Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek

Little Hickman Creek

by Sharlene MacLaren

Two years ago this Christmas, Sadie Bennett's beloved husband was killed in a tragic accident at the local sawmill. What was once her favorite time of year now haunts her, with its cheerful trappings a cruel reminder of the love she lost. The young widow would like nothing more than to hibernate until the festivities are over. When she finds herself assigned to the committee tasked with picking a Christmas tree for the town square of Little Hickman Creek, she begrudgingly agrees but determines to fulfill her duties to the bare minimum. As the search for a suitable tree gets under way, Sadie is dismayed to learn that one of her fellow committee members is a man she's worked hard to avoid. Reed Harris owns the local livery, and while he's friendly enough good-looking, too Sadie isn't ready to invest in another relationship. In fact, she may never be ready, unless a Christmas miracle manages to thaw her frozen heart.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas, Christian, Historical Fiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

After 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)

Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!

Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great Christmas read, perfect for a quick fix. This is such a sweet story dealing with healing from the loss of a spouse. Sharlene MacLaren has a way with words that leaves you wanting more. This is a warm and inviting read that you don’t want to miss. You’ll fall in love with the characters and the town of Little Hickman Creek in 1898. It makes you want to help cut down that Christmas tree.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharlene Baker MacLaren has done it again. I just love her books. I was talking to her and asked if Little Hickman was a real town and alas it really is! The best part is I'm only 20 minutes away from it and didn’t even realize it exists.
This is my very first time reading a novella. I thought it was a sweet and tender romance story. Sharlene is a great storyteller.
I can't imagine what it's like to lose a spouse. I think if I lost mine I wouldn't want to ever marry again but as I read this book I realized that God has other plans for Sadie. When Sadie lost her husband in an accident it seemed like it took her forever to come around.
When you put God first good things seem to start happening. Prayer is also a very powerful thing.
I laughed out right at the skunk story because I can relate to that one too! I was waiting for the city bus to take me to work one morning. As I was sitting there, in seen something out of the core
of my eye and at first I thought it was a cat. It didn't occur to me at first that it was a skunk! I started calling here kitty kitty and just as reached to.pet it I seen the white stripe up its back and boy did I run for my life!!!! Luckily, I didn't get sprayed. it just wanted my lunch I had packed. God was with me that morning as He is with me all the days of my life. I just don't always put him first!
Sadie first started coming around when she went Christmas tree hunting with the town council. Almost reminds me of a scene in Christmas Vacation lol.
Then later with the sewing of costumes for the children's Christmas program. Finally, she did come around when she thought Reed was seeing someone else.
It was her Pa that gave her the final nudge. I'm so very glad that he did!
After Reed and Sadie had their talk, things were finally taking place they way they should have been.
Grief is different for each person. It comforts me that knowing God is by my side each and every day.
I hated leaving my friends in Little Hickman. it was great reading about them again! But maybe I'll get to visit Little Hickman someday the Lord willing!
I am giving this book 5 stars!!! Thanks Sharlene for another wonderful story!
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review and I n highly recommend this book and for those of you who haven’t read the Little Hickman series I recommend that as well!

[Kylee Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully short and sweet book that will warm your heart and get you into the Christmas spirit. Also a lovely tale about how the universe or God brings you people when it’s most needed even before you can realize it for yourself!

Very touching story about love after grief! It’s also a beautiful rendition of life in the 1890’s and how I assume grandmothers generation lived and loved before technology!

5/5

Fun side note this book takes place with the same Christmas days aligning for this year. Ex. Christmas Eve on Tuesday!

[Shelly Dabbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good short Christmas story. The characters were all described well & made the town of Little Hickman Creek a special place. I am so glad that Sadie was able to overcome her grief to see that love could once again be hers.

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and short!

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas story of second chances. I recommend it if you enjoy Christmas miracles. (I do!)

[Reba Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book to Read

This was a very fast paced book.. I enjoyed every minute of it.. I didn't want to put it down.. I highly recommend this book..

[Lisa Downard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet romance set in Little Hickman, KY...love and healing...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: CHRISTMAS COMES TO LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK
Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Publisher: Whitaker House
September 2014
ISBN: 978-1629111803
Genre: Christmas / historical novella

Two years ago this Christmas, Sadie Bennett's beloved husband was killed in a tragic accident at the local sawmill. What was once her favorite time of year now haunts her, with its cheerful trappings a cruel reminder of the love she lost.

The young widow would like nothing more than to hibernate until the festivities are over. When she finds herself assigned to the committee tasked with picking a Christmas tree for the town square of Little Hickman Creek, she begrudgingly agrees but determines to fulfill her duties to the bare minimum. As the search for a suitable tree gets under way, Sadie is dismayed to learn that one of her fellow committee members is a man she's worked hard to avoid.

Reed Harris owns the local livery, and while he's friendly enough, good-looking, too, Sadie isn't ready to invest in another relationship. In fact, she may never be ready, unless a Christmas miracle manages to thaw her frozen heart.

CHRISTMAS COMES TO LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK is a novella to finish out Ms. MacLaren’s popular Little Hickman Creek series. I enjoyed getting to know Sadie and Reed. Reed is completely devoted to Sadie, pursing her despite her obvious disinterest.
I also liked how Sadie, despite being still in deep grief over losing her husband, still participates in the community celebrations. I did worry a bit over Reed pursing her while she was still grieving, but it is fiction and a novella…

Fans of Ms. MacLaren’s Little Hickman Creek series will be thrilled to have this latest installment to the series and catch up with previous characters. CHRISTMAS COMES TO LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK has a nice holiday feel, and one could almost feel the crisp air, and see the inch of snow covering the ground as the story begins. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and a few cookies and settle in for an enjoyable holiday read. 144 pages. $9.39 Kindle. $10.64 paperback.

I loved the snowflakes on each page and the pine tree artwork separating each chapter in this book.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visit back in time to the novels of the Little Hickman Creek series reminds me of the friendships developed with the characters throughout that series. Sadie is a young widow whose newlywed husband died in a tragic accident two years prior. Through her grief she has isolated herself from the community by continuing to mourn her loss. Christmas was her favorite time of year, but now it is only a sad reminder of what could have been. Church friends coerce Sadie into helping find a Christmas tree for the community, and becoming involved with the children's Christmas program. Maybe this is just what she needs to overcome her restraint in the form of any social commitments.

Sharlene MacLaren has been a favorite author for several years. I discovered her books in the library, and was soon hooked on her beautiful stories of inspiration and romance. The Little Hickman Creek series was beautifully written, and this short visit back in time to the community has piqued my interest in reading that series again. Sharlene writes with a beautifully inspirational style that lends credibility to her characters and their way of life. Little Hickman Creek is a small community that is described in a quaint style, with the residents of the community an assorted array of characters, just like those in our own lives. Colorful, realistic and with a touch of romance, this is a warm, cozy Christmas story that I would read at any time of year!

Disclaimer: I received a gift copy of this book from the author with no expectations of a review of any kind. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet Christmas novella. Just 133 pages, it gives a little more story at Little Hickman Creek where the author has placed several books. I have not read any of the previous books and that would have made this one better had I done so.

This story takes place near the turn of the previous century, in 1898 to be exact, in a very tiny town in Kentucky. Young twenty-six-year-old Sadie is still mourning the loss of her husband 2 years earlier, even though she was only married to her beloved Tom for 4 weeks. “It had been a dreadful tragedy, but it didn’t erase the fact that she’d been Mrs. Bennett before the accident, and she continued to be so today. She supposed there were some who didn’t think that one month of wedded bliss qualified her for carrying on the title; in fact, for all she knew, they’d relegated her to the roster of local spinsters.”

As the title states, Christmas is coming yet that is the worst time of the year for Sadie. Not only is it cold, but it’s the time of year that her husband died. “Sadie wished she could skip right past December.” But this year her heart begins to thaw with the sweet attention of handsome bachelor Reed Harris.

I really enjoyed some of the references to the “modern” conveniences they had – “the luxury of a claw-foot bathtub”, even though the water did have to be heated and carried but that was made easier by the “pump handle over the kitchen sink” and the “real cook stove, (which) made him feel rather like a king in his own private palace.”

I enjoyed this delightful, short, lite Christmas romance. I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I overlooked posting a review for this sweet, historical Christmas romance novella by Sharlene MacLaren. It is the perfect book for a cold evening by the fire after all the Christmas preparations are finished for the day. I apologize if my negligence prevented anyone from enjoying this experience during the past Christmas season. I hope you will add it to your Christmas reading list for 2016.

The book itself is quite attractive with snowflake illustrations on many of the page margins. Another illustration of a Christmas tree is placed at the end of each chapter. I thought it was a nice touch.

After two years, young widow Sadie Bennett still mourns her husband of only one month and finds it difficult to move on with her life without him. She especially hates Christmas and except for her job and church on Sundays has become mostly reclusive. However, this is one Christmas that friends and family, particularly Reed Harris, decide to bring Sadie back to the land of the living. She finds herself asked to participate in various Christmas projects and slowly feels her icy heart begin to thaw. Could a new love be far behind?

I enjoyed “Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek” both times I read it. I particularly liked how both Sadie and Reed prayed and listened to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit that directed and encouraged. Reed was a special hero whose patience and obedience helped lead to Sadie’s healing and a promise for the future.

This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren is one of the best written and sweetest novellas that I have had the privilege of reading. The book may be only 133 pages, but the characters and storyline are well developed. This novella is perfect to read not only during the Christmas season but any time of the year that you want a quick, sweet, love story read. Loved it! Sadie Bennett is a young widow of two years whose husband was killed shortly after they married in a work related accident during the Christmas season. With Christmas drawing near, her thoughts turn toward her husband and their love for each other. Although she works as a waitress, she finds little happiness in being with others besides her family. The people in her church in this small community in Kentucky love Sadie and are determined to help her live in joy again. Also, the handsome Reed Harris, who owns the local livery, is quickly falling in love with her. Does Sadie have to completely forget her husband to find love and live in joy again? What does God want for her life? This story was a little personal for me. My husband was a widower for almost two years when we met, fell in love, and married. We don’t have to forget the happiness of the past to have love and joy in the future! I received a copy from the author and publisher of The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren is a tender and endearing story. Sadie Bennett is not looking forward to Christmas. Two years previous, her beloved husband passed away tragically, and the holiday only serves to bring back that painful time. Reed Harris is relatively new to town after inheriting his uncles livery. He’s had eyes for Sadie but to no avail. Her heart is closed toward any relationship with a man.

With a strong spiritual thread woven throughout, I was happy to see Sadie’s character grow and change in her faith. Sometimes in a shorter story that is a bit hard to accomplish, but MacLaren is definitely gifted in this respect.

Even though the story moves quickly, I had ample time to become invested in the lives of the residents of Little Hickman Creek and enjoy seeing their camaraderie with one another. One of my favorite aspects of the story is the children’s Christmas Pageant. Little ones have the capacity to soften our hearts, making way for the ‘real’ meaning of Christmas to shine forth.

I highly recommend Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek. The publisher sent me a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. No compensation has been received.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren revisits the town of Little Hickman, Kentucky, the setting of a trilogy of earlier books. Sadie Bennett lost her husband of one month in a sawmill accident two years ago in December. Since then she has been lost in her grief and would rather skip Christmas with all of its celebrations. Her employer Grace volunteered to serve on the committee to select the town Christmas tree this year, but when committee members are in Grace’s Tearoom discussing a time to meet, Grace decides she is too busy to go and Sadie can take her place. Sadie allowed Reed Harris to escort her on a couple of outings, but lately she has declined his invitations and tried to avoid Reed. She just isn’t ready to move on.

This is the first book by Ms. MacLaren I’ve read. Although this book follows a trilogy, I do not feel I missed vital information because I hadn’t read the others first. Based on this book, I would love to now read the stories of some of the couples I met in this book. This book was a sweet, easy-to-read novella with a happy ending.

I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren
Wanted to read this book first of all because of the cover. I've trekked many times in 3feet of snow to go to the shed to get something wearing my big boots.
Next thing that appealed to me was the timeframe, enjoy how some local villages replicate the same time and we visit often to see how things were done in their time.
Story follows Sadie Bennett who works at Grace's tearoom and is trying to just get by the Christmas season by herself, now that her spouse was killed at the sawmill last winter.
Also follows Reed Harris who runs the local livery and is on the Christmas committee to haul the town tree to the square. Sadie has gotten roped into helping others select the perfect tree.
She had gone out with Reed a few times and wanted to cool things as she was a recent widow...
Story is filled with quotes from the Bible as they each study the verses and ask God for guidance.
Love the KY holiday small town atmosphere and what community means. Recipes included.
I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie lost her husband at Christmas time two years ago. He was tragically killed in an accident and she hasn't recovered. She finds herself cut off from friends and suffering from depression. But friends and family won't let her slip away. There is also someone else who wants to see her smile again. Reed, a relatively new business owner in town has noticed Sadie and hopes that she won't hold on to her grief forever.

While the cover looks very YA to me, the writing was not at all. This is a sweet, Christian novella set during Christmas time about a young couple who fall in love. Because it's a novella there isn't a lot of back story or depth into the secondary characters. But the author did a great job of portraying the romance between the couple and weaving in the faith elements. While it wasn't a gripping story or filled with drama, it was nice to curl up with during the Christmas break and step back in time for a moment of sweet romance. It's a clean novella so it would also be suitable for the younger reader.

I received this book free of charge from BookClub Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek is a tender seasonal novella that brings readers back to 1890s Little Hickman, Kentucky where they will revisit old friends and meet new ones. Sharlene MacLaren, author of Little Hickman Creek Series, introduces Sadie, barely married and suddenly a widow and Reed, the new owner of the town's livery. Readers will enjoy this charming story of a community of friends and family during what should be a season of joy and happiness. With the anniversary of the death of Sadie's husband nearing, her grief is still acute and she is fearful of new relationships. Reed is interested, in fact, smitten might be a better word! But can he compete with a dead husband? Faith in God is evident throughout. I loved the way some of the characters hear God speak to them words of encouragement and guidance and were aware of the need for wise counsel from His Word and Godly friends. Engaging characters, delightful tales of family and farm life, and a sweet romance will touch the heart and have readers coming back for more from this author.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna Mcginnis]

This is the first book I have read by Sharlene MacLaren but will not be my last. She is a very talented writer. This novella was an inspiring and heartwarming Christmas story.
The setting is December 1898 in Little Hickman Kentucky.
What is usually a merry and happy time for most people Christmas was only a sad reminder for Sadie Bennett who lost her husband two years ago. She wants nothing to do with celebrating Christmas, but finds that she has been assigned to a committee to search for the town Christmas tree.
Reed Harris a newcomer to the town of Hickman is also on the committee. Reed is looking for a future wife and settle down. Sadie is still mourning the loss of her husband and a relationship is not in her future. Will Sadie be able to find joy and faith again. To open her heart for another relationship and once again love Christmas.
A very touching and wonderful Christmas story.
I read this novella in one sitting and highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas Novella!

I thoroughly enjoyed Sadie Bennett’s character. I know that many readers will be able to relate to Sadie’s situation. I know I can. A death of a loved one is hard. Moving on is even harder.

Will Sadie be able to find joy in her life again? Will her happiness for Christmas ever return?

This author brought out legitimate fears that Sadie had. We know that with God anything is possible.

Will Sadie open her heart to allow God to rule in her life again? Will she be able to step out in faith and live again?

I think readers will find this story to be delightful and very touching. I always say that a book isn’t a good read if it doesn’t touch me or bring me to tears. This book did just that.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Charity]

I am a person who likes a good Christmas novel. And while Sharlene MacLaren is a favorite author of mine, I believe this is her first Christmas story. Rather small compared to her normal books, I thoroughly enjoyed it, plus I got to visit Hickman Creek again. The story is a touching one and really brings to light how hard Christmas time is for some people. Those who have lost loved ones, especially a spouse as Sadie Bennett has. There is a thread throughout though of healing. If I had to use one word for this book, it would definitely be healing. Only problem? The length of the story leaves you really wanting more. A super read for the holiday season!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% mine.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read Sharlene Maclaren’s Little Hickman Creek series a few years ago, so it was nice to go back and visit again. This was a novella that takes place during the month of December and tells the story of a young widow, Sadie Bennett, who had lost her husband two years prior. She has closed her heart off and has just been living an existence that just gets her by. She more or less was becoming a recluse. However, the handsome livery owner Reed Harris has set his sights on her and with the help of her family and town, he intends to open her heart again. This was a sweet little story about a woman learning to let go of fear and to love again. I received a copy for an honest review from The Book Club Network, Inc. and the opinions are my own.

[Heather Bireley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book endearing and wonderful. I feel for Sadie in that she doesn't want to be part of the living world without her husband, and how horrible for her to have lost him so early in their marriage. This book is well written - you can feel the characters' frustration with their situations, their heartache.

The one thing that I truly appreciate about this book is a reminder that God should always come first. He is our Father and he provides for us always. We always need to remember to lean on him. We need to remember that our Father is everything and everything else should come second to him so that brownie or that cigarette isn't going to give us what He can and does give us.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas comes to little Hickman creek

Sadie had been a widow for two years, during that time she had not done very much socializing. She gets picked to help with picking the town Christmas tree, Reed is also involved with it. He becomes interested in her and she does not want to date anyone yet. Will Sadie ever be ready, to move on from her husband death. Even though this is a Christmas book I did enjoy reading it in May. Also this is a add on to a prior series but don't have to read the others books to have enjoyed this one. Since I enjoyed this one so much, I will definitely read the series. Loved the characters in the book, they were so real to me. I did receive this book in exchange for a honest review from the Book Club Network.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren. This was a great story. I loved the way she wrote, I loved the small town it was set in - I could visualize the characters, the streets, the families - their faith. Great story that captured my attention from the back cover blurb, to the first chapter through to the end. I would definitely read more books from Sharlene MacLaren.

I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek is the first book I have read by Sharlene MacLaren. Where have I been? This lady knows how to write! I just loved this short story of letting go and moving on. I am adding other books by this author to my wish list.
Fabulous read!
5 plus stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion, which is given.

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Reed, the hero, was adorable; Sadie, the heroine, was sweet. Although there is an assumed happily-ever-after ending, I would have preferred an epilogue with a glimpse into the future.

[Jacqueline Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming and sweet Christmas story. It has put me in the mood for Christmas early! Such a delightful and engaging read with great characters. Touching and inspiring.

[Pamela Leinenweaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas book loved it