When a drunken athlete crashes quite literally into Mary Yoder's life, she never expected to fall in love.

A quick and enjoyable read with likable characters, and an upbeat plot. Clay is running from his bad boy past, when he meets the kind and honest-hearted Mary Yoder. Clay is a charming man, with a sincerity about him despite his demons. I liked his and Mary's friendship, and how he is always brightening the days of others. Mary is a very kind and honest woman, and she brings out the best in Clay. They have a sweet chemistry, and I loved how Mary encourages Clay to turn to God for answers.

This was a fun read, with the added tension of a doomed attraction. Engaging story with familiar faces from previous books, and a sweet romance. It was the perfect lighter read to recover from a little reading slump.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The fourth book featuring Amish Quiltmaker Esther Kiem brings us a highly unusual story, about an outsider coming among the Amish folk. This isn’t a suspense tale but he’s hiding out all the same. THE AMISH QUILTMAKER’S UNLIKELY MATCH occurs when worlds collide. A baseball player had a poor game, and he crashes his car while drunk, into a barn. Perhaps coincidentally, Mary Yoder, whose home this farm is, had just been sewing a quilt pattern called Drunkard’s Path. The quilters said a choice of pattern can affect more than a bedspread. Esther plays only a minor role in this tale.
Continued.

A perfect blend of quilting and unexpected romance. I loved the close knit community and the atmospheric Colorado backdrop.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rarely do I read a book that actually makes me smile, but this one did it. How could you not enjoy it with Cathy and her wit?
I did not read the other books of the series but might in the future.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

This book is a quick read. Less than 200 pages and I rated it 3⭐️⭐️⭐️.

It starts in a car accident where a man is trapped in his car and these two people are trying to get him out before the car burns.

That’s how you are introduced to the male and female main characters Clay and Mary.

As it turns out, Clay is a Major League Baseball player and Mary is an Amish woman.

The book takes you on the journey of their relationship, and learning a little about each other’s world.

It was a cute love story and honestly I would have rated it higher except for a good portion of the book the main characters are going back and forth about how unworthy and not good enough they are, and quite frankly I got to the point I just didn’t want to hear it anymore.

But I pushed through and finished this short read giving it 3 ⭐️.

I really liked the banter between Mary and Clay. They worked through their own issues as their relationship developed. I read a lot of Amish fiction and I must say I had some problems with believability. Mary was 27 and a member of the church. Her family including her father seemed to have no problem with her spending most of her time with Clay. While we do have a happily ever after it’s a little bit far fetched for me. I still would recommend this book and give it 4 stars. We all can dream!

What a fun premise with the famous baseball player and the Amish girl! I had a hard time putting this one down. Even though it seemed far-fetched at first, the author did a great job making it believable that he was so tired of all the pretense and people only liking him for his money that the Amish world would be attractive to him. I loved all of it and was both satisfied and a little sad when it came to an end.

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

"Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match" offers readers a refreshing escape from hefty 700+ page tomes with its light-hearted narrative. If you're in need of a break and a dose of classic Amish Harlequin-style romance, this book may just be the perfect choice.

The heart of the story revolves around the unlikely pairing of Clay and Mary, two characters whose journey is filled with second chances and the age-old theme of a troubled soul in need of redemption. The predictability of the plot is offset by the charming dynamics between the protagonists, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the genre.

A standout feature of the book is the character Cathy, the non-Amish friend who adds a delightful layer to the narrative. Cathy's presence serves as a lens through which the differences between the two communities are skillfully portrayed. Her inclusion injects a sense of fun and highlights the contrasting lifestyles, adding depth to the overall storytelling.

True to its title, "Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match" lives up to the promise of an unexpected romance. The chemistry between Clay and Mary is both endearing and believable, creating a sense of connection for readers invested in their love story.

While this may not be a life-changing read, it certainly exceeds expectations. The book manages to strike a balance between predictability and engaging storytelling, making it a satisfying choice for those seeking a brief escape into the world of Amish romance. With its well-executed character dynamics and a touch of unlikely love, this novel proves to be a pleasant surprise that holds its own within the genre.

It’s always nice to read a good Christian story. An unlikely union with two good characters. Thanks for the advanced copy. I enjoyed it.

This novel is quite different from any other Amish tale or love story I’ve ever read. Imagine a young Amish woman who helps save a famous baseball player when he crashes his car in her barn. Needless to say, sparks fly. You’ll have to read the book to see how it plays out and the unexpected conclusion. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d like this so well, but it drew me in and made me a fan. I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheAmishQuiltmakersUnlikelyMatch #NetGalley

It all began with a discussion about a new quilt to be made for Great-grandmother Beulah, to celebrate her one hundredth birthday. The ladies are gathering to select the blocks they will make for the new quilt.
Master Quilt Maker Cathy Larsen is invited to the gathering to offer help and advice and even though she is acerbic, she has a kind heart, pointing out no matter what pattern they choose to sew, every quilt has a little bit of magic sewn into it.
Mary Yoder, selects the Drunkards Path an intricate pattern that she believes will look wonderful when complete. At the age of 28 years, she is considered a spinster in the Amish County. Even though she would dearly love to marry and have a family, she is happy with her life on the farm. She would rather stay single than marry the wrong person.
When a car crashes through their fence hitting the barn, she and Dat rush out to rescue the driver, only to discover he is trapped in the car, with flames beginning to lap up the barn wall. He is dragged out of the car, and once the flames are extinguished, Mary realises he is not only drunk, he has concussion and a serious gash on his head that needs attention.
As Clay heals from his injuries, he finds the gentle nature of the Amish family soothes the deeply felt wounds of his past and recent present. Mary is not at all sure who he is and why he is so upset. When she accidently discovers he is a famous baseball player whose team missed section due to what is considered his bad pitching, she vows to learn all she can about baseball. And him!
As the time slowly drifts past Clay’s fame brings disruption to the small family. Eventually Mary and Clay have to make the decision to confront the past to begin to form a new future together, but can they overcome so many of the obstacles fame and being Amish place in their way.
This well written, gentle story The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match unfolds along unexpected pathways to deliver a heart-warming story about kindness, love, courage and strength which is perfect for a lovely weekend at home indulging in a well written, charming and delightful little bit of captivating escapism!

It has been a long time since I have read a nice, clean, Christian Romance book. I forgot how nice and refreshing it can be. I loved the dynamic between the Amish and English. You could tell they would end up together (it is a romance after all) but how? I think the author captured the conflict Mary was going through wanting to be there for Clay but not knowing how to handle the English world—especially the world of a Major League Baseball player and all that goes with it.

Jennifer Beckstrand is an amazing writer and this book was a pleasure to read. As the story progressed you really began to love each and every character she introduced. I would highly recommend her books.

This one was different than the others I have read by this author. Usually I am laughing a lot. Not big laughs this time but lots of sweet smiles. Jennifer Beckstrand never fails! She is my all time favorite author! A really good book and a lovely time enjoying the book with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm quilt. Thank you, Jennifer Beckstrand, for such a sweet moment in my life!

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match is the 4th book in the author's Amish Quiltmaker series. I read the first book, The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby, and loved it so I requested this new title from Net Galley and was lucky to receive a copy of the book.

The publisher's summary:

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?

I enjoyed this story immensely. There was some mystery to the story. The reader doesn't know how long Clay and Mary can remain to be friends given that Clay was not Amish. I kept waiting to read that they stopped seeing each other. However, one thing after another happened to Clay that brought him and Mary together. As with all Amish fiction, there is a happy ending. The suspension of belief that you see with cozy mysteries is evident here. I believe that suspension of belief was a little far to be believable but hey, at least it's a happy ending. This is why I read Amish fiction. When I buy one of them I am looking for a light read and a book that I will enjoy. The Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match hit the spot.

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.