The Winter of Candy Canes

Sweet Seasons #3

by Debbie Viguié

They’re fun! They’re quirky! They’re Sweet Seasons―unlike any other girls’ books you’ve ever read. You could call them alternative, God-honoring chick lit. Join Candace Thompson on a sweet, lighthearted, and honest romp through the friendships, romances, family, school, faith, and values that make a girl’s life as full as it can be. Seasons change and so will life for at least one park employee. Christmas is coming! And an elf outfit and the minty scent of what seem like a gatrillion candy canes aren’t the only adjustments for Candace. Her biggest worry what to get her boyfriend for Christmas turns into a much larger project after Candace is reminded that real needs can be hiding right around the corner. Can this elf capture the true meaning of Christmas in time to make a difference?

Genres: Young Adult, Christian, Christmas, Contemporary, Romance, Christian Fiction, Realistic Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

Debbie Viguié is the New York Times Bestselling author of more than three dozen novels including the Wicked series co-authored with Nancy Holder. In addition to her epic dark fantasy work Debbie also writes thrillers including The Psalm 23 Mysteries, the Kiss trilogy, and the Witch Hunt trilogy. Debbie also plays a recurring character on the audio drama, Doctor Geek’s Laboratory. When Debbie isn’t busy writing or acting she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, visiting theme parks.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

{{It’s December and that means Christmas book reviews here on BFCG! Unlike how we did last year with every review day being a Christmas book, this year just Monday & Friday will be reviews of Christmas books. Wednesdays will be reserved for new releases. :) A couple giveaways are also scheduled this month, so keep an eye out!}}

About this book:

“They’re fun! They’re quirky! They’re Sweet Seasons―unlike any other girls’ books you’ve ever read. You could call them alternative, God-honoring chick lit. Join Candace Thompson on a sweet, lighthearted, and honest romp through the friendships, romances, family, school, faith, and values that make a girl’s life as full as it can be. Seasons change and so will life for at least one park employee. Christmas is coming! And an elf outfit and the minty scent of what seem like a gatrillion candy canes aren’t the only adjustments for Candace. Her biggest worry what to get her boyfriend for Christmas turns into a much larger project after Candace is reminded that real needs can be hiding right around the corner. Can this elf capture the true meaning of Christmas in time to make a difference?”


Series: Book #3 in the “Sweet Seasons” series. {Review of #1 Here! and Book #2 Here!}


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Luke 2:1-16 is quoted & talked about; Bible studies; Some ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Set during Christmas & the true meaning of Christmas is discussed; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of a Bible study, topics, devotionals, & a youth pastor; A few mentions of a Christian bookstore & band; A mention of Hanukkah;
*Note: Santa & Elves are a large part of the plotline; A few mentions of reincarnation & superstitions; A couple mentions of nuns; A mention of someone feeding the devil; A mention of someone looking like the devil.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘oh my gosh’, a form of ‘screw’, two ‘stupid’s, two forms of ‘suck’, four ‘idiot’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of smoking & drinking; Mentions of a rumored story of being chased by a psycho killer at the theme park; A few mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of lying; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths;


Sexual Content- Finger/hand kisses, five not-detailed kisses, and three barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Noticing, Blushes, & Dancing; Tamara says she doesn’t go passed kissing with a guy; Talks about boys, boyfriends & the one; Mentions of boys, boyfriends, crushes, exes, dates, & dating; A few mentions of seeing other’s kiss; A couple mentions of googly eyes; A mention of flirting; Wearing tank tops & tight jeans.

-Candace Thompson, age 17

P.O.V. of Candace
198 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I’m crying I was laughing so hard! Becca cracks me up! I think this one is—so far—my favorite in the series. There wasn’t much dating and more Spiritual Content.


Link to review:
Coming 12/18/15


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Susan Marie Ballain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better understood if you read the whole series otherwise you really don’t understand what’s going on and it’s not enjoyable!

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely part of a larger series. I can see where it is going in terms of her relationship. But overall rather cute.

Those kids were awful.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Candace Thompson aka Candy this season as she works her 3rd season at the Zone - the town's big amusement park. We have read as Candy spent her first summer selling Cotton Candy, the Fall season selling Candy Corn and the Halloween Maze and in Book #4 she spent her springtime selling Candy Apples and in Book #3 we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas where Candace finds herself the position of Santa's Little Elf giving out Christmas presents and Candy Canes. Discover how Candace ends up once again in the nurses station and becomes for the 2nd time an Urban Legend myth around the park. In Book #3 we also see the crack seeping between the relationship of Kurt and Candace , is she meant to be with him or is the right guy for her Josh ? We also discover how Sue came to be the guardians of her siblings and witness as Candace struggles to find time to do both her job and continue a strong relationship to God. This Winter we also read as Candace's mum takes a job at the Zone selling Eco-Firendly objects and witness the great mother-daughter relationship. With God on Candace's side can she once again handle the pressures of Christmas as well as the stress of being an Elf at the Zone ?
Find out in The Winter of Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie and thus review concludes my final book in the Sweet Seasons Series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute, but not as great as the others in the series. I am looking forward to the spring of Candy Canes, though! And reading more about James, Josh's big brother, the Iraq war veteran.

I like how Candance is still learning it's okay to stand out, and not the greatest idea to always hide behind her best friend. I feel like there are a lot of plot lines to finish in the next and last book, and I'm anxious to see how the author does that!

Another good theme is that it's better to help others, and the joy that brings to the helper and the one helped.

[Rachel Sorce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was yet another season in Candace's life. I will say that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two. It seemed to drag on a little bit too much, and it didn't have quite as much excitement. It is still a good book though. It's fun to see Candace grow throughout the series. I can't wait to read the final book in Sweet Seasons.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When will Josh& Candy happen? pls!!! haha such a great series im loving it :)

[chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

omg this was so bad (and... oddly Christian) that I actually ended up enjoying it.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third volume of the Sweet Seasons has Candace “Candy” working at The Zone amusement park for the Christmas season. She works as an elf passing out candy canes and gifts to kids.

I like that this book talked a lot about the true meaning of Christmas and doing kind acts for others. I really like how the friendship with Sue was handled. Becca was so sweet in this one. I’ve found her a bit odd in the two previous books, but I liked her in this one.

It was a bit strange that Kurt wasn’t really in the book. I’m not a big fan of him so I wasn’t too bummed that he wasn’t in it much, but he’s still her boyfriend so I was expecting him to have more of a role.

I’m interested to see how the series concludes.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that her mom was a bigger part of the book this time. Her dad was still pretty absent but 🤷🏻‍♀️😂
This was a sweet wintery book. I love the Zone and all her friends there. Well most of her friends there 😂
I didn't like that Candace was in charge of a Bible study for teens when they were almost the same age. Not that I hated that part but... was she really ready for that?


I love this series so far and I'm sad it's almost over 😭

Spoiler:

I also love that Candy wasn't the one to find the golden candy cane or have anything to do with giving it to Sue. 👏 that would be too much Main Character Energy 😉

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg love. As usual yk, little sad because the books are getting a few pages shorter but still can’t wait to read the next one tomorrow! That’s what these books are all about this cute little seasonal YA Fiction that I can’t put down haha, love you Candy <3 (AND JOSH HEHEHEH lmao, and I’ll forever adore Becca like omg love how we see her character more in this book!!!)

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just went back and read this series for the 3rd time. This time my daughter has been listening with me. I am so glad that I am getting to share this series with my daughter.

I can't wait to get the rest of the series and to follow these kids as they continue their journey.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cutesy part of the book series. I am enjoying the level of growth in certain characters. While others are a bit annoying as it seems they cannot open their eyes. Hopefully the next book the the series offers them an opportunity to grow as well.

[Noel Maczko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and sweet, a perfect book to put you in the Christmas spirit. Exactly the kind of book I look for at Christmastime. Best book in the series so far. :)

[Ann Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute. I read it in one afternoon:)

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg it is honestly the best series I have read and will finish. I love this one so much and it is just so funny as well.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect series for my teenage years! Highly recommend.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in this great series. Onto book 4 now!

[Holly Radabaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. I love the bond/relationship the teenagers have built and their understanding of Christmas (giving) 🎄 and helping others.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, wholesome and fun YA series. We join Candance (Candy) and her friends for another episode. This time it takes place during the Christmas season.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certain things I could do without

[Jan Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book. I recommended this author to my granddaughters.

[Karin]

Didn't realize with was YA. just not my style.

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot has changed with Candace Thompson since she first took a seasonal posting at the Zone theme park, and she thinks as she heads into her third seasonal application, that she's ready for anything the theme park can possibly throw at her. However, why is it that being cast as one of Santa's elves comes with hazard pay, and warnings from each and every one of her friends currently working at the Zone. All Candace knows for sure is that she's about to embark on her biggest adventure at the theme park yet.

Being a huge fan of Christmas themed stories, I had a feeling that this installment in the Sweet Seasons series may be my favorite, and I was definitely proven right. The holiday season is a huge deal at the Zone, and I appreciated how much detail and description the author gives to the all the holiday happenings. Candace has also shown a lot of grown from the bumbling, awkward teenager introduced in The Summer of Cotton Candy, and it was a pleasure to see how she's matured thanks for her faith, her family, her amazing group of friends, and the influence of her first job. I particularly loved watching her lead her first ever Bible study, as most of the feelings of inferiority she's dealing with will resonate with Christian teenage girls everywhere.

I have to admit that I'm still not a fan of the boyfriend, and I'm definitely still shipping Candace ending up with someone else instead, as her friend Josh seems like a much better fit for her than Kurt does. All in all though, I really enjoyed this sweet holiday tale that focuses on faith, family, friends, and the changes that occur in your teenage years as you start to age out of childhood. Debbie Viguie's third installment in her Sweet Seasons series is a true pleasure, and is definitely my favorite in the series so far. I'm very much looking forward to reading the last book in this series, and seeing how she chooses to end the story for her beloved characters.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


I'd highly recommend this series, especially for teen girls who are looking for a clean, faith filled series that will keep you enchanted by the beautiful story unfolding within the pages!

[⋆. shiloh &#x1d751;&#x1d754;˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★
these keep getting better and betterrr!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little while back I reviewed With This Ring, I'm Confused because I was looking to see how published authors did light-hearted stories that had characters with doses of morality; I did that book because I couldn't find any YA Christian literature. However, lucky for me, I was able to find this series (and another, The Carter House Girls series, that I'll review separately) that fits the YA Christian fiction bill.

These books were decent, I started to like the characters the further they went on--perhaps because this author is kind of new and maybe her writing is getting better each time. Whatever the cause, Candace (and her friends and boyfriend) became more likeable as time went on. What irritated me with this series though is the same issues I've had with Kristin Billerbeck (see the With this Ring... review linked above), Christian fiction is way too heavy-handed. If you want to make your message really clear, make it clear, but don't preach. I think the reason I find this so grating is because the target audience is very likely Christians, who could probably draw the conclusions themselves without having the author come right out and put in a little prayer. Call me crazy, but some times I like to actually have to think for myself when I'm reading.

That's not to say that when the final installment in the series, The Spring of Candy Apples, comes out in late February 2009, that I won't be picking it up. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, or I can't stand to not find out what school Candace ends up going to (although I'm pretty sure I could make a safe bet now), but I've got to close the loop on this series.

All in all, a decent series for young adult readers (I'd say maybe 14-17, any older than that and it might be too silly and saccharine). I gave it an B because, as I read the other YA series, I found that (even with its flaws), the Sweet Seasons series could have been worse. The B is probably relative.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Winter of the Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie is a teen novel about a girl named Candace who gets a seasonal job as one of Santa's elves at a local amusement park. It is part of a series called "Sweet Season", all about Candace and her adventures as an employee of that park. It is also the story of her friendships with schoolmates and fellow employees. I have to say it didn't end the way I thought it would, but yes, the ending was happy.

The main character is some sort of Protestant Christian. She leads a girls' Bible study and prayer is mentioned a couple of times in the book, and her Christianity definitely has an effect, in a positive way, on her life, and she's not afraid to talk about it, but the beliefs expressed are pretty generic and pretty limited.

I liked the story but I didn't like the book. I don't know what it is about teen fiction, but I've seen this in several books. One the cover and title page, the name of the story is not capitalized, nor is the author's name. The typeface in the book is Arial or something similar, which for some reason I don't like in a book. The grammar and punctuation in the book is fine (but I didn't go over it with a fine-toothed comb), it doesn't have that choppy language I've found in some other books, but I do wish they'd capitalize on the cover and change the typeface.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the situations in this book were a little random. I had a hard time imagining this as contemporary fiction because of the fantastical elements (or unbelievable - since I've worked in an amusement park and The Zone is nothing like where I worked.) But I enjoyed seeing how Candy dealt with her mishaps and adventures. I wanted certain events to happen and I think the reason I kept reading was because I wanted to see how the author would deal with each situation. In the last book I want to see certain things happen, which I won't mention them because it would ruin the plot. I'd probably recommend this series.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[$hanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better!! The Winter of Candy Canes is the third book in the sweet seasons series and is about how Candace gets a job at The Zone as an elf for Christmas. This time Candace has to hand out another sweet treat as an employee at The Zone! Candace goes through a tough time and is STILL with her boyfriend Kurt but is thinking about what to get him for Christmas which she thinks is taking her a year. I loved this book because it shows you the true meaning of Christmas and at the end Candace does a very sweet favor for a friend in need. Overall this has to be the cutest book by far and I am really looking forward to the LAST BOOK!!!!:)