Friday, May 26, 2017

"Return to Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand... and a GIVEAWAY!


About the Book



Author: Jennifer Beckstrand  
Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance  
Release Date: May 30, 2017  

When it comes to matchmaking, Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s unstoppable octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never seem to run out of opportunities—or grandchildren…

Reuben Helmuth is plenty bitter. John King, his best friend—or so he thought—is engaged to the girl Reuben loved. Humiliated, Reuben flees from Ohio to his grandparents’ home on Huckleberry Hill, where he knows he’ll find comfort. He’s enjoying wallowing in his misery—until John’s sister, Fern, shows up. She won’t stop pestering Reuben about forgiveness—or trying to help him find love again. Yet Fern’s efforts only reawaken Reuben’s long-buried feelings—for her…

With her brother too ashamed to face Reuben, it’s fallen to Fern to help mend fences. But as she and the Helmuths do all they can—even organizing a knitting club event filled with eligible girls—it may take one more challenge to inspire Reuben to forget his heartache, recognize his own blunders, and embrace the true love that’s right in front of him…


My review...

The matchmaking grandparents, Annie and Felty, are back again. This time, they want to help their grandson Reuben. He’s bitter after his friend John becomes engaged to the girl Reuben loved. John’s sister Fern wants to help mend fences between John and Reuben, and she may give Reuben a reason to consider giving love a second chance.

While there is some predictability, this is still an enjoyable story which easily captures the reader’s attention. It contains sincere characters and a quaint setting. The author places the reader right there along with the characters. Forgiveness is a key theme. Don't be surprised if you fall in love with Annie and Felty. They truly make the series!


Disclaimer: I received a free copy as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogger Program. However, I was not required to give a positive review.


About the Author



Jennifer Beckstrand is the award-winning Amish romance author or The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters' aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-two years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and soon-to-be six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest post from Jennifer Beckstrand

Anna Helmuth is starting a knitting club, but that’s not all she’s got up her sleeve.


In Return to Huckleberry Hill, Anna Helmuth and Fern King decide to start a knitting club in order to introduce Anna’s grandson Reuben to some girls from Bonduel, Wisconsin. Anna is a very good knitter, with years of practice making baby blankets, scarves, mittens, and potholders. One of Anna’s scarves actually saved someone’s life, and her potholders have helped her make many a match.

When I was a young teenager, I learned how to knit and crochet. My mom taught me how to sew and quilt, and I made several of my own dresses in high school. I never learned to love sewing, but it was an invaluable skill that I am so grateful to have. Now that I’m a little older, I love putting together simple quilts for baby gifts and making quilts for the local children’s hospital. There is nothing like a homemade gift to say, “I care about you.”


I have a friend who is a wonderful cook. Making a delicious, beautiful meal is how she tells her family she loves them. I don’t consider myself a great cook, but I still take pride in putting something nutritious and satisfying on the table for my family.

It seems to me that some of the “home arts” that our mothers and grandmothers practiced are dying out. Who knows how to tat anymore? Or embroider? Some of these arts have died because of expediency. Who doesn’t think today’s stocking choices are more comfortable and practical than knitted wool ones? Others have died out because so few people want to learn.

What about you? Do you still practice any of the home arts that your grandmother did? What do you want to pass on to the next generation?

Blog Stops

This giveaway is hosted by Celebrate Lit. Follow along with the tour for a list of stops!


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card to three lucky winners!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b3b2


11 comments:

  1. This story about matchmaking grandparents sounds like a fun read. I always enjoy books with memorable characters.

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  2. I just adore the matchmaking grandparents. They really are so enjoyable :)

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  3. I love the Huckleberry Hill series, and the matchmaking grandparents. I would really love to win this book.

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    1. They're my faves, too. Good luck, Phyllis!

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  4. I've had this series on my wishlist for ever so long!
    Dianna

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    1. Dianna,

      It's definitely one to check out. I think you'll really enjoy it :)

      Good luck!

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    2. Thank you, Dianna. I hope you love it!

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  5. Leslie,
    Thank you for having me on your blog! The theme of forgiveness is one I explore in many of my books. It is so important to forgive others but so incredibly hard. The most important things in life usually take the most work and sacrifice. Have a wonderful day!

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    1. You're very welcome, Jennifer. You're so correct that it's not always an easy thing to do, but it's certainly an important one.

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  6. I knit a little and crochet a little. I am an uber beginner at both arts. :)

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    1. Sabrina,

      I crochet a bit, too. I learned to knit as a child, but I no longer remember how to do it. Good luck with it!

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