Category Archives: The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series

January 25, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: Huckleberry Spring by Jennifer Beckstrand

huck springTitle: Huckleberry Spring by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series Book Four
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Amish
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Nothing gives Anna and Felty Helmuth greater satisfaction than seeing their grandchildren happily married–except for planning their next matchmaking venture. And as springtime comes to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the air is filled with promise. . .

Ever since the Helmuths’ grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben’s Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can’t, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma’s courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill…

The Review:

Jennifer Beckstrand whisks readers back to Bonduel for another very entertaining and thought-provoking installment in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Huckleberry Spring is a second chance at love romance that is a very fun read but there is also an underlying seriousness to the plot that gives the story depth and substance.

In the months since Ben Helmuth inexplicably ended their engagement, Emma Nelson has put on a happy face for everyone around her, but her broken heart is nowhere near healed. Emma is a sweet, obedient girl who is a bit accident prone and endearingly inept at cooking and sewing. Since her break up, she has concentrated very hard on keeping out of trouble and perfecting her household skills. The one area of her life which needs no improvement is her green thumb, so when Ben’s grandmother asks for her gardening assistance, Emma reluctantly agrees since she knows she won’t run into her ex-fiancé. Or so she thinks…

As soon as Ben ended his engagement, he immediately moved to Florida and has never returned to Bonduel. Although the reason for the break up is well-intentioned, he is completely unaware of how badly everyone misconstrued his actions and the effect this has on Emma and her relationships with his extended family. Both Emma and Ben are very kind and giving people, but Ben has a bit of an over-developed sense of responsibility and his pride will not allow him to accept help in return. While he knows he cannot (or so he believes) reunite with Emma, he comes up with another well-intentioned but misguided plan to fix things for her, but this leads to further misunderstandings and heartache between them.

Ben and Emma are quite the star-crossed pair but Emma is the most sympathetic of the two since she is in the dark about what lead to their break up. She spends a lot of the story in tears because Ben continues to hurt her off and on as their paths continue to cross. Her clumsiness and her mother’s impatience with her make it easy for her to take on the blame for, well, everything, so it is easy to overlook her crying. While it is true that Emma finds herself in some very precarious situations, Ben is guilty of overlooking some of her strengths. There is much, much more to Emma than people believe and it is so gratifying when they begin to realize it.

Matchmaking grandma Anna has her hands full trying to bring Emma and Ben back together. Her harebrained scheme relies an awful lot on her poor husband Felty undergoing quite a few medical procedures. Of course, Felty is a good sport and goes along with whatever she suggests, but keeping in his assigned role is not easy for the active octogenarian. Felty is the first one to see what Ben is trying to hide but will his advice to his grandson fall on deaf ears?

Huckleberry Spring is another heartfelt addition to Jennifer Beckstrand’s The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. It is sweet romance with delightfully lovable characters that imparts an important and practical message that is easy to relate to. All in all, a very lovely story that old and new fans of this series are going to love.

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Huckleberry Spring, Jennifer Beckstrand, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Zebra

October 15, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

huck christmasTitle: 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.

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Filed under Amish, Christian, Contemporary, Huckleberry Christmas, Jennifer Beckstrand, Kensington, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Zebra

June 1, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Huckleberry Summer by Jennifer Beckstrand

huckleberry summerTitle: Huckleberry Summer by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series Book Two
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With one of their grandchildren happily married, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking success. Because there’s nothing more rewarding than sparking unexpected love–and putting Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, on the map for romance. . .

Cautious to a fault, Lily Eicher strives to live up to her dat’s high standards. She’s certainly not the kind of proper Amish girl who would make time for someone as impetuous as the Helmuths’ grandson, Aden–even if his lively spirit and caring ways are showing her just how wonderful following her heart can be. . .

Recklessly doing the right thing got Aden into big trouble. A fresh start at his grandparents’ is just what he needs. And shy, pretty Lily is turning his world upside down and making him want to prove he can do good within the rules. But now both must find enough faith and understanding to risk pursuing their dreams–together. . .

The Review:

In Jennifer Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Summer, matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth are back and this time they are setting up their bad boy grandson Aden with cautious Lily Eicher. This delightful addition to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series is another captivating romance with a charming cast of likable characters and a unique storyline.

Lily is a thoughtful and obedient young woman who strives to live up to her dat’s high expectations. She is timid and cautious but she is also sweet and kind-hearted. Lily follows rules to the letter and never deviates from doing what is expected of her. While her dat wants her to marry their neighbor Tyler, Aden is the man she desires to wed. Will she find the courage to follow her heart despite his vehement disapproval?

Aden is definitely not the typical Amish young man. He has strong beliefs about protecting the environment and he does not hesitate to jump into the middle of the action. After his latest escapade goes dangerously awry, he is more than ready to accept his grandparents’ invitation to move in with them. Of course Aden does not realize until after he moves that Anna is planning a little matchmaking between him and Lily. Aden is pretty smitten with Lily right from their first meeting but Lily is under strict orders to keep her distance from Aden.

While it is not exactly smooth sailing for the young couple, a romance slowly begins to bloom between Lily and Aden. Lily knows convincing her father to change his mind about Aden is going to take time, and she remains hopeful he will eventually approve their match. Lily has her own reservations about Aden, but as they get to know one another, she discovers the truth about his reputation and she agrees with some of his “unorthodox” ideas. However, when she decides to take a more active role in one of his exploits, their relationship takes a turn for the worse when Lily refuses to accept the consequences for her actions.

The conflict between Lily and Aden is mainly internal as they both deal with their individual issues. Aden struggles with his faith and he is does not fully come to embrace all aspects of Amish beliefs until the aftermath of the latest incident that lands him in a trouble. Lily is so afraid of disappointing her dat that she trusts his judgment over her own which leads her to a decision that makes her miserable.

Huckleberry Summer is a sweetly romantic addition to Jennifer Beckstrand’s The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Valuable life lessons, heartfelt emotions and a gentle undercurrent of faith are expertly interwoven into a warm and lovely story that fans of Amish fictions are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Amish, Christian, Contemporary, Huckleberry Summer, Jennifer Beckstrand, Kensington Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series

January 6, 2014 · 11:56 pm

Review: Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

huckleberryTitle: Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Imprint: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With their thirteen children grown, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next adventure. That means trying their hands at matchmaking–because what could be more fun than igniting love when it’s right–and undoing mismatches when they’re wrong. Now Huckleberry Hill just might turn out to be the most romantic spot in Wisconsin. . .

Lia Shetler is resigned to being a spinster. She’s too tall and sturdy to ever be marriageable–so says her overbearing dat. Instead, she’s helping her pretty, spoiled sister Rachel secure the perfect husband–the Helmuths’ grandson, Moses Zimmerman. But the more Lia sees of Moses’ gently teasing ways and quiet understanding, the more she wishes he could be hers alone. . .

Moses knew his grandparents couldn’t resist trying to find him a wife. But he never expected it would be the graceful, sensible Lia–a woman who is tall enough to look him in the eye, and honest enough to make him question a promise holding him to his past. Now both will need the kind of miracles only faith and courage can bring to finally reach for a lifetime of happiness. . .

The Review:

Jennifer’s Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Hill is a witty, sweet and heartwarming romance. In this delightful first installment of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, Moses Zimmerman’s matchmaking grandparents scheme to set him up with Lia Shetler but this bachelor is determined to stay single. Although he has successfully evaded their efforts in the past, Moses finds Lia pretty difficult to resist. When Lia’s dat decides her sister Rachel is the woman for Moses, which, if any, of the Shetler sisters will win his heart?

Felty and Anna Helmuth are positively adorable and I absolutely loved them. Convinced their grandson needs help getting over his broken heart, Anna has been playing matchmaker for him. The latest woman in her sights? Lia Shetler. She convinces Lia’s dat to let her work for them for the summer and Lia has barely settled in when Anna’s finding ingenious ways to throw them together.

Moses is successful, hardworking and one of the most eligible bachelors in his small Amish district. He has remained dedicated to his ex-fiancée although she broke his heart when she left him and their Amish community. Moses is devoted to his grandparents and frequently helps them maintain their farm. Kind, caring and compassionate, he gently but firmly dissuades the women Anna keeps sending his way. So Moses is more than a little surprised by how much he enjoys spending time with Lia and he is shocked by his growing feelings for her.

Lia struggles with her self-worth as she lives in the shadow of her spoiled and selfish younger sister Rachel. She is an obedient daughter but she is excited about the opportunity to help the Zimmermans out for the summer. She is at first stunned by Moses abrupt pronouncement he is not going to marry her but she takes a humorous approach to his “rejection” and they end up sharing an light-hearted but meaningful friendship. When Rachel sets her sights on Moses, will Lia overcome the habits of a lifetime or will she let the man she is falling in love with go without a fight?

Rachel is self-centered and manipulative and even though her overly indulgent parents are to blame, it is impossible to like her! She is deliberately hurtful to Lia and when she does not get her way, she is mean and vindictive. Anna and Felty have her number right from the start and even though they try to guide her into changing her ways, Rachel manages to outmaneuver them on quite a few occasions. Rachel’s comeuppance is long overdue and I hate to admit it, but I really enjoyed watching it happen!

Lia and Moses are a delightful couple and it is so enjoyable watching them fall in love. They have such a wonderful friendship and they share a true affinity for one another. Theirs is the type of love that slips in when neither is looking and it actually takes a while for them to realize their feelings go deeper than friendship. Moses shows just how honorable he is with his treatment of his ex and his strong need to keep his word to her. Lia has to overcome a lifetime of acceding to her father’s wishes and it is wonderful to see her stretch her wings and find not only love, but her niche in life.

Huckleberry Hill is a charming love story but it is the personal growth of the characters that makes it such a fabulous read. Of course, Moses’ impish grandparents are an absolute delight and I am very much looking forward to their matchmaking shenanigans in Jennifer’s Beckstrand’s next story in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.

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Filed under Amish, Christian, Contemporary, Huckleberry Hill, Jennifer Beckstrand, Kensington, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Zebra