Audio Book Review: Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

This was sweet, Christian Christmas romance.

Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel
Written By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated By: Robynn Rodriguez

Date: October 2011
Duration: 5 hours 53 minutes
Genre: Amish, Christian, Christmas, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary:
The beloved characters Shelley Shepard Gray created for her bestselling Seasons of Sugarcreek series are back in Christmas in Sugarcreek—a heartwarming story of the magic of Christmastime and the blossoming of an unlikely love in a close-knit Amish community. Obedient daughter Judith Graber finds herself becoming uncomfortably enamored of the help her father has hired to assist in the store during the holidays: Ben Knox, as scandalous a bad boy as they come in staid and quiet Sugarcreek. Author of the immensely popular Sisters of the Heart novels, Shelley Shepard Gray is one of the true masters of Amish inspirational fiction, and Christmas in Sugarcreek is a delightful holiday treat for all lovers of Christian romance—especially fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall.

Review:
Judith is a little surprised that her father has hired a young man who had a reputation as a ‘bad boy’ in their school days. She had wanted to be his friend but was too concerned about getting close to his unsavory reputation.

Ben finds Judith attractive and remembers her shy kindness in school. He has come back to town to sell his family’s home and then return to the city. He is glad to have work during his visit and finds himself enjoying the community life and especially the welcome he receives from Judith’s family. She is a little standoffish, but he is willing to try to cajole her to share more time with him.

As the young couple work and spend time together, they begin to share their history. Particularly Ben tries to explain his rough childhood that contributed to his acting out and never feeling accepted. Judith is drawn to Ben, but she is afraid to let her heart care for a man who will be leaving town as soon as his house sells.

The author also shares the stories of two other couples during the season. A young wife who wasn’t raised in the Amish community struggles to find the right gift to show her husband how much she cares and that she wants to be a proper wife. Another young man woos a young woman who is trying to hide her family troubles. These two stories added to the enjoyment of the seasonal cheer.

I have enjoyed this author before and enjoyed this story too. The characters have conflict and self doubt which I found annoying in light of what should be their faith foundations. Still, it provides a quick listen that is easy, light and fits the Christmas season of redemption, acceptance, sacrifice, and love. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, light romance.

Audio Notes: Robynn Rodriguez does a nice job with the narration. I didn’t get confused by the voices and the presentation was mostly smooth. There were a few moments where the sound seemed to fade but that may have been my earbuds failing. I did enjoy reading this by audio.

Source: 2019 Audiobooks.com sale $3.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post November 29, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 30, 2020

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading?, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

The office closed to count our blessings Wednesday through Friday.
I still worked Wednesday and went in Saturday so I wouldn't get too far behind.
Hubby and I enjoyed a quiet, but full, Thanksgiving with turkey. He made turkey sandwiches on Saturday and Turkey salad wrap today.

I posted pictures as memories which you can see at this link. 

Temps last week were nice. This coming week will be cooler with one day high of 65 and lows to 27.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this week. I finished one print, two audios and one childrens' ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes. 
I have reviewed my challenges and to finish the year I need to read:

Three more NetGalley titles (after Calvin in current reading).
Seven more TBRs (after Letters from Father Christmas in current reading). I plan on several Christmas titles and shorter ebooks and audios.
An "X" audio if I can find one, preferably in TBR, to finish the alphabet.

I was thinking of reading My Dead Friend Sarah, which is the shortest of my three older NG titles, for both NG and TBR but I am not sure I want a dark story this month. I picked up an NG audio title (Megge of Bury Down) as a NG substitute for "M" just in case. But I won't finish the Alphabet at NG although I did pretty good there too.

Now that I have been looking at NG again there are several titles I want to download or request. I was going to hold off but it is pretty clear I will be loading up NG titles to go into 2021 for TBR next year.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to One Book More. Julie says: "I love to read, talk about, and write about books. ... Classics, contemporary, fantasy, romance, young adult, sci-fi, poetry – they all rock!"

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 22, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 23, 2020.

• NGA2020- #NetGalley Audiobook Review: Cover Your Tracks by Daco Auffenorde; Genre: Psychological Thrillers; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Audiobook Review: A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney; Genre: Children, Family, Farm Animals; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Happy Thanksgiving 2020!

• Thanksgiving Memories!

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 27, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/3/2020.

• ATBR- #Audible Book Review: Wool (Silo #1; Wool 1-5) by Hugh Howey; Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #409 Comment Giveaway November 28, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/12/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 29, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel
Written By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated By: Robynn Rodriguez
Duration: 5 hours 54 minutes
  This was sweet, clean Christmas romance.
Source: 2019 Audiobooks.com sale $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print (Author2020)

The Prepared Investor: How to Prevent the Next Crisis from Affecting Your Financial Independence
by Christopher Manske
This shares some good advise to be prepared.
Source: I was pleased when the author offered this for my review.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Stars My Destination
By: Alfred Bester
Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
Release date
: 12-05-17
Okay - good vintage sci fi. but strange.
Source: 6/12/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Click on book title for full description.

4. NetGalley App on Phone (NG2020)

The Boy Who Moved Christmas
by Eric Walters, Nicole Wellwood, illustrator Carloe Liu
This brought tears to my eyes - so sweet.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Based on a true story, this is a touching reminder of the power of Christmas and community spirit, no matter what the time of year.
It's October, but in seven-year-old Evan's town, every house is decorated for Christmas and a giant holiday parade is about to begin. The bump in Evan's head means he might not make it to December, so all his friends, family, neighbours, and thousands of strangers have moved Christmas just for him.
Evan is delighted to see the trees, the lights, and even snow, but he's a little worried that the parade might not be complete. How will Santa know he needs to visit so early? Will it even feel like Christmas without Santa there?
Based on the true story of Evan Leversage and featuring an afterword by his mother, Nicole Wellwood, The Boy who Moved Christmas is a loving tribute from the duo behind Always With You, and a touching reminder of the power of the Christmas spirit―no matter what time of year.

Currently Reading:

1. NetGalley App on Phone (NG2020)

Calvin the Christmas Tree
by Stephen G. Bowling
This looks cute for Christmas.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
He’s been preparing for the season since he was a sapling. But will he be tall enough to start spreading joy?
The thought of missing Christmas has little Calvin quaking in his roots. The smallest tree on his famous farm, his branches get all ruffled when a grumpy old coot says he isn’t strong enough for ornaments. But he’s thrilled when he’s finally pulled from the ground and put on sale just in time for Christmas Eve!
As excited families whisk away all the other evergreens, Calvin’s smile fades when he finds himself all alone. And he worries the grizzled meanie might’ve been right when the store closes, and he’s covered in snow… until he sees headlights peeking through the storm.
Will Calvin be left out in the cold, or is one special family about to make him their shining star?
Calvin the Christmas Tree is a beautifully heartwarming children’s picture book. If you or your child like wonderful illustrations, classic scenes from simpler times, and charming emotional journeys, then you’ll love Stephen G. Bowling’s inviting tale.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Little Donkey
A Short Story
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
Length: 1 hr and 5 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
This is a shorter title this month to help finish my TBR goal for 2020.
This is also an author I really like! Plus Christmas related.
Source: 2/16/2019 Free at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
It’s Christmas, and Jenny Checkland is beset with problems. The vicar, who really should know better, has asked to borrow Marilyn the donkey for the nativity play, thereby unleashing chaos on the already chaos-laden Frogmorton Farm.
Will Marilyn survive her bath? Will anyone survive Marilyn’s bath?
Robbed of her role as the Virgin Mary, what revenge is the angel Gabriel plotting? Why is that sheep so fat?
Will Charlie ever get to say his one line? Can Marilyn be prevented from eating the baby Jesus? Where is Thomas, who promised he would be there? And worst of all - will Russell, lost on the moor in a blizzard, make it back in time for the birth of his first child? Or even at all?
Another chance to meet the characters from the best-selling novel The Nothing Girl as they navigate the complexities of the local nativity play in their own unique fashion.
©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Letters from Father Christmas
By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 10-04-05
It’s hard to resist Tolkien.
Source: May 2019 Sale at Audible; $3.09.
Publisher's Summary
Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply?
Every year, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien would write to Father Christmas, and the letters they received told wonderful stories of his adventures at the North Pole.
These humorous tales are brought to life by Derek Jacobi as Father Christmas, John Moffatt as Polar Bear, and Christian Rodska as Ilbereth the Elf, complete with specially composed music.
©1997, 200 4 (P)1997 HarperCollins UK

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. These are the letters that remain:
NETGALLEY:  H  M  U  X  Y and Z
AUDIO:             X  and  Z

November 29, 2020 - I continue enjoying reading first thing each morning, even this week while away.
I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I will be looking for an Advent study to start this week. I just have to decide if it will be a 25 day or shorter studies.

I completed four books, posted three reviews and I remain up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is at five, two new and the three remaining titles from 2012-13. I need to read/listen to 3 more NetGalley titles to reach my 2020 goal so I will be picking up another audio or maybe a shorter ebook or two.
I have added one new author review title this week - to be read in January. I still have one carry over author ebook left in my queue. (Plus a few that I received from newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up four new NetGalley titles and am looking at more. 

I received one author review request.
I received one hardback author book and one free from Amazon Prime First Read.
I selected one free audio at audiobooks.com and one at Audible.
Only Two free Kindle titles this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up three NetGalley titles.

The Boy Who Moved Christmas
by Eric Walters, Nicole Wellwood, illustrator Carloe Liu

Calvin the Christmas Tree
by Stephen G. Bowling

Survive the Fall (EMP: Return of the Wild West Book 1)
by Grace Hamilton

Megge of Bury Down
The Bury Down Chronicles, Book One
by Rebecca Kightlinger
Narrated by Jan Cramer

From the Author:

Malice in Miami
(Jamie Quinn Mystery #6)
by Barbara Venkataraman

Won

NONE

Purchased

Not exactly purchased but received as part of donation.

Live Free or Die
by Sean Hannity

Free

 

November 2020 VIP pick from Audiobooks.com

The Vampire Knitting Club
By Nancy Warren
Duration: 6 h 7 min

Free through Audible Plus Catalog:

The Attributes of God
By: Arthur W. Pink
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins

Amazon Prime November First Read Pick (I forget these half the time):

Memories in the Drift

by Melissa Payne


Two free Kindle titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 29, 2020

We are still sharing church through online. I especially enjoyed one of our worship songs this morning:  See a Victory. This led to a shared word of a message of victory.

Pastor continued his sermon series Shattered. Pastor encouraged us to go back and read Romans Chapter 5.

We are still living under the consequences of Adam’s sin that shattered the perfection of creation. But Jesus came and shattered the separation of sin!

Events in life change our life…sometimes the prior time of life is shattered.
You grow up and have to get a job; carefree days are gone.
Single life is gone when you marry.
Pleasures of two are changed when you have children.
Moving to a new home or changing jobs will change your old life.
The death of a loved one changes your life.
But when life changes there is a new opportunity.

Romans 5:20 to 6:1-18.
When sin abounded, God’s grace became more abundant! Sin is no longer your master! Sanctification comes in two parts: Dying to sin – Living to righteousness. Should we keep on sinning so grace can be magnified? NO! That would be an abuse of grace.
How can you be dead to sin – a disciple of Christ - and still live in sin? We were crucified with Christ. (Galatians 2:20.)

When Christ died, He shattered the power of sin. You have been saved and sanctified, so you have also died to sin. We are no longer slaves to sin. (Romans 6:7 and 10.)
And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with Him. We will not taste death. We must help others find the same life.
So use your whole body is an instrument to do what is right for the Glory of God. Romans 6:13.

The Point: We must give our whole life completely to the one who gave us new life!

Questions:

1. Have you died to sin?
2. Are you free and living in your new life?
3. Do you need to step back into that new life feeling again?

Give your life to God. Die to sin. Seek the New Life that God gives!

I am glad that we can "See a Victory!"

Verses for Today:
Romans 6:8-11 NIV
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Lord, help me resist temptation and help me give my life more fully to You.

 

Sharing Beyond Books #409 Comment Giveaway November 28, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Last week Q#408: What word/phrase do you hate hearing??
Six of us don't like swear words; two don't like the word "moist". Others don't like these words: goon, smirk, bae, whatever, adulting, oh my, bigly, and yo. Also one doesn't like repetitive words in books.

The Winner from SBB #408 comments is #8 ELIZA who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 11/28/20 I have added a box of new books for SBB and will list them in the next week or so. I have to try to cross off books that have already been awarded. ]

**NOTE: I do have some books set aside to add to ARC list but I forgot to take a picture. I hope to get it up for next week.

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #409

(One Question.)

Fredamans asks: What is a book that you think every child should read??

My first choice would be the Bible. But for non religious I'll go with: The Night Before Christmas, Winnie the Pooh and Black Beauty although there are many more! Oh - two more: I'll Love You Forever and The Growing Tree.

Image found at Pinterest

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.

Your turn to share. Fredamans asks: What is a book that you think every child should read??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Wool (Silo #1; Wool 1-5) by Hugh Howey

I enjoyed this creative dystopian sci fi.
Wool
Silo, #1; Wool, #1-5
By: Hugh Howey
Narrated by: Amanda Sayle

Series: The Silo Saga, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 04-09-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In a ruined and toxic landscape, a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them. Sheriff Holston, who has unwaveringly upheld the silo’s rules for years, unexpectedly breaks the greatest taboo of all: He asks to go outside.
His fateful decision unleashes a drastic series of events. An unlikely candidate is appointed to replace him: Juliette, a mechanic with no training in law, whose special knack is fixing machines. Now Juliette is about to be entrusted with fixing her silo, and she will soon learn just how badly her world is broken. The silo is about to confront what its history has only hinted about and its inhabitants have never dared to whisper. Uprising. ©2012 Hugh Howey (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Something catastrophic happened to the world leaving the land and air toxic and people living for centuries underground. The people are not told much about the history but they are directed to follow the rules of ‘the order’. The mayor and sheriff are the apparent enforcers of rules. Each floor of the 150 or so levels has different tasks identified by different color uniforms like blue for mechanics, green for hydroponics, yellow for supplies and more. Juliette is a mechanic working in the lower levels of the silo community. Juliette is adept at keeping the machinery going and solving problems, including the mystery of a death that occurred in her levels. When Sheriff Holston asks for the forbidden – to go outside –Juliette is proposed to become his successor.

The long-time mayor and deputy sheriff are good with this pick, but the head of IT, Bernard, had other plans. After all, he is the one with the secrets and the greatest desire for control. Juliette tries to resist the job assignment but finds a reason to accept – a puzzle to solve. As she pieces together information, she begins to suspect conspiracy, treachery and serious secrets being kept from the community.

Juliette is accused of murdering her friend – a young man helping her to gather information. Her friends in mechanics don’t believe she is responsible, and they try to help her. Now Juliette has to struggle to survive while her friends plan an uprising. What will happen within the silo and what mysteries will be found outside?

I was a little confused when the story first started but after a chapter or so I was able to settle into the direction of the dystopia. I was impressed by the creative world building and I really liked several of the characters, especially Juliette and her friends. The past history is revealed slowly and presents some issues for consternation. It is interesting and I found some bits that brought up thoughts of political power today. I became invested with the lives of the characters and will be continuing the series with the next book, Shift. I recommend this to fans of imaginative dystopia.

Audio Notes: Amanda Sayle does a good job with parts of the narration. The voices are mostly distinct and the moods and emotional energy of the characters are appropriately portrayed. However, a couple of the voices, such as a whiny Bernard, are awful. I am glad I had the audio as the omnibus (five books together) is long. I am glad to see that book two has a really strong narrator and I look forward to continuing the series in audio.

Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.