Jethro forgets that it is his wedding anniversary and goes fishing instead, missing the special dinner Mary Anne has prepared. This spur of the moment fishing trip is the last straw for Mary Anne. She believes that her husband cares more for fishing than for her, so she leaves her home to set up camp in the woods, taking some money and supplies with her. Surprised but not understanding why she really left, Jethro can neither entice nor order her back home. Soon, others on both sides this divide are joining forces. The camp gets ever larger as more people move in with their own tents to show support. And give advice. Matchmaker Anna along with her husband Felty are firmly on their granddaughter’s side, and supporting her with solidarity. It will take lots of understanding and some heartfelt communication – and some changes - to get these two back together. There are many humorous scenes in this tale and much to enjoy as the characters interact. This one differs from the others in the series in that these two are already married, though separated. Anna and Felty must tread carefully as they deal with both Mary Anne and Jethro. Jennifer Beckstrand has written a wonderfully entertaining, enjoyable, and imaginative series. ( )

Oh how I loved this book. It is a wonderful look at a marriage and how prideful people can be. I think most of us at one time have taken our spouse for granted. We get into a routine and get too relaxed in our relationship. Mary Anne and Jethro have hit a snag in their marriage which will have a whole community become involved. The gossip starts and the sides are drawn in this story between husband and wife.

Jethro is beside himself when he sees a campground pop up on his land. Tents, hammocks, cots and other essentials have become the new home for his wife. I was upset every time he said Mary Anne took his stuff. He must have forgotten that in a marriage everything joins together as one. His pride is hurt and he tries to get the community on his side.

Mary Anne is trying to make a point and creates a place to live in the woods. I did think she was getting a bit too comfortable out there and suddenly her grandparents come to camp with her. My heart broke when she was shunned at church. It was so easy to point out that Mary Anne was in sin, but they forgot that gossip and judgment is a sin as well.

The story has some funny moments and I could picture a little circus going on in the woods with all the tents. The book has great lessons on forgiveness, unconditional love and preferring one another. I think one of the most important lessons here is communication. If Mary Anne and Jethro had just sat down, invited God into their conversation and talked none of this would have happened. It’s a reminder that communication is the key in any relationship and without it, the enemy sneaks in and divides people.

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

Will read as soon as I finish _Huckleberry Hill_, the first in this series. Know I will like it. Just want to get this on here. See that for more info.

Home on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is the ninth tale in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill. Anna Helmuth is worried about her granddaughter, Mary Anne’s marriage and, as usual, her instincts are spot on. Mary Anne Neuenschwander is fed up. She knows that she should be grateful for her home and her husband, but Mary Anne is not happy. Jethro cares more about his fishing pole than he does about Mary Anne. When he fails to remember their six-year anniversary, she moves into a tent in the backyard. Ever since her miscarriage four years prior along with the news regarding future children, Jethro has been a different man. Now Mary Anne is going to focus on making herself happy instead of satisfying Jethro. Jethro was devastated when Mary Anne had her miscarriage and he was afraid of letting her see his disappointment. He threw himself into fishing with his friends and even bought a $400 fishing pole which is keeps on the bed in the spare room. When he arrives home and finds that Mary Anne has moved out, he is dumbfounded. He is worried about what people in the district will think (oh dear). Anna and Felty soon arrive and set up their tent. They want to support Mary Anne, but they are not quite prepared for roughing it. Anna has a plan, but she did not count on Jethro being so obtuse. Anna will need more than pot holders if this project is going to succeed. Break out your best camping gear, cozy up to the campfire and submerge yourself in Home on Huckleberry Hill.

Home on Huckleberry Hill is a delight to read. The story is well-written and it has a nice, steady pace throughout. This book is different from the others in the series. Anna and Felty are trying to assist a married couple instead of match up to singles. Jennifer Beckstrand has created a wonderful pair of characters. Anna and Felty are darling and their antics had me laughing frequently (their chickens, the RV, the hammock, Anna’s cooking). At one point, Anna offers to knit a scarf or a Minion beanie if it would help (the pot holders were not cutting it) and I continue to chuckle every time I think about that line (and situation). I also enjoyed Mary Anne’s creative outlets. They were very clever and unique (I will never look at cheese doodles the same way again). I was quite taken with the butterfly quilt she constructed. I like how Mary Anne’s family supported her decision and aided her. The campground got quite large and Jethro’s tent will never be the same again. There are good life lessons in Home on Huckleberry Hill. The importance of communication in a marriage, putting your partner’s happiness ahead of your own, and remembering that there are two sides to every story. This is a book about learning from your mistakes, remembering why you love your spouse (falling in love again) and moving forward in harmony. While Home on Huckleberry Hill is part of a series, it can be read alone. I thoroughly recommend every book in this engaging Amish series. Each book is better than the previous and Jennifer Beckstrand did not disappoint in Home on Huckleberry Hill. Home on Huckleberry Hill is a warm-hearted, humorous story that will leave you wanting more. My rating for Home on Huckleberry Hill is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). ( )

I was dying to read this book, being a fan of Annie and Felty, and it sure didn’t disappoint.
The author has a character, one of our Amish grandparent’s granddaughters, and this one is different from their usual matchmaking. Annie does present some pot holders, and her wonderful, tongue in cheek, cooking, and this time it is over an open fire.
At times, we all feel taken for granted but their granddaughter, Mary Anne, has had it, and is ready to leave her husband. We end up camping and wait for the experiences and chuckles you are about to be gifted.
In the end will our favorite octogenarians be able to keep sleeping in a tent, and will their granddaughter divorce her husband, unheard of, or will it all work out, but how?

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