cover image Abraham

Abraham

Jennifer Beckstrand. Kensington, $7.99 mass market (304p) ISBN 978-1-4201-4772-8

The second, moving title of Beckstrand’s Petersheim Brothers series (following Andrew) features nine-year-old mischievous Amish twins Alfie and Benji, who are determined to marry off their older brothers. The pair brainstorm ways to get shy Abraham to fall in love with their pretty, popular neighbor, Emma, and when the twins discover a stray dog, they come up with a scheme to set up the older pair—since Emma raises chickens and Abraham wants to become an Amish veterinarian. Emma finds what she assumes is evidence that the boys’ adopted dog has been raiding her chicken coop, and Abraham agrees to discipline the twins. From this incident, he and Emma form a friendship based on their shared love of animals. However, Emma’s potential interest in other suitors and Abraham’s lack of confidence threaten their blossoming relationship. It’s not ruining anything to say that all ends well as Emma and Abraham realize their true feelings for each other and grow in personal character. This is an endearing romance that fans of Wanda Brunstetter will love. (Dec.)