Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

Forever Hilltop
Author: Judy Baer
Publisher: Guideposts Books
ISBN: 9780824945299
Paperback: 576 pages
Click to purchase

About the Book:

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. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.

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:

I LOVE this series and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. Everything about the characters to the town to the problems that were faced felt so very real and after finishing the book, I told my husband we really need to move to Hilltop!

Pastor Alex is a fantastic character. He walks into a situation without really realizing what he's getting into, but he takes everything in stride and leans on the Lord for guidance and wisdom. Being the only available "new male" in town makes him a fantastic target for the single women of the area and gets him into some humorous situations. I cannot tell you how many times I chuckled through both stories! As time progresses, Alex realizes exactly what is important in life, and finds out in Surprising Grace just how much he has changed and grown since his arrival at Hilltop.

This 2-in-1 novel was impossible to put down. The characters creep into your head and heart and really begin to feel like friends. When I finished the book, I felt satisfied, but at the same time, I felt a real loss as I wouldn't be able to visit with Will, Gandy or any of the others that I connected with. Until the next in the series comes out, I will just have to be satisfied with re-reading "Forever Hilltop" and cooking the recipes shared by these amazing characters.

I had never read any of Judy's books before, but after reading this, I'm definitely going to be seeking out other novels she has written. Since she has authored more than 75 books, I should be kept busy for a while :) Can you imagine - with that many books out, that I had never read a single one until now?!!

Make sure you add "Forever Hilltop" to your MUST READ list!!

About the Author:

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. 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.

Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.

A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.

She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

See what others on the tour have to say about Judy's book.

@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop 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. 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. Hope to see you on the 21st!

 

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for this tour. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.