Huckleberry Summer

Beckstrand’s solid second novel set in the small Wisconsin town of Huckleberry Hill (after Huckleberry Hill) is a strong example of the Amish romance genre. When environmental conservationist Adem Helmuth feels God calling him back to his Amish roots, he and Pilot, his giant, furry dog, move in with his matchmaking grandmother. She’s determined to pair Aden up with Lily Eicher, the ferociously obedient youngest daughter of a man who has no place for a son-in-law with a checkered past. Worse, Lily already has a suitor: the sincere, progressive son of the community’s bishop. As Lily learns to overcome her fear of Pilot and Aden’s reckless ways, Aden must learn to temper his passion with his devotion to his community. And they have to do it before Lily gives in to her father’s wishes and marries somebody else. Beckstrand’s straightforward story is full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs. Agent: Mary Sue Seymour, Seymour Agency. (June)