Cover Image: Home on Huckleberry Hill

Home on Huckleberry Hill

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I love all the Huckleberry Hill books. Love Anna and Felty and how they interact. I think it's so sweet how Felty always eats whatever Anna cooks when no one else will. Her cooking leaves much to be desired, but Felty doesn't mind because he can't taste anything anyway!

Was this review helpful?

I am always overjoyed when a new Huckleberry Hill book comes out! I love Anna and Felty and the way they interact with people. Their interactions have gotten wiser and wiser as the series has continued. While most of the rest of the books in this series have been quite light-hearted, laugh-out-loud romances, this one was a little deeper and more serious. There were actually moments that were downright heart-wrenching! I absolutely loved the themes of redemption, forgiveness, trust, and family woven throughout this book. This series just gets stronger and stronger! Can't wait for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

This is the ninth book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. In each book grandparents Felty and Anna, 80 somethings play matchmaker for one of their grandchildren. This one was a bit different as it revolved around one of their already married grand daughters. You never know what to expect when it involves this mischievous couple,Felty and Anna. You never know what will come out of Anna's mouth or what antics she will pull dragging her husband along with her. This book was absolutely hilarious and had me laughing out loud while waiting to be seen at a dentist appointment, whoops! These are the grandparents everyone needs to have. You've got to read this, you'll really enjoy it if you like Amish fiction.
Pub Date 26 Jun 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book by Jennifer Beckstrand. The storyline is very entertaining and different from any other Amish story I’ve ever read. You have to love Felty and Anna and smile at their antics. Mary Anne’s decision to change her life, and the unusual way she goes about it, will keep you smiling and sighing until all is resolved. Amid the humor, there’s some serious thoughts about love, honesty, and forgiveness in marriage. The ending of the story is perfect. This is one I’ll definitely be reading again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Congratulations! Your review for Home on Huckleberry Hill,
captioned below, has been published. Visit
<http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=66364> to view your
published review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is part of the Matchmakers series (à la Plain grandparents who try to fix up their loved ones with the perfect matches) – yet it’s about a married couple. And I loved that. Even married couples need a little nudge together once in a while. Mary Anne and Jethro certainly did. After ignoring some big issues for long enough, Jethro spent most of his time fishing, and Mary Anne spent most of her time trying not to be a disappointment. When Mary Anne finally feels so low she relegates herself to camping out in the back field, Anna and Felty Helmuth do their thing.

I think this world needs more stories about struggling marriages — where the witnesses to the wedding step up and support strengthening the marriage. Though it was heartbreaking to see Mary Anne suffer, and disgusting how some of Jethro’s relatives treated her, I could see the hand of God every step of the way. When Jethro finally took a quiet moment to think things through, his love for Mary Anne shone brighter than anything else. Mary Anne had a few lessons to learn too – as did both extended families. Sometimes a little fresh air will do that!

Beckstrand is funny, too ... I laughed out loud plenty.
https://randombookmuses.com/2018/07/15/review-home-on-huckleberry-hill-by-jennifer-beckstrand/

Was this review helpful?

This is my first experience with the characters of Huckleberry Hill as written by Jennifer Beckstrand and I’m so excited to have found this wonderful storyteller and her delightful Amish characters. Anna and Felty Helmuth have been married for many, many years and they have every intention of interfering in their granddaughter’s troubled marriage before it’s too late. But rather than preach, this couple decides to teach the younger generation what they’ve learned through their many years together. Under the watchful eyes of her wise grandparents, Maryann and Jethro will learn powerful lessons that can only be taught by a couple who have faith in God and each other. This is a deeply emotional and heartfelt storyline that is taught with love, laughter and a whole bucketload full of tears. It made me cry just as much as it made me laugh because after all, what is life without laughter and sorrow? You will love this book just as much as I did, I promise! I read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed through my voluntary review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I love Jennifer Beckstrand and this series. I read it straight through and loved it! Its just as sweet and fun as all the others in the series. can't wait for the next installment. Thanks to netgalley for the arc . My ..honest review is solely my opinion

Was this review helpful?

Home On Huckleburry Hill is a story that is sad to say all too familiar. Now what that all too familiar story is it is man and woman marry - time goes by - man and woman drift apart and he just disses her and she gets fed up. He - I mean for real - he can only think and talk about is fishing - He doesn't have room in his life for anything else. She is heartbroken. She has tried everything she could so he finally broke the proverbial straw on the camels back and so she moves into a tent guess where - you have to read this book to find out where and what happens. Sides are taken - advice is given but the only voice of reason and the only voice they should be listening to is GOTTES - GOD's - The only sane people in their lives are Annie and Felty. Will they get through to them? Will they get back together? Will they be able to work on things and work things out?

Was this review helpful?

What a fun book! Readers of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series will find familiar characters in matchmakers Anna & Felty Helmuth as they "help" their granddaughter with her loveless marriage. New readers to the series will quickly understand the humor and love of the quirky couple. This story is filled with laughter, love, romance, family, and lots of fun.

Was this review helpful?

Home on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the ninth tale in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill. Anna Helmuth is worried about her granddaughter, Mary Anne’s marriage and, as usual, her instincts are spot on. Mary Anne Neuenschwander is fed up. She knows that she should be grateful for her home and her husband, but Mary Anne is not happy. Jethro cares more about his fishing pole than he does about Mary Anne. When he fails to remember their six-year anniversary, she moves into a tent in the backyard. Ever since her miscarriage four years prior along with the news regarding future children, Jethro has been a different man. Now Mary Anne is going to focus on making herself happy instead of satisfying Jethro. Jethro was devastated when Mary Anne had her miscarriage and he was afraid of letting her see his disappointment. He threw himself into fishing with his friends and even bought a $400 fishing pole which is keeps on the bed in the spare room. When he arrives home and finds that Mary Anne has moved out, he is dumbfounded. He is worried about what people in the district will think (oh dear). Anna and Felty soon arrive and set up their tent. They want to support Mary Anne, but they are not quite prepared for roughing it. Anna has a plan, but she did not count on Jethro being so obtuse. Anna will need more than pot holders if this project is going to succeed. Break out your best camping gear, cozy up to the campfire and submerge yourself in Home on Huckleberry Hill.

Home on Huckleberry Hill is a delight to read. The story is well-written and it has a nice, steady pace throughout. This book is different from the others in the series. Anna and Felty are trying to assist a married couple instead of match up to singles. Jennifer Beckstrand has created a wonderful pair of characters. Anna and Felty are darling and their antics had me laughing frequently (their chickens, the RV, the hammock, Anna’s cooking). At one point, Anna offers to knit a scarf or a Minion beanie if it would help (the pot holders were not cutting it) and I continue to chuckle every time I think about that line (and situation). I also enjoyed Mary Anne’s creative outlets. They were very clever and unique (I will never look at cheese doodles the same way again). I was quite taken with the butterfly quilt she constructed. I like how Mary Anne’s family supported her decision and aided her. The campground got quite large and Jethro’s tent will never be the same again. There are good life lessons in Home on Huckleberry Hill. The importance of communication in a marriage, putting your partner’s happiness ahead of your own, and remembering that there are two sides to every story. This is a book about learning from your mistakes, remembering why you love your spouse (falling in love again) and moving forward in harmony. While Home on Huckleberry Hill is part of a series, it can be read alone. I thoroughly recommend every book in this engaging Amish series. Each book is better than the previous and Jennifer Beckstrand did not disappoint in Home on Huckleberry Hill. Home on Huckleberry Hill is a warm-hearted, humorous story that will leave you wanting more. My rating for Home on Huckleberry Hill is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).

Was this review helpful?

This book will have you laughing out loud. I loved it!! I can't wait to read more of this series, even though this is a stand alone book. Thank you NetGalley and Kingston Books Zebra for the free copy. This is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This story takes a look at what happenes "after the honeymoon is over" as us Englishers say. Jennifer Beckstrand did an excellent job writing this story. She had my attention on every page with wanting to know what was going to happen next. I look forward to reading more books by Jennifer Beckstrand.

Through NetGalley I was able to read an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, no money exchanged.

Was this review helpful?

Our favorite octogenarians, Annie and Felty, are back playing matchmaker, but this time it is for their already married granddaughter, Mary Anne. Mary Anne and her husband, Jethro, are having marital issues. The straw that broke the camels back was when Jethro forgot their anniversary and went fishing with his friends. Mary Anne decided to move out...into a tent in their backyard. Her grandparents get wind of the move and decided to join her camping in the backyard. Pretty soon Annie and Felty have a slew of relatives showing solidarity to Mary Anne. Will Annie and Felty succeed in getting the younguns' back together or is all hope lost?

This by far is my favorite Amish romance series. I mark on my calendar when the next book is coming out. Annie and Felty are the most loving and forgiving set of grandparents ever. They make you jump for joy, cry and sing with laughter.

I admire Mary Anne for moving out and standing up for what she felt was right. In all marriages we have tough times and need a moment to ourselves. Some just walk into another room but obviously Mary Anne felt that was not going to work.

Jennifer Beckstrand is the perfect writer to bring the fun side of the Amish to life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

My two favorite characters are back. Anna and Felty are the lively octogenarians who feel that they must find the perfect spouses for their children and grandchildren. Normally they will stop at nothing to accomplish this. This time their perfect match between granddaughter Mary Anne and Jethro has gone astray. They will need to be tough to get these two back together. Will they be able to with stand the outdoors in order to show them that they belong together?

I love Anna and Felty. They are the type of grandparents that one just has to adore even though Anna cannot cook. I love how the author brings these two to life. They have more energy at times then people half their ages. The stories are always page turners because you need to see what Anna and Felty will get into next. Each is a stand alone book but once you read the first, you won't be able to resist finding the rest. I received a copy through Netgalley. A positive review was not required. Who couldn't give Anna and Felty a positive review?

Was this review helpful?

It was great to read the next book in the Huckleberry Hill series. This one was really different than those I've read in the past. Instead of making a match for one of her grandchildren, Anna Helmuth attempts to fix a marriage and goes all out to do so.

This warm-hearted story shows the love of family bonds and also the trials that come when an Amish couple no longer gets along as one might hope they do. The obstacles that poor Mary Anne has to work through are many as the people from church let her know how they feel about the whole matter.

Written in Beckstrand style, this book held my attention throughout. I am planning on reading whatever I can find from this author.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Home on Huckleberry Hill is the latest in the series by Jennifer Beckstrand and I must say, it is one of my favorites.
Anna and Felty are not matchmaking this time but working on getting thier grand daughter and her husband reunited.
This is not a typical Amish romance. After losing a baby and being told she will never have a baby, Mary Anne can not grieve. Though out the time following the loss, her husband, Jethro and she have been drifting apart. When he goes fishing on their anniversary, after she has made a special dinner, that is the last straw. She packs up and takes Jethro's tent and camping supplies and moves into the backyard. Once Anna finds out, she and Felty move their entire bedroom in also. Then the fun begins, though out the time numerous friends and family join Mary Anne in her “campground”.
The story has a great cast of characters, romance, real life struggles, and of course, humor. I laughed out loud numerous times, even though, the story has a series storyline.
This is a terrific Amish story completely different from the norm.
I was given an ARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of my all-time favorite fiction series. Jennifer Beckstrand has taken a slight curve on Huckleberry Hill with this new book and it works. She keeps the series fresh with each book as she introduces new characters, young descendants of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Anna who is the family matchmaker has had to use special creativity to show solidarity with her granddaughter Mary Anne in this story. She and Felty have done some wild things to support her family but this time the eighty year-olds plus are following Mary Anne into the woods when she 'leaves' her husband Jethro and moves out into a tent on the couple's property.
Beckstrand has taken a very serious subject interjected with her wonderful humor and written a powerful story which truly demonstrates what can happen when pain, loss and miscommunication enters a marriage. This new book can be enjoyed by single or married readers and is a stand alone story.
The main characters reflect many couples who have lived with loss and seem to travel in different directions. Mary Anne and Jethro change as they reach a height of conflict, each with their own reactions and drive as they head into an uncertain future. As a wife with thirty three years of marriage so far I see things I can relate to in these characters. The story is believable and hard to set aside.
(The story deals in part with fertility issues and loss.)

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book. This review is my own opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I was dying to read this book, being a fan of Annie and Felty, and it sure didn’t disappoint.
The author has a character, one of our Amish grandparent’s granddaughters, and this one is different from their usual matchmaking. Annie does present some pot holders, and her wonderful, tongue in cheek, cooking, and this time it is over an open fire.
At times, we all feel taken for granted but their granddaughter, Mary Anne, has had it, and is ready to leave her husband. We end up camping and wait for the experiences and chuckles you are about to be gifted.
In the end will our favorite octogenarians be able to keep sleeping in a tent, and will their granddaughter divorce her husband, unheard of, or will it all work out, but how?

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

It's not often that I read romances where the main characters are already married, so this was definitely a different read for me than usual! I have loved Jennifer Beckstrand's books in the past, so I knew that she would be able to make it work for me. If you have read her previous books, you get to see some fun, familiar characters, which makes the reading all the more pleasant. I also felt there was a good deal more insight into the Amish culture than the last book I read, probably because this showed how married couples live as opposed to single Amish men and women.

Mary Anne and Jethro Neuenschwander are not doing well at all. After having a miscarriage several years ago, Mary Anne and Jethro have been growing further and further apart. Despite Mary Anne's attempts at making Jethro happy, he has been spending more time fishing with his friends than spending time with his wife. Finally she has had enough, and she moves out to the woods behind their home. Jethro is furious, and soon it becomes a battle amongst their neighbors, with sides being taken and no one sure who will win. But one thing is for sure - if something doesn't change soon, divorce, forbidden amongst Amish couples, will be inevitable.

It took me a bit of time to enjoy the story, due to the complexity of the situation. I felt for Mary Anne and thought Jethro was a very ignorant bully for much of the story, which really led to me not enjoying the first half of the book. While I appreciated the fact that Amish culture is different from what I am used to, I didn't like seeing its ugly side - and there was definitely an ugly side that reared its head. Mary Anne faced horrible treatment from her neighbors, her husband, and his family, and it was very sad to see that her feelings really didn't matter. I was glad to see that she received support as well, but Jethro's behavior really didn't make me want to root for them to get back together. At all. Thankfully his attitude did turn around, as is usually the case in romance novels, and he eventually redeemed himself. But the path to that redemption was one full of hurtful words, thoughtless actions, and often a seeming disregard for manners. I was glad to see the author throw in a lot of humor, as it provided comic relief during difficult moments. Anna and Felty were the voices of reason for much of the book!

If you don't normally read this genre, I'm not sure I would recommend starting here, but I definitely recommend it at some point! If anything, you get a great education of Amish culture, and it's inspiring to see a married couple turn their relationship around. Perhaps start with the other eight books and work your way up to this one?

Was this review helpful?