The Flower Quilter - (The Heart of the Amish) by Mindy Steele (Paperback)

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele is a refreshing new Amish Christian Fiction. Barbara never quite fit in with her family. Her love for the outdoors and flowers does not coincide with her family's traditions of quilting and staying indoors. As Barbara is getting older, her parents send her off to Indiana to help her grandparents, specifically her grandmother, at her quilting shop. Barbara quickly realizes, yet again, that quilting is not for her. She does also not appreciate the rude young man who nearly ran her over once she arrive in Indiana. All she wants to do is return to her family and Kentucky. Will Barbara ever find her calling? Will she be able to work with the flowers that bring her such joy? I found The Flower Quilter a unique Amish novel. It honestly had a different twist the the usual Amish fiction romance. I was hooked and could not put it down. Mindy writes in a new and refreshing way. There is a glossary of Amish terms in the beginning, which initially intimidated me, however, I found that I was able to decipher the jargon from the context and didn't really need it. I absolutely enjoyed the Flower Quilter and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend.

This was a beautiful, touching and inspiring story set in the heart of the Amish Country! I haven’t read many Amish books, but I find myself lately drawn to them. Their sense of community, their love of God and their high moral values, and the love of family are some of the things that appeal to me. And the sweetness of their romances. The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele did not disappoint! Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters in a small Amish community in Kentucky. But her lack of talent for quilting and sewing has her frustrated and she’s afraid she might be a disappointment to her family. When her parents decide to send her for a few months to help out her grandmother in her quilting shop in Indiana, she finds herself amongst a different, bigger, and more open community than hers. But to her surprise, these changes will open a whole new perspective as for her true calling in life and what and who her heart really wants! Melvin Bontrager life changed six years ago when his parents died. Now, he feels responsible to provide and take care of his widowed sister and his adorable niece, but life throws a few challenges for him. After selling the family’s farm to pay off debts, he starts a landscaping business. But things are getting difficult and he’s worried he may lose the main means of providing for his small family. Just then, Barbara is sent by her grandfather, who is also the Bishop of the community, to help Melvin out in his business. Barbara has an extraordinary talent of designing flower gardens and making them look like quilts. As they both work together to grow the business feelings starts to grow. But Barbara is returning to Kentucky soon. Does their budding love have a chance at something permanent? I was very touched by the story! Ms. Steele has a wonderful way of making you understand the characters and root for their happily-ever-after. Barbara and Melvin won a place in my heart. Both so different, yet a perfect match. I loved Barbara’s kindness and willingness to serve others, her love for her family, her brightness. Melvin’s heart is burdened by responsibility, and Barbara’s intrusion in his life softens his heart, opens his eyes and fills him with a joy he was lacking. But their love isn’t something granted, so they will have to fight some odds and decide what they will sacrifice in order to get it. This story is also about discovering your true calling, and how we all have different talents and gifts that God has bestowed upon us to make others life brighter and better. And also, about knowing that your true worth is much more than what others expect from us, moreover, it’s in fulfilling the calling God has in store for us, always unique. Nobody else can give to the world what God has planned for us to give. The romance was sweet and clean. The story flowed, the dialogues were good, and I think there was so much to learn from the characters, even the secondary ones, like Barbara’s grandparents and Melvin’s sister Sarah. They all had wisdom to impart. I also loved learning more about some Amish customs, like the quilting, and the part about the artistry with the flower beds, and knowing that kind of art really exists really amazed me. All in all, a beautiful and inspiring story about what’s important in life, the strength of family ties and the love of a God that created us with a purpose. I highly recommend this story! I received a complimentary digital copy from Barbour Publishing but wasn’t required to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A beautiful story of finding your passion and following your heart. Ms Steele has a unique way of adding unexpected surprises to Amish Fiction that keeps you coming back for more. The picturesque storytelling has you visualizing Barbara pushing her glasses up with bandaged fingers from trying to quilt to please family. I loved that her grandparents saw her for who she was and encouraged and pushed her to color outside the lines of what was expected of an Amish woman. Melvin touched my heart with his caring ways for his sister and niece. I would love to step into the book and see the beautiful gardens he creates with great input from Barbara. This book has inspired me to create a flower quilt as I love gardening. An all around great book that keeps you turning pages but at the same time not wanting it to end. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This is her worst nightmare come true! Barbara is spending part of the summer in Indiana helping and quilting in her Amish grandmother's quilt shop. Despite years of trying, Barbara can't do anything but stick herself repeatedly with the needle, or constantly pull out her poorly done stitches. After a few days of torture, her grandfather takes mercy on her, and finds her a different job. But it is with Melvin, who almost ran her over with his wagon the first day she arrived. He constantly seems to be in a bad mood, and always has a sour look on his face. Barbara dislikes Melvin so much, she is almost tempted to return to the quilt shop, almost. Melvin is a landscaper, and Barbara is supposed to help him plant, and tend gardens. Getting her hands dirty is what Barbara loves most. Barbed comments, and head butting take place between them on the job. As she works, she suggests different ways to arrange the plants, a departure from the way Melvin has always done it. For the first time in her life, Barbara is having romantic feelings for someone. She doesn't know how anything could come of it since she will be returning home to Kentucky. Barbara will never live anywhere else, not even for a relationship. But she knows she will never be happy because part of her heart will be left in Indiana. This five-star book has a great story line that keeps you absorbed until the last page. Fans of Amish stories, and well-written tales will enjoy this clean book! Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

Family and/or friends may try to place a person in a certain mold, but each person has their own unique gifts and loves. That’s a lesson that Barbara Schwartz took a while learning. I enjoyed reading her story and how among bandaged fingers she learned there’s more than one way to “quilt”. Throw in a love interest, a pair that works well together and beautiful flowers and you’ve got a story that is well worth the time. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

This book shares the feeling that we are not all cut out of the same cloth and that is the case with Barbara whose family members are all natural quilters. But it is not "her thing". She loves to find her own way and she finds herself in the town of her grandmother, (another family quilter) and meets Melvin and together they quilt beautiful landscaping of flowers in wonderful patterns. It's a very sweet story and the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed it very much and hope to read more from this author. Very nicely done! I received a complimentary copy and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This story was so fun to read as I followed Barbara to visit her grandparents. She has come to help her grandmother in her quilt shop. The thing is poor Barbara can’t quilt to save her life. The needle pricks on her fingers are proof that perhaps she needs to find something else to do during her stay. I can relate to Barbara so much. My mother was gifted at sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery work. Me not so much. Okay not at all. Don’t ask me to sew a button because you may be waiting awhile. Being in Indiana is fast paced compared to her home in Kentucky. One encounter with a young man didn’t sit well with her. Who knew the friend she makes just happens to be related to the person who almost ran her over the first day she arrived? Will she find her confidence here or will she allow the enemy to discourage her? Melvin is such a good character. He has devoted himself to helping his sister and niece after their loss. He has no intentions of looking for a wife and is content with his life. I admired his integrity and faith. His run in with Barbara is funny and instantly I knew these two would give us much entertainment. I enjoyed learning about the differences between the Amish who live in different areas. Where Barbara is from they dress very conservative. Seeing how they dress here in Indiana she thinks the colors they wear are very pretty. I can tell she felt a little uncomfortable around some of the people in the community. The gossip starts up about her when she gets lost one evening. It seems like she can’t catch a break and I so wanted her to be more confident and strong. The author gives us a great story about using your gifts to bless others. I also liked the laughter I found in the story as Barbara seems to get herself in funny situations. She is so set on being independent she forgets that sometimes our pride can get in the way. As Barbara tries to find her path in life we witness growth and trust. We need to keep out eyes on God and He will direct our path. Visiting the glorious and eye catching gardens made Barbara feel at peace. This is where she felt at home and lavished in the beauty with eyes twinkling. The author does an amazing job of incorporating history into this story with a particular garden that I know would be peaceful. God’s beauty is all around as Barbara knows where her gifts are. In that moment she feels at peace and is stunned at what God had created. I am sorry to see the story end but oh my what a beautiful reminder about forgiveness and trusting God. Barbara and Melvin learn what it is like to see the beauty around them and allow God to heal broken hearts. This was a journey that I will cherish forever as I witnessed unconditional love and a new beginning for Barbara and Melvin “Whatever gifts you have been given by God, use them to serve others.” I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele is a heartwarming Amish story. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Barbara Schwartz and Melvin Bontrager. I also liked Barbara’s grandparents (they are sweet, caring people) and Sarah (Melvin’s sister). Barbara’s mother and grandmother are both excellent quilters. Barbara would rather be outside working in the gardens than getting her finger pricked by a needle (she really should wear a thimble). Her quilting challenges were amusing. I understood her struggle. Barbara wants to please her family, but with regard to quilting, she is all thumbs. Barbara managed to get herself into some comical situations. I laughed often while reading The Flower Quilter. I enjoyed learning about quilt gardens and the Heritage Trail in Indiana. It turns out there is more than one way to quilt. It was interesting learning the differences and similarities between Amish communities (in this case, Kentucky and Indiana). I can tell that the author did her research for this book. The Flower Quilter is a story full of emotions, and I like that I was left smiling when I closed the book. The Flower Quilter is the first book in The Heart of the Amish series, and I am looking forward to the next installment. One of my favorite quotes is, “Finding something you love, even for as short as a single summer, is a gift. So is finding beauty in what others tend to overlook.” The Flower Quilter is an uplifting tale with quilt quibbles, beautiful blooms, troublesome twins, amusing misadventures, bevy of red barns, and gorgeous gardens.

Barbara Schwartz comes from a family of accomplished quilters, but she absolutely hates to quilt! Why should she sit in a hot, stuffy room when she could be outside working in her flowers and garden? Barbara knows that "next to God, family always comes first" so she reluctantly travels to Shipshewana, Indiana to help her grandparents. Will this time in her grandmother's quilt shop change her mind about quilting, or will Barbara discover a new purpose while she's away? What awaits her in this place that is so different from her own small Kentucky community? The Flower Quilter is the delightful story of a friendship that develops because of a mutual love for being outdoors in nature. Author Mindy Steele poignantly conveys Barbara and Melvin's joy in their blossoming friendship and their reluctance to allow it to become more. I enjoyed the humor, and I was swept away by the innocent flirtation that hints at what's to come! Grab a copy and prepare to lose yourself in this touching story of acceptance, forgiveness, and trust. You may also find yourself planning a road trip to see the beautiful Indiana Quilt Gardens for yourself! I received a complimentary copy of this book. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.