“The Sons of Nels Swenson” is a coming-of-age story of four young teens whose lives connect as they struggle to move into maturity. Mario Fontanini, grandson of the Swenson’s, is studious, computer savvy, small in stature, and has health issues not conducive to farm work, but he contributes to the business in many other ways. Hans Swenson, their son, is built for farm life, a sports enthusiast, and protector of Mario, and Lupita Morales, the migrant worker’s daughter. Bobby Bengtson lives on a small neighboring pig farm and prides himself with being the school bully, a pretty good liar, and a permanent fixture in the principal’s office. The relationship of these teenagers promises to be a heart rendering tale of social issues with their peers, domestic abuse, death, and first love as they make their way to becoming responsible adults.

This novel is the third in a series of the Swenson Farm mysteries. Will Swenson Farm be left in capable hands when Nels Swenson is gone? Grandson, Mario Fontanini, narrates The Last Chapter, which promises to be an intriguing tale of romance and mystery in his quest to leave Iowa and establish a career in San Franciso. His first love, Lupita Morales, returns to Swenson Farm and gives him pause to stay, but Grandpa Nels persuades him to leave before he gets hurt by Lupita again. His journey to the big city opens up opportunities to travel, write, experience new cultures, and meet a girl named, Sandy, in Afghanistan, and a promising romance with Rebecca, a fellow journalist. His biggest accomplishment is helping solve the mysterious disappearance of Nels’s adopted son, Bobby. Hans Swenson, a dedicated son to farm life, falls under the spell of Lupita Moralas. Will he too end up with a broken arrow through his heart? With only one biological heir, who will be left standing to carry on the Swenson Farms Legacy?