Reading a new book from Jennifer Beckstrand is always an absolute delight. Getting to spend more time with Bitsy Weaver (from her Honeybee Sister series) is pure joy.

In addition, we are treated to two precocious boys Alfie and Benji, 8 year old twins with a penchant for matchmaking their older brother (so he’ll move out and they can have their own room instead of having to sleep in the scary cellar). Every time they were on the page, my face sported a huge grin. And sometimes their little boy earnest hearts made me tear up, too. (The scene with Dawdi & borrowing the binoculars. Oh be still my heart!)

Andrew and Mary are an unlikely pair at first glance. He, a straitlaced “good” Amish young man (who really wants to make furniture instead of peanut butter). She, an unwed pregnant young woman who left the Amish for the evils of the Englisch world and is now back to face the judgmental attitudes of the community with grace and bravery. And yet, their chemistry was palpable from the very first moment they shared the page. Their banter is grin-inducing and their inner thoughts toward the other person will leave you swooning.

Bottom Line: Prepare to laugh, swoon, cry and even be a little convicted by the time the story is over. Andrew – the book and the eponymous hero – is layered and fun and deliciously romantic. The message of Jesus’ mercy is tender and so important, and the truth of His grace is evident throughout. The young twins are the stars of this show, and I can’t wait to see what delightful mischief they get up to next!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower