Christmas fun -- Huckleberry Christmas

I've read hundreds of Amish fiction stories written by dozens of authors, and in several different styles.  Most of them I have enjoyed, some more than others, and the reasons for the enjoyment vary from book to book.

Since the very first book in Jennifer Beckstarnd's The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, I know why I will enjoy the next one -- they are just Plain fun!  And that is exactly what I found in Huckleberry Christmas.

Anna and Felty Helmuth are lovable Amish grandparents determined to help their grandchildren and great-grandchildren find their perfect partners, even when the young people aren't particularly interested in looking.  With reluctant subjects of the matchmaking schemes, there are bound to be difficulties along the way, but Mammi Annie will do everything within her power to find a way for love to prevail.

Beth and Tyler both have bad experiences in their past that seem to present insurmountable roadblocks to a long-term relationship.  Beth, in particular, has serious trust issues in men and even with God, that threaten to derail any hopes of a second chance at love.  Finding the strength to stand up to the ghosts of her past is her only real hope of ever realizing what she really wants as the Christmas season comes around.

And by the time this story ends, Annie is already hatching her next matchmaking plan. I will be anxiously awaiting that story to be revealed in a few months in Huckleberry Spring.

Thanks to Jennifer Beckstrand and Kensington Publishing for providing a copy of Huckleberry Christmas in exchange for my honest review.

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.

About the Author:

About Jennifer, from Jennifer . . .

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

Learn more at her website.