Publisher 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?
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 Place at Our Table
My Review:
I laughed my way through this book. How can you not love twin eight-year-old boys who have a strong streak of Tom Sawyer in them; dislike baths; are loyal to their older brothers; will not lie to get out of trouble ( they may just not voluntarily tell everything they know); and love their mother fiercely even when they don’t understand her? For me, Alfie and Benji were the heart and soul of this book. Alfie is the planner and chief instigator of most of their plots, but Beni has an insight into people that’s well beyond his years, plus a strong desire to help those who are troubled. Their plot to marry off Andrew to Mary so that they can get their room back and stop sleeping in the cellar starts out as a selfish motive, but turns into a determination (at least on Benji’s part) to see that Mary’s well cared for and Andrew is happy.
However, not all is sweetness and light in this book. Mary left the Amish and has returned home an unwed mother. Although she’s confessed her sin to God and is truly repentant, many among the Amish community reject her and think she needs to suffer for a time to make her aware of her sins. This is a good commentary for all of us on compassion and forgiveness. Because of Benji’s kind heart towards Mary, Andrew begins to put aside his self-righteousness and see Mary for the treasure she truly is. All does not run smoothly for Mary and Andrew, and it takes the twins, plus some fireworks, a cat in a tree, and the fire department to make sure all turns out as it should.
I am so hoping there’s another book or two with Alfie and Benji, as Andrew has two more brothers that need to be married.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.