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55th out of 151 books
—
127 voters
Winter's Awakening (Seasons of Sugarcreek #1)
As the coldest winter on record blows into Sugarcreek, will three hearts have the courage to discover the life that God wants for them?
In the small Amish town of Sugarcreek, Ohio, Joshua knows what's expected of him: to work at the family store and to finally marry Gretta, whom he's courted for years. But when a new English family moves in next door--and their teenage daug...more
In the small Amish town of Sugarcreek, Ohio, Joshua knows what's expected of him: to work at the family store and to finally marry Gretta, whom he's courted for years. But when a new English family moves in next door--and their teenage daug...more
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
February 2nd 2010
by Avon Inspire
(first published January 1st 2010)
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Winter's Awakening" by Shelley Shepard Gray gets 5 stars from me. It is the first book in the Seasons Of Sugarcreek Series. Gretta and Josh were courting and Greta assumed that they would get married. Then new neighbors, The Allen's moved next door to Joshua's family and Joshua begin to argue with Gretta and they decided to break up. But Lilly Allen wasn't Amish and she has a secret. Her secret is that she is pregnant and her parents want her to give up the baby for adoption but Lilly decides to...more
After reading Shelley Shepard Gray's series "Sisters of the Heart" I was excited to read Winter'a Awakening, the first in a new series by her "the Seasons of Sugarcreek". Now Im not sure if It was because the theme of Amish Village wasn't what I was needing right now but I found Winter's Awakening not to be as exciting and thrilling as her Sisters of the Heart series. Though in saying all that, I still enjoyed Winter's Awakening and can't wait to get my hands on Book #2 Spring's Renewal. Winter'...more
I really enjoyed the last series that I read by this author and I was really excited to find this series. However, I was so disappointed.
This is a relatively new author so, I think her writing style will comtinue to improve. That was not even my issue with this book.
I found the language and behavior unbelievable and ridiculous about the mannerism of the Amish children. For example, one Amish boy is described as "pump a fist inthe air and cheer", I don't know but this doesn't really read authent...more
This is a relatively new author so, I think her writing style will comtinue to improve. That was not even my issue with this book.
I found the language and behavior unbelievable and ridiculous about the mannerism of the Amish children. For example, one Amish boy is described as "pump a fist inthe air and cheer", I don't know but this doesn't really read authent...more
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Original review here: http://lalakme.blogspot.com/2010/02/w...
I was sent this book to review by TLC Book Tours this last month. Usually I review self-improvement and parenting type books, so this was a little different for me--not that I don't enjoy fiction, because I definitely do!
Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in the author's new series about the Amish community in Sugarcreek, Ohio. I have never read an Amish novel before, and I found myself quite fascinated by th...more
I was sent this book to review by TLC Book Tours this last month. Usually I review self-improvement and parenting type books, so this was a little different for me--not that I don't enjoy fiction, because I definitely do!
Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in the author's new series about the Amish community in Sugarcreek, Ohio. I have never read an Amish novel before, and I found myself quite fascinated by th...more
Title: WINTER’S AWAKENING
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-185222-0
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Joshua thought he had his future all mapped out. He’d work in his father’s store, marry Gretta, and they’d have babies… but then a new English family moves in next door, and their young daughter catches Josh’s eye. Suddenly, Josh feels trapped. What if he isn’t meant to marry Gretta? If he can look at another woman, then Gretta must not be the one for him. So, he...more
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-185222-0
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Joshua thought he had his future all mapped out. He’d work in his father’s store, marry Gretta, and they’d have babies… but then a new English family moves in next door, and their young daughter catches Josh’s eye. Suddenly, Josh feels trapped. What if he isn’t meant to marry Gretta? If he can look at another woman, then Gretta must not be the one for him. So, he...more
This was an interesting story but somewhat boring at times. The premise is fairly simple -- a new "English" family moves into an Amish community, and the plot focuses on the lives of the young people in the family, as well as the lives of their Amish neighbors, with whom they are soon friendly. The daughter in the English family (English means American in Amish-speak) is pregnant and unmarried, and her life's hopes and dreams contrast with those of another young woman who is part of the Amish co...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Gray writes about 3-4 different series about Amish life, and I enjoy the Seasons in Sugarcreek the best. This series involves the Graber family of the parents and seven children. I enjoy the wisdom and understanding of the Graber parents. The story shows the hard life followed by the Amish community, but also shows the love, generosity, and devotion of this community. Lilly Allen is introduced in this book, and she will remain a character in the following books. Lilly is pregnant and unmarried,...more
As a rule, I enjoy Amish-themed books. Shelley Shepard Gray is a new-to-me-author, and I enjoyed this first installment of her Seasons of Sugarcreek series. The friendships that are formed in the book are, at first, unlikely: first Joshua's befriending of a young English teen and then Gretta's friendship with her as well. But, as the story progresses, they each find solace and comfort, as well as understanding and listening ears in those friendships.
The idea of Lilly's family moving to hide her...more
The idea of Lilly's family moving to hide her...more
I really don't enjoy Amish-themed novels much. However I did actually enjoy this book. It does not push the Amish religion/beliefs much, nor even shove their 'simplistic' lifestyle on the reader. While things from both lifestyles are mentioned, of course, the story focuses more on the people, the similarities of dilemmas faced by both lifestyles and in general, how people deal with their relationships, decisions, etc.
It was a simple read. Nothing particularly convoluted or involved. It took me n...more
It was a simple read. Nothing particularly convoluted or involved. It took me n...more
We are in a new year! Time to start it off with the first book review of 2012!
According to Goodreads:
Joshua Graber knows his future is set. He′s expected to work at his family business, the Graber Country Store. He′s expected to marry Gretta Hershberger, who he′s been courting for several years. But when a new English family moves next door and their lovely teenage daughter, Lilly Allen, catches his eye, Joshua wonders if all the plans for his future are too set in stone.
Gretta doesn′t know wha...more
According to Goodreads:
Joshua Graber knows his future is set. He′s expected to work at his family business, the Graber Country Store. He′s expected to marry Gretta Hershberger, who he′s been courting for several years. But when a new English family moves next door and their lovely teenage daughter, Lilly Allen, catches his eye, Joshua wonders if all the plans for his future are too set in stone.
Gretta doesn′t know wha...more
Author Shelley Shepard Gray poses some interesting questions in this novel. She illustrates the problems that can arise when an English family moves into the same town with an Amish settlement. As the the children get to know each other, both families become concerned with the growing friendships and where it might lead. Other sometimes overlooked aspects of Amish life - that Amish marriages are not always happy and that Amish couples do argue - are explored. This first book in the series, Seaso...more
Joshua and Gretta have known each other for years. They kind of just always knew they would be together and get married. That is until The Allen's, an English family, move in next door to Joshua's family. Lilly Allen is the same age as Joshua and he begins wondering if Gretta is still for him. Gretta and Joshua haven't been seeing eye to eye lately and haven't felt the "love" between them. Are they just following what is expected of them or are they really supposed to be together? When Gretta be...more
This is a lovely, easy read that will make you think about relationships. As a parent we are always striving for the best for our children and trying to protect them from the "big bad wilds" of the world. However, what happens when your child loses their way for a while and comes back but is "changed"? What if what YOU think your child should do isn't what their heart is telling them to do? "Courting" couple, Gretta and Joshua, are struggling with their looming nuptials. Gretta, all business, is...more
Winter's Awakening was a wonderful look at the prejudices on both sides. It was also a look at the temptations that both sides faced. I believe we tend to assume things when we don't have all of the information.
Joshua and Gretta live in Sugarcreek and it has always been expected that they will get married. Then an English family moves in next door to Joshua and Lily catches his eye. This causes him to question his feelings for Gretta. Gretta’s family has moved here because Gretta is pregnant. P...more
Joshua and Gretta live in Sugarcreek and it has always been expected that they will get married. Then an English family moves in next door to Joshua and Lily catches his eye. This causes him to question his feelings for Gretta. Gretta’s family has moved here because Gretta is pregnant. P...more
"Winter's Awakening was a breathe of fresh air for me. It was refreshing to read a story about young love that didn't involve an overly immoral theme. Granted one of the main characters had committed an indiscretion and landed her family in Sugarcreek to escape the humiliation that would come in their hometown; it still focuses on more important things. Things like making the right choices, accepting others' faults, and growing up.
"Every character in this story is wonderful and I loved being abl...more
"Every character in this story is wonderful and I loved being abl...more
Feb 12, 2010
Margaret
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Amish fans
Recommended to Margaret by:
Avon Inspire
Honestly Shelley Shepard Gray is probably my favorite Amish Fiction author of the current Amish Fiction craze. Her reflections into the lives that interact and are affected by the Ohio Amish are fresh and refreshing. I enjoyed her previous Sisters of the Heart Series and I am fairly certain that I will be even more impressed with her new Seasons of Sugarcreek Series if this book is any indication.
Most romances these days are all about the new relationship that is budding. This book however show...more
Most romances these days are all about the new relationship that is budding. This book however show...more
I love Sugarcreek, even before I even went there; My uncle is a conservative Mennonite Minister, and when I was younger, before I learned to drive an automobile, I would see look at the address, stamped inside of Plain periodicals, and dream of going there.
Shelley Shepard Gray takes you there, in her Seasons of Sugarcreek series, and even if you have been there, she makes you feel as if you're right there, in the heroines shoes, following her every move. I just love her writing style.
Shelley Shepard Gray takes you there, in her Seasons of Sugarcreek series, and even if you have been there, she makes you feel as if you're right there, in the heroines shoes, following her every move. I just love her writing style.
I stayed up all night and read Winter's Awakening! Don't want to be a spoiler so will be brief with my review. The reader experiences with the characters the turmoil of dreams for your children, the turmoil of being with the mate suited for you, the turmoil of making decisions that are right for you rather than trying to please others. It was fun to observe the similarities between Englishers (parents) and Amisher's (parents) love their children.
This author is turning into one of my favorites! This Amish themed book has deeply developed characters and settings. I appreciated the introduction of an 'English' family to give the story an even greater depth. I can usually guess the ending of a book but this one kept me guessing until the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
The first book in a wonderful new Amish series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Joshua is forced to choose between what he wants to do versus what he should do, Gretta is young woman must decide whether to follow her heart or protect it, and Lilly, despite troubles of her own, is the young woman who helps the pair realize what's truly important.
The story was fine, but I disagreed with how the author portrayed a teenage mom wanting to keep a baby as being the unselfish thing to do. I think giving up a baby so that it can have two parents that are actually ready to provide and care for a child is incredibly unselfish. But maybe I just know too many people who are trying to adopt.
Shelley Sheppard Gray has written several series based on life in Amish country. This first book in the Sugar Creek series revolves around the Graber Country Store. Gray’s writing explores the complexities of decisions that people make and is based on her observations of life in southern Ohio.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed this lowbrow religious romance, but, hey, I did. Always good to leaven the more intellectual reading with a bit of fluff. Just perfect size and level of seriousness for the plane. I am fascinated too by unusual Christian sects, the Amish among them.
Very good beginning of this series. I hope that I can find the second book to follow up how these people learn to live together. An english family moves into the area and learns to live among the amish as a couple try to find out if they are meant to be together
I'm a sucker for good Amish books... really liked this one. Won't say what did peeve me a little about it because it would give something away, but when I realized that my issue might be taken care of later in the series, I felt pretty satisfied with it.
Here is another new cast of characters in Sugarcreek, Ohio. As in the other stories I have read by Shelley Shepard Gray, I have enjoyed getting to know the people, both Amish and English, and to see how their lives intersect in daily life.
I found it really difficult to get interested in this book. It seemed like I was halfway through the book and I was still waiting for it to GO somewhere. I also found the writing a little annoying. I will read the second book, and hope the author got better.
I did not care for Lilly or the sections of the story that revolved around her but the rest of the story was decent. The writer's writing style is a little raw but hopefully it will improve over time.
This book reads like a Young Adult novel and I don't know why it isn't marketed as such. It's a very quick read and heavy on the saccharin. Meh overall.
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Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.
Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink...more
More about Shelley Shepard Gray...
I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.
Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink...more
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