Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer, Two Books In One Volume Review

Synopsis:

The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.

In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls.

In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.

My thoughts:

This is my first opportunity to review two books in one and I was absolutely thrilled to find out what happens next to Pastor Alex and his congregation!

Readers will recall I reviewed 'An Unlikely Blessing' in February of 2011 (see review HERE) and I enjoyed finding all the little quirks of Hilltop Church!

Judy Baer is one of those amazing writers who appeals to any reader! Reading her books feels as if you are meeting a friend!

An award winning author of dozen novels, she brings us a down to earth and very entertaining insight on a single pastor and his flock on the Prairie, full of blessings and yes, surprising grace!

The best way I can describe the feeling you get when discovering 'Forever Hilltop' it is by telling readers this writer knows how to make you live, love and laugh! A winning recipe if I ever heard one!

At times hilarious, other so realistic you will find yourself praying along the parishioners, you discover your neighbour or even church friend in her novels (and a lot about yourself!).

There are perhaps some unusual characters  in Pastor Alex's congregation...For example the 80 year old driving above the limit at her own perils (and everyone else!), the lonely senior citizen who concocts her own health remedies, the 8 year old electing to keep critters in the parish shed and starting his own 'doomaine society', Twinkle Toes...the sow, Tripod...the canine best friend (it is up to you to figure out why he is called like that!) and the many members of this warm heart community along with an unusual find right in the cemetery (you did not see this one coming, did you?).

Each character reveals yet another facet of human nature and you will discover Judy Baer's Forever Hilltop series gives you an incredible feeling of fellowship!

Thanks to her creative writing, it seems as we are sitting at her kitchen table, drinking a cuppa and yes, hearing the latest gossip...You feel as you belong! Your heart will be full!

Will Alex discover Hilltop fellowship is what he has been looking for in his ministry? And will he find the love and companionship he is yearning for?

Go ahead, find out what happens when a pastor learns how to bake his own bread and looks in his heart...

Judy Baer even shares some great recipes with readers!

I give it 5 stars for the good feeling this series gives me!

About the Author:

'Judy was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. 

She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. 

A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.'

More on her website (here)

AND NOW FOR THE FOREVER HILLTOP KINDLE GIVEAWAY!

Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!

One lucky winner will receive:

• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
• Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd (today!).  
Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.