"You can only neglect the tree so long before it starts to wither."
Title: Return to Huckleberry Hill
Series: The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, Book 7
Author: Jennifer Beckstrand
Publisher: Zebra, imprint of Kensington Publishing
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Genre: Amish Romance Fiction
Genre: Amish Romance Fiction
When it comes to matchmaking, Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s unstoppable octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never seem to run out of opportunities—or grandchildren…
Reuben Helmuth is plenty bitter. John King, his best friend—or so he thought—is engaged to the girl Reuben loved. Humiliated, Reuben flees from Ohio to his grandparents’ home on Huckleberry Hill, where he knows he’ll find comfort. He’s enjoying wallowing in his misery—until John’s sister, Fern, shows up. She won’t stop pestering Reuben about forgiveness—or trying to help him find love again. Yet Fern’s efforts only reawaken Reuben’s long-buried feelings—for her…
With her brother too ashamed to face Reuben, it’s fallen to Fern to help mend fences. But as she and the Helmuths do all they can—even organizing a knitting club event filled with eligible girls—it may take one more challenge to inspire Reuben to forget his heartache, recognize his own blunders, and embrace the true love that’s right in front of him…
Reuben Helmuth is plenty bitter. John King, his best friend—or so he thought—is engaged to the girl Reuben loved. Humiliated, Reuben flees from Ohio to his grandparents’ home on Huckleberry Hill, where he knows he’ll find comfort. He’s enjoying wallowing in his misery—until John’s sister, Fern, shows up. She won’t stop pestering Reuben about forgiveness—or trying to help him find love again. Yet Fern’s efforts only reawaken Reuben’s long-buried feelings—for her…
With her brother too ashamed to face Reuben, it’s fallen to Fern to help mend fences. But as she and the Helmuths do all they can—even organizing a knitting club event filled with eligible girls—it may take one more challenge to inspire Reuben to forget his heartache, recognize his own blunders, and embrace the true love that’s right in front of him…
Return to Huckleberry Hill was the first of The Matchmaker of Huckleberry Hill series by Jennifer Beckstrand that I've read, and I wasn't lost at all. The characters are definitely the highlight of this book. Anne and Felty are hilarious to boot! Their matchmaking efforts along with their unconventional ways was so fun! You can't help but smile when these two are on the page! Fern was such a sweety. I felt such love and protectiveness for this girl that I want to "head-slap" Reuben many many times! And of course, she's right about the pride in Reuben and what a message that was, for him and for us.
"The measure of a man isn't how popular he is with his friends, but how he treats those who have nothing to give him."
I'm a little surprised to see that this is the first time I didn't find think the community aspect was strong as I've come to expect in an Amish novel. It's even more surprising is the fact that there are many characters and personalities in this book, yet the strong element of community support was somewhat lacking, or at least how it came across for me. The plot was great, but I think the writing felt more like narration than story telling. Despite that, I enjoyed Return to Huckleberry Hill and would love to check out the other Huckleberry Hill stories so I can meet these great characters again!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
Jennifer Beckstrand is the award winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. 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-two years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and soon-to-be six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.
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I love Jennifer's books!!! Hope to win this one.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lorraine Alexander
Happy day! Lots of luck, Lorraine!
DeleteThank you, Lorraine!
DeleteI've never heard of Jennifer Beckstrand's books - but now that you've posted this, I might have to check them out! Awesome post ;).
ReplyDelete~ Savannah @ Scattered Scribblings
I hope you do, Savannah! Anna and Felty are so much fun to write. I think you'll love them.
DeleteThanks Savannah! That is more than a compliment to the author! I appreciate it.
DeleteLove jennifer's books.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. I love hearing that.
DeleteThanks Kim for stopping by!
DeleteI've read a couple in this series and really enjoyed them! Looking forward to another one!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heidi. I think you'll really like "Return to Huckleberry Hill." I think it's very romantic.
DeleteThanks Heidi. Anne & Felty are so mu ch fun! Would love to read more too!
DeleteThank you so much for having me on your site today. I really appreciate your review and hope you'll check out the whole Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty get into a lot of mischief--well, as much mischief as two eighty-year-old Amish people can get into. :)
ReplyDeleteThey sound like quite the pair and would love to check them out again! Thanks Jennifer!
DeleteI've enjoyed all of the Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty makes the story with all the laughter and mischief they can craete.
ReplyDeleteSo true Marilyn!
DeleteI really Amish fiction and would really enjoy reading Jennifer's book.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! It's a fun one!
DeleteI have such a crush on Anna & Felty! ;)
ReplyDeletemost definitely, me too!
DeleteJennifer is a new to me author!
ReplyDeleteI have not had a chance to read any of the books in this series yet so I'd love to win and be able to purchase the first one.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Laura!!
Delete