With the upsurge of Amish fiction in recent years, finding original books within the genre can be a difficult task. It’s easy for them to become formulaic and predictable. However, this makes discovering different authors all the more exciting, as was my experience with Jennifer Beckstrand’s “Abraham”. I have not read the first book in the Petersheim Brothers trilogy, but after hearing very positive responses to it, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read and review book two. While I was able to assimilate into the story relatively easily, I do wish that there had been a glossary of Amish terms, some of which I was not completely familiar with. There are also many spoilers from the previous book, so read them in order if you prefer the element of surprise.

“Abraham” has a delightful balance of humor, poignancy, and romance. The antics of the 9-year-old twins, Alfie and Benji, form part of the plot as they take on the role of matchmakers because if one of their remaining two older brothers gets married, they figure that they will be able to move out of the cellar they’ve been rooming in since their grandparents came to live with them. As an only child, I have no experience with siblings or little boys, and I enjoyed the way in which Beckstrand taps into the twins’ thought processes and puerile reasoning. I also enjoyed the subplot about the chocolate lab, or as Benji calls it, chocolate “lamp”. The dog on the cover is part of what initially drew me to this book. With constant mischief afoot, the twins’ scheming leads to both comedy and heartache.

As for the other two main characters, Abraham and Emma, their idiosyncrasies make them all the more endearing. I appreciated Beckstrand’s representation of two young people who for the most part retain their individuality despite how this makes them different from their peers. Although I identified much more with Abraham’s character, Emma’s approach to life made me chuckle: “She already had plenty of friends and several exotic chickens. What more could a girl want?” In spite of her chicken-raising hobby, Emma is popular and draws the attention of the young men at gatherings, whereas Abraham is an introvert who can’t ever seem to say the right thing. Nevertheless, “[i]t seemed he found happiness in doing what he liked without having to impress anyone else.” Abraham exhibits a tender humility, whereas Emma seems rather self-centered at times. The difference in their personalities reminds me of how, as Christians, these two dispositions need to exist in harmony; we need to be humble and selfless but also bold and courageous for our faith. Jesus is our ultimate example of this; so, then, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

A wonderfully interesting read.
I would recommend this book.
Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher.

I loved this book so much. It has the best of everything, a dog, little boys, and romance. Alfie and his twin brother, Benji is determined to play matchmaker. They want to get Emma and Abraham together. Benji and Alfie have their room in the basement and want to move out.

At the end of the room, there is a scene that made me cry and then made me laugh. Abraham is such an enjoyable book. The twin boys are so funny.

This book is the 2nd in the series but also can be read as a stand-alone. You will want to read both books. They are both so good.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

Author Jennifer Beckstrand has written Book Two in The Petersheim Brothers series. Abraham is Christian Amish fiction with romance, humor, faith and even recipes. It is a wonderful escape from everyday life to visit Amish friends.

I loved this book for so many reasons. Faith is never hidden. It is seamlessly woven throughout the story teaching lessons as it goes. I find that beautiful in any novel.

Emma Wengerd is an Amish girl living at home that loves exotic chickens. Abraham is the shy Petersheim brother. He is tall, considerate, tender, quiet, but lacks confidence. Alfie and Benji are the rambunctious eight year old twins determined to see their older brothers married. When that is accomplished, the twins will be able to have a bedroom of their own instead of sleeping in the cellar.

All of the characters shine and come alive through the delightful writing of author Beckstrand. Her style is captivating and grabs my attention immediately. I was unable to put down this book until the end, which included recipes from the tale. This is a well planned, organized, researched, and wonderfully written book.

When I read a novel, I love learning from it. This book did not disappoint. I learned some tidbits about the Amish. There were details about the youth gatherings that I did not know. Exotic chickens were new to me. It was very interesting reading about the different types of chickens and their characteristics.

This book has everything to keep a reader’s attention and put a smile on a face. There is humor from the boys’ antics and animals to enjoy with cats, a dog, cows, and chicken Many life lessons on family relations, manners, faith, gossip, forgiveness, truth, and obeying parents make this a book that encourages and inspires. The recipes finishing this book sound yummy and easy to make.

I highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of Amish, you will be able to enjoy this. There is so much to learn in it. It would make a perfect reading group choice. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

I loved this book! Author Jennifer Beckstrand’s second book in The Petersheim Brothers series kept me laughing. With well developed characters you’ll love, this was a heartwarming story of second chances.

Abraham’s twin brothers are incorrigible and adorable and they caused a large part of the laughter throughout the book. Nobody wants to sleep with spiders, so nine year olds make great matchmakers, don’t they? It was good to see the characters of Emma and Abraham develop and grow as the story went on. But I don’t want to give anything away so please, if you enjoy Amish fiction, grab a copy of this one. And if you haven’t read Book 1, Andrew, you’ll want that too. I can’t wait for Book 3!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I love reading a book with foreign words occasionally. It’s a fun way to learn a little of the language and culture. The Amish way of speaking was a delightful and slightly challenging part of this novel. Most of the word meanings were easy to guess.

My family lived in Germany for a few years when I was a child so a couple common words were familiar to me. They are probably familiar to you as well as they are often used in other books or movies. If you are an Amish romance fan you may smile at my confusion with one of the words.

In one chapter, Benji holds and pats a chicken like it is a ‘newborn buplie’. My first guess was this referred to a puppy but thought it could possibly be a baby.

The internet was no help solving this question. The book finally made it clear in one of the latter chapters that a ‘buplie’ is a baby. I spent maybe a little too much time investigating the topic.

Thinking about the influence their German Bibles had on helping them preserve their religion and much of their language, I was reminded of a similar occurrence with the ancient Nephites. When Lehi and his family left Jerusalem around 600 BC, he sent his son Nephi with his other sons to get a copy of the Bible and their family genealogy recorded on brass plates (metal pages). They took these with them as they journeyed, led by God, to a new land now called the Americas. This was important to keeping their knowledge of the Commandments and God’s promises as well as their language.

I also enjoyed learning more about Amish culture. It was surprising to see how they dealt with certain aspects of modern technology.

My favorite part was reading about the mischievous twins’, Alfie and Benji’s, plans and mishaps. Jennifer Beckstrand shows their well-meaning innocence.

Their first matchmaking attempt in the previous book, Andrew, was apparently successful. (I have not read it yet but now intend to.) Unfortunately, mamm turned Andrew’s empty room into a sewing room or her “I-want-to-be-alone room” as the twins observed so they are hatching a new plan.

Benji and Alfie soon find the matchmaking business isn’t easy. Abraham is tongue tied around girls, especially Emma. He would much rather play basketball with the other boys at the young people’s gatherings.

Emma complicates their plans. She’s not in a hurry to marry yet. She’s having too much fun and doesn’t see quiet Abraham’s worth.

Mamm who is generally serious is also eager to encourage any hint of relationship between Abraham and Emma. It seems she has despaired, like he has, of him ever marrying. She makes Pigs-in-a-Blanket and other goodies when Emma happens to come by. Mamm is unaware Emma is there because of some mischief she discovered in her chicken coop and not because of Abraham.

A fun addition to the book are the Pigs-in-a-Blanket and Emma’s Peanut Butter Bars recipes included at the end. I am tempted to try the peanut butter bars!

I definitely recommend this charming and humorous Amish romance! I am sure the next book in Jennifer Beckstrand‘s Petersheim Brothers series will be equally delightful.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.

Jennifer Beckstrand's books always make me laugh and this one was no exception. I laughed out loud several times and smiled through most of it "Abraham", the latest book in the Petersheim Brothers series. In the book, Alfie and Benji, the two nine year olds who worked so hard in the last book to get Andrew and Mary together, have decided that Abraham and their neighbor Emma need to find their way together. Abraham is very shy and doesn't talk much, especially to girls. Emma is very popular and loves the attention she gets from boys and girls alike. The twins decide that they will be perfect for each other. What results is a mess of chickens, dogs, and craziness. I absolutely adored this book and am waiting eagerly for the last one in the series! Hopefully we don't have to wait long! If you have never read any of her books, now is the time! Get them all!
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

After reading this book, Abraham, by Jennifer Beckstrand, I have two big questions. First, how did I miss the first book of this series, (Andrew, #1 The Petersheim Brothers) ? Second, when does the third come out?
“Alfie formed a plan in his head.”
Oh, my! What dangerous things result from such simple words. Alfie and Benji are tired of sharing a basement bedroom with spiders. They’ve plotted and married off one brother. Maybe they can marry off another and take over his room. Who can resist two mischievously cute nine-year-old boys?
What a perfectly fun book with twins Alfie and Benji. Those boys are up to so much LOL mischief!! Just the way they think cracks me up! What an enjoyable book. I DID like Abraham and Emma, but the twins just stole the show!
Examples of why the book is a must-read, belly laugh:

“He likes animals. He wants to be a vegetarian.”

“‘But, Mamm, it’s an emergency. We need Abraham.’ Mamm didn’t even turn around. ‘It’s only an emergency if someone is dead or bleeding.’” (Seems I may have heard similar lines as a kid.)

“Where did you get this?” “We can’t tell you, Benji said... Alfie seemed more confident. “It’s from a nominous benedictor.”

Quickly run your fingers over to the online store and pick up this gem! You won’t regret it, and you may shake off a few pounds laughing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. This did not influence my opinions for which I am solely responsible.

Abraham by Jennifer Beckstrand is a delightfully light-hearted Amish romance. It is the third book in The Petersheim Brothers series but can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, enjoyed catching up with familiar faces.
Once again Jennifer Beckstrand has created a deliciously amusing novel. One cannot help but smile at the antics of nine year old twin boys as they turn into match-makers. Their attempts are unique but often fall short with hilarious results. Jennifer Beckstrand has captured their boyish mannerisms and I love their malapropisms. “Unanimous benedictor” should be anonymous benefactor.
Bitsey Weaver with her ever changing hair colour puts in an appearance. I love her logic – “You can’t stick your foot in your mouth if it’s shut.” She is an amusing character with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold.
Scruffy mutt, Tintin, captured my heart. You are always on to a winner with the inclusion of pets. They have the ability to turn a house into a home.
There is an eclectic mix of characters, all unique and charming, who will lodge in the reader’s heart. We see a big-hearted character who is painfully shy, preferring to stay single rather than talk to the opposite sex. In contrast there is another character who loves being the centre of attention. True love comes knocking but it is not always recognised.
I adore all Jennifer Beckstrand’s novels. They are light-hearted and amusing but with underlying serious messages. I can recommend picking one up today.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I love this book! With even more wit and laughter that we enjoyed in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, Jennifer Beckstrand brings us The Petersheim Brothers. Andrew, Austin, and Abraham are known as the Peanut Butter Brothers for their peanut butter business, the best anywhere. And who doesn’t love peanut butter? The characters are a blast and very well defined by their conversations and actions. The plot is as intricately woven as a pair of 9-year old twin Amish boys can make it while trying to bring romance into the life of their 22-year-old brother. They successfully married off Andrew with as much mayhem as could be imagined. How much harder could it be to marry off Austin and Abraham? Austin knows and likes lots of girls. Abraham? He’s shy and doesn’t even talk to girls! They must get Abraham first, since their Mamm always says to do the hardest job first.

The brothers’ grandfather “dawdi” had a stroke. His care is too much for their grandmother, Maami, so they moved in with the family. With all the room rearranging, the twins lost their bedroom and are sleeping in the cellar with the bugs and spiders, which unlike most little boys, they do not like. They decide to get Abraham married off to Emma, since they see him watching her a lot. Their first scheme is to care for a chocolate Labrador retriever abandoned when a neighbor moved away. Mamm won’t let them have a dog, so they hide “Tintin” in the woods, make a shelter for him, and get a donation for his food. If Emma sees Abraham walking the dog, she will want to talk with Abraham and they will become friends, right? If only it were that easy.

Emma likes the attention she gets from the boys at gatherings and singings and isn’t ready to settle down with just one. Abraham surely wouldn’t be the one, because he is so quiet and boring. At least until the twins try to act as if Tintin has gotten into her exotic chicken run. She loves and raises exotic hens. The first time she has to address the dog’s behavior, the boys leak real tears and beg her to not tell their Mamm. Abraham has to go find out what the dog did. He knows quite a bit about chickens as he is learning to care for animals the Amish way, without becoming a vet. They talk about the chickens and other things, but Emma doesn’t want him to talk to her anywhere else. Finally, she suggests they can be friends, but will she keep up her end of the friendship?

I didn’t really like Emma that well at first as she seemed too shallow – wanting attention without the responsibility, wanting friendship but not willing to give it. I do like Abraham, perhaps because I know those same self-doubts and lack of confidence. I absolutely adore the twins, and enjoy Abraham’s Mamm and Bitsy Weaver, who helps the twins.

It took a crisis that cost Emma and her sister Lizzy their jobs, the Peanut Butter Brothers one of their bigger accounts, and Abraham a broken heart to shake up the plans of the twins and set the tongues of other young adults wagging. Abraham did all he could to make it right for Emma and Lizzy, but who will set his world right?

This wonderful good novel of Amish family and community is an amazing read. I highly recommend it for those who appreciate close Amish families, LOL humor, the escapades of nine-year-old boys, and the potential for gentle, sweet romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from CelebrateLit and Firstreads, and this is my honest review.

Abraham doesn't think he needs help. His younger brothers are convinced without their help Abraham will never leave home. Abraham and Emma have no idea what is in store for them.

This Book 2 of a series by Jennifer Beckstrand. I love her books. We get to visit Bitsey once again. How can you not love the unconventional Bitsey?

The twins are on a mission- a top secret mission. Oh, the trouble they get into!

Andrew was extremely shy. He hid behind his shyness so he wouldn't be hurt. Emma was extroverted. She hid her love of chickens to prevent being teased. The twins hid....oh well..that's another story.

I enjoyed this book! It was sweet and very entertaining.

I received this for free from Celebrate Lit to review.

Any time I find an author’s books that I really enjoy, I tend to find all they’ve written and purchase them. I’ve done that with all of Jennifer Beckstrand’s books. It’s wonderful when you discover the author has a backlist that you’ve yet to read! But I’m close to being caught up now. :/

Jennifer’s latest book, Abraham (The Petersheim Brothers series), does not disappoint. Abraham is a total sweetheart, but I didn’t care much for Emma. She was stuck on herself and, frankly, did not deserve Abraham. I kind of wished he’d end up with her sister at the onset of the story. And then there were the twins, Alfie and Benji. I wonder if those poor mischief makers will ever get out of that basement! They (and Aunt Bitsy from the Honeybee Sisters) provide entertainment throughout the novel with their antics. 4.5 Stars

Fans of Amish fiction or Amish romance are sure to enjoy this book.

There are three things I can count on in a Jennifer Beckstrand book:

1. It’ll be clean and provide a good moral lesson
2. It’ll make me laugh (I think I was laughing in the first couple of pages on this one!)
3. It’ll be absent of unnecessary fluff and one I won’t want to put down

I look forward to the release of Austin in May 2020!

(I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley, but also purchased a paperback version for my collection.)

Jennifer Spredemann
Heart-Touching Amish Fiction

4.5 stars
Having missed Andrew, I had no idea what to expect from Abraham. Luckily, Jennifer Beckstrand introduces the characters with a natural flow and I was able to jump straight into the story.

Hearing the story from nine-year-old Benji and Alfie’s perspectives brought a new level of humor to the already engaging story. They’re more than a set of characters, they are an integral part of the story and I loved their antics. Typical behavior and thoughts patterns for their age made Abraham hilarious as the twins set about marrying off their big brother.

Making a play on the opposites attract trope, Jennifer Beckstrand brings together a shy young man and an exuberant young woman. Emma enjoys attention, specifically, male attention. She’s not able to see how shallow she’s become when Abraham does everything he can to be her friend while making sure no one knows they are friends.

I felt for both these characters through their low points and cheered through the high points.

Beautifully written, engaging and often hilarious characters. I loved this story and the depth of feeling weaving throughout the pages.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and was provided a complimentary copy through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was a fun story with wonderful characters. A pair of mischievous nine yr old twins are working hard to get their bedroom upstairs vacant so they can reclaim it. When their grandfather had a stroke he and their grandmother were moved into their house and the twins were moved into the dark, damp and musty cellar complete with spiders and other bugs. So far their plan is progressing. Their oldest brother Andrew got married and moved out, with a little matchmaking help from the twins, Alfie and Benji. Now their plan is to get Abraham married and moved out. Only Abraham has decided he is going to be a life long bachelor. They have decided that Emma is the perfect match for Abraham, however Emma is a flirt and has no intention of giving up her admiring flock of boys. But these two have no idea who they are up against when the twins get their minds made up.
I loved their schemes for getting Abraham and Emma together. Some worked, some backfired. Some got them in hot water with their mother. I also enjoyed their mom and how she reacted to some of the things she had to overlook from her mother-in-law living with them. Two grown women in one house, let alone one kitchen does not always make for a harmonious relationship.
Seeing how Emma changed over a period of weeks and how Abraham came out of his shell was inspiring. I would chuckle out loud every now and then while reading and my husband would look over at me with strange looks, but I was enjoying the book so much I couldn’t restrain myself. And don’t get me started about the exotic chicken collection and a stray dog, wow. You’ll just have to grab your own copy. This was not time wasted but time well spent for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

If you are not reading this delightful series, you should be!

Nine year old twins, Alfie and Benji Petersheim, have come up with a plan to move up from the basement in their crowded Amish home and gain their own bedroom. All they have to do is to get their older brothers Andrew, Abraham, and Austin married and into their own homes. They had great success with Andrew (whose story is told in the first book of this series). They have now selected Abraham as their next “victim” of holy matrimony. They have their walk-in-talkies ready and have even adopted a stray dog to help with their plan. They’ve chosen Emma, a lively and beautiful young Amish woman, to be Abraham’s bride. With Alfie’s shrewd planning skills and Benji’s uncanny insight into people, what could go wrong? The answer to that question is the reason I laughed my way through this book.

Although Alfie and Benji are my heroes in this book, I did like the main characters of Emma and Abraham, too. They have totally opposite personalities, and it seems almost impossible that they could come together as a couple. Although she’s not in as many scenes in the book, Rebecca, the mother of all the Petersheim brothers, is another fun character as she strives to keep her twins in line. This is not easy, as these boys are as resourceful as Tom Sawyer ever strived to be.

I love a book that makes me laugh and keeps me guessing, and this book does both. Even if you don’t normally read Amish fiction, give this one a try. I can’t wait to see what Alfie and Benji have in mind for Austin, and I’m cheering them on to get their own bedroom.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I am so glad to be back with the wonderful Petersheim Brothers. The first book was about Andrew which introduces readers to this delightful new series. If you haven't read the first book I recommend you do. It will introduce you to the brothers and get to know them better.

This book is about Abraham who is a wonderful young man. He is very shy and humble with a heart of gold. He is unsure of himself especially around girls. Abraham definitely has a self esteem problem and I hurt for him as he continued to feel unimportant around others. It is hard for Abraham to let someone know he like them because he is very shy and doesn't want to be rejected.

Emma has her own problems that made it hard for me to like her at times. She was very pretty and a big flirt. She loved the attention other young men gave her because it made her feel good about herself. It was kind of funny that Abraham and Emma both had self esteem issues. Emma also was quite prideful and could say hurtful things to people which she did to protect herself from getting hurt.

The stars of this story for me were the twins Alfie and Benji. They just couldn't help themselves from getting in trouble. When they hatch this elaborate scheme to benefit themselves, it causes many misunderstandings and a barrel of laughs. The addition of a dog named Tintin will bring a smile to your face. I can't imagine what it would be like to raise these two boys. I won't spoil the story but get prepared for adventure, matchmaking, and a lesson in pride, forgiveness and faith.

I have to mention the chickens in the story. Emma raises chickens and I was fascinated by the different breeds she had. My husband raises chickens and we recently added a few to our growing hen family. There is one that is beautiful and I fell in love with it. The chicken is mostly white and looks like it has fur around his legs. I enjoyed how the author gives details about how to raise chickens and the how many different kinds there are.

I really enjoyed the story and it took me awhile to like Emma but I realized that she did things because she wanted to be liked by everyone. Abraham is smitten with her, but will he overcome his shyness to tell her how he feels? Come join in the fun as the author takes us on a journey that will remind us that sometimes love is right in front of us if we take the time to notice.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

For the life of me I couldn't get enough of the naughty, mischievous twins Alfie and Benji. They were so adorable, even when their intentions were sinister.

They wanted to get out of their current sleeping arrangements and decided to matchmake their quiet, withdrawn brother Abraham into marrying Emma.

At first I didn't like Emma so much because she was self-absorbed sometimes. But as time went on her priorities changed and I kinda pitied her.

Abraham for the life of him couldn't talk to any girl until his brothers antics brought he and Emma together. I loved that they had so much in common and he went out of his way to help her. I felt so sorry for him when his heart was broken but I admired his strength and kind heart.

This book will make you laugh but most of all inspire you to focus on what is important; adding value to people and seeking forgiveness when we wrong others.

I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.

My favorite Jennifer Beckstrand books are the ones with Anna and Felty but the Petersheim twins are running a close second.

Abraham is the second older brother the twins have decided needs to get married so they can get their room back. Just think two impish boys, chickens and a dog. Be prepared for many laughs as you read.

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook. I enjoyed the audiobook very much as it made holiday cooking go by very quickly.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Jennifer Beckstrand writes Amish Fiction with a touch of mischief and shenanigans, but that is easy to do when your best supporting characters are nine-year-old twins.

Alfie and Benji are sure that their mamm is trying to kill them by relegating them to the cellar since Mammi and Dawdi moved in after Dawdi's stroke. The only way they are going to get a bedroom upstairs is to get their older brothers married. The one in their cupid's arrow's aim is Abraham. He is the quiestest brother and the shyest. But, Alfie and Benji have a trick up their sleeve to get Abraham married--their neighbor's chickens. Abraham doesn't think he has a chance with Emma, even though he knows quite a bit about her chickens. The road to true love is rocky for Abraham and Emma, but gets smoother once Emma gets her head on straight, and stops seeking attention from all the boys instead of being true to Abraham, the man who truly fits her.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a matched pair of Silkies chickens.

I would like to thank Kensington books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley for me to read and review.

This delightful book is the second in the series about the Petersheim. We once again find lots of antics done by the younger twins, Alfie and Benji, who are trying their hardest to get their brothers “married off”, so they can get their own room. Their target in this book is their brother, Abraham. They figured their plans worked in the first book and got their brother, Andrew, married off, so maybe they can get Abraham married off, too.

They are great planners and this time use a stray dog to help them carry out their plans. Some of their antics are quite hilarious. You don’t want to miss the adventures these boys carry out in order to get Abraham and Emma together.

Abraham is a very quiet young man. Personalities just don’t mesh between these two, as Emma, who is a rather out going, opinionated person is the exact opposite of Abraham. Even though their personalities just don’t match between these two, because of the antics of the twins, Abraham ends up being supportive of Emma in trying to keep the boys in line and out of trouble. As they spend more time together, they grow closer together.

You will want to read this book, and not put it down until you see how things are resolved. You may be surprised!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley and have expressed my own opinion.