UPDATE: I finally got around to reading this book in order to give an actual review, instead of just highlighting it!I knew I was in for a great read in another Huckleberry Hill story, and I think A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill is Jennifer's best yet.
The characters in this story are so great to get to know and watch their development. Elsie is a great, caring teacher -- even if her methods sometime ruffle the feathers of parents and school board members. Sam is a young man saddled with guilt, while trying to do what he thinks is best for his family. Wally is a young boy using his physical limitations to manipulate most everyone around him, instead of learning to let his true character come out. There are lots of problems and near disasters that come out when these personalities collide -- but still lots of fun, just like you would expect on Huckleberry Hill.
In spite of Anna Helmuth's attempts to bring her granddaughter Elsie together with her "perfect match," it looks like she might not be successful this time. But even Anna is amazed with her own matchmaking skills before this one is over!
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Original "highlight" post with Celebrate Lit's book tour.
If you haven't read any of Jennifer Beckstrand's Huckleberry Hill stories . . . well, you have missed a treat. Anna and Felty Helmuth have a special "gift" for matchmaking with their grandchildren . . . whether they are interested in matches or not. These are Amish love stories . . . but with a twist of fun that you just don't find in the typical story in the genre.
Because of health problems, I haven't had a chance to read this book yet, but I have NO DOUBT that it will be just as good as the others. So give me a few days, drop back back by, and give me a chance to fill you in on the fun. Or even better, pick up your own copy and tell me what fun you found in the story.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for sharing a copy of this new Huckleberry Hill story!
About the Book:
Elsie Helmuth’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.
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author:
Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, has created a lot of romantic buzz. Sweet as Honey received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and Sweet as Honey and A Bee in her Bonnet were both awarded Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.Guest Post from Jennifer Beckstrand:
I have a very special place in my heart for teachers. My dad was a high school math teacher. My mother taught second grade for over twenty years. My son-in-law taught choir in high school, and my daughter taught seventh-grade science. Another daughter taught American history labs at the university and still another daughter taught classes for a youth summer program.
Elsie Stutzman is a dedicated teacher who was dismissed from her last teaching job in Ohio and is trying to make a fresh start and a good impression in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Unfortunately one of her students, Wally Sensenig, is making things difficult for her, and Wally’s hot-headed older brother seems determined to get her fired. But Elsie is a dedicated teacher, too stubborn to back down and too steadfast to give up on anybody.
Elsie’s grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth, have other plans for her. They want her to fall in love with one of the local boys, but they’re finding it a little difficult to get the two young people together.
Teachers have an immense impact on our lives. We all remember a favorite elementary school teacher who inspired a love of learning or a high school teacher who encouraged us to reach for greatness. One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Zobell, who taught ninth grade English. I distinctly remember her reading “The Outsiders” out loud to our class. She had a way of making great books and great stories come to life, and she sparked a love of reading (and writing) that I will always be grateful for. The teacher who had the most impact on my life is my dad. He helped me through Calculus in high school and inspired me to major in math in college.
I hope we will take the time this month to thank the teachers in our lives for all they do for us and all they do for our kids.
Who was one of your favorite teachers and why?
