"Huckleberry Hearts" (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Book 6) By Jennifer Beckstrand Book Tour And A Giveaway

 Information at a Glance

Book: Huckleberry Hearts  (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Book 6)

By Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Amish Fiction

Release date: November 24, 2015                                                

Book Information:

Young-at-heart octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never miss the chance to find a perfect match for one of their grandchildren. And when their beloved Cassie returns to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, Anna has a feeling they might soon have a doctor in the family…Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi’s farm will always feel like home. It’s the ideal place for an extended study break—at least until her grandmother’s handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be. 
Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn’t fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without —she’s everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal—to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie’s love…

“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.” –Publishers Weekly

Author Information

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

My Review: "Huckleberry Hearts" (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Book 6) By Jennifer Beckstrand is the 6th book in this series and the last one,( which is sad for this reader), as I loved each one and wanted to read more match matching schemes by Annie Helmuth.  

Even though this is the 6th book and some of the same characters are in each book, each book is a standalone and a complete story, and not redundant.  

"Huckleberry Hearts" as well as all the other books in this series focuses on Annie and Felty Helmuth  and their match matching. They are not your normal Amish couple. Annie loves to knit colorful sweaters, which is not normal, Amish don't usually wear anything but black. She also loves to knit pot holders and give them away. 

In this book Annie wants to match her granddaughter Cassie with an English doctor. Cassie has left the Amish way of life. But Cassie and the doctor don't immediately connect because the doctor is like every other English male that Cassie has learned to avoid. 

Do these two get together? I bet you want to know, so read this story. You won't be sorry that you did! These books have life messages within the pages such as this one quote “Even when we sin, even when our trouble is of our own making, Jesus doesn’t abandon us.” There are also moments in these books that has you laughing out loud. 

Yes, these books would be good books for anyone that likes the Amish genre or not and for anyone that likes a clean love stories and definitely for anyone that wants to escape reality for a short time.

I asked Jennifer Beckstrand in an online book chat "how did you come to write stories about match making and she replied I try to match make for my kids. So I guess that is why these books are so fun to read! 

I have given "Huckleberry Hearts" five stars. I was given an e-copy of Huckleberry Hearts from the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed "Huckleberry Hearts" so much that I had to get the rest of the collection from Amazon.


Link to purchase book: http://amzn.com/1420136534

The give away is  The complete collection of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill

Link to giveawayhttps://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDBhZGNmNTQzZGFkMzUwNzcyZmIzY2U1NDc5MjA0OjQ=/

Tour Dates:

Nov 23: Kick off Celebrate Lit

Nov 23 Southern Chelle

Nov 24: Books!Books!Books!

Nov 25: Heidi reads

Nov 26: Artistic Nobody

Nov 27: Simple Harvest Reads

Nov 28: Bukwurmzzz

Nov 28: Cassandra M’s (spotlight)

Nov 29: cherylbbookblog

Nov 30: A Greater Yes

Dec 1: Texas Book Aholic

Dec 2: Two Girls and a book

Dec 3: Quiet Quilter

Dec 3: Southern Gal

Dec 4:Reading is my super

Dec 4: Power of Words

Dec 5: Bigreaderssite

Dec 6: Henry Happens

Dec 6: Debbies Dusty Delib

Dec 7: Singing Librarian

"Change of Heart" by Molly Jebber and a Giveaway

Information at a Glance

Book: Change of Heart

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical

Book Information:

A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love’s true way home…

Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances .

About the Author

Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities.  Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive.

BLOG TOUR:Tour Dates (Each name is a link):

Nov. 13: Kick off post

Nov 14: Heidireads

Nov 15: Cassandra M

Nov 16: Bukwurmzz

Nov 17: Cherylbookblog

Nov 18: Just Commonly

Nov 19: ArtisticNobody

Nov 20: Big Reader’s Site

Nov 21: Texas Bookaholic

Nov 22: bookbites, beestings

Nov 23: Debbiesdustydelib

Nov 24: Singing Librarian Books

Nov 25: Simpleharvest

Nov 26: A Greater Yes

Nov 27: Quiet Quilter

Nov 27: The Power of Words

MY REVIEW:

"Change Of Heart" by Molly Jebber is a really good book. The story kept me turning the pages. This is an historical Amish story so it is a little different than the Amish stories I have read but maybe that is why I liked it a lot. There is one complaint from me, a lot of the story was telling what the characters were thinking and doing rather than talking to each other. I like more of an actual dialogue from the characters. But this small fact did not keep me from enjoying the book.    
                                                                                                                                      
The story line is Great!  The story is filled with great characters and it is a story of understanding and love and acceptance and forgiveness. This story shows appearances aren't necessarily the way things are.   

I love the Keepsake Pocket Quilt theme in this book. I won't go more into this theme except to say, what a wonderful idea for anyone to follow. If you want to know what this is, Read this book!   
         

After reading "Change of Heart," I am adding her other novels, especially the books in the "Keepsake Pocket Quilt" series to my To Be Read list. Of course,I have to wait until they are written.  
                                                                                              
 I fell in love with Becca Yost and Dr. Matt Carrington and would love to read more about them. Of course, there are other characters that I want to read about and see if they truly change for the better, I am hoping to learn about new characters as well in the other books of this series.  

 I have given "Change of Heart" five stars.  
                                                                                                             
 I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.                                                                                   

Link to purchase book: http://amzn.com/1420137611                                                           Mollly has generously donated a book to each blogger to giveaway during their review. To be entered in the drawing for the book on this blog. just leave a comment and I will draw a winner by random.dot org on November 27.2014 at 9 am.

"The Master's Calling" by Amber Schamel

Book Description: After generations of waiting, the Messiah has come at last. And not a day too soon. All his life, Malon Ben-Tyrus has been squelched beneath Roman laws and religious traditions, and he longs to be free. The oppression of the Romans worsens every day, and the religious system led by the Scribes and Pharisees has grown corrupt. 

Malon believes his life calling is to become a disciple of the Messiah and help free Israel from bondage. When Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, Malon knows this will be a historic event. Jesus will enter the city as the Son of David and take His place as the Messiah of Israel. He longs to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, but his family won't allow him to go.

When at last his family consents, Malon arrives in Jerusalem only to discover that he is too late. The man he thought to be the Messiah has been crucified, and Barabbas—his greatest enemy—has been set free. 

Appalled by the cowardice of Jesus' disciples, Malon returns home seething with frustration and despair. Everything he believed he was destined to become died with Jesus. Was he wrong about his destiny? 


Author's Info: 

Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and was honored to be a judge of this year's ACFW Genesis contest. Between ministry, family and working in their family businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. 

http://amberschamel.com/
Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
Twitter: @AmberSchamel
Pintrest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel

Author Interview: 
1.Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been writing?
I'm a homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children. I started writing when I was still in Elementary school, but didn't take it seriously until 2012. I was first published at age 21, and I've learned a lot since then.
2. Tell us about your latest book. What do you hope readers take away from it?
The Master's Calling is the third book in the Days of Messiah series. It follows Malon Ben Tyrus, a young Jewish merchant who longs to become one of Jesus' disciples. When at last his father consents to let him go, Malon arrives in Jerusalem to find that he is too late. Jesus has already been crucified. 
  2 b There are a lot of takeaways that I hope to leave with my readers in this book, but I guess the top one would be a lasting impression of how faithful our God is, and how magnificently His hand orchestrates the events in our lives.
3.What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?
The Bible is the most interesting book I've ever read. Besides being an accurate account of history, it is also an enthralling story with Christ's love for us woven through every word. I've recently been reading in Isaiah, and he uses so many descriptive types. I just love it. 
4.Book you’re currently reading?
I'm currently reading Real Christianity by William Wilberforce. He's a historical hero of mine. :)
5.How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?
yes, names are very important to me. I almost always look at the name origin and meaning before choosing it for my character. For example, in The Master's Calling, I have a Roman Centurion who is very proud. Quite frankly, he's my main character's thorn in the side. The name I chose for him is Marcus Pomponius Gallus. Pomponius means pompous and Gallus means rooster, so his name describes him as the pompous rooster he is. :)
5b. I use a variety of online name books, but my favorite is probably Behind the Name. 
6.What is one of the things you’re most thankful for as a writer?
The leading of the Holy Spirit. I rely on that completely and would not be a good writer without it.
7.What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write while listening to soundtrack music, but I don't know how interesting that is. Sometimes I cry while writing scenes. I often write while driving in the car with ten children. That might be interesting to some. LOL.
8.What are you working on next?
I'm working on re-editing my Amazon bestselling Christmas story, The Swaddling Clothes. The second edition will be making its appearance before the end of the year. 
8b.Besides that, I'm also working on a Christmas story set during the Civil War. 
9. Where can we learn more about you?
On my website, www.AmberSchamel.com, or connect with me on Goodreads, Pinterest or Facebook. I also write on the Stitches Thru Time and Heroes, Heroines and History blogs.

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
  Pintrest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
  Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author

My Review:  "The Master's Calling" by Amber Schamel is the third and final book in the (Days of Messiah series) and though it ended perfectly, it is still a bittersweet ending for this reader. I want to read more of Malon Ben-Tyrus and his family. 

"The Master's Calling" takes place after Jesus has been crucified and Malon feels betrayed by the disciples as well as Jesus, (how could he let Himself be killed if He was the Messiah). The disciples, and especially Peter are hiding because they are afraid and Malon is angry at them all.

Will Malon ever feel He was right when he felt that he was called to follow the Master and was Jesus's death just a way to a greater glory for us all?

Everyone remembers Barabbas, the prisoner that was released on Passover, but no one knows his story. Amber Schamel has set out to give us a fictional account of of this man, letting us see what may have led to his imprisonment and what could have happened afterward.

I encourage you to read this series, you won't be disappointed! 

Malcon's story is a story of betrayal and loss and joy! But this is more than just Malcon's story, it is also The Master's story of how he touched one family's life.

I am giving "The Master's Calling" (Days of Messiah Book 3) by Amber Schamel five stars.
I was given a pdf file by the author for an honest review and these opinions are mine.



To purchase The Master's Calling go here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017BYCUKK
To purchase  The Master's Sign Book 2 go here: http://www.amazon.com/Messiahs-Sign-Days-Messiah-Book-ebook/dp/B016SFKMIU/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1447090468&sr=1-2
To Purchase The Healer's Touch Book 1 go here: http://www.amazon.com/Healers-Touch-Days-Messiah-Book-ebook/dp/B0160TBJV8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

"Halo Found Hope " by Helo Matzelle Blog Tour and a Giveaway

Author : Helo Matzelle

Genre : Memoir

Book Description:

"Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart 

whizzing into an ICU room, was there any hope? 

A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow 
stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life… and her
 family waited. 

Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn’t feel half of her face, couldn’t hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn’t even tell anyone that she felt hopeless… or could she? 

Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife, and mother of three whose life 

changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of 

unbelievable miracles.  

  

Helo’s story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer. Helo’s story is simply this: Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is right there. He doesn’t need to be recognized by you, to be there for you. He can replace fear with courage and discouragement with determination, if you let Him. Halo did, and that is how she found hope.” 

"Christian readers will find in these pages a powerful testament to the power of faith 

in dark times, and even agnostics will be uplifted by the joie de vivre of this 

remarkable woman.” — Kirkus Reviews

MY REVIEW: I am going to start this review with a quote from the book 
"Life-changing is too simple to describe this story and what God is capable of 
doing for all of us. No obstacle is too large, no affliction too grave, to separate us from the love God has for us. Life here is simply a dress rehearsal, but when we allow alterations to be directed by God, the new us discovered, is incredible."

This story is amazing! Helo tells her story honestly and lets us see the real person before and after this life changing event in her life.

She describes her illness and her medical treatment in easy to understand language. She gave just enough info to make this reader want to read her story
and rejoice with her.

This book is so interesting and insightful that I was quoting quotes from it's pages and posting them on my Facebook wall. This isn't a quote from the book but it is a post that I posted while reading the book and I believe it so much that I added it to this review, Man, I am telling EVERYONE, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK, "Halo Found Hope" by Helo Matzelle. In fact I dare you too and then I dare you to remain the same, even while reading it I find myself changing! I am going to add one more of my Facebook quotes "I am reading "Halo Found Hope" and oh my, I find something I want to quote on almost every page. You should see the things I am underlining, yes I underline in my books, especially the ones that I think I will keep to reread!" 

I encourage everyone to read this book, Christian or not. It will inspire you to 
look at your trials and tribulations in a different way. 

I really like the way that she shared that she had doubts and was human and 
learn to trust and lean on Jesus. I know I haven't even began to give "Halo Found Hope" justice but I hope you will read this book and find hope in your struggles. We all have them, some are big and some are little but we all need hope and Helo shows how she found her's. 

I am going to give my mother this book to read, she has cancer, and I believe if 

she takes to heart some of the things Helo says in this book she will be 

encouraged. 

This book is definitely a five star book and more if they could be added!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for an honest 

review.

Link to purchase book: http://amzn.com/145753133X

Click on this link for your chance to win:

• A beautifully framed poem written by Helo
• $25 Starbucks Gift Card 
• A Hardcover copy of Halo Found Hope

                   

Link to giveaway: www.facebook.com/CelebrateLit/app_228910107186452

Tour Dates:

Jendi’s Journal: Oct 19

SimpleHarvestReads: Oct 20

Artistwriterstudent: Oct 22

Cherylbookblog: Oct 23

JustCommonly: Oct 24

Bukwurmzzz: Oct 26

CassandraM’sPlace: Oct 27

Texasbookaholic: Oct 28

Rockin my mommas jean: Oct 29

Booksbites, bee stings: Oct 30

Agreateryes: Oct 31

Debbiesdustdelib: Nov 1

Singing Librarian: Nov 2