How to Read the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series
Written by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand, the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series is a beloved staple of Christian Amish romance. The series is unique in the genre because it is anchored by a recurring, highly entertaining couple: Anna and Felty Helmuth. While most Amish romance series focus solely on the young couples finding love, the Helmuth grandparents are the driving force, meddling with good intentions (and hilarious results) in every single story.
Because each book follows a different couple, the novels can technically be read as standalones. However, the background characters, family relationships, and the overall progression of the Helmuth family line develop over the course of the series. For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the most part, the publication order matches the chronological flow of the series, with one notable exception. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill (Book 10, published in 2021) is a prequel. The story is framed by an older Anna and Felty telling their love story to their family during a present-day Christmas gathering, which takes readers back to 1952. If you prefer to read the series chronologically, you can start with Book 10 first to see how the famous matchmaking grandparents first fell in love, or read it in publication order as a festive flashback.
The Complete Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Book List
Here is the full breakdown of all twelve books in the series in their recommended reading order:
1. Huckleberry Hill (2014)
The series opens with the book that started it all. Anna and Felty Helmuth decide it is high time their grandson, Moses Zimmerman, finds a wife. They invite Lia Shetler, a tall, kind-hearted woman who has been told by her strict father that she is unmarriageable, to stay on their farm. Through humorous misunderstandings and plenty of Amish pie, Moses and Lia must look past their doubts to find love.
2. Huckleberry Summer (2014)
In this RITA®-nominated sequel, the Helmuths target their rebellious, free-spirited grandson Aden Helmuth. They pair him up with Lily Eicher, a rule-following young woman who seems to be his absolute polar opposite. As the two clash over their differences, Anna's gentle nudges help them realize that their contrasts are exactly what make them perfect for each other.
3. Huckleberry Christmas (2014)
The third book brings a touch of seasonal warmth and deeper emotional themes. Widowed Beth is struggling with grief and the demands of raising her children alone. Steady, patient Tyler Yoder has loved her from afar, but it takes the creative matchmaking antics of Anna and Felty to help Beth open her heart to a second chance at happiness.
4. Huckleberry Spring (2015)
This installment tackles the pain of past heartbreak. Ben Helmuth returns home to Wisconsin after abruptly breaking off his engagement to Emma Nelson and fleeing to Florida. Emma is still nursing her broken heart and trying to move on with her life. Through schemes that involve Emma's award-winning pumpkins, the Helmuth grandparents work to heal the rift and reveal the secrets keeping the young couple apart.
5. Huckleberry Harvest (2015)
Mandy Helmuth visits Huckleberry Hill to help console a heartbroken friend, but she quickly finds herself the subject of her grandparents' matchmaking designs. Her match is Noah Mischler, a reserved and gruff handyman working around the Helmuth property. Although Mandy and Noah start off on the wrong foot, a life-saving rescue and quiet moments together build an unexpected bond.
6. Huckleberry Hearts (2015)
Cassie Coblenz has stepped away from her Amish community to attend college, but she returns home to her parents' farm for an extended study break. While back, she is distracted by Zach Reynolds, a handsome Englisch doctor. Anna and Felty step in to help Cassie navigate the complex choices between her traditional roots, her educational dreams, and her feelings for Zach.
7. Return to Huckleberry Hill (2017)
Reuben Helmuth is bitter and heartbroken after his best friend marries the girl he was in love with. He seeks refuge at his grandparents' home to lick his wounds. His path crosses with Fern Beiler, who arrives determined to help Reuben find forgiveness and joy. The Helmuths orchestrate events—including a local knitting club—to bring them close enough to heal.
8. A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill (2017)
Elsie is a dedicated new schoolteacher who comes to live with Anna and Felty while taking a job at the local Amish school. She immediately butts heads with Sam, the protective older brother of one of her students. Their fiery interactions turn into a sweet romance under the watchful, amused eyes of the octogenarian matchmakers.
9. Home on Huckleberry Hill (2018)
This RITA®-nominated novel takes a unique departure from the rest of the series by focusing on restoring a marriage rather than sparking a new one. Mary Anne Neuenschwander feels neglected by her husband, Jethro, and decides to move out and live in a tent in the woods. When Anna and Felty discover the crisis, they pack up their own camping gear to help the young couple communicate, heal their fertility struggles, and rebuild their bond.
10. First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill (2021)
This heartwarming holiday prequel takes readers back to 1952. While the framing story takes place in the present day with the whole Helmuth family, the core of the novel follows a young Anna and Felty. As a mismatched young couple facing a difficult and uncertain winter, they must rely on faith and love to establish the bond that would sustain them for decades to come.
11. Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill (2023)
Martha Sue Helmuth has given up on the idea of romance, focusing instead on her family. But when Yost Beiler, a widower struggling with his young son, crosses her path, Anna and Felty see an opportunity. They scheme to bring the two together, showing Martha Sue and Yost that it is never too late for a second chance at love.
12. Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill (2023)
The series concludes with a classic love-triangle complication. Bo Helmuth is courting the lively Ruth Coblenz, but it is Ruth's quiet, sensible twin sister, Naomi (Omi), who has secretly loved Bo for years. When a case of mistaken identity reveals Bo's true feelings for Naomi, the Helmuth grandparents guide the young lovers through the social confusion to a happy resolution.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Huckleberry Hill:
- Signature Humor: Unlike many somber Amish romances, this series is famous for its lighthearted comedy. Felty's terrible puns, Anna's eccentric knitting projects, and their constant banter keep the tone breezy and fun.
- Standalone vs. Series Arc: While the romance in each book is self-contained and resolved by the final page, characters from previous books frequently return as background characters. Reading them in order allows you to see how past couples are doing in their married lives.
- Christian Faith Themes: Faith and community are at the center of the characters' lives. The books frequently address themes of forgiveness, trusting in God's timing, and the importance of family support.