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A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

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A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill is a good Christian love story. i recommend this sweet book. I recommend that these books are read in the order of publication.

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I have a dilemma, on one hand I liked Matchmakers on Huckleberry Hill a lot, on the other hand I liked it not so much. I can’t give it a full 5 stars, because it wouldn’t be fair to the authors who wrote books that strongly resonated with me. I don’t think it’s just average, so it’s not fair to give it a 3 star and I certainly wouldn’t give anything less than three stars, just because it wasn’t “my thing”. But I feel like 4 stars is too close to 5 stars … oh sigh, not enough stars. But I have to give it 4. Here’s why:

A little background first: In general, I like mysteries, sci fi and fantasy, if there happens to be some romance in it (like cozy mysteries) then that’s OK, as long as the story isn’t dominated by super beautiful leading lady and ultra-handsome leading man constantly feeling electric impulses every time they are near and focused on all the visceral stuff related to attraction between a man and a woman. That gets old REALLY FAST with me (and I’ve said it so much that my saying it is probably getting old). And Amish fiction just isn’t appealing. Part of me jokingly feels like it’s kind of unfair, considering most Amish people probably don’t read these books, so they can’t correct them if they find them offensive or inaccurate. But that’s just a thought I have – shows how little I know about the subject. Any how, I digress. In this case, I thought I’d challenge my reading palate by reading this one. I’ve always liked stories about teachers, especially in the “one room school house” situation. So, I figured that should make it interesting.

But I’ll start with the negative-ish and end with the positive.

The story is almost exactly what I expected it to be. It was very predictable and I knew nearly every step of the way what was going to happen from the very beginning. That’s why it didn’t “knock my socks off”, like some books do. And some people love that kind of writing, which is great for them, but kind of ho hum for me.

The premise is a bit annoying. I HATE when people meddle in the romantic lives of other people. I feel like it’s none of anyone’s business. However, in this case the matchmaker is very up front and not trying to be sneaky on either side, so the “victims” are clearly forewarned. And the little matchmaker lady is so blasted cute, how can you not like her.

Without giving too much away, I’m a little baffled that people aren’t more communicative about who they are related to and who they live with. It keeps the story moving, but I’m like “Why doesn’t this dude know where this chick lives yet??? After all, she’s the teacher!!!” But as I said it keeps the story moving along, much to my frustration at the lack of logic, especially being, it’s a small community. Frustration at lack of logic isn’t a compelling story telling devise for me.

As far as writing style, it is quite plain, much like the plain people being featured in the story. Not a lot of embellishment, just enough to make the story move, but not enough to make you sink in and feel like you’ve visited the place or watched the story like a movie. That’s neither a positive nor a negative, some will like it, some will not. I’m just stating a fact.

Now the really good stuff – the characters were sweet, I liked Elsie and Sam and little Maizy and the dear little grandma, she was quite a character on her own. I liked A LOT that the author dealt with the tendency of people to mean well, but coddle disabled people (I grew up with a disabled brother – we did not coddle him. We protected him, but we trained him to be the best he could be with his limitations.) I liked that children learned valuable lessons in kindness and care, and despite the lack of reality, I liked that a lot of things worked out well and good was rewarded and badness did not get any reward (thinking of a certain pesty “friend”.)

I admit I almost gave up at the 50% mark, it was just dragging along (with a lot of that electricity and attraction stuff that takes me out of the story) then all of a sudden, a number of big challenges were met, which made the story move a long a bit better. It made me laugh out loud a few times and smile and gave me a bit of tension. All in all, it was cute and I liked it.

If you like “nice” stories that don’t challenge you too much, this is a good one to read. I don’t mean that condescendingly either, I know and have known a number of people who like just that kind of reading. Enjoy!!!

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MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I love Jennifer Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Hill Series! And I am so glad she is continuing with Anna and Felty’s matchmaking skills. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill continues with Anna trying to bring granddaughter Elsa Helmuth and Sam Sensenig together, but their efforts seem to be blocked at every angle. And Sam Sensenig certainly is not interested in Anna and Felty’s granddaughter. Especially since she is probably 40 years old and nothing close to attractive. Oh, what Sam doesn’t know will sure surprise him!

That Jennifer Beckstrand can write so many books about Essentially the same thing, is in itself intriguing! Each story written about the matchmaking of 80+year old Anna and Felty Helmuth is just do sweet and interesting, full of adventure and faith, you have to love them. And Anna and Felty are the grandma and granddaddy everyone wish for. And I was blessed to have such grandparents, as well as having parents that were such grandparents to our children. Maybe thats why I love this entire series so much!

I love Else’s strong and determined personality and Sam’s storming into the schoolroom to let Else have a piece of his mind was humorous in itself. Sam’s attitude makes me smile because I know several young men with just the same attitude. This book obviously relates to me a lot. These along with the many other scenes, humorous and serious are reasons you want to be sure and read this new installment in the Huckleberry Hill series! You will sure not be disappointed!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

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My Thoughts:

I jumped at the chance to review another book by this fabulous author! Huckleberry Hills has to be my favorite imaginary spot in creation, where the comical, quirky characters, Anna and Felty reside! This book was one that filled my heart with joy, at the heartwarming, sweet, however misguided, matchmaking skills of this elderly woman. Anna is known throughout this series, to never be at ease, when a single individual is anywhere near her. Her belief in happiness in love and marriage is clearly shown in this new novel.

The characters are so realistically and well described, that you immediately become attached to them. Anna is such a delightful character, even when making a pest of herself! The elderly characters bring smiles and giggles as they captivate you with their individuality, while attempting to put love in the hearts of two young people.

The plot moves steadily towards the goal.... marriage of another single person!! This is a book that compels the reader to read it in one sitting. I could not put it down!! It was a sweet story that just captured my undivided attention and tickled my funny bone.

I highly recommend this five star book to all readers, those who love a sweet love story, humorous happenings and simply a GREAT book!

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

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Jennifer's book will have you laughing and crying with the antics of Anna and Felty. I fell in love with the Huckleberry Hill and the characters since the first book.

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Such a sweet read!! What I loved was Anna and Felty.
are such a breath of fresh air. Loving, giving, they don't
let their old age slow them down. Elsie is an inspiring
young lady who truly loves her students to the point
of putting her job on the line to help her students,
especially Wally see their full potential for life.
Sam is quite the character, I found myself not liking
him one minute to liking him the next. The responsibility
he carries clouds his judgement through out the story.
As I was reading through the book, I realized the way
Sam reacted and processed the stress that was filling
his everyday life that I could relate to. I also loved Elsie's
strong and outspoken ways especially to Sam. A great
read about honesty, facing the difficult times even when
its easier to try and ignore the situation. To admitting
our faults, seeking forgiveness and trusting the Lord.

Blessings,
Karen
Rating: 5*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

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Oh, Anna, how I've missed your antics and "meddling" in your grandchildren's love lives. Anna never fails to leave me laughing all the way through the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty are two of the most precious, caring, and humorous grandparents I've read about in Amish fiction.
Elsie is the object of her grandmother's matchmaking this time. Elsie is the new school teacher in the Amish school, and one young man is proving to be a particular challenge. As a former school teacher, I can relate to Elsie as she deals with a troubled, handicapped student. Refusing to lower expectations and helping students to realize their full potential without bullying and unkindness were certainly main goals for me in teaching as well as for Elsie.
Readers are sure to love this book and it can be read as a standalone, but you'll likely be eager to read the entire series if you haven't already.
I am rating this book 5 ***** stars and highly recommend it to readers.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Zebra Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to post a positive review.

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I love this series. I mean, I never want it to end. Every single time I read about Anna Felty my heart just jumps for joy and I have a big smile on my face. They are such a delight to read about. I know they aren’t technically the main characters, but they are so much fun. Sometimes I wish my husband would react to my cooking like Felty does Anna. I mean, she makes some out there kind of stuff, and he praises it like she’s a world class chef! I want to be like them when I am old and (hopefully) have grandchildren.

But let’s get to the story here. This may be my favorite one yet for one specific character. Wally. That boy stole my heart even when he was being a little mischievous. It’s not too often that you read about a disabled Amish child, so I applaud Ms. Beckstrand to even bringing that to the table. Here’s the lesson learned from this story – disabled people are just like everyone else. They don’t want special treatment, they just want to be loved and accepted. Elsie saw that, and thus treated him like any other child in the classroom. His own brother, on the other hand, seemed to use his disability as an excuse for everything. At least it seemed that way to me.

Elsie and Sam were fun and sweet. It took them awhile, mostly due to their own stubbornness, to open up to each other. I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom, as well as seeing Elsie put Sam in his place a time or two. Once again Ms. Beckstrand has made me with that I lived on Huckleberry Hill, eating Anna’s unique meals, and maybe even perhaps helping her set up a couple of unsuspected youngsters! I can’t wait until I can visit again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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my thoughts….I enjoyed A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill, the second book in this series I’ve read. The characters are well developed and I soon found myself in the midst of the story. Sam is devoted to his family, especially Wally, who has had his family hoodwinked since recovering from an accident a few years ago. Life seems to revolve around him and he seems to take over most aspects of the story as the author introduced matters to me for Amish literature.



Elsie, being the new teacher learns the hard way how things will be in her classroom when she meets Sam, Wally’s older brother who barges in on her classroom with directives on just how she will manage his brother’s behavior. Determined to teach Wally without disrupting the rest of her students, she manages to find a way to reach him while catching the heart of Sam. Through trial and error and a few stormy moments, this story will warm your heart in spite of efforts of her grandmother to find her the right husband with her failproof matchmaking skills.

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I love Jennifer Beckstrand's Huckleberry Hill books. Anna and Felty are so cute and funny and you never know what to expect other than Anna's going to get her match made. Sam was very frustrating at times, but he was also sweet and protective. I liked watching the changes that occurred in the characters lives and the way that they were transformed into new people. The book flowed extremely well and it was a very fast read. I was frustrated, and happy, and sad over things in the book as if I was the one experiencing them. I can't wait to read another of Jennifer Beckstrand's books.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

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A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand
Elsie Stutzman’s plain-spoken ways got her in trouble once before, so she needs to make a good impression at her new teaching job. But she's not about to let disabled student Wally Sensenig work below his potential. And she definitely won’t put up with his hot-headed older brother sabotaging her efforts, no matter how handsome he is. . .
Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings. He'll admit Elsie’s ideas are bringing Wally out of his angry shell—but why does she have to be as stubborn as she is pretty? Yet as it turns out, Elsie has taught Sam something about himself as well. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make up for his mistakes—and win her heart forever.
Praise for Jennifer Beckstrand and her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series
“Beckstrand continues to bring unexpected and heart-melting plotlines to this outstanding series.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.” —Publishers Weekly
this is Elsie Stutzman and Sam Sensenig’s story.
Elsie is the schoolteacher in the Wisconsin Amish community.
Elsie lives with her grandparents.
Elsie only wants to do what she thinks is best for Wally Sensenig.
Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings.
Anna and Felty Helmuth like a challenge.
Anna and Felty like to play matchmaker for their children and grandchildren.
Anna feels that she needs to make sure her children and grandchildren are married to the perfect spouses despite their objections.
I highly recommend reading.
A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jennifer Beckstrand.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
1. Huckleberry Hill
2. Huckleberry Summer
3. Huckleberry Christmas
4. Huckleberry Spring
5. Huckleberry Harvest
6. Huckleberry Hearts
7. Return to Huckleberry Hill
8. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill
9. Home on Huckleberry Hill
Forever After in Apple Lake
1. Kate's Song
2. Rebecca's Rose
3. Miriam's Quilt

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When new teacher Elsie Stutzman tries to help a struggling student, she crosses the path of the overworked brother. In doing so, she starts to penetrate his walls as well, but he's as stubborn as a mule. This was yet another charming read by Jennifer Beckstrand, filled with delightful characters.

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A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill is the eighth installment from The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill. What a fabulous addition to the series. I loved it!
5 stars.

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I am really enjoying this series. I have only read the last two, but I have had no problem following along. I love the grandparents! They are so wise and helpful. I just love Anna and Felty. I wish that I could just drop in, eat some delicious goodies and catch up. As always, great story line, great characters. I will be very sad when this series ends.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley all opinions are my own.

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A wonderful romantic and humorous book. If you know anything about Anna Helmuth you'll know she loves a challenge. What sort of challenge you may ask. As the eighty something year old grandmother of many she is the self appointed match maker for her grandchildren. Now she doesn't meddle to cause trouble it's just her way to set her grandchildren up with future mates for life and make them happy. Do they all enjoy this and want her to do it? Well ..............
This time it's Elsie's turn. This book will have you laughing out loud as it progresses with Anna trying to get Elsie to meet her perspective beau Mammi Anna has set up for her.
Elsie is also the schoolteacher in the one room Amish classroom. She has had tough misbehaved students before but none as bad as Wally. He has a pity party attitude about himself due to an accident that left him scarred and missing a leg and 3 fingers. He's just downright mean and steals from the other students. If he's miserable he wants everyone to be miserable along with him.
The teacher wants to push him out of his comfort zone and make him a better person. Her plans have Wally highly upset and he runs tattling to his older brother. His older brother comes to see the teacher and sparks fly but is it anger or love sparks ? Funny book with a serious side.
Pub Date 26 Dec 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

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These books just keep getting better with each book in the series. I did not want to put this book down. I always love Annie and Felty. If I hadn’t found my husband in high school I would have loved her to be a matchmaker for me. I really liked Elsie throughout the story. At times I wasn’t happy with Sam or Wally. They both needed to grow up. This made me laugh and cry. I received this wonderful book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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What a fun book! Mix a couple of matchmakers with a couple of single people, and you never know what will happen. Fiesty Anna brings confusion and lots of laughs, as well as some interesting recipes. Charming characters with comfortable dialogue and a lot of heart move this story right along.

Author Jenifer Beckstrand’s story shows us what determination can look like when you care about others and aren’t willing to see them fail. I won’t give any spoilers here, but you’ll love the tenacity that both Elsie and Wally show.

A quick but delightful read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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As an Amish fiction fan, I adore going back to Huckleberry Hill. The characters are always memorable and the tale was so sweet, I couldn't put it down!

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"For sure and certain."
I'll be repeating this phrase in my head for many days to come. I don't read Amish books much, mostly because I am busy reading other genres. From the handful of Amish books I've read, I've enjoyed this book the most. The author, who is new to me, has a delightful way of writing that turns every day incidents into memorable events, both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Even though softball, school, gatherings of family and friends, and farming can seem like mundane routine things, the author uses these happenings to bring spark and interest into the plot and gives life lessons through them all. There is no mystery or suspense or adrenaline woven into the plot but the storyline moves at a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.

The author's writing style is fluid and easy to follow. The dialogue, especially between the two main characters Elsie and Sam, ranges from angry and heated to humorous and sweet. There are some serious laugh-out-loud moments in the book that had me cracking up and shaking my head at the same time. The characters in the book are layered and deeply lovable.

Elsie is the new school teacher who lives with her grandparents (and her grandparents are sure to bring laughter and smiles as you read). She's stubborn, proud, smart, a gifted teacher and softball player who has a tender heart and will do whatever it takes to do what she believes is right. Sam is the oldest in the family now responsible for the farm and his siblings and mother. He's also stubborn and quite proud, loyal to family and friends and hardworking but has quite a temper. Sam does grow through the book and understands how to control his temper better and also learns to apologize in humility.

It was a delightful journey of second chances, basking in the warmth of love from family and friends, and savoring the beautiful moments that can be had in an environment uncluttered from modern technology.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour and NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill is penned in Jennifer Beckstrand usual style for this fun loving grandparent couple, Felty and Anna Helmuth, who wants all their grandchildren happily married as they are. Elsie Helmuth is staying with them since she’s the new school teacher in Bonduel, Wisconsin Amish community. Of course, Anna has a young man in mind to marry off Elsie; however, she is not interested in even dating. Elsie may be outspoken instead of a quiet Amish teacher but her students adore her. Well that’s everyone except Wally Sensenig, who is disruptive and uses the excuse he’s a cripple. His older brother, Sam confronts Elsie and she just knew she would lose her job. The story unexpected events demonstrates how cuddling a disabled child instead of encouraging them to work at their full potential can be harmful. This is a beautiful story of changes with Wally reaching out to a new student who had Down’s syndrome. Elsie’s students excel except there are setbacks with Wally’s behavior; however, one special little girl touched young Wally. Will Anna succeed with Elsie finding her husband or will Sam keep putting Anna off for his family and his manipulative neighbor girl? Readers will want to read A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill to discover how pity, sorrow, impatience, jealousy can be turned around when faith in God is priority and seeing the good in others. I look forward to reading more books by Jennifer Beckstrand. She never fails to deliver a fun loving story filled with laughter but a clear message that will linger after closing the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publisher and Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour for an e-copy of this book. I was not require to give a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.

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