Spring's Renewal

Seasons of Sugarcreek #2

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray, the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series ( Hidden, Wanted , and Forgiven ) returns with the second novel in her Seasons at Sugarcreek series, Spring’s Renewal. A moving tale of love and faith set among the Amish community, it tells a story of courage and sacrifice that fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall will take deeply into their hearts.

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

306 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2010

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.


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Reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point in my life I am ready for an easy-on-the-nerves novel which is exactly where Spring’s Renewal comes in. It picks up shortly after Winter’s Awakening ends with a few new characters but many of the original ones. Shelley Shepard Gray writes with an easy pace and a point of view that is not difficult to accept or grasp. I am quickly becoming a great fan of her style and perspective. It’s sort of like sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies on a snowy evening. Romance, adventure, heartbreak, and good clean fun. Definitely recommended. Not a standalone novel but could be read as such.

[LINDA BOURG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Seasons of Sugarcreek" series. Shelley's characters really come alive. I have come to really enjoy Shelley Shepard Gray's books and i now look forward to book number three in this series.

The focus of this book is on Clara Slabaugh who is the local Amish school teacher. She is disfigured from a household fire when she was small. Clara believes that when people look at her that all they can see are the scars. Until she meets Timothy Graber who has come from Indiana to help out on his uncle's farm. And so as the saying goes beauty is only skin deep. He looks past her scars and makes her feel beautiful and whole again. God had a plan for her life all along, she just had to wait patiently and God would work it all out for her. Timothy and God saw her beauty inside and out. Such a wonderful story line. I loved this book it is now one of my favorites.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book-it was a quick read and easy to fall in love with the characters in the book. I particularly enjoyed the character of Clara. She rose above the serious medical challenges that life had dealt her and managed to find joy in her job and family and friends. I might even go back and read the first book in the series!

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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An Amish book is always clean and includes many valuable lessons in life.

This was no exception. I really liked it and would recommend!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quality Christian literature. I have a penchant toward stories about Amish characters and for that reason am enjoying the Seasons of Sugarcreek very much. This series has very good character development. I look forward to reading the next book of the Seasons of Sugarcreek.

[Lynnsszcz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical Amish dead but such a wonderful caring, loving story. Shows resiliency of people and how their choices affect their lives.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on the Kindle

This 2nd book in the series which i am reading as an Omnibus edition
This one is a good one which tells Clara story & how not to judge people by the way they look
i really enjoying the book i had read this plus other ones in this series some years ago in book form

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Seasons of Sugarcreek series. We meet Clara who was badly burned as a child and has scars over her face and body. She’s the teacher at the local school. She lives with her domineering mother. Tim Graber came to Sugarcreek to help his family. They start a friendship but Tim has a girl back home. YOu will not want to put this book down once you start reading it!
I love how Ms. Grey weaves all of her characters together. I also enjoy the secondary story of Lily Allen. I hope we see more of her. This can be read as a stand alone book, but it’s best to read them in order. Things happen in the first book that you will want to know before you read this book. I can’t wait to read Book Three!

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me as the story revolves around Clara, Sugar Creek’s teacher. Despite a burn scar on her cheek and on her right hand and arm, she inspires her students to see beyond outward appearances. She never imagined she would find love, as people normally seemed to avoid her or have deep conversations with her. That is until Tim, a farmer from Indiana helping out at his uncle’s home came along. The two brought out the best in one another and inspired positive changes in others, including Clara’s mother. This story is a great example of love and forgiveness. This is my second book in the series I have read from this author and shall continue to read more of her books.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPRING'S RENEWAL by Shelley Gray book 2 in "Seasons of Sugarcreek "
A love of teaching and the children she taught, hold a special meaning for Clara. Dreams of marriage and a home are just that, because of an accident when she was young. This has also made her quiet and shy. Tim coming to help his uncle with the farm, and meeting her. See's a beauty beyond, of what she is inside, and her love of people and helping others. A beautiful story of waiting for God to bring that special person in your life.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read with a sweet love story. I like that the author didn't make things easy for the characters to be together, and they had to work through some of their own issues and iron out some personal kinks. The author mixed in a little crisis to help bring all the characters together, and she used that nicely to set up the next love story in this series. I know these stories show mostly the wholesome side of Amish life, and I'm sure it isn't always this way in reality. These stories are just a nice an escape for me and a nice reminder to enjoy the simple things in life.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable sweet romance story. I really liked Clara and Tim and their story. This was my first book in this series, and maybe that is why I didn't understand why the sub-plot of Lilly was in this story. I thought it added nothing. And who was the mysterious man in the restaurant who Lilly waited on? Towards the end, we found out his name was Robert, but who was he? Also, there were grammar and editing/proofreading errors here and there.

[Mahila Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and I loved this one just as much! I really love clara and I love her and tim together! I loved the fact that she was the schoolteacher I just loved everything about this book. I am so glad we got to see the allens and grabers again but I was so sad to find out that lilly had a miscarriage. looking forward to the next book.❤️

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the series, this book continues the stories of the Sugarcreek community. This story focuses on teenager Caleb Graber, who wants to leave the Amish, even if for a little while, and Englisher friend of the Graber family, Lilly Allen, who falls in love with an Amish widower. One struggles to find his place in life while the other struggles to leave hers.

Well done story!

[Katherine Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the Sugarcreek series! This is the second installment where Clara, a schoolteacher who is disfigured from a kitchen fire, finally finds love for the first time. I really love all the characters in the Sugarcreek series. But now I can't wait to see Lily get a turn at true love too!

[Elaine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasons of Sugarcreek book 2

I Loved Loved this book. It was amazing!! I couldn't hardly put it down. I believe GOD always blesses his children with a gift whether it b visiting someone suck or being able to write books like u do Shelly. You bless me with every book I read of yours. Thank u so much!!

[Denise West · Rating 3 out of 5]

May have given this a 4 if I would have read the first book. This was given to me to read and I did not realize it was a series. Nonetheless, I did enjoy it and the different take on Amish people than I sometimes read. Also explains why some scenarios were left hanging and what may have made more sense if I hadn't skipped the first one.

[Fredia Tarlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD EXAMPLE OF FAITH

This read kept my attention as we travel thru hard circumstances with Clara. A brave young lady having been dealt a hard blow as a child but with faith and determination moved forward to finally reach her dream. Very realistic story that is an excellent example to why we should not judge with our eyes.

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara's Story

This book is about Clara. She was badly burned as a child. Having gruesome scars, she felt no man would ever love her. Then she met Tim. And life took a while new approach. I enjoyed escaping into these pages and finding out that love always finds a way.

[Janina s. Asselin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gift!

I was in the mood for a sweet story and decided to buy this book. What a wonderful decision. Even though you know what is going to happen with Clara, the journey to get there was a joy. This was a balm for my soul. Thank you so much.

[Chanover55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life continues in Sugarcreek. Joshua & Gretta marry and Joshua's cousin, Tim, comes to help on his uncle's farm. There he meets Clara, the local Schoolteacher. Sparks fly... Will he be able to win her heart? Lovely book.

[Ruth Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is my favourite author when it comes to Amish fiction. I love her style of writing and I really get into the characters. It is “ no stress” reading which is what I need. She pulls in life lessons that all can relate to. Family relationships!

[Pam Marcola Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live this series. Great story of love and faith

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I enjoyed it very much! If only we could all learn to not judge a book by its cover!

[Suzan Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Characters you really care about!

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

That ending was a tear-jerker 😭

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Not interested in Robert though.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet. A perfect complement to the first. Ms Gray's stories are very special. They remind you of when you were young and love was pure.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely lovely story.