fully went to her now deceased brother. The farm is hers.
Ginny returns to a farm on the verge of collapse due to her brother’s poor choices and hostile nephews who thought they would be the ones inheriting the farm.
“She needed to put her demons to rest and move on. She’d stay only as long as required to get things settled about the farm. Maybe in that time she’d find the answers she needed. She couldn’t stay longer. She wouldn’t get sucked into anger and regret like she imagined Harold had.”
The story revolves around the three families (Ginny and her nephews Luke and Mark) and their efforts to come up with the funds to pay back-taxes. There are many obstacles working against them. Through it all they must reconcile their hurts and do what family should do— stick together.
Every character has a development arc.
Ginny is struggling with her conflicting desires to ‘follow her dream’ and be with family. She also sees similarities between Mark’s war PTSD with what she dealt with with Curtis. She feels she failed her husband and wants to try to help Mark in ways she was never able to with Curtis.
Mark has three children as a single dad. His time in Vietnam leading him to drunkenness and his and his ex-wife’s dabbling in drugs all resulted with his kids spending time in foster care. He’s sober now and determined to do what he has to keep his kids.
His kids (Arlo, Marley, and Cooper) have never experienced a stable home or a healthy mother figure. Ginny and Luke’s wife Bethany stand in the gap and offer them love and security and meet their physical needs. If things go awry, the future is uncertain and scary for them. They don’t want to have to leave again.
Luke is the ‘older son.’ He is battling anger with the lies and failures of his father and his responsibility to clean up the mess without the resources and ability to do it on his own. He’s angry at his brother for leaving and being unreliable. He’s angry at Ginny because she ‘took’ his inheritance and is probably going to sell it.
Bethany is stuck between supporting her husband and wanting to be there for the kids. Having no kids of her own, being with the kids is filling up her heart, but Luke doesn’t want her to get too attached to them.
Will is one of the side characters— his father was Ginny’s parents’ lawyer and now he’s the one handling her mother and brother’s estates. But there is some romantic interest between Will and Ginny.
I think Will is probably my favorite character. He is a solid guy that loves helping people. He is generous with his time and resources and he’s really good with troubled kids. He is wise and present and is always saving the day. He was the glue that held everyone together.
So all of these things collide and play off each other over the course of the story as they all realize they need each other.
I guess one thing that I felt was misleading was when at the beginning of the story Ginny confesses that she paid off years of debt “all while keeping her husband’s secret… and hers.”
That was a hook for me. Secrets! What could they be?! But in the end I feel like there really wasn’t a secret. It felt like too big of a hook for the little minnow that comes out of the water.
I did enjoy the Christmas tree farm setting. There is just something magical about it, even when it’s the summertime. I’m glad the story took us into the holiday season and we got to experience some of the anticipation of preparing for Christmas. I think it might have been better if more of the book could have taken place during that time, but the character arcs probably needed all those months to make sense.
Recommendation
I think the heart of this book could be summed up in this quote:
“‘Hurt, fear, grief— all make people do and say things that can come out rough. Being trapped in their hurts and fears keeps folks from seeing the good around them, the good in others.’”
If you want to read a slower story that encompasses this quote and shows how a broken family can be restored, then I think you’ll love this book.
If you are looking for mysteries and fast-paced narratives, this is probably not going to do the trick for you.
It wasn’t my favorite type of book, but sometimes it’s good to slow down every once and awhile.
[Content Advisory: none]
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
November 7, 2024
If you've ever felt like a prodigal longing to return home, you're sure to find yourself in Gohlke's latest. Like the delicate petals of a pressed flower, the multi-layered beauty of this story will last in your heart and your mind for a long, long time.
February 10, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅}
“𝙻𝚎𝚝 𝙶𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔. 𝙻𝚎𝚝 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙷𝚎’𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜.”
🌹 Release date: April 8, 2025 🌹
.
.
.
This was such a beautiful story of family restoration and forgiveness ♥️ I really appreciated the deep themes this book covered and I think it was such a touching depiction of prodigals and the bonds that bring them home. The characters were very well written and easy to form connections with. This was only my second book by Cathy Gohlke, but it certainly won’t be my last! She truly has such an amazing gift with her writing abilities!
Ginny Dee left home at sixteen, without her parents consent, to marry her first love before he had to leave for war. Once she found herself alone and pregnant, Ginny sent a letter home hoping to return. What she got instead was a letter from her brother, Harold, informing her that she was no longer a part of the family and, therefore, had no home to return to.
Years passed as the hurt continued to fester in Ginny’s heart. Then she got an unexpected letter which took her back to her hometown. It was there that she discovered some shocking news that rocked her to her very core. What transpired included a gathering of previously unknown family members all working together to try to save the old Pickering Christmas Tree Farm. Deep hurts began to finally find healing as true love shown its light on the Pickering family.
Arlo was definitely my favorite character in this book! Her deep sense of responsibility towards her younger siblings and the fierce way she protected them, instantly endeared her to me. I loved being able to watch her bond with her aunt, Ginny Dee, over flowers and nature. Watching her personality open up and bloom like a flower reaching for the sun’s light, would melt even the coldest of hearts ♥️
.
.
.
I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.
{𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅}
“𝙻𝚎𝚝 𝙶𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔. 𝙻𝚎𝚝 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙷𝚎’𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜.”
🌹 Release date: April 8, 2025 🌹
.
.
.
This was such a beautiful story of family restoration and forgiveness ♥️ I really appreciated the deep themes this book covered and I think it was such a touching depiction of prodigals and the bonds that bring them home. The characters were very well written and easy to form connections with. This was only my second book by Cathy Gohlke, but it certainly won’t be my last! She truly has such an amazing gift with her writing abilities!
Ginny Dee left home at sixteen, without her parents consent, to marry her first love before he had to leave for war. Once she found herself alone and pregnant, Ginny sent a letter home hoping to return. What she got instead was a letter from her brother, Harold, informing her that she was no longer a part of the family and, therefore, had no home to return to.
Years passed as the hurt continued to fester in Ginny’s heart. Then she got an unexpected letter which took her back to her hometown. It was there that she discovered some shocking news that rocked her to her very core. What transpired included a gathering of previously unknown family members all working together to try to save the old Pickering Christmas Tree Farm. Deep hurts began to finally find healing as true love shown its light on the Pickering family.
Arlo was definitely my favorite character in this book! Her deep sense of responsibility towards her younger siblings and the fierce way she protected them, instantly endeared her to me. I loved being able to watch her bond with her aunt, Ginny Dee, over flowers and nature. Watching her personality open up and bloom like a flower reaching for the sun’s light, would melt even the coldest of hearts ♥️
.
.
.
I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.
April 19, 2025
I have long been a fan of Cathy Gohlke’s historical fiction, so I was eager to read her first (someone correct me if I’m wrong about that) contemporary novel, This Promised Land. Ohhhhhh, y’all. This is such a moving story of family, redemption, and restoration. I didn’t want to put it down, soaking in the characters and the grace notes like rays of sunshine after a month of rain.
The novel takes place in the early 1990s (with impacts from as far back as WW2 and the Vietnam War) and follows the perspectives of 3 separate generations of women in what’s left of the Pickering family: 65-year-old Ginny Pickering Boyden, her nephew Luke’s wife Bethany, and her nephew Mark’s oldest daughter Arlo (aged 9, almost 10). There are so many years of dysfunction and estrangement that have kept them separated, but a stunning surprise after Ginny’s brother dies brings them all together at the family’s struggling Christmas tree farm. Where a few more surprises are in store, like the truth about what prevented Ginny from coming home all these years and the harsh reality that may scatter everyone once more. The layers to the Pickerings’ story are so tenderly told that This Promised Land is a book that will stay with me for a long while.
Ginny, Bethany, and Arlo are all broken when we meet them, and so are Luke and Mark… and so was Ginny’s brother. But I saw a little of myself in each of them, and a lot of myself in a couple of them. This is truly a family of prodigals, and oh how I loved the lessons Gohlke weaves into their story. Namely, that we all have the chance to be any of the characters in the parable of the Prodigal Son, and it’s never too late to become like the running father. This at no time feels preachy or like it was forced into the plot, but instead these truths warmly wrap around the reader like a tight hug from someone who refuses to give up on you. To watch their healing unfold is truly touching, and I enjoyed catching the subtle plot devices the author uses to show this gradual progression as much as I did the more overt evidence we can see in the characters themselves.
Bottom Line: This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke is a gorgeously-written family saga that brims with heart and hope and multidimensional characters who feel like friends. Her masterful storytelling, familiar to fans of her historical fiction, is ideal for this genre too. And honestly, Gohlke has outdone herself when it comes to the transformative character growth in each of the main players (including the kids) and the ever-evolving healing that takes place in the family dynamic as a whole. The redemption, grace, and restoration reflected here so beautifully beckon us to close the final page different than we were when we opened the first one. From the Blue Ridge Mountain setting to the precocious kids, the riveting subplots, and the meaningful layers, This Promised Land is not to be missed.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
The novel takes place in the early 1990s (with impacts from as far back as WW2 and the Vietnam War) and follows the perspectives of 3 separate generations of women in what’s left of the Pickering family: 65-year-old Ginny Pickering Boyden, her nephew Luke’s wife Bethany, and her nephew Mark’s oldest daughter Arlo (aged 9, almost 10). There are so many years of dysfunction and estrangement that have kept them separated, but a stunning surprise after Ginny’s brother dies brings them all together at the family’s struggling Christmas tree farm. Where a few more surprises are in store, like the truth about what prevented Ginny from coming home all these years and the harsh reality that may scatter everyone once more. The layers to the Pickerings’ story are so tenderly told that This Promised Land is a book that will stay with me for a long while.
Ginny, Bethany, and Arlo are all broken when we meet them, and so are Luke and Mark… and so was Ginny’s brother. But I saw a little of myself in each of them, and a lot of myself in a couple of them. This is truly a family of prodigals, and oh how I loved the lessons Gohlke weaves into their story. Namely, that we all have the chance to be any of the characters in the parable of the Prodigal Son, and it’s never too late to become like the running father. This at no time feels preachy or like it was forced into the plot, but instead these truths warmly wrap around the reader like a tight hug from someone who refuses to give up on you. To watch their healing unfold is truly touching, and I enjoyed catching the subtle plot devices the author uses to show this gradual progression as much as I did the more overt evidence we can see in the characters themselves.
Bottom Line: This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke is a gorgeously-written family saga that brims with heart and hope and multidimensional characters who feel like friends. Her masterful storytelling, familiar to fans of her historical fiction, is ideal for this genre too. And honestly, Gohlke has outdone herself when it comes to the transformative character growth in each of the main players (including the kids) and the ever-evolving healing that takes place in the family dynamic as a whole. The redemption, grace, and restoration reflected here so beautifully beckon us to close the final page different than we were when we opened the first one. From the Blue Ridge Mountain setting to the precocious kids, the riveting subplots, and the meaningful layers, This Promised Land is not to be missed.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 14, 2025
A beautiful story that weaves flowers, romance, family, redemption, and a meaningful message from the story of the Prodigal Son all in one novel. Cathy Gohlke never disappoints and her latest is no exception. Loved this book!
February 11, 2025
Excellent. I simply can't say more without potentially giving away parts of the story that are best left to Cathy to tell. I loved everything about this story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale Fiction for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale Fiction for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2025
5 Stars (Not a shocker ‘cuz… Cathy Gohlke!)
Completed: Aug. 12/25
Format: audiobook (audible -owned)
Narrator: Susan Bennett
Book #99 of 2025: What can I say about a Cathy Gohlke book that I haven’t said in the review of any other Cathy Gohlke book that I’ve reviewed?! How many superlatives are there? Are any left?
Cathy Gohlke’s novels are like vacuums. BUT not the vacuum that people understand as “empty.” Instead, they suck you in and don’t let go!
This story is about prodigals, family, forgiveness, healing, and so much more. Sometimes life can hand us a path that makes no sense or is even unwanted. Then as it all plays out, we discover that it’s just what we needed. God’s plan is so much bigger and wiser than anything we can dream of. Family can extend beyond position or blood. You only need to love and care about one another. Facing and forgiving hurts by others in our past can be so very difficult; but, forgiving ONESELF can be the toughest thing we can do.
I enjoyed every character in this book. Witnessing Ginny’s growth from what her dream was to realizing the dream of her heart is very special. Arlo is a scene stealer, so to speak. The other kids are a hoot as well. The three of them absolutely steal your heart. Bethany’s patience and compassion are admirable. As much as the reader doesn’t want to like Luke, I think everyone sees a little of themselves in his stubbornness and begrudging attitude. Mark represents what we don’t want to let go of as well as how we sometimes stop believing in ourselves. “Mr. Skippy” is the gentle and kind hero that everyone loves and is drawn to.
This story just kept building and getting better and better as I listened to the audiobook. Susan Bennett is the narrator and she is one of the best out there! For whatever reason, I pictured my maternal grandparents’ old farm and a family relative as Mark. The information about horticulture is so interesting and educational.
By the end of the book, I had to pull a tissue to quickly wipe tears from my eyes. I listened as I drove to visit family — and then back again afterward. It’s an ending that makes your heart swell and a lump stick in your throat. This story strips everything down to what really and truly matters. God is still a God of miracles and He can provide beyond anything we can ever imagine.
Completed: Aug. 12/25
Format: audiobook (audible -owned)
Narrator: Susan Bennett
Book #99 of 2025: What can I say about a Cathy Gohlke book that I haven’t said in the review of any other Cathy Gohlke book that I’ve reviewed?! How many superlatives are there? Are any left?
Cathy Gohlke’s novels are like vacuums. BUT not the vacuum that people understand as “empty.” Instead, they suck you in and don’t let go!
This story is about prodigals, family, forgiveness, healing, and so much more. Sometimes life can hand us a path that makes no sense or is even unwanted. Then as it all plays out, we discover that it’s just what we needed. God’s plan is so much bigger and wiser than anything we can dream of. Family can extend beyond position or blood. You only need to love and care about one another. Facing and forgiving hurts by others in our past can be so very difficult; but, forgiving ONESELF can be the toughest thing we can do.
I enjoyed every character in this book. Witnessing Ginny’s growth from what her dream was to realizing the dream of her heart is very special. Arlo is a scene stealer, so to speak. The other kids are a hoot as well. The three of them absolutely steal your heart. Bethany’s patience and compassion are admirable. As much as the reader doesn’t want to like Luke, I think everyone sees a little of themselves in his stubbornness and begrudging attitude. Mark represents what we don’t want to let go of as well as how we sometimes stop believing in ourselves. “Mr. Skippy” is the gentle and kind hero that everyone loves and is drawn to.
This story just kept building and getting better and better as I listened to the audiobook. Susan Bennett is the narrator and she is one of the best out there! For whatever reason, I pictured my maternal grandparents’ old farm and a family relative as Mark. The information about horticulture is so interesting and educational.
By the end of the book, I had to pull a tissue to quickly wipe tears from my eyes. I listened as I drove to visit family — and then back again afterward. It’s an ending that makes your heart swell and a lump stick in your throat. This story strips everything down to what really and truly matters. God is still a God of miracles and He can provide beyond anything we can ever imagine.
April 14, 2025
This was a work of true Christian Fiction, featuring rich portrayals of gospel themes (forgiveness, second chances, and redemption) and incorporating genuine faith practices (church attendance, the body of believers, and prayer). Those elements I really loved and it was refreshing to find in a fiction read.
The main character has a love for gardening and good food, and using both to care for and build family bonds.
The characters themselves were compelling, but it seemed like we just scratched the surface of the depth potential they had. The three POVs helped to build a slightly better picture of the whole story, but I still felt like there were large swaths of the past and how it affected the characters’ future that were left vague and underdeveloped. I also, admittedly, got lost in the legal jargon and tax difficulties that were a main thrust of the plot.
I would’ve loved to read this as a dual timeline; I think it would’ve helped to explain each character more and build a better connection for the reader.
😇: Christian publisher (Tyndale); rich gospel themes, faith in practice
😍: small threads of a sweet developing romance
🤐: no language
⛔️: miscarriage referenced, alcohol & drug abuse, mention of ptsd war trauma
Thank you to netgalley & Tyndale Publishing for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
The main character has a love for gardening and good food, and using both to care for and build family bonds.
The characters themselves were compelling, but it seemed like we just scratched the surface of the depth potential they had. The three POVs helped to build a slightly better picture of the whole story, but I still felt like there were large swaths of the past and how it affected the characters’ future that were left vague and underdeveloped. I also, admittedly, got lost in the legal jargon and tax difficulties that were a main thrust of the plot.
I would’ve loved to read this as a dual timeline; I think it would’ve helped to explain each character more and build a better connection for the reader.
😇: Christian publisher (Tyndale); rich gospel themes, faith in practice
😍: small threads of a sweet developing romance
🤐: no language
⛔️: miscarriage referenced, alcohol & drug abuse, mention of ptsd war trauma
Thank you to netgalley & Tyndale Publishing for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
April 3, 2025
This Promised Land is another gentle gem from Cathy Gohlke ❤️
She has a gift for tackling heavy subjects in a way that doesn’t *feel* heavy, but hopeful. I believe one aspect of her method is her inclusion of a child’s perspective; that childhood innocence and simplicity might be what I love best about her novels (at least of the few I’ve read so far).
(Is this a spoiler alert?) There were portions of the plot that seemed too far-fetched to be believed; but at the same time, there were still griefs present in the still happy ending that kept the story true to life.
The perspective of a child (and a spunky one, at that!); the incorporation of life’s small joys into the storyline; and the overall comforting tone of this novel are a few of the reasons I will recommend it. It reminded me of the verse in 1 Thessalonians where believers are called to live a quiet life and work with their hands…a calming truth in a chaotic world.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me access to this advanced reader’s copy!
3.75 ⭐️
She has a gift for tackling heavy subjects in a way that doesn’t *feel* heavy, but hopeful. I believe one aspect of her method is her inclusion of a child’s perspective; that childhood innocence and simplicity might be what I love best about her novels (at least of the few I’ve read so far).
(Is this a spoiler alert?) There were portions of the plot that seemed too far-fetched to be believed; but at the same time, there were still griefs present in the still happy ending that kept the story true to life.
The perspective of a child (and a spunky one, at that!); the incorporation of life’s small joys into the storyline; and the overall comforting tone of this novel are a few of the reasons I will recommend it. It reminded me of the verse in 1 Thessalonians where believers are called to live a quiet life and work with their hands…a calming truth in a chaotic world.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me access to this advanced reader’s copy!
3.75 ⭐️
March 29, 2025
"We're made for hard things."
Cathy Gohlke's masterpiece starts out with seemingly irreparable family dynamics, broken dreams, terrible losses and grief and blossoms into a beautifully redemptive tale of family, home, and belonging. Set in 1992 Virginia, Ginny is a weary soul looking forward to retirement and months to be spent abroad with her beloved flowers. Though life has beaten her down, she still has seeds of hope within her heart that are watered and tended by the most unlikely people in her life. I really enjoyed the multi-generational third person voices in the book - Ginny was the central character but Bethany and Arlo's unique voices gave depth and layer to the plot.
The men in the book were equally unique. Will, Mark, and Luke brought different angles, emotions, and baggage to the story and made the plot fuller and richer. I particularly enjoyed the faith threads that focused on forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
If you enjoy women's fiction, this book is definitely for you. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Cathy Gohlke's masterpiece starts out with seemingly irreparable family dynamics, broken dreams, terrible losses and grief and blossoms into a beautifully redemptive tale of family, home, and belonging. Set in 1992 Virginia, Ginny is a weary soul looking forward to retirement and months to be spent abroad with her beloved flowers. Though life has beaten her down, she still has seeds of hope within her heart that are watered and tended by the most unlikely people in her life. I really enjoyed the multi-generational third person voices in the book - Ginny was the central character but Bethany and Arlo's unique voices gave depth and layer to the plot.
The men in the book were equally unique. Will, Mark, and Luke brought different angles, emotions, and baggage to the story and made the plot fuller and richer. I particularly enjoyed the faith threads that focused on forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
If you enjoy women's fiction, this book is definitely for you. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2025
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the March 2025 issue of Library Journal.
After the death of her war-wounded husband, recently retired Ginny Boyden is now free to travel the world and realize her dream of planting heritage roses on a grand estate in England. When she receives a surprise inheritance from the family whom she thought disowned her, she travels to Virginia to settle her brother's papers. Rather than a windfall, she finds the Pickering Christmas tree farm, which is saddled with debt, a grouchy nephew who views her as an interloper living on her "promised land," and near-starving great-nieces and nephews sleeping in the barn. As Ginny works with handsome estate lawyer Will Skipwith to try and sell the farm, she is confronted with her own life's choices and regrets. VERDICT Gohlke (Ladies of the Lake) delivers another heart-stopping family drama that reminds readers that everyone is a prodigal searching for the way home. Infused with wry humor and the beautiful language of flowers and plants, many will see themselves in the brokenness of the Pickering-Boyden clan. Read-alikes include The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman and Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers.
After the death of her war-wounded husband, recently retired Ginny Boyden is now free to travel the world and realize her dream of planting heritage roses on a grand estate in England. When she receives a surprise inheritance from the family whom she thought disowned her, she travels to Virginia to settle her brother's papers. Rather than a windfall, she finds the Pickering Christmas tree farm, which is saddled with debt, a grouchy nephew who views her as an interloper living on her "promised land," and near-starving great-nieces and nephews sleeping in the barn. As Ginny works with handsome estate lawyer Will Skipwith to try and sell the farm, she is confronted with her own life's choices and regrets. VERDICT Gohlke (Ladies of the Lake) delivers another heart-stopping family drama that reminds readers that everyone is a prodigal searching for the way home. Infused with wry humor and the beautiful language of flowers and plants, many will see themselves in the brokenness of the Pickering-Boyden clan. Read-alikes include The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman and Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers.
April 8, 2025
With a deft hand, Gohlke recreates the journey of the prodigal and what it means to be forgiven and redeemed. Readers will connect to the characters’ struggle and identify with both the blessings and burdens of home.
November 9, 2025
Oh gracious, but this was a beautiful book!
I found it very easy to get into the story of the 3 generations of Pickering 'ladies', and loved that each Ginny, Bethany, and Arlo had their own viewpoints given. That definitely drove the story forward in ways that would not have happened otherwise.
I expected a generational story, with perhaps a great deal of angst involved. In addition to that, there was also a fairly intense mystery, a hint of romance, and a heaping serving of grace.
I loved the invitations to move beyond our inner 'prodigal', and 'judgemental older child', and seek to become the 'running parent', eager to welcome EVERYONE to their seat at God's table.
(Oh! And not to be spoilery, but the prayer Mark prayed at Sunday supper? Just gorgeous!)
I found it very easy to get into the story of the 3 generations of Pickering 'ladies', and loved that each Ginny, Bethany, and Arlo had their own viewpoints given. That definitely drove the story forward in ways that would not have happened otherwise.
I expected a generational story, with perhaps a great deal of angst involved. In addition to that, there was also a fairly intense mystery, a hint of romance, and a heaping serving of grace.
I loved the invitations to move beyond our inner 'prodigal', and 'judgemental older child', and seek to become the 'running parent', eager to welcome EVERYONE to their seat at God's table.
(Oh! And not to be spoilery, but the prayer Mark prayed at Sunday supper? Just gorgeous!)
May 30, 2025
Ms. Gohlke is a master storyteller who pulled the emotions from me with her tale of an estranged family brought together by unexpected circumstances.
Comparing their situation to the story of the Prodigal Son, widow Aunt Ginny Dee sees herself and her relatives in many of the roles in the parable. She takes scripture to heart and begins to heal from past hurts. This story was told so beautifully and had me connecting with the characters and their spiritual journey.
This could absolutely be made into a movie or a series and could touch a multitude of souls. I appreciate the clear Gospel message and the way the characters lived out their faith naturally. Ms. Gohlke crafted the story with flawed people and the situations were dire at times. But the way she portrayed the caring community spoke volumes.
I am so grateful I chose to read this book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Comparing their situation to the story of the Prodigal Son, widow Aunt Ginny Dee sees herself and her relatives in many of the roles in the parable. She takes scripture to heart and begins to heal from past hurts. This story was told so beautifully and had me connecting with the characters and their spiritual journey.
This could absolutely be made into a movie or a series and could touch a multitude of souls. I appreciate the clear Gospel message and the way the characters lived out their faith naturally. Ms. Gohlke crafted the story with flawed people and the situations were dire at times. But the way she portrayed the caring community spoke volumes.
I am so grateful I chose to read this book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
March 9, 2025
What a beautiful story that I savored reading! I could not put this captivating book down. You do not want to miss this tale of family, brokenness, prodigals returning home, trying to save a family and a family farm, forgiveness, and grace. Author Cathy Gohlke is a beautiful storyteller, and This Promised Land delivers a home run. Her books are on my must read list.
On the cusp of retirement and finally being able to pursue life-long dreams, Ginny Pickering Boyden is shocked to receive a letter asking her to return home, a place she hasn't been in 50 years. She has no idea she inherited her family Christmas Tree farm after being cut off from her family for decades. The two nephews she didn't know existed, were led to believe it was theirs to inherit after their father (her brother) passed away. The story is captivating, the characters are real and endearing, the setting is beautiful, and it all comes alive under the talented pen of the author. (It would make a fantastic movie!) Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher (Tyndale Fiction) and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
On the cusp of retirement and finally being able to pursue life-long dreams, Ginny Pickering Boyden is shocked to receive a letter asking her to return home, a place she hasn't been in 50 years. She has no idea she inherited her family Christmas Tree farm after being cut off from her family for decades. The two nephews she didn't know existed, were led to believe it was theirs to inherit after their father (her brother) passed away. The story is captivating, the characters are real and endearing, the setting is beautiful, and it all comes alive under the talented pen of the author. (It would make a fantastic movie!) Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher (Tyndale Fiction) and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
This Promised Land was one of my favorite reads of 2025—an emotionally rich story of homecoming, fractured relationships, and hard-won hope.
When Ginny Pickering Boyden unexpectedly inherits her family’s Christmas tree farm, she returns to the place she left decades earlier. What she finds waiting for her is far more complicated than land or legacy. Her nephews are burdened by mistrust, unresolved grief, and wounds that have only deepened with time. Ginny must face not only the family she left behind, but the choices—and pain—that shaped them all.
Cathy Gohlke excels at what she does best: crafting layered characters, unfolding a compelling and thoughtful story, and weaving a strong thread of faith that feels organic rather than forced. With tenderness and honesty, This Promised Land explores forgiveness, reconciliation, and the quiet ways God restores what seems beyond repair.
This is a story for readers who appreciate deep emotional resonance, redemptive themes, and faith-centered fiction that lingers long after the final page.
When Ginny Pickering Boyden unexpectedly inherits her family’s Christmas tree farm, she returns to the place she left decades earlier. What she finds waiting for her is far more complicated than land or legacy. Her nephews are burdened by mistrust, unresolved grief, and wounds that have only deepened with time. Ginny must face not only the family she left behind, but the choices—and pain—that shaped them all.
Cathy Gohlke excels at what she does best: crafting layered characters, unfolding a compelling and thoughtful story, and weaving a strong thread of faith that feels organic rather than forced. With tenderness and honesty, This Promised Land explores forgiveness, reconciliation, and the quiet ways God restores what seems beyond repair.
This is a story for readers who appreciate deep emotional resonance, redemptive themes, and faith-centered fiction that lingers long after the final page.
November 4, 2025
This book was _soooooooo_ good.
Ever since I read Ladies of the Lake (fantastic, btw), I've been meaning to read more of Gohlke's work, and the time was right with this one on all the levels.
Incredible story, endearing characters, and powerful insights on the story of the prodigal son combined into a rich (and richly rewarding) read. Highly recommended.
Ever since I read Ladies of the Lake (fantastic, btw), I've been meaning to read more of Gohlke's work, and the time was right with this one on all the levels.
Incredible story, endearing characters, and powerful insights on the story of the prodigal son combined into a rich (and richly rewarding) read. Highly recommended.
May 15, 2025
What a great story! The author did an excellent job writing about difficult topics, making them real and authentic but not heavy and depressing. I loved everything about this book. If you're a fan of Christian Women's Fiction with light romance, wonderful characters, and a healthy dose of forgiveness and redemption, this one's for you!
January 10, 2026
What a wonderful cast of characters. What a wonderful story!
July 13, 2025
This family saga takes broken individuals who are family by blood but estranged from each other, and throws them into a difficult situation, where they are forced to rely on each other and work toward a common goal. Watching the family dynamics evolve as they get to know each other and begin to find healing and belonging makes this story a delight to read. I particularly enjoyed the subplot with Arlo and her younger siblings pressing flowers with Aunt Ginny Dee. Truly a heartwarming story, featuring themes of belonging, community, and forgiveness. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an Advance Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.
July 25, 2025
Amazing I really couldn’t put it down certainly a keeper to read and enjoy again
January 11, 2026
I had never read this author before and was blown away. This is a story about three generations of a family of prodigals and older brothers as they work to overcome years of secrets and hurt. It doesn’t shy away from hard things (PTSD, suicide, addiction, estrangement) but is a beautiful tale of the importance of family and the hope of reconciliation.
December 20, 2024
Scripture Connection
So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Spiritual Themes
This Promised Land draws on several Scriptural elements. Thematically, the narrative very clearly follows the story arc of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. I would be tempted to describe this as a modern-day retelling of the story, but there are several references to the parable, within the text itself. Plus, Gohlke’s characters do not perfectly “map” to the key figures in Jesus’ story. Instead, Gohlke shows readers how people may fill each of the roles (father, older brother, younger brother), at different times.
The other very evident Scriptural allusion is the title, This Promised Land. In the story, the “Promised Land” is, appropriately, the name of the property that Ginny Dee originally expected to inherit. This naming convention draws readers back to the Old Testament origins of the phrase “Promised Land,” which makes for a beautiful allegorical interpretation: The prodigal forsook her “Promised Land.” Interpretation of the Promised Land, in a spiritual sense, rounds out the meaning of the Gohlke’s parable.
In addition to the strongly symbolic storyline and title, the novel also features a generous amount of Christian content. Characters pray, attend church, and encourage one another with truth. For example, there’s a passing discussion about looking for the image of God in people, as well as multiple references to trusting God.
What I Liked
Perspectives / Characters
This Promised Land is a multigenerational story following Ginny Dee, her niece Bethany, and Bethany’s niece Arlow. Ginny Dee is 65, Bethany is in her thirties, and Arlo is just ten. (For the purposes of this review, I will use the term “women” to describe them collectively, although Arlo is only a child). It’s beautiful to see the fellowship between the older two women, as well as the love and trust that is built between the three of them. Ginny Dee, meeting the family she never knew; Bethany, desiring to welcome her nieces, nephew and aunt, but constrained by her husband; and Arlo, accustomed to watching out for her family unit– reticent to accept help.
Arlo became my favorite character to follow. She has a very distinctive character voice, which reflects her intelligence, with just a touch of humor. I enjoyed reading about Arlo’s experiences as the new kid in school, and it was also neat to see what a no-nonsense nurturer she is for her younger siblings.
Bethany is also a notable character, in my opinion. Nearly from the start, she is kind and welcoming to the returning family members, which is very meaningful in a book that is largely about displacement.
Character Relationships
In reflecting on the source of conflict in the story, I found that it was hard to distinguish internal conflicts from external conflicts. In a very broad sense, the external conflict is about the outcome of the farm. Will it remain in the family, or not? Beneath this umbrella, one of the main sources of conflict is family dynamics, and there are so many relationships to consider and explore: Ginny Dee’s relationship with her parents and with her brother, Howard; Howard’s role as a brother to Ginny Dee and as a father to Luke and Mark; Luke and Mark’s relationships as siblings; Mark’s role as father, and the list goes on.
I describe the familial conflict as both internal and external because characters’ interactions with one another hinge on their perceptions of one another. (And interestingly enough, we don’t get any of the male perspectives. Understanding of the men’s motivation comes from their speech, actions, and relationships with the female leads). Luke and Mark are very wary of one another, and it is clear that Luke is intended to evoke the image of the older son from the parable of the prodigal. Mark, interestingly, while filling the role of the prodigal son, is also described as reminding Ginny Dee of a family member whom she very much admired.
Key Themes
This Promised Land engages with numerous themes: the desire for belonging (and on the flip side, what it means to welcome); relationship to the land and birthrights; displacement and the feeling of being an impostor; the role of sacrifice (and, on a similar note; reciprocity). There is so much to be “unpacked” in this novel, and I can definitely imagine it being used in a book club setting.
On a side note, I enjoyed the motif of the pew in the church, as the pew’s seating became an indicator of changes in the family dynamics.
Favorite Quote
Some things you have to take one day at a time, Arlo. Take the good there is without fearing the bad that may never come.
p. 87
Content Notes
Most of the content notes are for references to things that occurred before the “present-day” of the book.
Prior to the start of the book, Arlo and her siblings were placed in foster care. There’s a very brief implication (not graphic) of sexual abuse.
Two of the men in the story returned from war as changed men. Both characters experience PTSD and, at points, turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. There’s a reference to a more drastic attempt to resolve the anguish.
In addition to the mentions of alcoholism, there are also allusions to drugs. Additionally, there are a few references to miscarriage.
Respectful Discussion
This is a bit personal, but recently I was talking with my mom (who is also my mentor) about the teaching of the prodigal son. I often hear the prodigal taught with an aim toward the older brother, and preaching paints him as “the bad guy” in the story. Something my mom pointed out to me, among other things, is that this preaching doesn’t account for the Jewish context of Jesus’ time, in which it was very understood that the older brother had honors and rights (birthright) conferred upon him on the basis of birth order, alone. Instead, we often think of a grouchy brother, who happens to be the eldest. In his context, he wasn’t about to lose his own inheritance and was already sharing in all his father had.
As mentioned above, This Promised Land does not claim to be a retelling of the parable. However, due to the strong parallels, I think it’s a good distinction to note that, in the novel, Luke really is in danger of losing everything. While he is presented in a nuanced way, he is often portrayed negatively, as a major source of the story’s conflict.
Obviously, I’m bringing my own experiences (including experiences of preaching) to the story, but I wanted to mention this for other readers who may have a similar experience.
Recommendation Status
Gohlke’s This Promised Land is a textured, introspective exploration of the often-uncertain dynamics of reclaimed family relationships. Tensions and tenderness mingle as the Pickering Christmas tree farm as the family navigates questions of birthright and belonging, evoking the words of King Solomon: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Prov. 13:12).
Recommended for readers who enjoy redemption arcs and multi-generational stories.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Spiritual Themes
This Promised Land draws on several Scriptural elements. Thematically, the narrative very clearly follows the story arc of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. I would be tempted to describe this as a modern-day retelling of the story, but there are several references to the parable, within the text itself. Plus, Gohlke’s characters do not perfectly “map” to the key figures in Jesus’ story. Instead, Gohlke shows readers how people may fill each of the roles (father, older brother, younger brother), at different times.
The other very evident Scriptural allusion is the title, This Promised Land. In the story, the “Promised Land” is, appropriately, the name of the property that Ginny Dee originally expected to inherit. This naming convention draws readers back to the Old Testament origins of the phrase “Promised Land,” which makes for a beautiful allegorical interpretation: The prodigal forsook her “Promised Land.” Interpretation of the Promised Land, in a spiritual sense, rounds out the meaning of the Gohlke’s parable.
In addition to the strongly symbolic storyline and title, the novel also features a generous amount of Christian content. Characters pray, attend church, and encourage one another with truth. For example, there’s a passing discussion about looking for the image of God in people, as well as multiple references to trusting God.
What I Liked
Perspectives / Characters
This Promised Land is a multigenerational story following Ginny Dee, her niece Bethany, and Bethany’s niece Arlow. Ginny Dee is 65, Bethany is in her thirties, and Arlo is just ten. (For the purposes of this review, I will use the term “women” to describe them collectively, although Arlo is only a child). It’s beautiful to see the fellowship between the older two women, as well as the love and trust that is built between the three of them. Ginny Dee, meeting the family she never knew; Bethany, desiring to welcome her nieces, nephew and aunt, but constrained by her husband; and Arlo, accustomed to watching out for her family unit– reticent to accept help.
Arlo became my favorite character to follow. She has a very distinctive character voice, which reflects her intelligence, with just a touch of humor. I enjoyed reading about Arlo’s experiences as the new kid in school, and it was also neat to see what a no-nonsense nurturer she is for her younger siblings.
Bethany is also a notable character, in my opinion. Nearly from the start, she is kind and welcoming to the returning family members, which is very meaningful in a book that is largely about displacement.
Character Relationships
In reflecting on the source of conflict in the story, I found that it was hard to distinguish internal conflicts from external conflicts. In a very broad sense, the external conflict is about the outcome of the farm. Will it remain in the family, or not? Beneath this umbrella, one of the main sources of conflict is family dynamics, and there are so many relationships to consider and explore: Ginny Dee’s relationship with her parents and with her brother, Howard; Howard’s role as a brother to Ginny Dee and as a father to Luke and Mark; Luke and Mark’s relationships as siblings; Mark’s role as father, and the list goes on.
I describe the familial conflict as both internal and external because characters’ interactions with one another hinge on their perceptions of one another. (And interestingly enough, we don’t get any of the male perspectives. Understanding of the men’s motivation comes from their speech, actions, and relationships with the female leads). Luke and Mark are very wary of one another, and it is clear that Luke is intended to evoke the image of the older son from the parable of the prodigal. Mark, interestingly, while filling the role of the prodigal son, is also described as reminding Ginny Dee of a family member whom she very much admired.
Key Themes
This Promised Land engages with numerous themes: the desire for belonging (and on the flip side, what it means to welcome); relationship to the land and birthrights; displacement and the feeling of being an impostor; the role of sacrifice (and, on a similar note; reciprocity). There is so much to be “unpacked” in this novel, and I can definitely imagine it being used in a book club setting.
On a side note, I enjoyed the motif of the pew in the church, as the pew’s seating became an indicator of changes in the family dynamics.
Favorite Quote
Some things you have to take one day at a time, Arlo. Take the good there is without fearing the bad that may never come.
p. 87
Content Notes
Most of the content notes are for references to things that occurred before the “present-day” of the book.
Prior to the start of the book, Arlo and her siblings were placed in foster care. There’s a very brief implication (not graphic) of sexual abuse.
Two of the men in the story returned from war as changed men. Both characters experience PTSD and, at points, turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. There’s a reference to a more drastic attempt to resolve the anguish.
In addition to the mentions of alcoholism, there are also allusions to drugs. Additionally, there are a few references to miscarriage.
Respectful Discussion
This is a bit personal, but recently I was talking with my mom (who is also my mentor) about the teaching of the prodigal son. I often hear the prodigal taught with an aim toward the older brother, and preaching paints him as “the bad guy” in the story. Something my mom pointed out to me, among other things, is that this preaching doesn’t account for the Jewish context of Jesus’ time, in which it was very understood that the older brother had honors and rights (birthright) conferred upon him on the basis of birth order, alone. Instead, we often think of a grouchy brother, who happens to be the eldest. In his context, he wasn’t about to lose his own inheritance and was already sharing in all his father had.
As mentioned above, This Promised Land does not claim to be a retelling of the parable. However, due to the strong parallels, I think it’s a good distinction to note that, in the novel, Luke really is in danger of losing everything. While he is presented in a nuanced way, he is often portrayed negatively, as a major source of the story’s conflict.
Obviously, I’m bringing my own experiences (including experiences of preaching) to the story, but I wanted to mention this for other readers who may have a similar experience.
Recommendation Status
Gohlke’s This Promised Land is a textured, introspective exploration of the often-uncertain dynamics of reclaimed family relationships. Tensions and tenderness mingle as the Pickering Christmas tree farm as the family navigates questions of birthright and belonging, evoking the words of King Solomon: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Prov. 13:12).
Recommended for readers who enjoy redemption arcs and multi-generational stories.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
May 1, 2025
This portrayal of the prodigal son hit home in many ways. It shows the pain and suffering caused by our soldiers going to war and coming back as different people. It talks about families with long time rifts that need to be healed. And it shows how God can help with the healing. Cathy Gohlke did a great job creating in-depth characters with lives I wanted to know about.
My gratitude to the publisher for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
My gratitude to the publisher for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Read
May 4, 2025A beautiful story based on the prodigal son. This story of family and redemption was beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews