Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again. And this time they’re willing to rough it to get the job done . . . Mary Anne Neuenschwander knows she should be content with what Gotte has given her. She has a comfortable house, a fruitful farm, and a good, steady husband. But after nearly six years of marriage, she still longs … marriage, she still longs for a baby. Yet her husband, Jethro, seems to care more about fishing than about his wife. Unable to bear Jethro’s indifference, Mary Anne moves into a tent in the woods where he won’t have to be bothered. But when her mammi and dawdi find out what she’s done, they’ll stop at nothing—including a little camping trip of their own—to help save their granddaughter’s marriage . . .
Jethro’s greatest blessing is his beloved wife, Mary Anne. Nothing else in his life has turned out anywhere near the way he expected. Rather than burden Mary Anne with his disappointment, he shields her by spending less and less time at home and more time on the river. But when he finds that she’s moved out, he’s shocked. What will people think? What is Mary Anne thinking? And what clever plans are her grandparents hatching?. . .
“A heart-warming story of faith, hope, and second chances. The story will captivate readers who love the Amish culture and enjoy an endearing romance.”
–Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Place at Our Table
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A heart-warming story of faith, hope, and second chances. The story will captivate readers who love the Amish culture and enjoy an endearing romance.
After only a few pages of Home on Huckleberry Hill, I was put in mind of how much I enjoyed Jennifer Beckstrand‘s book Abraham. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out. Her books make me laugh and, at times, cry!
I laughed as Anna Helmuth, Mary Anne Neuenschwander‘s mammi, reminisced with her husband, Felty, their own past marital troubles as she plans to fix Mary Anne and Jethro’s troubles. She is delightfully unconcerned with the neighbors eavesdropping in the aisles of the grocery store who quickly start a roomer that these grandparents are considering getting, shockingly, divorced!
“We’ve given them all a little excitement to start their day. It does my heart good to see it.”
Mary Anne can’t stand being taken for granted any longer. She moves out to live in the woods. The Amish cherish marriage and do not believe in divorce.
At first, Jethro is appalled that Mary Anne would take his tent, cot, and sleeping bag among other things. He feels entitled to ownership over everything because he earns the money to purchase things. He is also embarrassed.
Not everyone approves of what Mary Anne chose to do. Her grandparents, Anna and Felty, are staunch supporters though. They move into the woods to show ’solidarity’ and maybe have a plan to help arrange a marriage truce. Cousins also join in the show of solidarity. The woods behind Mary Anne’s home fills with the noises of children, a dog, and even a few chickens. I can’t think of a funnier way to encourage Mary Anne to move back home!
Eventually, after some really bad decisions, Jethro begins to ask himself if he is part of the problem. His efforts to change are touching as his sweet and tender regard for Mary Anne returns.
It was encouraging to see this marriage return to the bliss they had before. Marriage isn’t always easy but it is worth fighting for to make it work (in cases where there is no abuse, etc.).
Read this excellent Amish romance! Home on Huckleberry Hill is charming and oh so funny. The loving amends at the end is worth it.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. Full review at Book of Ruth Ann.
This was a very touching story by a great author.
I love all the Amash books that I have read. Connie Smotherman
Really enjoyed this book. In general, I love reading Amish fiction. This book was particularly good because Anna and Felty aren’t matchmaking this time, but helping their granddaughter, Mary Anne, and her husband, Jethro, rediscover the love in their marriage. Haven’t we all felt at one time or another that we weren’t being appreciated by our significant other? Anna and Felty and other assorted family members help MaryAnne and Jethro with this in a very entertaining and loving way.
Home On Huckleburry Hill is a story that is sad to say all too familiar. Now what that all too familiar story is it is man and woman marry – time goes by – man and woman drift apart and he just disses her and she gets fed up. He – I mean for real – he can only think and talk about is fishing – He doesn’t have room in his life for anything else. She is heartbroken. She has tried everything she could so he finally broke the proverbial straw on the camels back and so she moves into a tent guess where – you have to read this book to find out where and what happens. Sides are taken – advice is given but the only voice of reason and the only voice they should be listening to is GOTTES – GOD’s – The only sane people in their lives are Annie and Felty. Will they get through to them? Will they get back together? Will they be able to work on things and work things out? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley: all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
Home on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the ninth tale in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill. Anna Helmuth is worried about her granddaughter, Mary Anne’s marriage and, as usual, her instincts are spot on. Mary Anne Neuenschwander is fed up. She knows that she should be grateful for her home and her husband, but Mary Anne is not happy. Jethro cares more about his fishing pole than he does about Mary Anne. When he fails to remember their six-year anniversary, she moves into a tent in the backyard. Ever since her miscarriage four years prior along with the news regarding future children, Jethro has been a different man. Now Mary Anne is going to focus on making herself happy instead of satisfying Jethro. Jethro was devastated when Mary Anne had her miscarriage and he was afraid of letting her see his disappointment. He threw himself into fishing with his friends and even bought a $400 fishing pole which is keeps on the bed in the spare room. When he arrives home and finds that Mary Anne has moved out, he is dumbfounded. He is worried about what people in the district will think (oh dear). Anna and Felty soon arrive and set up their tent. They want to support Mary Anne, but they are not quite prepared for roughing it. Anna has a plan, but she did not count on Jethro being so obtuse. Anna will need more than pot holders if this project is going to succeed. Break out your best camping gear, cozy up to the campfire and submerge yourself in Home on Huckleberry Hill.
Home on Huckleberry Hill is a delight to read. The story is well-written and it has a nice, steady pace throughout. This book is different from the others in the series. Anna and Felty are trying to assist a married couple instead of match up to singles. Jennifer Beckstrand has created a wonderful pair of characters. Anna and Felty are darling and their antics had me laughing frequently (their chickens, the RV, the hammock, Anna’s cooking). At one point, Anna offers to knit a scarf or a Minion beanie if it would help (the pot holders were not cutting it) and I continue to chuckle every time I think about that line (and situation). I also enjoyed Mary Anne’s creative outlets. They were very clever and unique (I will never look at cheese doodles the same way again). I was quite taken with the butterfly quilt she constructed. I like how Mary Anne’s family supported her decision and aided her. The campground got quite large and Jethro’s tent will never be the same again. There are good life lessons in Home on Huckleberry Hill. The importance of communication in a marriage, putting your partner’s happiness ahead of your own, and remembering that there are two sides to every story. This is a book about learning from your mistakes, remembering why you love your spouse (falling in love again) and moving forward in harmony. While Home on Huckleberry Hill is part of a series, it can be read alone. I thoroughly recommend every book in this engaging Amish series. Each book is better than the previous and Jennifer Beckstrand did not disappoint in Home on Huckleberry Hill. Home on Huckleberry Hill is a warm-hearted, humorous story that will leave you wanting more. My rating for Home on Huckleberry Hill is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).
I loved this book!!!! I am sure I will read it again sometime. I have recommended it to others
Already. HOpe her next series is as good.
My two favorite characters are back. Anna and Felty are the lively octogenarians who feel that they must find the perfect spouses for their children and grandchildren. Normally they will stop at nothing to accomplish this. This time their perfect match between granddaughter Mary Anne and Jethro has gone astray. They will need to be tough to get these two back together. Will they be able to with stand the outdoors in order to show them that they belong together?
I love Anna and Felty. They are the type of grandparents that one just has to adore even though Anna cannot cook. I love how the author brings these two to life. They have more energy at times then people half their ages. The stories are always page turners because you need to see what Anna and Felty will get into next. Each is a stand alone book but once you read the first, you won’t be able to resist finding the rest. I received a copy through Netgalley. A positive review was not required. Who couldn’t give Anna and Felty a positive review?
Home on Huckleberry Hill is the latest in the series by Jennifer Beckstrand and I must say, it is one of my favorites.
Anna and Felty are not matchmaking this time but working on getting thier grand daughter and her husband reunited.
This is not a typical Amish romance. After losing a baby and being told she will never have a baby, Mary Anne can not grieve. Though out the time following the loss, her husband, Jethro and she have been drifting apart. When he goes fishing on their anniversary, after she has made a special dinner, that is the last straw. She packs up and takes Jethro’s tent and camping supplies and moves into the backyard. Once Anna finds out, she and Felty move their entire bedroom in also. Then the fun begins, though out the time numerous friends and family join Mary Anne in her “campground”.
The story has a great cast of characters, romance, real life struggles, and of course, humor. I laughed out loud numerous times, even though, the story has a series storyline.
This is a terrific Amish story completely different from the norm.
I was given an ARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.
HOME ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL by Jennifer Backstrand.
With tubs of candy in their hands the locals are discussing the problems of some in their community. Gossip always traveling like lightning in the grocery store. Solution playing matchmaker again for a couple already married. Once again we have Anna and Felty working their magic What was Mary Anne and Jethro thinking of that’s not the way to have a family. Delightful, funny, and adorable couple to read about again. Given ARC by Net Galley and Kensington for my voluntary review and my honest opinion. EllenOceanside
I was dying to read this book, being a fan of Annie and Felty, and it sure didn’t disappoint.
The author has a character, one of our Amish grandparent’s granddaughters, and this one is different from their usual matchmaking. Annie does present some pot holders, and her wonderful, tongue in cheek, cooking, and this time it is over an open fire.
At times, we all feel taken for granted but their granddaughter, Mary Anne, has had it, and is ready to leave her husband. We end up camping and wait for the experiences and chuckles you are about to be gifted.
In the end will our favorite octogenarians be able to keep sleeping in a tent, and will their granddaughter divorce her husband, unheard of, or will it all work out, but how?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Oh my goodness this story is so funny, yet heartbreaking at the same time. Mary Anne and Jethro both have so much going on under the surface, and it takes extreme measures to force them to deal with the deep feelings of hurt and disappointment. Anna is a force to be reckoned with as she and Felty support Mary Anne by camping out with her, and before she knows it, her act of defiance has taken on a life of its own. As the story progresses it goes beyond Jethro and Mary Anne, and we discover the role that family members played in their unhappiness and lost dreams as well. The best part of the story for me was when Jethro reaches a turning point, and he becomes desperate to do anything to keep Mary Anne in his life. I loved their slow process of healing and how they became stronger for it. Definitely a unique plot and stand-out story!
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.
I just love Felty and Anna! They are so fun! I have not read all of their books but I’m slowly working my way through reading them. They’re so fun! This set of older grandparents are a hoot and will keep you entertained and laughing.
In this book, you meet Mary Anne and her husband Jethro. It’s a big misunderstanding but when they don’t talk about things each has their reasons. Mary Anne has decided enough is enough. Her husband doesn’t want to spend time with her so she’ll leave the house so maybe he’ll at least come home more often.
Meanwhile, Jethro things his wife is the best thing that ever happened to him!
Can Felty and Anna bring them back together and save their marriage before everyone finds out?
So much fun! You’re going to love this one and it’s going to keep you reading and entertained. Highly recommend not only this book but any by this author.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
What I think you should know:
Home on Huckleberry Hill is the ninth book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. It is an Amish Fiction book by Jennifer Beckstrand. Although it is part of the series you can read it as a standalone book. The book features Anna and Felty’s (the matchmakers) granddaughter Mary Anne and her husband Jethro.
What you might need to know;
Mary Ann and Jethro have been unable to have a child after Mary Ann had a traumatic miscarriage.
What I thought about this book:
Beckstand showed how infertility can tear apart a marriage and how small miscommunications can become bigger. She was also able to make this a light hearted book. This has to be one of the funniest books that I have read in a very long time. I laughed so hard that I woke up my husband. I LOVE Anna and Felty, they are such fun characters. I hope that I have their spunk when I grow old. If you have never read a Beckstrand book, this would be an amazing one to start with!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Oh how I loved this book. It is a wonderful look at a marriage and how prideful people can be. I think most of us at one time have taken our spouse for granted. We get into a routine and get too relaxed in our relationship. Mary Anne and Jethro have hit a snag in their marriage which will have a whole community become involved. The gossip starts and the sides are drawn in this story between husband and wife.
Jethro is beside himself when he sees a campground pop up on his land. Tents, hammocks, cots and other essentials have become the new home for his wife. I was upset every time he said Mary Anne took his stuff. He must have forgotten that in a marriage everything joins together as one. His pride is hurt and he tries to get the community on his side.
Mary Anne is trying to make a point and creates a place to live in the woods. I did think she was getting a bit too comfortable out there and suddenly her grandparents come to camp with her. My heart broke when she was shunned at church. It was so easy to point out that Mary Anne was in sin, but they forgot that gossip and judgment is a sin as well.
The story has some funny moments and I could picture a little circus going on in the woods with all the tents. The book has great lessons on forgiveness, unconditional love and preferring one another. I think one of the most important lessons here is communication. If Mary Anne and Jethro had just sat down, invited God into their conversation and talked none of this would have happened. It’s a reminder that communication is the key in any relationship and without it, the enemy sneaks in and divides people.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
One good Jennifer Beckstrand deserves another. Or 10, as this series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill proves. While Home on Huckleberry Hill is my first Huckleberry Hill book, the book stood alone great. Home on Huckleberry Hill, #9 in the series, is a hilarious look at a serious problem. One that a good Amish couple would never, ever have.
Starting with Mary Anne’s octogenarian grandparents, you will be doubling over in laughter by the first page. Ah, the dirty secrets of the Amish.
Mary Anne certainly has one. After a miscarriage four years ago, she has grown so estranged from her husband, Jethro, that she wants a divorce. But, of course, there is no such thing in the Amish church.
Mary Anne creatively finds a way to escape Jethro’s overbearing ways.
If only she could keep her decision between her and Jethro. No such luck. “Gossip traveled faster than a runaway horse in Amish country, but it seemingly traveled like lightning in an Amish grocery store.”
As I read this book, it was easy to reflect on the early years of my marriage, and even selfish moments since. Who gives in? Who declares themselves wrong? Who steps up to the plate and magnanimously, truly, forgives and moves forward? I loved Mary Anne’s mammi and dawdi, but after a while, I did want to tell them to stop insulting Jethro by name-calling. I was half-afraid that, though Jethro had indeed ignored his wife, the whole burden of the failed marriage would land solely on him. Ack! Jethro’s family! Especially his mamm and his brother, Willie Jay.
“Willie Jay had no idea how entertaining he was from a distance.” But up close he’s a terror of a sermon. As the bishop put it so well (and I hope we see more of him in the other books), “I can’t make anybody do anything, and I wouldn’t want to. Gotte will force no man to heaven.” But will Jethro use the Scriptures to force Mary Anne back to him? Or will he finally look at himself and say, “Is it I” causing the problems? Will Mary Anne hold out forever or will she tear down some walls and forgive?
If you haven’t read Beckstrand before, you’re in for a treat. Her sense of humor is hilarious and inventive. And you will feel like you’ve grown with the characters along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This does not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.
Home On Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is a Christian contemporary Amish novel. This is Book #9 in the author’s Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series. Many old friends made an appearance in this quirky, fun book.
This is the story of Amish married couple Jethro and Mary Anne Neuenschwander. They have had some sadness and disappointments in their marriage. Their lives are drifting apart instead of closer together. Mary Anne does something drastic and Jethro retaliates.
Author Beckstrand is a favorite of mine. I know I will receive a Christian message, a well thought and researched book, and a bit of humor. Her Huckleberry Hills series has some wonderful characters, including Felty and Annie. They are a large part of this book as they make a show of solidarity with Mary Anne.
The life lessons are like precious gems in this story. The main one is about marriage and love. Gossip, forgiveness, submitting, hope, and trust are also beautifully illustrated. Talking about issues and hurt is essential, and the author shows how situations can blow up without being open and honest.
I did become frustrated with all of the bickering. There was so much negativity in this book that I wanted to give up on it a time or two. I am glad I persevered. The message is really lovely and uplifting.
I highly recommend this Amish Christian book. It is especially a good book for a married or soon to be married reader. Everyone will enjoy it. The rating I give it is 4 out of 5 stars. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest thoughts.
If you ever read a book by Jennifer Beckstrand you will never be disappointed! She brings you right into the story where you have a wonderful feeling for her characters and her stories are so “family” real! This one will bring smiles at the shenanigans that go on. Loved it!
This was a book I could hardly set down. I was really impressed with the way the author was able to inject so many humorous situations into the entire story, while also painting a picture of a marriage in trouble and a wife with a broken heart and spirit.
The awakenings of the main characters in this story was heart touching. Jethro was incredibly unlikable to me for the first portion of the book. He allowed his self righteousness and embarrassment, along with the prodding of the men of his district, to just make things worse and worse with his wife. However, I loved when Jethro’s eyes began to open to his true feelings and to the part he had played in causing so much pain in Mary Anne’s heart.
Mary Anne had a few of her own awakenings throughout the book and it was sweet to watch as she processed all that had happened in her marriage, received support from family, and began to realize the changes that were taking place in her husband. I really enjoyed this story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.