4 the LOVE of BOOKS: Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

When this book came up for review and I read that its setting was North Dakota, I knew I had to read it. I love reading books written in my setting. I knew that though the towns and characters would be fictional I would be able to relate to them in more than one way. Not only do I live in North Dakota, but my husband is a minister here. Alex and his new role as pastor would just fit in I knew it. He was screaming for me to read about him. Sorry that I read it???? Not in the least, it was a very enjoyable read and I loved every minute of it. This 2-in-1 book was just what I need on my 30+ hour train trip ride and 30+ hour car trip ride across the country. I packed it up and took it with me from ND to VA and back again. Totally enjoyed spending my trip with the people of Hilltop community. They were a joy and delight to have as traveling companions. The author also shares some of the communities recipes throughout the book. Now I'm going to have to try my hand at some of them since I'm back home. And yes I did fall in love with Judy Baer's Hilltop community and characters. Move over Jan Karon and Father Tim; Judy Baer's Reverend Alex is moving in. I never did get into Karon's books because of some of the language I found in them, but Baer has me sold on the Hilltop folks.

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.

About Judy:

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.

Link to buy the book

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@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!