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 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. ( )

“Christmas is Sugarcreek” is the fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Seasons of Sugarcreek series.

The best thing about this book is that it could easily have been just a book that happened in the winter.

Christmas was definitely central to the story but the focus was more on the couples in the story than the holiday.

It made me feel a lot less silly about reading it in February (actually, it fits right in with the romantic theme of the month). ( )

Basically the story of Judith and Ben with her family interwoven. Enjoyed the ending, but found the book itself a little boring.

Believe it or not I could not make myself finish this book. I have loved all the others in the series.
Maybe it is me and not the books. ( )

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 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. ( )