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The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #1
Huckleberry Hill
In this first book in a series set in Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, two octogenarian Amish folks try their hands at matchmaking, pairing the quiet and gentle Moses Zimmerman with the tall and sturdy Lia Shetler. (religious fiction). Simultaneous.
475 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
329 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Beckstrand
60 books887 followersJennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, The Petersheim Brothers series and The Amish Quiltmaker series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Her sweet romantic Western series, Cowboys of the Butterfly Ranch, features feisty heroines and tough-as-nails cowboys sprinkled with Jennifer’s trademark humor and happy endings. Maggie and Max is the third book in that series. Dandelion Meadows is her new, sweet small-town romance series, set in a quirky little town in Idaho. Jennifer has written thirty-eight Amish romances, three sweet romantic Westerns, two sweet contemporaries, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. Jennifer is a member of ACFW and is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency. She and her husband have been married thirty-nine years, and she has six children and eleven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
February 7, 2017
I absolutely loved meeting the characters in Huckleberry Hill,The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #1 by Jennifer Beckstrand. The author writes a very appealing Amish story.
It's been 3 years since Moses has seen his ex-fiancee, Barbara. She left the Amish community and became wordly. He has agreed to wait six months for her to make up her mind if she would return to the Amish community or stay in the Englisher world. 80 year old grandparents Anna and Felty are done raising their 13 children and feel a little matchmaking help is needed for their grandson, Moses. In their opinion he is miserable . They hire an Amish girl, Lia to help them around the house and farm. Her father thinks she is tall and non-marriage material he sends her to help Anna and Felty but also sends her marriage age sister, Rachel. Lia, according to her father is to do the chores to give Moses a chance to fall in love with and court, Rachel. The more time, Lia spends with Moses the more she falls in love with him herself. Being used to getting her way, Rachel can't understand why Moses is not falling at her feet in adoration and does outlandish things to try to get his attention thinking he is teasing her like the boys back home do and is really interested in her. Shocked, Rachel finally realizes Moses is not interested in her but Lia.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Huckleberry Summer.
I recommend this to all lovers of Amish fiction.
It's been 3 years since Moses has seen his ex-fiancee, Barbara. She left the Amish community and became wordly. He has agreed to wait six months for her to make up her mind if she would return to the Amish community or stay in the Englisher world. 80 year old grandparents Anna and Felty are done raising their 13 children and feel a little matchmaking help is needed for their grandson, Moses. In their opinion he is miserable . They hire an Amish girl, Lia to help them around the house and farm. Her father thinks she is tall and non-marriage material he sends her to help Anna and Felty but also sends her marriage age sister, Rachel. Lia, according to her father is to do the chores to give Moses a chance to fall in love with and court, Rachel. The more time, Lia spends with Moses the more she falls in love with him herself. Being used to getting her way, Rachel can't understand why Moses is not falling at her feet in adoration and does outlandish things to try to get his attention thinking he is teasing her like the boys back home do and is really interested in her. Shocked, Rachel finally realizes Moses is not interested in her but Lia.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Huckleberry Summer.
I recommend this to all lovers of Amish fiction.
October 30, 2020
I was pleasently surprised with this choice, which definitely was not an usual choice of a book that I read. Yes, it was fluff---but charming fluff and often funny fluff. My worries that it would be "preachy" was unfounded. I was surprised with how well the author drawn her characters. I absolutely loved the grandparents, was amazed by Sarah and gleeful with how Rachel got her come-uppings (as my mother would put it).I have known a lot of "Rachels"and in my life they do not usually get what they should. The main characters Lia and Moses were nice enough, and I enjoyed reading about them, but I have to admit I was more drawn to other characters.
3.4 stars
3.4 stars
July 9, 2025
Author Jennifer Beckstrand has written a compelling romance peopled with some very interesting characters. The main protagonists as well as the secondary characters really come alive on the page. Issues such as self-esteem and self-worth are explored in this tale, as well as parenting skills. Lia is made to feel unworthy of love, due to the way she is treated by her parents who much favor her younger sister. It will take the kindness shown to Lia by another family before she really realizes her own worth. This first book in the series is well written and recommended to readers of Amish fiction.
March 14, 2014
One of the best written books that I have read in a long time. Follow Lia, her sister Rachel, Moses and his grandparents, Anna and Felty. This book gave me a full range of emotions from anger, to happiness, to sadness and shock. At times I wanted to smack the characters, or shake them to there senses. This book is for all who think they are not worthy of someones love because they are different. There is always someone who loves your difference.
October 8, 2020
This is a great story with such fun characters that will keep readers laughing. You will be hooked from page one and keep reading until the last page! The ending is satisfying, and fans of Amish fiction will enjoy every moment.
September 14, 2022
This was my first Amish romance, I have been seeing these books around for a few years now, and I wanted to pick up one to see what all the hub hub was about. So I have to say that I was impressed with this one here. I ended up loving this one so much. There was something so different about this than I expected and it also had such a refreshing feel to the story. I just loved how non feminist it is, its much more traditional and I really adored that. I also found the romance so sweet, there is such an instant chemistry between these two but then some family drama gets in the way. The only thing I didn't like about this one was the sister, she was awful. I really admired though how the hero and heroine handled the situation with her, its a pretty complex one and they treated her with much more grace than she deserved. My heart felt for them because you see how much they truly like each other all the way through the story, and have to hide what they feel but I am glad that everyone in the end sees her for what she is. I also adored the grandparents being matchmakers, they were so adorable. haha I will say that the heart and feels that were delivered especially in the later part of the book is what won me over and upped my rating from 4 to a 5 star, I just loved so many aspects to this story. And I was so endeared by this one and I can't wait to explore not only this author much more, but also Amish romance.
July 10, 2025
Delightful, for a bunch of reasons. Here are some:
• Lovable characters. I found myself rooting for them, laughing with them, and hoping for a happy ending. And it wasn't just the leads. I found the supporting characters, especially the two grandparents, to be a lot of fun, too. Lots of warmth.
• Humor. It's not overblown, but it is definitely a strong undercurrent in this novel. Very well done.
• Christianity. It's respectfully portrayed without being overly preachy. Jennifer Beckstrand has a way of incorporating aspects of faith into her plot with just the right light touch.
I greatly enjoyed reading this. What a sweet, refreshing novel!
• Lovable characters. I found myself rooting for them, laughing with them, and hoping for a happy ending. And it wasn't just the leads. I found the supporting characters, especially the two grandparents, to be a lot of fun, too. Lots of warmth.
• Humor. It's not overblown, but it is definitely a strong undercurrent in this novel. Very well done.
• Christianity. It's respectfully portrayed without being overly preachy. Jennifer Beckstrand has a way of incorporating aspects of faith into her plot with just the right light touch.
I greatly enjoyed reading this. What a sweet, refreshing novel!
February 17, 2022
My first book by Jennifer Beckstrand and it was a delicious 5 star treat. I bet it is every bit as good as the pie on the cover, if not better. I totally loved the setting. This was my first time reading about Wisconsin Amish. I truly loved the characters and I really didn't like the one or two I wasn't supposed to. My husband heard me yelling at the book and I said I was yelling at a girl and her father that I couldn't stand. He told me they were not real. I told him that there were many girls like her and many fathers like hers. I found the book charming in so many ways. I loved that it showed that not all Amish families are picture perfect like Englisch would like to think but often they have real troubles within the mesh and make up of the family. Thank you so much Jennifer for keeping me entertained and involved. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I yelled, I punched the air and I even grrrrr'd a few times. This is a perfect book for lovers of Amish fiction to put on their must read lists and for those wanting to experience a first time book in the genre. I look forward to returning to Huckleberry Hill for the next book in the series.
February 27, 2025
I'm a sucker for a romance even though mystery and death is my favorite genre.
We have here on Huckleberry Hill our adorable Amish grandparents Felty and Anna Helmuth of which sweet "Annie Banannie" per Felty has decided that it's high time their grandson Moses Zimmerman gets over his 3 year ago broken heart and gets married. So let's get the matchmaking started. What Moses needs even though he doesn't know it yet is sweet but put upon and put down for being too tall (at almost 6 ft but hey I'm thinking that Moses stands about 6'3") Lea Shetley. Anna schemes to have Lea come stay with them through the summer to "help around the house."
Needless to say they fall in love at first sight when Moses tells Lea "I'm not looking to get married" and she replies "I wouldn't have you." As they endure Anna's strange attempts at cooking from a cookbook to Felty's loud singing and never the right verses you think they've got the path cleared to bliss......but then along comes Lea's younger, spoilt sister Rachel that has her eye set on making Moses her husband. Lea's father gives her the ultimatum to clear the way to Moses for Rachel or come home for interferring.
Ahhh is love so hard to achieve.....yep for these two it is. Another great series starter for Jennifer Beckstrand. Read it you'll love it or you've got no heart for love
We have here on Huckleberry Hill our adorable Amish grandparents Felty and Anna Helmuth of which sweet "Annie Banannie" per Felty has decided that it's high time their grandson Moses Zimmerman gets over his 3 year ago broken heart and gets married. So let's get the matchmaking started. What Moses needs even though he doesn't know it yet is sweet but put upon and put down for being too tall (at almost 6 ft but hey I'm thinking that Moses stands about 6'3") Lea Shetley. Anna schemes to have Lea come stay with them through the summer to "help around the house."
Needless to say they fall in love at first sight when Moses tells Lea "I'm not looking to get married" and she replies "I wouldn't have you." As they endure Anna's strange attempts at cooking from a cookbook to Felty's loud singing and never the right verses you think they've got the path cleared to bliss......but then along comes Lea's younger, spoilt sister Rachel that has her eye set on making Moses her husband. Lea's father gives her the ultimatum to clear the way to Moses for Rachel or come home for interferring.
Ahhh is love so hard to achieve.....yep for these two it is. Another great series starter for Jennifer Beckstrand. Read it you'll love it or you've got no heart for love
September 10, 2015
: I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Felta, Anna, Moses, and Lia. This was a charming story with irresistible 80-something year old matchmakers. I read this book series out of order, reading Huckleberry Spring first, and I was so charmed by it I went and put HUCKLEBERRY HILL and Huckleberry Christmas on my list of books to check out from www.paperbackswap.com. and I loved this one, HUCKLEBERRY HILL just as much as I did Huckleberry Spring.
Ms. Beckstrand is a very creative writer, and I loved some of the humor she inserted as well as the crazy concoctions that Anna cooked. I didn't like Rachel at all, and don't understand why everyone seemed to think a delicate Amish woman was a good thing. She was as lazy as Lia was busy--and she was a conniving woman as well.
I am definitely going to see if I can get my hands on the others in this series. They are HUCKLEBERRY HILL, Huckleberry Summer, Huckleberry Harvest, Huckleberry Christmas, and Huckleberry Spring.
Ms. Beckstrand is a very creative writer, and I loved some of the humor she inserted as well as the crazy concoctions that Anna cooked. I didn't like Rachel at all, and don't understand why everyone seemed to think a delicate Amish woman was a good thing. She was as lazy as Lia was busy--and she was a conniving woman as well.
I am definitely going to see if I can get my hands on the others in this series. They are HUCKLEBERRY HILL, Huckleberry Summer, Huckleberry Harvest, Huckleberry Christmas, and Huckleberry Spring.
February 19, 2020
This was a very good book. It had me mad, laughing and crying. Jennifer Beckstrand is a wonderful writer. Everyone who loves Amish fiction has to read this book. Can't wait to read the second one.
October 18, 2019
Lia Shetler has always come second best in her family. According to her father, there isn’t a man who wants a tall, homely wife. Raised to believe that she’ll never marry, she’s spent her life content to help her parents and make sure her younger, shorter, and beautiful sister is taken care of. That’s until Anna Helmuth gets it in her head that Lia would make a great wife of her grandson, Moses, who is hellbent on never marrying anyone but his childhood sweetheart and former fiancé. After traveling for an hour to get to Huckleberry Hill, Lia quickly discovers that love might be in the cards for her as she blossoms under Anna and her husband’s care.
Jennifer Beckstrand’s books were highly recommended by a friend, so I looked at her books and decided to pick this one up. Boy, am I glad that I read this! It’s such a perfect, light, and heartwarming read. There are some serious moments and a character who is a real pain in the butt, but all in all, it was a light read that’s also perfect for bedtime reading.
I absolutely love most of the characters. I wish I could hang out with Anna and her husband, Felty. They seem like such a sweet couple and an all-around great people that bring light wherever they go. Their grandson, Moses, is very sweet like his grandparents but stubborn to a fault just like his grandma. I loved following the three of these characters and seeing how much this family cares for each other even if they raise each other’s eyebrows from time to time.
Lia is a wonderful character that resonated with me. I know what it’s like to grow up believing you’re ugly and not good enough. While her life is very different from mine, I understand where she’s coming from and why she feels the way she does. While I don’t have any sisters, I totally understand what it’s like for her to have someone like her sister, Rachel, in her life. I grew up with the family favorite who is very much like Rachel to this day, and it took a long time for me to realize that I could step out of her shadow and stand up for myself just like Lia does. I loved following Lia and seeing her really grow as a person.
While this book is sweet and heartwarming, it’s also hilarious at times. Watching the types of shenanigans that unfold was hilarious at times. Plus, some of the character’s antics were realistic, eyeroll inducing, and even hilarious. I had a great time watching the way Anna and Felty react to Rachel when she takes their home by storm. Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t give her the boot, but they were too nice for that.
I will be picking up the next book in the series in the near future. I want to see what Anna and Felty get up to next as Anna plots her next matchmaking scheme!
Jennifer Beckstrand’s books were highly recommended by a friend, so I looked at her books and decided to pick this one up. Boy, am I glad that I read this! It’s such a perfect, light, and heartwarming read. There are some serious moments and a character who is a real pain in the butt, but all in all, it was a light read that’s also perfect for bedtime reading.
I absolutely love most of the characters. I wish I could hang out with Anna and her husband, Felty. They seem like such a sweet couple and an all-around great people that bring light wherever they go. Their grandson, Moses, is very sweet like his grandparents but stubborn to a fault just like his grandma. I loved following the three of these characters and seeing how much this family cares for each other even if they raise each other’s eyebrows from time to time.
Lia is a wonderful character that resonated with me. I know what it’s like to grow up believing you’re ugly and not good enough. While her life is very different from mine, I understand where she’s coming from and why she feels the way she does. While I don’t have any sisters, I totally understand what it’s like for her to have someone like her sister, Rachel, in her life. I grew up with the family favorite who is very much like Rachel to this day, and it took a long time for me to realize that I could step out of her shadow and stand up for myself just like Lia does. I loved following Lia and seeing her really grow as a person.
While this book is sweet and heartwarming, it’s also hilarious at times. Watching the types of shenanigans that unfold was hilarious at times. Plus, some of the character’s antics were realistic, eyeroll inducing, and even hilarious. I had a great time watching the way Anna and Felty react to Rachel when she takes their home by storm. Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t give her the boot, but they were too nice for that.
I will be picking up the next book in the series in the near future. I want to see what Anna and Felty get up to next as Anna plots her next matchmaking scheme!
January 27, 2016
Oh my! What a delightful book to read filled with laughter at all the tactics grandparents Anna and Felty Helmuth goes to for Anna's scheme of matchmaking. Anna is sure that their grandson Moses needs a wife and has the perfect one picked out, Lia Shelter from another Amish community. However, Lia's family did not support the idea of Lia being married to Moses so they insist that Anna and Felty allow Lia's sister, Rachel, to come to their farm too.
Sad--Lia is the worker and Rachel is fragile. Rachel wants to marry Moses even though Lia has feelings for Moses. How will this triangle be resolve when Rachel's parents are supporting her as being the appropriate wife for Moses?
Read this delightful story filled with twists and turns along with array of emotions. Readers will be laughing as well as crying and screaming at some of the characters for their behavior. I gave this book 5 stars and am looking forward to reading rest of this series by Jennifer Beckstrand. I'm sure there will be more matchmaking with new tactics by Anna and Felty with all of their experience in life.
Sad--Lia is the worker and Rachel is fragile. Rachel wants to marry Moses even though Lia has feelings for Moses. How will this triangle be resolve when Rachel's parents are supporting her as being the appropriate wife for Moses?
Read this delightful story filled with twists and turns along with array of emotions. Readers will be laughing as well as crying and screaming at some of the characters for their behavior. I gave this book 5 stars and am looking forward to reading rest of this series by Jennifer Beckstrand. I'm sure there will be more matchmaking with new tactics by Anna and Felty with all of their experience in life.
May 31, 2024
Rachel was the devil incarnate.
March 3, 2014
Enjoyed this book, even though I wanted to choke Rachel most of the time! ha. ha Jennifer Beckstrand is a new author to me and I am really enjoying her books and look forward to book 2 in this series.
January 7, 2015
Loved this book. The characters became so real. I wish I had Felty & Anna in my family. They are a hoot!
This is one of the most enjoyable Amish books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend. Warning...get ready to smile.
This is one of the most enjoyable Amish books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend. Warning...get ready to smile.
January 11, 2024
Liz's wonderful talents and attributes are overlooked by her family. She is constantly told she will never marry, and must always defer to her younger sister who they think is prettier, smarter and a better catch. Along comes Mami Anna who sees what a wonderful girl Lia is, and tries to set her up with her grandson Moses. Moses has his own ideas, but Anna won't give up. A really fun read that has you firmly in Lias corner!
July 25, 2025
Read 1/3 and skimmed the rest and read the end. I like the premise of the matchmaking grandmother but the storyline of this one was not for me. I couldn’t handle Rachel and their parents attitude towards Lia. I will try book 2 and see if that storyline fits me better.
April 12, 2021
This was so much fun! I love how she made the silly premise work and got me really involved in the characters. Rachel as the protagonist was hilarious and wonderfully frustrating. Moses and Lia were both wonderful, but Felty was my favorite! Kudos to Beckstrand for writing interesting older characters.
February 8, 2015
Anna Helmuth is an elderly Amish woman with a penchant for matchmaking. She tells her patient husband, Felty, that they need to do something to help their poor grandson, Moses, to find a wife. So Anna decides that she needs an assistant – after all, she’s getting too old to do all the housework, and she has heard good things about Lia Shelter.
Lia is twenty four years old, too tall, and has a scarred hand. In her parents’ eyes, that makes her unmarriageable. Never mind that she can make the best pies in the whole Amish community, she works hard, and she is gentle, kind, and unselfish. Her parents have assigned her the unpleasant job of caring for her beautiful but spoiled and obnoxious younger sister, Rachel, and they won’t even consider Lia’s dreams to become a midwife. Lia feels trapped and downtrodden. But when her parents send her to Huckleberry Hill in Bonduel, Wisconsin, to assist Anna Helmuth, Lia’s life changes dramatically. Suddenly she is appreciated for all her hard work, and she has the opportunity to study and become a midwife. And that good-looking grandson of theirs makes her pulse race.
Moses Zimmerman’s fiancé left him and the Amish church for the big city life, but she still keeps her claws hooked deep with weekly letters and promises that someday she’s coming back. Moses is twenty-four, heartbroken, and he knows he needs to make a fresh start. When he goes up to help his grandfather, Felty, on their farm, he meets Lia, and he is smitten. She’s just the right height for him, she’s beautiful, and she’s kind. He longs to get to know her better and to have a piece of one of her famous pies. Maybe he has found the one person who can help him forget his painful past.
But when Lia’s parents find out that she might have a beau, they send Rachel to the farm, with instructions to Lia that she is to help arrange a match between Moses and Rachel. Lia is torn between obeying her parents and following her heart. And Rachel is determined to have Moses, no matter what it takes.
I loved this book! The strictures and beauty of the Amish life are portrayed realistically and sensitively. The characters are fully developed, and I enjoyed the sweet romance between Lia and Moses. I loved the humor and upbeat feel of the book, as well as the description. But the best part of this book is the characters, all working within the structure of their way of life to achieve happiness. Anna is loveable, irrepressible, and kindhearted. She won’t quit until she’s got her grandson married to the right girl. Felty is this silent, tolerant figure in the background who lets the women do all the talking and then surprises everyone with his wisdom. He is amazingly tolerant of his wife’s terrible cooking. Lia is an amazing person with so much promise, but she can’t see who she really is because of the way her parents treat her. She has dreams. She wants to be a midwife, and she studies hard, but she has been raised to think of herself as a servant to her sister, and she is conditioned to obey her parents first. Moses shows his kindness and thoughtfulness in many ways. He sees both Lia and Rachel for who they really are, but he is not sure how to get what he wants without hurting someone. And the way things are going, he may never get a piece of Lia’s pie. The midwife is a strong, outspoken woman who is not afraid to follow her own ideas. I wanted to throw something at Lia’s parents for how they treat her. And Rachel is dreadful, the perfect villain for the story. She deserves a much worse fate than she gets in the end.
This contemporary inspirational romance is the first οf four books about Huckleberry Hill. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Lia is twenty four years old, too tall, and has a scarred hand. In her parents’ eyes, that makes her unmarriageable. Never mind that she can make the best pies in the whole Amish community, she works hard, and she is gentle, kind, and unselfish. Her parents have assigned her the unpleasant job of caring for her beautiful but spoiled and obnoxious younger sister, Rachel, and they won’t even consider Lia’s dreams to become a midwife. Lia feels trapped and downtrodden. But when her parents send her to Huckleberry Hill in Bonduel, Wisconsin, to assist Anna Helmuth, Lia’s life changes dramatically. Suddenly she is appreciated for all her hard work, and she has the opportunity to study and become a midwife. And that good-looking grandson of theirs makes her pulse race.
Moses Zimmerman’s fiancé left him and the Amish church for the big city life, but she still keeps her claws hooked deep with weekly letters and promises that someday she’s coming back. Moses is twenty-four, heartbroken, and he knows he needs to make a fresh start. When he goes up to help his grandfather, Felty, on their farm, he meets Lia, and he is smitten. She’s just the right height for him, she’s beautiful, and she’s kind. He longs to get to know her better and to have a piece of one of her famous pies. Maybe he has found the one person who can help him forget his painful past.
But when Lia’s parents find out that she might have a beau, they send Rachel to the farm, with instructions to Lia that she is to help arrange a match between Moses and Rachel. Lia is torn between obeying her parents and following her heart. And Rachel is determined to have Moses, no matter what it takes.
I loved this book! The strictures and beauty of the Amish life are portrayed realistically and sensitively. The characters are fully developed, and I enjoyed the sweet romance between Lia and Moses. I loved the humor and upbeat feel of the book, as well as the description. But the best part of this book is the characters, all working within the structure of their way of life to achieve happiness. Anna is loveable, irrepressible, and kindhearted. She won’t quit until she’s got her grandson married to the right girl. Felty is this silent, tolerant figure in the background who lets the women do all the talking and then surprises everyone with his wisdom. He is amazingly tolerant of his wife’s terrible cooking. Lia is an amazing person with so much promise, but she can’t see who she really is because of the way her parents treat her. She has dreams. She wants to be a midwife, and she studies hard, but she has been raised to think of herself as a servant to her sister, and she is conditioned to obey her parents first. Moses shows his kindness and thoughtfulness in many ways. He sees both Lia and Rachel for who they really are, but he is not sure how to get what he wants without hurting someone. And the way things are going, he may never get a piece of Lia’s pie. The midwife is a strong, outspoken woman who is not afraid to follow her own ideas. I wanted to throw something at Lia’s parents for how they treat her. And Rachel is dreadful, the perfect villain for the story. She deserves a much worse fate than she gets in the end.
This contemporary inspirational romance is the first οf four books about Huckleberry Hill. I can’t wait to read the next one.
January 7, 2014
Huckleberry Hill is a contemporary inspirational romance by Jennifer Beckstrand, the bestselling author who delivers gentle love in a harsh world. It is refreshingly sweet, and the adorable characters peopling the story will make it a memorable one.
The first book in the projected The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, Huckleberry Hill introduces the players in the story as Jennifer paints a sweeping canvass of the characters as she only can. As a result of her painstaking efforts, one is able to easily identify or relate with the characters and the unfolding story. Readers who read this book will not want to miss the next installment, Huckleberry Summer, and the third one, Huckleberry Christmas.
Lia Shetler is not your average next-door-girl. Age is fast catching up with her, and she is fast heading toward the wrong side of a marriageable age. Carrying a scar from a burn, she is tall and her parents have already resigned her to being a spinster. But Lia is kind, good-hearted and embodies all the virtues an Amish girl should possess. She has a heart of gold. Her younger sister Rachel is beautiful, spoiled and the family is on the lookout for a suitable husband.
On the other side of the story is Anna Helmuth, affectionately called Mammi, and Felty Helmuth, also known as Dawdi, who together have raised thirteen children over the course of their journey of over eighty years. They are both God-fearing and deeply cares for their family. Anna is worried about the personal life of her grandson Moses Zimmerman, who she finds is miserable. And she is determined to find him a wife. But Moses is equally determined to wait for his fiance Barbara, who left him and the Amish community three years ago. He’s loyal and believes that she will return and marry him someday. But Anna wants Moses to find a new love, and his lost happiness again.
Believing that it is designed for them to scheme for the good of Moses, Anna sets her sight on Lia and arranges with Lia’s father for Lia to spend the summer with their family on Huckleberry Hill in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Lia is invited to help out around the Helmuth’s home. Despite the attraction he instantly feels for Lia, Moses is a hard nut to crack, and refuses to open his heart to Lia. As for Lia, though she has no inkling of an idea of the arrangement made between his father and Anna, she is surprised at herself for instantly liking the handsome and courteous Moses.
Moses and Lia become fast friends and enjoy their time together. Lia is also finally at peace with herself, and her time at Huckleberry Hill proves to be a good escape from her harsh and cruel father, distant and uncaring mother, and self-centered sister Rachel. But will her dysfunctional family leave her alone? Prodded by her father, Rachel spends much time conniving and planning to steal Moses from Lia. Though not wielding deathly weapons and blazing sound of guns may not be heard, Rachel and her parents make the perfect villain in the book.
Huckleberry Hill is a heart-warming story that will make you smile and laugh out loud even if you are on your own. The story will soak you in, and the characters and their goodness will melt your heart. It is a story brimming with hope and love.
The first book in the projected The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, Huckleberry Hill introduces the players in the story as Jennifer paints a sweeping canvass of the characters as she only can. As a result of her painstaking efforts, one is able to easily identify or relate with the characters and the unfolding story. Readers who read this book will not want to miss the next installment, Huckleberry Summer, and the third one, Huckleberry Christmas.
Lia Shetler is not your average next-door-girl. Age is fast catching up with her, and she is fast heading toward the wrong side of a marriageable age. Carrying a scar from a burn, she is tall and her parents have already resigned her to being a spinster. But Lia is kind, good-hearted and embodies all the virtues an Amish girl should possess. She has a heart of gold. Her younger sister Rachel is beautiful, spoiled and the family is on the lookout for a suitable husband.
On the other side of the story is Anna Helmuth, affectionately called Mammi, and Felty Helmuth, also known as Dawdi, who together have raised thirteen children over the course of their journey of over eighty years. They are both God-fearing and deeply cares for their family. Anna is worried about the personal life of her grandson Moses Zimmerman, who she finds is miserable. And she is determined to find him a wife. But Moses is equally determined to wait for his fiance Barbara, who left him and the Amish community three years ago. He’s loyal and believes that she will return and marry him someday. But Anna wants Moses to find a new love, and his lost happiness again.
Believing that it is designed for them to scheme for the good of Moses, Anna sets her sight on Lia and arranges with Lia’s father for Lia to spend the summer with their family on Huckleberry Hill in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Lia is invited to help out around the Helmuth’s home. Despite the attraction he instantly feels for Lia, Moses is a hard nut to crack, and refuses to open his heart to Lia. As for Lia, though she has no inkling of an idea of the arrangement made between his father and Anna, she is surprised at herself for instantly liking the handsome and courteous Moses.
Moses and Lia become fast friends and enjoy their time together. Lia is also finally at peace with herself, and her time at Huckleberry Hill proves to be a good escape from her harsh and cruel father, distant and uncaring mother, and self-centered sister Rachel. But will her dysfunctional family leave her alone? Prodded by her father, Rachel spends much time conniving and planning to steal Moses from Lia. Though not wielding deathly weapons and blazing sound of guns may not be heard, Rachel and her parents make the perfect villain in the book.
Huckleberry Hill is a heart-warming story that will make you smile and laugh out loud even if you are on your own. The story will soak you in, and the characters and their goodness will melt your heart. It is a story brimming with hope and love.
February 7, 2014
Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand (Kensington Publishing) is as appealing as the delicious pies described within its pages. Huckleberry Hill is located in remote Bonduel, Wisconsin. That is where twenty six year old Moses Zimmerman’s delightful and loving grandparents, Felty and Anna Helmuth live on a farm. Moses is tall, handsome, kind, and owns his own cheese making operation, yet he is still single. He’s been waiting three years for his old Amish girlfriend to return from jumping the fence to turn English. Sweet Grandma Anna has decided it’s time to play matchmaker and get Moses a wife.
In response to Grandma Anna’s request, Lia Shetler comes to stay the summer to help Anna and Felty at Huckleberry Hill. Little does Lia know that Grandma Anna has a secret plan for Lia to marry Moses. Lia is almost six feet tall and struggles with the teasing she has received over her height and she feels certain she will always remain a spinster. Slowly but surely, Moses finds his heart turning to Lia. He doesn’t want to admit this to himself or Lia. Lia as well finds herself drawn to Moses.
All is going according to Grandma Anna’s scheme until Lia is called home to help with a relative’s funeral. Lia’s beautiful yet incredibly spoiled and selfish younger sister, Rachel, decides she wants to visit Huckleberry Hill and meet this handsome and successful Moses and marry him herself. Rachel only knows getting what she wants, regardless of the cost to others. Lia and Rachel’s father have always coddled Rachel and given in to her demands, so Rachel is the one to travel to Huckleberry Hill after the funeral.
Eventually Grandma Anna is able to get Lia back to Huckleberry Hill as well, but which girl will Moses prefer? Or will Moses still pine for his old Amish girlfriend turned Englisher?
Jennifer Beckstrand has pulled all the elements of a great Amish book together. This book features comforting Scripture, fascinating characters, interesting conflict, dreamy romance, frequent humor, unexpected extremely bad food as well as mouth-watering pie, making it immensely readable and definitely not ordinary. Readers should plan on blocking out time to read this straight through, as they will not be able to put this book down. Huckleberry Hill is the first book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Huckleberry Summer continues the series and will be available June, 2014. Jennifer���s previous series, Forever After in Apple Lake is also extraordinary reading in the Amish genre.
In response to Grandma Anna’s request, Lia Shetler comes to stay the summer to help Anna and Felty at Huckleberry Hill. Little does Lia know that Grandma Anna has a secret plan for Lia to marry Moses. Lia is almost six feet tall and struggles with the teasing she has received over her height and she feels certain she will always remain a spinster. Slowly but surely, Moses finds his heart turning to Lia. He doesn’t want to admit this to himself or Lia. Lia as well finds herself drawn to Moses.
All is going according to Grandma Anna’s scheme until Lia is called home to help with a relative’s funeral. Lia’s beautiful yet incredibly spoiled and selfish younger sister, Rachel, decides she wants to visit Huckleberry Hill and meet this handsome and successful Moses and marry him herself. Rachel only knows getting what she wants, regardless of the cost to others. Lia and Rachel’s father have always coddled Rachel and given in to her demands, so Rachel is the one to travel to Huckleberry Hill after the funeral.
Eventually Grandma Anna is able to get Lia back to Huckleberry Hill as well, but which girl will Moses prefer? Or will Moses still pine for his old Amish girlfriend turned Englisher?
Jennifer Beckstrand has pulled all the elements of a great Amish book together. This book features comforting Scripture, fascinating characters, interesting conflict, dreamy romance, frequent humor, unexpected extremely bad food as well as mouth-watering pie, making it immensely readable and definitely not ordinary. Readers should plan on blocking out time to read this straight through, as they will not be able to put this book down. Huckleberry Hill is the first book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Huckleberry Summer continues the series and will be available June, 2014. Jennifer���s previous series, Forever After in Apple Lake is also extraordinary reading in the Amish genre.
December 22, 2013
I just finished reading this page turner of a book. I loved it, and especially the Grandparents, they are so adorable. Although we do find out how Felty can stand to eat his wife's cooking. To cute!! They compliment each other so well, who wouldn't want Grandparents like them.
There is more to the story then the meddling Grandparents, yes they tried to manipulate their Grandson, Moses, into forgetting the girl that left the Amish Church, with a sweet Amish girl, from another district. Felty and Anna were so taken with Lia when they attended a funeral that they had her come to their home for the summer, under the pretense of helping them.
Little do the unsuspecting you couple know, these two plotting sweeties have in mind for them. Not all is rosy. We have parents that push one daughter over another, actually making one a brat, for lack of a better word. This happens in all cultures, and the one that is pushed aside, has a had time a hard time with self worth. So sad that even when they don't mean to do it, they hurt one of their children.
I really enjoyed all the happenings here, some scary, but so very possible. I also can't wait for the next book in this series. I wanted to steal these Grandparents, Sixty plus years together!! Yeah! Delightful!!
I received this book from the publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
There is more to the story then the meddling Grandparents, yes they tried to manipulate their Grandson, Moses, into forgetting the girl that left the Amish Church, with a sweet Amish girl, from another district. Felty and Anna were so taken with Lia when they attended a funeral that they had her come to their home for the summer, under the pretense of helping them.
Little do the unsuspecting you couple know, these two plotting sweeties have in mind for them. Not all is rosy. We have parents that push one daughter over another, actually making one a brat, for lack of a better word. This happens in all cultures, and the one that is pushed aside, has a had time a hard time with self worth. So sad that even when they don't mean to do it, they hurt one of their children.
I really enjoyed all the happenings here, some scary, but so very possible. I also can't wait for the next book in this series. I wanted to steal these Grandparents, Sixty plus years together!! Yeah! Delightful!!
I received this book from the publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 12, 2015
Cute, easy read. Moses needs a wife (according to his grandmother). She's decided to make it her mission to set Lia Shetler up with Moses. Lia's from another community, and Anna (Moses's grandmother) remembers her. She's very tall like Moses. She has a mind of her own, but is still sweet and a hard worker.
The problem is Moses still feels as though he's bound to the woman he loved and who left the community to find a life elsewhere as an Englisch cosmetologist... who supposedly is coming back... but it's been 4 years. Anna is ready to see him married to someone else.
Moses and Lia hit it off fairly well, lots of kidding and cuteness... but it seems as though they are only friends. Lia can't imagine someone so very handsome ever being interested in her, and Moses still is bound to the other woman (Barbara)... so love doesn't seem in the cards.
Along comes Rachel, the spoiled extremely attractive younger sister who sets her sites on Moses.
The rest of the book is how Moses is trying to elude any relationship with Rachel, but everything he does convinces Lia he belongs with Rachel.
Cute. Liked this a lot, and I recommend it to anyone who like Amish books.
The problem is Moses still feels as though he's bound to the woman he loved and who left the community to find a life elsewhere as an Englisch cosmetologist... who supposedly is coming back... but it's been 4 years. Anna is ready to see him married to someone else.
Moses and Lia hit it off fairly well, lots of kidding and cuteness... but it seems as though they are only friends. Lia can't imagine someone so very handsome ever being interested in her, and Moses still is bound to the other woman (Barbara)... so love doesn't seem in the cards.
Along comes Rachel, the spoiled extremely attractive younger sister who sets her sites on Moses.
The rest of the book is how Moses is trying to elude any relationship with Rachel, but everything he does convinces Lia he belongs with Rachel.
Cute. Liked this a lot, and I recommend it to anyone who like Amish books.
December 24, 2013
Huckleberry Hill is about Lia Shetler, who is often reminded of her unattrative looks and how she will never find a husband in her Amish community. She's often having to look after her beautiful, younger sister and helping her find a suitable husband. That's until a meddling couple introduces Lia to their grandson, Moses Zimmerman. Who will Moses choose? The "old maid"? The "beauty"? Or the fiance that left him 3 years ago.
I found this story was well written and entertaining. I loved the characters of Felty and Anna Helmuth, who introduce thier grandson, Moses. They were fun and good hearted. Though the story is written a little different from other Amish novels I have read, I still loved it! This was the first book I have read by Jennifer Beckstrand and I plan on reading more by her, as well as, the read of this series. Highly recommended for those who love Amish Romance . 5 stars.
I found this story was well written and entertaining. I loved the characters of Felty and Anna Helmuth, who introduce thier grandson, Moses. They were fun and good hearted. Though the story is written a little different from other Amish novels I have read, I still loved it! This was the first book I have read by Jennifer Beckstrand and I plan on reading more by her, as well as, the read of this series. Highly recommended for those who love Amish Romance . 5 stars.
May 19, 2015
Not a fan of Huckleberry Hill
Amateur writing, shallow/underdeveloped characters, main characters wallowing in an annoying and entirely unnecessary amount of self pity, OBVIOUS and predictable plot (which is fine, but the attempted "twists" in the plot didn't make the story line any more interesting or less obvious. The romance and connection between the two main characters unfortunately was not strong enough to hold my attention and ignore these glaring issues - instead it leaves me to wonder why there were more of these books published in the series? I read it to the end hoping it would get better and it didn't; I will not be bothering with the rest of this author's publications.
Amateur writing, shallow/underdeveloped characters, main characters wallowing in an annoying and entirely unnecessary amount of self pity, OBVIOUS and predictable plot (which is fine, but the attempted "twists" in the plot didn't make the story line any more interesting or less obvious. The romance and connection between the two main characters unfortunately was not strong enough to hold my attention and ignore these glaring issues - instead it leaves me to wonder why there were more of these books published in the series? I read it to the end hoping it would get better and it didn't; I will not be bothering with the rest of this author's publications.
October 11, 2015
Good story, and lots to hold the attention (besides the romance); however, Lia was much too perfect and Rachel was much too flawed! It got a bit ridiculous actually. I may read the second, but I sincerely hope the talented author makes her characters more real. I've never met anyone as perfect as Lia and I wished she would screw up once, just to show how REAL she is. I appreciate the cultural differences with the English, but felt the joke about Delaware being empty of Amish was just "plain' wrong :) There are many here! This Author, I felt, has the talent to develop her characters more. Her storytelling is excellent! I expect and hope to see more good things from Ms. Beckstrand.!
June 22, 2023
This author's writing truly sparkles. I love the way she crafts characters you'd love to adopt. I also love that she wrote meaningful scriptural themes into the story. In fact, I love this story so much that I recommended it to my husband--until the book reached the "problem." Prior to that time, it was simply portraying two people on a realistic though bumpy road to falling in love. Had that continued (which would have cut a third of the book's size) I would have given it 5 stars. As it was, it was still a fun, memorable read.
August 3, 2016
Huckleberry Hill has a beautiful sense of place in the Wisconsin Amish country, endearing lead characters in Moses and Lia, plenty of conflict, sweet romance, humor - and the most adorable, scheming grandparents I've ever seen. I really enjoy Jennifer's writing and look forward to the next in this series.
See my full review at:
http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
See my full review at:
http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
January 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I thought the subtle nods to the story of Rachel and Leah in the Old Testament were a nice touch. I liked how Moses and Lia were each able to figure out how to step into the plan God had for them, even if it meant being braver than they ever thought they could be. Rachel was the perfect 'villain' (though, tbh, I do wish she'd taken Felty's advice to heart), and Anna and Felty provided wonderful-gute comic relief. 3.5 stars
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