Series:
Amish Quiltmaker (Book 3)
Mattie Zook always stands up for what’s right—which is
why she’s been exiled from her Pennsylvania Dutch home to her Aunt Esther’s
farm. Outraged at local discrimination against the Amish, she’s using her
rumschpringe to run for town council. Esther can only hope that sensible local
farmer Freeman Sensenig will help Mattie—and keep her from going too far. But
Mattie is soon finding her new campaign manager all too appealing . . .
Freeman never thought that the standoffish, opinionated
Mattie would care so much about others. Even more amazing, their differences
are somehow making her campaign successful—and have him hoping for more of a
future with her. But unexpected obstacles and a sudden romantic rival will put
their growing closeness to the test—and give them only one chance to truly
reconcile their hearts . . .
Fun book. Mattie Zook is a very unconventional Amish
woman. She is headstrong, opinionated, vocal, and always ready to fight for
what is right, even when it goes against her Amish upbringing. At home in
Lancaster, she went so far as to sue a neighbor for dumping garbage on her
family's land. In desperation, Mattie's father sends her to live with her Aunt
Esther in Colorado.
But instead of learning her lesson, Mattie finds herself
embroiled in another controversy. Furious at a local ordinance discriminating
against the Amish community, Mattie decides to take advantage of her
rumschpringe to run for town council. This decision does not sit well with her
new community, but Mattie is determined.
Local farmer Freeman Sensenig is one of those who disapproves.
He and Mattie clashed from the moment they met. Freeman is just as opinionated
as Mattie and is vocal in his opposition. But something about her brings out
his protective side, and he finds himself secretly serving as her campaign
manager.
I enjoyed following the ins and outs of Mattie's
campaign. Her opponent is an arrogant man who will do anything to win.
Meanwhile, Mattie gets a crash course in politics with the help of a local
Englisch woman. I loved seeing Mattie run a focused and clean campaign that
appealed to those who were tired of the incumbent's antics. It isn't an easy
campaign, as there are obstacles that she must overcome. A bit of trouble
causes Mattie to rethink her decision, but in the end, the principal of the
race wins out.
I liked the development of the relationship between
Mattie and Freeman. They are both stubborn people, and because of that, many of
their interactions are contentious. Freeman is vocal in his disapproval of
Mattie's plan but also worries about her safety and feelings. Mattie is adamant
that her feelings are not so fragile that she can't take whatever her opponent
dishes out. It was amusing to see Freeman's confusion over why he is so
concerned about Mattie - after all, he doesn't even like her! Meanwhile, Mattie
isn't sure why she feels so much more confident when Freeman is nearby - all he
wants is for her to withdraw. There comes the point when Freeman realizes his
feelings and that he needs to support her to make her happy, while Mattie faces
a decision of whether to quit or go on. I liked Freeman's "aha"
moment and the sweet scene that resulted from it. The ending was terrific.
I enjoyed the variety of characters. Aunt Esther
disapproves of Mattie's plan but can't stop her. However, she can try to
distract her and gives it her level best. Fortunately, Mattie sees through the
attempt and finds an interesting way around it. Caleb is Esther's
seventeen-year-old brother-in-law and the tool she uses for distraction. Caleb
is a typically awkward teenager who is no match for Mattie's determination. It
isn't long before Mattie has him helping her despite his fear of discovery.
Sarah and Sadie are Freeman's eighteen-year-old twin sisters who are firmly on
Mattie's side. I loved their enthusiasm and involvement. Cathy is the older
Englisch lady who is the moving force behind Mattie's campaign. She was quite
an interesting character, as there were times when I wasn't sure what she would
say next.
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