Anna is up to her old match-making tricks, but she is having much trouble getting her two potential victims to even meet. One is her granddaughter Elsie, who has arrived to teach school in the community, and the other is Sam, whose siblings attend the school. At the heart of the story is his brother Wally, a youngster damaged both emotionally and physically. How these characters cope and grow in relationships to each, in often tense situations, makes for an intriguing and interesting tale. It is especially heartwarming to see an Amish woman who is a strong character and stands up for what she believes is right and best for her students. And because this is a story in which Anna makes an appearance, it contains a dose of humor and a sprinkling of romance. This is one of the better novels in the series, which is saying a lot, because they all are quite good. ( )

These books just keep getting better with each book in the series. I did not want to put this book down. I always love Annie and Felty. If I hadn’t found my husband in high school I would have loved her to be a matchmaker for me. I really liked Elsie throughout the story. At times I wasn’t happy with Sam or Wally. They both needed to grow up. This made me laugh and cry. I received this wonderful book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Fans of this series are in for a treat with this book. The author has a gift of writing characters that are so relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Elsie. She is an outspoken, compassionate person. When she takes a job as a teacher in the little community nothing will ever be the same. I can remember being a teacher’s assistant and wondering if I would make it through the day. There were times I went home and cried but I got up the next day determined I wouldn’t give up. Elsie has her hands full with one particular young boy that will test her patience. Can she stand up to a bully?

Wally is having a hard time adjusting since his accident. After losing a leg, he is angry and thinks everyone hates him. I admire the patience Elsie has with Wally. It’s refreshing to read how a teacher goes the extra mile to reach a hurting child. There were times Wally made me upset but then my heart would go out to him. I loved how the author wrote Wally as a troubled child who longed to be accepted. It gives readers a glimpse of how a child can feel different and how they learn to overcome that feeling.

Sam really walked around with guilt over his brother’s accident. That guilt causes him to turn a blind eye to Wally’s behavior. When Sam feels like the new teacher is picking on his brother he stomps to the school to have words with her. Little does he know, Elsie is one tough person. She doesn’t back down and this makes for some fun bickering between the two stubborn people. Yes they are both hard headed and I loved their interaction.

I can’t forget about Rose. Oh my that girl needs a reality check. She is for sure and certain that Sam is in love with her. She seemed to pop up everywhere Sam was and I wanted to tell her to back up and move on down the road. She is annoying and very jealous of Elsie. Rose is so envious of Elsie, the green eyed monster comes out and tries to destroy Elsie . Will the town believe what Rose is saying about Elsie?

With all that is going on with a new teacher in town, we can’t overlook the matchmaking that is in full swing. I won’t say much about it, except get ready for laughs as Annie and Felty set their eyes on their granddaughter to find her a husband. How will the matchmaking go? Will Elsie prove to the town how much she loves to teach? The author has written a book that is hard to put down. Don’t miss this latest adventure in a town full of mischief, matchmaking and a story that brightens your day.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the eighth installment in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Anna and Felty Helmuth lives in Bonduel, Wisconsin on Huckleberry Hill. Anna has had great success in finding the perfect mates for her grandchildren. She has found the perfect match for her granddaughter, Elsie Stutzman. Now she just needs to find a way to get them together. Elsie has signed on as the local schoolteacher. Elsie is known for being outspoken (which has gotten her into trouble in the recent past) along with being determined and stubborn (feisty). She loves teaching, but Elsie has been having trouble with fourteen-year-old Wally Sensenig. Wally only has one full leg and is missing fingers on one hand (threshing accident), but Elsie will not let Wally use that as an excuse for not working up to his full potential. Wally has been using his disability to manipulate people and to get what he wants. But he has finally met his match in Elsie Stutzman. Elsie is also trying to convince her grandmother to wait on matching her up with an eligible bachelor. Elsie’s last relationship did not end well, and she is not ready to try again.

Sam Sensenig, Wally’s older brother, takes care of the family farm, his ill mother and his siblings. He feels guilty for Wally’s accident and gives into to Wally’s “requests” (had electricity installed in Wally’s bedroom, purchased him an Xbox along with games, and does not require him to do chores). Wally tells Sam that the teacher is picking on him. A riled Sam goes to the school to confront Elsie about picking on his disabled brother. Elsie tries to explain to Sam what she wishes to accomplish with Wally, but she meets with resistance. It will take time for Sam to realize that Elsie only wants what is best for Wally. Sam is also dealing with Anna Felty and her numerous attempts to get him to meet her granddaughter, Elizabeth. She keeps sending him letters with potholders enclosed. If the young lady needs her grandmother to match her up, Sam is not sure he wants to meet her, nor does he have the time. Can Elsie get Sam to see the error of his ways? Will Elsie be able to change Wally and his outlook? Can Anna succeed in bringing these two stubborn individuals together?

I found A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill to be well-written, engaging and it had a good pace (which makes for a book that is enjoyable to read). Anna and Felty Helmuth are such delightful characters. They are in their 80s, and Anna has no qualms meddling in her grandchildren’s lives. Anna is a quirky woman who wears sweaters that are not approved by the Ordung, is a knitting machine, and cooks the worst food (Felty finds it delicious, but his taste buds are not to be trusted). Elsie is a strong, determined, persistent yet compassionate and kind woman. These qualities make her an excellent teacher. She wants what is best for her students. I ended up liking Sam in the end, but he was irksome (I did not think he would ever see reason). I could not believe how oblivious he was to Rose Mast (neighbor who was in love with him). His cluelessness to the situation went on a little too long for my liking. It was cute and humorous how Anna kept trying to match up Sam and Elsie without success. The scenes did have me chuckling. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill can be read as a standalone. I do, though, recommend the other novels in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series (each one is unique and a pleasure to read). Anna is determined to find matches for all her grandchildren whether they want it or not. In A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill, you will find yourself cheering for Elsie as she sets out to change Wally and Sam. I am eager to read Home on Huckleberry Hill which is the next novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. ( )

really loved being back with the best Amish grandparents Annie and Felty, and they sure didn’t disappoint, I just hate waiting for stories about more of their grandchildren

The author presents a strong caring young woman for the new teacher in this Wisconsin Amish settlement, and of course she is the Helmuth’s granddaughter and we see for ourselves what a great teacher she is. The man that Annie has picked out for our Elsie at times leaves a lot to be desired, but he has a lot on his plate.

The story does involve a brother of Sam’s who has a number of handicaps, notably missing a leg. While Sam is felling guilt, and pampers and babies him, Elsie seems to have compassion and intuition to know exactly what to say and do.

Come and see what a bit of jealously will do to hurt so many, and undo a lot of accomplishments. A different type of Amish story, and one that will linger with you.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )