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The Syrup House
Billy Jo was four or five when she was found outside of the town church. Her hair was matted and infested with bugs. Times were hard for the people of Chesterfield and finding someone to take the little girl was difficult until Grandpa and Grandma Frieberg came to town for their fall supplies. That is where Billy Jo found unconditional love from her wonderful benefactors. Everything was wonderful until they were once again going to town for their fall supplies. Grandma wasn't feeling well and Grandpa took her directly to the doctors office. He told Grandpa that she was suffering from heart failure and the shock brought on an immediate heart attack. Billy Jo was left an orphan again, but this time there wasn't anyone to rescue her from the county home. After several years at the abusive children's home, Billy Jo ran away planning to find Grandpa's farm and live there.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2020
50 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 29, 2025
I love the The Syrup House. One of the most beautiful aspects of this story is the underlying theme of redemption. Billy Jo, an orphan covered in dirt and hardship, being chosen and adopted by an elderly couple deeply moved me. It beautifully mirrors how Christ adopts us into His family even when we are covered in sin. That parallel was powerful and heartfelt without feeling forced.
Billy Jo herself was such a strong and inspiring character. Despite her difficult circumstances, she never allowed bitterness to take root. Instead, she was filled with gratitude for what she did have, and that gratitude made her easy to love and cheer for.
I also appreciated the gentle, God-honoring romance woven into the story. It was sweet, tender, and wholesome—never overpowering or vulgar. The relationship involving Billy Jo felt sincere and respectful, which is refreshing and perfectly aligned with the tone of the book.
Another theme I loved was the emphasis on hard work, loving others, and keeping God at the center of daily life. These lessons were woven naturally into the story and gave it depth and purpose.
Uncle Chef Donald was one of my favorite characters. His tenderness and kindness toward Billy Jo, especially when she had no one else, were incredibly touching. He truly felt like a paternal figure, offering care, stability, and love when she needed it most.
Overall, The Syrup House is a heartfelt, faith-filled story about redemption, perseverance, love, and belonging. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys uplifting Christian fiction with strong characters and meaningful themes.
Billy Jo herself was such a strong and inspiring character. Despite her difficult circumstances, she never allowed bitterness to take root. Instead, she was filled with gratitude for what she did have, and that gratitude made her easy to love and cheer for.
I also appreciated the gentle, God-honoring romance woven into the story. It was sweet, tender, and wholesome—never overpowering or vulgar. The relationship involving Billy Jo felt sincere and respectful, which is refreshing and perfectly aligned with the tone of the book.
Another theme I loved was the emphasis on hard work, loving others, and keeping God at the center of daily life. These lessons were woven naturally into the story and gave it depth and purpose.
Uncle Chef Donald was one of my favorite characters. His tenderness and kindness toward Billy Jo, especially when she had no one else, were incredibly touching. He truly felt like a paternal figure, offering care, stability, and love when she needed it most.
Overall, The Syrup House is a heartfelt, faith-filled story about redemption, perseverance, love, and belonging. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys uplifting Christian fiction with strong characters and meaningful themes.
November 3, 2024
AMAZING STORY
This is an Amazing story, that reflects real life issues. A little girl abandoned by her real family was taken in by an elderly couple who had no children of their own. The grandparents raised this little girl for 5 or 6 years before they died and the little girl was sent to a county home. So much happened to the little girl who lost so much.
This is a great story and a n example to always treat people the way you want to be treated….. I highly recommend this book and I consider it a MUST READ.
The Author is JEAN L. KUHNKE & I also recommend all of her other books. I am always watching and waiting for the next book to come out. TRULY AMAZING STORIES ! Read some and see for yourself.
This is an Amazing story, that reflects real life issues. A little girl abandoned by her real family was taken in by an elderly couple who had no children of their own. The grandparents raised this little girl for 5 or 6 years before they died and the little girl was sent to a county home. So much happened to the little girl who lost so much.
This is a great story and a n example to always treat people the way you want to be treated….. I highly recommend this book and I consider it a MUST READ.
The Author is JEAN L. KUHNKE & I also recommend all of her other books. I am always watching and waiting for the next book to come out. TRULY AMAZING STORIES ! Read some and see for yourself.
April 23, 2022
The Syrup House is a lovely "Fairy Tale" type novel for everyone to enjoy.
Reading this novel was an extreme pleasure. The characters were ones that we all love and envy. One might feel the impossibility of the tasks presented, but yet we cheered them on and cheered again as they were accompanied. Maybe we can do hard things, too. I would like all my friends to enjoy this selection, too.
Loved this little book. Impossible tasks accomplished. Age is unimportant ... determination is. Characters were infectious and only got better as the story unfolded. Dreams realized through difficulties. I will recommend this novel to all my friends with enthusiasm.
Reading this novel was an extreme pleasure. The characters were ones that we all love and envy. One might feel the impossibility of the tasks presented, but yet we cheered them on and cheered again as they were accompanied. Maybe we can do hard things, too. I would like all my friends to enjoy this selection, too.
Loved this little book. Impossible tasks accomplished. Age is unimportant ... determination is. Characters were infectious and only got better as the story unfolded. Dreams realized through difficulties. I will recommend this novel to all my friends with enthusiasm.
October 5, 2022
I was left behind
I was left behind because I was accused of stealing and I wasn’t the one. I am Billy Jo, I was found by the town’s people who were dismayed by my appearance and then they found the lice. No one wanted to have anything to do with me, until in came Grandma and then I was wanted.
I was left behind because I was accused of stealing and I wasn’t the one. I am Billy Jo, I was found by the town’s people who were dismayed by my appearance and then they found the lice. No one wanted to have anything to do with me, until in came Grandma and then I was wanted.
January 22, 2024
Quick read
The title got me interested. After reading the synopsis I have to give it a try.
This is a beautiful Christian story about poverty, abuse, love, courage, determination and encouragement.
Its a simple quick read . very enjoyable. I will be looking for more from this author
The title got me interested. After reading the synopsis I have to give it a try.
This is a beautiful Christian story about poverty, abuse, love, courage, determination and encouragement.
Its a simple quick read . very enjoyable. I will be looking for more from this author
August 29, 2020
Wonderful sorry of love
This is a very good read. Well written and heartbreaking as well as heartwarming! It only is in need of a better title to pull you in to this tale of !ove and perseverance.
This is a very good read. Well written and heartbreaking as well as heartwarming! It only is in need of a better title to pull you in to this tale of !ove and perseverance.
January 4, 2021
More than survival
The story of Billie Jo is a lesson of perseverance in the face of many challenges that might turn others brittle in spirit. Holding on to the love of her grandparents opened her to face and accept blessings.
The story of Billie Jo is a lesson of perseverance in the face of many challenges that might turn others brittle in spirit. Holding on to the love of her grandparents opened her to face and accept blessings.
June 10, 2020
This was a good one
June 10, 2020
Sweet Romance
The Syrup House by Jean L. Kuhnke. A sweet romance with a sad beginning. I loved the characters and the storyline.
The Syrup House by Jean L. Kuhnke. A sweet romance with a sad beginning. I loved the characters and the storyline.
August 28, 2020
Uplifting book
Love to see the underdog come out so successful because off their faith and love...would highly recommend this great read!
Love to see the underdog come out so successful because off their faith and love...would highly recommend this great read!
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September 18, 2020The sugar house
A wonderful story which proved an orphan could become indecent. Also developing her own business and finally falling in love.
A wonderful story which proved an orphan could become indecent. Also developing her own business and finally falling in love.
September 22, 2020
Love this book so very much
February 22, 2022
Beautiful story!
April 10, 2024
Boring. How many times can you describe the syrup process. Extremely redundant and predictable.
May 16, 2024
This was 4 stars until the nasty trick in the middle of the book.
January 16, 2026
The story line is so fun to follow. I find myself excited to keep reading.
I love reading this authors books
I love reading this authors books
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews