Cover Image: The Sugarcreek Surprise

The Sugarcreek Surprise

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The Sugarcreek Surprise is book two in the Creektown Discoveries series by Wanda E Brunstetter. This story focuses on Lisa and Paul. As a young girl, Lisa was the only survivor in an accident that took her parents and she was taken to live with her grandparents. She is now a teacher at the school and afraid to form a relationship, in fear of losing someone she cares for. Paul’s girlfriend left him for his best friend and he has moved to Lisa’s area to work for his uncle. As children Paul and Lisa were very good friends and Paul voiced wanting to marry her someday, but Lisa has no memory from before the accident.

This is a well written, easy to read story with caring characters that focuses on seconds chances and overcoming fear. This is a good clean story of family, faith and love. I especially enjoyed how patient and caring Paul was with Lisa. It was fun to read the advice the columnist gives to those who write to her with their problems and to see the extremes Lisa’s grandmother went to for Lisa to spend time with Paul. I enjoyed the reality of the health issues the antique store owner had and how his wife reacted to it.

I received a copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

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This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the second book in the Creektown Discoveries series. I have read and reviewed the first book in this series before picking this book up. The romance in this book moves so slow, but that is normal for an Amish Romance book. I did really love the characters in this book. The dog that shows up in this book is a great animal character, and that dog was one of mine favorite character in this book. I am so happy to get some of the characters from the first book in this book, but some of the parts with the first book's characters just felt awkward and just dropped in to put the characters in the book. Other then the weird parts with some of the first book's characters I loved this book. The story line was really good. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Barbour Fiction) or author (Wanda E. Brunstetter) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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I really liked this book a lot. I feel like when people think Amish they think they have a simple life and they don't necessarily face the same things as the rest of us. In this book thats far from the truth. I really Liked Lisa and even though her faith was strong she struggled with fear of loosing those close to her she was strong and kept fighting. Paul he was a good guy with a big heart that needed healing, he too had a few things he needed to work out but with his faith in God and his willingness to ask for help he was willing to face things head on which is not always easy. I feel like my emotions were all over the place with this book you would be laughing in on page and then tears in another. I Liked that I was able to catch up with the Towers again in the book they are the sweetest couple and I was so glad to read more about them. Overall this is a clean read and I would recommend it to anyone.

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The Sugarcreek Surprise is the second book in Wanda Brunstetter's series, Creektown Discoveries. I always look forward to reading one of this author's books and was not disappointed. I like Brunstetter's style of writing, (although occasionally in this story conversations seemed a bit forced and stilted) and her honest and redemptive approach to realistic struggles that her characters encounter. The characters are down-to-earth with depth to their emotions, strengths, and foibles. Readers can easily connect with them. The Creektown Discoveries bring readers an Amish "Dear Abby". Lois receives a letter from a woman concerned about her granddaughter and the story of Lisa and Paul begins. They each have issues from the past they are struggling with. Will their faith be strong enough to overcome the obstacles to their relationship and enable them to find love? Brunstetter portrays the emotions well, especially those related to survivor guilt. I like how the author made issues realistic and relatable. Readers who enjoy contemporary Amish romance stories will not want to miss The Sugarcreek Surprise.
I read a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

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As always I love a Wanda book but this one will be my favorite!
It was so good I couldn't put it down!
There was a scene in the book that made cry though. I didn't like that part. I don't like to cry!
Yes Lisa did get on my nerves at times but you know what? I don't blame her. I am like Lisa so I can relate to her.
I distance myself from people to keep from getting hurt too.
Paul is a sweetheart so of course I fell in love with him from the very beginning.
I love how Brunstetter can make her characters realistic.
Her books certainly leaves wonderful messages that we can learn from too.
This book will be put on my shelf of favorites.
5 stars for a well written book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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A Beautiful and Touching Story

Lisa Miller has suffered much tragedy in her life. She lost her parents at a very young age and was sent to live with her grandparents. Lisa is very dedicated to her grandparents and is also a very dedicated school teacher. However, the loss of her parents at such a young age has instilled a fear of losing anyone close to her, and therefore caused her to be fearful of any relationship. Lisa has done well keeping herself distanced, or rather she was successful until Paul Herchberger entered into her life.

Paul has his own share of loss and that loss is what brought him to Sugar Creek to work with his uncle. Paul meets Lisa by accident, and that is all it takes for him to find himself interested in her. He wants to get to know Lisa, but the wall she's built around herself is making that easier said than done.

I was drawn into this story right from the start. However, I admit that while I understood Lisa and what she'd been through, I had a difficult time feeling connected to her. She was kind of making me a little agitated with how much she was keeping herself distanced from everyone and justifying her reasons for doing so. Paul, on the other hand, was dear to my heart right off the bat. He was so caring and helpful that it was hard not to like him. I felt his pain in wanting to get to know Lisa, although she kept her distance, and I admired his persistence. But, no one could get through to Lisa and help her change her way of thinking, that is, until God's Word spoke to her.

What message did she receive from God, and how did that start to bring the walls down? Well, you'll just have to read it for your self to find out. Trust me. You won't be disappointed.

I received a copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

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Great addition to the series by Brunstetter! I appreciated the first book more because of the English perspective, but the story between these two characters was pretty good.

The owners of the antique shop were definitely getting annoying this time. I think the author meant for them to be funny or guiding, but with the issue of hyperthyroidism, sometimes the scenes read like a page out of WebMD. I felt that it was unnecessary and could have been done a lot subtler.

I look forward to reading the next installment!

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Lisa and Paul’s uplifting, emotional story in The Sugarcreek Surprise, by Wanda E. Brunstetter, book two in the Creektown Discoveries series, tugs at your heart, holding you hostage until the very last page. This was a story I could not put down, reading it in one day.Lisa is orphaned at a young age and moves from Shipshewana, IN to Ohio to live with her maternal grandparents. Lisa, an Amish teacher, isn't sure she wants to be in a relationship with anyone, pretty much being a loner, keeping to herself as much as possible. She's learned not to get too attached to folks as they tend to leave; especially after losing her parents and a set of grandparents in a horrible accident. Her grandmother is getting more worried about her having a family and not being alone after she and her grandfather are gone. Paul, a cabinet maker, has moved to Sugarcreek since having his world turned upside down by his girlfriend. He vows never to love another woman in his lifetime; until he meets Lisa one day when a stray dog is pestering her for attention. There is something strangely familiar about her, which makes no sense as he has moved from another state.

Lisa's grandmother plays matchmaker with Lisa and Paul by inviting Paul to make cabinets for their kitchen and asking him to stay for dinner. After while, Lisa and Paul become friends and eventually feel an attraction to one another but Lisa still cannot get over the fears from her past and move on to other things in her life. It will take a great deal of prayer along with support and patience from Paul, before Lisa can see what she would be missing out on by not giving them a chance. Antique Store Owners, Orley and Lois Troyer play a major role by providing advice, guidance and friendship to this young couple. Lisa’s dog, Maggie, also plays an important role in this lovely story.

Ms. Brunstetter wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustrated with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and survivor guilt stood strong; making this sweet and inspirational read one I could not put down, drawing me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend The Sugarcreek Surprise to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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After tragically losing her parents in an accident, Lisa Miller has successfully closed herself to love. Growing up with her grandparents, Lisa throws herself into her teaching knowing these will be her only children. After a bad breakup, Paul Herchberger comes to Sugarcreek in order to help his uncle. Wanting a new start, he isn't interested in love. A chance meeting, a little bit of matchmaking, and a whole lot of prayers may just get these two to change their minds. Will a kept secret cause Lisa to close tight again? Should Paul return home after a confession? A story of love and loss and love again will keep the reader turning pages. A pair of quirky matchmakers round out a wonderful story. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

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The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda Brunstetter is book two in her Creektown Discoveries series. In the story, Lois and Orley Troyer run their antique store, where they try to help the people who come in to see them, by offering advice and prayers along with their wares. Paul is new to the area, having moved there when his fiancé left him for his best friend. Lisa also lives in the area, She has lived there with her grandparents since her parents died in an accident while she was young. She is determined to keep herself closed off from people, afraid that she will be hurt if she allows herself to open up. She and Paul start spending time together and it seems as though Lisa will finally come out of her shell. However, a secret comes between them, which causes Lisa to revert back into herself. Can Paul convince her that he cares for her and wants to be with her? Or is it too late. Also, can Lisa see that God has a plan for her and that it is better than anything she can imagine?
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own. As always, Brunstetter doesn't disappoint. Her books are filled with faith and people in real-life situations.

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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

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Paul finds himself fascinated with Lisa from the moment he meets her. She seems familiar to him, but he cannot imagine how they could have met. As Paul spends more time with Lisa, he finds himself falling for her. Paul is not sure how to get Lisa to open up her heart to love. Paul meets Orley and his wife, Lois at their antique shop, Memory Keepers while searching for a special milk bottle. Orley and Lois offer advice to Paul on how to break past Lisa’s walls as well as their prayers. Just when Paul believes he is making progress with Lisa, a secret comes to light that has the door to Lisa’s heart closing. What will it take for Lisa to be open to love? The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second Creektown Discoveries novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not indulged in The Walnut Creek Wish. I thought The Sugarcreek Surprise was well-written with developed characters. The story had a good flow and moved along at a steady pace. I liked the characters in this story that included Lisa’s grandparents, Paul’s Uncle Abe, Lois and Orley Troyer, and the sweet, Maggie. Maggie is a dog that follows Lisa home from school and becomes devoted to her. There are good life lessons in the story. Lisa needs to learn that you cannot close yourself off from close relationships just to avoid pain. Pain is a part of life just like love. The two work hand in hand. Faith is an essential element in this tale. We get to see the importance of prayer and trusting God. My favorite quote from The Sugarcreek Surprise is “We as humans can only do so much, but Jesus can work out any problem no matter how big it is.” There is some repetition in the story especially about Lisa and how she does not wish to marry. The ending will leave you smiling, and I am glad there was an epilogue. I am eager to read the third novel in the Creektown Discoveries series. There are two recipes at the end along with discussion questions. The Sugarcreek Surprise is a touching Amish tale with a protective pooch, a distressed schoolteacher, a caring carpenter, gentle grandparents, sweet students, and a gracious God.

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A good Amish story makes for a good read and this one was jus that. Life is simple compared to our lives today and it is a shame that we can't go back in time to enjoy those years. Even today the true Amish people still have an uncomplicated life compared to most and most are also peaceful. This was a great read and worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC.

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I loved this book! It's a sweet Amish romance that is full of emotions. It's a story that will touch your heart and a great reminder that God can and will help you overcome and heal from past hurts. I highly recommend this book to all fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This is book 2 of the Creektown Discoveries series. I had previously read the first in the series. They are both nice and clean Amish stories. This was an enjoyable story with two people that need to heal from their past trials and disappointments. I really liked Paul's character. I liked how he didn't give up on Lisa and his patience was very endearing to me. I loved seeing the Troyers return in this book and mentor the struggling couple. They were very patient, caring and trusting in God's hand in the paths of the people they help. I loved Maggie, the stray dog, who also had her trials as well and helped to show Lisa how to be able to love again.
There were a few slower sections in the book, but I still enjoyed it very much. If you enjoy Amish romance, you will enjoy reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

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Great book. I would recommend this to anyone. It has romance in it, but oh so good. It’s a continuation of the first book. You have to see if the character finds true love.

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Book 2 of the serie Creektown Discoveries, set in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
Two new clients visits Orley and Lois Antique shop:
Lisa lives with her grandparents, after a bad accident, Paul works as a carpenter with his uncle,
and the old couple are happy to hear, help, pray, mentoring people.
"Lisa smiled as she thought about a saying she'd heard her grandma repeat on several occasions: 'Kindness is like snow: it beautifies everything it falls upon'."
Good topics: shyness, blame yourself for life accidents and be miserable, worry to much about what others think,

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I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Cute romance book

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I think that this is a fascinating Amish story with lessons on fear and forgiving oneself. I enjoyed reading this book by Wanda and the characters of this story. Also, included in the book are two wonderful Amish recipes that are easy to make and prepare for your own family. As with all of Wanda's books, this one didn't disappoint and is an easy read as well. If you are looking for a clean Amish read then you will love this story too.


*Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an e-copy in return for my honest opinions/reviews of this book!

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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 that will be released, March 1, 2022. Pre-order today.

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