Incredible. Following along with Mary Yoder and Clay Markham was a lovey story. After their accidental meeting, can they overcome the differences in their cultures? The humor in the story was great and the way the author tackles serious issues was tasteful and well-written. I've read a few Amish romances before but this is by far one of my favorites. Well worth the read!!

I love Jennifer Beckstrand's Amish fiction. I must say that this book in the Amish Quiltmaker series is a little different, perhaps because she is dealing with some serious subjects here. Her wonderful trademark humor brightens the story. I received an advanced reader's copy from Kensington through NetGalley and this is my own unsolicited opinion.
Mary Yoder is a shy 28-year-old Amish woman who lives with her widowed father and sisters. She lives a relatively sheltered life. An Englisher who is visibly inebriated runs into her family's barn and her father asks for her help with the situation. Clay Markham is a professional pitcher and is a 'charmer'. Once Mr. Yoder assesses the situation, he decides the young man needs a lesson, refuses to accept a check and expects the barn to be repaired personally.
Beckstrand's lovable yet bristly Englisher, Cathy, the driver for the community is back. There is one thing that was uncomfortable for me and that is that Clay and Mary spend a lot of time without her father being present. It seemed a bit off for an Amish story. Otherwise, this is a book with a serious theme with two people with issues. I think that is handled well.
Possible trigger: drunk driving, female victim

I love any book by author Jennifer Beckstrand, and this one is no exception. Her humorous writing style will keep you laughing and her heartwarming story will keep you sighing.

An accident and an unexpected meeting will bring together Mary and Clay. Will their cultures keep them apart? Can secrets be overcome? Do read this book to find out!

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

This may be the best Amish romance I've ever read. It is different than most Amish books I've read, with some serious topics not usually part of Amish romance (sexual abuse, addiction). There were times I wasn't sure where the story was going and there were some surprises along the way.

Clay Markham is a well-known pro-baseball player when he crashes his car into the barn of an Amish family, a father and several sisters. He was injured in the wreck and the family takes him into their home. He doesn't want to go to a hospital, so a local doctor comes by and tends to his wounds.

Clay is in hiding from his own life. He is a very charming man, and thrilled to be somewhere where no one knows him. Mr. Yoder insists that Clay repair the barn himself when he is well enough, rather than writing a check. It's not long before Clay is introduced to the challenges of gathering eggs and milking goats.

Mary Yoder is a very shy young woman. At 28, she is considered to be a spinster unlikely to marry, and tends to freeze up around men. Taking care of Clay when he is unable to be a threat seems to bring her out of her shell, and his charm and sense of humor does the rest.

But he is an Englisher and she is Amish, and he has a career as a baseball player. Can they overcome these obstacles? I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher Kensington Books/Zebra, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

Fun and Entertaining

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match is a very appropriate title for this fun and entertaining read as Mary and Clay are complete polar opposites. However, the author has woven their story together in such a sweet and amusing way. Their story includes twists and turns that I did not see coming. That kept me captivated and wondering how everything would turn out.

This is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and hope and one that reminds us to trust God and His will in all things. It's a definite must read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand definitely worth picking up. An “accidental” meeting between Mary Yoder, a 28 year old Amish girl and Clay Markham, a professional baseball player makes for delightful storyline.

The attraction between Mary and Clay is instantaneous, but their love and understanding of each other has to grow the more time they spend together. The storyline keeps you interested, and you can’t wait to turn the page.

Ms. Beckstrand’s unique writing humor stands out in this book as well as the way she handles the serious topics appearing in the story. The Christian theme is there, but it is not preachy.

Thank you to the publisher , Kensington Books/Zebra, for allowing me to read an advance copy of this 5-star book. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Release day is January 23. Order yours today.


TheAmishQuiltmakersUnlikelyMatch #NetGalley.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match
by Jennifer Beckstrand

I absolutely love this story line, just proves things can change in a relationship when it comes to the heart!

Clay Markham is a famous major league baseball pitcher who lost the recent game and has incurred the ire of many of his fans. In frustration and depression, he gets drunk and crashes his car into the Yoder family's barn. Mary and her father come to Clay’s assistance and pull him out of the wreckage and bring him home. The rest of the night, Mary spends by Clay’s side, staying awake to ensure Clay does not fall into a coma due to the concussion.

When he finally wakes up in the morning, Mary is finally able to convince him to get the wound on his head stitched up and checked by a doctor. Only at the hospital when confronted by some irate fans and the television in the waiting room area, does Mary begin to realise who Clay is, that he is a famous person.

Things are further complicated when reporters start descending at the hospital in the hope of getting a scoop and an update on Clay’s most recent breakup. Once they can get away, and to lie low for the moment, he agrees to help Dat with the repairs to the fence and barn caused by his crash. Dat refuses to take a cheque for the repairs as he feels Clay needs to make restitution the by repairing the damage he has caused.

While the attraction between Mary and Clay is instantaneous, I love how it grows into something much deeper and more substantial and long lasting the more time they spend with each.

This was such a wonderful story of second chances, learning to love who you are and being open to possibilities. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review.

I really liked Mary she was this spit fire and she really was reserved but had an amazing group of friends and family that had her back and would help her with anything. She also knew when to fight for what was right. I was not a real big fan of Clay I felt he tried to be the martyr the whole story and after a while he just became annoying. I LOVED Cathy she hands down made this book, she had me laughing and also gasping at things that was coming out of her mouth, you defiantly knew where you stood with her for sure. I also loved Mary's sister's they were so fun. Overall this was a fun read and a clean read, however there are some very tough topics discussed so may not be suitable for all readers.

I have always enjoyed Jennifer Beckstrand's books. This one however, was a contradiction. While a possibility, the odds of this truly happening is more like a fairytale. Mary Yoder longs to marry. At 28, she is considered an old maid in her Amish community. Clay Markham is on the run. From what? He holds a very troubled past. When an accident lands him in Mary's care, will they find love, forgiveness, healing in both of their lives? This book had me laughing (Beckstrand is known for her humorous writing), crying and feeling for the characters. I look forward to the next book from this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Review of The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand is a book narrating a sweet story about two main characters, Clay Markham and Mary Yonder. Clay is a handsome Englishman in his early thirties, a baseball celebrity, while Mary is a delightful Amish daughter hailing from an Amish family and community. They meet under unpleasant circumstances when a drunk Clay crushes into Try's barn Mary's father, and a farmer. He is taken care of by Mary, who has great knowledge and talent in first aid matters. Clay promises to pay for the damages, but Mary's father refuses, arguing that he won't learn his lesson unless he fixes the barn himself. So Clay finds himself spending much time with Mary and her family. What will become of these individuals hailing from two different worlds? Well, figure it out in this book, The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand

What I like about the book is the striking contrast between the two principal characters. It leaves the reader wondering what will happen in the end. Additionally, I like the humor in the book; examples include p. 148, "Mary snorted and startled the baby." Also, p. 168."Cathy frowned. “I guess I don’t have to leave my number, but it’s just a habit. At the doctor, they ask for your cell number, your birthday, and your blood type, and then want to know how depressed you think you are. It’s annoying." Readers are going to find more of these in this book.

I rate this book, The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand, 5 out of 5 stars for the above reasons.

I recommend this book to those readers who are both spiritual and romantic. It is a book that strikes the balance between spiritual and romantic matters, thus bringing the balance needed in life and the author proves that love can be understood by all

Mary Yoder lives a quiet life on her family farm with her dad and sisters. She enjoys working with the goats, making quilts, and helping with the family cheese business. When Clay crashes his car into their family barn, Mary helps her dad to rescue their barn as well as Clay. As the family gets to know Clay, they are surprised to discover that he is a professional baseball player! Clay quickly becomes a well-loved part of the family, as he works to repair the damage to the barn and fence. Mary falls in love with Clay, but reporters, fans, and gossip related to his profession keep interfering in their romance. The characters experience growth and change, while confronting their own inner demons.

Readers who enjoy a new angle on the Amish romance story will find this to be a refreshing change up! The story is a clean and sweet one, without explicit sex, strong language, or violence. The Christian message is overt, but not preachy.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand is a sweet, emotional, and humorous story that had me laughing out loud. Mary Yoder isn’t interested in romance. At 28 years of age she’s considered to be an old maid by her Amish friends and family. Clay Markham crashes his car into her barn. Mary’s father insists that Clay fix the damage himself and not just write a check and soon Clay becomes a fixture in the Yoder household. A beautiful journey of love and healing develop between the shy Mary and the lost, depressed, and newly sober Clay. Though these two had absolutely nothing in common: she’s Amish and he’s an Englischer, she’s plain and he’s famous, she makes quilts and he’s a Major League Baseball pitcher, they found a way to connect as they both feel like they do not fit in or are worthy of love.

Ms Beckstrand adds another outstanding installment to a wonderful series; drawing me into the story making me feel as if I’m part of the story rather than a spectator. This was a beautiful story of second chances, grace, forgiveness, and love all within the beautiful backdrop of the Amish community’s faith and lifestyle, as shown through sweet moments, supportive family, friendships, and life choices. I highly recommend The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was well written. The characters were all well rounded and believable. I enjoyed the storyline. It was easy to follow with the right amount of ups and downs. It was very easy to get caught up in the story. It was wholesome and clean. I received this book as an ARC reader and I am writing this review freely on my own..

The title was definitely an appropriate one, as the unlikely match was indeed unlikely. As Mary starts her quilt design, called the Drunkard's Path, she has no idea that something will quickly change life as she knows it. A handsome drunken driver crashes onto the family's property and into the barn. Mary helps in his rescue and as he offers to pay for all damages, Mary's father feels it more important to have him learn a lesson than to simply have him pay for the damages. So handsome Clay begins his time as barn repairman. No one of the family knowing who this man really was.
There are lots of twists and turns as a sweet romance starts between Mary and Clay. As Clay becomes accustomed to the family, he also becomes a close friend. As unexpected things start to occur, Mary finds out there is more to this man.

I really enjoyed this read and there was some humor, as is typical for this author, but there is also lots of drama. Each character grows in their own ways in the story and it is nice to see the changes that take place. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

This a good story of old time , where everything will work out as God plans! Lots of misunderstanding and fun along the way.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand
Related to: The Amish Quiltmaker
Filled with her trademark humor and relatable characters, award-winning author Jennifer Beckstrand's blends quilting, matchmaking, and a close-knit Colorado community in her newest Amish Quiltmaker novel, as independent-minded quilter Esther Kiem sets her sights on an unusual match between the shyest Yoder sister and a professional baseball player…
Perfect for fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.
Though Mary Yoder longs to marry someday, she finds caring for her community’s injured and sick is much easier than courting. But when Englischer Clay Markham crashes his car nearby, Mary’s nursing shows her his hidden wounds are more painful than his injuries. Though she’s irresistibly drawn to his kind nature, can she risk letting him into her heart?
On the run from his troubled past, ex-pro baseball player Clay can’t believe the quiet sanctuary he’s found under Mary’s care. Her gentle faith and knowledge are somehow giving him hope he can change his life—and offer her the love she truly deserves. But when his secrets catch up with him, can he and Mary find the courage to face the truth, set things to rights . . . and make way for a future together?
This is Mary Yoder and Clay Markham's story.
This is Mary Yoder, sisters and father's story.
Mary and her sisters are making a quilt for their Great Grandmother.
They each choose a block pattern they wish to use.
Their friend Esther, who runs a Quilt shop brings her friend Cathy to help them with the quilt.
“Help, help! Don’t eat me! Don’t eat me!”
Mary Yoder snapped her gaze out the window, and her heart did a somersault and two backflips. An elderly Englisch woman in a bright magenta parka and lemon-yellow pants ran toward the house with all four goats and the dog chasing after her. Ach, vell, she wasn’t exactly running. She looked too old to be able to muster any speed, but she was certainly shuffling her feet very rapidly in an attempt to escape the animals. “Dat!” Mary yelled. “There’s trouble out front.”
Clay Markham is a famous, but recently disgraced MLB pitcher. One night after drowning the sorrows of his recent playoffs loss, he drunkenly crashes his car into Mary Yoder's barn. She takes it upon herself to nurse him back to health, and rather than letting him pay for the damage, her father decides that Clay should complete the repairs himself in order to learn his lesson.
I recommend this book.
The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jennifer Beckstrand.
If you like to read Amish stories you will love this book.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Forgiveness, hope and love .

Jennifer Beckstrand can do no wrong. This book reminded me of why I love Amish Romance novels.

This book weaved so many emotions throughout, including Jennifer's typical humor. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline.

This book takes two seemingly different characters – Mary Yoder is Amish, a bit shy but a very good at taking care of the sick in her community; Clay Markham is a millionaire baseball player who is used to the limelight – and weaves a beautiful romance, showing they have more in common than they think.

An easy read - This is a rom com set in the amish world with a sportsman - I have read a few stories set in the Amish world before, and I liked the light heartedness of this one. Its a good weekend read :)

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand has Mary Yoder meeting baseball player, Clay Markham when he runs into their family barn (and almost into Mary). Mary is twenty-eight, a baptized member, and unmarried. Clay is Englisch and a baseball player. Mary’s father insists on Clay repairing the damage himself instead of writing a check and walking away. I found The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match to be easy to read. It is a cute story, though, there are repetitive details. My favorite character is Cathy, the Englischer driver and quilter. She is a hoot. I found it hard not to roll my eyes several times while reading the story, particularly over an incident near the end. It appears some of the Amish rules were thrown out the window. The drama was upped in the story. There is one persistent, dislikeable reporter. There is humor to help offset the drama. The goats provide several amusing moments. The ending is sweet. I enjoy Jennifer Beckstrand’s Amish novels and I look forward to each new release. Unfortunately, The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match was a strikeout.