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! ( )

This novel provides the prequel to how Anne and Felty, the matchmaking stars of the Huckleberry Hill series, met and married. Felty returns to his Amish community after serving as a soldier in Korea. The community treats him with disdain since the Amish believe in nonviolence, even though Felty believed he was called by God to serve. Felty is determined to claim Anne, the love of his life, also an outcast in the community due to her unusual ideas about cooking and Amish life in general. When Felty saves a child's life, his heroism catapults him as an accepted member of the community, and single ladies vie for his attention and affection. How can Anne compete with others who seem prettier and more talented than she?

Readers who are fans of Amish novels, and this series in particular, will not be disappointed by this latest story. This is a sweet and clean romance, lacking in suggestive sexual scenes or strong language. The Christian message is clear and overt, playing an important role in the lives of the characters. The novel provides a glimpse of the difficulties encountered by members of the military as they return to their home communities. It also includes many hilarious and touching moments, as the main characters try to fit in with traditional Amish ideas, although they are quite unique individuals. This book is part of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, although it can be read as a stand-alone.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

This installment in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is all about Anna and Felty, the matchmaking grandparents. It takes us back to the very beginning of their relationship. Felty has come back from serving in the army during the Korean War. He believed that God had called him to serve, an act that the Amish community harshly criticized. He is largely ostracized by his community, except for Anna. But when he saves an Amish child from being run over by a car, he becomes a hero in the eyes of all, especially the young women. The story then goes on, gradually explaining how the relationship between Anna and Felty grew to a lasting, loving one. There is much humor, of course, sprinkled in among the tender moments. No wonder the grandkids want to hear this story time and again! Jennifer Beckstrand has written another wonderful tale, peopled with the delightful characters readers have come to love. This entire series is highly recommended. ( )

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. ( )

When I saw a new Annie and Felty story I knew I had to read it, and I was not disappointed. I just love these two, they sure compliment each other, and we are around to be a part of the beginning of their relationship.
Surprising facts come out when we begin our journey, and we find out how each of their families feel about their relationship.
Right from the beginning Annie, to most anyway, was a horrible cook, and our Felty well, right from start loves her cooking! This has to be the best matchmaking of the series, and one that begins it all. I personally cannot wait for more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review ( )