A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand


I have read many books based in. Huckleberry Hill and I love this community and all the characters located there. They are real and fun to get to know. How could you not love Mammi and her lack of cooking skills?

Elsie was no way looking for love when she took the teaching position. She wanted to teach her students and get over her feeling of rejection when she was let go by her previous position. She did not know What to expect when Sam stormed into her classroom.

Sam did everything he could for his brother, Wally, and his family. But not everything he did was helpful.

Sam and Elsie clashed almost every time they got together. It was a joy reading about their developing relationship.

Wally, Sam's younger brother, is a central figure in this story. He learned some valuable lessons. It is an example of how words and actions can influence your beliefs and behavior.

I received this for free to review. I give it five stars!

Lovely story. Touching and encouraging.

A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

Wow! Every time I come back to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series I remember exactly why I love it. A COURTSHIP ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL had me sitting right at Felty and Anna’s kitchen table scheming with them as they try to set up their grand daughter, Elsie. Felty and Anna are one of my all time favorite couples in Amish fiction. No one can crack me up like these two can. The situations they create is quite hysterical and I always find myself laughing out loud. Not to mention the things that Anna cooks that everyone thinks is just horrible but they never say so as they would hurt her feelings. One that I can’t seem to get out of my head is potato raisin asparagus casserole. I mean, can you even imagine? Haha

Elsie is the new school teacher in the Wisconsin Amish community and has been trying to dodge her grandmother’s matchmaking desires. She begs her not to do anything until January when her life is more settled, but Anna pays her no mind. The man who Anna has in mind has no idea who Anna’s grand daughter is but pictures the worst! Anna never gives up but not in a mean way. She just keeps trying to push these two together and your heart will swell with love for her. She is such a dedicated grandmother. A COURTSHIP ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL is filled with twists and turns, some I never saw coming, but I loved every one of them.

In A COURTSHIP ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL I loved Elsie and Sam, the primary characters but also fell in love with all of the secondary characters as well. Every one of them has an important part to play in this heart warming story and even though I wanted to reach in and smack one or two of them every now and then, they all weaseled their way into my heart. I truly hope Anna and Felty don’t run out of grandchildren to play matchmaker for. I would love to see this series continue for at least twenty more books. That’s how much I enjoy Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing! I can not wait to continue this beautiful series.

I know I’ve said this before but I LOVE ANNA & FELTY from Jennifer Beckstrand’s Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. They are two of my very favorite characters ever, across all genres. Beckstrand never fails to make me smile with these two octogenarian Amish grandparents, and sometimes I even laugh out loud (the goats in the house scene from a couple novellas ago still makes me chuckle when I think about it).

In A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill, we get more of Anna’s interesting meal concoctions that Felty eats quite heartily but the rest of us would be hardpressed to keep down, like asparagus potato raisin casserole and chocolate layer cake with beans instead of oil. We also get more of Anna’s well-intentioned matchmaking attempts that are rarely appreciated by either party (but make for some delightful moments for we readers) and of course her various knitted goods to seal the deal.

And honestly that would have been enough for me to give this book a 5-star rating. Because they are just so lovable and adorably hilarious. But then Beckstrand threw in a heroine I want as a friend and a swoony-but-stubborn hero. And then she added a classroom full of sweet children … and a couple of not-so-sweet children who become works-in-progress thanks to the infectiously-cheerful Miss Elsie Stuzman. And then she added a couple of really delicious kisses. Y’all. I want to hug this book.

Bottom Line: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand gets a solid A+! The humor is perfectly timed and well-spaced. The characters (as I’ve already mentioned) are truly delightful (with a couple of exceptions who needed a good purse whomping). The message of not giving up on someone, of thinking before you react, of loving even the difficult to love people in our lives… it’s all presented sincerely with an engaging plot. One of my fave Huckleberry Hill books so far!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This Amish story contains humor and vulnerability, stubbornness and misunderstandings. How will teacher Elsie Helmuth deal with the problems and the challenging student in her new school? Wally Sensenig may have suffered injury in the past, but he uses it to get his own way and to get away with reprehensible behavior. He has his older brother enabling him and believing whatever Wally says. The characters are fun and captivating. Of course, it’s great to see Elsie’s quirky grandparents, Anna and Felty, back in another novel, but this book can also stand alone. Some of the situations may seem over-the-top, but they make for a rollicking story. I read the book in a single day. Even if the plot is rather predictable, it doesn’t remove the enjoyment, and the author throws in some surprises. The conclusion touched my heart. I participated in the Celebrate Lit tour. All opinions are my own.

Fans of this series are in for a treat with this book. The author has a gift of writing characters that are so relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Elsie. She is an outspoken, compassionate person. When she takes a job as a teacher in the little community nothing will ever be the same. I can remember being a teacher’s assistant and wondering if I would make it through the day. There were times I went home and cried but I got up the next day determined I wouldn’t give up. Elsie has her hands full with one particular young boy that will test her patience. Can she stand up to a bully?

Wally is having a hard time adjusting since his accident. After losing a leg, he is angry and thinks everyone hates him. I admire the patience Elsie has with Wally. It’s refreshing to read how a teacher goes the extra mile to reach a hurting child. There were times Wally made me upset but then my heart would go out to him. I loved how the author wrote Wally as a troubled child who longed to be accepted. It gives readers a glimpse of how a child can feel different and how they learn to overcome that feeling.

Sam really walked around with guilt over his brother’s accident. That guilt causes him to turn a blind eye to Wally’s behavior. When Sam feels like the new teacher is picking on his brother he stomps to the school to have words with her. Little does he know, Elsie is one tough person. She doesn’t back down and this makes for some fun bickering between the two stubborn people. Yes they are both hard headed and I loved their interaction.

I can’t forget about Rose. Oh my that girl needs a reality check. She is for sure and certain that Sam is in love with her. She seemed to pop up everywhere Sam was and I wanted to tell her to back up and move on down the road. She is annoying and very jealous of Elsie. Rose is so envious of Elsie, the green eyed monster comes out and tries to destroy Elsie . Will the town believe what Rose is saying about Elsie?

With all that is going on with a new teacher in town, we can’t overlook the matchmaking that is in full swing. I won’t say much about it, except get ready for laughs as Annie and Felty set their eyes on their granddaughter to find her a husband. How will the matchmaking go? Will Elsie prove to the town how much she loves to teach? The author has written a book that is hard to put down. Don’t miss this latest adventure in a town full of mischief, matchmaking and a story that brightens your day.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

This book is so very good. Several scenes brought tears to my eyes, not always sad tears. Such a great story, loved Elsie and Sam, but wasn’t too crazy about Rose. Elsie was such a great school teacher, loved how she related to Wally and encourage him. He was a young boy that had an accident and lost one his legs and he thought of himself as a cripple but she is determined to teach hi he wasn’t. Her grandmother wants to play matchmaker and tries her best to be one. This book really touched my heart, a reality special story. The characters were so real to me and could imagine the scenes so vivid. I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher.

This is one of my favorite Amish Authors! The characters thoughts and actions just make you feel like they are family and Grandmother Anna.. She just makes me smile and think, oh brother! Love this authors make me smile good books. I have trouble putting them down, just have to know what next! If you like family stories, Amish or just wonderful good stories.. you should like this one! I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary...

Through loving grandmother Anna Helmuth, author Jennifer Beckstrand successfully uses her matchmaking skills – but this time it’s a little more difficult than usual.

Elsie comes to stay with her grandparents after taking a local teaching job. I loved seeing Elsie in action -she’s a firm, authoritative, fun, and loving teacher who wants the best for her students. I have to say, Elsie’s unconventional ways of dealing with troublemakers had me chuckling. When Wally — the boy with a missing leg — misdirects his anger and bullies his classmates, Elsie knows just what to do. And there starts a love/hate relationship between Elsie and Wally’s older brother Sam.

Sam and Elsie are one of my favorite Beckstrand duos. They’re spitfire. They’re full of love. They’re loyal. They’re stubborn. And I appreciate Beckstrand’s ability to make them so likeable despite their flaws.

I had fun watching Elsie’s class’ escapades, and Sam’s family dinners. And even though I’ll read the next Huckleberry Hill book no matter what, I’d totally love to see a cameo appearance by these two characters!

I loved this well written inspirational romance. It has a great plot and cast of characters. I immensely enjoyed the elderly match makers. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good clean romance book

A chance to visit Huckleberry Hill is met with whoops and hollers in our house! Both my 13-year old and I adore Jennifer Beckstrand’s Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series so when we were invited to read a complimentary copy of the newest book in the series, A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill, you can be sure we said yes without a second thought!

This is such a fun series! It always makes me sad when I recommend them to people and they refuse to read them because they don’t like “Amish fiction.” I just want to go on record here as saying that these aren’t like any Amish fiction you’ve ever read before! These books aren’t about romanticizing the Amish way of life like so many others I’ve read. These are just really good stories that happen to include a lot of Amish characters. Unlike other Amish books, these stories could work in just about any culture or time period with their meddling older family members who can’t keep their noses out of the younger generations’ love lives.

This book in particular was one of Beckstrand’s best, in my opinion. While most of the stories in this series have been light-hearted, laugh-out-loud romances, this one was just as likely to make me cry as it was to make me laugh out loud, and I did plenty of both! Some of the scenes with the schoolchildren were so tender, I could hardly stand it! And my daughter and I are still giggling about the ending over a week after finishing the book!

While many of the books in this series have built on things that happened in previous books, this one is more of a stand alone so if you haven’t had the pleasure yet of reading one of these books and meeting Anna and Felty, the most endearing matchmakers ever, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book and prepare for a lovely read!

I have come to love this family. I’m so glad that Anna & Feltie have so many grandchildren! I look forward to more stories from Huckleberry Hill!

I loved this one! School teacher Elsie arrives at Huckleberry Hill to stay with her grandparents, the adorable matchmaking couple. She really cares about her students, but her methods have been questioned in the past. Enter Sam who is taking care of his family, including his brother who was injured in a horrible accident. Elsie must overcome Sam's insistence that his brother can not do anything. Elsie knows that isn't true and she must overcome major obstacles in order to do what is best for everyone. In the meantime Sam and Elsie find their way to each other.

This was a sweet story, and it drove me to tears many times! I loved it!

Jennifer Beckstrand is one of my favorite Amish romance authors. Her books are funny, real, and entertaining. What more could you want?

It's book 8 of the Huckleberry Hill Series and I am still not tired of reading them!

Anna and Felty Helmuth of Bonduel, WI., are not your typical Amish, but you can't help but to love them! Anna and Felty have had lots of success with finding the perfect match for many of their grandchildren. And she has now found her granddaughter's match! At least she feels that this is the case. However, the two parties involved are not too eager to follow through with Anna's plans.

This book encompasses the lives of those in a physically disabled condition in an honest and down-to-earth way. I enjoyed the messages and the strength that came through for the characters. I think that you will enjoy this book, whether or not you have read the previous books.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy Amish fiction.
I received an ebook version of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely loved this book. I love all of Jennifer Beckstrand's books. They always keep me interested. They are just the right mix of funny and romance. I love Anna and Felty.

I was a bit put off by so much negativity coming from an Amish story. I did not enjoy the meanness that came through some of the characters.

A Courtship On Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the most delightful Amish romance. It is part of the Matchmakers Of Huckleberry Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Once again Jennifer Beckstrand has produced the most wonderful heart warming, amusing and feel-good novel. Grandmother Anna is practicing her matchmaking skills again! "She had a reputation as a very good matchmaker and a very bad cook." There is witty dialogue between the grandparents that makes the reader smile. Interfering in lives to join couples together is what Anna does best, much to the amusement of the reader.
The novel revolves around the new school teacher and her classroom. Teaching is more than just maths and English. It is about learning life lessons and caring. The teacher practices tough love to develop character. "Children learned best in an atmosphere of love."
Children are a gift from God - all children are a gift. The novel shows how children readily accept others who are different from them. It is the adults who create the problems. The story surrounds a teen who lost his leg and some fingers (before the story opened) and a young child with Downs. There are some truly beautiful moments.
We all fight battles in our minds. "They were both fighting hard battles in their heads." These battles will make or break us. We have to take control of our minds.
The novel is about courage. "It takes courage to stick to what you know is right." We have to stand up and fight for what is right, no matter who the opposition is. Sometimes all we can do is stand still and let God fight for us. "The only strength left to her was prayer."
The characters were realistic, warm and welcoming. The leading lady was small, feisty, good and kind. I really liked her.
A romance bubbled away behind the main story. It was a delight to witness.
A Courtship On Huckleberry Hill was a wonderful novel. I absolutely adore Jennifer Beckstrand's novels. She is very amusing whilst writing great stories that are grounded in God.
A pure delight.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I love this series. Anna and Felty are two of my favorite characters. Anna feels that she needs to make sure her children and grandchildren are married to the perfect spouses despite their objections. Her latest quest is Elsie Stutzman. When Elsie comes to Huckleberry Hill to teach, Anna feels that she has the perfect match for her plain spoken granddaughter. However, Elsie has other plans. She wants to make a good impression on the school board. However, she finds it difficult when a disabled student who is used to getting his way sends his hot headed brother to deal with the new teacher. Why does everyone cater to Wally's every whim? Why is he allowed to work below his potential? Will his brother Sam quit trying to sabotage her efforts? And why is she feeling anything for this handsome man? Come find out how Elsie and Sam resist the temptations. Also find out what concoctions Anna is cooking up both in the kitchen and in Elsie's life. I received a copy through Netgalley. The review is my own.

“A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill” (A Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill novel)by Jennifer Beckstrand

This is the second novel in this series that I have read, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I absolutely love Annie and Felty and their matchmaking abilities, as well as they love they share between one another. While they were more minor characters in this novel, their goal of getting their granddaughter, Elsie, together with Sam, was one Annie was persistent about. What they didn’t know was that Elsie and Sam were developing a relationship all on their own: as adversaries, then as friends, then...they almost made Annie faint!!

Elsie is the new teacher in town. And she is good at her job, respected by most of her students and is making a difference. Except where Sam is concerned. He believes that she is asking too much of one of his brothers who lost his leg in an accident. What no one really sees is how they cater to what Wally wants and allows him to manipulate them. Elsie does not. And so the novel begins...

Missed meetings set up by Annie lead to her making more potholders for Sam; Elsie seems to hit roadblocks and work through them a fair amount; a woman who wants to be with Sam creates issues for many; etc. And so the novel continues...

Can Sam repair damage he didn’t intend to create but another did? Will he be able to bring Elsie home? Appropriately deal with his woman problem? Get through Elsie’s brother to even talk to her? Will the school board continue to misinterpret what others are saying? Will Annie and Felty succeed or will this be the one match they won’t succeed at?

A quick read that is enjoyable, fun, and engaging. “A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill,” is a novel full of interesting characters and a solid plot line. It is a great read on a weekend or during winter or summer days when you want an easy and fulfilling read.


Rating: 4.45
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I have read the other books in this series and this one did not disappoint. What a wonderful combination of love, forgiveness, family and some humor. I so much enjoyed the storyline and love the relationship with Elsie and Sam!