5-Star Review of "Huckleberry Harvest"

Review of Huckleberry Harvest

by Jennifer Beckstrand

The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill book #5

Anna and Felty Helmuth’s zest for matchmaking is unstoppable—and with grown-up grandchild number three on her way to their home in lovely Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, what better reason to put their talents to work once more?...

When Mandy Helmuth hears that her best friend Kristina’s heart has been broken, she decides to visit her grandparents and cheer her up. Mandy never liked Noah Mischler anyway, with his rough exterior and outspoken ways. Unfortunately, she can’t avoid him—especially after he saves her life…

If he weren’t helping Felty with home repairs, Noah would be more than happy to stay away from uppity Mandy Helmuth. Of course, then he wouldn’t have been able to rescue her—and she wouldn’t have had the chance to discover the real Noah beneath the tough persona—the one she falls in love with…

MY REVIEW:  It is almost impossible for readers not to fall in love with dear grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth!    She is the world's most horrible cook and avid knitter!  He must have lost all ability to taste as he is the only person alive to enjoy her cooking and he has the sweetest disposition.   Anna is once again up to her matchmaking with the grandchildren and this time, Mandy, is the target for Cupid's (or Anna's) arrow.   The poor unsuspecting fellows are lured to their home with promises of cookies and a knitted potholder and the chance to win their granddaughter's  (Mandy's) hand in marriage.   Mandy is not thrilled with the efforts but she loves and respects her dear Mammi so she grudgingly goes along with the many trials, meals, tests, and setups.   

Felty has hired Noah to do so home repairs while Mandy is there visiting in their home and Mandy is there to cheer her best friend, Kristina, up after having her heart broken by none other than, NOAH!  What Mandy never planned on doing happens in the midst of all this turmoil......she falls in love with Noah.   Noah, of all people, the one she never cared for......grumpy, downcast NOAH!   

I have read the entire series in order and I just adore Anna and Felty and the dear unsuspecting victims of their matchmaking efforts!   Anna is so cute that everyone loves her, even though her cooking is simply atrocious!   She loves knitting potholders, scarves, and sweaters with very bright and vivid colors!    Mandy is forced to help her knit the many potholders to give to the parade of young men coming to pursue her own hand in marriage.  This book could be read as a stand alone, but I personally love the feel of growing along with the characters, especially in this series.   The characters are interesting, fun, lively, and just feel like some of the readers' very own relatives or friends.   

I rated this book 5 stars and am simply thrilled to recommend it to readers.  There is lots of humor and romance as well as the tackling of a very big issue. (No spoilers)

I received a free kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author:

From goodreads.com's bio:

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.

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.

I have six Amish Romances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

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.

Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

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