A Fantastic Conclusion -- Miriam's Quilt

Jennifer Beckstrand is a relative newcomer to the world of Amish fiction . . . but she has "hit the ground running" -- and her books just keep getting better and better!  Miriam's Quilt, the conclusion of her Forever After in Apple Lake series, is my favorite so far. 

The characters are very believable, with realistic depth and complexity.  They grow and change as they react and respond to the events in their lives.  The plot is engaging, drawing you in deeper as the story progresses.  Some elements fall into place as you might expect -- although the route they take might be surprising.  And some things may catch you off-guard.

As I neared the end of the book, I was very conflicted -- I was anxious to see several questions resolved, but I really didn't want the story to end!  As a huge fan of Amish fiction, I definitely give Miriam's Quilt five stars.

Miriam's Quilt is fine as a stand-alone novel, but why not enjoy the whole series.  You can read my thoughts on the other books here.

Thanks to Jennifer for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


About Miriam's Quilt:

Miriam Bontrager has loved Ephraim Neuenschwander for as long as she can remember. As young teenagers they make a secret pact to wed when they come of age. But when Miriam’s headstrong brother is arrested and her sister is discovered with child, Ephraim decides that Miriam, with her disgraced family ties, is not worthy of him. Heartbroken and shattered, Miriam vows to never again trust her affection to anyone. But will she surrender her heart when a man of simple faith and gentle ways shows her how to love again?

Of course Seth Lambright thinks Miriam Bontrager is pretty, but she’s also too stuck-up to pay him any notice. That is, until she comes to his stable after Ephraim’s devastating rejection. Spending time with Seth’s horses gives Miriam comfort and helps her mend, but her presence nudges Seth dangerously close to falling in love. Unable to ignore the way she tugs at his heart, will he risk everything to show her that there is more to love than the pain of bitter memories?


Meet Jennifer:

From Jennifer, about Jennifer --

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years. (Because all my children have finally entered the public school system, I can now write a book in significantly less time.) I sent my manuscript to an agent, who asked me to try my hand at writing Amish fiction. After much research and travel, I fell in love with the people and the genre. My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

Learn more about Jennifer at her website.