Book Review: Huckleberry Summer

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand
Title: Huckleberry Summer
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: June 3, 2014
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: 

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. . .

Review:  I'm a sucker for Amish fiction, and I really love a great Amish romance, and Huckleberry Summer is just that.  It is a fun, light read that will have you running through all sorts of emotions before the last page is turned.

Lily is a daddy's girl. Which is fine, except she let's her dad control the way she thinks and how she lives her life. When Aden comes into her life, she starts to change, much to the chagrin of her father, who wants her to marry the bishop's son, Tyler.

Aden is not your typical Amish guy. He's an environmentalist and he fights for the rights of animals. Oh, and he's been arrested three times. This doesn't win him any points with Lily's father.

I wish I could have felt some sort of sympathy with Lily's dad, David, but even the backstory, that explains why he's the way he is, didn't make me like him. He comes across, almost as a villain.

Then there's Lily. She's a wimp, especially when it comes to her father. She's so afraid of the world and pleasing her father that she was letting life and love pass her by.

It was good to see her get some spunk at the end of the story, because she was so wimpy throughout the book.

The best character in the book is, by far, Aden's dog Pilot. He really steals the show when he's around.

All in all, a good sweet romance that will warm your heart on a nice summer day.

Rating: 5 flowers