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 . . .

Review: The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Moving to a new Amish settlement in small-town Colorado was a brave new start for independent-minded quiltmaker Esther Liem. But helping her reckless relative will really put her special matchmaking skills to the test...

Mischievous and rebellious, young Ben Liem is making the wrong kind of name for himself throughout the town of Yoder. And even though his sister-in-law, Esther, somehow coaxes him into keeping company with sensible Linda Eicher, Ben can't see anything they have in common. Or that he could ever be good enough for someone like her. But Linda's down-to-earth nature and unexpected understanding have Ben trying his best to be better, no matter how challenging...

Linda couldn't be more surprised when Ben turns out to be caring and helpful, despite his rowdy pranks and bad-news friends. And falling in love with him suddenly seems just right. But when a heartbreaking misunderstanding comes between them, both she and Ben must risk enough to trust, stitch the pieces back together--and dare a forever precious happiness.

My Review

I always love the vibrant characters this author brings to life in her books. Esther is a favorite with her quirky mannerisms, and I love her compassion and caring for Ben, difficult as he can be. It was a little heartbreaking as the reasons for his behavior are slowly revealed, and even though he was difficult to understand in the beginning, by the end I was really rooting for him to find peace. Linda is such a good match for him and I enjoyed their challenging friendship and the blossoming of deeper feelings. Esther's friend Cathy is a hoot and was a bit of a scene stealer in this book. I loved how she got involved in the lives of the younger characters. There are deeper themes woven in that made this more than a simple Amish romance, which is why this author is one of my must-reads!

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 first book in The Amish Quiltmaker series . . .

Review: First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

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.

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 Review

Oh how I love Anna and Felty from the many books in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series! I was thrilled to read the story of their falling in love! It's not an easy beginning as they are both somewhat social outcasts in their community. They are both so genuine, and it was so satisfying to see their friendship rekindle and develop into romance as they support each other with the difficulties they are dealing with. I love how this author is so skilled at writing characters with vibrant personalities and memorable mannerisms. Highly recommend!

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 any of the books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . .