The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Laws

 Title: The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Laws

Series: The Amish Quiltmaker #2

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Publisher: Zebra Books

Genre: Christian Fiction/Amish

My Review:

 While this is the second book in the series, it can also be read as a stand-alone. However, to understand a bit more about a few of the characters, it would be great to start with the first book.

Linda Eicher is not afraid to speak her mind and often comes across as rude and unfeeling. She is feisty, athletic, and does quite a few sports your typical Amish young lady would not do.

Ben is hurting and his character is the classic example of "hurting people hurt people." When he is first introduced in the story his behavior made me think he was Elmer Lee's age. I could not believe he was in his twenties. He also comes across as rude, unfeeling, immature, and a hooligan. Something you would not associate an Amish young man as. Yet, as you observe him interact with Winnie, Esther, and his Nanna, you have to wonder who the true Ben is?

This story would not have been complete without Cathy,  she cracks me up. (This is where it is important to have read the first book).

I enjoyed the storyline, it flowed effortlessly. The characters are well-developed. The themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption flow throughout the story. There were many doses of humor and some tender moments. I love the point that no one is past redemption and people really can change. 

Thank you to Zebra Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

★★★★/5

Synopsis:

 (From Goodreads) 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.