The Amish Farmer's Proposal

Barbara Cameron

Apr 2022 · Sold by Forever

About this ebook

A sweet and heartwarming Amish romance where no disaster can conquer true love. 
Dairy farmer Abe Stoltzfus wants to propose to Lavinia Fisher, the beautiful young woman he’s been dating, but being a traditional Amish man, he worries about how he can provide for her. Farming can be uncertain enough with weather conditions, crops not doing well, all manner of uncertainties. And after a bad summer storm and a serious injury from a rooftop tumble, Abe wants to wait until both he and his farm are back on their feet.

Lavinia is relieved when Abe survives the fall, yet it seems like it’s only the start of events that threaten their future together. But Lavinia is not only a talented Amish crafter, she’s also the daughter of a farmer. She knows what the life of a farm wife is like and remains optimistic things will turn around. And when Abe continues to drag his feet, Lavinia makes him an interesting proposal. Will Abe be able to resist it—and her?

Ratings and reviews

The Amish Farmer’s Proposal by Barbara Cameron is the third A Hearts of Lancaster County Novel. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. Abe Stolzfus falls off his roof while trying to repair it. Lavinia Fisher is pulling up to Abe’s house in her buggy when she sees him fall to the ground. Her quick thinking has her stopping a car going by to get them to call 9-1-1. Abe ends up with a broken arm and temporary paralysis. Abe had been prepared to propose to Lavinia before the accident. He puts his plans on hold while he works on his recovery. Abe wants to be able to provide for his wife and, if he is unable to walk again, he does not know how he will accomplish that task. Abe and Lavinia love each other, but they road to their happily ever after is a bumpy one. I thought The Amish Farmer’s Proposal was well-written with realistic characters. I enjoyed getting to know Abe, Lavinia, and their families. The pacing was gentle as we followed the day to day lives of the characters and Abe’s recovery. I like that Lavinia’s mother owns a store that sells local Amish handicrafts (quilts, candles, canned items, handmade rugs, carved objects, etc.). Lavinia works there and sells her rag rugs. The Amish Farmer’s Proposal is a sweet story. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from the first two books in A Hearts of Lancaster County series (Rebecca, Samuel, Gideon, and Hannah). I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up this charming tale. Faith was an important part of this story. Prayer, turning our worries over to God, and God’s plan are three of the messages imparted. I admit that I tend to fret like Lavinia. It is hard to turn it all over to God. The Amish Farmer’s Proposal is a moving tale with a courting couple, an awful accident, diminishing milk prices, a contrary attitude, an incommodious misunderstanding, and a caring community.

A Lovely and Moving Story Abe Stolzfus wants to ask Lavinia Fisher to marry him, but with all of the challenges that can affect farming, Abe worries about being able to provide for her. The situation is further complicated when Abe suffers a fall which puts him in the hospital and severely limits his mobility and ability to care for himself or the farm. This convinces him even more that he and Lavinia won't be able to marry for quite some time. Sticking to that plan will be easier said than done if Lavinia has any say in the matter. I was deeply moved by the story right from the start. Part of that was due to Abe's feelings and frustrations associated with his limited mobility. (I know someone that suffered a similar situation and saw first hand how this can affect a person.) Although his stubbornness of resisting marriage to Lavinia frustrated me more than once, his pain and challenges drew my heart to him and helped me understand him more. Lavinia's deep devotion and love for Abe was the other element that drew me into the story right from the start. From the moment Abe suffered his accident and throughout the story, she demonstrated how deeply she cared for him. Even when Abe had his down times, difficulties, and wasn't exactly the nicest person, Lavinia didn't waver. But, would this be enough for Abe to change his mind about Lavinia and marriage? Abe and Lavinia's relationship isn't without its challenges, and they most surely have their work cut out for them. Their path had some bumps in the road that caused me to hold my breath as I waited and wondered how it would all turn out. However, following them as they faced the good along with their ups and downs is exactly what I loved about this lovely and moving story. In order for you to see just how their story unfolds, you'll have to read it for yourself. And I highly recommend you do just that. ***I received a copy of the book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley. All opinions and comments are completely my own.

About the author

Barbara Cameron enjoys writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.