There’s nothing Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-somethings Anna and Felty Helmuth like better than a challenge. And the chance to matchmake their feisty granddaughter is their most delightful task yet… to let disabled student Wally Sensenig work below his potential. And she definitely won’t put up with his hot-headed older brother sabotaging her efforts, no matter how handsome he is. . .
Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings. He’ll admit Elsie’s ideas are bringing Wally out of his angry shell—but why does she have to be as stubborn as she is pretty? Yet as it turns out, Elsie has taught Sam something about himself as well. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make up for his mistakes—and win her heart forever.
Praise for Jennifer Beckstrand and her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series
“Beckstrand continues to bring unexpected and heart-melting plotlines to this outstanding series.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.” —Publishers Weekly
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This book made me read the entire series and her second series.
I really admired Elsie with her love of teaching and determination to get through to Wally. Sam has been doing his best, but over time has become an enabler to Wally’s worst tendencies. It’s so hard for Sam to see Elsie’s tough love methods in action, but even through the ups and downs Wally makes amazing progress. Sam is alternately prideful and humble as he struggles with the changes, but when he and Elsie let their guard down, sparks fly! This story had so much depth and the characters are vibrant, with a wonderful cast of family and community members. Loved it!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Absolutely loved this series and was sad to see it end.
Loved it! Thanks!
A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the eighth installment in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty Helmuth lives in Bonduel, Wisconsin on Huckleberry Hill. Anna has had great success in finding the perfect mates for her grandchildren. She has found the perfect match for her granddaughter, Elsie Stutzman. Now she just needs to find a way to get them together. Elsie has signed on as the local schoolteacher. Elsie is known for being outspoken (which has gotten her into trouble in the recent past) along with being determined and stubborn (feisty). She loves teaching, but Elsie has been having trouble with fourteen-year-old Wally Sensenig. Wally only has one full leg and is missing fingers on one hand (threshing accident), but Elsie will not let Wally use that as an excuse for not working up to his full potential. Wally has been using his disability to manipulate people and to get what he wants. But he has finally met his match in Elsie Stutzman. Elsie is also trying to convince her grandmother to wait on matching her up with an eligible bachelor. Elsie’s last relationship did not end well, and she is not ready to try again.
Sam Sensenig, Wally’s older brother, takes care of the family farm, his ill mother and his siblings. He feels guilty for Wally’s accident and gives into to Wally’s “requests” (had electricity installed in Wally’s bedroom, purchased him an Xbox along with games, and does not require him to do chores). Wally tells Sam that the teacher is picking on him. A riled Sam goes to the school to confront Elsie about picking on his disabled brother. Elsie tries to explain to Sam what she wishes to accomplish with Wally, but she meets with resistance. It will take time for Sam to realize that Elsie only wants what is best for Wally. Sam is also dealing with Anna Felty and her numerous attempts to get him to meet her granddaughter, Elizabeth. She keeps sending him letters with potholders enclosed. If the young lady needs her grandmother to match her up, Sam is not sure he wants to meet her, nor does he have the time. Can Elsie get Sam to see the error of his ways? Will Elsie be able to change Wally and his outlook? Can Anna succeed in bringing these two stubborn individuals together?
I found A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill to be well-written, engaging and it had a good pace (which makes for a book that is enjoyable to read). Anna and Felty Helmuth are such delightful characters. They are in their 80s, and Anna has no qualms meddling in her grandchildren’s lives. Anna is a quirky woman who wears sweaters that are not approved by the Ordung, is a knitting machine, and cooks the worst food (Felty finds it delicious, but his taste buds are not to be trusted). Elsie is a strong, determined, persistent yet compassionate and kind woman. These qualities make her an excellent teacher. She wants what is best for her students. I ended up liking Sam in the end, but he was irksome (I did not think he would ever see reason). I could not believe how oblivious he was to Rose Mast (neighbor who was in love with him). His cluelessness to the situation went on a little too long for my liking. It was cute and humorous how Anna kept trying to match up Sam and Elsie without success. The scenes did have me chuckling. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill can be read as a standalone. I do, though, recommend the other novels in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series (each one is unique and a pleasure to read). Anna is determined to find matches for all her grandchildren whether they want it or not. In A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill, you will find yourself cheering for Elsie as she sets out to change Wally and Sam. I am eager to read Home on Huckleberry Hill which is the next novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.
What a fun book! Mix a couple of matchmakers with a couple of single people, and you never know what will happen. Fiesty Anna brings confusion and lots of laughs, as well as some interesting recipes. Charming characters with comfortable dialogue and a lot of heart move this story right along.
Author Jenifer Beckstrand’s story shows us what determination can look like when you care about others and aren’t willing to see them fail. I won’t give any spoilers here, but you’ll love the tenacity that both Elsie and Wally show.
A quick but delightful read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
“For sure and certain.”
I’ll be repeating this phrase in my head for many days to come. I don’t read Amish books much, mostly because I am busy reading other genres. From the handful of Amish books I’ve read, I’ve enjoyed this book the most. The author, who is new to me, has a delightful way of writing that turns every day incidents into memorable events, both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Even though softball, school, gatherings of family and friends, and farming can seem like mundane routine things, the author uses these happenings to bring spark and interest into the plot and gives life lessons through them all. There is no mystery or suspense or adrenaline woven into the plot but the storyline moves at a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.
The author’s writing style is fluid and easy to follow. The dialogue, especially between the two main characters Elsie and Sam, ranges from angry and heated to humorous and sweet. There are some serious laugh-out-loud moments in the book that had me cracking up and shaking my head at the same time. The characters in the book are layered and deeply lovable.
Elsie is the new school teacher who lives with her grandparents (and her grandparents are sure to bring laughter and smiles as you read). She’s stubborn, proud, smart, a gifted teacher and softball player who has a tender heart and will do whatever it takes to do what she believes is right. Sam is the oldest in the family now responsible for the farm and his siblings and mother. He’s also stubborn and quite proud, loyal to family and friends and hardworking but has quite a temper. Sam does grow through the book and understands how to control his temper better and also learns to apologize in humility.
It was a delightful journey of second chances, basking in the warmth of love from family and friends, and savoring the beautiful moments that can be had in an environment uncluttered from modern technology.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Fans of this series are in for a treat with this book. The author has a gift of writing characters that are so relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Elsie. She is an outspoken, compassionate person. When she takes a job as a teacher in the little community nothing will ever be the same. I can remember being a teacher’s assistant and wondering if I would make it through the day. There were times I went home and cried but I got up the next day determined I wouldn’t give up. Elsie has her hands full with one particular young boy that will test her patience. Can she stand up to a bully?
Wally is having a hard time adjusting since his accident. After losing a leg, he is angry and thinks everyone hates him. I admire the patience Elsie has with Wally. It’s refreshing to read how a teacher goes the extra mile to reach a hurting child. There were times Wally made me upset but then my heart would go out to him. I loved how the author wrote Wally as a troubled child who longed to be accepted. It gives readers a glimpse of how a child can feel different and how they learn to overcome that feeling.
Sam really walked around with guilt over his brother’s accident. That guilt causes him to turn a blind eye to Wally’s behavior. When Sam feels like the new teacher is picking on his brother he stomps to the school to have words with her. Little does he know, Elsie is one tough person. She doesn’t back down and this makes for some fun bickering between the two stubborn people. Yes they are both hard headed and I loved their interaction.
I can’t forget about Rose. Oh my that girl needs a reality check. She is for sure and certain that Sam is in love with her. She seemed to pop up everywhere Sam was and I wanted to tell her to back up and move on down the road. She is annoying and very jealous of Elsie. Rose is so envious of Elsie, the green eyed monster comes out and tries to destroy Elsie . Will the town believe what Rose is saying about Elsie?
With all that is going on with a new teacher in town, we can’t overlook the matchmaking that is in full swing. I won’t say much about it, except get ready for laughs as Annie and Felty set their eyes on their granddaughter to find her a husband. How will the matchmaking go? Will Elsie prove to the town how much she loves to teach? The author has written a book that is hard to put down. Don’t miss this latest adventure in a town full of mischief, matchmaking and a story that brightens your day.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Clean wholesome Christian reading!
Love anything by this author! Sweet, funny, entertaining, informative.
A COURTSHIP ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL by Jennifer Beckstrand
Book 8 in “The Matchmaker’s of Huckleberry Hill”
The recipe asparagus potato raisins casserole, for Elsie it was like wet cement. German cake, made with beans instead of oil. Our heart’s immediately goes out to her. Wondering what else is she having to endure, while living with her grandparents. They wanted her to come teach, and to get her a husband. Sam was mad, it was the school boards job, of what the new teacher was like, not his. Defending his little brother, didn’t go the way he wanted, teacher had a stubborn streak. Sparks are flying from the first, would love and a mutual agreement come about. This was a delightful, funny look at everyday life. When new people, new foods, are among them. Have always loved Jennifer’s books, this is a delight to read. You will chuckle as though you know these people. Given ARC. by Net Galley for my honest opinion and my voluntary review.