What do you think?
Rate this book
Sutter's Cross
Men and women of all ages will warm to Cramer's elegant prose and Southern charm. William Faulkner once insisted that great stories must capture the "old universal truths...love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice." Sutter's Cross delivers the truth in grand style. Sutter's Cross is a resort town in the southern Appalachians, where people live in comfortable homes, have comfortable portfolios, and wear comfortable clothes. They expect their lives, their weather, even their God, to be cooperative and predictable-until a stranger calling himself "Harley" shows up in the buffet line at the church's annual spring picnic looking like a wreck and wearing stolen jeans. Can God use an outcast to change a town?
324 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2002
71 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 27, 2017
I am always on the lookout for good Christian novels. Sutter's Cross showed up on one of the bargain download sites and I nabbed it. I am very glad I did! I really liked this book. So much that I don't really think it's worth criticizing some cliches or characters that weren't really fleshed out but merely used as a plot device or the almost overwhelming number of heart-wrenching occurrences. "We are the arms of God" speaks to me these days when I am seeking ways to promote good in the world. Keeping my nose stuck in a book isn't doing much but this novel of the necessity of people reaching out to help other people, be they strangers or family members, certainly gave me impetus. Cramer crammed a lot of life lessons into this one medium-length novel and he did it in a very readable way. I liked these people of Sutter's Cross on the whole, I liked this novel, and I liked Cramer's style of writing which is sort of a welcome mat into these lives. Investigating Cramer, he's written a number of novels based on the Amish; although this has not been a real favorite type of mine from past samplings, since Cramer's father was Amish, I might find his novels more real.
January 27, 2018
I read a book by W. Dale Cramer a few years ago and loved it. This one was entirely different, but written with just as much power, emotion, integrity and true to life events and characters. Mr. Cramer has a way of showing you exactly who each character is, and what they're like without pages of descriptions... You feel like you're seeing each character clearly as you read each fascinating page. And I do mean fascinating.
This is a really good book. I've run into 5 or 6 of these this year that gently suck you into lives and events within the story, and affect you to your core. Chasing Fireflies, by Charles Martin was such a book. You know which characters you really like, and those people don't disappoint you... And you know which folks you don't root for because of their evil intent.
Within a fascinating southern town called Sutter's Cross lives a drifter named Harley who is escaping a sad past, but is loving and wise. We also have Jake who, at a church picnic, befriends Harley. An aging widow named Ms. Agnes is just the greatest character, with her slow southern down-home ways, and of course there's awful Web Holcomb with few redeeming values who you'll love to hate.
I loved following Harley and Ms. Agnes and their nearly mother-son relationship, where he provides labor, and she provides food as they both try to keep their heads above water to hold on to the property. Awful Web Holcomb does his best to get that property for a project he has in mind.
All the way through there are incredible quotables, which certainly aren't preachy, but are poignant and heart gripping at times. There's a climactic moment in the book you'd have to be stone hearted not to be deeply affected by. Um, I cried like a baby. A downright ugly cry, but a good one.
I recommend this book with no reservations, and if I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would; that's how much I loved it!
This is a really good book. I've run into 5 or 6 of these this year that gently suck you into lives and events within the story, and affect you to your core. Chasing Fireflies, by Charles Martin was such a book. You know which characters you really like, and those people don't disappoint you... And you know which folks you don't root for because of their evil intent.
Within a fascinating southern town called Sutter's Cross lives a drifter named Harley who is escaping a sad past, but is loving and wise. We also have Jake who, at a church picnic, befriends Harley. An aging widow named Ms. Agnes is just the greatest character, with her slow southern down-home ways, and of course there's awful Web Holcomb with few redeeming values who you'll love to hate.
I loved following Harley and Ms. Agnes and their nearly mother-son relationship, where he provides labor, and she provides food as they both try to keep their heads above water to hold on to the property. Awful Web Holcomb does his best to get that property for a project he has in mind.
All the way through there are incredible quotables, which certainly aren't preachy, but are poignant and heart gripping at times. There's a climactic moment in the book you'd have to be stone hearted not to be deeply affected by. Um, I cried like a baby. A downright ugly cry, but a good one.
I recommend this book with no reservations, and if I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would; that's how much I loved it!
January 16, 2018
The language in this book is poetry. Cramer’s eloquence speaks a true love for the lay of the land. It is his land, and he can splash light and shadow, and every hue of color over these Appalachian Mountains until you can breath the very air.
This is a gentle tale with enough scrappy shards of injustice, avarice and greed to turn a plot into a maelstrom of sorrow.
A quiet, traditional town of Sutter’s Cross is interrupted at the annual church picnic by an un-traditional stranger “Harley”. From there, the easy, familiar rhythm of this little town begins to list from one side to another. The upshot in the midst of so much pastoral beauty, family love and community devotion, is nothing less than brutal.
Crammer takes on hypocrisy in the church, tradition bred indolence in communities and human pain seemingly beyond endurance, then sifts all these scenes though human choices and consequences. For such a gentle story teller you find yourself hanging on for a wild ride!
Through Jake Mahaffey’s journal we see a cross section of Sutter’s Cross. There is generational tragedy evolving from relationships gone awry. Then there are triumphs as personal choices soar above mere circumstance.
In the end, Cramer pulls us through the deception and the muck of human depravity with the powerful price of redemption.
I especially loved the character of Miss Agnes Dewberry. Her genuine love of the simple things in life makes her a force to be reckoned with. And her wisdom in discerning the worth of a man or woman is pure treasure.
This is a gentle tale with enough scrappy shards of injustice, avarice and greed to turn a plot into a maelstrom of sorrow.
A quiet, traditional town of Sutter’s Cross is interrupted at the annual church picnic by an un-traditional stranger “Harley”. From there, the easy, familiar rhythm of this little town begins to list from one side to another. The upshot in the midst of so much pastoral beauty, family love and community devotion, is nothing less than brutal.
Crammer takes on hypocrisy in the church, tradition bred indolence in communities and human pain seemingly beyond endurance, then sifts all these scenes though human choices and consequences. For such a gentle story teller you find yourself hanging on for a wild ride!
Through Jake Mahaffey’s journal we see a cross section of Sutter’s Cross. There is generational tragedy evolving from relationships gone awry. Then there are triumphs as personal choices soar above mere circumstance.
In the end, Cramer pulls us through the deception and the muck of human depravity with the powerful price of redemption.
I especially loved the character of Miss Agnes Dewberry. Her genuine love of the simple things in life makes her a force to be reckoned with. And her wisdom in discerning the worth of a man or woman is pure treasure.
August 9, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The descriptive writing, in regards to the setting of the story, made me want to visit it in person. I quickly became connected with the characters. Positive, hopeful, and faith-filled without being preachy. Just a nice read, especially during these difficult times.
October 12, 2023
Reading shutters cross is like taking a long walk and meeting a new friend with a fantastic story that they are bursting to tell. So you sit on a park bench and quietly listen to this soul as they spill their heart to you in an wondering fantastic way.
The multiple point of view story gove you a wide range of characters. Everyone felt well rounded and the story pulled at my heart strings.
The multiple point of view story gove you a wide range of characters. Everyone felt well rounded and the story pulled at my heart strings.
January 29, 2023
This one felt a little slow starting off, but by the end of the story, I was thinking it would make an amazing movie!
October 24, 2024
I could not put this one down until I read the last word. The premise of the book rests on the Scripture portion found in 1 Corinthians 1 : 26-31, "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." Once you've read this book, you'll see why the plot and the Scripture portion above are a perfect match. And you'll meet the people of Sutter's Cross. Well done, Mr. Cramer!!
August 9, 2022
This one had a slow start but picked up halfway thru the book. It is about Web who deals in shady real estate with his helper ponytail man. It also deals with Harley who drifts into town and ends up living in Miss Agnes Dewberry's shed. And Jake a local carpenter who visits Miss Agnes often to check up on her. Finally, we have two best friends, Eddie (Three) who happens to be Web's son, and Marcus who is constantly with him. Oh, I forgot to mention there is a hurricane that makes it way up into the Appalachian hills.
April 13, 2018
Wow! This was a wonderful book. There was a bit of slow down around the middle but the rear more than made up for it. I'm going to highly recommend this book to others. I read the audiobook from the library for the blind narrated by John McDonough. He did a fantastic job. I believe he reads the commercial book as well.
May 8, 2020
Surprisingly good for Christian fiction. The story moved at an excellent pace and I cared about the characters. The end was a little predictable (outcome-wise, though not how everyone got to each outcome), but the story didn't suffer for that. I especially enjoyed the reader for the audio book, and hearing about life in the Appalachian mountains.
Read
June 27, 2022Hesitant at first when reading, Sutter's Cross falls into the inspirational/Christian genre, yet didn't sound preachy so I finished the book and was glad I did. Author Dale Cramer highlighted the spirituality of Christianity rather than the dogma, which in turn kept the book realistic and relatable.
May 28, 2017
When I picked up this book I was immediately drawn into the town and the characters. I would have loved to sit on miss Agnes porch and listen to her wisdom. Great book.
January 4, 2018
Very good, some of the messages presented by the characters are a bit shady, but it's intriguing nonetheless.
November 10, 2017
There are not many things more pleasant than a well-written novel with a christian theme, and this certainly qualifies. I will read more of this author's novels.
February 1, 2018
Goosebumps !
This amazing story touched me in a special way. Life isn't about what we get but it is about what we give.
This amazing story touched me in a special way. Life isn't about what we get but it is about what we give.
February 9, 2018
I listened to the audio version of the book, narrated by John McDonough. AMAZING. I don’t give many five stars but this is just such an amazing book. I highly recommend listening to this one!!!
October 8, 2018
Simply beautiful!
October 18, 2018
Very sweet story. I enjoyed the twists and turns, as well as the complex design of the story. The way he described the hurricane and wove the different characters together was fun!
July 25, 2019
Good overcomes evil with lovable characters & a heartfelt story.
August 20, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be reading more of his. His characters were real, the story was compelling, the Christian aspect of it was so good.
January 4, 2021
Never could "get into it." Thought I'd like it.
April 19, 2023
If you enjoy Jan Karon's Mitford series, you will also enjoy this book.
August 28, 2023
One of the best written books I have ever read.
December 19, 2023
Several things left unfinished to me at the end and not all of it fit together throughout the book, but I loved so many characters and the writing itself was excellent so it gets a 4.
July 30, 2024
This is a must read. Great, touching story of redemption.
October 25, 2025
very enjoyable read!! so much to learn from this book
October 28, 2025
Wasn't so sure about this when I first started reading it, but after awhile I couldn't put it down.
February 6, 2022
Fabulous book of faith! Not cheesy. Well written, but I recommend listening. Hard to read with tears in your eyes. Recommend to those who believe in God, and those questioning if there is a God!
July 14, 2015
Sutter's Cross is a quaint Southern town nestled in the evocative Appalachian Mountains where people live in comfortable homes, have comfortable portfolios, and wear comfortable clothes. They expect their faith to be comfortable, too.
Then Harley shows up and almost immediately puts the townspeople back on their heels. But the slightly eccentric Miss Agnes Dewberry is able to look beyond the long hair and beard to recognize the extraordinary depth of character disguised in tattered clothes.
And then there’s a remarkable turn of events that set the community of Sutter's Cross on its ear.
This was a fun read. One that would work great at book club.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Then Harley shows up and almost immediately puts the townspeople back on their heels. But the slightly eccentric Miss Agnes Dewberry is able to look beyond the long hair and beard to recognize the extraordinary depth of character disguised in tattered clothes.
And then there’s a remarkable turn of events that set the community of Sutter's Cross on its ear.
This was a fun read. One that would work great at book club.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
September 9, 2008
This tale is set in a small town in Georgia. It's an old farming town that has been developing into a tourist destination over the past decade or so. As the blurb on the back reads, the people there "live in comfortable homes, have comfortable portfolios and wear comfortable clothes." But then discomfort arrives in the form of Harley, a drifter who doesn't fit the community standards and thereby challenges the status quo. He seems to be a catalyst that brings changes into the lives of the main characters. It's an entertaining read. Essentially good waiting room material. At time it gets a bit preachy, as "Christian" fiction is want to do. But it also did a nice job of expressing the little "miracles" in the Christian life that modern American Christianity tends to ignore. So for that, I'm inclined to offer Mr. Cramer my forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews