Beth Hostetler is a lively young Amish widow, with a small child. She's already seen off three suitors. One doesn't speak ill of the dead, but her late husband had a temper, and liked to watch his wife work. Unknown to Beth, her good Mammi is up to some matchmaking this HUCKLEBERRY CHRISTMAS in Wisconsin. This tale is part of the of Huckleberry Hill series.
Tyler Yoder, a serious, hard-working man, rides up in time to rescue Beth from a proposal from Alvin, who has six kinner in need of a mother. Tyler thinks it might be dangerous for the lady and child to pick huckleberries by themselves; there might be bears. So he accompanies them and helps to pick. Plenty of berries for jam, and Tyler even helps wash bottles and tote sugar sacks next day. He runs a dairy, but was left by his fiancΓ©e and is struggling to overcome the scandal. Once bitten, twice shy is his attitude; just as it is Beth's. She is sufficiently respectable never to need to marry, so there is no point in Mammi's hoping for a match. Anyway, if the good Lord saw fit to take her husband, this must be His plan. A little dressmaking business, for Amish and Mennonite ladies, would keep her and her son Toby nicely. And why doesn't she find a maid who might be willing to marry Tyler?
I was really pleased by Beth's independent and entrepreneurial attitude; all too often we read of Amish girls giving up ambitions once they marry. With large families and work done by hand, it's easy to see why. Now granted a measure of freedom, Beth intends to use it to the full. She's a sparky girl with a temper, a great sense of humour and a willingness to get on with life. By contrast we meet - briefly - a young miss who's had enough of the farm and jumps the fence. Wintertime brings ice-skating and carolling, while we also learn how to make cheese.
Jennifer Beckstrand has written no ordinary Amish romance, for we learn that this community is not immune from individuals who are controlling and domineering, just as may be found anywhere. I can't wait to see what happens in Huckleberry Spring which will follow this HUCKLEBERRY CHRISTMAS. Jennifer Beckstrand's writing is excellent, with lots of local colour and believable characters who make us laugh while we admire their courage. I'll certainly be reading more of her books.
Now that they've happily married off two of their
grandchildren, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their
next matchmaking challenge. What better way to celebrate
the
most heartwarming of seasons--and make Huckleberry Hill,
Wisconsin, the place for unexpected love. . .
A difficult marriage has left the Helmuths' widowed
great-granddaughter, Beth, finished with wedlock. She's
content to live with them and make a life for herself and
her toddler son. But once she turns down handsome Tyler
Yoder's proposal, it seems only fair to encourage him to
find a suitable wife. Trouble is, his gentleness and
generous ways are showing her how joyous a real meeting
of
hearts can be. . .
After a failed courtship, Tyler thought the best he could
hope for in a wife was mere companionship. But spirited
Beth
is the one he longs to protect, and hold close. Earning
her
trust is the hardest thing he's ever had to do. And soon,
both will discover that forgiveness and understanding are
gifts that only rekindled faith--along with the happiest
of
holidays--can bring.
The clouds parted, and Beth glimpsed a sliver of moon
surrounded by a patch of bright stars. Their breath hung
in the air as the clip-clop of horse hooves echoed in the
frosty evening above the singing. Beth didnβt think sheβd
ever been so content. She glanced at Tyler. He studied
her face with that endearing seriousness he wore like a
favorite hat.
βYour eyes reflect the moonlight,β he whispered.
βSo do yours.β
βDo you know what I see when I look in your eyes?β
His intensity unnerved her. Better to make him laugh.
βSheer exhaustion?β
He determined not to be distracted. βI see a thousand
stories waiting to be told.β He smoothed his finger down
her cheek. βYouβre laughing in all of them.β
She held absolutely still, savoring his touch as her
surroundings seemed to disappear. They might have been
the only people in the world. His soft, low voice hung in
the air like the scent of cinnamon pinecones and caressed
her with its deep longing. Beth could have closed her
eyes and listened to it forever.
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