The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unattached Neighbor

Book Summary

Irrepressible Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem is delighted to help the four Yoder sisters stitch together their beloved great-grandmother’s birthday quilt…especially when it means putting her matchmaking talents to use!

Infused with her signature humor and heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the sixth Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

At thirty-two, Ada Yoder is resigned to caring for her three sisters, her ever-impractical father, and their prosperous, but demanding, farm. The last kind of trouble she needs is Enos Hoover claiming that six acres of their land actually belongs to him—and taking steps to prove it. But Ada soon finds that battling Enos' clever strategies is delightfully intriguing—and lighting an impossible spark . . .

Enos is determined to make his mater proud by turning difficult acreage into a successful farm. Legally, he is in the right to reclaim the land from the Yoders. But Ada's hard-working stubbornness and refreshing honesty are proving to be more of an irresistible challenge than an obstacle. Now, can Enos and Ada find enough faith and understanding to reconcile family, duty, and love—and stake their claim on a forever happiness together?

Sometimes the greatest blessings come in disguise . . .

My Thoughts

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining story.  I like the characters in this series and the new ones introduced in this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Ada Yoder better.  Ada and Enos got off to an inauspicious start. Ada is a determined woman, and the Yoder’s new neighbor, Enos Hoover, is just as stubborn (patient and kind, but stubborn as a mule).  A dispute over six acres of land is going to test their mettle. I like that the story is told from Ada and Enos’s point of view.  We get to see each of their perspectives on the various situations.    I enjoyed the interactions between the pair.  Their conflicts and awkward moments were the beginnings of their relationship.  

Cathy is a hoot.  She has some great dialogue that provides many laugh out loud moments.  Her purse reminds me of Mary Poppins’ bag (you never know what will come out of Cathy’s bag next). I liked seeing the characters develop, especially Ada and Beth.  It was great to catch up with the other Yoder sisters and their families.  While The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is the sixth book in The Amish Quiltmaker series, it can be read as a standalone.  I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style.  I find it to be engaging. Her characters are relatable, and I love the humor sprinkled throughout her stories (I laughed often while reading this story as well as the others in the series).  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is a diverting tale with a land dispute, a firm fence, tent troubles, water rights, a messy house, foreshadowing quilt blocks, and a happy harvest.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Quiltmaker series here (the first four can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited). If you follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I know it is a busy time of year.  Tomorrow I am featuring Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey. It is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series.  I am off to finish setting up my yard display.  I am working on the final section today. Then I can start on my neighbor's yard where Santa and his friends are going to be rockin' out.  I hope that you have a beautiful day.  Take care and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece

Book Summary

Quilt making, troublemaking, and matchmaking create a sweetly entertaining mix in this inspirational romance series featuring resourceful Colorado quiltmaker Esther Kiem—from USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand, beloved, award-winning inspirational romance author of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, The Honeybee Sisters, and The Petersheim Brothers series. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Emma Miller.

 

Mattie Zook always stands up for what’s right—which is why she’s been exiled from her Pennsylvania Dutch home to her Aunt Esther’s farm. Outraged at local discrimination against the Amish, she’s using her rumschpringe to run for town council. Esther can only hope that sensible local farmer Freeman Sensenig will help Mattie—and keep her from going too far. But Mattie is soon finding her new campaign manager all too appealing . . .

Freeman never thought that the standoffish, opinionated Mattie would care so much about others. Even more amazing, their differences are somehow making her campaign successful—and have him hoping for more of a future with her. But unexpected obstacles and a sudden romantic rival will put their growing closeness to the test—and give them only one chance to truly reconcile their hearts . . .

Book Summary

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand is an amusing Amish tale.  It is the third book in The Amish Quiltmaker series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but you will be missing out on some entertaining stories.  Jennifer Beckstrand has an engaging writing style.  Her stories are easy to read with humor throughout.  I loved Mattie Zook.  She is a spunky Amish woman who will fight for what is right.  Filing a lawsuit nor running for an office are the Amish way, but Mattie is not going to let that stop her.  Freeman Sensenig and his twin sisters (Sarah and Sadie) were fun.  I enjoyed the sibling banter (and bickering).  There is a great cast with differing personalities.  Cathy, an Englischer, who supported Mattie running for office (in her own way) and let us not forget the color-blind Caleb who likes to work on puzzles (he breaks out in a sweat when he lies or does something he feels is wrong). 

We get to travel to Byler, Colorado which has a small Amish population.  I did not blame Mattie for trying to get the new Amish buggy law repealed.  If you cannot travel the main streets, it is next to impossible to get anywhere by buggy.  There is a touch of romance.  I am glad it was not the predominant feature in the book (there was just enough).  I had mixed feelings about the ending (I do not want to spoil it for you).  I like that the author left us laughing.  We do get to catch up with the characters from The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a fun, unconventional Amish novel.  I was sorry when my time in Byler, Colorado came to an end.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a witty tale with an unbalanced buggy law, sassy twin sisters, a plethora of puzzles, unkind election hijinks, beholding a bevy of sunsets, and campaign consequences.  

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in The Amish Quiltmaker's series are The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-law.  Jennifer Beckstrand has Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand coming out May 23, 2023.  It is the latest novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  You can follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return on Monday, October 31 with High Spirits by Carol J. Perry.  It is the second A Haunted Haven Mystery.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend. Joy is good for you (reduces stress and improves your cardiac health).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Rea

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law

Book Summary

Opposites can make the most delightful pattern...

Filled with her trademark humor and relatable characters, award winning author Jennifer Beckstrand's second installment in the Amish Quiltmaker series finds independent-minded quilter Esther Liem's matchmaking skills put to the test in her new Colorado community.

Moving to a new Amish settlement in small-town Colorado was a brave new start for independent-minded quiltmaker Esther Liem. But helping her reckless relative will really put her special matchmaking skills to the test...

Mischievous and rebellious, young Ben Liem is making the wrong kind of name for himself throughout the town of Yoder. And even though his sister-in-law, Esther, somehow coaxes him into keeping company with sensible Linda Eicher, Ben can't see anything they have in common. Or that he could ever be good enough for someone like her. But Linda's down-to-earth nature and unexpected understanding have Ben trying his best to be better, no matter how challenging...

Linda couldn't be more surprised when Ben turns out to be caring and helpful, despite his rowdy pranks and bad-news friends. And falling in love with him suddenly seems just right. But when a heartbreaking misunderstanding comes between them, both she and Ben must risk enough to trust, stitch the pieces back together--and dare a forever precious happiness. 

My Thoughts

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining Amish novel.  It is the second book in The Amish Quiltmaker’s series.  While The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law can be read as a standalone, I suggest reading The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby first.  It will introduce you to Edith and Levi (explain their story) and provide you with hours of entertainment.   I am glad Edith and Levi plus Winnie are included in The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law.  I just love them, and Esther is a delight (she is still putting items behind her ear).  Ben Kiem, Levi’s younger brother, is known for his misbehavior and pranks.  He has two friends who drag him into trouble.  Ben suffers an injury and needs his new sister-in-law’s help.  Esther agrees to assist him and to not mention it to his parents, in exchange for Ben asking Linda Eicher home from the next youth gathering.  It is the last thing Ben wants to do, and he goes out of his way to ensure Linda says no.  Ben soon finds himself spending time with Linda who tries to change Ben’s errant ways.  I loved the humor in this story.  I laughed often while reading.  Linda is such an upbeat, friendly character.  Her laughter and joy are contagious.  Ben is a charmer who is also a bad boy.  You can soon see why Linda is attracted to him.  I thought The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law was well-written with delightful characters.  Cathy Larsen is a hoot.  I also loved Ben’s grandmother and sweet Winnie.  There are good life lessons in the story including the importance of being yourself.   I like how the point-of-view alternated between Ben and Linda.  We get to see things from each person’s perspective. I liked seeing the Amish youth do so many outdoor activities like canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking.  I love it that the older set gets together to play pickleball.  There are two lines from the book that I wanted to share with you.  The first is, “A merry heart does gute like a medicine.”  The second one comes from Cathy who said, “Golfing is the most boring sport in the entire world, except for maybe football.  I mean, what’s the point?”.    The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law was over far too soon.   I knew I could count on Jennifer Beckstrand to provide a diverting Amish tale.  It was just what I needed.  Laughter is indeed the best medicine.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law is an amusing Amish tale with snowshoe sprints, melting marshmallows, the winsome Winnie, a brazen bad boy, restorative essential oils, an ornery octogenarian, and a scheming sister-in-law.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law publishes June 29 and is available from Amazon*.  The first book in The Amish Quiltmaker's series is The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby (on Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Jennifer Beckstrand's other delightful Amish novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow to feature Pup Fiction by Laurien Beckstrand.  It is 27th A Melanie Travis Mystery.  I hope each of you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.