Kindly Penned

The Alphabet Sweethearts

by Susanne Ash

He’s loved her from afar. She’s sure her story ended years ago. But one note changes everything.

Widowed high school English teacher Clara Langford isn’t looking for love. Her life in Juniper Falls is quiet and predictable. Just the way she likes it. Between lesson plans, tea with friends, and her little free library out front, she has everything she needs.

Or so she tells herself.

Until a book appears in her library, with a handwritten note tucked inside. Thoughtful. Kind. Signed only, “M.”

Micah Brooks has always preferred the quiet things in life. Early mornings, long walks, and the woman who doesn’t know he exists. The town’s dependable mail carrier, Micah has watched Clara from afar for years. But when he leaves behind one anonymous note, he doesn’t expect her to write back.

What begins as a slow exchange of favorite books and handwritten words turns into something deeper. But when the truth comes out, will the woman who’s always believed in stories be willing to start a new chapter?

A slow-burn, small-town romance between a widow and a mail man with heartfelt notes, healing hearts, and the softest kind of love.

It is part of the Alphabet Sweetheart series, twenty-six sweet romances set in Juniper Falls. These fun, quick reads will quickly become your favorite new escape. Check out all the books in the series, starting Pie PromisesBlossoms & New BeginningsCoffeehouse ConfessionsDandelion DreamsEchoes Of The HeartFirefly NightsGarden Gate WishesHeartstrings In HarmonyIce Cream KissesJust One LookKindly PennedLove At Lookout PointAnd many more to come…

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Susanne Ash writes sweet contemporary romance. When she's not busy putting pen to paper, she loves to cook, knit, and head out exploring with her husband and daughter. She lives close to the beach in beautiful South Carolina. You'll find that her setting is often a fictionalized version of her surroundings and the places she's visiting with her family.

Reviews

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Widowed High School teacher, Clara Langford is afraid to love and lose again, but she finds notes in books in her mini library signed “M”. When she meets her postman, Micah Brooks, she wonders if it is him. Their exchanges allow her to finally move forward into her future. A heartwarming book about life, love, and taking a chance.

[Cortney D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute!

I loved the very slow build up to the end, it felt less rushed than some of the others in the series. I think it made the little moments sweeter.

I liked that there wasn't much of a conflict, that what little conflict there was, was resolved quickly. I enjoyed this one!

And now, I'm excited to see what the next one has in store!

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and Micah

Clara is the local teacher and Micah is the mail man. She has a little library in front of her house in which he's been leaving her secret messages. She's unaware of who is leaving these notes, but she's intrigued.
Ms. Hazel is fully involved in all these matches and I'm loving her character the most.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and Micah’s story.

This is a sweet story about second chances. I liked how the main characters wrote notes to each other. It was a quick read with a HEA.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

What a beautiful story of the power of words to connect people. I loved the notes in favorite books to bring joy.

[Enid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good chaste romance, short and sweet, for a delectable summer read.

[Madeline Bremer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Heather Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

probably my favorite so far. so cute!

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.