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Sugar Maple Farms #1
Her Fairy-Tale Farmer
She’s in the happily-ever-after business
But he’s never been interested in fairy-tale endings
Divorced single mom Andie Carter is parenting nine-year-old twins, launching a fairy tale–themed children’s birthday party center and fighting lingering feelings for high school friend Knox Walker. The charming stable manager has eschewed romantic entanglements in favor of party-boy ways. But when Andie’s venue needs repairs, he volunteers his ranch for her events—and a few unexpected kisses, too! Knox doesn’t trust easily, but Andie and her kids are breaking through his guard. Will he come to terms with his fears to be the Prince Charming that Andie and her kids yearn for?
But he’s never been interested in fairy-tale endings
Divorced single mom Andie Carter is parenting nine-year-old twins, launching a fairy tale–themed children’s birthday party center and fighting lingering feelings for high school friend Knox Walker. The charming stable manager has eschewed romantic entanglements in favor of party-boy ways. But when Andie’s venue needs repairs, he volunteers his ranch for her events—and a few unexpected kisses, too! Knox doesn’t trust easily, but Andie and her kids are breaking through his guard. Will he come to terms with his fears to be the Prince Charming that Andie and her kids yearn for?
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Elle Douglas
23 books50 followersElle Douglas writes small-town contemporary romance for lovers of warm, feel-good stories that are on the sweeter side. Elle’s novels feature strong, relatable characters living in tight-knit communities, with a backdrop of stunning Canadian wilderness.
Elle is a lover of 90’s alternative music, a wannabe chef specializing in comfort food and a sometimes reluctant but usually dedicated gym-goer who lives in Toronto with her wife and their cat Lucy (or Lucifer, depending on the day). Between writing romance novels and working as a high school guidance counsellor, Elle works exclusively in helping others find their happily-ever-afters.
She is a graduate of TMU's Radio and Television Arts program, OISE at U of T, and the U of T Creative Writing program, and is a member of Toronto Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Find her on Instagram at @elledouglaswriter
Elle is a lover of 90’s alternative music, a wannabe chef specializing in comfort food and a sometimes reluctant but usually dedicated gym-goer who lives in Toronto with her wife and their cat Lucy (or Lucifer, depending on the day). Between writing romance novels and working as a high school guidance counsellor, Elle works exclusively in helping others find their happily-ever-afters.
She is a graduate of TMU's Radio and Television Arts program, OISE at U of T, and the U of T Creative Writing program, and is a member of Toronto Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Find her on Instagram at @elledouglaswriter
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 12, 2025
Sweet friends-to-more story. Andie and Knox have been friends since they were kids. But underneath the friendship, there have been the stirrings of something stronger, though neither has pursued them. Andie is the divorced mother of twin boys, about to launch her dream job of throwing fairy tale-themed birthday parties for kids. When a water issue threatened her opening day, Knox stepped up and offered his ranch as a backup venue.
Knox is a nice guy with a big heart who has trust issues that make him wary of emotional entanglements. He has a reputation as a party-boy who avoids responsibility, but he's always been there for Andie.
I enjoyed watching Knox and Andie's relationship develop. Knox has always felt that something extra for Andie, but spending time with her and her boys now makes him realize the depth of his feelings. The more time they spend together, the more Andie discovers that she wants more than just friendship. However, Andie worries that Knox won't be able to commit to the stability that she and her boys need. At the same time, Knox wonders the same thing.
I ached for Knox because he can't see that he's got more to give than he believes. His dedication to his grandparents and their farm, as well as his relationships with the seniors he works with, all demonstrate what he is capable of. I loved watching him with Andie's sons. His fun side provides them with some much-needed levity, but he also has a serious side that steps up when he sees a need. I liked how various people helped him see himself through different eyes.
Andie is wary of her growing feelings for Knox. She doesn't have just her heart to worry about. If she starts something with Knox and it doesn't work out, it would also affect her boys. I liked seeing how well Knox fit in with them. The slip-and-slide scene was hilarious. A couple of bumps in their road made Andie question their relationship, but in the end, Knox's big moment won her over. The epilogue was sweet, too.
Knox is a nice guy with a big heart who has trust issues that make him wary of emotional entanglements. He has a reputation as a party-boy who avoids responsibility, but he's always been there for Andie.
I enjoyed watching Knox and Andie's relationship develop. Knox has always felt that something extra for Andie, but spending time with her and her boys now makes him realize the depth of his feelings. The more time they spend together, the more Andie discovers that she wants more than just friendship. However, Andie worries that Knox won't be able to commit to the stability that she and her boys need. At the same time, Knox wonders the same thing.
I ached for Knox because he can't see that he's got more to give than he believes. His dedication to his grandparents and their farm, as well as his relationships with the seniors he works with, all demonstrate what he is capable of. I loved watching him with Andie's sons. His fun side provides them with some much-needed levity, but he also has a serious side that steps up when he sees a need. I liked how various people helped him see himself through different eyes.
Andie is wary of her growing feelings for Knox. She doesn't have just her heart to worry about. If she starts something with Knox and it doesn't work out, it would also affect her boys. I liked seeing how well Knox fit in with them. The slip-and-slide scene was hilarious. A couple of bumps in their road made Andie question their relationship, but in the end, Knox's big moment won her over. The epilogue was sweet, too.
April 26, 2025
This is a very sweet best friends-to-more story featuring Knox, a farmer that has been in love with his best friend since high school, and Andie, a single mom of twin boys. Andie loves him too but Knox has to grow up and show a little bit of responsibility before she takes his feelings seriously. There’s a lot of hiking, coffee, and horses in this story. Knox is also a line-dancing instructor for seniors, which is a lot of fun. His grandparents have a big role in the story, and it’s so sweet the way he cares for them. They-along with some of the other folks in town-help Knox realize that he needs to settle down a bit and commit to the future he wants so he can feel stability. Andie’s sister Mel is in the story as well as a couple of Andie friends, and I like the supportive community she has around her. The baker in town, Maya, seems to be the focus of the next book and I’m eager to read her story as she is writing a romance book.
My only quibble with this story is the confusion of where this book falls in the Sugar Maple Farms series. NetGalley lists this book as the first book where Goodreads lists this book as the second in the series. This author does have another previously published book featuring Angie’s sister Mel, but I’m confused about whether it’s technically part of this series or not. I chose to read this when I saw on NetGalley that it begins a series; I always prefer to start series at the beginning. But if I had known there is another book previous to this one, I would have read that one first. It doesn’t change how I feel about the story-I really enjoyed it. But it’s just annoying when this happens, when there isn’t clarity about order of books in a series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition for allowing me to read this book early via NetGalley!
My only quibble with this story is the confusion of where this book falls in the Sugar Maple Farms series. NetGalley lists this book as the first book where Goodreads lists this book as the second in the series. This author does have another previously published book featuring Angie’s sister Mel, but I’m confused about whether it’s technically part of this series or not. I chose to read this when I saw on NetGalley that it begins a series; I always prefer to start series at the beginning. But if I had known there is another book previous to this one, I would have read that one first. It doesn’t change how I feel about the story-I really enjoyed it. But it’s just annoying when this happens, when there isn’t clarity about order of books in a series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition for allowing me to read this book early via NetGalley!
July 2, 2025
Her Fairy-Tale Farmer begins the Sugar Maple Farms series with Andie’s and Knox’s charming friends-to-lovers romance.
Andie and Knox have been friends since childhood. As they grew, there might have been some sparks between them, yet neither acted on those whispers of attraction. Now, Andie is a divorced parent of twins, has a unique fairy-tale themed business, and is building her new life. When a semi-disaster strikes, Knox steps in with a temporary solution that will lead to something far more… a future that he didn’t see coming, but he has to make a few adjustments before their fairy-tale ending can become reality.
I completely fell in love with Her Fairy-Tale Farmer by Elle Douglas. Andie is strong, more than a bit stubborn. Knox is slowly learning to trust, to let Andie into his life as more than friends. Together, they simply fit and enhance each other in such sweet ways. Their story is believable, even somewhat relatable for some folks. Of course, there is world building as this is the first story in the new series, but new people were easily introduced in a way that made me look forward to discovering their stories in future books. In all, I had a great time in this world, and if you love a well-written, emotional, funny romance with a couple that really do fit so well together, then you’d love Her Fairy-Tale Farmer by Elle Douglas.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Andie and Knox have been friends since childhood. As they grew, there might have been some sparks between them, yet neither acted on those whispers of attraction. Now, Andie is a divorced parent of twins, has a unique fairy-tale themed business, and is building her new life. When a semi-disaster strikes, Knox steps in with a temporary solution that will lead to something far more… a future that he didn’t see coming, but he has to make a few adjustments before their fairy-tale ending can become reality.
I completely fell in love with Her Fairy-Tale Farmer by Elle Douglas. Andie is strong, more than a bit stubborn. Knox is slowly learning to trust, to let Andie into his life as more than friends. Together, they simply fit and enhance each other in such sweet ways. Their story is believable, even somewhat relatable for some folks. Of course, there is world building as this is the first story in the new series, but new people were easily introduced in a way that made me look forward to discovering their stories in future books. In all, I had a great time in this world, and if you love a well-written, emotional, funny romance with a couple that really do fit so well together, then you’d love Her Fairy-Tale Farmer by Elle Douglas.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 15, 2025
First in the Sugar Maple Farms series, in which party planner Andie Carter is attempting to remake her life after divorce while parenting her nine-year-old twin boys. When a water break forces her to close her business at the height of her children's birthday party schedule, Knox Walker, her best friend since high school, bales her out by hosting two parties in a row at his farm.
What complicates things is how each of them feel about the other and her twins. Knox has always been a party person, but can he settle down enough to help his grandparents when they most need help? And what about Andie? Will she accept that Knox really is trying hard to change his partying ways when she thinks it means he'll never get serious about life?
What complicates things is how each of them feel about the other and her twins. Knox has always been a party person, but can he settle down enough to help his grandparents when they most need help? And what about Andie? Will she accept that Knox really is trying hard to change his partying ways when she thinks it means he'll never get serious about life?
June 30, 2025
This book is a sweet and easy read for anyone needing a cozy friends to lovers. I read this book as an ARC and it was a fun read.
Andie and Knox have been friends since childhood and while there might have been sparks back when they were kids neither of them acting on them. Now they are getting close again but not necessarily as just friends.
I really liked this book and found it an easy read. This review seems really short to me but it’s a romance so there isn’t much to talk about that you don’t already know from the synopsis or can assume since you know how romances end. I will say there were a few time I wanted to yell at Andie but I understood why she was acting the way she was.
Andie and Knox have been friends since childhood and while there might have been sparks back when they were kids neither of them acting on them. Now they are getting close again but not necessarily as just friends.
I really liked this book and found it an easy read. This review seems really short to me but it’s a romance so there isn’t much to talk about that you don’t already know from the synopsis or can assume since you know how romances end. I will say there were a few time I wanted to yell at Andie but I understood why she was acting the way she was.
July 2, 2025
Her Fairy-Tale Farmer – this is an excellent title for a romance book! This is the first book in the Sugar Maple Farms series.
Andie and Knox made my heart sing with joy. The connection between them jumped off the pages as I read the book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Harlequin Romance knows exactly how to bring a romance book to readers that will stay in my mind for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley, Elle Douglas and Harlequin – Romance for the copy of Her Fairy-Tale Farmer. This is my personal review.
Andie and Knox made my heart sing with joy. The connection between them jumped off the pages as I read the book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Harlequin Romance knows exactly how to bring a romance book to readers that will stay in my mind for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley, Elle Douglas and Harlequin – Romance for the copy of Her Fairy-Tale Farmer. This is my personal review.
May 3, 2025
I love a good Canadian story and being from Northern Ontario I felt like I was reading a book taking place in my back yard!
Knox and Andie were super sweet and I loved watching Knox realize he was right where he needed to be in life. The boys were adorable and I enjoyed their connection with Knox.
It was fantastic to read about a woman who didn't have a contentious and angsty relationship with her ex. It was so refreshing.
I can't wait for more from Sugar Maple Farms!
Knox and Andie were super sweet and I loved watching Knox realize he was right where he needed to be in life. The boys were adorable and I enjoyed their connection with Knox.
It was fantastic to read about a woman who didn't have a contentious and angsty relationship with her ex. It was so refreshing.
I can't wait for more from Sugar Maple Farms!
July 4, 2025
This was a wonderful and funny friends to more romance with strong characters. Andie and Knox just fit together but Knox is a play boy and Andie has 2 boys to raise. Knox does step up and help when Andie needs him and what they both learn, in this adorable and well written story, is there really can be second chances in love. The secondary characters and community were amazing and heartwearming in this great read. You'll find it hard to put down, I did!
May 15, 2025
** ARC REVIEW **
Something about friends to lovers gets my heart strings every time, Knox is such a down bad guy, who has known the love is their since young where Andie is a planner something about them figuring out the path makes sense
Something about friends to lovers gets my heart strings every time, Knox is such a down bad guy, who has known the love is their since young where Andie is a planner something about them figuring out the path makes sense
June 19, 2025
Such a great story to get lost in. Knox and Andie are meant for each other. I loved their journey to romance and how Andie and her kids broke down Knox's wall. It was a great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
Andie and Knox have a lot of history, they can always count on each other but something has changed between them. Best friends shouldn't wonder about a kiss. I enjoyed this romance, it was heartwarming and so special.
August 2, 2025
Knox and Andie turn the heart inside out. Her Fairy-Tale Farmer leads with it's heart and leaves behind it's soul. From yearning attraction to slow burn romance, Douglas proves that simplicity can be just as seductive as sensuality.
April 12, 2025
Great "friends-to-lovers" contemporary romance.. Sweet, emotional, and easy to read..
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June 1, 2025Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Women's Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction
Miniseries
Sugar Maple Farms (Book #1)
Miniseries
Sugar Maple Farms (Book #1)
June 3, 2025
Her Fairy-Tale Farmer is an absolute gem of a romance. Whether you are a die-hard romantic or simply in need of a feel-good read, this book delivery a truly satisfying read.
December 23, 2025
I wouldn't mind a fairy tale farmer
November 1, 2025
The story follows Knox, a charming but somewhat aimless farmer who has loved his best friend, Andie, since high school. Andie, a single mother to twin boys, returns his feelings but needs proof that Knox is ready to be a true partner and father figure before opening her heart completely. What makes this story shine is its blend of romance and personal growth. Knox’s journey toward maturity feels genuine as he learns from his wise grandparents and the colorful townsfolk of Sugar Maple Farms. His gradual realization that love requires stability and reliability adds emotional depth to his character. Andie’s strong support network—especially her sister Mel and her close-knit group of friends—adds warmth and humor, showcasing the power of community. One standout, Maya, the local baker and aspiring romance novelist, hints at an exciting next installment in the series. Ultimately, this is a tender, small-town friends-to-lovers romance about finding courage, stability, and love where you’ve always belonged—a cozy, heartwarming read perfect for a quiet weekend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews