Huckleberry Hearts by Jennifer Beckstrand The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series

I have just finished reading Jennifer Beckstrand's final installment in the Huckleberry Hill Series, entitled Huckleberry Hearts.

This story is about Cassie Coblenz who is a granddaughter of Felty and Anna Helmuth, the sweet 80 year olds who have made many happy  matches for their grandchildren.  This story was a bit different as Cassie, who has left the Amish community and church to become English, returns to the community as her grandmother Anna requires surgery and needs help to care for herself and husband Felty.  Cassie is happy to help and meets her grandmother's handsome English doctor.

Upon Cassie's return to the community, Cassie's mother tries her best to bring her back to the fold, so to speak.  Especially since Amish bachelor, Elmer Lee, is a good match in her opinion and more than obliging to the prospect of courting Cassie.

Meanwhile as the handsome doctor sets his eyes on Cassie, he is determined she is the one for him as well.  This meets with opposition from Cassie's mother, brothers and of course, Elmer Lee.  Cassie remembers Dr. Reynolds from her college days, which leaves her not too anxious to become involved with him.  Dr. Reynolds's faith is not up to the standards of Cassie and that adds to the problem.  Yet, he doesn't give up, although a tragedy that happens, makes his faith falter even more, causing a rift in their blossoming friendship.

This story was typical Jennifer Beckstrand style with lots of humor, Amish style.  It was a very enjoyable read and kept my attention throughout.  As with her previous books to this series, it was a wonderful book and I have to say I wish it wouldn't end.  I loved it and I am sure any Amish book reader will have to agree.  It was a very entertaining read, with lots of compassion and forgiving hearts.

But as a little bonus at the end of this book is the news of her next series which is a trilogy called the Honey Bee Sisters Trilogy and also takes place in Wisconsin.  I am looking forward to reading the entire trilogy.  Can't wait!

This was a definite 5 star book that I highly recommend!

Chat with Vera: Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund [Review & Giv...

Chat with Vera: Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund [Review & Giv...: About the book:  She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 16th century, nun Ka...

The Lopsided Christmas Cake By Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

This humorous book is co-authored by Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean Brunstetter.  The book is about two Amish twins who inherit the house and store of their grandparents.  The house is somewhat run-down and in need of many projects to make things beautiful and in good repair.  The twins have their hands full.

Being a bit older in age, the twins, Elma and Thelma find themselves in a new community and away from parents to start a new life on their own.

A bake-show auction is being held for a good cause and they enter.  Being a bit nervous and somewhat ill-prepared, the girls bumble their way through the demonstration with a cake that is definitely unique but not what they had expected it to turn out like.  Yet the audience finds them amusing and there are several bids for their less-than perfect cake. much to their surprise.

Two young men find that Elma and Thelma are an interesting pair and it appears that love may be in the air.

This amusing book is quite a quick and entertaining read.  Nothing heavy or serious, just amusing and a light read.  I liked it and it was very much in the style of Wanda E. Brunstetter, a talented author of Amish fiction.  It was fun to see that her daughter-in-law is not writing with her.  It will be fun to see further works of this new team.

Fun and entertaining Amish read!

You can find a cute trailer of this story at Wanda's website. 

Lilacs For Juliana by Carrie Fancett Pagels Blog Hop!

I was lucky enough to read this sweet story, Lilacs For Juliana, a short novel by Carrie Fancett Pagels.  The author has written this through personal knowledge of her lumberjack ancestors and what better way to know the life they lead then to have stories passed down in your family.

I found myself attached to the character, Juliana, because she was a librarian.  This has been my occupation for 30 years while working at the Family History Library.

The story takes place in St. Ignace in the 1890's.  I love this time period, being a family historian, and so enjoyed reading this story.  Carrie has written two other books, The Fruitcake Challenge and The Lumberjack's Ball, both of which I had read earlier.  In these earlier books of the Christy Lumber Camp, we meet Richard "Moose" Christy and Juliana Beauchamps who are the main characters about whom this book revolves.  If you haven't read the first two books, you should definitely do so to find out all about the Christy family and the camp.  But you will still enjoy this book even without having read the earlier novels as Carrie carefully crafts the story in a way that it can stand alone.

As Moose discovers pretty Juliana, he immediately falls for her.  But he isn't the only one to have these feelings for her and he also feels a bit "out of her league" so to speak.  Moose is the epitome of Paul Bunyan, a woodsmen I grew up "knowing" well in school, having lived in Minnesota.

Juliana's job seems to be in jeopardy as a school administrator tries to find ways to have her removed from her librarian position, one she very much needs.

Richard Christy knows of Juliana's love of Lilacs and the sweet story revolves around her work at the library and her hopes for a wonderful future.  As you read the book, the author eloquently makes you feel you are in the woods, walking the paths her characters, too, are walking.  And smelling the wonderful scent of Lilacs!

Author: Carrie Fancett Pagels

Links to the other blogs in the blog hop are below!  Be in to win!!!  Stop by each link and leave a comment and your email address in a safe format!  You might be the winner of a KINDLE!  And a paperback copy will be given to a winner at each blog stop!  Carrie is Awesome!!

September 7^th Heroes, Heroines and History

September 12^th  Overcoming with God 

September 14^{th   BookBabble}

September 16^{th   Cheryl B Book Blog}

September 18^th   D’s Quilts & Books

September 23^rd  Sunnie Reviews

September 24^th  Buzzing About Books

September 30^th  Captive Dreams Windows

October 1^st             Singing Librarian Books

October 5^th            Perspectives by Nancee  

October 7^th             Stuff and Nonsense

October 14^th          Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

October 21st        Lane Hill House

Other books of this series by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Chat with Vera: The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us...

Chat with Vera: The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us...: About the book: (Publisher: Crossway) In The Biggest Story , Kevin DeYoung - a best-selling author and father of six - leads kids and pare...

Lord Windmere Historical Romance Short Stories by Gianna Thomas

This short story revolves about the exploits of 4 young Lords and takes place as they are approaching their 30's.  Invited to a house party to be attendees of Lady Stockton,   His friends make a wager regarding finding someone in the next year and that it must be a "love match"..He does meet Lady Jane at the party.  There are many things that keep them from having a less than easy time at the house party. There are definitely some adventures afoot in this story.  There is also some heat, as well.  

The finest of England's families attend and there is a bit of a mystery taking place that keeps the story interest going.

The end of the story leaves you with a definite cliff hanger, which of course, causes you to want to find out what happens next.  There are four books which continue regarding the 4 lords.

I was given an ebook copy of this book for my honest review which I have given.

Author Spotlight with Carrie Fancett Pagels! And A GIVEAWAY!

Today I have been blessed to have a very special lady do an author interview and share some of her thoughts with us!  Welcome to my blog, Carrie!  

Carrie, tell us a little about yourself.

I am a former psychologist (25+ years working with children and adolescents) but arthritis disabled me. I planned on working as a psychologist, in a Christian practice, until reaching retirement age—but God had other plans.

  

Can you share any stories that your readers could be looking forward to in the near future?

I have a brand new release, a short novel, Lilacs for Juliana, that just released! And I have an upcoming release, a novelette, entitled The Substitute Bride, that is part of a multi-author O’ Christmas Town collection.

How has being a writer impacted your relationship with Christ?

My relationship with Christ is what drew me to being a writer. I do this for the Lord. I pray that my work honors Him!

Do you feel that the Christian genre is making an important impact on people’s lives, and how?

I hear stories of people being drawn to Christ through reading Christian fiction. Personally, I have been a longtime reader of Christian fiction, starting back in the late 1980s. There is so much MORE in a true Christian fiction. There is a spiritual arc that ENCOURAGES the reader in their faith walk. I’ve read a couple of “clean” reads recently and walked away shaking my head—without the spiritual walk in Christ the story was no good to me.

Who is your favorite author?

Oh you are making this TOO hard, Sonja!!!  I love SO many. I have to say Julie Lessman. Her stories are filled with passion for the Lord as well as terrific romance! Her voice shines on every page—I love that!

How do you deal with the pressures of writing under a deadline?

I’m kind of a deadline person because of my RA. But life happens. I had unexpected emergency surgery in April. That set my current release behind.  In general, I try to write at least something every day. I ask God to help me. He is the reason I can be productive and meet deadlines.

When not writing what is your favorite way to unwind?

That would be hubs barbecuing for us, daughter over visiting us and with her dog, and our son being there. And then maybe doing a little bit of beading with our daughter and us all watching a movie together!

You seem like a very grounded person, Carrie, what would you feel helps you with this?

God. The Lord is the only reason I look that way. I am a mess without Him. I try to stay grounded in my faith. Staying in prayer and in the Word and being plugged in at church are some of those basic tenets of having any kind of chance of being grounded!

Thanks for interviewing me, Sonja! I’ve interviewed thousands of people over the years, in practice as a psychologist, so it is always interesting being on the other end of the questions!!!

Giveaway: A paperback (or ebook) copy of any one of the books in The Christy Lumber Camps Series – winner’s choice.

To enter the giveaway, please comment regarding the spotlight and mention which book you would prefer to receive, should you be the winner!  Don't forget to leave your email in a safe form so that we can contact you if you are the winner!  Contest ends September 10th!