Farm Family: A Solo Mom’s Memoir of Finding Home, Happiness, and Alpacas

by Jane Lee Rankin

The story of a single mom’s pursuit of a dream to start an alpaca farm in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina.

At thirty-seven, Jane Lee Rankin receives news that upends her life: she’s pregnant. Lee is a cancer survivor eighteen months in remission. Her boyfriend won’t commit, and her father is unsupportive. When she decides to raise the baby by herself, Lee feels the scornful glances and judgmental whispers of her conservative hometown.

Armed only with a dream and a toddler, Lee marches into Banner Elk, North Carolina, a place where she knows no one, to start an alpaca farm. As a novice, first-generation farmer, Lee faces nature’s most potent setbacks, from disastrous weather events to attacks from predators. And yet, she forges on. At Apple Hill Farm, Lee trades fear for freedom. She trades disdain for dignity. She learns that her connection to animals is more vital than she knew, and with bravery and persistence, she creates a home—a farm family.

316 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Oslay Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on my way back from Banner Elk, North Carolina. My family and I went for a tour at the farm. It was such a beautiful experience. I was so touched by the author’s story, that I had to purchase the book. I read it in one sitting. Cried, laughed, cried some more. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, the message of hope reigns in the air. I loved reading it, and highly recommend it.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Lee, who is a cancer survivor, finds herself pregnant but her boyfriend isn’t as committed as she would expect him to be, she decides that she will raise the baby on her own. She has always wanted to be a mother, but after cancer was afraid it wouldn’t happen for her, so she’s not going to let this chance pass her by. Her small town is judge mental of an unmarried pregnant woman so she decides to pick up and move herself to North Carolina where she knows no one and start an Alpaca farm after meeting one at another farm and falling in love. She faces lots of obstacles as she learns to be a farmer, from nature’s challenges to predators and she never gives up. She keeps growing her farm and raising her son.
It was inspiring to see her tackle things head on and even when she was afraid, she didn’t back down. She persisted and persevered when most would have given up. I want to be her when I grow up!
Thanks to Apple Hill Farm Press and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Lee Rankin is 37 years old and she is pregnant, but the father of the baby has no intentions of being in that child's life and Jane is okay with it. She isn't giving up her baby because of the current situation and while she might not have her family's support with this decision, Jane somehow finds the strength to continue with this pregnancy on her own. It is so important to her as Jane is a cancer survivor and did not think she would ever get pregnant after cancer.

As a single mom, Jane decides to move to North Carolina and find a great home for her and her baby boy. She dreams about starting an alpaca farm and one day, that dream comes true. She starts off small with a few alpacas, but there are many set backs such as intense weather and predators attacking her alpacas.

Throughout this book, you read about Jane's struggles and how she somehow finds the strength to overcome anything and everything. There are a lot of sad times, but there are a lot of joyous times in this book. Jane finds strength from unexpected people and from her farm animals.

While reading this book, I admired Jane's strength she found in all the situations she has been in. I also love how healing it is/was for Jane to be around animals. It was nice to see her son grow up as well because you could tell that all of Jane's energy was to give her son a great life, work on her dreams, and help animals out as well!

[KJ Maj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make yourself a pot of coffee and prepare yourself for a wonderful read!
Lee Rankin will captivate you with her story. She will hold you in every sentence.
You will be brought to Nature; feeling the Land and its beauty and storm, its joy and survival. And the animals....the alpacas with their uniqueness and their love and wisdom and Knowing. You'll meet them, feel like you're right there with them...along with the other magnificent animals of Apple Hill Farm. There will be the insight into a single Mom's raising a young child and their needs along with the emotional needs and feelings of animals. Every sentence will hold you. The reality of creating this dream come true will balance you, give you peace, show, without preaching but with the river's flow of a journey, that yes there are obstacles, some big some small, but hard work and perseverance and Faith can make it happen. "Farm Family" by Jane Lee Rankin who tells you her story of facing obstacles, hard work, sadness, joy, peace; we are All individuals and we are All "Family".

[Angela May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I once visited Apple Hill Farm during a family trip to Boone. It was memorable meeting the alpacas and llamas, donkeys, goats, and more. Fast forward, years later, I finally got to read Jane Lee Rankin's memoir, Farm Family, and now I love her farm even more!

What an interesting and enjoyable memoir, peppered with a cast of characters--my favorites being the variety of animals who help teach her about life and farming. Farm Family is 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.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rankin had the courage and tenacity to do what most people only dream about. She soldiered on as a single parent and then bought a farm in North Carolina.
The stars of the book are the menagerie of animals that call her farm home. From alpacas to goats Rankin describes each of them in such loving details.
I did wonder what helped support the farm in the early years as it takes a lot of capital to feed animals and build buildings.
I think the farm healed Rankin from many past hurts in her family relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley and Apple Hill Farm press for the early copy.

[Cindy Geer · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a blink in Lee’s farm life, I was her summertime neighbor for four our five years. I always had incredible respect for her just seeing her love of all her animals and what she created on her own and watching young Will grow exponentially! But after reading her memoir, I am so honored to have been able to be that blink in her life. She was always the most kind person with a welcoming smile and twinkle of joy in her eyes. I still have the most beautiful alpaca shawl that I wear proudly and am reminded of my time in Banner Elk. I’ve followed her on FaceBook for years experiencing the emotional trials and tribulations of Zeus and consistently witnessing her undying strength and love of the farm.

My most sincere congratulations, Lee! I do plan on getting there again one day to hopefully receive one of those magical hugs only you can give!

Cindy Geer Swope

[Adam Binder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read about the creation of Apple Hill Farm, a place I have visited and loved, but this book is so much more. Learning about Lee Rankin and the journey she took personally is so much more. Her words eloquently bring the story to life. Learning about her journey with cancer, family, being a single Mom and tackling the challenge of moving to a new place and creating what is now Apple Hill Farms is a must read if you have been there or not. Trust me, after reading this book you will want to meet Jane Lee Rankin, and you will most likely be booking your next trip to the High County to visit Apple Hill Farm in person!!! This is a must read.

[Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only saw my first alpaca recently while on vacation so I admit I came to this book hoping for a nice story about raising these cute animals. Though we admire how the author successfully overcame the problems that came her way, “Farm Family” seems to recount mostly the challenges in her personal life and with running the farm. There is no real focus on alpacas . So I found the subtitle and the cover quite misleading. It is quite well-written though. If I ever find myself in her neighbourhood, it would be nice to tour her farm!

3 stars. .

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost the first half of this book was about the authors personal life, her parents, etc. No animals. It seemed her relationship with her dad was toxic. The story about the “handyman” at her new ranch in NC was creepy and odd. I was about to DNF the book at that point. About 60% on, the animal stories finally came although there was a lot of mention about her son and other people. All in all it was an ok book. I do admire what she has accomplished but was hoping for much more animal content.

[susan jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Congrats!

Lee, you have done a wonderful job on your book! I loved the first book so much and hoped this one would also be great. It is! Your story and your success has always been awesome and inspiring to me. I feel honored to know you and am so happy every time I see you recognized for your farm. Keep on writing, can't get enough. One lady, so much talent and heart!

[B.C. Salkind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived on an alpaca ranch for some time during my early college days, I found this memoir to capture the essence of what it is to be on the farm.

The story was told in an interesting way, stringing us from scene to scene and exposing the life events that lead to the author deciding to raise alpacas and how that dream came to fruition.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but I found it to be really good!

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally get where the author is coming from with the naysayer parent - and I love how she turned that situation on its heal. This story is very interesting and I loved the animals that taught her about life. Highly relatable and totally inspirational, it was a quick read. Against the odds, the author was able to find what she wanted out of life and didn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way! Now, to go visit….

[Stef Poet · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone living in a city or suburb, Rankin's descriptions of farm life are fascinating. Much of the book weaves in the relationship or lack of relationship of her father. His negativity and her ability to overcome his voice and a difficult childhood are inspiring. I can't wait to visit the farm!

[Devron Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking at time and ultimately, heartwarming.

A wonderful memoir with joy, insight, heartbreak, and ultimately, inspiration. A loving tribute.
Highly recommended.
I love this book and its author.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story and a well written account.Lee has led an extraordinary life of strength, courage and adventure.

[Gail O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asolutely loved this book. The story was so realistic that yuo actually felt you lived on the farm You could even feel the cold and rain at cetain times. Amaaing story and an amazing read!

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first-generation farmer, I enjoyed reading about this young mom and her challenges. I could relate to many of her challenges and hopes. Inspiring!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I visited the farm in early Summer and heard that the owner had written her memoir. What a great dream, she has such a special connection to the animals.

[Jora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prachtig boek. Het heeft alles in zich. Wat een sterke vrouw!

[Kathy Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful my brother loaned me this book. A phenomenal story. I look forward to visiting Apple Hill Farm and meeting Lee.