What do you think?
Rate this book
A Family for the Farmer
Home to the Farmer
When she inherits her grandmother's farm, Emily Elliott must return to the small town she thought she'd permanently escaped. The citified single mom of twins must live on Goosefeather Farm for the summer…or lose it to neighbor and childhood friend Abel Whitlock. It's Abel's chance to own the land he's always wanted, but he won't do it at the expense of the girl he's never forgotten—or her adorable twins. Instead, Abel will show Emily how to take care of the farm and its wayward animals. He has three months to fight for a lifetime with the family he loves.
When she inherits her grandmother's farm, Emily Elliott must return to the small town she thought she'd permanently escaped. The citified single mom of twins must live on Goosefeather Farm for the summer…or lose it to neighbor and childhood friend Abel Whitlock. It's Abel's chance to own the land he's always wanted, but he won't do it at the expense of the girl he's never forgotten—or her adorable twins. Instead, Abel will show Emily how to take care of the farm and its wayward animals. He has three months to fight for a lifetime with the family he loves.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
69 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Blount
50 books326 followersAward-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 5, 2020
Laurel Blount is a new to me author. I checked her books out on Amazon and the pretty cover of A Family for the Farmer caught my attention. After reading the book I was left with the satisfaction I always get after reading a good book. I enjoyed the authors writing style and her ability to draw me into the story. Most of the chapters ending in a way that peaked my interest and left me eager to start reading the next one. The Two main characters, Emily Elliot and Abel Whitlock stole my heart and gained my respect.
Emily Elliot is a single parent of five year old twins Paul and Phoebe. Abel Whitlock was a young man who worked for Emily's late Grandmother. The two were reacquainted with each other in the Law Office of Jim Monroe, where he read Grandma Sadie's will to them . The contents of the will are not what either one of them wanted to hear. Emily's grandmother had made a stipulation in her will that the Goosefeather Farm was to go to Emily only if she would live there and run the farm for three months. If she failed to do so than the farm would go to Abel Whitlock. Now Emily was a city girl and her plans had been to sell the farm, not actually live there with the twins and run the place. Abel of course agreed that the farm should go to Emily but he had wanted to buy it because of the land value, not to mention that he ran the farm and loved everything about it. A beautiful and sometimes sad story is wrapped around many challenges along with some happy moments thrown in to keep things interesting. I gave the story five Stars because I was impressed with my first experience reading one of Laurel Blount's books.
I recommend this book to all readers of Love Inspired books, Christian fiction and contemporary romance. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook copy to my Hoopla App. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Emily Elliot is a single parent of five year old twins Paul and Phoebe. Abel Whitlock was a young man who worked for Emily's late Grandmother. The two were reacquainted with each other in the Law Office of Jim Monroe, where he read Grandma Sadie's will to them . The contents of the will are not what either one of them wanted to hear. Emily's grandmother had made a stipulation in her will that the Goosefeather Farm was to go to Emily only if she would live there and run the farm for three months. If she failed to do so than the farm would go to Abel Whitlock. Now Emily was a city girl and her plans had been to sell the farm, not actually live there with the twins and run the place. Abel of course agreed that the farm should go to Emily but he had wanted to buy it because of the land value, not to mention that he ran the farm and loved everything about it. A beautiful and sometimes sad story is wrapped around many challenges along with some happy moments thrown in to keep things interesting. I gave the story five Stars because I was impressed with my first experience reading one of Laurel Blount's books.
I recommend this book to all readers of Love Inspired books, Christian fiction and contemporary romance. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook copy to my Hoopla App. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
September 28, 2016
Oooeeee -- I've just discovered a new favourite Love Inspired author and this is her debut book! Love getting in on the start of an author's career.
This is the kind of story that will put a smile on your lips and an anxious knot in your tummy. Lots of love and laughter and more than a wee bit of angst. Love the farm that comes complete with a few quirky animals. The sassy goose and kicking cow seem to think they rule the roost but they haven't bargained on a determined, if inexperienced, Emily.
Childhood summers spent on her grandma's farm avoiding work haven't prepared her for the daily grind of running a farm. Enter old friend Abel who does have the skills and is more than willing to pitch in and everything should be just peachy, right? Nuh-uh! Emily's name should be found in the dictionary as the definition for stubborn. And she has this unrealistic penchant for doing everything all by herself. Trust no one is her motto. Clashing of wills, gnashing of teeth and two precocious preschoolers add to the mayhem.
A scrumptious read from start to finish. I'll definitely buy Laurel Blount's next book...and the next...and the next...
This is the kind of story that will put a smile on your lips and an anxious knot in your tummy. Lots of love and laughter and more than a wee bit of angst. Love the farm that comes complete with a few quirky animals. The sassy goose and kicking cow seem to think they rule the roost but they haven't bargained on a determined, if inexperienced, Emily.
Childhood summers spent on her grandma's farm avoiding work haven't prepared her for the daily grind of running a farm. Enter old friend Abel who does have the skills and is more than willing to pitch in and everything should be just peachy, right? Nuh-uh! Emily's name should be found in the dictionary as the definition for stubborn. And she has this unrealistic penchant for doing everything all by herself. Trust no one is her motto. Clashing of wills, gnashing of teeth and two precocious preschoolers add to the mayhem.
A scrumptious read from start to finish. I'll definitely buy Laurel Blount's next book...and the next...and the next...
October 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book and learning a little bit about life on a farm. The ending had me a little weepy. :) Abel is a strong man with a gentle soul and has been half in love with Emily since she used to spend her childhood summers on her grandmother's farm, which is next to his. When city girl, Emily, inherits the farm, Abel is ready to lend a hand. Emily is stubbornly determined not to leave her Big City life behind, despite Abel's best efforts to change her mind. The farm's goose has a big personality and the villain was the kind of person who you hope gets what is coming to her. If you're a fan of inspirational romance, don't miss this book..
February 26, 2021
If you enjoy Harlequin's Love Inspired line, then Laurel Blount is a must-read author for you. I read her four books out of order, but it only makes me want to read them again--this time in the right order. So engaging and a Family for the Farmer is no exception. Abel and Emily have circumstances stacked against them, but if you like small-town, rural settings with plenty of modern-day problems, tune in to this one. You won't be sorry you picked it--your only decision will be which of the author's other books you want to read next. Loved it!
November 24, 2022
This is a pretty good story. Nice characters.
May 8, 2018
I was attracted to A Family for the Farmer with the title and cover at a resale shop, by growing up on a farm. I was not disappointed with this Love Inspired story by Laurel Blount. There’s laughter, determination, heartache, second chances and God’s amazing love showing through. By purchasing this at a resale shop I was not required to write a review, but have expressed by own opinion.
April 22, 2020
Laurel Blount has hit a home run again, and knocked it out of the park! A Family for the Farmer was her first book, and her God-gifted talent for telling a good story shines through like a candle on a hill! (I say again, because I read Hometown Hope first)
A Family for the Farmer is a delightful book with likable characters who keep the reader interested throughout. family chicks Laurel Blount has a way, I don’t know quite how to describe it, but
she has the ability to concoct an entertaining set of characters and situations, that make you want to know what happens next. I found myself looking forward to picking up where I had left off, and finding out how Abel reacted, or what Emily said, or what else I would find out about the
neighbors and friends in this small Georgia town. family goose
Emily Elliott, stubborn and reserved, must keep her deceased grandmother’s farm running efficiently for a few months, in order to inherit it. Abel Whitlock, artist and farmer, stands to inherit the same farm, family farm kitchenif Emily can’t
make a go of it. The ensuing events will definitely keep readers happily anticipating and engaged to the end of the book. A good moral about gossip and trusting God is woven into the lives of the characters, too. You don’t want to miss this. A light, easy read, with a bit of humor to lift your mood.
One tiny suggestion I’d like to make: please talk more about the Jesus, and the King James bible, in your future books.
Keep writing for Jesus, Laurel ! King James bible
You can get to know her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/laurelblount...
and sign up for her emails here, on her website. https://laurelblountbooks.com/An interview can be read here: https://inspiredprompt.com/2018/09/05...
Laurel
This debut novel, A Family for the Farmer, won the 2017 Maggie Award for Excellence in the Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements category. This book also got two 2017 Holt Awards of Merit !
A Family for the Farmer is a delightful book with likable characters who keep the reader interested throughout. family chicks Laurel Blount has a way, I don’t know quite how to describe it, but
she has the ability to concoct an entertaining set of characters and situations, that make you want to know what happens next. I found myself looking forward to picking up where I had left off, and finding out how Abel reacted, or what Emily said, or what else I would find out about the
neighbors and friends in this small Georgia town. family goose
Emily Elliott, stubborn and reserved, must keep her deceased grandmother’s farm running efficiently for a few months, in order to inherit it. Abel Whitlock, artist and farmer, stands to inherit the same farm, family farm kitchenif Emily can’t
make a go of it. The ensuing events will definitely keep readers happily anticipating and engaged to the end of the book. A good moral about gossip and trusting God is woven into the lives of the characters, too. You don’t want to miss this. A light, easy read, with a bit of humor to lift your mood.
One tiny suggestion I’d like to make: please talk more about the Jesus, and the King James bible, in your future books.
Keep writing for Jesus, Laurel ! King James bible
You can get to know her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/laurelblount...
and sign up for her emails here, on her website. https://laurelblountbooks.com/An interview can be read here: https://inspiredprompt.com/2018/09/05...
Laurel
This debut novel, A Family for the Farmer, won the 2017 Maggie Award for Excellence in the Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements category. This book also got two 2017 Holt Awards of Merit !
July 29, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/2 (4.5 stars rounded up to 5)
Read: July 2024
Format: e-book borrow from Everand
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “set on a farm or has a farm as a major locale” (this was set on a farm)
Book #71 of 2024: I chose this book for a challenge prompt in which the setting is on a farm. I had read one other book by this author and the summary quite appealed to me. I’m very glad that I chose it. I enjoyed it so much.
I appreciated how clearly this book showed the nastiness of gossip and judgment counter-balanced with the hard work and dedication one puts in to rise above it.
These main characters both had difficulties in their past and were further hurt by their community. Both of them strived to do better and make good lives for themselves. However their harshest critics were in the mirror.
I loved the quaintness and homey-ness of the farm, the adorable and precocious twins, the hilarious animals, and the showcasing of Emily’s and Abel’s talents and independence. We also saw how that independence caused them each to be in their own way sometimes.
I especially loved the character of Abel. He endured so much as a child to become an amazing, honest man. He didn’t hold back on his love and care. His love helped Emily to be set free from her self-imposed wall. His sheer kindness & softness was exactly what she needed. He reminds me of my husband—a true picture of good, healthy, godly masculinity.
Read: July 2024
Format: e-book borrow from Everand
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “set on a farm or has a farm as a major locale” (this was set on a farm)
Book #71 of 2024: I chose this book for a challenge prompt in which the setting is on a farm. I had read one other book by this author and the summary quite appealed to me. I’m very glad that I chose it. I enjoyed it so much.
I appreciated how clearly this book showed the nastiness of gossip and judgment counter-balanced with the hard work and dedication one puts in to rise above it.
These main characters both had difficulties in their past and were further hurt by their community. Both of them strived to do better and make good lives for themselves. However their harshest critics were in the mirror.
I loved the quaintness and homey-ness of the farm, the adorable and precocious twins, the hilarious animals, and the showcasing of Emily’s and Abel’s talents and independence. We also saw how that independence caused them each to be in their own way sometimes.
I especially loved the character of Abel. He endured so much as a child to become an amazing, honest man. He didn’t hold back on his love and care. His love helped Emily to be set free from her self-imposed wall. His sheer kindness & softness was exactly what she needed. He reminds me of my husband—a true picture of good, healthy, godly masculinity.
April 25, 2020
Emily used to spend summers at her grandmother’s Georgia farm. One summer, her boyfriend got her pregnant with twins, but his mother was against him ruining his future by marrying the girl. Two years later, the boy died in a car accident. Emily was living in Atlanta, working as a waitress and raising her twins.
Abel was from a ner do well farm next to Emily’s grandmother’s farm. As a 14 year old boy, he was on her doorstep looking for food in exchange for work. Her grandmother hired Abel to manage the livestock and crops. Abel was about ten years older then Emily and was taken with her, but never asked her out. The grandmother was probably seeing the attraction, when she wrote her Will forcing both of them together for a summer.
An emotional story with humor from the animals and six year-old twins. Emily and Abel both have issues from childhood that hinders trust and blooming love. Faith and forgiveness play a part in bringing the happy ending.
Abel was from a ner do well farm next to Emily’s grandmother’s farm. As a 14 year old boy, he was on her doorstep looking for food in exchange for work. Her grandmother hired Abel to manage the livestock and crops. Abel was about ten years older then Emily and was taken with her, but never asked her out. The grandmother was probably seeing the attraction, when she wrote her Will forcing both of them together for a summer.
An emotional story with humor from the animals and six year-old twins. Emily and Abel both have issues from childhood that hinders trust and blooming love. Faith and forgiveness play a part in bringing the happy ending.
March 4, 2019
The author Laurel Blount has created a delightful scenario (who wouldn't want to inherit a farmhouse complete with animals?) and endearing characters who are both human and animal. I picked up this book to read just one chapter and it captivated me until I read every last word. I have also read the 2nd book in this series, "A Baby for the Minister" and I thoroughly enjoyed delving back into the community of Pine Valley, Georgia and visiting with more of it's characters. If you are looking for a light, warmhearted read - this is it, I promise.
March 13, 2020
This is a romance novel based on faith. if you are not looking for a book with a lot of religious aspects to it this would not be your cup of tea. That being said the story itself is a classic romance story. The author does a good job at keeping you on the edge of your seat. however I did find some chapters beginning in a very confusing spot where I feel as though I missed the transition. They wrapped up nicely as most romance novels do leaving you with minimal questions. It is a cute and sweet romance.
September 16, 2025
Sweet read. Emily is stubborn, but she's been hurt and let down in the past. Abel can also be stubborn when it comes to protecting and helping Emily. Neither one see themself as having much worth due to past mistakes and/or family history.
I got pretty riled up at the attitude of a certain church lady in this one, but appreciated seeing others show the true love of Christ.
I got pretty riled up at the attitude of a certain church lady in this one, but appreciated seeing others show the true love of Christ.
June 23, 2019
A very good first book for the series set in Pine Valley. Laurel Blount creates a fresh story filled with love, faith and humor. Emily and Abel have a shared past. They must rely on this past to help them build their future together. A very good story!
October 2, 2022
A sweet story of faith trust humor love
An amazing Story.. I highly recommend this book, so entertaining.. I couldn’t put it down was so good! Thank you Laurel Blount for another great story!
An amazing Story.. I highly recommend this book, so entertaining.. I couldn’t put it down was so good! Thank you Laurel Blount for another great story!
December 20, 2025
great story
Loved the struggles, triumphs,Christian theme, friendship and loyalty. The author did an excellent job of weaving the story in such a captivating way.
Loved the struggles, triumphs,Christian theme, friendship and loyalty. The author did an excellent job of weaving the story in such a captivating way.
March 11, 2019
A very sweet and wonderful story....very emotional....
November 4, 2016
A Family For The Farmer by Laurel Blount. This book is a must read. It is Soooooo funny. Emily Elliott inherits her grandmothers farm in a small town. One of the conditions of her keeping it is she has to live there for the three month summer. Emily use to live in the small town but moved to the city. She has twin five year old boy and girl. She knows very little about country living. Put that and two little children on a small farm with a goose that chases you, a pregnant goat, a cow she has to milk. Add to that the neighbor who will get the ranch if Emily don't stay the three months. Abel Whitlock has always liked Emily, but his family had a bad reputation. Abel has made a name for himself by carving items. Emily vows never to trust a man again or get married. Abel still cares for Emily and now cares for her twins. A very funny book.
December 31, 2016
Exactly what I look for in a Love Inspired title; a quick, clean, light-hearted love story. This one was also very cute and funny and very well-written. The twins Paul and Phoebe are so precocious and adorable, and the farm animals were endearing as well. There is a bit with Glory the goose that made me literally laugh out loud. The main characters are very relatable, and even the townspeople were entertaining. This book left me wanting more and hoping this great new author will revisit Pine Valley in future books.
Read
October 11, 2016received 4 1/2 stars @ Harlequin.com as of 10/10/2016
October 20, 2016
Love, love, loved it. Hope there are more stories from Pine Valley & Goosefeather Farms.
December 18, 2016
I love a book that makes me laugh out loud! I sure hope Ms. Blount is busy writing, as I can't wait to read more of her books!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews