THE AMISH QUILTMAKER'S UNRULY IN-LAW by Jennifer Beckstrand

First off, the title doesn't seem to fit the story. The Amish Quiltmaker is Esther, but she isn't much in the story. The book is original, reads well.

Ben is a young 22-year-old Amish man in Rumspringa who has a habit of doing all of the wrong things, since an incident when he was in his last year of school. One of the two boys he hangs out with is very destructive, going against all of the traditional Amish values and respect. All three of the boys smoke and listen to a boom-box and commit petty crimes wherever they go. They also hang out with several Englischer people and go to unruly parties.

Esther is the wife of Ben's brother Levi, she only wants to help Ben and convince him that Amish life is the best thing for him. She gives Ben's relationship with a young Amish woman Linda a slight nudge and hopes that it will be the thing that straightens him out once and for all.

Linda is unsure about Ben in the beginning. She's sure Ben doesn't like her but she's sure that both of them are misunderstanding each other. Linda is a happy person, she laughs at most things, she always tells Ben she isn't laughing at him, but with him. She finds that Ben doesn't like to be called silly. Linda and Ben have a lot of growing up to do before they can progress with their future.

The book is enjoyable, I confess, I stayed up 1/2 of the night to finish it.

Thank you for the complimentary copy of #theamishquiltmakersunrulyinlaw from #netgalley I was under no obligation to post a review.

This is a sweet, clean romance that at times had me chuckling and at times angry with some of the characters. Ben Liem was the character who bore the brunt of my anger after a few chapters, an Amish young man who wasted most of his time with the wrong people, wreaking havoc whenever he could. I have to admit that I had very little sympathy for him. Luckily, I liked Linda Eicher, she is one of the reasons I kept reading this book. I’m glad I did because the story was entertaining with the addition of Ben’s grandmother and the Englisch driver. The driver was my favorite character, she was a pure delight and responsible for the many chuckles.


Overall, I thought this was a fun, quick read. I thought that Ben was too immature for his age, but the author had her reasons for creating him so that readers could watch his growth as the story progressed. At least that’s my take on it.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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.

This was an entertaining read from start to finish. If you love Amish books - then this is the one for you. The storyline was realistic as were the characters. I would definitely read from this author again.

"Opposites attract in this story of love, forgiveness, and second chances." And this story proves it! For this Amish young man he was looking to find new ways to prove what everyone thought of him. So, why not have fun? She could see through some of his shenanigans and wanted to help him want to stop. I really liked the challenges between them. There English driver? What a character! Another for my favorites list! I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No review was required. My opinion and review are voluntary.

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 title is a little nuts (oh publishing company, why?), but the story is terrific. I could picture Linda’s every deep sigh and eyebrows raise, I could feel her just at her wit’s end… until she got a peek into what made Ben tick. And then she softened right up - and after a while so did he. Lovely story about self discovery and finding the exact right person for you.

"No one can sink so low that the light of God's love can't find him." That is the heart behind Jennifer Beckstrand's newest book, The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law. Ben is a young Amish man who is sure that he is unlovable. He spends much of his time trying to prove that to himself and others. If there is no expectation for someone to do the right thing, then you can't be disappointed in him. When he uses the back of Linda's family's buggy to ski after worship one Sunday, it is just meant to be a laugh. However, when he ends up needing stitches, his sister in law Esther will only help him if he agrees to ask Linda to ride home with him. When Linda and Ben start to spend time together and discover that there is more to each other than they knew, both start to develop feelings, but a misunderstanding comes between them. With her trademark humor, Beckstrand brings us a heart-warming tale of love: the love between a man and a woman, the love between friends, and the love that God has for each of us. As always, there are lots of laughs and a lot of heart in this story. So glad that I got to read it. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. #Bookstagram #all_the_pages

4 stars
The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law
I have never read anything by author Jennifer Beckstrand before. I definitely will be again as this is just such a good story. I have read a number of Amish fiction but never quite this story with a bad boy Amish man trying to fit in.
I do believe this is part of a series but is easily read alone. The characters are real and deep and are so easy to connect to and identify with even as a non-Amish person.
I highly recommend this book.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

This was another good book by Jennifer Beckstrand. I have enjoyed all her books. This one taught a lesson of forgiveness. And of self-forgiveness, the hardest kind. And about growing up and continuing to learn and progress, repent and start over, sometimes more than once.
A good book about imperfect people who are still loved even when they themselves do not love themselves.

It was about mistakes and fixing them. Finding your true path in life, sometimes with the help of others. if you will let them.

I recommend it. Very good book.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

This is an Amish version of Good Girl Loves Bad Boy. But is Ben really bad? I have an opinion but you’ll need to read it yourself to find out.

Author Jennifer Beckstrand is really good at writing strong, likeable characters who are quirky. Ben is quirky. Linda is quirky. Their English driver, Cathy, is really quirky. This book contains a lot of humor as both main characters find their way to acceptance and love. Even the secondary characters search to find acceptance.

While this story made me laugh at times, I got really irritated with Ben. It was hard to remember that he was in his 20s when he acted like a 12 year old. I would have preferred to have him written a bit more maturely, even as he struggled to find his way. I think Beckstrand did him a disservice to write his character so childish. It made it difficult to accept him falling in love. But if you enjoy Amish fiction, give it a try. It’s a good story about accepting others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Another instalment in Esther Kheim’s new Amish life.
Brother in law Ben is a troublemaker, and Linda takes on the challenge of friending him, but with Ben being involed in some unruly Englisher lives, will he learn from his mistakes or not.
Written wonderfully, great storyline and another installation in the Khein family.

I'm really enjoying the Colorado setting for Amish fiction. It is quite unexpected. I really liked how this book continued where book 1 ended and yet would easily be able to stand alone for anyone who hadn't read the first book. While I enjoyed Ben and Linda's story, it was the secondary characters who made this book for me! Ben's sister-in-law Esther and the older ladies from her quilting group are an absolute hoot and play such an important role in this story. Once again, Jennifer Beckstrand has managed to strike the perfect balance between hilarity and inspiration!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the second book in the Amish Quilt maker Series by Jennifer Beckstrand. You are going to want to read the first book in the series so you can meet all of the characters. Ms. Beckstrand weaves in her three characters- Esther, Levi and Winnie and secondary character Cathy from the first book.
We meet Linda and Ben in this book. Ben is Levi’s younger brother and is always in trouble. Linda is a practical young lady who likes to ski, snowshoe and hike. I truly enjoyed the story of how they got to know each other. But Cathy definitely stole the show! Cathy is their English driver. She gets involved in moving along Ben and Linda’s relationship.
This is a great story about love and new beginnings. It is about how words and actions can have a negative impact on a person. I loved this book!
I hope there are more books in this series! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A wonderful story of matchmaking with opposites being attracted to each other. Ben, who doesn’t make the best and brightest decisions, sort of a wild child, and Linda, who is a good down to earth wholesome girl. Will the two ever find happiness with each other or will their background differences keep them apart?

I enjoyed the light hearted, funny, clean romance that Jennifer brings to the storyline.
You will also be reintroduced to some characters from the first book in the series.

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion and review.

I just reviewed The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand. I have enjoyed Ms. Beckstrand's previous book. This one was better! Ben and Linda have nothing in common. Linda is a devoted Amish woman; Ben has made a few mistakes. Opposites attract, but Linda and Ben can only be happy together once Ben learns to forgive himself. Cute, clean Amish romance!

I loved this book! It was such a fun read. Once you start reading it you can't put it down. If you are looking for a book that is a heartwarming fun read, grab this book.
Thank you Kensington Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was fun to read. Opposites can attract. Amish mix with English friends. Younger people mix with older people, and the rowdy mixes with the sophisticated. There are surprising turns along the way. I enjoyed this book very much!

What do you do when your thought of a being a bad boy, no matter what happens, it had to have been you. He can’t seem to get away from it, so why not join? I could understand that, but this twenty-three year old is Amish man!
Enter a young Amish woman, who chuckles at some of his antics, but then, well, can she look beyond his really needing to grow up.
We are reunited with past characters, but this book can really be read alone, but you might want to read and enjoy, and meet Cathy, a real hoot!
Will these two very different people be able to join the church and forge a relationship, and will this community live their faith and offer forgiveness?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Ben and Linda are so opposite in nature that it's hard to see them ever becoming a couple. This book emphasizes forgiveness. The author, through Ben shows how a person can become angry and destructive after being badly hurt. It was surprising to see how the Gmay chose to forgive Ben but never trust him even years later. I loved Linda's kind heart and cheerful smile even in the hard times. Cathy, as annoying as she was at times proves to have some very good advice. Enjoyable! Recommended.