Quirky Girl Next Door

The Alphabet Sweethearts

by Susanne Ash

She’s sunshine in a chicken apron. He’s a single dad with a guarded heart. And one runaway hen might just hatch the start of something real.

Felicity “Flick” Bloom thrives on whimsy, wildflowers, and backyard chickens with big personalities. Her quirky world is full of color and charm. But it’s missing one thing. Someone to share it with. When a brooding new neighbor moves in next door, she’s determined to win him over. Even if he clearly thinks she’s too much.

Dean Grant didn’t plan on inheriting his aunt’s house. Or moving to Juniper Falls with his young daughter, Lily. He just wants a quiet life, far away from the chaos of the past. But chaos seems to follow wherever Felicity goes, and Lily is already half in love with their new neighbor’s chickens.

The more time Dean spends with the woman next door, the harder it is to remember why he built walls in the first place. But when judgmental family members start asking questions, he’ll have to retreat into the comfort of caution, or take a leap into something that might finally feel like home.

A sweet small-town romance filled with found family, grumpy/sunshine sparks, porch-swing kisses, and one very determined chicken.

Quirky Girl Next Door 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

Apple Pie PromisesBlossoms & New BeginningsCoffeehouse ConfessionsDandelion DreamsEchoes Of The HeartFirefly NightsGarden Gate WishesHeartstrings In HarmonyIce Cream KissesJust One LookKindly PennedLove At Lookout PointMoonlit PromisesNo Reservation RequiredOver The OrchardPumpkin Patch ProposalQuirky Girl Next DoorRiverbend RendezvousStarlight SerenadeAnd many more to come…

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 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

[Cecilia Mora Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this book! There's a sentence that stood out to me, "The world has enough diminished women. We need the bright ones, the loud ones, the ones who refuse to apologize for taking up space." Rarely do I feel so seen by a book, I really identified with Felicity and her fear of people thinking she's too much. Like Felicity's colorful house, mine too is all pink, and sometimes I feel silly for being a grown woman with a pink everything house, but this book reminded me that if someone doesn't like me exactly how I am, then they are not my people. I really loved this book and Felicity and Dean's story so much, and Lilly and Beatrice are both DEFINITELY wise beyond their years.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky Girl Next Door is AMAZING!!

I had a terrible time trying to stop reading this book! It kept me in the story from beginning to end. I had to go to an appointment and all I wanted to do was get back home to get back into this story. I have enjoyed all the Alphabet Sweetheart books so far, but this one really pulled me in! I think you will be right there with me. Get the book!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Felicity Bloom is an artist, raises chickens, and loves children. Dean Grant and his young daughter move in next door after his wife died and he changed jobs. Lily loves the chickens and spending time with Felicity. Dean finds he is also enjoying life more in her presence, but it scares him and he pulls back. A touching story of love, learning to live again, and seeking to find balance in life.

[Nancy Messner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite so far

I love the message of accepting individuality and optimism. Of being yourself and encouraging others in recognizing their own special gifts. Our world needs more acceptance and compassion that this book exudes!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great message, sweet story.

I liked how Felicity was not afraid to be herself and how she taught lily that. Beatrice is a wonderful chicken therapist. This is a sweet, short story.

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

Loved it.

[Kendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this sweet novellas!!! I enjoyed each short story in this series. Losing a loved one to then put yourself out there again to love and to be loved is the theme of this story.