Friday, June 21, 2019

Book Review: Andrew by Jennifer Beckstrand

Andrew by Jennifer Beckstrand



Publisher & Release: Penquin Random House Publishing, June 25, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Wisconsin

Genre: Amish Romance

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Andrew, Abraham, and Austin Petersheim’s family business has earned them the nickname The Peanut Butter Brothers. But if their matchmaking younger siblings have their way, all three may soon bear another title: husband . . .
 
Handsome, hardworking, and godly, Andrew Petersheim has always been sure of his place in his Wisconsin Amish community. He’ll be a welcome catch for the local girl who finally captures his heart. Mary Coblenz certainly isn’t that girl. Two years after “jumping the fence” for the Englischer world, she’s returned, unmarried and pregnant. Yet instead of hiding in shame as others in the community expect, she’s working at the Honeybee Farm, ignoring the gossips—and winning over Andrew’s eight-year-old twin brothers . . .
 
For all Andrew’s certainty about right and wrong, it seems he has a lot to learn from Mary’s courage, grace, and resilience. She’s changing his notions about forgiveness and love, but will she in turn accept the challenge of starting over and choose to stay—with him?

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Vikki’s Musings

I’ve recently discovered a love for Amish fiction and found Jennifer Beckstrand’s delightful books, particularly any centered in Huckleberry Hill, a small village in Wisconsin. When I stumbled upon Ms. Beckstrand’s new romance, book one in the Petersheim Brothers series. I immediately requested it on Net-Galley, and the publisher was kind and approved my request. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Andrew is a delightful Amish romance with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot. The pacing is excellent and kept me enthralled from the first page. It was such a delight when a secondary character, Bitsy, from one of previous Amish books by Ms. Beckstrand is in this one. I love it when an author brings well-loved characters into a new story. 

Mary Coblenz is a young Amish girl who jumped the fence. She’s now an unwed, pregnant nineteen-year-old and has returned to her village. Her reception is not good. Her parents refuse her entrance into her family home. My heart ached immediately for her. Enters the eccentric Bitsy, who welcomes her with open arms. My heart went out to Mary. Her ex-boyfriend had betrayed her trust, and now her family has turned her back on her. Without Bitsy, she would have been homeless.

Two mischievous eight-year-old twins enter her life, along with their elder brother, and they turn her world upside down. At first, Andrew is very judgmental of Mary’s dilemma and believes she has earned his scorn and many of the others in their community. The twins feel differently and want him to marry so they don’t have to stay in the cellar any more. Mary seems perfect for their plans. After all, Andrew would gain a ready-made family!

At first, Andrew comes across a bit sanctimonious, but a good young man at heart, he realizes he’s judged Mary unfairly without really knowing her. I enjoyed his change of heart, which shows the goodness of his soul. I also loved his patience with his rambunctious brothers.

As with most Amish romances, the love between them grows from the friendship between the couple. I believe that’s what I like best in this genre. The couples normally don’t even kiss. At most, they hold hands and sneak glances at each other in a most innocent way. Indicative of long-ago times. That’s the case with Andrew and Mary. They clearly are falling in love. Of course, Mary is scared of their growing feelings, and Andrew is a bit clueless. Fortunately, it all come together in the end in a most enjoyable way for this reader!

If you enjoy Amish romance with wonderful characters from the hero and heroine to the cast of secondary ones as well, you will love Andrew. I can’t wait to read Abraham, which is the second book in this amazing new series. Happy reading! 




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