A Harvest of Amish Blessings: A Collection

 A Harvest of Amish Blessings

 

Book Summary

Gathering Hearts & Giving Thanks - Four Amish Thanksgiving Romances Where Faith Heals, Love Grows, and Gratitude Changes Everything

In A Harvest of Amish Blessings, beloved authors Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Tracy Fredrychowski invite you into a world where hearts are healed, faith is renewed, and love grows when we take time to give thanks. From handwritten notes and surprise visits to rekindled friendships and life-changing choices, each story is a reminder that the richest harvest comes from the heart.

Helping Hands by Mindy Steele

One moment Andrew Graber was helping his brother, Robert, on a roofing job. The next he was gone, leaving behind his young wife and children. With a store to run and a family to provide for, Beth Graber struggles to transition between being a wife to becoming a widow. But Beth is not alone. Married into a family larger than any other, she can barely find time to herself to grieve the devastating loss of her husband. But when a string of notes begins to appear, Beth might discover how much she is thankful for.

Letters of Gratitude by Rachel J. Good

An Amish schoolteacher assigns her students to write anonymous letters of gratitude to community members for Thanksgiving. When she receives a deeply moving letter herself, she sets out to discover who wrote it, eventually finding it came from a reclusive woodworker who lost his faith after his wife's death. Their friendship begins as she helps him reconnect with the community and find reasons for giving thanks again.

Thanksgiving on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

It’s going to be the worst Thanksgiving ever. Anna and Felty Helmuth’s family can’t be bothered to come to dinner, so Anna plans to clean out her closets and eat Cream of Wheat, just to spite her ungrateful relatives. But when surprise visitors arrive, Anna learns that Thanksgiving isn’t so much about the turkey as it is about having a grateful heart for unexpected blessings.

Seasons of the Heart by Tracy Fredrychowski

During the annual Harvest Dinner, Patricia Wengerd finds herself at a crossroads. A chance encounter sparks dreams of adventure, while a lifelong friend's steady presence offers comfort. As she navigates matters of the heart, Patricia embarks on a journey of faith and the call of something more. This heartwarming love story follows Patricia as she learns that sometimes, the path laid out, though unexpected, could lead to the most fulfilling destination. Will she follow her heart or the dreams she thought she left behind?

Whether you’re cozying up for the holidays or savoring stories of faith and family, A Harvest of Amish Blessings is a collection to cherish all season long.

My Thoughts

A Harvest of Amish Blessing:  A Collection of Amish Romances contains four heartwarming novellas by Tracy Fredrychowski, Mindy Steele, Rachel Good, and Jennifer Beckstrand.  Seasons of the Heart by Tracy Fredrychowski is well-written with realistic characters.  I like the life lesson in the story.  We get to see that sometimes our dreams do not align with  God’s plan for us.  The story had a sweet ending.  I liked that faith was at the forefront of this story.  This is definitely a tale that will touch your heart.  Helping Hands by Mindy Steele is a moving novella.  I felt for Beth Graber who is recently widowed.  She is left to raise her children on her own plus she is expecting another child.  Beth must take care of their store as well and she has no clue how to operate it (how to do the books, order supplies, collect overdue accounts).  Beth also must deal with a pushy mother-in-law who oversteps but means well.  I like that we get a look at the day-to-day life of an Amish family.  Beth learns that life does continue after the loss of a loved one and to be thankful for all of life’s blessings (including mother-in-law’s).  

Letters of Gratitude by Rachel Good is a story that will tug on your heartstrings.  Mrs. Vandenburg is such a charming  lady, and she uses her influence to help others.  I enjoyed this sweet story.  Thanksgiving on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand was delightful.  Anna and Felty Helmuth are two of my favorite characters.  I laughed often while reading this entertaining story.  Friends, family, and being thankful are the themes in this story.  Of course, potholders came into play and there was one unwelcome visitor (readers of the series will know who I am talking about).  I was sorry when this diverting tale came to a close.  A Harvest of Amish Blessing was a delight from beginning to end.  

A Harvest of Amish Blessing is available from Amazon* and Barnes & Noble. If you like Amish stories, you should check out the authors other creations:  Tracy Fredrychowski, Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, and Jennifer Beckstrand.  If you have not read Jennifer Beckstrand's The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, I highly recommend it.  Anna Helmuth's antics will have you laughing from beginning to end (I would never be able to eat one of her meals).  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with A Perilous Plot by Lorna Barrett.  It is the ninteeth A Booktown Mystery.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unattached Neighbor

Book Summary

Irrepressible Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem is delighted to help the four Yoder sisters stitch together their beloved great-grandmother’s birthday quilt…especially when it means putting her matchmaking talents to use!

Infused with her signature humor and heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the sixth Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

At thirty-two, Ada Yoder is resigned to caring for her three sisters, her ever-impractical father, and their prosperous, but demanding, farm. The last kind of trouble she needs is Enos Hoover claiming that six acres of their land actually belongs to him—and taking steps to prove it. But Ada soon finds that battling Enos' clever strategies is delightfully intriguing—and lighting an impossible spark . . .

Enos is determined to make his mater proud by turning difficult acreage into a successful farm. Legally, he is in the right to reclaim the land from the Yoders. But Ada's hard-working stubbornness and refreshing honesty are proving to be more of an irresistible challenge than an obstacle. Now, can Enos and Ada find enough faith and understanding to reconcile family, duty, and love—and stake their claim on a forever happiness together?

Sometimes the greatest blessings come in disguise . . .

My Thoughts

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining story.  I like the characters in this series and the new ones introduced in this story.  I enjoyed getting to know Ada Yoder better.  Ada and Enos got off to an inauspicious start. Ada is a determined woman, and the Yoder’s new neighbor, Enos Hoover, is just as stubborn (patient and kind, but stubborn as a mule).  A dispute over six acres of land is going to test their mettle. I like that the story is told from Ada and Enos’s point of view.  We get to see each of their perspectives on the various situations.    I enjoyed the interactions between the pair.  Their conflicts and awkward moments were the beginnings of their relationship.  

Cathy is a hoot.  She has some great dialogue that provides many laugh out loud moments.  Her purse reminds me of Mary Poppins’ bag (you never know what will come out of Cathy’s bag next). I liked seeing the characters develop, especially Ada and Beth.  It was great to catch up with the other Yoder sisters and their families.  While The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is the sixth book in The Amish Quiltmaker series, it can be read as a standalone.  I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style.  I find it to be engaging. Her characters are relatable, and I love the humor sprinkled throughout her stories (I laughed often while reading this story as well as the others in the series).  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is a diverting tale with a land dispute, a firm fence, tent troubles, water rights, a messy house, foreshadowing quilt blocks, and a happy harvest.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Quiltmaker series here (the first four can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited). If you follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  I know it is a busy time of year.  Tomorrow I am featuring Taken at Christmas by Jodie Bailey. It is the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team series.  I am off to finish setting up my yard display.  I am working on the final section today. Then I can start on my neighbor's yard where Santa and his friends are going to be rockin' out.  I hope that you have a beautiful day.  Take care and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill

Book Summary

Beloved inspirational romance author Jennifer Beckstrand continues her uplifting Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series featuring Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s, irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth! Will appeal to readers of Amish and inspirational romance and fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Emma Miller.

Martha Sue Helmuth wishes she could just relax and enjoy her extended visit with her beloved grandparents. Instead, she is nursing a broken heart over gentle widower Yost Beiler.  Yost’s thirteen-year-old son, Jonah, refuses to accept Martha Sue, and she refuses to risk coming between them. For now, she is just trying to avoid her Mammi’s choice of yet another eligible suitor. But when Yost moves himself and Jonah to Huckleberry Hill to change Martha Sue’s mind, she can't help dreaming that somehow, some way, she and Yost will have a miraculous second chance to be together . . .

After his wife’s untimely death, Yost did everything he could to help Jonah through his grief.  He hopes that Martha Sue's outgoing family—and her generous ways—will show his son how loving and trustworthy she truly is. But Anna and Felty's matchmaking antics are inspiring Jonah to drive Martha Sue off for good. And when he goes too far, can Yost and Martha Sue find the understanding to forgive him—and the strength to prove they can overcome differences to make one joyous forever family?

My Thoughts

Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is a delightful Amish tale.  I always look forward to returning to Huckleberry Hill.  Anna and Felty Helmuth are a joy to visit.  Anna always has something up her sleeve and Felty goes along because he loves his wife.  I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style.  It is relaxed and engaging.  It reminds me of chatting with old friends.  The story is told from Martha Sue, Jonah, and Yost’s point of view in alternating chapters.  I like that we get to see what each one is thinking and feeling.  Jonah’s chapters are especially illuminating.  The characters are developed and relatable.  I like that we get to see them learn and grow.  I enjoyed getting to know Martha Sue, Yost, and Jonah.  Jonah is certainly a clever boy who can think up devilish pranks.  Vernon Schmucker cannot take a hint.  I understood why Anna kept inviting him to dinner, but Vernon is full of himself.  I can see why he is not married and lives with his mother.  If I was Martha Sue, I would have had Jonah play a prank or two on Vernon. 

I like that we get to catch up with characters from the previous books in the series.  I laughed, chuckled, and giggled while reading this story.  Anna should be banned from cooking.  Some of her food combinations made me want to gag.  Felty is the perfect mate for her since his tastebuds suffered from a burn (he cannot taste a thing).  Anna is still knitting and always has a potholder ready to hand out to a potential beau for one of her grandchildren (or someone who could use a pick me up).  Anna’s yarn colors are akin to her cooking choices (colorful).  Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is the eleventh novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this entire series.  You will find yourself laughing frequently and wondering which relative will be Anna’s next victim (she is bound to run out of grandchildren).

Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is a story of second (and third) chances, forgiveness, grace, Amish faith, family, and love.  I found myself staying up late to finish the story while all the while not wanting the book to end.  Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is an entertaining Amish tale with a matchmaking Mammi, stomach-churning cooking creations, painful pranks, an irksome suitor, a dutiful Dawdi, a plethora of potholders, and a second chance romance.  

Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other eleven books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series here (many of them can be read for free through Kindle Unlimited).  The twelfth book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series is Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill and it will be out on October 24 (I cannot wait to read it).  You can find Jennifer Beckstrand's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, May 30 with Breaking McKinley's Curse by Mindy Steele.  It is the second book in The Mountain Protectors series.  I have been taking a walk each evening as my doctor requested (to work off the menopause weight which does not want to go away).  I take my cat, Dickens with me in a cat stroller.  In the beginning, I could tell she was not sure what to think of the walks.  She has really started to enjoy them.  She likes meeting people and seeing what is going on (she laps up the attention).  She sits upright in the stroller looking all around.  I can see some people doing a double take when they see a cat in the stroller instead of a baby.  It is fun to watch their reactions.  I like the fact that most people are accepting. I hope that you have a happy day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece

Book Summary

Quilt making, troublemaking, and matchmaking create a sweetly entertaining mix in this inspirational romance series featuring resourceful Colorado quiltmaker Esther Kiem—from USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand, beloved, award-winning inspirational romance author of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, The Honeybee Sisters, and The Petersheim Brothers series. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Emma Miller.

 

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 . . .

Book Summary

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand is an amusing Amish tale.  It is the third book in The Amish Quiltmaker series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but you will be missing out on some entertaining stories.  Jennifer Beckstrand has an engaging writing style.  Her stories are easy to read with humor throughout.  I loved Mattie Zook.  She is a spunky Amish woman who will fight for what is right.  Filing a lawsuit nor running for an office are the Amish way, but Mattie is not going to let that stop her.  Freeman Sensenig and his twin sisters (Sarah and Sadie) were fun.  I enjoyed the sibling banter (and bickering).  There is a great cast with differing personalities.  Cathy, an Englischer, who supported Mattie running for office (in her own way) and let us not forget the color-blind Caleb who likes to work on puzzles (he breaks out in a sweat when he lies or does something he feels is wrong). 

We get to travel to Byler, Colorado which has a small Amish population.  I did not blame Mattie for trying to get the new Amish buggy law repealed.  If you cannot travel the main streets, it is next to impossible to get anywhere by buggy.  There is a touch of romance.  I am glad it was not the predominant feature in the book (there was just enough).  I had mixed feelings about the ending (I do not want to spoil it for you).  I like that the author left us laughing.  We do get to catch up with the characters from The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a fun, unconventional Amish novel.  I was sorry when my time in Byler, Colorado came to an end.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a witty tale with an unbalanced buggy law, sassy twin sisters, a plethora of puzzles, unkind election hijinks, beholding a bevy of sunsets, and campaign consequences.  

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in The Amish Quiltmaker's series are The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-law.  Jennifer Beckstrand has Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand coming out May 23, 2023.  It is the latest novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  You can follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return on Monday, October 31 with High Spirits by Carol J. Perry.  It is the second A Haunted Haven Mystery.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend. Joy is good for you (reduces stress and improves your cardiac health).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Rea

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand

 His Amish Sweetheart

Book Summary

Fondly nicknamed “The Peanut Butter Brothers,” Andrew, Abraham, and Austin Petersheim skillfully run one of Wisconsin’s most cherished family businesses. But their mischievous younger twin siblings have a talent all their own—for matchmaking . . .

 

Between work and keeping his little brothers out of trouble, Austin Petersheim barely has time to think, much less court the most popular maidel in town. But if he can establish a local market to direct-sell his family’s goods, he’ll stand out as a potential husband. He’s so grateful for the help of his longtime friend, Hannah Yutzy, who has such practical ideas—and is so easy to talk to . . .

While Austin embarks on his plan, his siblings have a plan of their own: to give Austin and Hannah a little nudge to show them they’re made for each other. When their antics wreak havoc with a rival family emporium, Hannah must help Austin set things right.  And as she does just that, Austin is stunned to realize his best friend could be his perfect wife. Now he’ll just need the courage and faith to find out if she agrees . . .

My Thoughts

His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining Amish tale.  I laughed so often while reading this engaging story.  Alfie and Benji are a hoot.  The twin brothers are determined to get their bedroom back.  They do not like sleeping in the cellar (there are spiders, it smells, and a rat could eat them you know).  The boys decide the only solution is to marry off their three older brothers.  They have had success with Andrew and Abraham.  Austin, though, is going to be more of a challenge.  Austin is too handsome for his own good and a bit self-centered.  The twins believe Hannah Yutzy, Austin’s best friend, is the right person for Austin.  The problem is making Austin see it and direct him away from Priscilla Lambright.  Austin finds Priscilla to be the prettiest girl in their community and she loves the Petersheim peanut butter.  Alfie and Benji come up with a plan to nudge Austin in Hannah’s direction.  They enlist the help of two of Hannah’s young female cousins.  Can the twins get Austin married off so they can move back into their old bedroom?  

I thought His Amish Sweetheart was well-written with developed characters.  I just love the characters in this series especially the mischievous Benji and Alfie. Their antics had me laughing.  The addition of Hannah’s young cousins added to the hilarity.  We also get to catch up with the Honeybee sisters and their colorful aunt, Bitsy.  I like how everything tied together into one engaging story. There are good life lessons as well.  I enjoyed seeing the characters learn and grow.  I did not want this diverting story to end (I am still laughing about the BM cookies). The conclusion was delightful. His Amish Sweetheart (formerly known as Austin) is the third book in The Petersheim Brothers series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but this is one series you do not want to miss.  I hope this is not the end of the road for Alfie and Benji.  His Amish Sweetheart is a heartwarming and humorous Amish tale with Petersheim Peanut Butter, inventive twins, luscious cinnamon rolls, a sign scrape, a cookie crisis, reading time troubles, and a merry market.

His Amish Sweetheart is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in The Petersheim Brothers series are Andrew (available through Kindle Unlimited) and Abraham.  Jennifer Beckstrand has The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece publishing October 25.  It is the latest novel in The Amish Quiltmaker series.  She also has An Amish Christmas Inheritance releasing October 25.  It is part of the Amish Christmas Miracles series.  You can follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon to receive an update when she has a new book release.   Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on A Brush with Murder by Gail Langer Karwoski.  It is the debut of The Watercolor Mysteries.  It is hard to believe that today is the last day of June.  The month went by so quickly for me.  The Fourth of July is just around the corner.  I like the holiday, but I dread it for my fur babies.  They are scared of the fireworks (poor things).  I end up having two cats and one large dog crowded on the couch with me.  I hope that you have a witty day.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Chance to Heal by Vannetta Chapman

 A Chance to Heal

Book Summary

Can they let go of the past?

The Baby Next Door by Vannetta Chapman

When Amish single mother Grace Troyer and her baby girl move back home, Adrian Schrock can’t resist the little family next door. But his plan to nudge Grace out of her shell by asking her to cook for Englischers on his farm tour doesn’t go over well. After all, Grace is worried the job will expose secrets she hopes to keep buried…

Loving Her Amish Neighbor by Rebecca Kertz

After her buggy’s damaged in an accident, pregnant widow Lucy Schwartz is reluctant to accept help from Gabriel Fisher. He tugs at her heart and falling in love again is risky. But as her neighbor insists on pitching in while her buggy’s out of commission, keeping her distance from him could prove impossible. Because this wounded Amish bachelor might be just what she and her daughter need…

My Thoughts

A Chance to Heal contains The Baby Next Door by Vannetta Chapman and Loving Her Amish Neighbor by Rebecca Kertz.  The Baby Next Door is a sweet story.  I thought it was well-written with delightful characters.  It addresses a real-life issue.  Grace Troyer met an Englisch man and feel under his spell.  When she became pregnant, he disappeared.  Grace’s parents sent her to Ohio to live with an aunt.  Grace has returned home with her daughter, Nicole.  People were told that she is raising a relative’s child.  Grace is happy to be home except for Adrian Schrock’s new enterprise next door.  He has started an exotic farm and his animals manage to find their way over to the Troyer’s especially Kendrick the llama that spits.  Adrian needs to earn money to provide food for his menagerie.  He wants to start tours, but Adrian needs somewhere for the guests to get a meal.  Grace’s parents agree to Adrian’s proposal much to Grace’s dismay.  The last thing Grace wants is for Englischers to be near her daughter.  Grace comes up with a plan to discourage Adrian.  

I laughed often while reading The Baby Next Door.  It is an engaging Amish tale.  I can always count on Vannetta Chapman to provide me with an entertaining story with good life lessons.  I like that Adrian was a man of deep faith.  He felt he was doing the work that God meant for him and that He would provide a way to support his flock.  I thought it was great that we were given a unique character like Adrian.  He is not your normal Amishman.  There are some unique animals in the story.  Adrian has quite a variety of animals on his farm including a red-rumped parrot. I had to laugh at Kendrick.  He is a llama that escapes frequently from Adrian’s farm.  He will poke his head in the Troyer’s kitchen (he has a spitting problem though).  My favorite quote is from Adrian who says, “Normal is underrated.  Isn’t it?”  I especially liked the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  The Baby Next Door is a heartwarming Amish tale with an escaping llama, galloping pygmy goats, an endearing Nicole, Cinnamon the Camel, troubled tours, and a gracious God.  

A Chance to Heal is available from Amazon*.  Vannetta Chapman has An Amish Proposal for Christmas coming out September 27.  It is the first book in the Indiana Amish Market series.  Her Amish Adversary is the second novel in the Indiana Amish Market series and it will be out on January 24, 2023.  You can follow Vannetta Chapman on Amazon to receive a notification when she has a new book release.

I appreciate you stopping by and reading my review.  I will return tomorrow with His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand (formerly titled Austin).  It has been a long time coming, but it is finally being released.  It is the third novel in The Petersheim Brothers. I laughed frequently while reading it (Benji and Alfie are hilarious).  I hope that you have a peaceful day.  I have been avoiding putting my mother's new bookshelf together (so many pieces), but she is getting insistent.  I will be spending around two hours trying to make parts go together and muttering under my breath (there will be cats trying to steal parts and sleeping on the shelves as well).  Wish me luck!   Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

 First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill

Book Summary

The endearingly mischievous matchmaking grandparents Anna and Felty Helmuth have helped generations of their Wisconsin community - including many of their own grandchildren - find love over the course of USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand's beloved Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Now, in this heartwarming prequel set in 1952, Anna and Felty's own love story takes center stage as the young couple spends their first uncertain Christmas together.

Before irrepressible eighty-somethings Anna and Felty Helmuth became Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin's most-beloved matchmakers, they were mismatched young lovers facing seemingly impossible obstacles...

She can't cook, sew, sing, or clean. And no matter how hard young Anna Yoder tries, she'd much rather help people in trouble than be a well-behaved pretty face and properly perfect Amish maidel. So she instantly reaches out to her old schoolmate, Felty Helmuth, when their Amish town ostracizes him for his Korean War army service. He's still the only one who's ever understood Anna--and liked everything from her green Jello carrot salads to her love of books. And this holiday season, she can't help hoping that somehow she and Felty can find a way to be the perfect match...

Felty sensed he was called by Gotte to serve his country, though it went against his community's peaceful ways. Troubled by his wartime experiences, he is resigned to being an outsider avoided by most eligible Amish girls. But lively, intelligent Anna has grown into a warm-hearted generous woman who accepts Felty for who he is. And in the face of family and community opposition, he and Anna will take a leap of faith to prove they are made for each other--and a lifetime of happiness.

My Thoughts

First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is Anna and Felty’s love story.  It is Christmas Eve and Martha Sue Helmuth is visiting her grandparents.  She is in a mood because Martha Sue just realized that she was sent to Bonduel in the hopes of her matchmaking grandparents finding her a husband.  The last thing she wants is a husband and Martha Sue tells Anna quite loudly startling the rest of the relatives.  The family realizes they have never heard Anna and Felty’s love story.  There is plenty of time before dinner (which is not being cooked by Anna), so Felty begins the tale.  First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a delightful story.  It has wonderful characters that we have all come to love from The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  Anna and Felty are two people that are meant for each other. They are warm, caring, and genuine.  You can tell how much they love each other and their family.  Anna shows her love with her cooking (believe it or not) and with her knitting.  I thought First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill was well-written with developed characters and a charming setting.  The story is full of humor.  I laughed often while reading this sweet story.  I am so glad that Jennifer Beckstrand gave us Anna and Felty’s tale.  I just loved the ending.  First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is an engaging story that you will not want to end.  This is my favorite book in the series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read the other nine novel sin The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill (you will be missing out if you do not read the whole series).  There are some good life lessons in this story.  My favorite lesson is that someone may be different from other people (dress differently, cook differently, have unusual interests), but we are all the same in God’s eyes.  It is no reason to treat someone differently (make them feel that they are unworthy).  This line stuck with me, “You need to treat everyone kindly whether you agree with their politics or not.”  I hope the author gives us more Anna and Felty tales.  I am glad, though, that I do not have to eat Anna’s cooking.  First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a special story that will linger with you long after you finish it.  First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is an enchanting Amish Christmas tale with Knitted creations, jiggling Jell-O, cinnamon candy cookies, an adamant mother, bothersome brothers, troublesome traps, and a lasting love. 

First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill publishes Tuesday, September 28 and it can be pre-ordered on Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill here. I have loved every book in this delightful series.  Anna and Felty never disappoint. The author has a novella in the upcoming More Amish Christmas Miracles:  10 Heartwarming Stories to Brighten Your Winter Nights which publishes November 9 (on Kindle Unlimited). Check out Jennifer Beckstrand's other novels plus follow her to receive updates on her latest releases. I included a photo of the "Welcome to Bonduel, Wisconsin" sign (the town where Anna and Felty live) and of a huckleberry pie (for Huckleberry Hill). I appreciate you reading my review today.  I will be back on Monday with Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis.  It is the long anticipated third A Pen & Ink Mystery Novel.  I am going to go put up new solar lights outside.  I am working on my fall decorations for the yard.  My mother and I spent an hour the other day deciding which Halloween inflatables we are going to use in our yard this year.  I seemed to have acquired ten more than we can use.  I wonder if I can convince my neighbors to put up inflatables?  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.