Huckleberry Hearts

Happy Look for an Evergreen Day!  If you have not purchases your tree, this is a good day to go shopping!  I love the smell of fresh trees, but I can only smell them for a short time (then my allergies kick in).  I have noticed this year a distinct lack of tree sellers in our area.  Normally, there are trees for sale outside every store or in a tent in their parking lot.  Not this year!  Is there a shortage of trees that I am not aware of?  I know I am not buying a tree, I just thought it was unusual (and I am curious).  Do you like an artificial tree or a real one?  We are going to need a new tree for next year.  I am going to get a pre-lit tree (I am still working on our lights)!

Huckleberry Hearts by Jennifer Beckstrand is the sixth book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  Anna and Felty Helmuth are up to their normal hijinks.  Anna wants to set up her granddaughter, Cassie Coblenz.  Anna has decided that Dr. Zach Reynolds is the perfect match.  So Anna is having a black spot on her foot operated on (it turned out to be melanoma).  Anna even knitted the doctor a scarf, beanie, and mittens as incentive (she does not make everyone mittens because they take longer to knit).  Cassie is going to stay at Huckleberry Hill and help out while Anna recovers from her surgery (she has to stay off her feet).  This will give Anna extra time to knit (and keep her out of the kitchen). 

Cassie decided not to be baptized in the Amish faith.  She has just graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Art History.  Cassie is going to use the time at her grandparents to study for the GRE test (she wants to go to graduate school).  Cassie’s mother is not happy with Cassie’s choice and neither is Cassie’s brother, Norman.  They use every opportunity to tell her of their displeasure (they are bullies).  Dr. Reynolds also attended the University of Chicago.  He does not remember Cassie, but Cassie remembers him.  This does not bode well for Anna’s matchmaking scheme especially since Cassie has severe trust issues.  Zach has faith issues since the death of his father.  But being around Cassie, Anna, and Felty will change Zach (hopefully).  Will Zach be able to woo Cassie?  Can they overcome their issues and have a future together?  Anna and Felty have such a good track record.  You will have to read Huckleberry Hearts to see if Anna and Felty make another successful match.

Huckleberry Hearts was my least favorite of the six books in the series.  I found Cassie’s mother and brother very offense (and Cassie refuses to fight back or stand up for herself).  Cassie just let herself be a doormat (very unattractive quality).  This book is also the most religious out of all the books (a lot of scripture and theology).  The writing is good (as always).  Huckleberry Hearts is a light, airy, and easy to read novel for the most part.  The ending is so sweet.  Anna and Felty are such a loving, warm couple.  They are why I read the books.  While this book is a part of series, you can read it alone (though you will want to read all of them). I give Huckleberry Hearts 4 out of 5 stars.  I cannot wait for the next book in this series (though, according to the author, we will have a wait) to see what Anna and Felty are up to next (Anna is going to learn to crochet).

The other books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series are Huckleberry Hill, Huckleberry Summer, Huckleberry Christmas, Huckleberry Spring, and Huckleberry Harvest (notice a theme).  I received a complimentary copy of Huckleberry Hearts from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Death Crashes the Party by Vickie Fee.  It is the first book in a new cozy mystery series and comes out on December 29 (I am ahead of schedule)!  I am now going to feed my children (cats and dogs) and then go back to bed.  I woke up with the flu today.  We got a little bit of cold weather and I get sick! Unfortunately, it happens to me quite frequently (because of my asthma, allergies, and weakened immune system).  I just do not want my mother to get it.  I hope everyone has a very special day! Take care (avoid the flu) and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader