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Sugar Creek #1
A Sugar Creek Christmas
Sometimes all love needs is a second chance.
Morning television show darling Emma Sutton has just been fired. The only way to get her job back is to find a holiday story to warm the coldest heart. So when her hometown of Sugar Creek, Arkansas, needs a Christmas event planner, Emma moves back, sure her story lies in the town’s desire to become a tourist’s holiday wonderland. The plan is perfect—until Emma meets her new boss.
Charming, handsome Noah Kincaid isn’t just Sugar Creek’s newest mayor. He’s also Emma’s ex-fiancé. Ten years ago Emma left Noah her ring and a goodbye note, but it’s haunted her ever since. The last thing Noah wants to do is work with the woman who broke his heart, but Emma’s desperate to prove to him that her bah-humbug ways won’t interfere with her work.
Emma finds it’s more than the mistletoe drawing her back to Noah. Whatever they had is clearly not over, but Noah’s kisses can’t protect Emma from a past that won’t leave her alone. As the snow falls and the trees glisten, love will come to Sugar Creek. But will it come in time to make all of Emma’s Christmas dreams come true?
Morning television show darling Emma Sutton has just been fired. The only way to get her job back is to find a holiday story to warm the coldest heart. So when her hometown of Sugar Creek, Arkansas, needs a Christmas event planner, Emma moves back, sure her story lies in the town’s desire to become a tourist’s holiday wonderland. The plan is perfect—until Emma meets her new boss.
Charming, handsome Noah Kincaid isn’t just Sugar Creek’s newest mayor. He’s also Emma’s ex-fiancé. Ten years ago Emma left Noah her ring and a goodbye note, but it’s haunted her ever since. The last thing Noah wants to do is work with the woman who broke his heart, but Emma’s desperate to prove to him that her bah-humbug ways won’t interfere with her work.
Emma finds it’s more than the mistletoe drawing her back to Noah. Whatever they had is clearly not over, but Noah’s kisses can’t protect Emma from a past that won’t leave her alone. As the snow falls and the trees glisten, love will come to Sugar Creek. But will it come in time to make all of Emma’s Christmas dreams come true?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2014
327 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
Jenny B. Jones
35 books2,217 followersFour-time Carol Award winner Jenny B. Jones writes contemporary romance with wit, sass, and Southern charm. Since writing for both women and teens leaves her with very little free time, she believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching E!, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. www.jennybjones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
December 22, 2020
3.5
This was a nice second-chance love story. Emma up and left her fiancé to pursue her career in television. She always wanted to be a lead anchor and is well on her way, until she messes up and admits she hates Christmas on national TV. Her boss and fans are upset so she is sent on an assignment to find an inspiring Christmas story. She returns to her hometown of Sugar Creek, where she runs into her former fiancé. Even though its been ten years, the sparks are still there. They're forced to work together to turn Sugar Creek into a premier Christmas destination. Along the way Emma realizes just how much she still cares for him.
I thought this was a fun, enjoyable read. Emma and Noah have a lot of history, but the years pass away and they start to pick up right where they left off. Even though you know how everything will play out, it was still a nice journey to go on. I liked the small-town setting, the supporting characters and thought it was well written. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content: Clean, kisses. No language or violence.
This was a nice second-chance love story. Emma up and left her fiancé to pursue her career in television. She always wanted to be a lead anchor and is well on her way, until she messes up and admits she hates Christmas on national TV. Her boss and fans are upset so she is sent on an assignment to find an inspiring Christmas story. She returns to her hometown of Sugar Creek, where she runs into her former fiancé. Even though its been ten years, the sparks are still there. They're forced to work together to turn Sugar Creek into a premier Christmas destination. Along the way Emma realizes just how much she still cares for him.
I thought this was a fun, enjoyable read. Emma and Noah have a lot of history, but the years pass away and they start to pick up right where they left off. Even though you know how everything will play out, it was still a nice journey to go on. I liked the small-town setting, the supporting characters and thought it was well written. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content: Clean, kisses. No language or violence.
December 21, 2021
Jenny B Jones is one of only 3 authors I know of that can make a novella feel like a full length book. I absolutely love her work. She takes ordinary people and ordinary circumstances and turns them into the most wonderful stories.
When I start a Jenny Jones book, I feel right at home and my heart smiles. It's not long, though, till I'm busing out laughing and crying all at the same time. She knows how to tug at your emotions, that's for sure.
Emma Sutton is a fast rising star on the national morning news show but blurts out her hatred of Christmas and now must find a way to salvage her career by finding a super human interest story. So she goes home to Sugar Creek, only to find that the man she ran out on is now the mayor with whom she must work.
Update: Just reread this book on December 21, 2021 and it's still just as good. I'll probably reread it again.
Emma carries some very deep hurts that have dictated the course of her life. Can she trust God to plot her course and let Him heal these hurts? Will love ever find its way into Emma's heart?
By the way, Emma's grandmother, Sylvie, former CIA operative and sister to the wacky Maxine in the Katie Parker series, is an absolute treasure! I want to visit her!
Get this book. I would have paid the price of a full length novel for this novella. Seriously.
When I start a Jenny Jones book, I feel right at home and my heart smiles. It's not long, though, till I'm busing out laughing and crying all at the same time. She knows how to tug at your emotions, that's for sure.
Emma Sutton is a fast rising star on the national morning news show but blurts out her hatred of Christmas and now must find a way to salvage her career by finding a super human interest story. So she goes home to Sugar Creek, only to find that the man she ran out on is now the mayor with whom she must work.
Update: Just reread this book on December 21, 2021 and it's still just as good. I'll probably reread it again.
Emma carries some very deep hurts that have dictated the course of her life. Can she trust God to plot her course and let Him heal these hurts? Will love ever find its way into Emma's heart?
By the way, Emma's grandmother, Sylvie, former CIA operative and sister to the wacky Maxine in the Katie Parker series, is an absolute treasure! I want to visit her!
Get this book. I would have paid the price of a full length novel for this novella. Seriously.
December 23, 2019
Fun and entertaining. A great holiday read with memorable characters, especially Sylvie who had me laughing and wishing this fictional phenom into real life! This is a clean read but not what I would consider overly Christian fiction--even though there is a faith element within the story. There was some language, I think one or two words, and some romantic/sexual innuendo. Though it had a bit of a slow start, the plot picked up and I ended up enjoying the story.
did-not-finish
December 20, 2024I got 7% in and realized this was not for me. The reason is a little sensitive so I'm putting it in a spoiler.
January 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and fun with some quirky characters.
December 28, 2024
TOO FAST.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I know this was a short book, but things can still be well paced. And this one left me reeling with how quickly things were moving. I don’t feel like the relationship had the necessary communication it needed before they got back together. Emma LEFT and Noah welcomed her back so dang quickly.
There’s lots of holiday cheer and a few quirky grandma’s to boot. If you’re looking for something quick, that has a light faith vein and a second chance romance, maaaybe this is for you!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of losing a mother to cancer
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I know this was a short book, but things can still be well paced. And this one left me reeling with how quickly things were moving. I don’t feel like the relationship had the necessary communication it needed before they got back together. Emma LEFT and Noah welcomed her back so dang quickly.
There’s lots of holiday cheer and a few quirky grandma’s to boot. If you’re looking for something quick, that has a light faith vein and a second chance romance, maaaybe this is for you!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of losing a mother to cancer
February 15, 2017
I love this book! I literately clapped at the end of reading it. All of the character's were great in this book, My special favorite was Sylvie, Emma's grandmother, she was so funny and supper sassy! And I love how she was an ex CIA agent, just brilliant. I love the witty banter between all of the characters, they had me laughing. Jenny B. Jones has written a beautiful Christmas story about love, family and forgiveness. I would definitely recommend this book (and every single book she's ever written,lol) to anyone. I am so looking for to the other books she has planned for the town of Sugar Creek.
Read
December 13, 2020An enjoyable Christmas romance featuring a young journalist who will lose her job unless she can come up with a story of true Christmas spirit after announcing on TV that she "hated" Christmas. She returns to her home town of Sugar Creek that once a year becomes totally immersed in Christmas and hopes that somehow she can find the Christmas Spirit. Little does she know that Christmas isn't the only things she will find.
April 14, 2021
After taking some time off from the title of author (one she owned nicely), one of the funniest ladies blessed with the gift of prose, is back. The second book to publish from Jenny B. Jones this year, this novel is the first in her brand-new series of novels that explore a new genre for the author. But, more on that later. First, the story goes…
STORY: Emma Sutton is one of the rising stars at her morning TV gig. In fact she’s on the fast track for an anchor seat, only her chances revert to start after an on-air “bah-humbug” moment. This sidelines her, and she’s charged with trying to find a warm, fuzzy Christmas story to air at Christmas. She finds just the thing in small-town Arkansas where she accepts an event planning job, and runs into her ex, Noah.
A Sugar Creek Christmas, by Jenny B. Jones | Book Review
Ever since reading this lady’s Save the Date, I’ve been a fan. Since then, all her novels went on my someday mental-TBR. I’ve yet to complete her Katie Parker Productions series (something I feel badly about) and am prompting myself to do so in the New Year. No excuses. Until then, this darling Christmas story will thoroughly sweep you away, even if, yes, it's a different kind of Jenny B. Jones book.
Instead of infusing her stories – or at the very least drawing a distinct line, in Christianity, Jenny goes outside the “safe” normal and amps up the chemistry. Emma and Noah are a great couple to boot. I enjoy their banter and romance. Emma does everything in her power to ensure she won’t get hurt by love (all from a childhood emotion) while ironically, Noah is in many ways was too.
He keeps his distance from Emma because of their past, a past he believes will repeat. Emma’s work ethic is a barrier between them and Noah is disappointed that she doesn't see how unimportant that life was, both draw them apart. One of the best pros for this story is the characters having a history. Novella style tends to almost require that for a love story to feel authentic. Keeping true to her brand of funny while stepping outside the “safe” comfort zone, A Sugar Creek Christmas is a sweet story. It’s one that is easily read (unless you read like I do) in an afternoon, and for those of you still wanting a Christmas read, consider making this sugary confection part of your holiday.
Content: there are a few “questionable” scenes and moments that are a bit suggestive, depending on the reader. Nothing is graphic though and would be a solid “PG rating” or mild “PG13.”
STORY: Emma Sutton is one of the rising stars at her morning TV gig. In fact she’s on the fast track for an anchor seat, only her chances revert to start after an on-air “bah-humbug” moment. This sidelines her, and she’s charged with trying to find a warm, fuzzy Christmas story to air at Christmas. She finds just the thing in small-town Arkansas where she accepts an event planning job, and runs into her ex, Noah.
A Sugar Creek Christmas, by Jenny B. Jones | Book Review
Ever since reading this lady’s Save the Date, I’ve been a fan. Since then, all her novels went on my someday mental-TBR. I’ve yet to complete her Katie Parker Productions series (something I feel badly about) and am prompting myself to do so in the New Year. No excuses. Until then, this darling Christmas story will thoroughly sweep you away, even if, yes, it's a different kind of Jenny B. Jones book.
Instead of infusing her stories – or at the very least drawing a distinct line, in Christianity, Jenny goes outside the “safe” normal and amps up the chemistry. Emma and Noah are a great couple to boot. I enjoy their banter and romance. Emma does everything in her power to ensure she won’t get hurt by love (all from a childhood emotion) while ironically, Noah is in many ways was too.
He keeps his distance from Emma because of their past, a past he believes will repeat. Emma’s work ethic is a barrier between them and Noah is disappointed that she doesn't see how unimportant that life was, both draw them apart. One of the best pros for this story is the characters having a history. Novella style tends to almost require that for a love story to feel authentic. Keeping true to her brand of funny while stepping outside the “safe” comfort zone, A Sugar Creek Christmas is a sweet story. It’s one that is easily read (unless you read like I do) in an afternoon, and for those of you still wanting a Christmas read, consider making this sugary confection part of your holiday.
Content: there are a few “questionable” scenes and moments that are a bit suggestive, depending on the reader. Nothing is graphic though and would be a solid “PG rating” or mild “PG13.”
January 13, 2016
Anchorwoman Emma Sutton makes a surprising mistake on the job by saying that she hates Christmas. To vindicate herself, she must bring the perfect Christmas story to her employer. She returns to Sugar Creek, her hometown, to cover their Christmas-y atmosphere for her story. However, her new boss is Noah Kincaid. Noah is her former fiancé. Noah is startled to discover he’s working with Emma. After all, ten years ago, she broke his heart with false promises of marriage. Can he find it in his heart to forgive her? Can he ignore these feelings of affection for his former fiancée? This book was a nice, pleasant Christmas read. I especially enjoyed reading about Sugar Creek. It’s a lovely Christmas town and I wanted to go and visit the place (even though it’s fictional). This story is also about forgiveness, trying to make amends with estranged family members. - See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2016/01/...
October 28, 2015
As a long time fan of Jenny B. Jones I was ecstatic when she started releasing books again and as soon as I found out about this Christmas novella I immediately downloaded it. It was definitely money well spent as I absolutely loved the whole thing!
Emma and Noah were great characters and it was so cute watching them fall in love again. I loved how Noah was able to help Emma not only rediscover the joy of Christmas but also the love of the One who the season is all about.
The rest of the cast of characters provided some rather amusing moments that I've come to expect from Jenny B. Jones! From Emma's grandmother to Noah's secretary every character was awesome!
In short I loved this little Christmas story and I can't wait to read the rest of the Sugar Creek books!
Emma and Noah were great characters and it was so cute watching them fall in love again. I loved how Noah was able to help Emma not only rediscover the joy of Christmas but also the love of the One who the season is all about.
The rest of the cast of characters provided some rather amusing moments that I've come to expect from Jenny B. Jones! From Emma's grandmother to Noah's secretary every character was awesome!
In short I loved this little Christmas story and I can't wait to read the rest of the Sugar Creek books!
December 29, 2014
This was adorable!! Great characters-- both main and side (Sylvie cracked me up!), witty dialogue and a great romance about reconnecting with lost love. The perfect Christmas romance to be enjoyed during any season...but especially around the holidays! Loved it!
December 20, 2020
Not what I expected
2.5 stars - This was my first book by the author. I thought she wrote Christian fiction, but this book was disappointing. The story was good, but I could have done without the crude lines peppered through out the story.
2.5 stars - This was my first book by the author. I thought she wrote Christian fiction, but this book was disappointing. The story was good, but I could have done without the crude lines peppered through out the story.
December 23, 2015
A definite 5 star. Loved this book. I laughed throughout, like out loud in public and cried. And the ending sigh worthy. Ps edited to add I so wish this was a movie...
January 10, 2021
I read this in early January because I wasn't quite ready to let Christmas go yet. Emma is a news anchor who got caught with a hot mic talking about how much she hated Christmas. She's got one shot at career redemption: cover a story so full of Christmas that everyone will believe she's changed. Her home town is trying to become a Christmas wonderland, so she returns to Sugar Creek, AK to cover the story and work as an event planner for the mayor--only to discover the mayor is her ex-fiance Noah.
The story has a lot of funny moments, and I loved the quirky grandmother who's a retired black ops officer. The present builds neatly on the past, and it comes together for a sweet resolution. Recommended.
The story has a lot of funny moments, and I loved the quirky grandmother who's a retired black ops officer. The present builds neatly on the past, and it comes together for a sweet resolution. Recommended.
December 17, 2022
Such a sweet hallmark-y type book.
No sex, no cursing!
This book was a short & sweet book! I loved the story and it was a great read to get me in the mood for Christmas! Although pretty predictable, I’m ok with that when it comes to Christmas books!
I’ve read a TON of Jenny B. Jones books & they are always light & fun reads! They have great character development & usually some type of Christian themes to enhance the story!
If you’re looking for a Christmas read & don’t wanna commit to a LONG novel, this is the perfect book! You’ll laugh & root for the couple in the book! ❤️
No sex, no cursing!
This book was a short & sweet book! I loved the story and it was a great read to get me in the mood for Christmas! Although pretty predictable, I’m ok with that when it comes to Christmas books!
I’ve read a TON of Jenny B. Jones books & they are always light & fun reads! They have great character development & usually some type of Christian themes to enhance the story!
If you’re looking for a Christmas read & don’t wanna commit to a LONG novel, this is the perfect book! You’ll laugh & root for the couple in the book! ❤️
March 22, 2024
I love this local author. Any time I need a cute and clean rom-com I pick up this author. I love how she connects all the characters throughout most of her books. It truly feels like you know them as family by the time you read them all. I will always read anything by this author.
February 3, 2026
I landed on 3.5 stars for this one.
I first read this a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot. By now I had forgotten many details, but the end and the part w/her dad stuck with me.
When I first read it, I don't think I knew Jones is Christian author. She has even won Christian awards. That being said, I'm not exactly sure what audience this book is geared toward. I'm thinking general market. I was surprised while rereading that there were so many innuendos in here. Granted, they're less crude than some I've seen in secular closed door fiction, but still... I don't understand why a Christian author would feel the need or desire to put that in a story, especially so many. One could argue that she's trying to portray certain characters (let's face it, most people aren't saints), but I still don't think there needed to be quite so many. One or two wouldn't have bothered me so much.
Also, while this is closed door, it gets pretty steamy, and certain things were implied that left me scratching my head. All of this pushes me to think it's geared to a general audience. So this is where it becomes hard for me to rate. As a general market book, I'd give it four stars. I don't expect everyone to have the same values as I do. But knowing that she's a Christian author, it worries me that this type of book could be a stumbling block for some Christians. It's for this same reason that I don't read Jody Hedlund's newer books.
Now for what I liked. Jones managed to make this novella feel like a full story, and as I started reading, I immediately remembered the details, to the point I felt like I had just read the book for the first time months ago. Either that speaks to how good my memory used to be, or how memorable this specific story was for me the first time around (even if lost in the depths of my consciousness lol). I really enjoyed the writing and it was easy to read. I enjoyed Emma's grandma and her friend, even if they were inappropriate at times. But what I loved most was the conflict between Emma and her father and how that was resolved. I definitely teared up a couple times.
So all in all, I still enjoyed this one, but please be aware of the content if you go into this thinking it's a Christian book. While it does have some of those themes, mostly at the end, I think this is more geared to a general audience. I'm continuing the trilogy and reading the next book now, which is a first time read. I'll see how that one goes.
I first read this a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot. By now I had forgotten many details, but the end and the part w/her dad stuck with me.
When I first read it, I don't think I knew Jones is Christian author. She has even won Christian awards. That being said, I'm not exactly sure what audience this book is geared toward. I'm thinking general market. I was surprised while rereading that there were so many innuendos in here. Granted, they're less crude than some I've seen in secular closed door fiction, but still... I don't understand why a Christian author would feel the need or desire to put that in a story, especially so many. One could argue that she's trying to portray certain characters (let's face it, most people aren't saints), but I still don't think there needed to be quite so many. One or two wouldn't have bothered me so much.
Also, while this is closed door, it gets pretty steamy, and certain things were implied that left me scratching my head. All of this pushes me to think it's geared to a general audience. So this is where it becomes hard for me to rate. As a general market book, I'd give it four stars. I don't expect everyone to have the same values as I do. But knowing that she's a Christian author, it worries me that this type of book could be a stumbling block for some Christians. It's for this same reason that I don't read Jody Hedlund's newer books.
Now for what I liked. Jones managed to make this novella feel like a full story, and as I started reading, I immediately remembered the details, to the point I felt like I had just read the book for the first time months ago. Either that speaks to how good my memory used to be, or how memorable this specific story was for me the first time around (even if lost in the depths of my consciousness lol). I really enjoyed the writing and it was easy to read. I enjoyed Emma's grandma and her friend, even if they were inappropriate at times. But what I loved most was the conflict between Emma and her father and how that was resolved. I definitely teared up a couple times.
So all in all, I still enjoyed this one, but please be aware of the content if you go into this thinking it's a Christian book. While it does have some of those themes, mostly at the end, I think this is more geared to a general audience. I'm continuing the trilogy and reading the next book now, which is a first time read. I'll see how that one goes.
January 12, 2018
This novella has everything one would expect from author Jenny B. Jones: humor, heart and a swoon-worthy hero. Of course, with a holiday twist.
On temporary hiatus from her morning news anchor job, Emma Sutton finds herself headed back to her hometown, Sugar Creek, to find a holiday story to make up for her on-air announcement about hating Christmas. When she finds a position as an event planner of Sugar Creek's Christmas events, she thinks it's the perfect solution to get her story and back to New York. Only, she didn't expect her boss to be her ex-fiance, Noah - the man she broke up with and left behind 10 years ago.
I love all things Jenny B. Jones and this book was no exception. With quirky and charismatic secondary characters, a sweet and sexy hero, a likable heroine, and emotional substance to balance the humor. I also loved how the theme of forgiveness and love was integral to the plot in several variations. A wholly satisfying, heartwarming and witty Christmas novella. I would definitely recommend this book.
On temporary hiatus from her morning news anchor job, Emma Sutton finds herself headed back to her hometown, Sugar Creek, to find a holiday story to make up for her on-air announcement about hating Christmas. When she finds a position as an event planner of Sugar Creek's Christmas events, she thinks it's the perfect solution to get her story and back to New York. Only, she didn't expect her boss to be her ex-fiance, Noah - the man she broke up with and left behind 10 years ago.
I love all things Jenny B. Jones and this book was no exception. With quirky and charismatic secondary characters, a sweet and sexy hero, a likable heroine, and emotional substance to balance the humor. I also loved how the theme of forgiveness and love was integral to the plot in several variations. A wholly satisfying, heartwarming and witty Christmas novella. I would definitely recommend this book.
December 15, 2014
What a great novella! This one will put a smile on your face and warm your heart! I loved the characters (main and secondary), the sparks, the story and how it all came to life! I flew through the pages and couldn't put it down till the last page - literally! It was the perfect read for the evening and in general... I came away from this one with that awww, giddy, sweet romantic, happy feeling.
Christmas or not, this is a story to be enjoyed! I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. It will be fun to see the "crazy" and completely lovable grandma again, not to mention more of the characters that were so endearing in this novel. Jones has a way of gifting you not only with humor, romance, and truth but the ability to believe it is all real.
So pick this one up and settle in for a good read!
Christmas or not, this is a story to be enjoyed! I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. It will be fun to see the "crazy" and completely lovable grandma again, not to mention more of the characters that were so endearing in this novel. Jones has a way of gifting you not only with humor, romance, and truth but the ability to believe it is all real.
So pick this one up and settle in for a good read!
February 6, 2022
This is a sweet and clean romance. I love grandma Sylvie and her friend Frannie. Wonderful banter between the characters. I recommend for anyone who loves sweet romance with fun and witty dialogue.
December 20, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ As far as Christmas books go, this one has been my favorite all year! It was a super light and easy read, and though it was shorter than most books, it still contained good character and plot development. I found both main characters to be very likable. I thought the romance was super sweet, and I liked the themes of forgiveness, sacrifice for love, and redemption of Christmas for the main character who had a previous traumatic experience with the holiday.
I did think that the main characters went from not speaking to rekindling their romance pretty quickly. I would have liked that part to be a little more drawn out.
There was no graphic sex, but there were some sexual innuendos like allusions to sexy dreams and the grandmas talking about their romance novels or insinuating that the main characters were more involved than they were. There was also some flirty banter between the main characters that indicated elements of their physical relationship (past and present) and a make-out scene that was fairly descriptive. For these reasons, I would personally only recommend to adults.
I also noticed a handful of typos throughout.
I did think that the main characters went from not speaking to rekindling their romance pretty quickly. I would have liked that part to be a little more drawn out.
There was no graphic sex, but there were some sexual innuendos like allusions to sexy dreams and the grandmas talking about their romance novels or insinuating that the main characters were more involved than they were. There was also some flirty banter between the main characters that indicated elements of their physical relationship (past and present) and a make-out scene that was fairly descriptive. For these reasons, I would personally only recommend to adults.
I also noticed a handful of typos throughout.
December 24, 2020
Fun and tearful
Witty dialogue. Emotional character growth. Open romance. And a message if you are willing to be still and let it sink in. I enjoyed these characters and their reunion at Christmas time.
Witty dialogue. Emotional character growth. Open romance. And a message if you are willing to be still and let it sink in. I enjoyed these characters and their reunion at Christmas time.
December 12, 2021
I was going to rate it 3 stars but the presence of Grandma Sylvie and Frannie automatically bumps it to 4. They're my favorite. This story is super predictable and the laughs just barely balance out the eye rolls.
December 23, 2019
I wanted a light, fluffy Christmas read and enjoyed it for exactly that.
December 14, 2021
Predictable? Yes. Cliché? Yes. Very cute? Yes.
Sylvie & Frannie fan 4eva.
Sylvie & Frannie fan 4eva.
December 8, 2024
Straight out of the hallmark channel. Clean, cheesy, ok writing. But a very sweet Christmas story.
December 22, 2020
I LOOOOVED this book! 😍 It was everything I had hoped it would be. All the heart and humor of Jones’s other books with a perfect amount of Christmas warmth and cheer. Not to mention great characters. I highly recommend this one to everyone! 🥰
May 3, 2024
A Sugar Creek Christmas had some fun, enjoyable moments, with a cast of very enjoyable characters, especially Grandmother Sylvie.
If you are looking for a sweet Christmas novella, this one is highly recommended.
If you are looking for a sweet Christmas novella, this one is highly recommended.
May 16, 2021
Comme ci, comme ça...
The author is clearly an experienced writer & does it very well technically. The plot is pretty much cookie cutter Christmas fare. Still, predictable is fine when a story is engaging enough.
And sometimes this one is but a lot of times it's not. The biggest difficulty is that even though the characters are sympathetic & likeable, they're pretty flat.
Emma's pique at her dad feels superficial. We find out why she's upset with him, but we're never drawn into her feelings. All I kept thinking was that she was stuck in her childhood grief & was long overdue for finding a good therapist.
Noah is so coldly angry, but then switches gears fairly quickly without allowing the reader to see what thawed his heart. I did really like the scene where Emma asks his forgiveness & he gives it to her, though. It was simple yet very well done.
The other difficulty is that It's trying to be both a madcap comedy & a tender 2nd chance romance, but that creates conflicting moods which frequently bump against each other thereby ruining the mood & jolting me out of the story.
So this is my first introduction to an author who many of my reading friends have told me is one of their favorites. I can see her witty way with words but not so much with plot & character development. Still, even the best of authors can have an off book - one of my favorites has written dozens of books - and 3 of them are truly awful. This one isn't bad just kind of superficial. I'll definitely give some of her others a try.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic (approx a PG rating)
The author is clearly an experienced writer & does it very well technically. The plot is pretty much cookie cutter Christmas fare. Still, predictable is fine when a story is engaging enough.
And sometimes this one is but a lot of times it's not. The biggest difficulty is that even though the characters are sympathetic & likeable, they're pretty flat.
Emma's pique at her dad feels superficial. We find out why she's upset with him, but we're never drawn into her feelings. All I kept thinking was that she was stuck in her childhood grief & was long overdue for finding a good therapist.
Noah is so coldly angry, but then switches gears fairly quickly without allowing the reader to see what thawed his heart. I did really like the scene where Emma asks his forgiveness & he gives it to her, though. It was simple yet very well done.
The other difficulty is that It's trying to be both a madcap comedy & a tender 2nd chance romance, but that creates conflicting moods which frequently bump against each other thereby ruining the mood & jolting me out of the story.
So this is my first introduction to an author who many of my reading friends have told me is one of their favorites. I can see her witty way with words but not so much with plot & character development. Still, even the best of authors can have an off book - one of my favorites has written dozens of books - and 3 of them are truly awful. This one isn't bad just kind of superficial. I'll definitely give some of her others a try.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic (approx a PG rating)
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