The Reluctant Farmer

A memoir of unexpected change, rural resilience, and finding home in unlikely places.

When life plucked me from a comfortable city routine and set me down on an island farm and then a rural ranch, I discovered—rather quickly—that my skills did not include fixing fences, coaxing reluctant machinery, or maintaining my dignity while chasing livestock. The Reluctant Farmer is the story of how I learned (slowly, unevenly, sometimes gracelessly) to adapt to a life I didn’t choose… and eventually grew to value in ways I never expected.

About the Book

I didn’t plan on becoming a farmer. In fact, I was perfectly happy not being one.
But when an unexpected move nudged me toward rural life, I found myself trading sidewalks for pastureland, streetlights for starlight, and predictable routines for a daily parade of surprises.

This memoir follows that journey—its humour, its heartbreak, and its lessons in resilience. It explores the quiet beauty and occasional chaos of country living, the evolution of a marriage, and the way a landscape can shape the person you’re becoming.

Part love story, part survival story, and part “how on earth did I end up here,” The Reluctant Farmer invites readers to step into a world where life unravels, rebuilds itself, and sometimes hands you a lesson wrapped in muddy boots.

Themes

Reinvention in the middle years
Courage during life’s left turns
Rural living: the charm and the challenge
Love, partnership, and the work of staying connected
Finding steadiness in seasons of upheaval
Nature’s quiet wisdom (and its loud opinions)

Where to Find the Book

You can order The Reluctant Farmer through:

Your favourite independent bookstore — available through Ingram (Print ISBN: 9781764285407; Digital ISBN: 9781764285414)
Your library — simply request it, and they can order through Ingram (Print ISBN: 9781764285407; Digital ISBN: 9781764285414)
Amazon (paperback & ebook)
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop.org
Booktopia

For Book Clubs

I love when readers bring their own experiences, stories, and “you won’t believe what happened to me” moments to this book.

You’ll find printable discussion questions and materials on the [Resources page →].
And if your group needs anything else—quotes, images, or a virtual visit—just let me know. I’m always delighted to join the conversation.

Excerpt

Here’s one small moment from ranch life — the first time I was called on to be the untrained midwife to a straining ewe.

The ewe was exhausted and barely pushing. Richard opened the book to the chapter on difficult deliveries and began reading the text. I knelt behind the ewe, heart hammering, and carefully slid my arm into a place no arm of mine had ever been. It was wet, warm, and utterly foreign.

As Richard described what I should be encountering, I tried to envision what I was touching. I thought of those pots of peeled grapes and boiled spaghetti that passed for eyeballs and guts at the Halloween parties of my childhood. Only, this was real, and two lives were at stake.

Moments like this—unexpected tenderness, unlikely alliances, and the rural world’s ability to surprise me—became the threads that wove themselves through The Reluctant Farmer.

Behind the Book

I never set out to write a memoir about farming. But as the years unfolded—and as I accumulated enough material to entertain friends, confuse agricultural professionals, and surprise myself—I realized the story had been quietly forming itself.

Writing this book allowed me to return to that landscape with gratitude, humour, and the distance needed to see how much those years shaped me. It’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected places life leads us when we’re paying attention… or when life has simply decided we need a change of scenery.

Reactions from early readers

“Her writing about her life as a ‘reluctant farmer’ is very good… it held my attention from beginning to end.” ~ Sharon Butala, author of The Perfection of the Morning

“You write like James Herriot: full of tenderness and humor.” ~ Heidi Redl, author of A Quiet Roar

“You have a way of writing where I want to turn the page. Your narrative is so compelling.” ~ Kathryn Sturges, USA

“What a wonderful book. I deliberately spread it out over many weeks just to savour the joys, tears, animals and adventures you had on the Island and Cariboo. You are one gutsy woman with a very special talent for story telling.” ~ Margaret Ann Hooper, Canada

“JUST finished your book – every word spoke to my heart and of my own similar experience–Thank you so much for writing this book” ~ Indigo Farm, Canada

“Not only has your life been so full of interesting, and challenging experiences your humanity and love for everything around you just shine through like a beacon.” ~ Tony Walton, UK

“Congratulations on the publication of The Reluctant Farmer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all your adventures and experiences. Your descriptions of the relationships you formed with your animals were tender and endearing, except for the occasional negative one, of course. I also appreciated the value of all the relationships you formed with neighbours and new friends to sustain you and help you on this journey.” ~ Joan Ross, USA

“Loved reading The Reluctant Farmer by Cathryn Wellner.” ~ Addie Van Sluijs, Australia

“The Reluctant Farmer makes you laugh, cry, shake your head, or want to hug a sheep. A must read.” ~ Linda Bond, Canada

“Just finished The Reluctant Farmer. Loved it.” ~ Sue Harper, Canada

“I just finished your book this morning and am impressed with your storytelling. Your series of essays takes us in to your reluctant farmering, and then gently out into other life pursuits. Very concisely told. Thank you for sharing that part of your life’s journey!” ~ Sage Birchwater, Canada

“I thoroughly enjoyed every word, now I’m ready for the sequel.” ~ Norris Spencer, USA

“A great read” ~ Renie Walker, Australia

“I loved it and especially the second half in the Cariboo. As I lived up north for so many years, I really related to all of your adventures at the ranch.” ~ Sandra Bradshaw, Canada

Warm Wishes

Dear Cathryn,
Congratulations on the publication of The Reluctant Farmer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all your adventures and experiences. Your descriptions of the relationships you formed with your animals were tender and endearing, except for the occasional negative one, of course. I also appreciated the value of all the relationships you formed with neighbours and new friends to sustain you and help you on this journey.

It was a delight to be reminded of Millie and Turkey baby. I had almost forgotten about the SARK writing group but am glad that her guidance kept you writing and publishing.

I am relieved for you that you are enjoying more sedate retirement years in Australia now.

All the best,
Joan Ross