The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby

Beckstrand (Abraham) begins her Amish Quiltmaker series with a redemptive tale about a woman who moves across the country to start over. Esther, unmarried at age 30, is considered an “old maid” in her rural Pennsylvania Amish community. After the death of both her parents, Esther relocates to Byler, Colo., for a fresh start. But then Esther’s estranged younger sister, Ivy, shows up with a newborn baby, steals Esther’s money, runs off, and leaves Esther to care for the infant. Handyman Levi Kiem knows a lot about child care, as he is the oldest of 12 siblings. Along with his extended family, Levi helps Esther bond and care for the child. Though Esther is hesitant about her growing feelings for Levi, she gets over her fears as he proves to be the only one in Byler she can rely on. Their bond is tested when Ivy returns and tries to manipulate Levi into marrying her. Readers will root for the couple, and Ivy makes for a believable foil to Esther’s attempts at beginning a new life. Fans of Wanda Brunstetter will enjoy this satisfying, sentimental tale. (Mar.)