The Sisters of Sugarcreek

February 1, 2017

Amish widow Lydia Gruber lands a job at a knitting/quilting shop in Sugar Creek, OH, after lending a hand to the store's owner, Jessica Holtz, during a shopping rush. The two women bond over their grief at losing a loved one (Lydia's husband, Jessica's Aunt Rose) in a fire that destroyed Faith Community Church. Meanwhile, Rose's friend, Liz Cannon, convinces Jessica to partner with her Secret Stitches Society, an anonymous group that delivers hope to people in trouble. Their mission is Lydia. VERDICT Liggett's (Beaded Hope) sweet story about faith, female friendship, and strength in the face of adversity also incorporates attractive scenes of light romance. A good crossover title for women's fiction readers.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2017
In the aftermath of a local church fire, a trio of unlikely friends take it upon themselves to bring hope to their Ohio community of Sugarcreek, one anonymously delivered care package at a time. Lydia Gruber is a young Amish widow haunted by questions about her short marriage. Liz Cannon is a middle-aged real-estate agent in a struggling market grieving the loss of her best friend. Jessica Holtz is a single mother who knows little about handicrafts but suddenly inherits her late aunt's quilt and craft shop. Together, they make up the Secret Stitches Society, and when trouble hits close to home, they must rely on their shared faith and strength of sisterhood to see them through. Liggett (Beaded Hope, 2010) crafts a heartwarming beacon of friendship and tender new beginnings in this cozy, sweet Christian romance featuring strong female leads from different generations and cultures. The small-town charm and interconnectedness, fastened with knitting, quilting, and crafting, make this an ideal feel-good read. Liggett writes with loveliness and uplift and is a refreshing breath of wholesome goodness.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)