The Christmas Surprise

by Ruth Nulton Moore

In 1755, during the French and Indian War, Kate Stewart, nursing a burning hatred for the Indians who killed her parents and kidnapped her young brother, goes to live with the Moravian community in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is horrified by their calm disregard of a threatened Indian raid as they prepare for a special Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 1989

Reviews

[Hannah]

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]

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

[Anne]

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

[Heidi]

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]

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

[Maggie]

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]

Moravian story, wonderful!