Title: Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series Book Three
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Christian, Romance
Length: 353 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Now that they’ve happily married off two of their grandchildren, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking challenge. What better way to celebrate the most heartwarming of seasons–and make Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the place for unexpected love. . .
A difficult marriage has left the Helmuths’ widowed great-granddaughter, Beth, finished with wedlock. She’s content to live with them and make a life for herself and her toddler son. But once she turns down handsome Tyler Yoder’s proposal, it seems only fair to encourage him to find a suitable wife. Trouble is, his gentleness and generous ways are showing her how joyous a real meeting of hearts can be. . .
After a failed courtship, Tyler thought the best he could hope for in a wife was mere companionship. But spirited Beth is the one he longs to protect, and hold close. Earning her trust is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. And soon, both will discover that forgiveness and understanding are gifts that only rekindled faith–along with the happiest of holidays–can bring.
The Review:
Huckleberry Christmas is the third heartwarming installment in Jennifer Beckstrand’s charming Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. In this outing, matchmaking grandparents Anna and Felty Helmuth are pairing up their widowed great granddaughter Beth Hostetler with Tyler Yoder.
Beth and her young son Toby are living with Anna and Felty after her return to town following her husband’s death. Her marriage was far from idyllic and she has absolutely no plans to remarry. Beth is prickly and she fiercely guards her newly found independence. She is a little hot tempered, but once she cools off, she is quick to admit when she has made a mistake. Beth uses humor to deflect attention from her past but behind her cheerful facade, she is trying to put the ghosts from her marriage behind her.
Tyler is serious, even-tempered and unflappable. Having had his heart broken when his engagement ended, he is not looking for love when he meets Beth. He respects her need for independence but he finds ways to work around her objections to accepting some of his assistance. He takes her temper in stride and he is quick to forgive.
Tyler and Beth’s romance begins as friendship and their relationship evolves slowly over several months. Their interactions are light-hearted and laced with humor. As their friendship deepens into love, Beth is quick to push Tyler away but it is not until her past collides with the present, that she truly begins to heal. As she begins to let go of her anger toward God, Beth is finally able to recognize the blessings in her life.
Huckleberry Christmas is a wonderful novel of love, family and friendship. Once again, Jennifer Beckstrand’s gentle lesson of faith is thought-provoking and easy to relate to. The storyline is refreshingly unique with richly developed and likeable characters. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this heartfelt and engaging addition to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.
