A Pioneer Family’s Legacy Lives on in Four-Book Historical Series

Co-authors Donna Gene Stankey and Ramona Hammel have woven four generations of American pioneer history into an unforgettable series that chronicles the Setterington family’s journey through 19th and 20th century rural Michigan. These meticulously crafted historical novels invite readers to experience the joys, hardships, and triumphs of farm life through the eyes of one remarkable family.

The saga opens with “Rate,” where Donna Gene Stankey introduces readers to Millie, a Canadian immigrant who has carved out a life as a farmer in Michigan. In a modest farmhouse west of Elsie, Millie awaits the arrival of his son, Ralph, dreaming of the legacy he will leave behind. Stankey’s evocative prose captures the essence of settler life—the backbreaking work, the quiet satisfactions, and the hopes that sustained pioneering families through every season.

The journey continues in “The Lad Called Rate,” where Stankey and Hammel follow young Ralph as he discovers his place in the world among the animals he loves and the land he tends. Set against the rhythms of early 20th century farm life, this tender coming-of-age story explores Ralph’s deepening connection to his family’s heritage and his growing understanding of what it means to be a Setterington.

In “The Mischief Maker,” the narrative shifts as Ralph—now affectionately known as Rate—moves from farm to town in 1900s Elsie, Michigan. With his faithful dog Bruno at his side, Rate brings his adventurous farm-boy spirit to the streets of town, finding new ways to explore while never forgetting his rural roots. Stankey and Hammel expertly capture the bittersweet transition between two worlds and the unbreakable bonds that tie a person to home.

The series culminates in “Forever a Farmer,” where Ralph confronts the challenges of preserving his family’s agricultural legacy while navigating conflicts and aspirations that threaten to pull him in different directions. This final installment is a powerful testament to perseverance, family loyalty, and the calling of those who choose to work the soil their ancestors tilled.

What makes this series exceptional is the authentic voice behind it. Donna Gene Stankey grew up on the very Setterington farm she writes about—the third generation to call it home near Elsie, Michigan. Her daughter and co-author, Ramona Hammel, spent her childhood on her father’s fourth-generation family farm outside Wayland, Michigan, and now lives on her husband’s fourth-generation farm near Hudson, Michigan. Though both women spent time in urban environments, they returned to the land that shaped them, and their profound love for this way of life breathes truth into every page.

Following Donna’s passing, Ramona has carried forward their shared vision, ensuring that the Setterington story reaches readers who hunger for authentic historical fiction rooted in real experience. As a dental hygienist balancing her career with farm life, Ramona embodies the same resilience and dedication that defined the Setterington family across generations.

For readers captivated by tales of heritage, land, and the bonds that transcend time, the Setterington Family series offers an immersive journey into America’s agricultural past—one that resonates deeply with universal themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of home.

Readers in the UK will have a special opportunity to meet Ramona Hammel and obtain signed copies of the book “Rate” when she appears at the London Book Fair on March 10-12, 2025. This rare chance to connect with the author and discover these beloved stories in person promises to be a highlight for fans of historical fiction and anyone drawn to authentic narratives of American pioneer life.

“Rate”
Donna Gene Stankey

“The Lad Called Rate”
Donna Gene Stankey and Ramona Hammel

“The Mischief Maker”
Donna Gene Stankey and Ramona Hammel

“Forever A Farmer”
Donna Gene Stankey and Ramona Hammel

All four books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online retailers.

Contact Information

Hunter Reid

Production and Finance Manager

Good River Print and Media

(1) 6143218079

info@goodriverprintandmedia.com