Explora Books will be showcasing Rate by Donna Gene Stankey at the London Book Fair, taking place March 10–12, 2026, at Olympia London in Hammersmith. This debut novel offers a close, reflective look at life on a Michigan farm at the turn of the 20th century, capturing the rhythms, challenges, and quiet triumphs of a family deeply tied to the land.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 11th Mar 2026 – Rate traces the early life of the Setterington family through the eyes of Millie, a father whose hopes, memories, and daily labors shape the foundation of the story. The narrative is less about dramatic plot twists and more about the texture of ordinary life—the anticipation, care, and enduring connections that define a family on a farm. Readers are invited to linger in moments both tender and contemplative, experiencing the subtle shifts of life and legacy.
Critics have noted the book’s remarkable clarity and descriptive strength. Hollywood Book Review praised it as “a lush debut novel imbued with impressive, lyrical prose… a compelling saga steeped in the tempo and shadows of farm life in Michigan… conveying the raw, irrepressible vitality of a family trying to live within their means.” The prose captures the landscape and mood with a precision that makes readers feel the crisp winter air, the weight of expectations, and the small joys of family life.
Donna Gene Stankey, alongside her daughter Ramona, drew on personal and family experience to craft the Setterington family saga. Growing up on family farms and later returning to farm life in Michigan, their intimate knowledge of rural life informs every page. Ramona continues to live this lifestyle today, ensuring the authenticity of the stories that honor their ancestors.
Rate is the first installment in a series covering the Setterington family from 1893 to the early 1920s, giving readers an unfolding portrait of Midwestern farm life and the people who shaped it. The novel’s appeal lies in its careful observation of human experience and the quiet dignity of farm families whose lives were tied to the cycles of the land.
Attendees of the London Book Fair can experience the book firsthand at the Explora Books display, where its vivid storytelling and thoughtful reflection invite a closer look at a past both specific and familiar.
Readers can find Rate on Amazon and at other major retailers.
About Explora Books
Explora Books is a book marketing firm located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company specializes in self-publishing and marketing, taking pride in its exhaustive research and creative strategies that provide wider avenues for aspiring authors to gain recognition for their works. Explora Books aims to guide authors through the complexities of self-publishing, offering convenient solutions to navigate this process. The firm fosters and redefines creativity and innovation, setting new industry standards. Explora Books is dedicated to empowering authors globally.
Media Contact
Organization: Explora Books Ltd
Contact Person: Simon Pratt
Website: https://explorabooks.com/home
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Contact Number: +16043306795
Address:Jameson Offices, 838 W Hastings St w, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6, Canada
City: Vancouver
State: British Columbia
Country:Canada
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