Grass Is Greener

Shepherd's Grove Stories

by DeAnna Kaye Fields

Rowena Aaron has spent years managing the fog that settles over her life without warning. Some days she can laugh, work, and keep pace with the people she loves. Other days, simply getting out of bed feels impossible. Guarded, witty, and fiercely devoted to her family, Rowena has learned to keep her world small and predictable.

Luther Zane is the last man she expects to fall for. Warm, steady, and quietly carrying scars of his own, Luther is rebuilding a life after addiction cost him nearly everything. What begins with teasing banter, shared Cokes, and unlikely dates soon becomes something a love built on patience, honesty, and the courage to be fully seen.

But the past has a long reach, and when hidden connections between their families come to light, old wounds and fresh doubts threaten everything they’ve begun to build. As Rowena battles the darkness that still calls her back and Luther faces the consequences of the man he used to be, both must decide whether love is enough to weather what comes next.

Tender, funny, and deeply human, Grass Is Greener is a story about healing, family, second chances, and choosing joy even when life refuses to be simple.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

DeAnna Kaye Fields is finally pursuing her dream of being an author. She is a Christian first, wife second, and mother third, with a deep love for closed-door romance, small-town charm, and stories that feel like home. She lives in Hillview, Kentucky, with her husband. She has three grown daughters, one still currently at home, and two dogs. Her Shepherd's Grove stories are inspired by small-town life in places like Shepherdsville, Mt. Washington, Hillview, and Lebanon Junction. She's hopelessly addicted to Coca-Cola, blind dates in a book, mystery bags, and happy little surprises.

Reviews

[Brie]

Had the honor of being a Beta Reader.
I will post my ratings and reviews when the book is officially ready for release.

[Shay loves books]

This book is a breath of fresh air. It’s an absolutely beautiful story that had me in tears several times

Nobody wants to talk about mental health and the struggles it takes to pull through and this book brings so much to light and the author didn’t shy away from letting us know. She takes you on a journey and makes you feel what the characters are facing and going through.

The 2 main characters in this book have a lot of struggles that they work through with the support of friends and family. It’s not an easy task. This book has beautiful family dynamics and friendships that make me jealous, its relationships like that, that we all need. Row and Luz have a lot that they have to fight through day to day but being open and honest about their struggles is so important.

I have to forgive Row for her Diet Coke obsession, because I love her so much. 🤣🤣

I cannot wait to read more from Deanna! These first 2 books she’s written although short, have packed a punch and I have loved them both

[DeannaReadsClean]

How much swoon and banter can you pack in a novella? 🤩😭😍🤯😱🤪
Rowena & Luther’s love story is something special and complicated. There’s ex wives, twins, and a whole lot of miscommunication. And that’s just one scene from the book!

I loved reading the healing arc for Luther as well. This was a nice touch that really brought the story to a deep and thought provoking place. I was gasping and laughing and tearing up at certain moments. And Luther’s dog is the cutest thing; I want to cuddle Ivy!

The mental health rep in this one is so realistic. The mentions of medications and dark days is shown in an understandable but complex way.

I’m still reeling at how this is a novella and not a full length novel! I felt so engrossed in Sheperd’s Grove that I was sad the pages ended. Can’t wait to see what’s next in Sheperd’s Grove!

[JB Juke]

Another fantastic book from DeAnna Kaye Fields. This second installment in the Shepherds Grove Stories perfectly portrays the struggles of love while dealing with the ups and downs of the life you’ve been dealt. Whether it’s depression, alcoholism, insecurity or a myriad of other things. Grab a Coke and read this book. You won’t be disappointed.

When you find the right person that gets you. Truly gets you like Rowena did, the weight of who you are and the baggage that you bring becomes just another part of the things that your partner will fall in love with.

In complete acceptance, Luther hangs on when things get difficult. He’s no stranger to bringing baggage into the relationship.

This book deserves 6 stars because of just how real it is while remaining lighthearted and relatable. Beyond the past and through the fog, love prevails. As it should.

[Rhiannon Solorzano]

I was blessed with an ARC for Grass is Greener. This is not my typical genre, but I enjoyed it all the same. It was a quick read and got better as it went. If you like romance, patient and caring MMCs you should give it a read! I will say this book has a light religious (Christian) touch, but nothing too much. I don’t think anyone who is not religious or not Christian would find “too much.”
Warnings: the story reads like a light read, but the characters struggle with dark things and there is an emotional scene about child loss. Another warning: you may want to get a(nother) dog…you have been warned!

[Marissa Keyworth]

I got this book, Grass Is Greener, as an ARC. It was such a fast and easy read! I really enjoyed Rowena and Luther and the way their story unfolded.

One of my favorite parts of this book was that it touched on some heavier topics, including mental health and alcoholism, while also reminding us that you really can’t judge a book by its cover. There was more to these characters than what initially met the eye, and I appreciated getting to see those deeper layers as the story progressed.

I really enjoyed the characters and their dynamic, and overall this was an enjoyable, easy-to-read romance that kept me turning the pages

[Rachel May]

I really loved Rowena and Luther’s sweet love story.
Both Rowena and Luther are battling their own inner demons, and I loved seeing how they helped each other overcome those struggles while supporting one another through it all. The author did a beautiful job portraying the reality of mental health struggles and showing just how deeply those gray, cloudy days can affect someone.

I love DeaAnna’s writing, she can take sensitive topics and write it in a way where the readers can relate and understand with the characters. This is the second book I have read in the Shepard’s Grove series and it will definitely not be my last!

If you love sweet small town love stories with caring/loyal characters, then you should give this book a try!

[Chandler]

I was fortunate enough to land an advanced copy of this sweet book. The author does an amazing job of telling a cozy story sprinkled with some heavy issues. She unfolds the story in a way that you can picture each person and scene so clearly in your mind and makes all the characters so relatable. Great new author and a great feel good series. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Shannon Bolton]

I enjoyed book 2 even more than book 1!! These two meet at a wedding and their connection is pretty instantaneous, but in a good way. I'm not one for insta-love but this didn't feel like that. DeAnna does a good job of writing caring, understanding men and Luther fits that description well. Definitely give this one a read! 🩷

[Robyn Thompson]

I loved it so much! Deanna tells such sweet, wholesome amazing stories. I read her 1st book very quickly and couldn't put this one down. It's a great beach book and one that you can share with anyone. I can't wait for her next book and I am super hoping for updates on these folks as well as those in her 1st book.

[Sherry James]

Absolutely love this book. Such a cute story of two people that both seem to feel like they didn't deserve each other but yet they found each other and built something amazing!

This is the second book i've read from this author and I am for sure a fan, cannot wait to read more of her work!

[Brad H]

Grass is Greener! Love , loved, loved this book. So many scenes are relatable. Very good at activating senses! Terrific addition to the first that can stand alone.

[Kay Schrader]

“You know I love you in the light and the dark.”

Ladies, find yourself a Luther. Quick, easy read that reminds you about what’s important in life. 🫶🏻

[Sarah Mickus]

Another fantastic love story. I really enjoyed how she added real life struggles and hardships into this one. It had heavier moments but the light was always found.