The Sugarcreek Surprise

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! There was just the right amount of depth in getting to know and understand the characters and their passions. Both Lisa Miller and Paul Herschberger had experienced different degrees of trauma in their past which made them reluctant to trust others. Lisa loved being a younger grade Amish school teacher and she was prepared to accept never marrying but instead live with her grandparents. By not socializing she felt safe and protected. Paul had his heart broken when he found his former fiance in the arms of his best friend so he didn't know if he'd ever trust again. I loved how it all came together so well! I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Once again, Wanda E. Brunstetter provides another chance to slip away from our everyday 'English' lives to experience a simpler style of living. The Sugarcreek Surprise takes us back to Sugarcreek, Ohio, and offers a reunion with Orley and Lois Troyer, the owners of an antique store in Sugarcreek. It also introduces us to two people who both have difficulties with relationships. Lisa Miller is afraid to get too close to anyone because she's lost so many of the people she's loved, and she also suffers from memory loss because of those painful losses. Paul Herschberger suffered rejection from someone he thought he could love, and he's vowed never to let himself be hurt again. Can Orley and Lois work their magic and help these two wounded people? Better yet, is there a chance that Lisa and Paul might be able to help each other? Brunstetter has such a unique talent for writing thought-provoking stories and creating characters that we all want to know. Orley and Lois are wonderful mentors, and the guidance that they share is advice that we all can use. Advice grounded in life experiences and built on a tremendous faith in God. This is a very compelling story, because the tragedy, loneliness, and rejection that are experienced by Lisa and Paul are issues that affect people every day. Being reminded that we need to place our total trust in God is excellent advice that we all can use! The Sugarcreek Surprise is wonderful Amish fiction, and I'm hoping that there will be more books in the Creektown Discoveries series. I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review and these are my own thoughts.

The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in the Creektown Discovery Series. It is a wonderful story with four main characters. Orley and Lois Troyer who own an antique store. They have a sweet way of connecting with their customers and offer them prayers and advice. Lisa Miller who is an Amish school teacher and Paul Herschberger who enjoys fixing things. This story holds your attention from the very first chapter! Once you start reading you won't want to put the book down! I highly recommend that you read this book! You won't be disappointed. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!!

Reading one of Wanda's books is like going home. I know what to expect when I open up her books. I'm promised a clean and family oriented story. Her characters are like family. I know that I won't get much sleep as one page turns into other as I can't stop reading. This book introduces us to Paul and Lisa. Their friendship starts off slowly. Lisa keeps a protective shell around her to keep her safe. Her fear prevents her from living the life God wants her to have. Does Paul and Lisa even have a chance? Orley and Lois own an antique shop in Walnut Creek. Their wisdom and love of GOD inspires others. Paul and Lisa meet the couple and are blessed by their love and concern. I received this book from Wanda's Clippity Clop Club to give a review. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:11

Happy Release day, Wanda Brunstetter Thank you Barbour Publishing, and Wanda Brunstetter for allowing me to read Sugarcreek Surprise. This is the second book in Wanda’s Creektown Discoveries Series following The Walnut Creek Wish. Lisa Miller is the Amish school who survived a tragic wreck when she was a child and now lives with her grandparents in Sugarcreek. Lisa does not remember much about her life before the accident, and She takes great care to not to allow anyone too close in order to avoid being heartbroken or loosing someone she cares for. This includes newcomer, Paul Herchberger. Returning to this story are antique dealers, Orley and Lois Troyer who offer Godly advise to the young couple. Paul slowly wins Lisa’s trust only to loose it by not sharing with her a secret about her childhood. Will Lisa close her heart forever to the possibility of trust, happiness and love. 5-star read. — with Wanda Brunstetter.

This has been such an enjoyable story with some familiar characters. Lois and Orley run an antiques store where treasures can be found. When you walk in you feel like you are family. I adore this couple and their love for God. They play a big part in this story by sharing wisdom and friendship to a young man named Paul. Lisa has suffered a great loss in her life and even today she still carries the emotional baggage from that tragic day. Living with her grandparents since childhood has given her a place to feel somewhat safe. I wanted Lisa to open up more to people but she has guarded her heart all these years because she doesn’t want to get hurt. She has this fear that she will be abandoned if she lets anyone get close to her. Have you ever experienced a loss in your life? I can relate to Lisa although it certainly can keep you from finding happiness. Paul is a character that I couldn’t help but like. He is such a gentle spirit and wears his heart on his sleeve. His attraction to Lisa is obvious but he has his work cut out for himself if he wants to court Lisa. I liked that they knew each other when they younger and someday Paul hopes Lisa will remember. I’m not sure I understand why Lisa reacted the way she did when she overhears a conversation about her and Paul being friends when they were children. Poor Paul is really upset because he never wanted to hurt Lisa. Her reaction was a little over the top but perhaps it is because she feels betrayed by him. What I really liked about this story is how it has a solid faith foundation and is illustrated by the characters going to God for guidance. Lisa’s anxiety has caused her to close herself off from everyone. When she does this it keeps her from finding happiness and learning to trust. Paul at times walked on eggshells around Lisa because he also doesn’t want to be hurt or cause Lisa to shut him out of her life. The story is one that I learned a few things from. I didn’t know that you could use marshmallows to hide a pill in to get your dog to take their medicine. Lisa’s dog showed us how to overcome obstacles and be content with our lives. The characters taught me to be open with others and learn to trust God more. The ending is beautiful and gives me a look at what can happen when you allow God to heal you emotionally. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and the author. The review is my own opinion.