Candace Thompson thought that her hardest days of working at local amusement park The Zone were over. But in THE WINTER OF CANDY CANES, the third installment in Debbie Viguié’s Sweet Seasons series, Candace finds out that the Christmas season might bring her more challenges than she ever imagined. She is excited to be hired as an elf to help the park’s Santa give out presents, but then finds out that she will be spending most of her time handling unruly children.

At least she has the upcoming Winter Formal dance to look forward to, not to mention her gorgeous date, Kurt. However, things get out of hand one day at work, and Candace lands back in the “Hospital Zone” of the park for a record-breaking third time. She is devastated to have her dance dreams squashed. Even if she makes it to the Formal, who wants a dance date with a knee brace and a bum leg?

While Candace is laid out on the couch, she gets another big surprise. She has been chosen for a lead role in her drama class’s play. While most girls would be thrilled, Candace is once again terrified of being in the spotlight. On top of all of this, she was coerced into leading a Bible study, yet another responsibility and leadership position that she’s not sure she can handle. However, a revelation from a co-worker makes Candace realize that she really doesn’t have it so bad.

Sue has always seemed so sad, but Candace never thought to ask why. Now that she knows, she is determined to give Sue and her family the ultimate Christmas surprise. As she searches for the perfect gifts for her friends and family, and especially for the hard-to-buy-for Kurt, Candace realizes that the best gifts are sometimes the simplest gestures. And she herself might have some surprises in store for the future, as the results of a big-time design scholarship are announced.

Much like its predecessors, THE WINTER OF CANDY CANES is a well-timed seasonal read. Readers of the series will enjoy getting to know more of the eccentric workers at The Zone, as well as the fun behind-the-scenes look at life in an amusement park. One thing readers might not enjoy is the continuing relationship between Candace and Kurt. While it looked like they were on the outs in THE FALL OF CANDY CORN, they return together and happier than ever with no explanation. Nonetheless, this book is sure to get readers into the Christmas spirit, as well as deliver a strong and touching message about the real gift of giving. Fans will be eager to know what the spring has in store for Candace and her friends.

   --- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby