12/04/2023
The bright lights of professional baseball shine on Amish country in this high-spirited romance from Beckstrand (The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece). When the Yoder sisters decide to make a quilt for their great-grandmother’s 100th birthday, they seek out octogenarian “master quilter” Cathy Larsen, who promises that each of the quilt blocks she gives the sisters “has a little magic stitched into it.” Mary Yoder thinks nothing of choosing the “Drunkard’s Path” pattern until an inebriated major leaguer with “muscular arms and shoulders as broad as the Mississippi River” crashes his car into her family’s barn. Clay Markham, who’s been dodging the limelight ever since he cost his team a spot in the playoffs, offers to pay for the damage, but Mary’s father insists he repair it himself. As Clay spends more time with the family, he grows to appreciate their slower-paced lifestyle and begins to fall for Mary. Trouble comes, however, when news of his whereabouts leaks, bringing reporters and fans to the Yoders’ door. Worried that he’s endangering the family, Clay decides to leave, forcing shy, withdrawn Mary to fight for the man she loves. The plot never flags across its many twists and turns—some more believable than others, but each rendered with enough heart and charm to sweep readers happily along for the ride. Beckstrand’s fans will delight in this cheerful romp. (Feb.)
