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.

Clay Markham, when he comes around from concussion, agrees to repair everything and reside near the Colorado farm for a month or more until it’s done. The Yoder farm has four unmarried daughters, and their father won’t agree that a single man should stay in the house. Clay seems quite cheerful and compliant, but perhaps this is just because the press won’t know where to find him.

Cathy Larsen, a neighbour who isn’t Amish, is frequently called upon to drive or telephone on Mary’s behalf. Also, some younger folks who aren’t yet committed to the faith can drive and use mobiles, which others find convenient. Seems to me that the community now wants to have its cake and eat it, too. Goats, a collie dog, and usual farm life make an entertaining background, with a few trips to a hospital and town. Mary isn’t ready for the big world to come calling, but when Clay starts meaning a lot to her, even though he gets their customs wrong, she has to face some changes.

THE AMISH QUILTMAKER’S UNLIKELY MATCH addresses a few serious issues, such as the reality or otherwise of public image. Another point gently made is that the insular community can benefit from new blood, with new experiences and methods, while adhering to the tenets of their faith. I don’t know how real the suggestion is that an outsider would be welcomed, even as a workman. Maybe some communities would be happier with this than others, or maybe they feel it’s up to the families concerned. Jennifer Beckstrand always conveys a positive image and a lighter romance. Certainly, the cultural contrast is well made, and the memorable characters are people I enjoyed getting to know.