Member Reviews

This is a special book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series by Jennifer Beckstrand. Anna and Felty Helmuth have matched so many couples through the series, but this delightful book tells us how they actually met and spent their first Christmas together.

You will find they are not your typical Amish characters and learn new things about the Amish you probably have not read about in previous Amish books. You do not want to miss reading this book. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy reading Amish romances.

I received a copy of the book from Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

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I loved the unique story line of First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill. I have never read a story before of an Amish man being called to serve in the war, and then once it was over return to his community.

I love Anna, she is sweet, endearing, and you really can't help but love her. She is a unique character, naive, which lends itself to many funny moments, that should be awkward but aren't. Unfortunately, her sweet, naive nature sets her up for heartache as well.

Felty is also a very unique character that you can't help but love. He has gone to war but still has an even-natured, happy disposition. He truly loves Anna like she is and will go to great lengths to prove it. His character adds a lot of depth and sweetness to the story.

This is a very sweet story with a great cast of characters. It was not at all like I imagined it would be, it was so much more. I appreciated that Anna loved Felty for who he was and he loved her for who she was. Neither one thought they were a great catch, but they did not have to change who they were for each other and they could be completely themselves. Such a great message right there.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who wants a great love story. Fans of Amish fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction, or just a fan of a good story will enjoy this one!

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First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a sweet uplifting story by Jennifer Beckstrand. While there have been several books in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series before this one, this is the first book I have read by Ms. Beckstrand. That was not a problem at all because this story goes back in time to 1952 when the now grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth first met.

I enjoyed the Prologue setting up the story of how they come about telling their story of meeting. In fact, I enjoyed the entire story. Not having read many novels taking place in Amish communities I wasn’t sure what to expect. Perhaps harsh rule followers but that was not the case with this wonderful book. It is filled with many kind, loving characters, especially the grandparents when they were younger and older. Also filled with younger brothers who fight like siblings can do at times.

First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is going to be a sure fire favorite of series fans. It has certainly made a fan of me so now I am off to find more books about the Helmuth family.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

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This is a sweet Amish Romance , and this is 10th book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series. This book is where the Grandparents (Anna and Felty) is telling their family their own love story. I loved how this book was written, and I think this book has characters that is really different from any other Amish Fiction books I have read. I also love how sweet the characters in this book. This is one of the cuteness Christmas love story I have read. I love how Anna brings out the best in people even when they are treating her badly. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra) or author (Jennifer Beckstrand) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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I have enjoyed many of the Huckleberry Hill books (I’m still reading through them) so I have really enjoyed Anna and Felty along with the quirks that they bring to each story. It has been a delight to read their story.

I loved that who they were then stayed true to who they are now realistically while also sharing new aspects that match their character.

They are adorable both young and old. I especially loved catching a glimpse of the couples I have already met in previous books as well as seeing a preview of the next book.

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We finally find out how Felty and Anna Helmuth meet! The most amazing match makers of Huckleberry Hill have their own origin story. Felty is a Korean War Veteran and Anna is terrible cook, quilter and housekeeper. These two lovable outcasts are truly genuine characters. Their friendship is special and blooms into a romance. Since this is a prequel to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill we know the characters WILL get together. I enjoyed reading HOW their romance blossomed.
This is the tenth book of the series. As always, I suggest reading them in order.
I want to thank Jennifer Beckstrand, Zebra Books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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I received this book from NetGalley. I always love Jennifer Beckstrand books even tho I love all her books this has to be one of my favorite series of hers.

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First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is Anna and Felty’s love story. It is Christmas Eve and Martha Sue Helmuth is visiting her grandparents. She is in a mood because Martha Sue just realized that she was sent to Bonduel in the hopes of her matchmaking grandparents finding her a husband. The last thing she wants is a husband and Martha Sue tells Anna quite loudly startling the rest of the relatives. The family realizes they have never heard Anna and Felty’s love story. There is plenty of time before dinner (which is not being cooked by Anna), so Felty begins the tale. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a delightful story. It has wonderful characters that we have all come to love from The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty are two people that are meant for each other. They are warm, caring, and genuine. You can tell how much they love each other and their family. Anna shows her love with her cooking (believe it or not) and with her knitting. I thought First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill was well-written with developed characters and a charming setting. The story is full of humor. I laughed often while reading this sweet story. I am so glad that Jennifer Beckstrand gave us Anna and Felty’s tale. I just loved the ending. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is an engaging story that you will not want to end. This is my favorite book in the series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read the other nine novel sin The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill (you will be missing out if you do not read the whole series). There are some good life lessons in this story. My favorite lesson is that someone may be different from other people (dress differently, cook differently, have unusual interests), but we are all the same in God’s eyes. It is no reason to treat someone differently (make them feel that they are unworthy). This line stuck with me, “You need to treat everyone kindly whether you agree with their politics or not.” I hope the author gives us more Anna and Felty tales. I am glad, though, that I do not have to eat Anna’s cooking. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a special story that will linger with you long after you finish it. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is an enchanting Amish Christmas tale with Knitted creations, jiggling Jell-o, cinnamon candy cookies, an adamant mother, bothersome brothers, troublesome traps, and a lasting love.

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What a sweet story! I loved reading Anna and Felty's story. This book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart, grab this book. I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books, Zebra via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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When I saw a new Annie and Felty story I knew I had to read it, and I was not disappointed. I just love these two, they sure compliment each other, and we are around to be a part of the beginning of their relationship.
Surprising facts come out when we begin our journey, and we find out how each of their families feel about their relationship.
Right from the beginning Annie, to most anyway, was a horrible cook, and our Felty well, right from start loves her cooking! This has to be the best matchmaking of the series, and one that begins it all. I personally cannot wait for more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

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All the Huckleberry Hill Amish stories have been wonderful. I enjoy them so much. And this one tells how it all began! It's like going back in time to the beginnings of this lively and ambitious Amish couple's own young lives. I loved reading this enjoyable book. Felty has just returned after he served in the Korean War, despite the beliefs of his Amish community and religious teachings. Yet Anna sees him for the person he really is and perhaps this will be her perfect match even though there is definitely some opposition to deal with.
I think this was a book that needed to be written to love Felty and Anna even more! They are all about love!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author and NetGalley and was under no obligation to give a positive review.

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After reading nine books featuring Anna and Felty Helmuth matchmaking for their grandchildren, we find out about their courtship. And why Felty liked Anna’s awful cooking.
Felty fought in the Korean War, making him an outcast in the Amish community until he does something heroic. Anna felt ignored, or mocked for her culinary efforts. It wonders me why she didn’t try to learn to cook, despite her mother dying when she was young. Her maternal grandmother tried to drum wifely skills into her.
Felty was a charmer. Anna, even then, was knitting scarves and potholders, the only skill she was good at. Their families are against them seeing each other, but Felty is determined to pursue Anna and they persevere. We don’t really know why Anna’s so insistent on meddling in her grandchildren’s lives. Maybe it’s because she knew what it was like to suspect she wouldn’t have her own happily-ever-after.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Oh how I love Anna and Felty from the many books in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series! I was thrilled to read the story of their falling in love! It's not an easy beginning as they are both somewhat social outcasts in their community. They are both so genuine, and it was so satisfying to see their friendship rekindle and develop into romance as they support each other with the difficulties they are dealing with. I love how this author is so skilled at writing characters with vibrant personalities and memorable mannerisms. Highly recommend!

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.

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Oh my, what a sweet story. It never occurred to me to wonder how and when Felty and Anna met and fell in love. I'm certainly glad that Ms. Beckstrand took the time to tell us this heart-warming story. And just in time for the Christmas season too!

If you have been following this series as I have, then I really don't need to recap the story for you. But I will say that this story surprised me---a lot. It was an experience to see an Amish man go against his faith yet keep his faith-all for the good of his country and his God.

This quick, sweet read was funny and thought-provoking. All of Ms. Beckstrand's books are funny to a certain degree, but this book stands out. I've loved all of her books, but I'll have to say that this one is going to become one of my favorite 'comfort reads'.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Zebra, the author, and NetGalley. My thanks to all

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Anna and Felty are an interesting pair and their courtship is the same, not typical at all. Loved this book. It will put a smile on your face.

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I had a difficult time getting into this book. Maybe it was the language or the simplicity of it but it did not appear real to me. If somebody is wanting a very simple, easy to rebook, this may suit them. For me it was a book I could not finish.

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If you’ve read any of the Huckleberry Hill series, you must read this one. I loved learning how Anna and Felty met and how their courtship progressed. I chuckled throughout the story, especially when author Jennifer Beckstrand wrote about Anna’s odd cooking combinations and why Felty was such a fan of them.

With Anna basically an Amish outcast, it was wonderful to see Felty accept her just the way she was and in fact adore her for it. Such a sweet romance. Tons of humor. And Christmas. What more can a reader want? I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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An interesting way to write a book. A story within a story. A quick, easy read. It was enjoyable for the most part.

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Readers will learn the story behind the matchmaking grandparents, Anna and Felty as Anna reminisces about Felty returning home from the Korean War. Both are such soft hearted people that it will be hard not to feel empathy for their situations. There are compelling lessons to be learned about love and acceptance from this heartfelt story. Recommended!

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