Sunday, June 4, 2017

Return to Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

I'm on tour and get to return to some really fun fictional characters!  So hop on board as we make a Return to Huckleberry Hill with Celebrate Lit!

To purchase the book click here.

I alway love a fun and light book and in Jennifer Beckstrand's newest book she delivers a great read with a lot of humor.  

From the back:  When it comes to matchmaking, Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s unstoppable octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never seem to run out of opportunities—or grandchildren…

Reuben Helmuth is plenty bitter. John King, his best friend—or so he thought—is engaged to the girl Reuben loved. Humiliated, Reuben flees from Ohio to his grandparents’ home on Huckleberry Hill, where he knows he’ll find comfort. He’s enjoying wallowing in his misery—until John’s sister, Fern, shows up. She won’t stop pestering Reuben about forgiveness—or trying to help him find love again. Yet Fern’s efforts only reawaken Reuben’s long-buried feelings—for her…

With her brother too ashamed to face Reuben, it’s fallen to Fern to help mend fences. But as she and the Helmuths do all they can—even organizing a knitting club event filled with eligible girls—it may take one more challenge to inspire Reuben to forget his heartache, recognize his own blunders, and embrace the true love that’s right in front of him…

First I want Anna and Felty to adopt me, please!!  These two always leave a smile on my face.  Fern's sweet disposition and caring really shines through in the book.  Reuben took a little more time for me to warm up to in the story and he had some serious life lessons he needed to learn!

One thing I've always liked about Jennifer's books is that there are many lessons tucked into the humor.  Dealing with snobby behavior, pride, and forgiveness gives the reader a chance to see the human side of the Amish and maybe take a closer look at how they handle these situations.

So pick up your copy of Return to Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand, join the tour, and enter to win a prize!  Happy Reading!

About the Author


Jennifer Beckstrand is the award winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. 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-two years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and soon-to-be six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest post from Jennifer Beckstrand
My family. I have five sisters and no brothers. I think my mom made every dress in this photo, including her own.

Anna Helmuth is starting a knitting club, but that’s not all she’s got up her sleeve.

In Return to Huckleberry Hill, Anna Helmuth and Fern King decide to start a knitting club in order to introduce Anna’s grandson Reuben to some girls from Bonduel, Wisconsin. Anna is a very good knitter, with years of practice making baby blankets, scarves, mittens, and potholders. One of Anna’s scarves actually saved someone’s life, and her potholders have helped her make many a match.

When I was a young teenager, I learned how to knit and crochet. My mom taught me how to sew and quilt, and I made several of my own dresses in high school. I never learned to love sewing, but it was an invaluable skill that I am so grateful to have. Now that I’m a little older, I love putting together simple quilts for baby gifts and making quilts for the local children’s hospital. There is nothing like a homemade gift to say, “I care about you.”

I have a friend who is a wonderful cook. Making a delicious, beautiful meal is how she tells her family she loves them. I don’t consider myself a great cook, but I still take pride in putting something nutritious and satisfying on the table for my family.

It seems to me that some of the “home arts” that our mothers and grandmothers practiced are dying out. Who knows how to tat anymore? Or embroider? Some of these arts have died because of expediency. Who doesn’t think today’s stocking choices are more comfortable and practical than knitted wool ones? Others have died out because so few people want to learn.

What about you? Do you still practice any of the home arts that your grandmother did? What do you want to pass on to the next generation?

Giveaway 
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card to three lucky winners!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!  Enter here.

Blog Stops

May 23: cherylbbookblog

May 23: Lighthouse Academy

May 24: Reading Is My SuperPower

May 24: A Greater Yes

May 25: Just Commonly

May 25: God’s Little Bookworm

May 26: Have A Wonderful Day

May 26: Edits and Reviews by Leslie McKee

May 26: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

May 27: Faithful Acres Body Soul Spirit

May 27: A Bakers Perspective

May 28: Christian Bookaholic

May 28: The Power of Words

May 29: Karen Sue Hadley

May 29: Daysong Reflections

May 29: Inklings and notions

May 30: Quiet Quilter

May 30: my site/autism mom

May 30: Donna’s Bookshelf

May 31: Bibliophile Reviews

May 31: Bigreadersite

June 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

June 1: Southern Gal Loves to Read

June 2: Pause for Tales

June 2: Blossoms and Blessings

June 2: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

June 3: Moments Dipped in Ink

June 3: Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

June 4: A Room without Books is Empty

June 4: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

June 4: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog

June 5: His Grace Is Sufficient

June 5: Jeanette’s Thoughts

June 5: A Simple Life, really?!

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Amish Brides by by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber and, Amy Lillard

I on tour with Celebrate Lit!  Hop on board!

To purchase the book click here.

This book is a trio of Amish women looking to snag the perfect mate.  
From the back: Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring—fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings . . .

THE RELUCTANT GROOM
Jennifer Beckstrand
Spirited Suvie Newswenger has three marriage proposals—but not from the man she truly loves. No matter how lonely widower Aaron Beachy is, he seems determined to stay that way forever. Now, with help from his matchmaking great-grandparents, Suvie will do whatever it takes to rekindle Aaron’s hope—and spark happiness for a lifetime.

JOSHUA’S BRIDE
Molly Jebber
Madeline Lehman fears her fiancĂ©’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?

A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE
Amy Lillard
Reba Schmucker longs to be a bride. And she knows her mischievous nieces just wanted to help when they “chose” Abel Weaver for her. But he’s the last man in the world she’d ever marry. There’s no way her independence and his stubbornness could ever get along—unless a sudden crisis somehow leads to understanding . . . and love.

This book had three short stories by three really good writers.

In The Reluctant Groom I see my two favorite matchmakers Anna and Felty.  I really want them to adopt me.  The part where Anna is in her pink dress when all other proper elder Amish women wear black and grey had me grinning.  Jennifer brings them to life and gives them so much personality.

I didn't feel as connected to Aaron and Suvie.  There was a lot of extra description of how sad he was and how happy she was.  I just didn't enjoy them as much as other characters that Anna and Felty had matched.  The story still had lots of funny parts and I really adore Anna and Felty.

In Joshua's Bride we see the themes of forgiveness, love, and family.  I enjoyed meeting new characters in the story and seeing complex family relationships.

I did have a bit of a hard time with this story as well.  While the idea was a good one I almost feel as if the story reflected a more contemporary times than the Amish past.  It also had a lot of extra description thrown into the mix that maybe could have been condensed.

In A Summer Wedding in Paradise we meet spunky Reba.  She was truly a delight to get to know. Amy's story moved at a fast easy pace and had fun subplots that kept me engaged and turning pages. The nieces in the story were adorable as well and this was just a fun read.

So pick up your copy of Amish Brides, join the tour, and stick around for a giveaway!  Happy Reading.
About the Author

Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.
She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say no to!
Guest Post from Molly Jebber

Do you remember picking out your bride’s dress? The cake? Food? Location? The invitations? Weddings are fun, no matter how simple or extravagant. The marked event fills your heart with joy sharing in the special day with the bride and groom. I remember the day I married Ed, my best friend and soulmate. We planned the details together, and we still talk about what a heartwarming memory it is for us. I’m sure if you and I met for a girl’s chat, we’d enjoy hearing each other’s account of when we exchanged vows with our sweethearts.

Amish brides may not have the flowers, rings, and fancy food and cake, but they have their traditions and share in the excitement like we do. I enjoyed writing “Joshua’s Bride”. I hope you enjoy it to.

Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!  Enter here.

Blog Stops

June 1: Quiet Quilter

June 1: Lighthouse Academy

June 2: cherylbbookblog

June 2: Reading Is My SuperPower

June 3: my site/autism mom

June 3: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog

June 4: Avid Reader Book Reviews

June 4: Blossoms and Blessings

June 5: Bibliophile Reviews

June 5: Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

June 6: God’s Little Bookworm

June 6: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

June 7: A Greater Yes

June 7: Donna’s BookShelf

June 8: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

June 8: Jeanette’s Thoughts

June 9: Smiling Book Reviews

June 9: Splashes of Joy

June 10: A Baker’s Perspective

June 11: Christian Bookaholic

June 12: Karen Sue Hadley

June 13: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

June 13: Bigreadersite

June 14: A Simply Enchanted Life

June 14: Southern Gal Loves to Read

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*