Member Reviews
Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.
this was a fun read. as much as maddie didn't want to get involved in the town's troubles, she keeps finding herself in the middle standing up for a community she wasn't from since she was sent there to stay with her aunt. i loved the characters and the way this was written. quite a bit different than most amish books i've read.
This is a fun story. A little different, "unconventional" amish book. It is humorous and a great read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read ARC of this book. The author is Jennifer Beckstrand.
#TheAmishQuiltmakersUnconventionalNiece
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Like many of Jennifer’s other books, this is a sweet clean romance with just enough twist to keep you on your toes. While sent to her aunts house in Colorado as punishment Mattie finds herself with a new problem on her hands. While fights for what is right, she she finds herself at odd with the Amish community and possible suiters. This book has you cheering for the underdog till the end.
The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece by the amazing Amish author Jennifer Beckstrand’s is a Christian Amish story that will have you laughing and pondering as you read it. Characters are unique and even quirky in some cases.
This is the story of Mattie, an Amish girl who has been sent to her Aunt Ester’s community. It is also the story of Freeman. He is under the scrutiny of his Amish leaders. Expect the unexpected in this untraditional Amish story. For me it was a complete page turner. I wanted to see what would happen next!
I was immediately engaged with the characters and invested in their unique story. It is a delightful tale that I highly recommend. I give it a 4 star rating. A copy was provided by Net Galley but these are my honest words.
I have always been a Jennifer Beckstrand. Her books are hilarious! This one was very different in that the young lady featured wasn't what I expected from an Amish young lady. The book is fun, just like all of her books. Now I need to order the hard copy of this to add to my Jennifer Beckstrand collection!
I love Jennifer Beckstrand, her Amish romances don't seem terribly dated to me, and usually the characters and the setting are a lot of fun. I did enjoy both in this book, especially the character of Susan. I enjoyed Mattie's story, certainly not one you would expect in an Amish romance. This one seemed a bit rushed in the dialogue and writing. Still enjoyable. Planning to go back and read the first two in the series.
I love this author's vibrant characters and the unique situations they find themselves in! Mattie can't see injustice and not do something to solve the problem, even if it bucks Amish tradition. Being disliked or rejected because of her actions can be lonely, but she has a small group of friends who support her efforts, including the non-Amish Cathy, an older lady from Esther's quilting group full of plenty of quirks and spice. Freeman is reluctant to help since the Amish leaders are watching him closely, and I loved how he stepped up to help in the background. As always, there is a fun humor woven into the small-town drama, and this book was a pleasure to read. The character growth of both Mattie and Freeman brought depth to the story, and their chemistry grew with a steady burn. Loved their romantic moments!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
A cute story with a different type of heroine.
When Mattie causes trouble at home, her Dad ships her to stay with relatives in Colorado.
She is not impressed with “Altitude sickness”nor how dry the air is there. Of course she thinks she will only be there for a month or so until her aunt’s baby arrives. At first church service she sees only a handful of eligible young men, just another reason to not stay in Colorado.
But soon a wildly unfair ordinance banning the Amish buggies on the main streets in town is approved.
Mattie feels as if she can’t ignore that.
I really enjoyed the unique storyline in this book. It wasn’t the typical plot most Amish books take.
There was a main theme that ran through this novel and it didn’t deviate too much from that.
I received an e-book preview of this from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
If you read it I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
A delightful read from beginning to end, I loved how Mattie sees a problem and jumps right in to try an solve it, even if her methods are frowned upon. This was an enjoyable book, that brought a smile to my face, and more than few good laughs.
I loved how Mattie found support from the Amish and Englishers alike, even winning Freeman to her side as their differences shrink in light of working together. I liked how she was patient with Caleb, while convincing him to join her campaign.
Lighthearted and engaging, this was a fun read with a unique spin to it. Cathy is such a wonderful supporter, with a passion for the town and plenty of good ideas, with a knack for drawing others in. A fun read, filled with humor, romance, and wonderful characters, you wont want to miss this unconventional adventure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The whole story was unconventional and I loved it. I highly recommend any book by Jennifer Beckstrand. I was provided a copy by Netgalley but the opinions are mine.
Mattie Zook was sent Away by her parents to help her Aunt Esther’s because of the conflict she stirred up at home. There she learns the Amish are threatened by a new and unfair buggy law. So Mattie decides to run for city council. This makes for a humorous story, quite unlike most Amish books. I’m surprised she was even allowed to be a candidate since she had not lived in the area long enough to be considered a resident, not to mention the Amish are not involved in politics. Since she hadn’t joined the church yet, she got away with it and even drew in new Amish friends to support her. Through all the troubles that emerge, a love story does as well. I thought the story dragged some but it is a fun read. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheAmishQuiltmakersUnconventionalNiece #NetGalley
When Esther needs help with her home, and the new baby on the way, she calls on her niece Mattie Zook. Mattie is outspoken and deemed standoffish and opinionated by Freeman. Once he gets involved with her campaign to run for Mayor because of what she sees as a discrimination against the Amish, he finds just maybe his opinion may not hold true. Some bad things going on behind the scenes and a little romantic rivalry made this an interesting story showing a little different side of the Amish community.
After her exile from her Pennsylvania community, Mattie Zook always stands up for what is right and whoever needs it. Seeing how the Amish are treated in the town her aunt lives in, Mattie decides to run for city council. Her matchmaker aunt Esther Kiem decides to help in both the election and the romance departments. Will sensible farmer, Freeman, be just the stabilizing influence for her niece? Things don't go as planned but maybe they did.... I love the fun characters in this story. I look forward to the next story. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
A very well written Amish romance. Loved the characters in this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
An Amish *maedel* running for town council? Mattie Zook is anything but a demure, Amish woman as she fights for ALL of Byler. Fueled by an unjust buggy ordinance, Mattie races against the town's most obnoxious leader who will do anything to win. Will Mattie find the support she needs? Will her fractions with boys be mended?
Such a sweet story. I honestly learned a lot about the Amish community by reading this book. I don't know if that was the intent, but I did! But I loved Mattie's tenacity and drive to make life better for those around her. And Freeman was just the best. So sweet and loving. And don't we all need a Cathy and Caleb in our life? It was a sweet story about overcoming and standing up for what you believe. I really enjoyed it!
Y’all, I can’t sY enough good things about Jennifer Beckstrand’s books. Each time I read them, I laugh out loud. She puts the fun in romance and The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is not exception. Mattie Zook is sure her life is over when she is sent to little Byler, Colorado, to stay with her aunt Esther. And all because she tried to sue someone! But when she discovers that a councilman has changed the laws so Amish folks can only drive on certain roads, she sets out to get elected herself and change the law back. Freeman is a sensible young Amish man who doesn’t think she should do it, but agrees to help. Full of fun characters and zany moments, you won’t regret reading the latest installment! I hope we return to Byler for another book soon
Fun book. Mattie Zook is a very unconventional Amish woman. She is headstrong, opinionated, vocal, and always ready to fight for what is right, even when it goes against her Amish upbringing. At home in Lancaster, she went so far as to sue a neighbor for dumping garbage on her family's land. In desperation, Mattie's father sends her to live with her Aunt Esther in Colorado.
But instead of learning her lesson, Mattie finds herself embroiled in another controversy. Furious at a local ordinance discriminating against the Amish community, Mattie decides to take advantage of her rumschpringe to run for town council. This decision does not sit well with her new community, but Mattie is determined.
Local farmer Freeman Sensenig is one of those who disapproves. He and Mattie clashed from the moment they met. Freeman is just as opinionated as Mattie and is vocal in his opposition. But something about her brings out his protective side, and he finds himself secretly serving as her campaign manager.
I enjoyed following the ins and outs of Mattie's campaign. Her opponent is an arrogant man who will do anything to win. Meanwhile, Mattie gets a crash course in politics with the help of a local Englisch woman. I loved seeing Mattie run a focused and clean campaign that appealed to those who were tired of the incumbent's antics. It isn't an easy campaign, as there are obstacles that she must overcome. A bit of trouble causes Mattie to rethink her decision, but in the end, the principal of the race wins out.
I liked the development of the relationship between Mattie and Freeman. They are both stubborn people, and because of that, many of their interactions are contentious. Freeman is vocal in his disapproval of Mattie's plan but also worries about her safety and feelings. Mattie is adamant that her feelings are not so fragile that she can't take whatever her opponent dishes out. It was amusing to see Freeman's confusion over why he is so concerned about Mattie - after all, he doesn't even like her! Meanwhile, Mattie isn't sure why she feels so much more confident when Freeman is nearby - all he wants is for her to withdraw. There comes the point when Freeman realizes his feelings and that he needs to support her to make her happy, while Mattie faces a decision of whether to quit or go on. I liked Freeman's "aha" moment and the sweet scene that resulted from it. The ending was terrific.
I enjoyed the variety of characters. Aunt Esther disapproves of Mattie's plan but can't stop her. However, she can try to distract her and gives it her level best. Fortunately, Mattie sees through the attempt and finds an interesting way around it. Caleb is Esther's seventeen-year-old brother-in-law and the tool she uses for distraction. Caleb is a typically awkward teenager who is no match for Mattie's determination. It isn't long before Mattie has him helping her despite his fear of discovery. Sarah and Sadie are Freeman's eighteen-year-old twin sisters who are firmly on Mattie's side. I loved their enthusiasm and involvement. Cathy is the older Englisch lady who is the moving force behind Mattie's campaign. She was quite an interesting character, as there were times when I wasn't sure what she would say next.
This a solid example of why I'll always pick up a book by Jennifer Beckstrand. As ever, her stories are full of humor, heart, and memorable characters who would be a hoot to know in real life. Mattie has been sent to Colorado by her stern father as punishment for pursuing a lawsuit with a neighbor, something that is not done among the Amish, and especially not by young women! But Mattie can't help it: when she sees a wrong, she feels moved to make it right. Not long after her arrival, another wrong presents itself, and the best way Mattie can think to fix it is by doing the unthinkable--running for town council herself. This puts lots of new people in her path, including Freeman, a staid young man who thinks Mattie is snobby and foolhardy...but also awfully intriguing.
This was a pleasant read that was just complex enough to be interesting while still staying blissfully low-angst. I like how the Amish way of life, and their values of separateness from the outside world, aren't ignored, even when they complicate things. The characters find a way to do what's right without compromising themselves or their beliefs. I loved all the side characters, from crotchety Cathy to Freeman's young sisters to poor, sweet Caleb. I was disappointed in Mattie's aunt, though. She was unsupportive to the point of being disrespectful and Mattie never got the apology she deserved from her. Still, this was a great deal of fun and I'd heartily recommend it for any fans of Amish romance.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!