Known as “The Peanut Butter Brothers” for their Wisconsin family business, hardworking Andrew, Abraham, and Austin Petersheim have their plates too full for romance—until their little siblings decide to play matchmaker . . . With their house full to bursting since Mammi and Dawdi moved back in, the Petersheim twins know the only way to get their bedroom back is to get their older brothers married … their bedroom back is to get their older brothers married off. But Abraham is so shy, he’ll barely speak to girls. Still, they’ve noticed how he looks at Emma Wengerd at church. Emma is so talkative, Abraham’s quiet ways wouldn’t matter a bit. Soon, the boys have hatched a scheme that sends Abraham right to Emma’s
door—and her chicken coop . . .
Abraham doubts that pretty, popular Emma would be interested in him. Yet when he finds himself by her side, having to straighten out the twins’ mischief—more than once—he can’t help imagining a future with her. And the more time they spend together, the more Abraham realizes that perhaps no matter how many boys buzz around Emma, with faith, it’s only the right one that counts . . .
Praise for Jennifer Beckstrand and her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series
“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A heart-warming story of faith, hope, and second chances. The story will captivate readers who love the Amish culture and enjoy an endearing romance.”
—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of A Seat by the Hearth
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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
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.
I love this author and this series of books. This family is fantastic. I love the young twin boys that just want to get their older brothers married so that they can sleep back upstairs again. This book is really funny and there are a few sad parts. The author really seems to know how twin brothers think and feel. I did not want this story to end. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Abraham by Jennifer Beckstrand is the second novel in The Petersheim Brothers series. Alfie and Benji Petersheim are eight year old twin brothers who are tired of sleeping in the cellar. They were excited when their plan to marry off their brother, Andrew worked. Unfortunately, their mother turned Andrew’s bedroom into her sewing room so she could have a place to escape from Mammi (I don’t blame her). So, the twins have turned their attention to Abraham. Abraham seems smitten with Emma Wengerd so the twins come up with a plan to get the pair together. Abraham is a delightful story. Alfie and Benji manage to get themselves into numerous scrapes. Of course, it falls onto big brother, Abraham to assist these mischievous twins. I thought the characters were developed and realistic. They each had insecurities like Abraham’s shyness and how he would put himself down. He had such a kind heart and is a thoughtful man. The twins are going to have their work cut out for them matching their shy brother with the lovely and outgoing Emma. It is going to be a bumpy ride especially with Perry in the picture. Jennifer Beckstrand’s descriptions allowed me to envision the story and characters. I could just see the twin’s grandfather being pushed into the woods in his wheelchair. I could tell that he was having the time of his life. I believe the twins are what is helping the grandfather recover from his stroke. I love the inclusion of Bitsy Weaver. She is my favorite character (I wish I had half her gumption). I was tickled that the author included her in this series. It was interesting to learn about some unique variety of chickens (Emma loves her chickens) like the Silke and their colorful eggs. Abraham is well-written with steady pacing. I did not want to put down this engaging story. I laughed so often while reading this charming tale. Abraham can be read on its own, but I highly recommend Andrew. I cannot wait to read Austin. I have a feeling that the twins are still without their much wanted bedroom and will have to find Austin a mate next. Abraham is an enchanting story with exotic chickens, wily lads, a meddling Mammi, a bothersome boy, a skinflint store owner, and peanut butter problems.
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.
Since the arrival of Mammi and Dawdi, nine-year-old twins Alfie and Benjie has to sleep in a spider-infested cellar. They are not happy about it and come up with a mischievous plan to marry off their older brother Abraham so they move into his bedroom. But Abraham is painfully shy and doesn’t know how to talk to girls. Still, the twins have noticed how he looks at the most popular girl in town Emma Wengerd. But Emma has no shortage of suitors and a quiet boy like Abraham is not her type. Will the twins succeed in their plan or are they doomed to spend their entire childhood sleeping in the cellar?
Abraham by Jennifer Beckstrand is a heartwarming and wonderful story of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. The story is perfectly paced and kept me turning the pages. The twins were hilarious with their antics and had me laughing throughout the entire book. Emma and Abraham’s character development was excellent. Their insecurities were relatable and made it very easy to root for them on their bumpy journey to a happy relationship. I fell in love with the Petersheim family and can’t wait to read the third book. I have a sneaky suspicion that poor Alfie and Benjie are still stuck in the cellar.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet Amish romance, book two in the Petersheim Brothers series. Abraham Petersheim is Amish and is proud to be a member of his community. His family farms and makes peanut butter. In fact, he and his brothers are known as the Peanut Butter Brothers. Abraham is very shy and rarely talks to girls but after his brother Andrew’s recent marriage he thinks he wants a loving relationship like they have. Unfortunately, Abraham is only interested in one woman, Emma Wengard. Emma is a social butterfly who all the Amish young people like. Abraham admires her from afar, sure that Emma never looks at him twice because he is boring. Abraham’s nine year old twin brothers, Alfie and Benji, provide good natured comic relief as they try desperately with ever more crazy schemes with the help of their secret dog, Tintin, and Emma’s chickens, to get Abraham and Emma to fall in love. The chapters from the twin’s points of view were a unique twist and added quite a bit of humor to the story. On their way to their happily ever after, Abraham and Emma experience a number of missteps and misunderstandings. Abraham has to find his way to believing he is worth loving even if he is too quiet, too tall and too unremarkable to be noticed. Emma has to learn that getting attention by hiding parts of yourself is not the same as being loved for who you are. This was a beautiful story of the pretty, popular girl and the sweet, quiet unnoticed man. It is full of grace, love, and forgiveness with the beautiful backdrop of the Amish community’s faith and lifestyle. Abraham is a delightful tale – expect to giggle, gasp, cry and swoon. With Abraham, Jennifer Beckstrand proves once again that she is a master storyteller. I cannot wait to read the story of the third peanut butter brother
Show of characters difference cope with uncertain circumstances.
You just have to love the twins Alfie and Benji Petersheim! And yep… Alfie and Benji spell TROUBLE!! They just can’t help themselves as they try to get out of that cellar and back upstairs into a real bedroom. If they can just get another brother married all their troubles will be over. How fun to listen and follow them in their planning and plots to help brother Abraham find the perfect girl. Loved this story!
What I think you should know:
Abraham is the Second book in the Petersheim Brothers Series, it is Amish Fiction. While it can be read as a stand alone novel I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book in the series, Andrew. Despite being successful in finding a wife for their oldest brother Alfie and Benji and still stuck living in the cellar so they have set their sights on their next brother Abraham.
My Thoughts about Abraham:
Even if you are not a fan of Amish fiction I think that you will love this book. Alfie and Benji are such fun characters The author, Jennifer Beckstrand, keeps you guessing as to what antics they are going to get into next. Abraham was such a sweet guy, he would make a great husband Amish or English. For the first time ever I did not enjoy an Amish girl lead, as was Beckstrand’s intention Emma was selfish, and did not demonstrate the humbleness that is more often seen in Amish. While I did not like Emma for an interesting dynamic to the story. I loved this book as much and the first and I am looking forward to the third in the series.
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on Abraham:
I loved getting to know Alfie and Benji in the first book in this series and could not wait to revisit them. They’re still trying to get out of the basement they were moved into when their Mammi and Dawdi moved in. With Dawdi’s blessing, never mind that he can’t really talk and give his blessing, they come up with a scheme to marry off another brother and hopefully get out of their dungeon.
This book will make you laugh so hard. It’s hilarious what these eight-year-old twins come up with to help out their older brother and the girl they’ve chosen for him. They seem to land in scrapes but come out more determined than ever!
I loved getting to know Abraham and seeing him come out of his shell and become a character of his own. In the first book we didn’t get to see him much but this time he almost steals the show from his twin brothers. Almost but not quite. They’re still my favorites.
Should I mention the dog? In the first book, we had cats and bees. This one has a dog and it’s hilarious! Better go grab your copy now because you’re going to need to read the whole thing.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Abraham by Jennifer Beckstrand is a delightfully light-hearted Amish romance. It is the second 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.
Jennifer Beckstrand knows how to insert humorous moments into a fictional Amish family story. The youngest Petersheim brothers are at it again—trying to get one of their older brothers married off so they can move out of the basement. Their plots and plans add amusing incidents, and this time they try using a stray dog as bait to lure a girl for Abraham. Will they ever succeed in their scheme? The characters seem real and the drama engaging. The novel includes some surprises too. This book would be a fun read-aloud for a family. It’s not your typical Amish tale. And the problems and growth of the characters may just make you think about your own attitudes and decisions. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
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. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.
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.
Full review with quotes available on BookofRuthAnn.com
Abraham
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 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.
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.
Nine year old twin Alfie and Benji Petersheim are at it again! They are still sleeping in the cellar so matchmaking is once again needed as they continue their quest to finally have their own bedroom. This time around they plan to find a wife for their brother Abraham but they know it won’t be easy. Abraham is a great guy who is tall and plays basketball but he is shy and very unsure of himself. It won’t be easy for him to court a girl, especially the one the twins have seen him secretly watching. Emma Wengard is very pretty and very popular and she could have any Amish boy that she wants, but can they convince her that Abraham is the one? With the aid of walkie-talkies and Emma’s chickens they begin their plan but will Alfie and Benji ever be able to escape the spiders and come out of the cellar?
Abraham is the second book is the second book in The Petersheim Brothers series and another great Amish story from author Jennifer Beckstrand. I enjoyed this unlikely romance between Abraham and Emma but it is Alfie and Benji who have once again stolen my heart and brightened my day with their antics. Yes, Abraham Petersheim is the focus of this book but these two boys surely give their brother a run for his money. They made me smile and I laughed out loud many times as I read Abraham. I know that the twins will probably be around in the third book of this series to help their third brother Austin find a bride but I can only hope that Beckstrand will continue to share them in many more books!
This story has humor, romance, and moral reminders about pride, forgiveness, and love. I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction and Christian romance.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
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.
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.