Tyler Yoder, a serious, hard-working man, rides up in time to rescue Beth from a proposal from Alvin, who has six kinner in need of a mother. Tyler thinks it might be dangerous for the lady and child to pick huckleberries by themselves; there might be bears. So he accompanies them and helps to pick. Plenty of berries for jam, and Tyler even helps wash bottles and tote sugar sacks next day. He runs a dairy, but was left by his fiancée and is struggling to overcome the scandal. Once bitten, twice shy is his attitude; just as it is Beth's. She is sufficiently respectable never to need to marry, so there is no point in Mammi's hoping for a match. Anyway, if the good Lord saw fit to take her husband, this must be His plan. A little dressmaking business, for Amish and Mennonite ladies, would keep her and her son Toby nicely. And why doesn't she find a maid who might be willing to marry Tyler?

I was really pleased by Beth's independent and entrepreneurial attitude; all too often we read of Amish girls giving up ambitions once they marry. With large families and work done by hand, it's easy to see why. Now granted a measure of freedom, Beth intends to use it to the full. She's a sparky girl with a temper, a great sense of humour and a willingness to get on with life. By contrast we meet - briefly - a young miss who's had enough of the farm and jumps the fence. Wintertime brings ice-skating and carolling, while we also learn how to make cheese.

Jennifer Beckstrand has written no ordinary Amish romance, for we learn that this community is not immune from individuals who are controlling and domineering, just as may be found anywhere. I can't wait to see what happens in Huckleberry Spring which will follow this HUCKLEBERRY CHRISTMAS. Jennifer Beckstrand's writing is excellent, with lots of local colour and believable characters who make us laugh while we admire their courage. I'll certainly be reading more of her books.

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