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Winter's Awakening

(Seasons of Sugarcreek #1)

Shelley Shepard Gray (Goodreads Author)

4.21 · Rating details · 1,660 ratings · 106 reviews

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 daugh ...more

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Paperback, 304 pages

Published February 2nd 2010 by Avon Inspire (first published January 1st 2010)

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Apr 09, 2014 ✨ Gramy ✨ rated it really liked it

Shelves: four-shelf-i-really-liked-it

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

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

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Feb 24, 2014 Rachel rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Amish Romance Fans

As a harsh winter descends upon Sugarcreek, Ohio, we are introduced to Gretta & Joshua, a young courting couple with plans to marry. When a new English family moves next door to Joshua's family, he is captivated by their teenage daughter, Lilly, and begins to have doubts about his future with Gretta. While he knows he cannot court Lilly, he steps back from Gretta and she agrees that they need to think about and work on their relationship. Gretta begins to court Roland, who is steady & kind, but ...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Debbie rated it it was amazing

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

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Mar 29, 2010 Karen rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Apr 07, 2010 Susannah Skyer Gupta rated it liked it

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. ...more

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Sep 10, 2014 Colette rated it really liked it

Shelves: amish

Greta and Joshua have had their eyes on one another for years but as the time nears for commitment, Joshua tells Greta he needs more time and a break. Greta questions whether or not he is really the right one for her. As a cold winter's blizzard traps them all in town, they all discover who they really are. ...more

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Jun 09, 2014 Kate rated it liked it

This was a sweet story about figuring out what God's plans for your life are, versus your own plans, and how sometimes, your life can take an unexpected turn when you open your heart to possibilities.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. ...more

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Nov 15, 2020 Lady Delacour rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: good-story, listened-with-text-to-speech-app, picked-becouse-of-author

Lovely Characters .
Immersive Story.
Gently Written.
3 Wholesome Stars.
Listened with TTS.
Clean.

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Feb 01, 2010 Rachel Brand rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: amish, romance, 2014

It's been a long time since I've read one of Shelley Shepard Gray's novels, and this book has languished on my Kindle for a good couple of years now. Although I don't think Shelley will ever be one of my favourite Amish authors, I always enjoy her books, and the mention of a pregnant English girl in the synopsis intrigued me.

The storyline didn't feature anything particularly unique or unexpected, although it made for a nice change to be reading about a couple who had already been dating for a w It's been a long time since I've read one of Shelley Shepard Gray's novels, and this book has languished on my Kindle for a good couple of years now. Although I don't think Shelley will ever be one of my favourite Amish authors, I always enjoy her books, and the mention of a pregnant English girl in the synopsis intrigued me.

The storyline didn't feature anything particularly unique or unexpected, although it made for a nice change to be reading about a couple who had already been dating for a while, rather than a brand-new romance. It was kind of refreshing to read about a couple who wanted to be certain about staying together, rather than just getting married because they'd been together for a while and were of the right age to join the church and marry. Even in the "English" world, I've met couples who have stayed in stagnant relationships for convenience, or got married because it was what everyone expected of them.

Joshua's main dilemma revolves around his decision to join the Amish church. I didn't feel like this issue was delved into as much as it could have been. Although it's clear that he needs to make his own choice about staying in the church, rather than doing what his family expects, the details about why he has doubts are pretty vague. He decides to stop seeing Gretta for a while because Lilly catches his attention, but within a couple of chapters it's clear that he only sees Lilly as a friend. This section of the story felt kind of like it was forced in order to create more conflict.

I could definitely sympathise with Gretta's desire to have a marriage unlike her parents', where the relationship wasn't steeped in bitterness and a lack of communication. It was sometimes difficult to read the sections of the book relating to her mother's unhappiness and the way she tried to control her daughter's life. Not a lot of explanation is given for her behaviour, but then again, sometimes you never find out why a parent or relative behaves in a certain way. Gretta almost falls into the trap of dating a "safe" man simply because there isn't any conflict between them, but comes to realise that disagreements aren't necessarily bad in a relationship, and that it's the way in which you deal with them that sets the tone for your marriage.

I came into this book expecting Lilly to fall for an Amish boy, or something similar, but in the end her story was more one of personal growth, surrounding her decisions about whether to give her baby up for adoption. She didn't need a man to rescue her or restore her reputation, just space and time to figure out what steps she should take next. I thought Lilly's situation was dealt with very realistically and sympathetically, and I don't know if I could have been as calm as her if I were in her position. It must be so hard to decide what the "right" thing is for your child, especially when you don't have a lot of support from family or friends. I hope I have the chance to read more about Lilly in later books in the series.

This was definitely an easy read, and just what I needed when I was battling morning sickness, sleep deprivation and a horrible cold. While some of the conflict in this book felt forced and I wished some issues had been delved into further, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I'll definitely be on the look out for the next book in the series. ...more

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Mar 03, 2011 Michelle Robinson rated it did not like it

Shelves: wallbangers, christian-fiction-amish

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 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 authentic for me. But maybe?

I had to stop reading this book and make a few notes as I read because I really had a hard time as a parent, with the way the author chooses to defend the pregnant teenager's behavior. I wondered if a teenager wrote this book????? As a responsible adult, I can see a child expressing the thoughts that are presented here but she never allows for any reasoned thoughts from an experienced adult to be a part of the conversation, even if Lilly was determined to keep the child. Another perspective would seem to be responsible maybe even expected in a christian novel.
I wrote myself a note in the middle of my reading that said I am shocked and astounded to see a supposed "christian novel glamorizing teenaged mothers.

This quote, "Now more than ever she felt as if they weren't treating her as an adult just a child who had done a stupid thing" Well, I'm sorry but I don't know of any real adults who would have thought that getting pregnant in high school with no means of supporting the baby she had made was a real smart or adult thing

This quote sent me over the edge, "I'm keeping the baby, I don't want to give it to anyone else notevn if that's what's best for the child". In our society today, this way of thinking may be popular, I hope not but a real parent, a loving parent, AN ADULT puts the interest of thier child above thier own. I was so disgusted by Lilly. Her thinking was infantile, which is to be expected from a teenager but then I would expect the author to not treat that thought process as the best information on the subject t hand where is some reasoning? I am not saying she should not keep her child, it if gets to that point in the story but at least PRETEND the girl cared a little about whether that was actually what was best for the baby.

I hated this book soo much, which is funny because I finished the series the middle book was the best and it was just ok. ...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Mary O'Brien rated it it was amazing

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 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 what′s going on with Joshua. When they argue and later stew in silence, it feels a lot like the frosty atmosphere at her home. After promising herself to never have a marriage like her parents, she wonders if perhaps another man might be a better match. A man such as Roland Schrock. He′s steady and kind and somewhat boring. If she marries him, she won′t ever have to worry about loving him and getting hurt.

Meanwhile, Lilly is enamored with the Amish way of life, and especially her handsome neighbor Joshua. But despite being drawn to him, she has a secret that will only drive him away. Her family moved to Sugarcreek to hide her pregnancy from their community back home. Once she′s had the baby, they plan to send her off to college without anyone from their old neighborhood knowing the truth. But as Lilly becomes wrapped up in the simplicity and graciousness of the Amish people, she begins to question what′s expected of her, and whether giving up her baby, and leaving Sugarcreek, is what she truly wants.

As the coldest winter on record blows into Sugarcreek, these three young people must struggle to determine the path of their futures.

Winter's Awakening is the first book in the Seasons of Sugarcreek Series by Shelley Shepard Gray. I have read other Amish fiction stories and this one seemed slightly different. I am not sure if some of what was said in this book were actual facts among the amish. At times, I couldn't picture an Amish individual doing what was being described. However, putting that aside; overall the book was well written. The description of the events taking place allowed the reader to visually place themselves in the story! The story line was a good one. I look forward to reading the next book in the series: Spring's Renewal

5/5 ...more

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Mar 07, 2010 Lara rated it liked it

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 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 the way they live. I was constantly shutting the book and going to the computer to Google for information, like when I noticed they had refrigerators and wondered how was that possible? In my research, I learned that the Amish are just fine with using gas-powered stoves and refrigerators (yes, there is such a thing) but not electric. To the author's credit, she did explain this later in the novel when it made sense plot-wise...I just tend to jump the gun when I am curious about something.

Aside from simply learning more about the Amish and their beliefs, the story itself was very good. It involves Joshua and Gretta, two young Amish people who are courting. However, Joshua has been hesitant to join the church or commit to marrying Gretta and it causes something of a rift between them as he works out his feelings. Then, an Englischer (non-Amish, like me) family moves in next-door, and causes Joshua even further reflection on his Amish lifestyle and what is right for him ultimately as he makes friends with their teenage daughter, Lilly.

I related very well with Joshua's plight. After all, I was raised in a religion that many people find odd, and I too had to question and come to my own knowledge of the things I was taught growing up. As an adult I am still a member of the LDS church, because I have done my questioning (still do, sometimes) and have found my answers and I know that this is absolutely where I should be.

I felt that the author dealt with these questions of faith and lifestyle realistically and enjoyably. I won't tell you what Joshua ended up choosing....you'll have to read it for yourself to find out! ...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Paula Phillips rated it it was amazing

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

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Jul 11, 2019 Joleen rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: amish, juvenile, tn-reads

When I saw this cover, it didn't occur to me that it was Amish. The girl is wearing her hair in an atypical Amish style and there's no prayer cap. Also, her dress has a print, which is also unlike Amish. I would have assumed the girl was European Dutch, not Amish.

This was atypical in other ways. The conversation and language simply weren't authentic. Young adults using wording that would go against their upbringing was quite noticeable. An Amish mother's retort, "Don't even say such a thing. You ...more

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Jan 18, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it liked it

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

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Oct 30, 2010 Sandra Stiles rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, adult, amish

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

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Feb 18, 2019 Rosemarie rated it really liked it

Everyone took it for granted that Gretta and Joshua would marry after their long courtship. But when the daughter of Joshua's new English neighbors turned his eye, he begins to wonder if Gretta really is the girl for him. Gretta also becomes concerned that Joshua may not be the one for her because their recent arguments - and subsequent silence - reminds her too much of her parents, which she does not want. So, Gretta begins to go out with Roland, who's been waiting in the wings for Gretta for q ...more

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Mar 06, 2011 Elentarien rated it really liked it

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

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Aug 23, 2014 Victoria rated it liked it

Shelves: books-i-ve-read

A touching story about three different people.
Lilly's family has just moved to Sugarcreek, Ohio from Cleveland. Her parents are trying to hide her secret: she's pregnant.

Next door to Lilly is an Amish family. Joshua works hard on the farm and at the store his family owns. His family has it out for him to marry a sweet and kind girl named Gretta. The friendship he is making with Lilly has caused him to think about how he doesn't really know what he wants to do in life.

Gretta's parents always f ...more

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Aug 11, 2013 J.C. Morrows rated it it was amazing

Shelves: inspirational, inspirational-romance, faves, comedy, you-just-try-to-pry-it-out-of-my-ha

“Winter’s Awakening” is the first in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Seasons of Sugarcreek series.

This book was not at all what I expected and that is a very good thing. After reading Shelley’s first series: Sisters of the Heart, I had an idea in my head already of what I could look forward to from her writing and the book appeared to be going away from it all. I was very relieved when I saw where the story truly was going.

Regardless of my misgivings, I was drawn in by the intriguing story and Shelley’s ...more

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Apr 09, 2011 Tasha enderby rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011, amish

I really liked this story, once you've read a handful of Amish novels they all seem to be about the same. I am truly interested in the people and the culture of the Amish it just amazes me to see people live so diffrently despite the world they live in. I could not do it but I so see the pro's and con's of their life style. This book has a wonderful theme about learning how to truly love someone for who they are not just because it's expected of you. Being able to see the English world and Amish ...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Mayda rated it liked it

Shelves: christian, romance, amish

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

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Dec 27, 2012 Sicily Yoder rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Oct 09, 2018 Janet Giles rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 28, 2010 Martha rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Jul 30, 2015 Heidi rated it it was amazing

It was a charming Amish story, and I am not one who will read many of these type of books. I saw it on a friend's list and she said I would enjoy it.

It also takes place in Sugarcreek, Ohio. It is a town that I know well and have often visited. It is nice to see a mixture of Amish and Englischer working together. I am on the waiting list for the box set copy to come in at the library so I can read the rest of the books. ...more

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Jan 11, 2010 Heather Webber rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Jan 25, 2018 Colleen rated it really liked it

I really loved this good, clean, romantic novel based on about an Amish and English family!! It was a good reminder there are more things we have in common with others, than different, no matter our life styles! I'm already checking out her other books! ...more

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Oct 06, 2018 Mahila Gail rated it it was amazing

I loved winter's awakening! I love josh and gretta. I love lilly and the allens & I love the grabers. I even love the sugarcreek inn. I hope in the next books in this series we get to see everyone again and also that gretta's home life gets happier! I loved this book. ❤️ ...more

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Apr 18, 2019 Penny Stone rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A Lovely Take of Young Love

Winter's Awakening is about two young people who are expected to be together but have to come to terms with that arrangement on their own. This book has ups and downs that develops into a good story. I enjoyed reading this book. ...more

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About Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray

1,782 followers

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 ...more