The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law

Beckstrand continues her Colorado Amish series (after The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby) with this enjoyable rumspringa romance. Twenty-two year-old Ben Kiem, known in his Amish community for mischief and chain smoking, is far from an obvious match for sensible if judgmental 19 year-old Linda Eicher, who spends her time hiking and skiing with her Englisch friends. When Ben injures himself hitching water skis to the back of a buggy, his sister-in-law, Esther, sends Ben to spend time with Linda as payment for stitching him up in hopes that being around a responsible person will shape him up. Linda sees past Ben’s self-hating sabotage to his caring, nature-loving heart—even if Ben is unwilling to see his own virtues or to believe that he is worthy of love. Humor infuses the story, especially in interactions with elderly hypochondriac Cathy, who sets herself up as both matchmaker and chaperone, and in small touches like Ben’s repeated destruction of his hats while acting out. A gentle sense of belief in God’s plan is inherent in the goings-on, but religious themes remain subtle. Beckstrand’s fans will enjoy this playful story. [em](July) [/em]