Member Reviews
Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.
My thoughts. Second Chance on Huckleberry Hill was a laugh out loud romantic comedy. This author right Amish fiction that I want to read and reread. There is a strong faith message in the story and a second chance romance or maybe a new one. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters. I really enjoyed the story and recommended to anyone who likes Amish fiction. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
I'm always excited to read a book by Jennifer Beckstrand! She has a wonderful way of blending laugh out loud humor with more subtle humor, unique characters, and depth of emotion. Anna and Felty are their usual lovable selves, and I have to say that I appreciate them even more after reading the prequel novel that tells their story, First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill. Anna is quirky as ever and sly as a fox as she tries to help Martha and Yost overcome the obstacles to their relationship. And they have a pretty big one- Yost's young teenage son who is struggling with all the hard emotions that come with the circumstances he is in. Shenanigans abound, with Yost's love and attention divided between the two most important people in his life. And Vernon Schmucker showing up for food doesn't help matters either... I'm so curious as to whether he will ever find love!
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.
Martha Sue had moved to stay with her grandparents to get away from the man she loved. Yost has a 13-year-old son, Jonah, who does everything he can to keep the two apart, and who behaves very badly to Martha Sue. Much to her surprise, Yost had beaten her there and he and Jonah were living not too far away. Of course, this makes matters worse between Martha Sue and Jonah. Jonah has lost his friends and familiar surroundings and he blames this on Martha Sue. Martha Sue, however, is a very wise woman. I loved how she eventually won Jonah over, with honesty and acknowledging his feelings and fears.
There is also a lot of humor in this book. I particularly enjoyed the antics of Martha Sue's grandparents, Anna and Felty, and their not-very-subtle matchmaking, particularly Anna's. Her cooking was also a hoot, with her unique recipes.
I received an e-arc of this book from publisher Kensington Books/Zebra via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
I am an arc reader from net galley --- Great book thought was a bit shorter then I expected. I expected more. I enjoyed the the characters and descriptions., I hope other people can enjoy it even though it could have been a lot longer of a book.
I hope that Jennifer Beckstrand continues on with Huckleberry Hill stories forever. I know that one day, it’ll all end, and I don’t want that to happen.
Anna & Felty and all their matchmaking ways are always a good read. I wish they were real people; I’d love to meet a couple like them. Even when injured or down, they still look out for others and encourage those around them.
I give this book a 5-star rating, and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Oh my goodness! This book is hilarious! I have every Jennifer Beckstrand book and they are always a delight! New characters, old characters...it's always fun getting to know each one and following them book to book. I never have ever read books that make me laugh like Jennifer Beckstrands and this one is great! Her books bring a smile every time.
Devoured this in one sitting- the humor was good and the Amish romance was uplifting. This is a multi- point of view- views from the MMC, FMC, and the teenage son of the MMC. I found it fascinating to read the boy’s point of view as he reacted to his fathers new romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-advance copy. All opinions are my own.
"Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand had me chuckling almost from page one. Mammie is one wise, crafty, and zany grandmother. One quote from Mammie that caught my attention early is “You have to go through hard things and hard times if you want to find something beautiful on the other side. We often run away from the very experiences that help us grow. We can’t learn happiness if we haven’t learned to fight for it.”
The on/off again relationship between Martha Sue and Yost is due to Yost's thirteen-year old son, Jonah. The reverse psychology employed to change Jonah's acceptance of Martha Sue as his step-mother is hilarious.
For a light, delightful read, pick up "Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill"
A copy was provided for my review. All opinions are my own.
What a wonderful read! This is a beautifully written heartwarming story that is full of emotions and you can feel every one of them. The author brings the book to life with her words, and you feel like you are there. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it.
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.
Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Backstrand, book eleven in The Matchmaker’s of Huckleberry Hill series, is sweet, humorous second chance story, dealing with the affect blended families have on the family members. Martha Sue Helmuth and Yost Beiler are in love with each other, except that Yost’s young son Jonah doesn’t like Martha Sue; he has done everything in his power to make her life miserable. Martha Sue not wanting to come between Yost and his son Jonah, leaves Ohio and moves in with her grandparents, Anna and Felty, in Bonduel Wisconsin. Martha Sue’s grandparents are Amish matchmakers but instead of being matchmakers, they are trying to heal their granddaughter’s broken heart. Martha Sue is still in love with Yost and she just wants to be left alone. The last thing she wants is another man; especially not the selfish, spoiled, Vernon Schmucker, who will frustrate you and then have you laughing at his attitude. Yost refused to let Martha Sue go, moving himself and his selfish, spoiled son Jonah to Wisconsin; living in Anna and Felty’s barn. Jonah was acting out due to the loss of his mother and being afraid that if his father move on and married again, the woman would reduce the time he spends with his father, not love him, kick him, out or be an evil stepmother. Only, it was all in his head and quite far from the truth. With a bit of hilarity, lots of heartfelt talks, sadness, and rescues, Jonah discovers that “the more love you spread around, the more it multiplies.” I loved how kind Martha Sue was to Jonah no matter what devious plan he came up with.
Ms Beckstrand adds another outstanding installment to a wonderful series; drawing me into the story making me feel as if I’m part of the story rather than a spectator. This was a beautiful story of second chances, grace, forgiveness, and love all within the beautiful backdrop of the Amish community’s faith and lifestyle. The emotions, issues, and challenges the characters face are not just those of the Amish, but could affect people worldwide. You will feel all the emotions while reading this book: joy, sorrow, anxiety, love, and especially laughter. I highly recommend Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Welcome back to Huckleberry Hill! Jennifer Beckstrand does an amazing job of transporting you back to this small town in the eleventh novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill. This book had me turning the pages so fast to see what would happen. I suggest reading ALL of the books in the series. It is a testament to Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing talent that we keep craving this series. She has a way of keeping each story fresh and entertaining!
Martha Sue is considered an old spinster but she is hesitant to marry the love of her life, Yost Beiler. His son Jonah “hates” Martha Sue and makes her life miserable. While these characters are delightful, Lily steals the show! Her Dawdi is paying her a dollar a week to be Jonah’s friend. This story does not disappoint!
Many thanks to the author, Zebra, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I love visiting Huckleberry Hill with each new book. This one was a little difficult to get into and it took me a while before I fell into a rhythm of reading.
The characters were interesting and the plot easy enough to follow. I enjoyed this book.
Thank you, Jennifer Beckstrand, Kensington Books Zebra and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill. This is my own unsolicited opinion of the book.
I love it!
Anna and Felty are deeply involved in helping granddaughter Martha Sue with her pitiful love life. Annie is determined to match her up with Vernon Smucker. The poor girl has come to her grandparents' farm to leave her broken heart behind. She is shocked to have Yost appear at their door. The handsome widower had followed her to Huckleberry Hill. Martha Sue is determined to never marry. She certainly was not going to come between this man she loves and his young son, Jonah, who, by the way, hates her.
For me, reading a Jennifer Beckstrand book is a huge treat. This book made me laugh out loud and feel pure joy at reading something so delightful. I have been privileged to read nearly every book in this series and I don't want it to end. This story is a little different than Anna's regular attempts to marry off her grandchildren. It touches many emotions from glee to sorrow. I love it. It works as a stand-alone, but you know, I have to recommend them all!
I also love that Anna has set her sights on solving grandson Bo's sad marital status next.
Every time I read a book by Jennifer beckstrand, I can’t help but smile. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I laughed out loud during Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill. I read the entire thing in one afternoon. Anna and Felty are matchmaking again and this time they want to find someone for their granddaughter Martha sue. But Martha sue already loves Yost. The only problem is that he has a son, Jonah, who doesn’t want his dad to marry. Can the three of them find happiness? Full of love and joy and wisdom, this is not a story to miss! Thanks NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness! One more trip up Huckleberry Hill is exciting! I love visiting Anna and Felty Helmuth! A reader never knows what antics Anna and Felty will go to in order to matchmake all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wanting to make sure everyone is as happy as they are, our matchmakers work hard to bring the couples together. This story was no different. Mary Sue Helmuth left home in order to get over her broken heart. from Widower Yost Beiler. While she really loves him and wants a life with him, his son Jonah does not want another mother. So in order to not drive a nail between father and son, Mary Sue leaves home to visit her grandparents. Anna sees the opportunity to "fix" Mary up with another suitor. But when Yost has other plans, will Anna change her mind on who is best? Will Jonah drive the final nail when he goes to far to alienate Mary? Or will he learn a lesson? Reading the series in order is not required but if you read just one then.... you will definitely want to read the rest. I look forward to our next hike up Huckleberry Hill! I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is a delightful Amish tale. I always look forward to returning to Huckleberry Hill. Anna and Felty Helmuth are a joy to visit. Anna always has something up her sleeve and Felty goes along because he loves his wife. I like Jennifer Beckstrand’s writing style. It is relaxed and engaging. It reminds me of chatting with old friends. The story is told from Martha Sue, Jonah, and Yost’s point of view in alternating chapters. I like that we get to see what each one is thinking and feeling. Jonah’s chapters are especially illuminating. The characters are developed and relatable. I like that we get to see them learn and grow. I enjoyed getting to know Martha Sue, Yost, and Jonah. Jonah is certainly a clever boy who can think up devilish pranks. Vernon Schmucker cannot take a hint. I understood why Anna kept inviting him to dinner, but Vernon is full of himself. I can see why he is not married and lives with his mother. If I was Martha Sue, I would have had Jonah play a prank or two on Vernon. I like that we get to catch up with characters from the previous books in the series. I laughed, chuckled, and giggled while reading this story. Anna should be banned from cooking. Some of her food combinations made me want to gag. Felty is the perfect mate for her since his tastebuds suffered from a burn (he cannot taste a thing). Anna is still knitting and always has a potholder ready to hand out to a potential beau for one of her grandchildren (or someone who could use a pick me up). Anna’s yarn colors are akin to her cooking choices (colorful). Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is the eleventh novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this entire series. You will find yourself laughing frequently and wondering which relative will be Anna’s next victim (she is bound to run out of grandchildren). Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is a story of second (and third) chances, forgiveness, grace, Amish faith, family, and love. I found myself staying up late to finish the story while all the while not wanting the book to end. Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill is an entertaining Amish tale with a matchmaking Mammi, stomach-churning cooking creations, painful pranks, an irksome suitor, a dutiful Dawdi, a plethora of potholders, and a second chance romance.
This was a book that was very difficult to put down. I would find myself having to put the book down at 1am! You get to the point that you are pulling for one character after another. It also made me think. How would we feel if it had been just you and a parent? And then that parent fell in love with someone? What would your reaction be? And then you are an early teenager. That is just part of what this book is all about. I highly recommend this book. Good job Jennifer!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Second Chances at Huckleberry Hill will become available May 23, 2023. This is the 11th book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.
This is my first book I have read by Jennifer Beckstrand. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book by an Amish Author new to me and look forward to reading many more of her books. This is the 11th book in the series, but can be read as stand alone book.
I really enjoyed this book because the book expresses what is happening in this world today. There are broke families due to death and other situations out of our control. Even though as referenced in this book, a parent still loves their children so much and want their children to be happy, the single parent becomes lonely for someone to share their life with. The parent eventually may find someone and want the children to appreciate that person also, but the children who are younger may not want another person in their lives because that person may take time and attention from the child.
This book was fantastic to read and touched on so much reality that it was a blessing to read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
I read this as an ARC from the author and the publisher. I loved this 11th novel in the series. This author does a really great job of telling a heartfelt story and bring old ties and characters back. Such a good book!