First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill

First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is Anna and Felty’s love story. It is Christmas Eve and Martha Sue Helmuth is visiting her grandparents. She is in a mood because Martha Sue just realized that she was sent to Bonduel in the hopes of her matchmaking grandparents finding her a husband. The last thing she wants is a husband and Martha Sue tells Anna quite loudly startling the rest of the relatives. The family realizes they have never heard Anna and Felty’s love story. There is plenty of time before dinner (which is not being cooked by Anna), so Felty begins the tale. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a delightful story. It has wonderful characters that we have all come to love from The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty are two people that are meant for each other. They are warm, caring, and genuine. You can tell how much they love each other and their family. Anna shows her love with her cooking (believe it or not) and with her knitting. I thought First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill was well-written with developed characters and a charming setting. The story is full of humor. I laughed often while reading this sweet story. I am so glad that Jennifer Beckstrand gave us Anna and Felty’s tale. I just loved the ending. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is an engaging story that you will not want to end. This is my favorite book in the series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read the other nine novel sin The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill (you will be missing out if you do not read the whole series). There are some good life lessons in this story. My favorite lesson is that someone may be different from other people (dress differently, cook differently, have unusual interests), but we are all the same in God’s eyes. It is no reason to treat someone differently (make them feel that they are unworthy). This line stuck with me, “You need to treat everyone kindly whether you agree with their politics or not.” I hope the author gives us more Anna and Felty tales. I am glad, though, that I do not have to eat Anna’s cooking. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is a special story that will linger with you long after you finish it. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill is an enchanting Amish Christmas tale with Knitted creations, jiggling Jell-o, cinnamon candy cookies, an adamant mother, bothersome brothers, troublesome traps, and a lasting love.

All the Huckleberry Hill Amish stories have been wonderful. I enjoy them so much. And this one tells how it all began! It's like going back in time to the beginnings of this lively and ambitious Amish couple's own young lives. I loved reading this enjoyable book. Felty has just returned after he served in the Korean War, despite the beliefs of his Amish community and religious teachings. Yet Anna sees him for the person he really is and perhaps this will be her perfect match even though there is definitely some opposition to deal with. I think this was a book that needed to be written to love Felty and Anna even more! They are all about love! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author and NetGalley and was under no obligation to give a positive review.