The Christmas Surprise

by Ruth Nulton Moore

When Indians burn her home, kill her parents, and take her young brother captive, Kate Stewart has no one to turn to but Uncle Josh, a circuit rider in the back country of Pennsylvania. Her uncle takes Kate to the Moravian town of Bethlehem, where he thinks she will be safe during the fall of 1775. While staying in Bethlehem, Kate tries to understand the Moravians' love of peace and their friendship with all people, friends and enemies alike. But her hatred of Indians grows as she watches the endless stream of frightened refugees come to the town for shelter from Delaware and Shawnee raids in the French and Indian War. Word reaches Bethlehem that the Indians plan to attack the town on Christmas Eve. Kate wonders at the peace-loving Moravians, who calmly go about their work and continue their plans for the Christmas surprise for the children. During that fateful Christmas Eve Kate discovers that true strength lies in peace with all people and in trusting God.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2007

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing this cover again, and holding the book, is like finding a long-lost friend. I remember attending a church when I was 8-9 that would put trombonists in the middle of the balcony on special occasions, and I always loved it because I loved this book so much. In fact, I scribbled a few juvenile ideas of "further adventures" for these characters and the ones in the sequel because I couldn't quite get enough of them!

[Helen Cicchetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the history, which makes me want to visit PA at Christmas time. I would like to read the sequel.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful middle-grades historical fiction about the Bethlehem PA's Moravian settlement. Nothing overly-captivating here though.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great historical book about the French and Indian war.
It is about Christians but isn't preachy or inherently "Christian."
Good for ages 12 and up as there is violence (though certainly not gory)
-From a 14-year-old

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting glimpse into French and Indian War era history in Pennsylvania with a great moral. Enjoyed reading with the kids.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story took place in Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War.
I learned a lot about the Moravians. They seemed as peace loving as Quakers. They have very interesting traditions.

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moravian story, wonderful!