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Jennifer BeckstrandBesprekingen

Auteur van Kate's Song

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A man comes from a small Amish community to see if he can find a wife and mother for his two little girls, and he has given himself a month to find a new wife. Wow, a girl should be really flattered to have a man, no real relationship, want to marry her. Well, I know for a fact that this does happen!

We journey with Menno and Joanna, will they ever see what is in front of them? Will one of the forward girls win his heart?

Will Menno stop putting his foot in his mouth?

I love the sweet father with his daughters, and how the community rally around this young family, and seem to want to help his bishop and have him remarry!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.
 
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alekee | Apr 30, 2024 |
The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand has Mary Yoder meeting baseball player, Clay Markham when he runs into their family barn (and almost into Mary). Mary is twenty-eight, a baptized member, and unmarried. Clay is Englisch and a baseball player. Mary’s father insists on Clay repairing the damage himself instead of writing a check and walking away. I found The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match to be easy to read. It is a cute story, though, there are repetitive details. My favorite character is Cathy, the Englischer driver and quilter. She is a hoot. I found it hard not to roll my eyes several times while reading the story, particularly over an incident near the end. It appears some of the Amish rules were thrown out the window. The drama was upped in the story. There is one persistent, dislikeable reporter. There is humor to help offset the drama. The goats provide several amusing moments. The ending is sweet. I enjoy Jennifer Beckstrand’s Amish novels and I look forward to each new release. Unfortunately, The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match was a strikeout.
 
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Kris_Anderson | 4 andere besprekingen | Mar 18, 2024 |
I enjoyed the book immensely. There was some mystery to the story. The reader doesn't know how long Clay and Mary can remain to be friends given that Clay was not Amish. I kept waiting to read that they stopped seeing each other. However, one thing after another happened to Clay that brought him and Mary together. As with all Amish fiction, there is a happy ending. The suspension of belief that you see with cozy mysteries is evident here. I believe that suspension of belief was a little far to be believable but hey, at least it's a happy ending.
 
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Violette62 | 4 andere besprekingen | Jan 27, 2024 |
Mary Yoder lives a quiet life on her family farm with her dad and sisters. She enjoys working with the goats, making quilts, and helping with the family cheese business. When Clay crashes his car into their family barn, Mary helps her dad to rescue their barn as well as Clay. As the family gets to know Clay, they are surprised to discover that he is a professional baseball player! Clay quickly becomes a well-loved part of the family, as he works to repair the damage to the barn and fence. Mary falls in love with Clay, but reporters, fans, and gossip related to his profession keep interfering in their romance. The characters experience growth and change, while confronting their own inner demons.

Readers who enjoy a new angle on the Amish romance story will find this to be a refreshing change up! The story is a clean and sweet one, without explicit sex, strong language, or violence. The Christian message is overt, but not preachy.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
 
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LadyoftheLodge | 4 andere besprekingen | Jan 14, 2024 |
The title was definitely an appropriate one, as the unlikely match was indeed unlikely. As Mary starts her quilt design, called the Drunkard's Path, she has no idea that something will quickly change life as she knows it. A handsome drunken driver crashes onto the family's property and into the barn. Mary helps in his rescue and as he offers to pay for all damages, Mary's father feels it more important to have him learn a lesson than to simply have him pay for the damages. So handsome Clay begins his time as barn repairman. No one of the family knowing who this man really was.
There are lots of twists and turns as a sweet romance starts between Mary and Clay. As Clay becomes accustomed to the family, he also becomes a close friend. As unexpected things start to occur, Mary finds out there is more to this man.

I really enjoyed this read and there was some humor, as is typical for this author, but there is also lots of drama. Each character grows in their own ways in the story and it is nice to see the changes that take place. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
 
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Sonja.Hoeke.Nish7358 | 4 andere besprekingen | Jan 11, 2024 |
A wonderful book! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Anna loves to be friendly and helpful. When Felty comes back from serving in the army she befriends him. Over time the rest of the Amish accept Felty. Their parents however try to discourage them from getting too close. Through many trials Anna and Felty find true love! A must read!
 
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Sassyjd32 | 6 andere besprekingen | Dec 22, 2023 |
These books were okay. I generally don't like short books because I don't get to know the characters very well. I liked the first two books very much. The last one I really had to push through.
 
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Sassyjd32 | 6 andere besprekingen | Dec 22, 2023 |
Three wonderful short stories. I would higly recomend this book. All the stories were worth the read. With the twist of Christmas made it all the more better.
 
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AshleyPelletier | 6 andere besprekingen | Dec 7, 2023 |
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5

First Impressions
Huckleberry Hearts is the sixth installment in the "Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill" and this book I would say might just be my favorite of the series. The way that the story is built and the manner of spiritual healing that is showcased was beautiful and poignant. This book had my feelings all over the place and I never knew what emotion the author would be having me feeling here but it was epic and beautiful and seeing these two grow spiritually as individuals and grow together as a couple was sincere and relatable. I honestly found Huckleberry Hearts to be a story of such deep love and acceptance.

First Line
Anna Helmuth glanced up from her knitting long enough to study the top of Dr. Reynold's head.

Summary
Huckleberry Hearts begins with our delightful Anna and Felty Helmuth, who are determined to match their granddaughter who left the Amish faith and community and is returning for a few months. They want to see her matched with someone who will understand her struggles and be the partner she needs. So when Anna needs foot surgery, the young aspiring surgeon doctor is perfect but when they learn he struggles with God as a whole, they wonder how it will work. But as Cassie and Zach learn to get each other, they realize that this isn't the first time that they have met. They both struggle in different ways spiritually. Cassie knows that the Amish life isn't for her but does have a strong belief in God. Then we have Zach, who has struggled with his spiritual beliefs, is having to face up to his issues and learn to rely on his faith once again in ways that will push him and challenge him and the love that he bears for Cassie and the future he dreams of having with her...

What I Loved
This book held my heart so deeply. There was something about this one that captivated me. I just love a redemption story, but seeing our couple really build each other up both emotionally and spiritually was so poignant and its stories like this in why I love a sweet inspirational romance. And its so relatable as someone that is spiritually driven as a reader. I absolutely adored Cassie and Zach being together. Seeing them overcome their challenges and working together was epic. And the ways in which that they have to learn to grow and the challenges in which they need to overcome really captures your attention. I think what impressed me most was how emotionally connected I became to the story itself. I really fell so hard for this one here. It was interesting in the ways that the Amish themes were implemented and how these two lived in the community but were apart from it as well and would find their our journey and strength.

What I Struggled With
The only change I would really have is the heroine. I do wish that she would stand up to her mother and brother who constantly demean her and her choices. She really needed to stand up more firmly to them and if she wasn't going to not be attacking the hero who goes about to defend her.

Narration
CSE Cooney does just a wonderful job with these Amish romances and really brings it out in such a cozy endearing way. Loved how she narrated the story of Cassie and Zach.

Overall View
Huckleberry Hearts is a in depth story of capturing love, finding redemption for one self, and embracing the best parts of your faith to overcome challenges and give one strength in the disheartening of times. TRULY A SPIRITUAL GEM TO HOLD DEAR TO THE HEART!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance
Character Types: Amish, Doctor
Themes: Heart/Emotional Touching, Page Turner
Tropes: Second Chance

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
When it Rains it Pours by Luke Combs

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy

Narrators:
C.S.E. Cooney½
 
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addictofromance | 6 andere besprekingen | Oct 21, 2023 |
This was a difficult read for me, I love this author's books, but this one was not one of them!

The values of the Amish and the adherence to the rules that keep them in their faith, and yes, they do have rumspringa, but this is a story of a woman whom had already been baptised.

There is a lot of drama here and the news media, especially one, that you will really dislike. Then again, for the Amish to call the news and participate?

You will need to judge for yourself, but this is not a typical story.

I dd enjoy the ending!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
 
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alekee | 4 andere besprekingen | Oct 16, 2023 |
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25

First Impressions
Huckleberry Harvest is the fifth installement in the "Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill" series and thi is Mandy's book. For those that aren't familar with the theme of the series, we have our grandparents (they do have a book which is the last one in the series I believe) who matchmake their grandkids into love and marriage Amish style haha If you like cozy endearing inspirational romance, then this is an author you need to pick up. I absolutely have fallen head over heels in love with Amish romance. Its so refreshing to read at times. Huckleberry Harvest is probably the most cozy out of all the books I have read in the series so far though. There is such an easygoing relationship in the romance and it does have a third act conflict/breakup but that's okay, the author makes them work.

First Line
The chickens gathered at Anna Helmuth's feet as she scattered scratch from her pail.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Noah Mischler
A young man who is tortured emotionally. Protects his father who is grieving and is an alcoholic but stays with him. Hard worker and devoted to his faith but lets pride get the better of him at times.

The Heroine: Mandy Helmuth
Mandy is kind and caring and sees the good in people. She is always wanting to help others.

Summary
Mandy Helmuth is visiting her grandparents for a month and in the process wants to help her best friend win her boyfriend back. But what Mandy doesn't realize is that Kristina has been manipulating the situation and been deceiving her on the truth of what her relationship with Noah has really been about. When Kristina drags her to spy on Noah, its the last straw for Mandy. When he saves her life, there is a change in the relationship between Noah and Mandy. As Noah is working on repairs for her grandparents place, she begins to see the man beneath his rough exterior. But he is also the man her best friend wants to have, and is torn on choosing Noah for a husband or her best friend...

What I Loved
Huckleberry Harvest despite how the blurb sounds, has so many cozy fall vibes to it. It was such an easy book to relax into and I became so charmed by this one. I do think this is one of the better books of the series if I had to choose. And I am liking this narrator the more I listen to her and she really handles the tones of the story very well. And I especially love how she handles the dialogue between the grandparents. They remind me so much of my own that its so nostalgic. I also love the support system that is showcased in here. Not sure if that is the normal Amish way, but if it is, I truly respect this culture more and more. I also enjoyed the easy way that Noah and Mandy get along once they let go of their pride and just learn to be together. Noah and Mandy individually are such wonderful characters. Noah is a man of mystery. You see how tortured he is in having to choose his dad and taking care of him even when he is abused at times when he is drunk. Then we have Mandy who just wants to help him out and has such an open caring heart.

What I Struggled With
The best friend and the third act conflict. I was not a fan in how these were handled. I like a good conflict but the best friend Kristina was awful and never had to apologize for anything she did. I did want some more justice surrounding her actions and how she harmed her best friend. Best friends don't treat each other like Kristina does to Mandy. And the third act breakup felt unnecessary. I get misunderstandings, but it felt too much in comparison to the story that is delivered.

Narration
This narrator isn't bad and really brings out the vibes of an Amish romance really well. The dialogue especially is just perfect and why I am doing this series in audio. She really uplifts the story in the right ways.

Overall View
Huckleberry Harvest is a stunning story that melted my heart and delivered on the most authentic cozy vibes for a romance. Its sweet and easy going and packed with emotional intimacy.

Favorite Quote(s)
“Even when we sin, even when our trouble is of our own making, Jesus doesn’t abandon us.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance
Character Types: Amish, Country/Farmer, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Cozy Vibes, Family Bonds, Sweet Romance, Fade To Black
Tropes: Friends To Lovers, Forbidden Love

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
Center Point Road by Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as standalones

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy

Narrators:
C.S.E. Cooney
 
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addictofromance | 5 andere besprekingen | Oct 8, 2023 |
Martha Sue and Yost are in love and want to marry. There is just one problem: his name is Jonah and he is Yost’s thirteen-year-old son. Jonah will do everything he can to break up this romance, and that includes all the dirty tricks he can think of to play on Martha Sue. And it works, up to a point. She leaves her home and goes to visit her grandparents, Anna and Felty. Before Jonah could celebrate this good news, Yost moves Jonah and himself to Huckleberry Hill to pursue Martha Sue. Jonah is even more upset, Yost is even more determined to marry Martha Sue, and Martha Sue is just as determined not to come between Yost and his son. Meanwhile, Anna is continually trying to match Martha Sue with another man, but he is totally unsuitable for her, even though Anna can’t seem to see it. This delightful romance is filled with Jennifer Beckstrand’s trademark humor and delightful characters. It’s quite entertaining and a great addition to this wonderful series.
 
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Maydacat | 4 andere besprekingen | Sep 16, 2023 |
I have read all the books in this series and always look forward to the next, I love Annie and Felty!
This is their grandson Bo's story, but we are reunited with past characters, and given some updates!
Bo is dating Ruth, one of the twins, she is the extrovert, whereas her sister Naomi is much more shy.
There are other differences between the twins, and you soon will be aware of most of them. They do have a lot in common, including like Bo.
There are a lot of life lessons here, and we do journey along to see whom will end up with Bo, but most of all we get to spend time with the Helmuth grandparents!
Now I can't wait for the next grandchild match!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
 
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alekee | 1 andere bespreking | Aug 30, 2023 |
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.
 
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Kris_Anderson | 4 andere besprekingen | Aug 15, 2023 |
This book was a tad frustrating for me. Omi (short for Naomi) and Ruth are identical twin sisters. To make a long story short, I'll start with this - Ruth is a selfish, entitled young lady who thinks she is in love with Nebo (Bo for short). Omi has been in love with Bo since fifth grade but hasn't told anyone about it. Omi is a bit on the judgemental side and is generally perfect.
One night Ruth asks Omi to switch places with her and to let Bo Take Omi home and to allow him to think it was Ruth. Ruth just wanted to go and have some fun with a boy who had a car. Bo isn't fooled, and things escalate from there.

What irked me is that Ruth and Omi's parents can't see that things aren't right with the sisters. The other thing that irked me is that Ruth would have been called the "B" word if this hadn't been a religion-based book. Then again, we might also say that Omi has a bit of a stick up her back-side.

But don't despair; things do work out for the best all around with a little help from Fenty and Anna, Bo's grandparents.

Another winning novel for the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill!

*ARC supplied by the publisher Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp, the author, and NetGalley. This review is based solely on my opinion.½
 
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Cats57 | 1 andere bespreking | Aug 8, 2023 |
You wouldn't want to miss even a single book from this author. Every book she writes, leaves you wanting more! And book 11 in this series was exactly that! More please!
The author has another hit! I love a good matchmaker story starring Felty and Anna and this was wonderful. The humor, the emotions and family relationships were well captured and I hate to see that I am nearing the end of the book as I am reading. I love this light-hearted writing style that gives you that "feel-good" feeling at the end of the book. Don't miss this one!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
 
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Sonja.Hoeke.Nish7358 | 4 andere besprekingen | May 6, 2023 |
I have read all the books in this series, and each time I go back its like going home! I love Annie and Felty, and the author makes the antics and happenings so enjoyable, I always want more!

This is their Granddaughter Martha Sue's story, and your in for quite a ride before this story ends! Annie is still making her mouth water treats, not, and they are blessed to have their Granddaughter staying with them.

Martha Sue is in love with Yost, his son is worried that his father will forget him if he marries her, and boy does he go out of his way to prevent such a union!

We witness the actions of this young man Jonah, and he seems to be such a brat, but you can't help but love him! You are in for such an enjoyable read, and when finished I wanted to stay, and you wonder whom is next on their radar, Bo?

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
 
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alekee | 4 andere besprekingen | Apr 11, 2023 |
Since the first time I started reading this series, I think this is the first book I didn't absolutely adore. I liked it very much-I just didn't adore it.
It was an interesting and heart-warming story, but it dragged on a tad too much for me.

Martha Sue, and Yorst love each other. There is one significant problem, though, Yorsts son really really dislikes Martha Sue. To the point that he physically hurts her and eventually her 80-something-year-old Mammi, Anna. It got to the point that I started disliking Jonah (the son).

Now, since this is a book about matchmaking, you'd better believe that Anna and Felty are up to their old tricks, which means there is another man in the mix. And boy, did I ever dislike him!

But don't worry, this is an Amish romance, and everything will work out for the best, and we will all learn some outstanding life lessons!

This was a fast, sweet, clean read with several chuckles throughout the book.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Kensington Books, Zebra, the author, and NetGalley.
 
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Cats57 | 4 andere besprekingen | Apr 4, 2023 |
The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand is an amusing Amish tale. It is the third book in The Amish Quiltmaker series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but you will be missing out on some entertaining stories. Jennifer Beckstrand has an engaging writing style. Her stories are easy to read with humor throughout. I loved Mattie Zook. She is a spunky Amish woman who will fight for what is right. Filing a lawsuit nor running for an office are the Amish way, but Mattie is not going to let that stop her. Freeman and his twin sisters (Sarah and Sadie) were fun. I enjoyed the sibling banter (and bickering). There is a great cast with differing personalities. Cathy, an Englischer, who supported Mattie running for office (in her own way) and let us not forget the color-blind Caleb who likes to work on puzzles (he breaks out in a sweat when he lies or does something he feels is wrong). We get to travel to Byler, Colorado which has a small Amish population. I did not blame Mattie for trying to get the new Amish buggy law repealed. If you cannot travel the main streets, it is next to impossible to get anywhere by buggy. There is a touch of romance. I am glad it was not the predominant feature in the book (there was just enough). I had mixed feelings about the ending (I do not want to spoil it for you). I like that the author left us laughing. We do get to catch up with the characters from The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law. The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a fun, unconventional Amish novel. I was sorry when my time in Byler, Colorado came to an end. The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a witty tale with an unbalanced buggy law, sassy twin sisters, a plethora of puzzles, unkind election hijinks, beholding a bevy of sunsets, and campaign consequences.
 
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Kris_Anderson | 2 andere besprekingen | Jan 6, 2023 |
Fun book. Mattie Zook is a very unconventional Amish woman. She is headstrong, opinionated, vocal, and always ready to fight for what is right, even when it goes against her Amish upbringing. At home in Lancaster, she went so far as to sue a neighbor for dumping garbage on her family's land. In desperation, Mattie's father sends her to live with her Aunt Esther in Colorado.

But instead of learning her lesson, Mattie finds herself embroiled in another controversy. Furious at a local ordinance discriminating against the Amish community, Mattie decides to take advantage of her rumschpringe to run for town council. This decision does not sit well with her new community, but Mattie is determined.

Local farmer Freeman Sensenig is one of those who disapproves. He and Mattie clashed from the moment they met. Freeman is just as opinionated as Mattie and is vocal in his opposition. But something about her brings out his protective side, and he finds himself secretly serving as her campaign manager.

I enjoyed following the ins and outs of Mattie's campaign. Her opponent is an arrogant man who will do anything to win. Meanwhile, Mattie gets a crash course in politics with the help of a local Englisch woman. I loved seeing Mattie run a focused and clean campaign that appealed to those who were tired of the incumbent's antics. It isn't an easy campaign, as there are obstacles that she must overcome. A bit of trouble causes Mattie to rethink her decision, but in the end, the principal of the race wins out.

I liked the development of the relationship between Mattie and Freeman. They are both stubborn people, and because of that, many of their interactions are contentious. Freeman is vocal in his disapproval of Mattie's plan but also worries about her safety and feelings. Mattie is adamant that her feelings are not so fragile that she can't take whatever her opponent dishes out. It was amusing to see Freeman's confusion over why he is so concerned about Mattie - after all, he doesn't even like her! Meanwhile, Mattie isn't sure why she feels so much more confident when Freeman is nearby - all he wants is for her to withdraw. There comes the point when Freeman realizes his feelings and that he needs to support her to make her happy, while Mattie faces a decision of whether to quit or go on. I liked Freeman's "aha" moment and the sweet scene that resulted from it. The ending was terrific.

I enjoyed the variety of characters. Aunt Esther disapproves of Mattie's plan but can't stop her. However, she can try to distract her and gives it her level best. Fortunately, Mattie sees through the attempt and finds an interesting way around it. Caleb is Esther's seventeen-year-old brother-in-law and the tool she uses for distraction. Caleb is a typically awkward teenager who is no match for Mattie's determination. It isn't long before Mattie has him helping her despite his fear of discovery. Sarah and Sadie are Freeman's eighteen-year-old twin sisters who are firmly on Mattie's side. I loved their enthusiasm and involvement. Cathy is the older Englisch lady who is the moving force behind Mattie's campaign. She was quite an interesting character, as there were times when I wasn't sure what she would say next.

#netgalley
 
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scoutmomskf | 2 andere besprekingen | Nov 4, 2022 |
Mattie Zook may be Amish, but she can't stand injustice and keeps making stands, the reason she is now staying at her uncles in Colorado.

She is not here very long when she is at it again, she is supposed to be a pacifist, turn the other cheek, well, when it comes to one person hurting others, she can't stand it! Thus she ends up running for the City Council, can you just picture it? An Amish young woman in government!

Enter Freeman Sensenig, he is Baptized, will he risk being under the ban, or will he end up helping Mattie ? He is living the life of a young Amish man, farming and living his everyday life until Mattie.

With the humor I tend to expect Jennifer Beckstrand had me chuckling and page turning with another of her delightful reads!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
 
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alekee | 2 andere besprekingen | Oct 10, 2022 |
In this third book in The Petersheim Brothers series, Austen is trying to figure out a way to sell more of his family’s homemade peanut butter. His younger twin siblings are trying to figure out a way to get Austin married so they can stop sleeping in the basement and get back their old room. Rooms got switched around when their grandfather had a stoke and he and his wife had to move into the main house. The twins absolutely hate the basement with its spiders and who knows what else! But they disagree on whom Austin should marry. Priscilla is Alfie’s choice, but Beni is holding out for Hannah. Notice how none of the people involved were consulted by the twins as to his or her feelings! Both girls are attracted to Austin, a very handsome man, as everyone will agree. And the two women are also quite nice looking. But one is especially kind to others, smart, and caring. The other one? Well, she is mostly kind to herself, and certainly not kind to rambunctious little boys. The twins have their work cut out for them, and they soon figure out they should join forces for their common goal. And as for Austin? He would do well to seek the help of an astute business woman for some ideas if he wants to sell more peanut butter. This wrap up to the series is filled with humor, romance, and great characters, all in an intriguing and very entertaining story. The twins really steal the show, but all the characters are interesting and well developed. It’s a wunderbaar story! I highly recommend the entire series.
 
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Maydacat | 4 andere besprekingen | Jul 31, 2022 |
"His Amish Sweetheart" introduces readers to another of the Petersheim brothers. This time we meet Andrew, who is too ambitious and handsome for his own good. He seems to be disregarding Hannah, the lovely woman who has been his good friend for life, and instead focuses on Priscilla, another potential wife whose personality is not nearly as attractive as it appears. In order to send things in a positive direction, Austin's younger brothers and their cousins get involved, with hilarious results. The kids definitely steal the show in this delightful Amish romance novel. Some unique turns of phrase also add interest and provide insights into the characters and their thoughts.

Readers who desire a clean read, without violence, strong language, or overt intimacy will appreciate this latest offering about the Petersheim brothers. The Christian message is subtle.Those who appreciate and seek out novels about Amish people will find this to be a welcome addition to their reading list. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
 
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LadyoftheLodge | 4 andere besprekingen | Jul 7, 2022 |
His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand is an entertaining Amish tale. I laughed so often while reading this engaging story. Alfie and Benji are a hoot. The twin brothers are determined to get their bedroom back. They do not like sleeping in the cellar (there are spiders, it smells, and a rat could eat them you know). The boys decide the only solution is to marry off their three older brothers. They have had success with Andrew and Abraham. Austin, though, is going to be more of a challenge. Austin is too handsome for his own good and a bit self-centered. The twins believe Hannah Yutzy, Austin’s best friend, is the right person for Austin. The problem is making Austin see it and direct him away from Priscilla Lambright. Austin finds Priscilla to be the prettiest girl in their community and she loves the Petersheim peanut butter. Alfie and Benji come up with a plan to nudge Austin in Hannah’s direction. They enlist the help of two of Hannah’s young female cousins. Can the twins get Austin married off so they can move back into their old bedroom? I thought His Amish Sweetheart was well-written with developed characters. I just love the characters in this series especially the mischievous Benji and Alfie. Their antics had me laughing. The addition of Hannah’s young cousins added to the hilarity. We also get to catch up with the Honeybee sisters and their colorful aunt, Bitsy. I like how everything tied together into one engaging story. There are good life lessons as well. I enjoyed seeing the characters learn and grow. I did not want this diverting story to end (I am still laughing about the BM cookies). The conclusion was delightful. His Amish Sweetheart (formerly known as Austin) is the third book in The Petersheim Brothers series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but this is one series you do not want to miss. I hope this is not the end of the road for Alfie and Benji. His Amish Sweetheart is a heartwarming and humorous Amish tale with Petersheim Peanut Butter, inventive twins, luscious cinnamon rolls, a sign scrape, a cookie crisis, reading time troubles, and a merry market.
 
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Kris_Anderson | 4 andere besprekingen | Jul 4, 2022 |
An unsafe stunt lands Ben on the side of road with a hurt leg and Linda, a passenger in the buggy shaking her head at him. Trying to ski with a rope looped behind a buggy is definitely an unsafe practice, and just another example of the foolishness that Ben often exhibits. But if doesn’t take long before Linda sees something in Ben that the rest of the Amish community doesn’t, and she falls in love. But then, Ben doesn’t believe anyone as sweet as Linda could possibly love such an unworthy person as he is, and he rejects her. This is one rocky road that these two must traverse! The characters are quite delightful, even the “bad boys,” but my favorite is the elderly and outspoken English driver. There is a lot of Jennifer Beckstrand’s trademark humor in this well written and entertaining romantic tale.
 
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Maydacat | 6 andere besprekingen | Jun 15, 2022 |
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