MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed several novels by Jennifer Beckstrand and fully expected “Return to Huckleberry Hill” to be as entertaining. Although the story was a bit different from the others, it was definitely entertaining. I couldn’t help laughing each time one of Anna’s new recipe creations was mentioned. Who would ever think of actually combining some of those ingredients?! On the other hand the romance was a bit frustrating. Then there were those “mean girls”. I never imagined that you would find their type among the Amish. Goes to show how much I know.
Reuben had to be one of the most annoying romantic interests of any book I have ever read. He was so full of himself that he often neglected to think of others. It was a bit difficult to understand why Fern was willing to sacrifice so much to help him when he seemed to look down on her and her family so much. But as can be expected from most good books, circumstances eventually forced Reuben to examine himself and realize how much his actions had hurt others.
“Return to Huckleberry Hill” is an excellent story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. Reuben turned his life around and as we all know, found his happy ending with the girl he really loved.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click here to purchase
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…
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
GUEST POST FROM JENNIFER BECKSTRAND:
Anna Helmuth is starting a knitting club, but that’s not all she’s got up her sleeve.
My family. I have five sisters and no brothers. I think my mom made every dress in this photo, including her own.
In Return to Huckleberry Hill, Anna Helmuth and Fern King decide to start a knitting club in order to introduce Anna’s grandson Reuben to some girls from Bonduel, Wisconsin. Anna is a very good knitter, with years of practice making baby blankets, scarves, mittens, and potholders. One of Anna’s scarves actually saved someone’s life, and her potholders have helped her make many a match.
When I was a young teenager, I learned how to knit and crochet. My mom taught me how to sew and quilt, and I made several of my own dresses in high school. I never learned to love sewing, but it was an invaluable skill that I am so grateful to have. Now that I’m a little older, I love putting together simple quilts for baby gifts and making quilts for the local children’s hospital. There is nothing like a homemade gift to say, “I care about you.”
I have a friend who is a wonderful cook. Making a delicious, beautiful meal is how she tells her family she loves them. I don’t consider myself a great cook, but I still take pride in putting something nutritious and satisfying on the table for my family.
It seems to me that some of the “home arts” that our mothers and grandmothers practiced are dying out. Who knows how to tat anymore? Or embroider? Some of these arts have died because of expediency. Who doesn’t think today’s stocking choices are more comfortable and practical than knitted wool ones? Others have died out because so few people want to learn.
What about you? Do you still practice any of the home arts that your grandmother did? What do you want to pass on to the next generation?
BLOG STOPS:
May 23: cherylbbookblog
May 23: Lighthouse Academy
May 24: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 24: A Greater Yes
May 25: Just Commonly
May 25: God’s Little Bookworm
May 26: Have A Wonderful Day
May 26: Edits and Reviews by Leslie McKee
May 26: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 27: Faithful Acres Body Soul Spirit
May 27: A Bakers Perspective
May 28: Christian Bookaholic
May 28: The Power of Words
May 29: Karen Sue Hadley
May 29: Daysong Reflections
May 29: Inklings and notions
May 30: Quiet Quilter
May 30: my site/autism mom
May 30: Donna’s Bookshelf
May 31: Bibliophile Reviews
May 31: Bigreadersite
June 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 1: Southern Gal Loves to Read
June 2: Pause for Tales
June 2: Blossoms and Blessings
June 2: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
June 3: Moments Dipped in Ink
June 3: Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting
June 4: A Room without Books is Empty
June 4: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
June 4: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog
June 5: His Grace Is Sufficient
June 5: Jeanette’s Thoughts
June 5: A Simple Life, really?!
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card to three lucky winners!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b3b2
I knit a little and crochet a little. I am an uber beginner at both arts. :)