Christmas in Sugarcreek

Seasons of Sugarcreek #4

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Judith Graber has always been the obedient daughter. When her older brother Josh struggled with his love life, she offered wise counsel. When her younger brother Caleb flirted with the idea of leaving their order, she firmly told him he was wrong. Over the years, she’s watched her younger siblings, helped around the house, and worked in her family’s store during her spare time. Judith feels overworked, overlooked, and underappreciated this holiday season.

But everything changes when her father hires Ben Knox.

Ben Knox is the “bad boy” of Sugarcreek. Though he’s never considered jumping the fence, he’s certainly never tried to be anything close to dutiful. Two years ago he left Sugarcreek under a cloud of shame. Rumors circulated that his rumspringa had been filled with more than the usual harmless explorations.

Now he’s back and working side by side with Judith.

As the chaos of the holiday season threatens to sap all joy, sparks fly between Ben and Judith. But Judith steels herself to ignore her infatuation. The last thing she wants to be is just one more girl who falls under Ben’s spell. Ben, on the other hand, wants Judith to realize there’s more to him than his bad reputation. When he fled Sugarcreek, he was running from a disruptive home life. Now that he’s back, he wants a fresh beginning.

Could this Christmas season bring love and a new life for the unlikeliest pair in Sugarcreek?

Genres: Christmas, Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Amish Fiction, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


t

Reviews

[ccoelophysis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Multiple instances of incorrect word usage...unoriginal plot...how did this ever get published?

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the setting of the Seasons of Sugarcreek books and being able to catch up with all the characters we have come to love and adore, is where Christmas in Sugarcreek by Shelly Shepard Gray begins. When she finished writing Autumn's Promise, Shelly felt the need to tell Judith Graber's story since she felt it was a character she neglected. Judith needed a man who would love her enough to make her smile and that is what she finds in Ben Knox.

Ben Knox has the reputation of being the bad Amish boy, one who spent his rumspringa finding and capturing the hearts of girls and leaving them behind battered and broken. Even though Judith has always liked him, she isn't about to let her feelings get in the way of common sense. Yet that is all Judith's life has been about, being the girl who is reliable, dependable, one with a great head on her shoulders and very smart. She's the one her parents rely on to help with the household chores, the children and running the family store. Just for once, Judith dreams of doing something just for herself or finding just the right person who will take care of her.

Just when Judith doesn't think things can get any worse, they do. When her brother Caleb is called away from helping Judith with the store to care for her wife who is pregnant with twins, she feels overwhelmed. Her father offers to hire someone to help her out and Ben Knox is just the right person for the job. Will Judith be able to keep her heart and feelings locked deep inside or will Ben be the key to unlock the love she has kept inside? Could this Christmas season bring love and a new life for the unlikeliest pair in Sugarcreek?

I received Christmas in Sugarcreek compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and after falling in love with the characters from Sugarcreek in Shelly's series, I couldn't wait to share Christmas with the Graber family once again. A wonderful story of finding a bit of light and hope inside each of us, if we are but brave enough to seek it. Another award winning book that rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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 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!

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love stories about the Amish. Love to learn about them. It fascinates me that in this day and age, there are still so many groups of them existing. More power to them!

[David Pyrlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! I wish I could give this book a 100 stars. This book inspired me because the book is based off of John 8:12 from the Bible and it is so beautiful on how the characters had their own flaws but they were able to see the God was working all things out in the uncertainties that each of the characters experienced throughout this amazing novel. This is my 93rd book of the year and this is may favorite book thus far. Merry Christmas and God bless!!!

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas romance. It didn’t make it to 5 stars because I would have preferred to focus on just Ben & Judith. Their story seemed a bit rushed because the author added in other couples’ stories as well.

[Jaime Barfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story that follows a few couples. definitely good for someone who likes a Christmas romance.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a Christmas story under the category of Christian literature. It's easy to read and very wholesome.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sharon Bezrutczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice Christmas story..

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a sweet little story.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Sugar creek is a warm hearted novel filled to the brim with the Christmas Spirit. It's about love, family, excepting those who are different and trusting God for your future. The story centers around different characters that were part of Shelley Shepard Grays series Seasons of Sugar creek. The author brings it all together to bring readers a delightful Christmas story. Love is in the air in this story but some of the characters are totally unaware of it. I hope you will enjoy this novel as much as I did.
Christmas in Sugar creek is for readers of Amish Fiction. You will want to make it a part of your Christmas reading.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook version of this novel last Christmas. I didn't get to it then but made a point to read it this year. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second read through confirms what I though about this book the first time round.

---

Shelley Shephard Gray has rapidly made her way to the top of my favourite romance author list! I love the way she develops a relationship. The way she builds attraction and tension and then shatters it with conflict. Over and over and over again. LOL. But her angst is never for naught. She delves deep insider her characters and brings their fears to light...and sets them free. In Christmas in Sugarcreek, that results in a story that turns despair into hope during one of the most sacred seasons of the year. A beautiful book that will bless your Christmas season.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/11/03/c...

[Gail Mchugh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gobbled up this series and could not wait for more. However this book was a disappointment. Mrs. Graber, Judith's mother - her name changed - I mean really - what's with that. What happened to the Graber sister Carrie? She suddenly became the new baby for the Allen family. Or I guess she just fell between the pages somewhere. In the first book Judith's young brother Anson was 9, I repeat NINE. But in this book which is at least eighteen months later he is eight not eleven or twelve. I suppose I am picky but these discrepancies annoy me and ruin the flow and continuity of the series. I was very disappointed.

Why did Mrs. Graber's name change? C'mon

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this from LibraryThing last year, but I didn't get it until after Christmas so I never read it. I decided to read it this season and I wasn't missing out on much. The writing was average and the story as well. It was a little interesting to read about Amish people, but the conflicts for the romances were so silly. Plus, there were 3 couples that the book was focusing on, and I really only wanted one, possibly two. It was such a small, quick read there was no reason to focus on so many people.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Shelley Shepard Graythat I have ever read. While it is an Amish novel, Shelley's 3 couples are Amish, ex-Amish, Mennonite and ex-Englisch. It is a story of family and community, love and finding your way in the world. It is a feel good novel that leaves you hoping there really is that life could be that simple and innocent somewhere in the world. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway!

[Kathie H · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is sitting on my head & crushing it. =\ ||| I somehow stuck with it & finished this book. I'm about thisclose to being angry. It was boring, cliched, borderline lugubrious. If this can be a series, & this author can make serious money selling these books, we need to GET OUT THERE & write our books because we could be rakin' in the dough. And PLEASE: don't let yours be like this book. The material is unoriginal in any setting (Berlin Pennsylvania or NYC). I mean, directly ripping off O Henry? Have we no self-respect? =\

[Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have read the others in the series first. I was a little lost but not too bad. I thought the writing was a bit choppy but it was a quick read!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about stereotypes and mistaken judgements. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a perfect theme for Christmas time.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn’t awful, but the characters just annoyed me.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Sugar Creek is a truly inspiring story written by Shelley Shepard Gray in her A Season of Sugar Creek. I have been to Sugarcreek several times and could really relate to this story. The author has done a wonderful job pulling characters from the previous books in this series to help tell this story. This is definitely a great story to read at Christmas. There is love in the air in this story but a few of the characters are not seeing it.

Judith Graver has always been a person to see the good in people, forgive mistakes they have made, and help to raise her younger siblings. However, Judith doesn't feel appreciated at times and she also feels overlooked. Now Judith is expected to take Ben Knox under her wing in the family store but after his absence from the community for over two years she is leary of his true intent. When Judith feels her holiday spirit falling she also realizes she is infatuated with Ben but knowing Ben's reputation she doesn't want to become the next girl on his list. There is a secret that looms over Judith and Ben that threatens to ruin their Christmas.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to those who love the Amish genre. All opinions are my own.

[Morgan Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“And if I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that it is not my place to try to tell someone how to feel. Or what they should believe. Or what they should do” (pg. 191).

Judith Graber is from a big family, and she has always been the responsible one. During the upcoming Christmas season, she wants to do something for herself for a change. She doesn’t know what she is going to do, but then Ben Knox comes back to town and her emotions guide her.

Ben Knox went to school with Judith and he had a troublemaker reputation. He fled town a few years ago, and there were many rumors about why. Judith quickly finds herself acquainted with Ben again when her father hires him to work at their family store. While working together, Judith and Ben form an instant connection. Judith is scared because of Ben’s past and all of the rumors that surround him. Ben is scared because of how close Judith’s family is, something he cannot relate to.

This is a super quick read, with a Christmas romance storyline. It is set in an Amish community, which was extremely unique. There was nothing wrong with this story at all, it was honestly just kind of boring. I did, however, love the holiday feels that this book had!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story, my first Amish novel. I found comfort in Gray's values-based story, especially the themes of faith, family, community, kindness, generosity & desire to help the less-fortunate. Sometimes I was uncomfortable with Gray's writing style...it was often stilted and awkward, with frequent & deliberate use of sentence fragments that jarred my desire for grammatically-correct sentences. And a few times I had to re-read a sentence in which a word was left out...better editing, please! Certainly there's a market for books such as these. I'm just more taken with the deeper stories of characters created by Anne Tyler, Anita Shreve, Richard Russo...and when I want some relief, even Debbie Macomber...her series in the past 15 years have been worth the wait.

But Gray has her fans, deservedly so, and she is worth reading, to discover what kind of bibliophile YOU are!

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not part of the original series, this book continues the story of the Grabers and their English friend Lilly. Caleb Graber, decides to stay among the Amish, and is falling for a good Amish girl. But she has a secret, and he's not sure how to find out what it is. Meanwhile, his older sister Judith is getting tired of always beingt the dutiful daughter, never being asked how she feels about anything. During the busy Christmas season, Mr. Graber asks Ben Knox to help in their family store while he's back in town to sell his family home. Known as the community's Amish bad boy, Ben struggles with his past. And Judith struggles to NOT fall for him.

This is a wonderful story of acceptance and understanding - and love that covers the past.

[Melody Kitchens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a very sweet book. I've just returned from a vacation to Lancaster, PA (Amish Country) and became obsessed with their culture. So it was a great find to find a book about Amish culture and Christmas. I really enjoyed all the family ties and how they appreciate the real meaning of Christmas. The only down side to me is how the book switched back and forth between so many characters. It was the first I'd read of the series so I didn't know who everyone was. When there are so many, it's more difficult to really "get to know" each one. Still a great book and will definitely be reading more from the author.

[Suezq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uninspiring and unrealistic. Not because of any cultural difference due to the characters being Amish but because the story lines were uninspired. New wife is still burning the chicken after 4 months? How about turning the oven down? Wouldn't you have over-corrected by now and err on the side of underdone? Town "bad boy" returns after an absence? Even though you have a perfectly good house of your own, you can stay at our place in the room right next to our beautiful unmarried daughter! That coupled with the grammatical and other erros made for an uninspiring read. Luckily it's a short book.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judith always available to helping her siblings with their lives; and working in the family store. Feeling like she is overworked, overlooked, and not looking forward to Christmas. When her father hires Ben, to help at the store before.Christmas. He's back to settle things, then he will be gone. The town and the people don't hold good memories for him. Would he even find a place that would welcome him, as he was, and be a home for him. This was a delightful book to read at anytime, not just Christmas. It brings out the importance of being interest in each person, and making them feel loved.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was more of a 2.7. It had a lot of continuity issues that made me think I was crazy but then just annoyed me. Anson was 10 years-old in books 1 and 2, Caleb was 15 in book 1 and 2 and 16 in book 3 and although it's only been a year since book 3 Anson is now 9 while Caleb is 18. There is a baby Carrie Allen in book 3 but there was a Carrie Graber in books 1 and 2 in between Maggie and Anson who has been completely eliminated from the family like Judy Winslow on Family Matters. All of the discrepancies just made a lukewarm story hard to enjoy.