Christmas in Sugarcreek

This is a wonderful book that shares the meaning of Christmas through several characters. I loved each of them and enjoyed how the author illustrates family, love and hope. I really like Judith and how much she helped her family out. As much as she works, she has little time for herself. It’s is a busy time at the shop and customers seem to be coming from everywhere.

Ben has been away for awhile and comes back to sale his family’s home. He doesn’t have good memories here and can’t wait to leave the town forever. God has a way to change our direction when we least expect it. Who would have thought that Ben would be working with Judith at her family’s store for the holidays?

The story shared how one couple is happy yet there was show more something that was missing. Lilly tries so hard to cook and be a dutiful wife. What she needs to find is her confidence and trust that her husband adores her.

Rebecca was probably one of my favorite characters. Her family is poor but she is embarrassed for anyone to find out. If only she would let the community know they need help, things would be easier for her and her family. Pride is something we all struggle with at sometime and Rebecca will learn that lesson through someone special.

I loved how the author showed what the true meaning of Christmas is as we read how the characters experience unconditional live, acceptance and Jesus. show less

"Christmas in Sugarcreek" is the fourth and final book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series "Seasons of Sugarcreek". I have not read the first three books, but I plan to correct that very soon! A few pages into this book, and I was hooked. The characters are wonderfully etched, and I was immediately drawn into the story line. Judith Graber, dutiful elder daughter, works hard to help and care for her family. She never turns down a request for assistance, putting the needs of others above her own dreams and desires. She has a loving home with her family, works in the family business, and is well-respected. Yet, she longs for more--a home of her own, and a loving husband to share her future. When Ben Knox, long considered to be somewhat dark show more and dangerous, returns to Sugarcreek to sell his own family's home, Judith finds herself once again aflutter over her feelings for Ben. Unbeknownst to Judith, Ben has always cared for her, but he felt himself to be unworthy and unacceptable to her family. However, when Judith's father hires Ben to help at the family store, Judith and Ben find themselves in each other's company every day, and their eyes are opened toward about their own true personas and their real feelings. I fell in love with Ben outright--his strength, gentleness and humility were so very appealing. His protectiveness and consideration toward Judith was exactly what she so needed, and her acceptance and admiration for him put him at ease with her family and the community. His tenderness and patience with the children in the story is very touching. The characters from the other three books all play a role in this story line, and I was intrigued by each couple's individual history. This is a delightful and romantic holiday read, and the whole series sounds very worthwhile! show less

This book was light and enjoyable Christmas fare. Pick it up and read it on a cold winter's day with a warm cup of hot coco and let yourself get lost in Sugarcreek.

Shelley Shepard Gray does a good job with the story. Nothing too heavy. This book is just right for the holiday season. Also, the book has allusions to O. Henry's "The Gift of the Maji".

Treat yourself to Christmas in Sugarcreek.

Judith Graber has always done what her family wants whether it is working in the family store, cooking, cleaning the house, or babysitting her younger siblings. But she sometimes thinks that no one cares about what she wants - which is to find someone she loves. Ben Knox, long considered a "bad boy" in the Amish community, is back in Sugarcreek - just long enough to sell his family's home. However, his plans may change as he grows closer to Judith and her family. Will both Ben and Judith find the love they've been looking for?

"Christmas in Sugarcreek" is the first book I've read in Shelley Shepard Gray's Seasons of Sugarcreek series, but it won't be the last. Although this is part of a series, I never felt lost and I quickly became show more caught up with the various characters. Set in the Amish and Mennonite communities, the novel has several plot lines. Newly married Lilly Miller is determined to be the perfect wife (even if she can't cook) and is searching for just the right gift for her husband Robert. Judith's brother Caleb loves Rebecca Yoder but wonders what secrets she is keeping from him. And there is the main plotline involving Judith and Ben. All of these are nicely done as three people - Ben, Lilly, and Rebecca - all struggle with feeling that they don't deserve love. Rebecca and Ben's story lines are especially moving. Ben is a particularly interesting character, not as "bad" as he pretends to be and it interesting to read as Gray slowly reveals various aspects of his character. The romance between Ben and Judith is very sweet. The Christmas setting is nice (Gray starts the book ten days before Christmas and ends it the day after) and it is always interesting to read how the Amish celebrate Christmas. The whole Amish setting is very nicely done.

"Christmas in Sugarcreek" is a nicely done novel and a perfect read for the holidays. show less

I’ve been sort of in a “reading rut” of late; just tend to reach for my phone or the computer to play a game or surf the web rather than picking up a book. But there are sooo many books I want to read that I’ve wanted to break out of this. This week, I think I may have found the book to do it…I read about 75% of this book in one sitting.
Christmas in Sugarcreek, by Shelley Shepard Gray, was just a quick, sweet read. I tend to only pick this type of book up around Christmas time but I’m thinking that perhaps I should do it more often…give myself a little more variety. I really enjoyed spending time with the residents of Sugarcreek and, yes, I am going to miss them. The simple lifestyle of the Amish and Mennonite characters show more in the book had me yearning for more simplicity in my own life. The best part is that I know it is there if I just make time to find it. show less

A good choice for a feel-good Amish story set at Christmastime. Though the storyline is predictable, if you enjoy romance with few problems and a happy ending, this is the tale for you. A bit sappy at times, this audio book, well read and performed by Robynn Rodriguez, still is a nice way to pass the time while you are busy doing your own chores.

This is the first book by Shelly Shepard Gray that I have read but it will not be the last. I loved the way she wrote and especially the topic that she wrote about. I really enjoyed the personal touch she gave each character and how their lives were intertwined. I enjoyed the different ways love was displayed and how important it is to realize that people change constantly and we must be open to receive them with their changes. I love reading about the Amish community and I am looking for another one of her books to read. Thanks for giving me this opportunity.