Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel (Seasons of Sugarcreek) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Christmas in Sugarcreek brings back all of our favorite characters from the first three books in the Seasons of Sugarcreek Series. The main characters in this story all suffer from the same thing; they do not think highly of themselves. This story focuses on Judith & Ben, Caleb & Rebecca, and Lily & Robert.

This holiday season seems to be a busy one for all. However, does that mean that love will not be found as well? This holiday season will these individuals find what they have been longing for? To find out, read: Christmas in Sugarcreek!

Christmas is not about who receives the most gifts or whose gift is most expensive. It is about the birth of Christ and counting your blessings for the things that you do have. I was so glad that this book focused a little more on the younger siblings, Caleb and Judith. I am sure at one point or another we all have felt that we weren't good enough or that we didn't belong. All it took to change that feeling was one person to believe in you.

Judith & Caleb found true happiness where they least expected it. Lily finally realized that Robert loved her for her. This book was about the true meaning of Christmas!

I rate this book 5/5!

Autumn's Promise (Seasons of Sugarcreek #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

**This is book 3 in the Seasons of Sugarcreek Series. If you have not read the first two books, you may not want to continue reading**

According to Goodreads:

Until Robert Miller met Lilly Allen, his world had been dark. A widower after only two years of marriage, he's been living in a haze, filled with grief. He feels his life is already over-even though he's only twenty-five.

 
But his friendship with Lilly changes everything. For the first time since he can remember, he finds new reasons to wake up each day. Soon, he knows he's falling in love with Lilly. However, he also knows a marriage between the two of them can never happen. Lilly Allen is only eighteen. She had become pregnant out of wedlock. And, she's an Englisher. He, of course, is Amish.
 
Lilly also feels a strong attraction to Robert. She admires his quiet strength and dependability. She's also in awe of his devotion to his wife's memory. Lilly knows she could never measure up to his perfect Amish wife. She also comes to realize that no matter how much she might love a person, she can't change who she is. She loves Robert--not the Amish faith. No matter how much she loves him...she doesn't know if she'll ever be able to give up her independence and reliance on the modern world in order to say vows.

Coming from different worlds, does their love stand a chance?

Another great book by Shelley Shepard Gray! I have read the first three books of the series within three days!! I can't seem to put them down. I must say, I think this book is my favorite so far. The story of Robert Miller and Lilly Allen pulled at my heart. I must say this story line, an Amish man falling for an English woman; was a little different. Nonetheless, a terrific story!

You can't help who you fall in love with. Robert and Lilly found that out first hand. Even though they are from different worlds, sacrifices were made so they could be together. They knew it wouldn't be easy but they decided to take the blunge. I can't wait to read the last book in the series, A Christmas in Sugarcreek.

I rate this book 5/5!

Spring's Renewal (Seasons of Sugarcreek #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

**This is the 2nd book in the Seasons of Sugarcreek Series. If you haven't read the first book, you may not want to read this review**

According to Goodreads:

Tim Graber arrives in Sugarcreek to help his aunt and uncle with spring planting. At first, Tim doesn't fit in with his many cousins and their crowded lifestyle. But when he meets Clara Slabaugh, the local school teacher, he understands why the Lord brought him to Sugarcreek. Clara is shy and quiet. Scarred from a fire when she was small, Clara has resigned herself to living alone and caring for her mother, who tells her that no man will ever see past her scars, and that Clara needs to keep teaching in order to make ends meet. Her father passed away years ago, and her mother depends on her. But the scars mean nothing to Tim. He appreciates her quiet nature and her wonderful, loving way with children. Yet Tim has a sweetheart back home in Indiana. As these two hearts struggle to determine their path, tragedy strikes, and every other worry seems insignificant in comparison. Though they now face a life they never imagined, will Tim and Clara have the faith to step out and risk everything for a chance at true love?

Spring's Renewal is the second book in the series: Seasons of Sugarcreek. In this book, we are introduced to two new people. Tim Graber(The Graber's nephew) and Clara Slabaugh( the school teacher). I loved how Clara was portrayed in this story. Some looked at her as being "ugly" or "imperfect" because of her scars. However, it took the love of Tim to turn all of that around. He thought she was beautiful both on the inside and on the outside. He made her feel like she has never felt before. That is extremely important for a woman. I also loved how the Amish and English came together at the end to help in a crisis. It shows that no matter where you are from or who you are that can all be put aside.

Each character in their own way pulled at my heart. However, Clara and Tim pulled at my heart the most. Things happen for a reason and that is what this book is all about! I can't wait to begin reading Autumns Promise!

I rate this book 5/5!

Winter's Awakening (Seasons of Sugarcreek #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

We are in a new year! Time to start it off with the first book review of 2012!

According to Goodreads:

 Joshua Graber knows his future is set. He′s expected to work at his family business, the Graber Country Store. He′s expected to marry Gretta Hershberger, who he′s been courting for several years. But when a new English family moves next door and their lovely teenage daughter, Lilly Allen, catches his eye, Joshua wonders if all the plans for his future are too set in stone.

Gretta doesn′t know what′s going on with Joshua. When they argue and later stew in silence, it feels a lot like the frosty atmosphere at her home. After promising herself to never have a marriage like her parents, she wonders if perhaps another man might be a better match. A man such as Roland Schrock. He′s steady and kind and somewhat boring. If she marries him, she won′t ever have to worry about loving him and getting hurt.

Meanwhile, Lilly is enamored with the Amish way of life, and especially her handsome neighbor Joshua. But despite being drawn to him, she has a secret that will only drive him away. Her family moved to Sugarcreek to hide her pregnancy from their community back home. Once she′s had the baby, they plan to send her off to college without anyone from their old neighborhood knowing the truth. But as Lilly becomes wrapped up in the simplicity and graciousness of the Amish people, she begins to question what′s expected of her, and whether giving up her baby, and leaving Sugarcreek, is what she truly wants.

As the coldest winter on record blows into Sugarcreek, these three young people must struggle to determine the path of their futures.

Winter's Awakening is the first book in the Seasons of Sugarcreek Series by Shelley Shepard Gray. I have read other Amish fiction stories and this one seemed slightly different. I am not sure if some of what was said in this book were actual facts among the amish. At times, I couldn't picture an Amish individual doing what was being described. However, putting that aside; overall the book was well written. The description of the events taking place allowed the reader to visually place themselves in the story! The story line was a good one. I look forward to reading the next book in the series: Spring's Renewal

5/5