Review of Huckleberry Hill

Review of Huckleberry Hill

The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series Book 1

by Jennifer Beckstrand

In her parents’ estimation, LIA SHETLER is the most unpromising girl in her Amish community. As her dat often reminds her, she is too tall for most boys, and with her mousy brown hair and grossly scarred fingers, how can she ever hope to find a husband? With her family dismissing her as an old maid before she even reaches the ripe old age of twenty-four, her most important job is watching out for younger sister, Rachel, and seeing to it that Rachel marries well. That is until Felty and Anna Helmuth introduce Lia to their grandson, Moses, and she can’t ignore her racing pulse when he is near. Will Moses awaken the heart she locked away long ago?

At twenty-six, MOSES ZIMMERMAN, is a bit long in the tooth for a single Amish fellow. Three years ago, his fiancé abandoned him and left the Church, and he promised her he’d wait for her return. But, his scheming grandparents make other plans. Moses tries to resist their meddling, but this time, their plans include someone who is tall enough to look him in the eye, someone whose soul is as beautiful as her staggeringly lovely face, and someone who might help him trade the painful past for a hopeful future.

MY REVIEW:   I finished this book laughing out loud!   I adore the humor that Lia and Moses share in their rocky relationship.  It reminds me of the story of Rachel and Leah in the Bible.    Their parents favor Rachel and treat Leah as though she has leprosy.   Leah does have a scar from a burn she received as a child, but Moses does not care about that one bit.  He sees into the heart of Lia and sees that her heart is one of pure gold.   Rachel, on the other hand, is a spoiled brat who is determined to marry Moses.   This is a delightful book.   I could not help but chuckle at Moses' grandparents in their matchmaking scheming.  Now I am anxiously awaiting the release of Huckleberry Summer in 2014.   

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  

About The Author:

(From the author's bio on goodreads.com:)

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. (Because all my children have finally entered the public school system, I can now write a book in significantly less time.) I sent my manuscript to an agent, who asked me to try my hand at writing Amish fiction. After much research and travel, I fell in love with the people and the genre. 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.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available. Kate’s Song was the #1 Romantic Religious Fiction download in the Free Kindle Store in August of 2012, and Rebecca’s Rose is in the top 50 Religious Fiction books on Amazon.com. Miriam’s Quilt currently sits in the top 50 Romantic Religious Fiction Books on Amazon.

I recently signed with Kensington Books to write three more Amish romances. The first will be out in early 2014. These books are set in Wisconsin in a charming place called Huckleberry Hill.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and one adorable grandson. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and two sons still left at home.