Book Review: Huckleberry Christmas

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand
Title: Huckleberry Christmas
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publish Date: Oct 7, 2014
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: 

Now that they've happily married off two of their grandchildren, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking challenge. What better way to celebrate the most heartwarming of seasons--and make Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the place for unexpected love. . .

A difficult marriage has left the Helmuths' widowed great-granddaughter, Beth, finished with wedlock. She's content to live with them and make a life for herself and her toddler son. But once she turns down handsome Tyler Yoder's proposal, it seems only fair to encourage him to find a suitable wife. Trouble is, his gentleness and generous ways are showing her how joyous a real meeting of hearts can be. . .

After a failed courtship, Tyler thought the best he could hope for in a wife was mere companionship. But spirited Beth is the one he longs to protect, and hold close. Earning her trust is the hardest thing he's ever had to do. And soon, both will discover that forgiveness and understanding are gifts that only rekindled faith--along with the happiest of holidays--can bring.

Review:  This is one of the sweetest Amish romances that you'll ever read. Anna Helmuth is quite the matchmaker and this time she's planning on getting her granddaughter, Beth hooked up with Tyler Yoder, who was jilted by his last choice of bride.

Our hero and heroine are both a bit shy of marriage/love. Beth is out of an abusive  relationship, not only with her departed husband, but also her inlaws. As you discover more and more about her husband Amos and his mom and brothers, you can't help but feel terribly sorry for her.  Her son Toby, is the most precious thing. I loved how he calls people he loves "Mommy."

Tyler is the best hero ever, as far as Amish romance is concerned. He is all kindness and goodness. Even though he doesn't expect to find love after his last relationship went awry, his feelings for Beth are there almost from the start. (Even when she's hitting him with sunflowers).

When Beth refuses Tyler's proposal, she offers to find him a bride. Her matchmaking is hilarious, and almost as funny as the old Amish bachelors that come courting her. Vernon is an absolute hoot, and he doesn't seem to realize that there is someone else in her heart.

This is an absolutely wonderful read for the holiday season and a great book for lovers of Amish romance.

I highly recommend it!

Rating: 5 flowers

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