Forever Hilltop Two-in-One featuring An Unlikely Blessing and Surprising Grace [Paperback]

Judy Baer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2012 | Series: Forever Hilltop

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Guideposts Books (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824945298
• ISBN-13: 978-0824945299
• Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.4 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,134,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Judy Baer, award-winning author of nearly eighty books, is a North Dakota native who writes from her home in Elk River, Minnesota. As well as being a full-time writer, Judy is a writing and life coach, a mother of two daughters, and a stepmother of three. Read more at judykbaer.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Guideposts Books (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824945298
• ISBN-13: 978-0824945299
• Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.4 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,134,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More 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 fresh hay and oats for the horse she imagined would arrive. Unfortunately it didn't come, at least not until she was an adult. After she was unexpectedly given three horses, she bought even more and began raising foundation quarter horses.

She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. Her first book was written with a toddler on her lap. Judy would type a few words and say "Now, Jennifer." He two year old daughter would hit the space bar so Judy could continue writing. It was't the fastest way to work but it was a very cozy time.

In 2001 Judy became a certified professional life coach. In 2008 Judy completed her Master's program. She studied in the areas of writing and coaching. Now certified in three coaching disciplines, Judy 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. She is married, lives in Minnesota, has two daughters and three step children.

She is the author of more than 75 books. She grew up in rural North Dakota and has done many of the things her Hilltop characters experience.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Read May 24, 2012

By Coffee Ramblings TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

There are two books in one volume in Forever Hilltop. In the first book Unlikely Blessings, you meet Alex Armstrong, who after the age of 40 decided to follow God's word and become a pastor. Despite being from the city, his first parish assignment is in Hilltop Township, a small community of Grassy Valley, North Dakota, city population 1,254. With the assistance of his nephew Jared, he travels to the small town, where upon arriving he learns that he is a pastor to two churches. The two churches can't afford much; therefore Alex is pastor to both of them. He soon realizes that each church is the opposite of each other as the two sets of parishioners do not get along.

The town isn't exactly Mayberry, or anything Alex had imagined. The people tend to meddle in other's affairs. And the single women like the idea that Alex is single too, bringing him plenty of food to eat. Alex doesn't really know how to react to this as he is still getting over a failed relationship.

In the sequel Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is adjusting as pastor of Hilltop Church, and adjusting to the odd ways and rituals of the town. His lost love soon returns, and Alex must choose between her and his parishioners.

Forever Hilltop is a charming and sometimes funny read that reminds me of the old movies The Egg &I and Angel in My Pocket. The main character Alex is very likeable and as a reader I felt he was relatable in some ways as he tries to connect with his parishioners who are dead set in their ways. The author did a remarkable job creating a believable small town filled with quirky characters throughout. Both books are cute and clean-cut that most Christian readers and generic readers will enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Live To Read May 15, 2012

By Chels TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Although the welcome sign states "A Place Like Home" - Grassy Valley, North Dakota with a population of 1,254 is nothing like Alex Armstrong's home near Chicago. However, his new life as reverend of a "two-point parish" is nothing like his past experience as a college professor either. The two parishes that he will serve are at odds with one another. Within the first chapters of book one, the reader meets such terrific characters! The thought that Americans like these can probably still be found in many small U.S. towns is heartening. I had to keep reading to hear more of their life stories as Alex meets, gets to know, and appreciates his congregation and their uniqueness. Alex's prayer list for parishioners grows, along with his desire to help these Scandinavian farmers continue to live on land that's been in their families for generations.
My children sometimes accuse me of being nosy. I like to hear people's stories and appreciate optimistic, friendly, original people with wonderful family stories. Judy Baer's rural characters stand out. Initially, some of the characters seem to be uncommunicative, quiet men; their reticent personalities made me want to hear more about them. Many readers will appreciate this peaceful, but often uplifting, funny story.

*Complimentary copy received for this review, does not affect my opinion in any way*

5.0 out of 5 stars A Keeper About Community May 10, 2013

By Joan Burgess

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read this book and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to be sure that I had my own copy. It is refreshing and makes me smile at it's periodic humor. The characters are like family.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book April 16, 2013

By Wendy thompson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was a very uplifting, interesting book. The story was fun and happy-sad. Cannot wait for the next one, will read it when it comes out.

5.0 out of 5 stars Forever Hilltop October 20, 2012

By B'Ville

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Both my Mother & I really enjoyed reading the book "Forever Hilltop Two-in-One featuring An Unlikely Blessing and Surprising Grace". I hope author,Judy Baer, has another book in this series available soon.

5.0 out of 5 stars Judy Baer's FOREVER HILLTOP Gives The Read Entertainment, Lessons All Wrapped Up In One Volume June 5, 2012

By C. A. Webb TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I think it's fair to say that there is a little bit of the people of Hilltop in all of us. That is what Alex Armstrong gets to see as he settles into the new place, and that is what readers of Judy Baer's newest book will be able to recognize as well.

The book combines AN UNLIKELY BLESSING and SURPRISING GRACE into one volume, giving the reader twice the enjoyment and twice the opportunity to learn more not just of Hilltop but of Alex as well. This book reminded me that we all have our issues that we are grappling with, and no matter where we go they will continue to linger unless we take the time to confront them head-on.

This book was enjoyable as well as reflective in many ways, combining life experiences and scriptural counsel together in a way that wasn't preachy but shows that there is an answer to the problems we face. We just have to be willing to see it and accept it.

One thing you are sure to know after finishing FOREVER HILLTOP: Judy Baer knows how to tell a great story, and in this case you get two examples of just how true that is.

5.0 out of 5 stars Double blessing! May 25, 2012

By kenziekylanmom1

Format:Paperback

In Forever Hilltop I fell in love with the preacher named Alex. I smiled so much while reading this story that my husband and kids kept asking me what was going on now? I told them they needed to read it for themselves and find out! With this book you receive a double blessing of two books in one. It reminds me so much of the great community that we live in and could actually be written about the friends that I know and love. Judy Baer is a wonderfully imaginative, Christian writer and has a lovely flow to her words. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for it's freshness and feeling of community, it makes me feel like I'd be welcome and right at home in the setting of Hilltop Township.