Esther is starting over in a new Amish community after her father’s death. A quilt maker, she is accustomed of making beautiful quilts out of pieces of scraps, and at age thirty she is adept at being single and accepting her life as it is. But she was not expecting a surprise visit from her sister, a sister who comes with a baby and secretly sneaks out the next day without fanfare and leaves without her baby. A handsome Amish stranger shows up at Esther’s door and is pulled inside, with Esther desperate for help with changing the baby’s diaper, a situation is she not prepared for. Levi is more used babies than Esther, though she is a fast study and becomes a capable caregiver. Problem is, she is falling in love with the baby, and maybe with Levi. A problem, because he wants a younger woman to marry, and because her sister comes back for her baby. It’s a complicated tale, with the past affecting both sisters and threatening their future relationships. Well written and peopled with interesting and likable characters, it’s another example of the fine story-telling abilities of Jennifer Beckstrand. ( )

This was a fun and inspirational Amish romance. I loved that Esther knew very little about how to take care of a baby once her sister left her niece with her. Levi is a great character that is helpful, handy and great with babies. This is a great story. I look forward to reading many more books by this author. This was funny and inspirational. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby by Jennifer Beckstrand is the delightful beginning of The Amish Quiltmaker series. I was drawn into The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby from the very first page. I found myself staying up late so I could finish it (I did not want to stop reading). I thought it was well-written with engaging, developed characters. Esther Zook is thirty years old and has not been married. Her father recently passed away and left her the family farm. Selling the farm allowed Esther to get a new start in Colorado. Esther has an artistic eye and makes beautiful quilts. When her younger sister, Ivy leaves her infant daughter, Winter with her, it throws Esther into a tizzy. Esther has no experience with babies. Esther is a wonderful character. She likes to keep things behind one ear, and you never know what it will be (seam ripper, carrot, chalk). The author shows a realistic view of what it is like to care for an infant (the joys and the frustrations). My favorite line from the book is, “The sound of a baby crying is the most stressful noise in the world.” Levi Kiem is a local handyman in his early twenties. He will be heading to Ohio in a few months to look for a bride since there is a lack of eligible women in their community. Levi puts his foot (and sometimes his whole leg) into his mouth on more than one occasion when chatting with Esther. I laughed often while reading this book. I loved Esther’s keen mind and her interest in learning how to renovate the bathroom. Levi kept trying to keep Esther from using his power tools (it was a losing battle). It sounded like she created a gorgeous bathroom floor. The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby is not all rainbows and sunshine. Esther’s sister, Ivy is a piece of work. She is a manipulative woman. We get to see, though, that there is always two sides to every story. Each person has their own perspective on a situation. Levi’s grandmother, Hannah is another great character. She is a quilter who has a blog with followers all over the world. It was interesting learning about pickleball. I had never heard of it before this book. I liked that the author had the Amish in this story doing things that I have not seen in any other Amish novel. I enjoyed reading this amusing and unique Amish novel. Jennifer Beckstrand did it again with The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby. I was sorry when the story ended. I am eager to read The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law. The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby is a charming Amish tale with quality quilts, a blubbering baby, a scheming sister, power tool turmoil, pickleball play, and a tile tour de force. ( )

After the death of her parents, Esther Zook bought a house and has made a small but nice living for herself making quilts. At the age of thirty, the last thing she expects is to become a mother but she finds herself taking care of her niece Winter (Winnie) when her long lost sister Ivy appears just long enough to leave Winnie with Esther before taking off again. Esther knows nothing about babies and would be totally lost if it wasn’t for the help of Levi Kiem who is supposed to be fixing her bathroom but find himself helping Esther take care of Winnie instead. Esther and Levi grow close but neither thinks they can have a relationship because Levi is six years younger. Will these two learn to listen to what is in their hearts?

“The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby” is a wonderfully done Amish Romance by Jennifer Beckstrand. Her books are always a delight and this is no exception. Beckstrand is a delightfully humorous author and it is really evident in this book – there were times when I laughed out loud especially at the dialogue between Esther and Levi and Esther’s penchant for sticking random items behind her ear. They are a delightful pair: Esther struggling to do the right thing with Winnie but ever fearful that her manipulative sister Ivy will return; Levi wants what is best for Esther – his heart is in the right place but sometimes he does the wrong thing. They are surrounded by a delightful cast of friends and family – both Amish and English that makes this a fun book to read. As for Ivy – she is a complex, not very likable yet troubled character. By the end of the book, I can’t say I liked her, but I do hope Beckstrand features her in another book so that her complete story can be told.

“The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby” is a nicely done Amish Romance. ( )

Jennifer Beckstrand has done it again, written a book filled with so much emotion.
She writes a different type of Amish story, and this one includes lots of friends and family.
There is jealousy, anger, love, and lots of compassion. At times I wanted to shake Esther, she was so kind and Ivy is such a spoiled brat, but keep reading as the reason unfold, and no, I couldn’t imagine what happened.
I also couldn’t imagine a mother, and I know it does happen, abandoning her baby, and then her sister not knowing how to take care of one.
There are some very funny moments, and you will be chuckling out loud, and the mind pictures are hilarious!
I am so glad that this is the beginning of a new series, and I can’t wait for the next book!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Keningston, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )