Booked Solid with Virginia C: "Christmas in Sugarcreek"--the "Seasons of Sugarcreek Series" by Shelley Shepard Gray--set in the small Amish town of Sugarcreek, Ohio--touching tales of love and faith--could the changes of the seasons bring love and hopes for happy new life (see my review)

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Judith Graber has always been the obedient daughter. When her older brother Josh struggled with his love life, she offered wise counsel. When her younger brother Caleb flirted with the idea of leaving their order, she firmly told him he was wrong. Over the years, she’s watched her younger siblings, helped around the house, and worked in her family’s store during her spare time. Judith feels overworked, overlooked, and underappreciated this holiday season.

But everything changes when her father hires Ben Knox.

Ben Knox is the “bad boy” of Sugarcreek. Though he’s never considered jumping the fence, he’s certainly never tried to be anything close to dutiful. Two years ago he left Sugarcreek under a cloud of shame. Rumors circulated that his rumspringa had been filled with more than the usual harmless explorations.

Now he’s back and working side by side with Judith.

As the chaos of the holiday season threatens to sap all joy, sparks fly between Ben and Judith. But Judith steels herself to ignore her infatuation. The last thing she wants to be is just one more girl who falls under Ben’s spell. Ben, on the other hand, wants Judith to realize there’s more to him than his bad reputation. When he fled Sugarcreek, he was running from a disruptive home life. Now that he’s back, he wants a fresh beginning.

Could this Christmas season bring love and a new life for the unlikeliest pair in Sugarcreek?

MY REVIEW: "Christmas in Sugarcreek" is the fourth and final book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series "Seasons of Sugarcreek". I have not read the first three books, but I plan to correct that very soon! A few pages into this book, and I was hooked. The characters are wonderfully etched, and I was immediately drawn into the story line. Judith Graber, dutiful elder daughter, works hard to help and care for her family. She never turns down a request for assistance, putting the needs of others above her own dreams and desires. She has a loving home with her family, works in the family business, and is well-respected. Yet, she longs for more--a home of her own, and a loving husband to share her future. When Ben Knox, long considered to be somewhat dark and dangerous, returns to Sugarcreek to sell his own family's home, Judith finds herself once again aflutter over her feelings for Ben. Unbeknownst to Judith, Ben has always cared for her, but he felt himself to be unworthy and unacceptable to her family. However, when Judith's father hires Ben to help at the family store, Judith and Ben find themselves in each other's company every day, and their eyes are opened toward about their own true personas and their real feelings. I fell in love with Ben outright--his strength, gentleness and humility were so very appealing. His protectiveness and consideration toward Judith was exactly what she so needed, and her acceptance and admiration for him put him at ease with her family and the community. His tenderness and patience with the children in the story is very touching. The characters from the other three books all play a role in this story line, and I was intrigued by each couple's individual history. This is a delightful and romantic holiday read, and the whole series sounds very worthwhile!

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

Reviews

“[A] feel-good winner.” (Library Journal (starred review))

“An Amish community backdrop adds homespun sweetness, with a focus on simplicity and family that’s never heavy-handed...new readers will have no trouble starting the series here.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“A story of love and forgiveness, Gray paints a stirring picture of Christmas time and the magic it can have on people.” (The Deseret News)

“A sweet, straightforward story about how love can be tested by family, faith, and personal insecurity. Enjoyable and heartwarming.” (USA Today)