Review: Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Sensible and cautious, Naomi Coblenz lives to help everyone else be happy—particularly when it comes to her twin sister, Ruth. So Omi certainly can’t admit she’s always loved handsome Bo Helmuth, since he and Ruth have begun courting. To look out for her sometimes-thoughtless sister, Omi even poses as Ruth on a ride home alone with Bo. But it doesn’t take Bo long to see the truth—and really notice Omi for the first surprising, hopelessly-wonderful time . . . 
 
Bo thought he was in love with the vivacious Ruth. But he can’t stop thinking about Omi’s kindness and understanding, especially since she refuses to hurt her sister. And he can’t figure out a way to tell Ruth they aren’t really suited for each other. His only hope is that his ever-resourceful Dawdi and Mammi can help faith guide the way—and at last claim a happy ending for all.

My Review

I can always count on Jennifer Beckstrand's Amish romances for a few laugh out loud moments as well as low-key drama and angst. Naturally a story with twins will have an identity swap, but I admired that Omi didn't want to do it and felt bad about deceiving Bo. She has loyalty to her sister, although it was frustrating that she didn't recognize that Ruth didn't have the same devotion to her. It felt easy as a reader to think what she should have done instead, but Omi has a strong desire to keep a good relationship with her twin. Forbidden romance blended with family dynamics brought the conflict, and only Bo's meddling grandparents Anna and Felty had hope for straightening it all out. I just love those two!


Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Don't miss the amazing books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . . 

 

Review: Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

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 Review

I'm always excited to read a book by Jennifer Beckstrand! She has a wonderful way of blending laugh out loud humor with more subtle humor, unique characters, and depth of emotion. Anna and Felty are their usual lovable selves, and I have to say that I appreciate them even more after reading the prequel novel that tells their story, First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill. Anna is quirky as ever and sly as a fox as she tries to help Martha and Yost overcome the obstacles to their relationship. And they have a pretty big one- Yost's young teenage son who is struggling with all the hard emotions that come with the circumstances he is in. Shenanigans abound, with Yost's love and attention divided between the two most important people in his life. And Vernon Schmucker showing up for food doesn't help matters either... I'm so curious as to whether he will ever find love!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the amazing books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . . 

Review: The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Resourceful Colorado Amish quiltmaker Esther Kiem has her hands full with husband, home, and a baby on the way. But putting her skills to the test for an outspoken niece who’s running for town council is a matchmaking challenge she can’t resist. Infused with her signature humor and saturated with heart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand blends quilting, mischief, and matchmaking for the third Amish Quiltmaker romance – perfect for fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Wanda Brunstetter, and Linda Byler.

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 . . .

My Review

I love this author's vibrant characters and the unique situations they find themselves in! Mattie can't see injustice and not do something to solve the problem, even if it bucks Amish tradition. Being disliked or rejected because of her actions can be lonely, but she has a small group of friends who support her efforts, including the non-Amish Cathy, an older lady from Esther's quilting group full of plenty of quirks and spice. Freeman is reluctant to help since the Amish leaders are watching him closely, and I loved how he stepped up to help in the background. As always, there is a fun humor woven into the small-town drama, and this book was a pleasure to read. The character growth of both Mattie and Freeman brought depth to the story, and their chemistry grew with a steady burn. Loved their romantic moments!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

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 Review

Another matchmaking scheme in the books for young Alfie and Benji, on their quest to get out of the cellar and reclaim a bedroom in the house! These two crack me up with their narrative and way of thinking. Their older brother Austin is in their sights, and this time the twins disagree on who should be the target of his romance. Austin is such an oblivious guy, and often made me cringe as his thoughtlessness hurt Hannah's feelings. It's a tricky time of life, where it's too easy to take friends for granted while figuring out dating and courtship. I loved how Benji sees through the facade and manipulations of Alfie's choice of girl, and Alfie's reaction when he has to eat crow and follow Benji's lead for once. Some angst and drama is woven in as Hannah learns to let Austin go, while Austin learns to appreciate and value Hannah as well as identify who he feels truly devoted to. Andrew, Abraham, the family, and community are entertaining as a strong supporting cast, and I hope we get more stories in this series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Petersheim Brothers series . . .