“Huckleberry Harvest” by Jennifer Beckstrand

About the Book 

Nothing gives Anna and Felty Helmuth greater satisfaction than seeing their grandchildren happily married--except for planning their next matchmaking venture. And as springtime comes to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the air is filled with promise. . .

Ever since the Helmuths' grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben's Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can't, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma's courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill. . .

 

Please visit Jennifer Beckstrand website

Buy "Huckleberry Spring" from Amazon

Buy "Huckleberry Spring" from Barnes&Noble

This book was released in May 2015

This is a well loved library book that was used for review

My Review 

“Huckleberry Harvest” by Jennifer Beckstrand is the latest book in her wonderful 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' series.  It may have taken a while for me to get my greedy little grubby hands on this book but it was so worth the wait.  Reason I had to wait is because none of the local bookstores carried it so I had to wait for my local library to process it and get it out to the patrons.  Remember that when you can't find the book in your local bookstores then check with your local library.  Then again I usually just wait for my library anyway.

Though this is the fifth book in the series, it is a perfect stand alone book.  The only really connection between this book and the rest of the books are the grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth.  This couple is so loved that it is their antics that have endeared this reader to the whole series.  I had to laugh for it seems as if one of them has lost their touch with something they enjoy.  This is what really made the story so funny for it was actually embarrassing at times with the antics that were going on.

Mandy is a young woman who is fiercely loyal to friends and family, bossy, loving for she goes out of her way to not hurt her loved ones, and tends to stick her nose where it doesn't always belong.  Above all she is understanding and willing to admit as well as suffer the consequences when she does something she shouldn't have.

Noah is a young man who knows hard work and is not afraid of it in the slightest.  There is something that Noah is trying to hide from his community and everyone while carrying the load of this secret by himself.  Noah might seem gruff, cold and unfriendly but all that hides is the warm, gentle and creative spirit that he truly has.  

This is a book that made me laugh out loud, shed a few tears, I got mad at one or more characters, actually had to close my eyes out of embarrassment and totally devoured this book in a single night, because I just couldn't put it down.  I just had to see what was going to happen next and what Anna's next scheme was going to bring.  One thing I did miss was more of Anna's creative dishes, oh sure we see a few but not many.  I always get a kick out of her dishes for it is such an interesting way to show her love along with those knitting needles.

The trouble maker of the story is, well how do I say it nicely, they are off their rocker.  This trouble maker is not the main conflict of the story and though they are off their rocker, they are not violent.  They cause problems without a doubt, but by the end of the story this trouble maker has a change of heart.  I actually had to laugh at the end with how things really worked out.

This is a book so worth picking up and reading.  I so enjoyed this book and I hope all who pick it up will enjoy it as well.

Other 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' Books 

Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Summer

Huckleberry Christmas

"A Perfect Amish Christmas"

                                                          found in An Amish Christmas Quilt 

Huckleberry Spring 

"Huckleberry Spring" by Jennifer Beckstrand

About the Book 

 

Nothing gives Anna and Felty Helmuth greater satisfaction than seeing their grandchildren happily married--except for planning their next matchmaking venture. And as springtime comes to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the air is filled with promise. . .

Ever since the Helmuths' grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben's Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can't, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma's courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill. . .

Please visit Jennifer Beckstrand website

Buy "Huckleberry Spring" from Amazon

Buy "Huckleberry Spring" from Barnes&Noble

This book was released in January 2015

This is a well loved library book that was used for review

My Review

“Huckleberry Spring” by Jennifer Beckstrand is another wonderful book in her 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' series with the lovable Anna and Felty. Besides the antics of Anna and Felty going on, this is a story that I have to say affected me on a very personal level. Though this book is part of a series, it is a perfect stand alone book that stands exceptionally well on its own. The only real connection to this book and the rest of the books in the series is Anna and Felty.

I have linked this part of my review to another page so that I don't actually ruin anyone's enjoyment of the book. However this is part of the book that affected me the most for deeply personal reasons that I feel that I must talk about it and what I have to say could possibly ruin the enjoyment of the story, though I do get into details I try to not to go into too many details. So this is where you can make your choice to read more by clicking on the Spoiler Alert link or continue below.

SPOILER ALERT

So now that all of that is out of my system, I can go on with the rest of my review.

I have to say that from the very beginning this story pulled me into it. I must say that Anna and Felty are two of my utmost favorite characters out of all the different books I have read over the years. I so hope I am like Anna when I grow up for she is just priceless. I love her outlook on her life for nothing seems to get her down, and she doesn't stop to wonder why she isn't ask things. Her love for her family is shown in her own ways and her family knows that these ways are her ways of loving them, so they love her all the more and go along with her.

Emma is a woman who is sweet and so sensitive to those around her. She is willing to do whatever she must for the happiness of her family and those she cares about, regardless how she might feel about it. There are things that just so totally endeared me to this character that I can't even describe it all without really, and I mean more than the above spoiler alert, spoiling this character. This young woman also has this incredible sense of humor that I was able to relate to under some pretty interesting circumstances. She really has a lot of growth throughout this story and it is wondrous to see her growth but I have to say it isn't easy to watch either for it is so painful at times.

Ben is a man who is hard to describe other than loving. Beyond that anything more might give too many details away about him and his story. Truly here is a man who I can only say is someone I actually related too more than almost any other hero in any other book (see spoiler if one must really know why). At times he is also way too stubborn for his own good thinking he knew what was best for everyone else. One thing that I didn't really care about Ben was that he kept way too much to himself, for he didn't allow anyone to help him in any way, shape or form.

This book starts with pain and heartache from the very beginning, and it seems as if the pain and heartache get worse before things start getting better. I was drawn into the story regardless of all those different emotions, to where I had to put the book down when in order to wipe my eyes so that I could continue to read, while not once thinking about NOT picking it up again for I had to see more. I knew there was going to be a happy ending (after all that is why I read fiction romance books) but I began to wonder about that happy ending for it just didn't seem right in my eyes. When I turned the last page to finish the book I was in awe of how things ended for I sure didn't see that coming at all.

We don't quite understand the conflict of the story for the vast majority of the book for the person who is holding on to the secret is keeping it very close to their chest. This conflict was something I sure didn't seem coming, and when the truth is revealed, it makes a world of sense then. I may not agree with logic used but I could understand the logic, and it really gave an emotional twist to the story. This vague conflict really is confusing for things just don't make sense at all when the truth is not known, but once it is out there things clear up. Anger and frustration were just two of the emotions I experienced for life isn't fair but this really seemed to be a cruel twist to the story that is for sure.

I really love 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' books for there is just something about them all. I wonder if the reason why I look forward to them is because of Anna and Felty who are so creative and inspiration to at least this reader, for they love so deeply they are willing to do whatever needs to be done. It is Anna's antics that really get me for she is so certain that she is right

I hope all who read this book enjoys it as much as I did.

Other 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' Books

Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Summer

Huckleberry Christmas

"A Perfect Amish Christmas"

                                                          found in An Amish Christmas Quilt 

Huckleberry Spring

"Huckleberry Christmas" by Jennifer Beckstrand

About the Book

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.

Please visit Jennifer Beckstrand website

Buy "Huckleberry Christmas" from Amazon

Buy "Huckleberry Christmas" from Barnes&Noble

This book was released in October 2014

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

My Review

“Huckleberry Christmas” by Jennifer Beckstrand is the third book in her 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' and this is a book where so many lessons are learned. Lessons in love, trust and forgiveness are just some of the major lessons here in this book. I found that though this is a Christmas story, Christmas doesn't really come into play until the end of the book, but the meaning there is subtle but there.

The Christmas message that I took away from this story is that God so loved us that He sent His own Son to earth. It is that love that we should always remember for we are loved so dearly that a great sacrifice was made for each and everyone of us. The way this message was presented too was really something for it was in a way that most people not might think that would work, but it really did in my opinion.

Beth is a young woman who is trying to figure out where to go from here now that she is home where she wants to be with her young son. Slowly through this book things start to look up for Beth but at the same time things are getting tougher for her. She is finding that things are just as hard refusing suitors at home then when she her in-law home, and yet she is able to still find humor. No matter what is happening it seems as if she is able to keep humor and is quite ready with a hearty laugh. She has her plans for the future and really doesn't plan to alter those plans for anything until she learns some pretty important lessons.

Tyler is a man who I felt sorry for in “Huckleberry Summer” yet it seems that he has moved on and is quite alright now. Yes he was hurt but that doesn't stop him from be happy for those who hurt him, but it has left him thinking differently for his future. He is a man who puts other people needs ahead his own, and there is not much that seems to ruffle his own feathers. He is a man of principles that he shows time and time again, which shows that he is a man who can be trusted. I found that he was entirely too serious at times and enjoyed watching him thaw and change his mind about things. I also really enjoyed his sense of humor that showed itself throughout the story in such subtle ways.

Through the conflict of getting through one person, there are some interesting experiences that add a bit of humor through. It seemed as if the conflict that one person was feeling really didn't seem to change that much but then again as the full story is told then it makes a little more sense why that internal conflict is not being resolved faster. Once there is progress being made, it is done in such an amazing way with courage to face the past head on. I really cheered on the character who was facing the past for they did it with courage that showed an inner strength that they didn't know they had, as well as showing them what a good, steady, strong love can do for them.

I truly hope all who read this book, enjoy it as much as I have.

Other 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' Books

Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Summer

Huckleberry Christmas

"A Perfect Amish Christmas"

                                                          found in An Amish Christmas Quilt

"Huckleberry Summer" by Jennifer Beckstrand

About the Book

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. . .

Please visit Jennifer Beckstrand website

Buy "Huckleberry Summer" from Amazon

Buy "Huckleberry Summer" from Barnes&Noble

This book was released in June 2014

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

My Review

“Huckleberry Summer” by Jennifer Beckstrand is the second book in her 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' and whoa I can't recall the last time I finished a book with red, swollen eyes, splotchy cheeks, along with a nose running for the hills (ok so I am not a pretty crier), but this book I did just that. I must have cried the last 100 or so pages, not so much because there was some earth shattering event that happened but more of the different emotions that was happening. This book was so worth the read without a doubt.

Lily is a woman who is maybe a little to much of a rule follower but then again there is a reason that she is like that. I was actually frustrated with Lily for a while with her unwilling to do anything that would make her father cross with her for she seemed way to timid to do anything, but when her story comes out that explains what shaped her into that person, I actually felt for the young lady. It made sense but I still didn't like how it happened. Lily is so tender hearted that she doesn't hold back when she gives her friendship and loyalty. She almost tries to turn herself inside out to not hurt those around her, most especially her family.

Aden is a man who might have good intentions but well doesn't always think about how he is going about things. Here is a man who seems a little odd for an Amish man but his heart is there for the whole world to see at the same time. He is trying to turns things around and has learned some pretty important lessons, though they were most certainly not easy lessons that is for sure. Aden is a man who is trying so hard to do right when there are those who are working against him, and it is how he handles everything that shows his deepest character for he is a man of his honor.

Things are so confusing, not for the reader for they follow along pretty well in my opinion, but everyone in the story is going through some pretty confusing times. Oh Annie and Felty Helmuth, ok more Annie than Felty, is up to her schemes again and she is not one for giving up in the slightest. Introductions are done, competition is on and then something happens to make it all up in the air and then the ending in a way that I sure didn't expect in the slightest bit. At times it seems as if there is no way to go down a certain path to that happy ending only for something out of the blue to happen to change the course, though the changes are not done in a way that makes no sense but more like a wonderful surprise to make one smile.

I truly loved the ending for I really didn't see how that could happen but it did with such grace and wonder. I really enjoyed the last few scenes as well for they just put a smile on my face after all that time crying my eyes out. I hope all who read this book enjoys it as much as I did.

Other 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' Books

Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Summer

Huckleberry Christmas

"A Perfect Amish Christmas"

                                                          found in An Amish Christmas Quilt

"Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand

About the Book

With their thirteen children grown, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next adventure.

That means trying their hands at matchmaking--because what could be more fun than igniting love when it's right--and undoing mismatches when they're wrong. Now Huckleberry Hill just might turn out to be the most romantic spot in Wisconsin. . .

Lia Shetler is resigned to being a spinster. She's too tall and sturdy to ever be marriageable--so says her overbearing dat. Instead, she's helping her pretty, spoiled sister Rachel secure the perfect husband--the Helmuths' grandson, Moses Zimmerman. But the more Lia sees of Moses' gently teasing ways and quiet understanding, the more she wishes he could be hers alone. . .

Moses knew his grandparents couldn't resist trying to find him a wife. But he never expected it would be the graceful, sensible Lia--a woman who is tall enough to look him in the eye, and honest enough to make him question a promise holding him to his past. Now both will need the kind of miracles only faith and courage can bring to finally reach for a lifetime of happiness. . .

Please visit Jennifer Beckstrand website

Buy "Huckleberry Hill" from Amazon

Buy "Huckleberry Hill" from Barnes&Noble

This book was released in January 2014

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

My Review

“Huckleberry Hill” by Jennifer Beckstrand is the first book in her 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' series and what an interesting start of a series to boot. I found myself frustrated more times that I could count because of different attitudes that really bugged me. I was glad to see some attitudes change by the end of the book and at the same time I laughed with the one of the last scenes.

So much is happening in this story that I was captivated from the start. I have to say that I fell in love with both Felty and Annie Helmuth for they are so feisty and well more 80 something year old couples should be like them a little more. I found Annie's constant knitting and cooking to be so endearing and her own little way of showing her deepest love for her family and friends, though she is very successful with one and not so hot with the other.

Moses is a man who is doing what needs to be done in his life without allowing others to pull his strings. He is loyal almost to the point of being blind to the truth and to the point where others feel bad for him. Moses heart is so warm for he does what he can to not hurt anyone's feelings and makes time to help his grandparents. He knows how to work hard and yet at the same time knows what is more important. There are some pretty big lessons that Moses learns but it seems as if he takes his time to learn them.

Lia is a woman who accepted what others have told her to be the truth but yet that has not turned her heart cold and bitter for this is a woman who freely gives so much of herself. She is trying to do her best to be the obedient daughter regardless what this does to her, and never a cross word comes from her lips. There are some pretty important lessons that she learns towards the end when her back is up against the wall to speak.

I really wanted to slap one of the characters for this person was a hateful and spiteful character that refused to allow anyone happiness. However, on the upside this character also added some humor to the book for their actions were so clear to what this person was trying to do that I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I wonder if we are going to see this person again sometime in a future book with maybe a major attitude change. I think it would be interesting to see this person after learning a few things for I think they would be a wonderful person with that attitude adjustment.

I hope all who read this book enjoy it as much as I have.

Other 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' Books

Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Summer

Huckleberry Christmas

"A Perfect Amish Christmas"

                                                          found in An Amish Christmas Quilt

"An Amish Christmas Quilt" by Hubbard, Long and Beckstrand

About the Book

With all the warmth of a cozy quilt, three authors stitch together Amish tales of hearts joined, friendships patched, and the bright joys of Christmas tradition . . .

A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant ~ Charlotte Hubbard

Seth Brenneman didn't expect his holiday would include rescuing pregnant young Mary Kauffman and her two children. . .or having unexpected feelings for the still-grieving widow. But when they must play the leads in an impromptu live Nativity pageant to help his Amish community, will their roles reveal their hearts--and work a miracle for a lifetime?

A Christmas On Ice Mountain ~ Kelly Long

Matthew Beider and Laurel Lapp's secret wish to marry is a gift their feuding fathers definitely won't accept. And trying to settle their dats' long-standing quarrel is making their holiday anything but merry. Can rediscovering the joys and friendships of Christmas past finally turn their families' futures bright?

A Perfect Amish Christmas ~ Jennifer Beckstrand

Anna and Felty Helmuth's grandson, Gideon, plans to spend Christmas on a beach in sunny Mexico. But Anna is quite sure he'd rather be with them, snowshoeing, ice fishing--falling in love. And she knows the perfect girl. Not only is Dottie Schrock an excellent quilter and baker, she's having a party. There's just one complication--Gideon is not invited. Dottie has her reasons, but Anna trusts that the spirit of Christmas--and true love--will change her mind, and her future . . .

Please visit Charlotte Hubbard's website
Please visit Jennifer Beckstrand's website

Buy "An Amish Christmas Quilt" from Amazon

Buy "An Amish Christmas Quilt" from Barnes&Noble

This book was released in October 2014

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Review

“An Amish Christmas Quilt” is a book with three novella's by Charlotte Hubbard, Kelly Long and Jennifer Beckstrand. All three stories focus on Christmas with a different meaning all the way around, while love blooms or draws families closer. Jesus, forgiveness and better understanding of Christmas are just some of the messages that I took from these charming stories that are each only about 80 pages. I hope all who read this book enjoy the Christmas messages that come from these stories. 

“A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant” by Charlotte Hubbard goes along with her 'Seasons of the Heart' series. Seth is a minor character in the other books, but here we see him with his own role. Here is a Christmas novella that I really enjoyed for though it is a romance and things appear to be moving fast, I got the feeling there was a lot more contact between the two as this story takes over several months. We are just invited to see what is going on in those pretty important scenes where things are being discovered or shared between the two. I have to say that I felt the Christmas message as well for it was the focus on the Reason for the Season that I enjoyed and how they touched so many other people as well. 

“A Christmas on Ice Mountain” by Kelly Long goes along with her Ice Mountain series (not sure of the title of the series though sorry), and that in of itself made me uncertain if I wanted to read the short novella. Oh Ms. Long writes wonderful stories and this was no different, but after reading “The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain” I was just weary. This time I wasn't given the shock that I had when I tried reading “The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain” so I wasn't taken by complete surprise, so warning it is an adult short story regardless, for if I don't feel comfortable allowing my 14 year old neighbor read it then it is an adult story, and I feel that about this story. 

Here is a a story that reminded me a lot of “Romeo and Juliet” in that their fathers are feuding to the point to where they don't speak. The story starts out with what caused the rift, and sadly at that point I figured out what happened but the ending was so worth reading the book. Yes this is a story of love between Matthew and Laurel but the more important part of the story is that of forgiveness and listening. Time is sometimes too short here on earth so we should always work on trying to get over those past hurts and forgive each other. This story is a wonderful example of that alone with the fathers. 

“A Perfect Amish Christmas” by Jennifer Beckstrand goes along with her 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' series. I found the message of discovery for what makes the perfect Christmas to be so precious for so many times people look for things being perfect and over look the important things. The person who is seeking that perfect Christmas has their reasons and reasons that everyone can understand, but this person forgot what makes Christmas perfect no matter what happens. When things look so bleak, the truth is figured out, things begin to turn around for things are being looked at differently. Truly a Perfect Christmas is achieved then and I couldn't help but smile as I read the ending.

Other 'Season's of the Heart' Books and Novellas

Summer of Secrets
Autumn Winds

Winter of Wishes

"Kissing the Bishop"

                                                      found in An Amish Country Christmas

Breath of Spring

"A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant"

                                                found in An Amish Christmas Quilt

Other 'Ice Mountains' Books 
 

The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain

Other 'The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill' Books and Novellas

Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Summer

Huckleberry Christmas

"A Perfect Amish Christmas"

                                                          found in An Amish Christmas Quilt