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The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #6
Huckleberry Hearts
Young-at-heart octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never miss the chance to find a perfect match for one of their grandchildren. And when their beloved Cassie returns to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, Anna has a feeling they might soon have a doctor in the family…Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi’s farm will always feel like home. It’s the ideal place for an extended study break—at least until her grandmother’s handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be.
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn’t fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without —she’s everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal—to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie’s love…
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn’t fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without —she’s everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal—to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie’s love…
390 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 24, 2015
183 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Beckstrand
60 books886 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 94 reviews
March 12, 2016
Oh my goodness – what a delightful book!! I have not read any of the other books in the Matchmakers series but am going to correct that oversight at the first available opportunity.
Anna and Felty are two of my new favorite people. I could end the review there and it would sum up most of my love for this novel. But, there is really so much more to say so I will continue. But those two – what a hoot! In my heart, they rank up there with Dodie and Wilson Binder from Cynthia Ruchti’s An Endless Christmas and Goggy and Pops from Kristan Higgins’ Blue Heron series. Apparently I have a soft spot for grandparently characters who rock a killer sense of humor.
Speaking of humor – I laughed out loud often while reading Huckleberry Hearts. A couple of scenes in particular stand out in my memory. The pink shirt debacle, for one. Oh my word, I kept wanting to sing, “Let it Go” to the men in Cassie’s family but I was chuckling too much to have done it justice. Which brings to mind another scene – this one where Cassie and Zach come upon Felty singing through a car window to a rather uptight visitor in an attempt to calm her down. But what is he singing? LOL well…I mean, singing about the Death Angel is certainly MY go-to strategy when someone seems stressed.
But amid the laughing, there were also plenty of tears. Good tears. Healing tears. Jennifer Beckstrand addressed some tough topics with grace and heart. If you’ve ever struggled like Zach with the question, “Why does God let bad things happen to people He loves?” this is a marvelous place for you to start finding peace. If you’ve ever been in Cassie’s shoes and felt pulled between your family’s expectations and the pull of your heart, this is again a marvelous place for you to start finding peace.
Oh yeah … I can’t forget to mention the kissing. WHEW! First of all, Zach is trying to be a man of honor which just makes him dreamier as far as I’m concerned, and while he’s not perfect he is sincere. Which makes the first kiss a doozy. :-D And all the others too, for that matter. I have to confess, I melted more than a little at his kissing rules.
Bottom Line: While this is the 6th book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series by Jennifer Beckstrand, it can easily be read as a stand alone. But I can just about guarantee you will want to go back and read the other books in the series as soon as you’ve finished Huckleberry Hearts because you will fall in love with Anna and Felty and Cassie and Zach and well, MOST of Cassie’s extended family ;) Written with much talent and warmth, Huckleberry Hearts is a new favorite and I highly recommend it to fans (and non-fans) of Amish fiction, Jen Turano, and Cynthia Ruchti.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Anna and Felty are two of my new favorite people. I could end the review there and it would sum up most of my love for this novel. But, there is really so much more to say so I will continue. But those two – what a hoot! In my heart, they rank up there with Dodie and Wilson Binder from Cynthia Ruchti’s An Endless Christmas and Goggy and Pops from Kristan Higgins’ Blue Heron series. Apparently I have a soft spot for grandparently characters who rock a killer sense of humor.
Speaking of humor – I laughed out loud often while reading Huckleberry Hearts. A couple of scenes in particular stand out in my memory. The pink shirt debacle, for one. Oh my word, I kept wanting to sing, “Let it Go” to the men in Cassie’s family but I was chuckling too much to have done it justice. Which brings to mind another scene – this one where Cassie and Zach come upon Felty singing through a car window to a rather uptight visitor in an attempt to calm her down. But what is he singing? LOL well…I mean, singing about the Death Angel is certainly MY go-to strategy when someone seems stressed.
But amid the laughing, there were also plenty of tears. Good tears. Healing tears. Jennifer Beckstrand addressed some tough topics with grace and heart. If you’ve ever struggled like Zach with the question, “Why does God let bad things happen to people He loves?” this is a marvelous place for you to start finding peace. If you’ve ever been in Cassie’s shoes and felt pulled between your family’s expectations and the pull of your heart, this is again a marvelous place for you to start finding peace.
Oh yeah … I can’t forget to mention the kissing. WHEW! First of all, Zach is trying to be a man of honor which just makes him dreamier as far as I’m concerned, and while he’s not perfect he is sincere. Which makes the first kiss a doozy. :-D And all the others too, for that matter. I have to confess, I melted more than a little at his kissing rules.
Bottom Line: While this is the 6th book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series by Jennifer Beckstrand, it can easily be read as a stand alone. But I can just about guarantee you will want to go back and read the other books in the series as soon as you’ve finished Huckleberry Hearts because you will fall in love with Anna and Felty and Cassie and Zach and well, MOST of Cassie’s extended family ;) Written with much talent and warmth, Huckleberry Hearts is a new favorite and I highly recommend it to fans (and non-fans) of Amish fiction, Jen Turano, and Cynthia Ruchti.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
October 21, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Huckleberry Hearts is the sixth installment in the "Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill" and this book I would say might just be my favorite of the series. The way that the story is built and the manner of spiritual healing that is showcased was beautiful and poignant. This book had my feelings all over the place and I never knew what emotion the author would be having me feeling here but it was epic and beautiful and seeing these two grow spiritually as individuals and grow together as a couple was sincere and relatable. I honestly found Huckleberry Hearts to be a story of such deep love and acceptance.
First Line
Anna Helmuth glanced up from her knitting long enough to study the top of Dr. Reynold's head.
Summary
Huckleberry Hearts begins with our delightful Anna and Felty Helmuth, who are determined to match their granddaughter who left the Amish faith and community and is returning for a few months. They want to see her matched with someone who will understand her struggles and be the partner she needs. So when Anna needs foot surgery, the young aspiring surgeon doctor is perfect but when they learn he struggles with God as a whole, they wonder how it will work. But as Cassie and Zach learn to get each other, they realize that this isn't the first time that they have met. They both struggle in different ways spiritually. Cassie knows that the Amish life isn't for her but does have a strong belief in God. Then we have Zach, who has struggled with his spiritual beliefs, is having to face up to his issues and learn to rely on his faith once again in ways that will push him and challenge him and the love that he bears for Cassie and the future he dreams of having with her...
What I Loved
This book held my heart so deeply. There was something about this one that captivated me. I just love a redemption story, but seeing our couple really build each other up both emotionally and spiritually was so poignant and its stories like this in why I love a sweet inspirational romance. And its so relatable as someone that is spiritually driven as a reader. I absolutely adored Cassie and Zach being together. Seeing them overcome their challenges and working together was epic. And the ways in which that they have to learn to grow and the challenges in which they need to overcome really captures your attention. I think what impressed me most was how emotionally connected I became to the story itself. I really fell so hard for this one here. It was interesting in the ways that the Amish themes were implemented and how these two lived in the community but were apart from it as well and would find their our journey and strength.
What I Struggled With
The only change I would really have is the heroine. I do wish that she would stand up to her mother and brother who constantly demean her and her choices. She really needed to stand up more firmly to them and if she wasn't going to not be attacking the hero who goes about to defend her.
Narration
CSE Cooney does just a wonderful job with these Amish romances and really brings it out in such a cozy endearing way. Loved how she narrated the story of Cassie and Zach.
Overall View
Huckleberry Hearts is a in depth story of capturing love, finding redemption for one self, and embracing the best parts of your faith to overcome challenges and give one strength in the disheartening of times. TRULY A SPIRITUAL GEM TO HOLD DEAR TO THE HEART!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance
Character Types: Amish, Doctor
Themes: Heart/Emotional Touching, Page Turner
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
When it Rains it Pours by Luke Combs
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Narrators:
C.S.E. Cooney
March 18, 2022
I had a harder time getting into this one than previous novels in the Huckleberry Hill series. But, when I finally got into the groove, the pages fairly flew by.
While I enjoyed how Zach and Cassie got to know each other, and how Cassie tried to share her faith with Zach, it was Anna and Felty that really stood out for me this time. They were each able to share wisdom and empathy with both Cassie and Zach, and provided a natural way for them to get to know each other. I liked that the matchmaking went so much under the radar that Cassie didn't even realise what her Mammi was up to until the last few chapters of the book. Sneaky Mammi Anna!
3.5 stars
While I enjoyed how Zach and Cassie got to know each other, and how Cassie tried to share her faith with Zach, it was Anna and Felty that really stood out for me this time. They were each able to share wisdom and empathy with both Cassie and Zach, and provided a natural way for them to get to know each other. I liked that the matchmaking went so much under the radar that Cassie didn't even realise what her Mammi was up to until the last few chapters of the book. Sneaky Mammi Anna!
3.5 stars
December 5, 2015
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/1OLIMiH
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, a six-book series with octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth at its heart, is simply outstanding. Set in the Huckleberry Hill community of Bonduel, Wisconsin, each story has character depth, wonderful humor, an intriguing storyline, and spiritual values. While I’ve enjoyed these stories so much that I couldn’t begin to pick a favorite, something that’s hard for me to put into words elevates Huckleberry Hearts to a different level. Maybe it’s a combination of things – faith struggles, human frailties, love for a sick child, details of the Amish lifestyle, romantic chemistry, and God working in one of the most touching ways I’ve ever seen in fiction. Jennifer has written a story that speaks to my heart.
Anna and Felty are the glue that holds this series together – and one of the most endearing, memorable couples I’ve ever come across. When I first began reading Huckleberry Hearts, my eagerness went deeper than just the enjoyment of returning to these characters, for they feel so real to me. With their love for God, each other, family and community, their lives are a testimony of God’s faithfulness through good and bad times. And the humor! In an effort to match up their granddaughter, Cassie, with Dr. Zach Reynolds, Anna points out to Zach: “Cassie just graduated from college in art history. She looks at a lot of naked people in her studies. You two have that in common.”
With her tender, forgiving and gentle nature, Cassie exhibits a genuine goodness that immediately captured my heart. Desiring to attend college, Cassie maintained her strong faith after leaving the Amish culture, only to find the Englisch world – men, especially – a great disappointment. Thinking about her Amish roots, Cassie reflects that “she didn’t belong here, but nowhere else seemed like home.” Cassie finds herself trapped between family expectations and her own personal desires – and that’s something to which many readers can relate.
Zach – realistically flawed, angry at God, trying to put his somewhat risqué college reputation behind him and do the right thing – is one of my favorite characters. The romantic attraction and chemistry between Zach and Cassie is undeniably strong. I also love how, as Zach seeks to learn about the Amish lifestyle, we get to experience firsthand things like hog butchering, washing clothes, and maple sugaring. Most touching to me, however, is Zach’s caring relationship with the seriously-ill child, Austin. My heart melted when Zach, attempting to allay Austin’s fear of another IV needle, let one be put in his own arm at the same time.
One of the most beautiful strengths of this novel is its faith content, all of which spoke to me on a personal level. The contrast between Amish legalism, forced on Cassie by her mom and brother, with Felty’s simple faith was fascinating. In Felty’s words, “My job is to live my life the best way I know how and leave the judgment to Him.” Wow, is that ever relevant for us in today’s world!
Then there’s the reminder of God’s power to transform, evidenced in Anna’s words to Cassie: “Zach may have lost his faith in God, but you’ve lost your faith in God’s ability to change people’s hearts.” And that God often places a person in someone’s life when they need it, as He did with Zach and Austin.
Felty’s conversation with Zach regarding Shadach, Meshach, and Abednego reminded me of a very important spiritual truth, one that trips a lot of us up when it comes to the age-old problem of pain and suffering. Felty reminds Zach that these guys knew that, while God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, He might not choose to – and that they affirmed their faith in God, no matter the outcome. I couldn’t help but wonder what my faith must look like in times when my deepest heart’s desire is denied.
And finally, there’s the dream Austin’s mom shared with Zach. Rarely am I brought to tears when reading a book, but this scene is so poignant, uplifting, hopeful and promising that there could only be one response. Very well done, Miss Jennifer!
Because Huckleberry Hearts focuses on an Englisch couple with Amish ties, I believe it would appeal to any audience and I recommend it highly.
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, a six-book series with octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth at its heart, is simply outstanding. Set in the Huckleberry Hill community of Bonduel, Wisconsin, each story has character depth, wonderful humor, an intriguing storyline, and spiritual values. While I’ve enjoyed these stories so much that I couldn’t begin to pick a favorite, something that’s hard for me to put into words elevates Huckleberry Hearts to a different level. Maybe it’s a combination of things – faith struggles, human frailties, love for a sick child, details of the Amish lifestyle, romantic chemistry, and God working in one of the most touching ways I’ve ever seen in fiction. Jennifer has written a story that speaks to my heart.
Anna and Felty are the glue that holds this series together – and one of the most endearing, memorable couples I’ve ever come across. When I first began reading Huckleberry Hearts, my eagerness went deeper than just the enjoyment of returning to these characters, for they feel so real to me. With their love for God, each other, family and community, their lives are a testimony of God’s faithfulness through good and bad times. And the humor! In an effort to match up their granddaughter, Cassie, with Dr. Zach Reynolds, Anna points out to Zach: “Cassie just graduated from college in art history. She looks at a lot of naked people in her studies. You two have that in common.”
With her tender, forgiving and gentle nature, Cassie exhibits a genuine goodness that immediately captured my heart. Desiring to attend college, Cassie maintained her strong faith after leaving the Amish culture, only to find the Englisch world – men, especially – a great disappointment. Thinking about her Amish roots, Cassie reflects that “she didn’t belong here, but nowhere else seemed like home.” Cassie finds herself trapped between family expectations and her own personal desires – and that’s something to which many readers can relate.
Zach – realistically flawed, angry at God, trying to put his somewhat risqué college reputation behind him and do the right thing – is one of my favorite characters. The romantic attraction and chemistry between Zach and Cassie is undeniably strong. I also love how, as Zach seeks to learn about the Amish lifestyle, we get to experience firsthand things like hog butchering, washing clothes, and maple sugaring. Most touching to me, however, is Zach’s caring relationship with the seriously-ill child, Austin. My heart melted when Zach, attempting to allay Austin’s fear of another IV needle, let one be put in his own arm at the same time.
One of the most beautiful strengths of this novel is its faith content, all of which spoke to me on a personal level. The contrast between Amish legalism, forced on Cassie by her mom and brother, with Felty’s simple faith was fascinating. In Felty’s words, “My job is to live my life the best way I know how and leave the judgment to Him.” Wow, is that ever relevant for us in today’s world!
Then there’s the reminder of God’s power to transform, evidenced in Anna’s words to Cassie: “Zach may have lost his faith in God, but you’ve lost your faith in God’s ability to change people’s hearts.” And that God often places a person in someone’s life when they need it, as He did with Zach and Austin.
Felty’s conversation with Zach regarding Shadach, Meshach, and Abednego reminded me of a very important spiritual truth, one that trips a lot of us up when it comes to the age-old problem of pain and suffering. Felty reminds Zach that these guys knew that, while God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, He might not choose to – and that they affirmed their faith in God, no matter the outcome. I couldn’t help but wonder what my faith must look like in times when my deepest heart’s desire is denied.
And finally, there’s the dream Austin’s mom shared with Zach. Rarely am I brought to tears when reading a book, but this scene is so poignant, uplifting, hopeful and promising that there could only be one response. Very well done, Miss Jennifer!
Because Huckleberry Hearts focuses on an Englisch couple with Amish ties, I believe it would appeal to any audience and I recommend it highly.
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2015
Being the sixth in this series (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill) of Jennifer Beckstrand's books, one may have the thought, "Oh not ANOTHER one!" , however this is FAR from the truth. I have absolutely loved every single book.
Each one seems to be better than the last, if that is possible! I only had one big problem with this story!! I could not put the book down, once I had started to read. The world passed me by as I met up with my old friends, Anna and Felty. The house remained dusty, meals just had to wait. A late bedtime was impossible to avoid. The first chapter captured my attention and I remained engrossed to the very last page.
The characters are each realistically described in such detail that you are able to identify with them immediately. Each one has some little quirks that makes them who they are. I caught myself giggling aloud as this elderly couple continued in their role as matchmakers. Lovable, comical, yet serious and dedicated to making each single person as happy as they are! Falling in love with these two is hard not to do! They are the grandparents everyone wishes they had. Cassie and Zach just don't stand a chance with these two loved ones planning their future.
The plot moves moves quickly with just enough twists and turns to keep one caught up in the action. You just never know what or when the next bump in the road will arise. No romance ever seems to go smoothly, even when life is being planned by two experienced matchmakers who are doing their best to follow God's plan! Well, sometimes they do get carried away!!
Will Cassie allow herself to led into a romance planned by others? Will Zach be successful in his courting plan??
This is definitely a five star book!! FANTASTIC!!
Provided by the author and Celebrate Lit, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Each one seems to be better than the last, if that is possible! I only had one big problem with this story!! I could not put the book down, once I had started to read. The world passed me by as I met up with my old friends, Anna and Felty. The house remained dusty, meals just had to wait. A late bedtime was impossible to avoid. The first chapter captured my attention and I remained engrossed to the very last page.
The characters are each realistically described in such detail that you are able to identify with them immediately. Each one has some little quirks that makes them who they are. I caught myself giggling aloud as this elderly couple continued in their role as matchmakers. Lovable, comical, yet serious and dedicated to making each single person as happy as they are! Falling in love with these two is hard not to do! They are the grandparents everyone wishes they had. Cassie and Zach just don't stand a chance with these two loved ones planning their future.
The plot moves moves quickly with just enough twists and turns to keep one caught up in the action. You just never know what or when the next bump in the road will arise. No romance ever seems to go smoothly, even when life is being planned by two experienced matchmakers who are doing their best to follow God's plan! Well, sometimes they do get carried away!!
Will Cassie allow herself to led into a romance planned by others? Will Zach be successful in his courting plan??
This is definitely a five star book!! FANTASTIC!!
Provided by the author and Celebrate Lit, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 21, 2015
Jennifer Beckstrand's Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series has been an absolute delight to read. As each book in the series has come out, they have gotten better and better -- and she has really outdone herself with Huckleberry Hearts!
As usual, Annie and Felty are scheming to find a match for one of their grandchildren. This time it's Cassie, who made the decision a few years earlier to leave her Amish life and get a college education. She's back for a visit and is torn between her Amish values and her English plans. Her conflict grows with the appearance of Dr. Zach Reynolds, someone Cassie has encountered before under not so pleasant circumstances.
Jennifer has put together an awesome story that made me laugh and made me cry. Her writing style brings the characters to life in a way that invites you in and encourages you to stay for a nice, long visit. There are tender moments, hilarious moments, and crises of faith that bring up very real, very difficult questions.
Jennifer says that she's leaving Huckleberry Hill and heading down the road for a new series that begins next year. I guess we can only hope that sometime she'll find a way to let us check back in on the Helmuths and their ever growing family.
Thanks to Jennifer and her publisher for providing a copy of Huckleberry Hearts in exchange for my honest review.
As usual, Annie and Felty are scheming to find a match for one of their grandchildren. This time it's Cassie, who made the decision a few years earlier to leave her Amish life and get a college education. She's back for a visit and is torn between her Amish values and her English plans. Her conflict grows with the appearance of Dr. Zach Reynolds, someone Cassie has encountered before under not so pleasant circumstances.
Jennifer has put together an awesome story that made me laugh and made me cry. Her writing style brings the characters to life in a way that invites you in and encourages you to stay for a nice, long visit. There are tender moments, hilarious moments, and crises of faith that bring up very real, very difficult questions.
Jennifer says that she's leaving Huckleberry Hill and heading down the road for a new series that begins next year. I guess we can only hope that sometime she'll find a way to let us check back in on the Helmuths and their ever growing family.
Thanks to Jennifer and her publisher for providing a copy of Huckleberry Hearts in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2015
Did I enjoy reading Jennifer Beckstrand's Huckleberry Hearts? Yes. And no. I found it a contrary read. At times I loved, loved, loved it. There would be scenes and chapters where I was just grinning and thinking, "this book is SO giddy-making!!!" and "I must go back and read all the other books in the series!!!" But then there would be scenes where I felt the reverse. In other words, I either found myself really loving it or really not. I would say the book's biggest weakness would be predictability. For many, perhaps even for most, that would not be considered a "weakness" but instead a delight. And I agree, to a certain extent!!! When I'm loving a genre or subgenre, loving an author, then the last thing I want is a ton of surprises. Twists can be okay, but, not if the twist ultimately leads to an unsatisfying conclusion. So why didn't the predictability work for me personally in this one? I'm not sure. But there were just little "twists" that I saw coming from miles away. (Like the second we were introduced to Austin, the sick little boy, I knew EXACTLY what would happen to him. (Think of it like seeing a DOG on the cover of a children's novel.) And I guessed that THAT turn of events would lead to the hero of the book making a few BIG mistakes, saying things that he'd regret, coming close to doing things that would be impossible to take back. And sure enough, it all happened exactly as I thought it would.) There was ONE thing that did surprise me, but I won't talk about it in the review because there should be something in the book that surprises you too. It definitely added drama, but not in the way I prefer! It was the perfect kind of example of the surprise I don't like to see in a book.
So does this mean I didn't like the book? No. Not at all. As I said, when I loved it, I really LOVED it. I liked Cassie, the heroine. I liked spending time with her, seeing what she was really thinking. I liked Cassie's grandparents. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the premise of the grandma making matches for all her grandchildren, and choosing so wisely for them. It made me want to read all the books in the series so I could spend more time with her and her husband. I liked Zach, the doctor-hero, that was the 'chosen one' for Cassie. I liked that we get his point of view too. I liked that he kept in touch with his mom, and, really opened up to her about how he was falling in love with Cassie! There were many sweet scenes in this one.
Huckleberry Hearts is a contemporary almost-Amish romance. I didn't love it cover to cover, but, it was strongly liked--if not LOVED--throughout. In many ways, it worked for me.
So does this mean I didn't like the book? No. Not at all. As I said, when I loved it, I really LOVED it. I liked Cassie, the heroine. I liked spending time with her, seeing what she was really thinking. I liked Cassie's grandparents. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the premise of the grandma making matches for all her grandchildren, and choosing so wisely for them. It made me want to read all the books in the series so I could spend more time with her and her husband. I liked Zach, the doctor-hero, that was the 'chosen one' for Cassie. I liked that we get his point of view too. I liked that he kept in touch with his mom, and, really opened up to her about how he was falling in love with Cassie! There were many sweet scenes in this one.
Huckleberry Hearts is a contemporary almost-Amish romance. I didn't love it cover to cover, but, it was strongly liked--if not LOVED--throughout. In many ways, it worked for me.
November 25, 2015
Huckleberry Hearts is the sixth in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the previous books but now I want to! The grandparents Anna and Felty are quirky and charming. They are the only ones in Cassie's family who support her decision to find her own path, even though it's not with the Amish. Anna sees something in Zach that makes her select him for her matchmaking scheme, however unlikely the pairing is. I liked how the story line is different from other Amish fiction in that the main characters are not Amish although they have strong ties to the community. There are several strong themes that play out, including self-control, forgiveness and second chances, grief and trusting God, and staying true to one's self. There are many unexpected moments between Zach and Cassie that are pretty wonderful, but also some predictable ones where you can see the conflict coming. An admirable trait in Zach was that he tried his best to defend Cassie from her verbally abusive mother and brother while keeping his temper in check for her sake. I felt the story was well-written and held my attention throughout. I'm looking forward to reading more by the author!
(Thank you to CelebrateLit Publicity and Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to CelebrateLit Publicity and Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
November 26, 2015
This is the perfect book to read around Thanksgiving – when you’re full and happy, and maybe a little nostalgic… or when you’re remembering the dearly departed and hoping new memories fill up the empty spaces.
Amish grandparents Anna and Felty use their matchmaking skills – and love! – to bring Cassie together with her meant-to-be. Nevermind that Cassie’s mom wants her to marry an Amish guy. And come back home. And rejoin the church. What?! While Cassie wants to remain in the modern world and find a moral Englischer, she doesn’t fight her family. But while Cassie tries to keep the peace, her soul mate is going through a crisis of faith.
I love all of the Huckleberry Hill books, but I especially appreciated the messages in this one. Beckstrand touches on love, loss, death, staying true to yourself, freedom of religion, and the popular question of why evil exists and why God doesn’t stop it.
I stayed up late, I bawled my eyes out, and even though Beckstrand is taking a break from the series, I’ll be stalking her page to see if she changes her mind. Excellent read, with plenty of laughs, some tears at the end, and a whole lot of warm hearts.
http://randombookmuses.com/2015/11/25...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Amish grandparents Anna and Felty use their matchmaking skills – and love! – to bring Cassie together with her meant-to-be. Nevermind that Cassie’s mom wants her to marry an Amish guy. And come back home. And rejoin the church. What?! While Cassie wants to remain in the modern world and find a moral Englischer, she doesn’t fight her family. But while Cassie tries to keep the peace, her soul mate is going through a crisis of faith.
I love all of the Huckleberry Hill books, but I especially appreciated the messages in this one. Beckstrand touches on love, loss, death, staying true to yourself, freedom of religion, and the popular question of why evil exists and why God doesn’t stop it.
I stayed up late, I bawled my eyes out, and even though Beckstrand is taking a break from the series, I’ll be stalking her page to see if she changes her mind. Excellent read, with plenty of laughs, some tears at the end, and a whole lot of warm hearts.
http://randombookmuses.com/2015/11/25...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2015
I fell in love with Annie “Bananie” and Felty Helmuth, characters in Jennifer Beckstrand’s “Huckleberry Hill” series. The latest one to catch my fancy is “Huckleberry Hearts”. This was written with a twist because Annie and Felty are matchmaking for their granddaughter, Cassie, who has decided not to be baptized in the Amish faith, much to the consternation of her mother and brothers. However, Annie finds the perfect match for Cassie in her doctor, Zach. She and Felty scheme and connive to get the two of them together all the while having to match wits with Cassie’s mother and brother’s attempts to get Cassie back into the Amish fold.
I love this old couple who dearly love one another and cannot stand to see one of their grandchildren not be in love and married. Their antics are a source of reading pleasure for me and I have enjoyed every one of Ms. Beckstrand’s books in this series. You won’t be disappointed if you pick up a copy of her books and especially this one. I loved it.
I received a print copy of this book from NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-hG. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
I love this old couple who dearly love one another and cannot stand to see one of their grandchildren not be in love and married. Their antics are a source of reading pleasure for me and I have enjoyed every one of Ms. Beckstrand’s books in this series. You won’t be disappointed if you pick up a copy of her books and especially this one. I loved it.
I received a print copy of this book from NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-hG. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
October 13, 2015
Anna Helmuth is determined to marry off her many grandchildren. Now it’s Cassie’s turn. Cassie has left the Amish church, and her grandparents Felty and Anna are okay with that. Unlike her mother Esther, and her overbearing brother Norman.
Anna selects Dr. Zach Reynolds for Cassie. He’s smitten the first time he sees her, but she remembers him unfavorably from the university.
This story will make you laugh out loud, like when Cassie’s so deep in thought she doesn’t realize she’s sweeping the dog.
There’s a serious side. Zach’s father died several years earlier, and Zach has given up on God. Why would a good God take away his godly father? With Cassie, he starts believing again, but he’s still not ready to accept a “No” from God. Felty uses Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to help him understand even though God may say no, he can still believe.
You’ll long to punch Norman’s lights out along with Zach as Norman acts like a typical Amish father, only worse. He might think he’s being a loving brother as he repeatedly tells Cassie she’s going to go to hell for leaving the Amish church.
Like the others in Jennifer Beckstrand’s Huckleberry series, this is a fun story that will keep you reading.
December 4, 2015
I love love love Anna and Felty Helmuth and their matchmaking! I would hate to have to eat her awful cooking but would love to have one of her beautiful handknit sweaters, scarves and beanies! Cassie and Zach don't stand a chance with Anna setting her mind of matchmaking the two of them! This is the cutest story and most heartwarming that I have read in a while. It is full of sweetness and mean attitudes as well. Zach is Anna (Mammi's) doctor and she will do just about anything when it comes to finding good Christian spouses for her grandchildren. They don't even have to be Amish as this one proves. Cassie has left the Amish and attends a Christian church. So Anna decides that her young handsome doctor would be the perfect husband for Cassie.
This book will have you laughing one minute and wiping tears the next. I ran through the gamut of emotions. I was drifting away to Huckleberry Hill. I was in an Amish buggy and prayer kapp. I could almost taste the maple syrup. The details that Jennifer provides allow all these various emotions to occur as one reads.
I rated this book 5 stars and am delighted to recommend it to readers.
I received a free ebook of this novel from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book will have you laughing one minute and wiping tears the next. I ran through the gamut of emotions. I was drifting away to Huckleberry Hill. I was in an Amish buggy and prayer kapp. I could almost taste the maple syrup. The details that Jennifer provides allow all these various emotions to occur as one reads.
I rated this book 5 stars and am delighted to recommend it to readers.
I received a free ebook of this novel from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2015
Huckleberry Hearts book six in Jennifer Beckstrand’s The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series is a delight. Cassi, a formerly Amish woman, returns home from school to visit her family and her matchmaking grandparents try to get her romantically involved with her grandmother’s doctor. This cute romantic, Amish story is both funny and heart-warming. Filled with enjoyable and relatable characters and a lovely storyline, readers will thoroughly enjoy Huckleberry Hearts. Themes of family relationships, both positive and negative, and love strongly surround this novel. I would recommend this story to lovers of Amish fiction.
Series: The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
Genre: Amish; romance; Christian
Publisher: Zebra
Publication date: November 25, 2015
Number of pages: 352
Other books in the series:
1-Huckleberry Hill
2-Huckleberry Summer
3-Huckleberry Christmas
4-Huckelberry Spring
5-Huckleberry Harvest
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided byCelebrateLit via NetGalley.
Series: The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
Genre: Amish; romance; Christian
Publisher: Zebra
Publication date: November 25, 2015
Number of pages: 352
Other books in the series:
1-Huckleberry Hill
2-Huckleberry Summer
3-Huckleberry Christmas
4-Huckelberry Spring
5-Huckleberry Harvest
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided byCelebrateLit via NetGalley.
January 7, 2016
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi's farm will always feel like home. It's the ideal place for an extended study break--at least until her grandmother's handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be.
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn't fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without--she's everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal--to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie's love...
MY REVIEW
Oh my, I keep thinking Jennifer can't top this book and when I read the next one in this series she proves me wrong!!!! What a fantastic job she has done here and oh did she bring on the tears. She just continues to pull me into this family further and further, needing more stories about them. And yes, I still love Anna and Felty, they are the BEST!
Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi's farm will always feel like home. It's the ideal place for an extended study break--at least until her grandmother's handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be.
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn't fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without--she's everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal--to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie's love...
MY REVIEW
Oh my, I keep thinking Jennifer can't top this book and when I read the next one in this series she proves me wrong!!!! What a fantastic job she has done here and oh did she bring on the tears. She just continues to pull me into this family further and further, needing more stories about them. And yes, I still love Anna and Felty, they are the BEST!
December 16, 2016
Sadly, I did not like this book as much as the predecessors (I still liked it though, just not as much). The two lead characters did not capture my imagination and interest like in Ms. Beckstrand's other novels. If it wasn't for the secondary characters such as Anna, Felty and Titus, I'm not too sure this installment would have felt much like part of the Huckleberry Hill series. I still thoroughly enjoy Ms. Beckstrand's work though (and her use of humour) so now that I have finished this series and her short stories, I guess it is on to the Honeybee Sisters Trilogy for me.
I would rate this book a 4.48. I would rate the overall series about a 4.85.
I would rate this book a 4.48. I would rate the overall series about a 4.85.
July 11, 2023
Anna is back at her match-making best, and she has selected the perfect person for her granddaughter Cassie. Cassie has opted not to be baptized into the Amish faith, something her grandmother can accept, but not her brother Norman nor her mother. This creates much tension in the family, but not between Anna and Cassie. Thrown into the mix is Zach, Anna’s doctor and Cassie’s soon to be boyfriend, at least he will be if Anna gets her wish. There are serious moments in this installment, but there are some funny moments, too. All the books in this series are highly entertaining and well imagined and quite well written.
December 20, 2023
Another charming romance infused with a healthy does of humor. This one centers on a formerly Amish woman who has left her Amish community. This one is every bit as sweet and charming as the others in this series, and it has the added bonus of showing the Amish family from an outsider’s point of view. The love interest in this story, Zach, tries to be nice to everyone he meets, but he can’t speak Pennsylvania Dutch, he doesn’t know Amish customs, and he is very much out of his depth. This story of prejudice and acceptance touches on themes of old rifts, forgiveness, and hope. Lovely.
June 9, 2016
Another enjoyable read in this ongoing Amish romance series . . . Great characters and setting with lots of humor scattered throughout the story.
October 30, 2023
Huckleberry Hearts by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #6
332-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Christian Fiction > Amish Fiction; Romance > Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance > Amish Romance; Inspirational
Featuring: Grandparents, Matchmaking, Bonduel and Shawano, Wisconsin; Octogenarians, Doctor, Family Drama, Secret History Trope, Hypocrisy, Loss of Faith, Long Chapters, Virgin Trope, Past Sex Off Camera, Illnesses, Literature, Author's Letter, Book Preview: Sweet As Honey book 1 of Honeybee Sisters
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyoncé, "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)" by Jack Jones or Frank Sinatra
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏥💞
My thoughts: 🔖Page 159 of 332 Ch. 14 - This story is different than the others but good. I'm so over the mom and siblings, I can't imagine Annie would let her child behave like that. I'm hoping they figure it out soon because I can only root for a couple for so long before I'm annoyed.
This story tried my patience! It was a good storyline but the games they played were dizzying. I almost gave up on them. The drama was high. I'm definitely going to read the next book, but it'll be tomorrow, I need a palate cleanser after this. This one didn't have enough of Anna and Felty in my opinion, can't wait to see what they do next.
Recommend to others: Yes. These are sweet contemporary clean romances in an Amish setting.
Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
1. Huckleberry Hill (2014)
2. Huckleberry Summer (2014)
3. Huckleberry Christmas (2014)
4. Huckleberry Spring (2015)
5. Huckleberry Harvest (2015)
6. Huckleberry Hearts (2015)
7. Return to Huckleberry Hill (2017)
8. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill (2017)
9. Home on Huckleberry Hill (2018)
10. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill (2021)
11. Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill (2023)
12. Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill (2023)
The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #6
332-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Christian Fiction > Amish Fiction; Romance > Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance > Amish Romance; Inspirational
Featuring: Grandparents, Matchmaking, Bonduel and Shawano, Wisconsin; Octogenarians, Doctor, Family Drama, Secret History Trope, Hypocrisy, Loss of Faith, Long Chapters, Virgin Trope, Past Sex Off Camera, Illnesses, Literature, Author's Letter, Book Preview: Sweet As Honey book 1 of Honeybee Sisters
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyoncé, "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)" by Jack Jones or Frank Sinatra
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏥💞
My thoughts: 🔖Page 159 of 332 Ch. 14 - This story is different than the others but good. I'm so over the mom and siblings, I can't imagine Annie would let her child behave like that. I'm hoping they figure it out soon because I can only root for a couple for so long before I'm annoyed.
This story tried my patience! It was a good storyline but the games they played were dizzying. I almost gave up on them. The drama was high. I'm definitely going to read the next book, but it'll be tomorrow, I need a palate cleanser after this. This one didn't have enough of Anna and Felty in my opinion, can't wait to see what they do next.
Recommend to others: Yes. These are sweet contemporary clean romances in an Amish setting.
Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill
1. Huckleberry Hill (2014)
2. Huckleberry Summer (2014)
3. Huckleberry Christmas (2014)
4. Huckleberry Spring (2015)
5. Huckleberry Harvest (2015)
6. Huckleberry Hearts (2015)
7. Return to Huckleberry Hill (2017)
8. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill (2017)
9. Home on Huckleberry Hill (2018)
10. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill (2021)
11. Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill (2023)
12. Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill (2023)
October 3, 2020
Anna and Felty are matchmaking again. Anna needs surgery on her foot and her granddaughter who left the Amish is coming to help. Anna thinks the doctor will be the perfect mate or her granddaughter and starts her knitting. Cassie has been hurt in the world so it is a hard sell.
January 10, 2018
This may be my favorite of the Huckleberry book. I know if Anna and Felty appear that I will smile a lot while reading. And that the story will have better than a Satisfying conclusion. Loved this one.
January 7, 2021
^^
Một cuốn truyện mình lựa ngẫu nhiên nhân ngày Bookworm giảm giá kịch liệt =) Và bất ngờ thực sự ý khi nó vượt qua kỳ vọng của mình rất nhiều.
Cốt truyện không có gì ngoài chuyện một anh trai yêu một chị gái từ cái nhìn đầu tiên, cơ mà cách kể thì hấp dẫn vô cùng. Anh trai chuẩn soái ca ngôn tình, đẹp trai, cao ráo, nghề nghiệp xịn, có tổn thương tinh thần và mất niềm tin tương đối nặng nề =). Chị gái thì niềm tin cao vời vợi, tốt bụng, tử tế, rất biết nhẫn nhịn chịu đựng nhưng lúc cần thì lại dũng cảm, thẳng thắn. Tóm lại là một cô gái tốt.
Nhân vật hài hước, tinh tế, duyên dáng. Cách kể chuyện nhẹ nhàng mà không ít lần khiến mình bất ngờ. Truyện đề cập tới nhiều niềm tin vào Chúa.
Sách hợp để đọc giải trí nhẹ nhàng với những ai muốn củng cố niềm tin vào một tình yêu thuần khiết ^^.
Một cuốn truyện mình lựa ngẫu nhiên nhân ngày Bookworm giảm giá kịch liệt =) Và bất ngờ thực sự ý khi nó vượt qua kỳ vọng của mình rất nhiều.
Cốt truyện không có gì ngoài chuyện một anh trai yêu một chị gái từ cái nhìn đầu tiên, cơ mà cách kể thì hấp dẫn vô cùng. Anh trai chuẩn soái ca ngôn tình, đẹp trai, cao ráo, nghề nghiệp xịn, có tổn thương tinh thần và mất niềm tin tương đối nặng nề =). Chị gái thì niềm tin cao vời vợi, tốt bụng, tử tế, rất biết nhẫn nhịn chịu đựng nhưng lúc cần thì lại dũng cảm, thẳng thắn. Tóm lại là một cô gái tốt.
Nhân vật hài hước, tinh tế, duyên dáng. Cách kể chuyện nhẹ nhàng mà không ít lần khiến mình bất ngờ. Truyện đề cập tới nhiều niềm tin vào Chúa.
Sách hợp để đọc giải trí nhẹ nhàng với những ai muốn củng cố niềm tin vào một tình yêu thuần khiết ^^.
November 24, 2015
What fun to visit with Anna and Felty again! ‘Huckleberry Hearts’ is the sixth novel in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. One could read this as a standalone before reading the others, but be sure to go back and read the rest!
Anna Helmuth is determined to marry off all of hers and Felty’s grandchildren. They’ve had more than 64 wonderful years together, and she decided to ‘help’ their single grandchildren. Anna needed surgery to remove a melanoma; her granddaughter Cassie’s help would be welcome for several weeks while she recuperated, 100% off of the healing foot.
Cassie, daughter of Anna and Felty’s widowed daughter Esther, had decided to not be baptized in the Amish faith or join the church when she was of age. Instead, she felt a calling to do something different, worked hard to get into college, and was a faithful church member. She studied art history and would study for an exam while she was helping Anna that would take her a step closer to her goal of being a museum curator. She did not, however, like her grandmother’s doctor. At all. She had met the doctor in college a few years before, and the memory still rankled. Yet Anna saw sparks where others saw…trouble.
Cassie was challenged by her mother and her married brother to return to her family, be baptized, and marry the man they thought would be the best match for her. While she desired to respect her family, Cassie also wanted to walk as the Lord would have her. Dr. Zach Reynolds, attracted to her, spent as much time as he could to try to win her heart, while her mother and brother stubbornly tried to put Cassie together with Elmer Lee, the man she didn’t want to marry. Cassie also had no need of Zach, a man who had no desire for the Lord…no matter what He could work in Zach’s heart.
Anna and Felty are awesome! They are so well-defined that I wish I could head up Huckleberry Hill to see them! One could also appreciate Cassie and Dr. Reynolds, and even understand Cassie’s mother and brother because of the author’s excellent portrayals. The characters are not merely defined, but demonstrated word and heart pictures as reflections of their emotions, words, and behaviors. Cassie’s mother, brothers and sisters-in-law, and Elmer Lee were shown as people of faith who were dedicated to their faith and church.
One of the big differences that I noted in this Huckleberry Hill novel is a serious topic amidst the fun. While all of series’ novels have substance, there is a depth of feelings as family members work through huge, yet sensitive challenges of faith. Many of us have encountered this one no matter which denomination we are part of. The author addresses it with excellence and love, a blessing since many of us are products of families who have held such beliefs for generations.
This reader was taken absolutely by stunned surprise at the crises that confronted Zach and Cassie. In spite of all the plot twists and heartbreaking turns, Jennifer Beckstrand brought together all the pieces together to form a satisfying ending in every respect. I highly recommend ‘Huckleberry Hearts’ (and the rest of the series!) to those who appreciate well-written Amish / Christian drama with a bit of romance and much love and laughter. It definitely should not be missed.
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington-Zebra, via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation has been received for this review.
Anna Helmuth is determined to marry off all of hers and Felty’s grandchildren. They’ve had more than 64 wonderful years together, and she decided to ‘help’ their single grandchildren. Anna needed surgery to remove a melanoma; her granddaughter Cassie’s help would be welcome for several weeks while she recuperated, 100% off of the healing foot.
Cassie, daughter of Anna and Felty’s widowed daughter Esther, had decided to not be baptized in the Amish faith or join the church when she was of age. Instead, she felt a calling to do something different, worked hard to get into college, and was a faithful church member. She studied art history and would study for an exam while she was helping Anna that would take her a step closer to her goal of being a museum curator. She did not, however, like her grandmother’s doctor. At all. She had met the doctor in college a few years before, and the memory still rankled. Yet Anna saw sparks where others saw…trouble.
Cassie was challenged by her mother and her married brother to return to her family, be baptized, and marry the man they thought would be the best match for her. While she desired to respect her family, Cassie also wanted to walk as the Lord would have her. Dr. Zach Reynolds, attracted to her, spent as much time as he could to try to win her heart, while her mother and brother stubbornly tried to put Cassie together with Elmer Lee, the man she didn’t want to marry. Cassie also had no need of Zach, a man who had no desire for the Lord…no matter what He could work in Zach’s heart.
Anna and Felty are awesome! They are so well-defined that I wish I could head up Huckleberry Hill to see them! One could also appreciate Cassie and Dr. Reynolds, and even understand Cassie’s mother and brother because of the author’s excellent portrayals. The characters are not merely defined, but demonstrated word and heart pictures as reflections of their emotions, words, and behaviors. Cassie’s mother, brothers and sisters-in-law, and Elmer Lee were shown as people of faith who were dedicated to their faith and church.
One of the big differences that I noted in this Huckleberry Hill novel is a serious topic amidst the fun. While all of series’ novels have substance, there is a depth of feelings as family members work through huge, yet sensitive challenges of faith. Many of us have encountered this one no matter which denomination we are part of. The author addresses it with excellence and love, a blessing since many of us are products of families who have held such beliefs for generations.
This reader was taken absolutely by stunned surprise at the crises that confronted Zach and Cassie. In spite of all the plot twists and heartbreaking turns, Jennifer Beckstrand brought together all the pieces together to form a satisfying ending in every respect. I highly recommend ‘Huckleberry Hearts’ (and the rest of the series!) to those who appreciate well-written Amish / Christian drama with a bit of romance and much love and laughter. It definitely should not be missed.
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington-Zebra, via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation has been received for this review.
December 31, 2025
This edition of the matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill centers on granddaughter Cassie, who left the Amish community to become "fancy." Anna decides that it is Cassie's turn for a spouse and there's no one like Anna's good looking doctor Zach. Unfortunately Dr Zach is well known to Cassie from her college days as being a part of the guys trying to see who can sleep with the most girls one of them being Cassie's best friend and roommate who was devastated by the "game" this throws a chink in Anna and Felty's plan. There's also Cassie's mother and brothers that refuse to accept her as an Englischer making her stay with her grandparents devastating and her immediate family trying to set her up with a good Amish man to draw her back in to the fold. But against her better judgement Cassie is drawn to Englisch doctor Zach, creating conflict with her traditional family. There are many tears and laughs especially poor Zach wanting so bad to kiss Cassie but thinking that it'll scare her off. In the end love and Anna win through all obstacles
December 6, 2015
"Huckleberry Hearts" (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Book 6) By Jennifer Beckstrand is the 6th book in this series and the last one,( which is sad for this reader), as I loved each one and wanted to read more match matching schemes by Annie Helmuth.
Even though this is the 6th book and some of the same characters are in each book, each book is a standalone and a complete story, and not redundant.
"Huckleberry Hearts" as well as all the other books in this series focuses on Annie and Felty Helmuth and their match matching. They are not your normal Amish couple. Annie loves to knit colorful sweaters, which is not normal, Amish don't usually wear anything but black. She also loves to knit pot holders and give them away.
In this book Annie wants to match her granddaughter Cassie with an English doctor. Cassie has left the Amish way of life. But Cassie and the doctor don't immediately connect because the doctor is like every other English male that Cassie has learned to avoid.
Do these two get together? I bet you want to know, so read this story. You won't be sorry that you did! These books have life messages within the pages such as this one quote “Even when we sin, even when our trouble is of our own making, Jesus doesn’t abandon us.” There are also moments in these books that has you laughing out loud.
Yes, these books would be good books for anyone that likes the Amish genre or not and for anyone that likes a clean love stories and definitely for anyone that wants to escape reality for a short time.
I asked Jennifer Beckstrand in an online book chat "how did you come to write stories about match making and she replied I try to match make for my kids. So I guess that is why these books are so fun to read!
I have given "Huckleberry Hearts" five stars. I was given an e-copy of Huckleberry Hearts from the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed "Huckleberry Hearts" that I had to get the rest of the collection from Amazon.
Even though this is the 6th book and some of the same characters are in each book, each book is a standalone and a complete story, and not redundant.
"Huckleberry Hearts" as well as all the other books in this series focuses on Annie and Felty Helmuth and their match matching. They are not your normal Amish couple. Annie loves to knit colorful sweaters, which is not normal, Amish don't usually wear anything but black. She also loves to knit pot holders and give them away.
In this book Annie wants to match her granddaughter Cassie with an English doctor. Cassie has left the Amish way of life. But Cassie and the doctor don't immediately connect because the doctor is like every other English male that Cassie has learned to avoid.
Do these two get together? I bet you want to know, so read this story. You won't be sorry that you did! These books have life messages within the pages such as this one quote “Even when we sin, even when our trouble is of our own making, Jesus doesn’t abandon us.” There are also moments in these books that has you laughing out loud.
Yes, these books would be good books for anyone that likes the Amish genre or not and for anyone that likes a clean love stories and definitely for anyone that wants to escape reality for a short time.
I asked Jennifer Beckstrand in an online book chat "how did you come to write stories about match making and she replied I try to match make for my kids. So I guess that is why these books are so fun to read!
I have given "Huckleberry Hearts" five stars. I was given an e-copy of Huckleberry Hearts from the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed "Huckleberry Hearts" that I had to get the rest of the collection from Amazon.
January 8, 2016
Jennifer Beckstrand is a wonderful author whose Huckleberry Series makes me want to.laugh and cry at the same time if that's possible.
I love Anna and Felty Helmouth the matchmaking couple everyone likes and loves. I wish my grandparents were more like them. One thing though, my grandmother was a great cook! Anna couldn't cook to save her soul but, she more than made up for in other areas! I tried knitting and crocheting but it didn't work out! I am better at baking than cooking. If it doesn't come in a box then I can't cook it lol!
Anna has a spot on her foot that she has to have taken off and what better Dr than Dr. Reynolds?
When Cassie comes home on break, she meets Dr. Reynolds and realizes who he is. He's the guy who helped teased and tormented the girls while he was in college
While Cassie tries to avoid Zachary it becomes the other way around. They're slowly becoming attached to each other.
I admired Zachary for wearing a pink shirt to church and then later to the hog butchering time. I also admire Zachary for winning a girl's love but she doesn't know that he wrestled Elmer Lee. I know she often wondered about his face. I admired the way he went to work after he busted his nose.
I couldn't stand Norman Cassie's brother Norman. What a bully! Just like his mamm. I can't stand bullies!
I didn't particularly like the methods that Norman used in trying to get Cassie to come back to the Amish.
Anna knew what she was doing when she paired Cassie and Zachary together.
I wish I had a Dr like Zachary. What great bedside manners he has! I know no other dr. willing to leave his phone with a patient wile he went on his rounds.
I thought it even cool they way they had matching cars!
Jennifer, I can't wait for your new series the Bee sisters to come out and my what beautiful covers for the books. Easter colors!
Thank you for another wonderful story about the Helmouths.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review
I love Anna and Felty Helmouth the matchmaking couple everyone likes and loves. I wish my grandparents were more like them. One thing though, my grandmother was a great cook! Anna couldn't cook to save her soul but, she more than made up for in other areas! I tried knitting and crocheting but it didn't work out! I am better at baking than cooking. If it doesn't come in a box then I can't cook it lol!
Anna has a spot on her foot that she has to have taken off and what better Dr than Dr. Reynolds?
When Cassie comes home on break, she meets Dr. Reynolds and realizes who he is. He's the guy who helped teased and tormented the girls while he was in college
While Cassie tries to avoid Zachary it becomes the other way around. They're slowly becoming attached to each other.
I admired Zachary for wearing a pink shirt to church and then later to the hog butchering time. I also admire Zachary for winning a girl's love but she doesn't know that he wrestled Elmer Lee. I know she often wondered about his face. I admired the way he went to work after he busted his nose.
I couldn't stand Norman Cassie's brother Norman. What a bully! Just like his mamm. I can't stand bullies!
I didn't particularly like the methods that Norman used in trying to get Cassie to come back to the Amish.
Anna knew what she was doing when she paired Cassie and Zachary together.
I wish I had a Dr like Zachary. What great bedside manners he has! I know no other dr. willing to leave his phone with a patient wile he went on his rounds.
I thought it even cool they way they had matching cars!
Jennifer, I can't wait for your new series the Bee sisters to come out and my what beautiful covers for the books. Easter colors!
Thank you for another wonderful story about the Helmouths.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 10, 2017
Jennifer Beckstrand has Amish grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth, at it again, but more low key this time around. They're matchmaking their grown-up granddaughter, Cassie Coblenz, who decided to leave the Amish community to go to college to major in arts, to a suitable Englishe husband, Doctor Zach Reynolds.
When things take a misunderstanding turn, can Anna get Cassie to see what's really in her heart?
Will Felty get Zach to understand his faith?
Will Anna and Felty's matchmaking skills work or backfire on them?
If you want to be entertained while reading then The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the series for you to read and you wont be disappointed. And if you are like me and have not read the whole series, dont be alarmed each book are a stand alone with a few characters over lapping from the previous books before; you won't be lost, as Jennifer does explain her characters.
I hope to one day get the chance to read this series from start to finish. I do plan to read more of Jennifer Beckstrand's books in the future. Is June 2016 soon enough? Jennifer has a new series coming out with the first book titled "Sweet as Honey".
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. And I also received a kindle copy from NetGalley. No money was exchanged from either and this is all my opinion in my own words.
When things take a misunderstanding turn, can Anna get Cassie to see what's really in her heart?
Will Felty get Zach to understand his faith?
Will Anna and Felty's matchmaking skills work or backfire on them?
If you want to be entertained while reading then The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the series for you to read and you wont be disappointed. And if you are like me and have not read the whole series, dont be alarmed each book are a stand alone with a few characters over lapping from the previous books before; you won't be lost, as Jennifer does explain her characters.
I hope to one day get the chance to read this series from start to finish. I do plan to read more of Jennifer Beckstrand's books in the future. Is June 2016 soon enough? Jennifer has a new series coming out with the first book titled "Sweet as Honey".
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. And I also received a kindle copy from NetGalley. No money was exchanged from either and this is all my opinion in my own words.
November 21, 2017
Zach Reynolds is partly a former golden party boy, partly a kind-hearted, hardworking doctor with a heart for his patients.
Cassie is a former Amish, with as deeply set values which she wants to honour even outside the Amish community.
Anna and Felty are energetic Amish octogenarians who love to matchmake their grandchildren.
A recipe for disaster? No. A recipe for sweet novel touching the realistic subjects of faith, forgiveness, staying true to yourself, respect and self-control over the desires (again, a former frat pack boy and a virgin girl!) and the real, hurting question of why pain and evil exists and why God does allow it (even for the believers, at that).
This is the sixth in the series of the The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, but can be read as a standalone novel.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel. Sweet, smart, unpretentious and very realistic - while still telling an engaging story. But "sweet" here doesn´t mean that Ms Beckstrand is not exploring the difficult issues! Whe just does that with a warm, heartfelt touch and understanding.
Zach and Cassie are a lovely couple - him captured by a love for the first time, her trying to trust a non-believer guy once again (in hopes he will find his lost faith).
And Anna and Felty - I would just adopt them as my acting grandparents immediately! They are so cute, young at heart and wise. The same goes for Zach´s mom.
On the cons side - the novel feels prolonged. If cut down for say 50 pages, it would be wonderful. But this is not a major complaint, as the authoress really can engage you!
This was my first novel by Ms Beckstrand, but definitely not the last one!
Cassie is a former Amish, with as deeply set values which she wants to honour even outside the Amish community.
Anna and Felty are energetic Amish octogenarians who love to matchmake their grandchildren.
A recipe for disaster? No. A recipe for sweet novel touching the realistic subjects of faith, forgiveness, staying true to yourself, respect and self-control over the desires (again, a former frat pack boy and a virgin girl!) and the real, hurting question of why pain and evil exists and why God does allow it (even for the believers, at that).
This is the sixth in the series of the The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, but can be read as a standalone novel.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel. Sweet, smart, unpretentious and very realistic - while still telling an engaging story. But "sweet" here doesn´t mean that Ms Beckstrand is not exploring the difficult issues! Whe just does that with a warm, heartfelt touch and understanding.
Zach and Cassie are a lovely couple - him captured by a love for the first time, her trying to trust a non-believer guy once again (in hopes he will find his lost faith).
And Anna and Felty - I would just adopt them as my acting grandparents immediately! They are so cute, young at heart and wise. The same goes for Zach´s mom.
On the cons side - the novel feels prolonged. If cut down for say 50 pages, it would be wonderful. But this is not a major complaint, as the authoress really can engage you!
This was my first novel by Ms Beckstrand, but definitely not the last one!
November 24, 2015
I knew when I received this book what it was about, at least the topic, I put it aside to savor and read when I really wanted to enjoy a book. I knew!
This story did not disappoint and I could not wait for Annie and Felty’s banter, and Annie and her match making. This one is a surprise as this granddaughter, Cassie, is no longer Amish, but she is still a much-loved member of the Helmuth family. Now who wouldn’t want these two for their Grandparents, I sure would, and as they involved themselves in their family’s lives you see a lot of love.
Annie has picked out the young intern that has diagnosed her foot cancer, and she decides that Zach Reynolds would be the perfect match for Cassie. She didn’t realize that Cassie had already met him, but that is another or part of this amazing story.
Watch this young doctor learn to understand the Amish and end up milking a cow, and learn how to tap trees to make maple syrup.
Now Cassie is up against her family, namely her mother and brother, who believers she will go to hell if she doesn’t give up her worldly life and join the Amish church. Wait until you see what happens with the “pink” dress, definitely not what they planned!
I hate that we are going to have to wait awhile for another visit with this cherished family! There is a new series coming and I am looking forward to it!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
This story did not disappoint and I could not wait for Annie and Felty’s banter, and Annie and her match making. This one is a surprise as this granddaughter, Cassie, is no longer Amish, but she is still a much-loved member of the Helmuth family. Now who wouldn’t want these two for their Grandparents, I sure would, and as they involved themselves in their family’s lives you see a lot of love.
Annie has picked out the young intern that has diagnosed her foot cancer, and she decides that Zach Reynolds would be the perfect match for Cassie. She didn’t realize that Cassie had already met him, but that is another or part of this amazing story.
Watch this young doctor learn to understand the Amish and end up milking a cow, and learn how to tap trees to make maple syrup.
Now Cassie is up against her family, namely her mother and brother, who believers she will go to hell if she doesn’t give up her worldly life and join the Amish church. Wait until you see what happens with the “pink” dress, definitely not what they planned!
I hate that we are going to have to wait awhile for another visit with this cherished family! There is a new series coming and I am looking forward to it!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 29, 2015
Huckleberry Hearts is the first novel that I have read by Jennifer Beckstrand and I loved it. I could not stop reading, I would have finished the book in one day but I needed to feed my family!! (lol) I absolutely love Amish Fiction and Huckleberry Hearts made me love it even more. In this novel, we meet Cassie, who left the Amish lifestyle to go to college, who has came home to take care of her Mammi (grandmother) who is having a spot removed off of her foot. Cassie loves her grandparents and loves what the Amish is all about, she just knew she was destined for so much more. Her mamm (mother) and brother Norman doesn't like that she has left and don't care for the clothes she wears. Norman is always putting Cassie down.
Dr. Zach Reynolds, Anna's doctor, is a handsome young man who Anna plans on fixing up with her lovely granddaughter, Cassie. Zach laid eyes on Cassie and that is all it took for him to start falling head over heals in love with her. But Cassie has no interest in the Doctor, because of something that happened four years ago. Zach continues to per-sue Cassie. Will Zach ever get Cassie to love him? Will Cassie learn to forgive? Will her family ever accept her for who she really is?
I highly recommend Huckleberry Hearts and proudly give it 5 out 5 stars!
Thank you to CelebrateLit for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
Dr. Zach Reynolds, Anna's doctor, is a handsome young man who Anna plans on fixing up with her lovely granddaughter, Cassie. Zach laid eyes on Cassie and that is all it took for him to start falling head over heals in love with her. But Cassie has no interest in the Doctor, because of something that happened four years ago. Zach continues to per-sue Cassie. Will Zach ever get Cassie to love him? Will Cassie learn to forgive? Will her family ever accept her for who she really is?
I highly recommend Huckleberry Hearts and proudly give it 5 out 5 stars!
Thank you to CelebrateLit for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
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