About the Book
Title: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill
Author: Jennifer Beckstrand
Genre: Christian Amish Fiction
Release Date: December 26, 2017
Elsie Helmuth’s plain-spoken ways got her in trouble once before, so she needs to make a good impression at her new teaching job. But she’s not about 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.
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My Perspective
I love this series. I mean, I never want it to end. Every single time I read about Anna Felty my heart just jumps for joy and I have a big smile on my face. They are such a delight to read about. I know they aren’t technically the main characters, but they are so much fun. Sometimes I wish my husband would react to my cooking like Felty does Anna. I mean, she makes some out there kind of stuff, and he praises it like she’s a world class chef! I want to be like them when I am old and (hopefully) have grandchildren.
But let’s get to the story here. This may be my favorite one yet for one specific character. Wally. That boy stole my heart even when he was being a little mischievous. It’s not too often that you read about a disabled Amish child, so I applaud Ms. Beckstrand to even bringing that to the table. Here’s the lesson learned from this story – disabled people are just like everyone else. They don’t want special treatment, they just want to be loved and accepted. Elsie saw that, and thus treated him like any other child in the classroom. His own brother, on the other hand, seemed to use his disability as an excuse for everything. At least it seemed that way to me.
Elsie and Sam were fun and sweet. It took them awhile, mostly due to their own stubbornness, to open up to each other. I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom, as well as seeing Elsie put Sam in his place a time or two. Once again Ms. Beckstrand has made me with that I lived on Huckleberry Hill, eating Anna’s unique meals, and maybe even perhaps helping her set up a couple of unsuspected youngsters! I can’t wait until I can visit again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, has created a lot of romantic buzz. Sweet as Honey received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and Sweet as Honey and A Bee in her Bonnet were both awarded Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.
Guest Post from Jennifer Beckstrand
I have a very special place in my heart for teachers. My dad was a high school math teacher. My mother taught second grade for over twenty years. My son-in-law taught choir in high school, and my daughter taught seventh-grade science. Another daughter taught American history labs at the university and still another daughter taught classes for a youth summer program.
Elsie Stutzman is a dedicated teacher who was dismissed from her last teaching job in Ohio and is trying to make a fresh start and a good impression in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Unfortunately one of her students, Wally Sensenig, is making things difficult for her, and Wally’s hot-headed older brother seems determined to get her fired. But Elsie is a dedicated teacher, too stubborn to back down and too steadfast to give up on anybody.
Elsie’s grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth, have other plans for her. They want her to fall in love with one of the local boys, but they’re finding it a little difficult to get the two young people together.
Teachers have an immense impact on our lives. We all remember a favorite elementary school teacher who inspired a love of learning or a high school teacher who encouraged us to reach for greatness. One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Zobell, who taught ninth grade English. I distinctly remember her reading “The Outsiders” out loud to our class. She had a way of making great books and great stories come to life, and she sparked a love of reading (and writing) that I will always be grateful for. The teacher who had the most impact on my life is my dad. He helped me through Calculus in high school and inspired me to major in math in college.
I hope we will take the time this month to thank the teachers in our lives for all they do for us and all they do for our kids.
Who was one of your favorite teachers and why?
Blog Stops
Christian Bookaholic, January 16
proud to be an autism mom, January 16
Blossoms and Blessings, January 16
Reading Is My SuperPower, January 17
Mommynificent, January 17
Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 17
Bibliophile Reviews, January 18
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, January 18
The Power of Words, January 18
Multifarious, January 19
A Greater Yes, January 19
Texas Book-aholic, January 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 20
Karen Sue Hadley, January 21
Splashes of Joy, January 21
A Reader’s Brain, January 22
Mary Hake, January 22
Southern Gal Loves to Read, January 23
SusanLovesBooks, January 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24
Janices book reviews, January 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 25
Carpe Diem, January 25
Quiet Quilter, January 26
margaret kazmierczak, January 26 (Interview)
cherylbbookblog, January 27
Red Headed Book Lady, January 27
Pink Granny’s Journey, January 27
A Baker’s Perspective, January 28
Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Pursuing Stacie, January 28
Because I said so- and other adventures in parenting., January 29
Vicky Sluiter, January 29
Bigreadersite, January 29
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to three winners!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c6cf
Thank you for your wonderful review on “A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill” by Jennifer Beckstrand and being on the book tour. I very much want to read this book!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
thank you for the review. The more I read about this book, well, it has to go on my to buy list. How can Sam not resist a lovely, stubborn, plain spoken lady who has stolen his heart?
My favorite teacher was my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Mitchell. He made learning fun. For history he would dress up as the person we were learning about and often times there would be another person dressed up who would help get the point across. He did this with learning all the presidents. He was gentle, yet firm when needed. Everyone loved him. Even the parents.
I am looking forward to reading A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill.I enjoy reading your books.
Congrats on the tour and thanks so much for your review and giveaway alsol
I really enjoyed the description of the book. Sounds like a great read.
This book sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing it on your blog with us.
Looking forward to reading this book.
Jessica, thank you so much for having me on your blog! I love your review. It truly made my day. The adventures of Anna and Felty are always so much fun to write, and Elsie and Sam are some of my favorites too. I’m glad they finally got together. 🙂 Have a blessed day.