What do you think?
Rate this book
Happily Ever After Lib/E: The Life-Changing Power of a Grateful Heart
Whether or not you remember Trista (Rehn) Sutter from her heartbreak on the first season of The Bachelor reality show or as the original Bachelorette, you've probably seen her on the cover of magazines like People and US Weekly or on shows like Ellen and Dancing with the Stars. She has rarely been out of the public eye since falling in love with Ryan Sutter on The Bachelorette more than ten years ago. This former pediatric physical therapist and Miami Heat dancer had her fairy tale fall into place with a whirlwind courtship and dream-come-true wedding to a poetry-writing firefighter (televised on ABC to more than 26 million viewers). The happy couple now has two adorable kids and a dog. Sutter is often asked her secret to being one of the rare reality-TV relationships to make it to the altar and beyond. Through personal stories, as well as anecdotes from friends, family, and experts, she shares the simple yet profound keys to finding everyday happiness and success: gratitude and grace.
Audio CD
First published November 26, 2013
33 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 10, 2014
So I liked this book up until when she started praising Jenny McCarthy as an autism advocate and helping her with her vaccine schedule. A book full of carefully researched studies and you miss the most important study of all, vaccines don't cause autism, as a Colorado step/mother of an autistic child you put us all to shame here Trista. You're supposedly so educated from what you say and then you repeat garbage not backed up by facts. There is blood on Jenny McCarthy's hands from all those unvaccinated children's deaths, and now yours for perpetuating misinformation, going back and band aiding with a claim that you support a delayed schedule doesn't undo all the harm caused by the years of saying not to vaccinate. It's a shame, otherwise the first few chapters were great.
May 20, 2014
It's like if a 12 year old combined their dream journal and book of inspiring quotes with the sort of insipid "inspirational" stories that your grandma forwards you on email. Can't wait to see how she does on the upcoming celebrity marriage boot camp tv show (speaking of insipid.)
October 2, 2013
HAPPILY EVER AFTER – The Life Changing Power of a Grateful Heart by Trista Sutter is definitely one of my favorite books of 2013. This is not only because I love Trista and have followed her and Ryan since she appeared on The Bachelorette in 2002, but because she is such an inspiration. Happily Ever After is not only filled with stories of grace, thoughtfulness, and thankful words, but has bits and pieces of their life mixed in including poems and letters she received from Ryan (my favorite: “Why Socks?”). Throughout the book, she encourages you to be grateful for even the smallest of blessings in life including “socks.” Fantastic and encouraging read. Highly recommended. Received courtesy of Net Galley.
March 27, 2014
We all know the story of Trista Rehn, from The Bachlorette. She was a pediatric physical therapist moonlighting as a Miami Heat dancer when she heard about casting. She went from broken hearted on The Bachlor to finding her Happily Ever After on the Bachlorette.
In this book she reminds us all to make sure you find the favorite part of each day no matter how big or small. She share's her favorites and different issues that have changed her life through out her journey - marriage, children, a business, and family.
She teaches us how to be grateful for each and every moment that we have and live life to the fullest in the best way you can.
Who doesn't want to live life with gratitude and grace?
In this book she reminds us all to make sure you find the favorite part of each day no matter how big or small. She share's her favorites and different issues that have changed her life through out her journey - marriage, children, a business, and family.
She teaches us how to be grateful for each and every moment that we have and live life to the fullest in the best way you can.
Who doesn't want to live life with gratitude and grace?
July 28, 2016
Yes, I admit it, even though I didn't watch her season of The Bachelorette, I read her book. I was surprised by the number of articles referenced in it. I personally just wanted more tidbits about the show. I actually wanted to like the book, but it was long, simplistic, and boring. Not a good combination. I wouldn't even recommend this book for Bachelor/Bachelorette fans.
June 12, 2022
Help! I accidentally stumbled into a self help book disguised as a memoir! But like, girl has absolutely nothing original to say. “As whatever great, famous quotable person said” appears far too many times in this book for any reasonable person to enjoy. She also seriously glossed over so much of her life in few sentences. I would have been much more interested in getting to know her (and yes, her time on the show that was only briefly detailed in the prologue) than hearing gratitude practises and generic uplifting quotes I’ve already heard parroted over and over again elsewhere.
July 15, 2020
As other reviewers have said, I picked this up thinking it was a memoir, but it really was more of a "self-help" book on gratitude and optimism, and a very basic one at that. Still, it could have received a higher rating but she talks about Jenny McCarthy who is a well known anti-vaxxer and I'm just not here for that. So disgusted by Trista now I can't even. Definitely adding this to my pile of books to get rid of. Also, this book was so white I can't even.
September 11, 2023
Trista is by far my favorite bachelorette (formally😉) I always get excited to read what’s up with her and Ryan and their family with any new update! Granted this book has been out for a while, I literally just found out about it lol. I enjoyed it overall and loved the advice that she gives throughout. ❤️
January 6, 2014
It was actually pretty hard for me to choose a star rating for HAPPILY EVER AFTER: THE LIFE CHANGING POWER OF A GRATEFUL HEART; mostly because a rating that I would choose based upon my own enjoyment would be different than one I would choose based on the overall general quality of the book as it would appeal to its target audience. For that reason, I settled on two stars -- but it's honestly not *that* meaningful of a rating in the end.
I am probably not really the target audience for this book; first, because I don't watch The Bachelor or The Bachelorette; and second, because I really don't like self-help books unless they're justified by scientific research, practical experiential information, or unless they're written by someone who is otherwise considered an authority on the subject, for good enough reason for me to consider them a good source of advice.
That said -- why did I pick up this novel, which was sent to me for review purposes? In all honesty, I really did not know that it was a self-help book. I assumed, wrongly, that it was a memoir about her experiences in reality TV and her transition from reality TV to a real life romantic relationship and marriage with a man she had known for such a short time. Had I known, previously, that it was a book about how to be gracious and optimistic, I probably would have passed.
I mean, what makes this Trista Sutter an expert here? And, if she is not an expert, that's still fine -- as long as there is something relatable enough about her experiences to make them seem helpful or worthwhile to my own life. What I learned in this book, however, is that even *before* the luxuries of reality TV fame and notoriety, Trista's lifestyle was not one that was particularly something I could relate to my own life -- and I really lost interest pretty quickly.
Her suggestions for learning and expressing graciousness and optimism ranged from cute to decent to absolutely shallow and ridiculous, and her chapters were filled with little personal stories, as well as stories from random people she knows as well as some that she seemed to have read about in the news or otherwise heard about elsewhere. She likes to remind readers, over and over again, that her fabulous hubby likes to give her spa retreats and lots of gifts and trips to fancy restaurants, etc.,etc.,etc. Yes, we get it. And one of the oddest examples of gratefulness somehow relates Trista's decision to get breast augmentation as a justification for living a gracious life -- because it made her feel more attractive which made her more positive which made her give more thanks? Something stupid like that.
I only gave this a two star rating because I feel like someone who knows what to expect or who actually watches reality television and enjoys random, cheesy self-help books might end up enjoying this -- maybe even finding it cute and helpful. For me, though? Since there's nothing on here that registers as lower than a one star review, I'd round up to one and call it a day.
I appreciate the publishers allowing me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
I am probably not really the target audience for this book; first, because I don't watch The Bachelor or The Bachelorette; and second, because I really don't like self-help books unless they're justified by scientific research, practical experiential information, or unless they're written by someone who is otherwise considered an authority on the subject, for good enough reason for me to consider them a good source of advice.
That said -- why did I pick up this novel, which was sent to me for review purposes? In all honesty, I really did not know that it was a self-help book. I assumed, wrongly, that it was a memoir about her experiences in reality TV and her transition from reality TV to a real life romantic relationship and marriage with a man she had known for such a short time. Had I known, previously, that it was a book about how to be gracious and optimistic, I probably would have passed.
I mean, what makes this Trista Sutter an expert here? And, if she is not an expert, that's still fine -- as long as there is something relatable enough about her experiences to make them seem helpful or worthwhile to my own life. What I learned in this book, however, is that even *before* the luxuries of reality TV fame and notoriety, Trista's lifestyle was not one that was particularly something I could relate to my own life -- and I really lost interest pretty quickly.
Her suggestions for learning and expressing graciousness and optimism ranged from cute to decent to absolutely shallow and ridiculous, and her chapters were filled with little personal stories, as well as stories from random people she knows as well as some that she seemed to have read about in the news or otherwise heard about elsewhere. She likes to remind readers, over and over again, that her fabulous hubby likes to give her spa retreats and lots of gifts and trips to fancy restaurants, etc.,etc.,etc. Yes, we get it. And one of the oddest examples of gratefulness somehow relates Trista's decision to get breast augmentation as a justification for living a gracious life -- because it made her feel more attractive which made her more positive which made her give more thanks? Something stupid like that.
I only gave this a two star rating because I feel like someone who knows what to expect or who actually watches reality television and enjoys random, cheesy self-help books might end up enjoying this -- maybe even finding it cute and helpful. For me, though? Since there's nothing on here that registers as lower than a one star review, I'd round up to one and call it a day.
I appreciate the publishers allowing me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
January 22, 2015
This is a positive, upbeat book that is kind of a combination of autobiographical material of Trista Sutter, the first Bachelorette, and a self-help book. The self-help portion is about living life with a positive attitude and above all, expressing gratitude in life. While nothing in it is particularly revolutionary, I feel like in this age we all need a reminder of that. And as a fan of the Bachelor this was a quick read that let me peek inside someone else's daily life and learn how they express gratitude and try to live the best life they can.
If you've read any other books and gratitude and positive living, most of what she says in here you've probably heard of before. But again, this is basically one person's experience of what has worked and how she applies to her life. And sometimes that's more valuable to see than to be given a general, overall "guide" to how to live your own life. Each chapter focuses on a different area of life (job, family, spouse, etc.) and is a combination of her own stories, stories of her family and friends, and general advice. Then each chapter ends with some tips and tricks on how to apply gratitude to that area of your life.
I'm a regular watcher of the Bachelor/Bachelorette (everyone needs an escape from life, even if it is a junky TV show!). But I didn't get into the show until after Trista was already married and had kids. So I didn't have any sort of personal investment in her or her life from watching. I'd heard of her and knew about her successful relationship story (one of the few from the franchise), but didn't know much about her other than that. So it was also interesting to read about how she's been able to lead a regular life after her television appearances, and also the ways in which she has been able to use some of her fame to do some good in the world.
As someone who is trying to be more positive in 2015, I felt like reading this book was a good way to keep the positive energy going and keep me in a mindset of being grateful for what I've been given in life.
If you've read any other books and gratitude and positive living, most of what she says in here you've probably heard of before. But again, this is basically one person's experience of what has worked and how she applies to her life. And sometimes that's more valuable to see than to be given a general, overall "guide" to how to live your own life. Each chapter focuses on a different area of life (job, family, spouse, etc.) and is a combination of her own stories, stories of her family and friends, and general advice. Then each chapter ends with some tips and tricks on how to apply gratitude to that area of your life.
I'm a regular watcher of the Bachelor/Bachelorette (everyone needs an escape from life, even if it is a junky TV show!). But I didn't get into the show until after Trista was already married and had kids. So I didn't have any sort of personal investment in her or her life from watching. I'd heard of her and knew about her successful relationship story (one of the few from the franchise), but didn't know much about her other than that. So it was also interesting to read about how she's been able to lead a regular life after her television appearances, and also the ways in which she has been able to use some of her fame to do some good in the world.
As someone who is trying to be more positive in 2015, I felt like reading this book was a good way to keep the positive energy going and keep me in a mindset of being grateful for what I've been given in life.
November 1, 2013
The author of this book is mostly known for being on a reality television show. This book will open your eyes to who Trista Sutter is outside of the reality show “reality.” I gave this book 5/5 stars. While reading this book you will feel like you are sitting at your kitchen table with coffee (or tea) cup in hand talking with a real good friend.
I found each chapter to be informative and entertaining. The book title gives you a good idea of what the book is about, finding happiness in the mundane of life. I liked the ideas presented and how they were presented. One of them is looking for something to be thankful for everyday, no matter the circumstances of the day. The author shows that by doing this you are switching your focus to positive thinking. Another idea was to stop worrying so much about the picking up of toys as much as thinking about all the fun that was had with them.
There are so many positive things I could say about this book but it all boils down to me saying, go get the book and read it! I would recommend this book to any mom, as I think there are some great ideas and hints for those hard to get through days. It would also be enjoyed by any woman who likes reality television and wants to know what it is really like. Lastly, I would recommend this book to any woman looking for help in thinking more positively throughout their day!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I found each chapter to be informative and entertaining. The book title gives you a good idea of what the book is about, finding happiness in the mundane of life. I liked the ideas presented and how they were presented. One of them is looking for something to be thankful for everyday, no matter the circumstances of the day. The author shows that by doing this you are switching your focus to positive thinking. Another idea was to stop worrying so much about the picking up of toys as much as thinking about all the fun that was had with them.
There are so many positive things I could say about this book but it all boils down to me saying, go get the book and read it! I would recommend this book to any mom, as I think there are some great ideas and hints for those hard to get through days. It would also be enjoyed by any woman who likes reality television and wants to know what it is really like. Lastly, I would recommend this book to any woman looking for help in thinking more positively throughout their day!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
January 7, 2014
The title of the book gives you an accurate picture of what it is about. Trista shares stories from friends, family and herself about life and looking at it in a positive way . The book shares real life moments for people not always happy ones and how the people affected by those moments don't wallow in it. They find the good, fix it, learn from it. This was actually a great book for me to be reading right now. In the middle of a messy divorce this book reminded me that it only hurts my children and myself to focus on all of the negative. Instead after putting the book down I am left with the want to do better in life. To live a more peaceful and grateful existence.
I loved the inclusion of the letters and poems from Ryan. If we could all be so lucky to have a love like that. Trista is one lucky girl and Ryan a lucky man. So happy they have found happily ever after. I hope they have many many more years of it.
If you are looking for something to inspire you to do better . A friendly reminder that even if you are surrounded by problems, there is still much to be grateful for in your life then this is the book for you. We give Happily Ever After a thumbs up. Thanks for the inspiration Trista Sutter!
I received a complimentary copy of The Life Changing Power of a Grateful Heart for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
I loved the inclusion of the letters and poems from Ryan. If we could all be so lucky to have a love like that. Trista is one lucky girl and Ryan a lucky man. So happy they have found happily ever after. I hope they have many many more years of it.
If you are looking for something to inspire you to do better . A friendly reminder that even if you are surrounded by problems, there is still much to be grateful for in your life then this is the book for you. We give Happily Ever After a thumbs up. Thanks for the inspiration Trista Sutter!
I received a complimentary copy of The Life Changing Power of a Grateful Heart for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book from Trista Sutter; the original Bachelorette. You get to know Trista Sutter and her husband Ryan through the lessons she learned on how gratitude can transform your life. She shares personal stories about her family, and things that happened to her but how she found the silver lining and the highs and lows of her life. She applies teachings from authors, philosophers, poets and educators to her life and makes you realize that you can apply them to your life too.
One of the things that Trista does at the end of each day is tweet her "favorite part of the day" on Twitter right before she signs off each night. I am now including my favorite part of the day in my nightly prayers and saying thanks for that one thing to be grateful for no matter how my day turned out.
The only thing missing from this book was pictures of Trista and her wonderful family but I guess I can go to her Twitter/Instagram to get my fill of her delightful family.
If your goal this year is like mine is to choose optimism, choose silver linings and choose gratitude then read Trista's book and learn how you can apply gratitude to your life.
One of the things that Trista does at the end of each day is tweet her "favorite part of the day" on Twitter right before she signs off each night. I am now including my favorite part of the day in my nightly prayers and saying thanks for that one thing to be grateful for no matter how my day turned out.
The only thing missing from this book was pictures of Trista and her wonderful family but I guess I can go to her Twitter/Instagram to get my fill of her delightful family.
If your goal this year is like mine is to choose optimism, choose silver linings and choose gratitude then read Trista's book and learn how you can apply gratitude to your life.
November 21, 2013
Though I watch some reality shows, this franchise is one that I never got into. But I know who Trista and Ryan are and I was curious to read their story.
In the introduction, Trista tells us her story. What then follows are the author's experiences in finding everyday happiness and suggestions on how you too can find it with your family, friends, work and even strangers. An example is making note (on Facebook, Twitter, in a journal, etc.) of your favourite part of your day.
I liked the writing style. I thought it conversational, like I was sitting and having a chat with the author. I found her likeable and honest ... she talks about being a mother, her family, getting surgically enhanced, etc. Scattered throughout the book are inspirational quotes. I liked that when she likes something (a product, organization, etc.) she provides information about it. At the end of the book is a chapter of resources.
This was a nice book to read.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/11...
In the introduction, Trista tells us her story. What then follows are the author's experiences in finding everyday happiness and suggestions on how you too can find it with your family, friends, work and even strangers. An example is making note (on Facebook, Twitter, in a journal, etc.) of your favourite part of your day.
I liked the writing style. I thought it conversational, like I was sitting and having a chat with the author. I found her likeable and honest ... she talks about being a mother, her family, getting surgically enhanced, etc. Scattered throughout the book are inspirational quotes. I liked that when she likes something (a product, organization, etc.) she provides information about it. At the end of the book is a chapter of resources.
This was a nice book to read.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/11...
March 19, 2014
Trista, the original Bachelorette, provides example stories and ways to feel more grateful about your life and the people in it.
This was a very quick read and provided some cool quotes and insights but I wouldn't say that it included any life changing secrets.
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." - Carl Gustev Jr.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." William James
"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view again." - Alex Tax
"... The American Cancer Society, CDC, American Diabetes Association, and Psychology Today report that animal companionship can increase serotonin production, thereby lessening stress, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac function, strengthen children's immune systems, and improve the owner's overall quality of life."
3.5 stars
This was a very quick read and provided some cool quotes and insights but I wouldn't say that it included any life changing secrets.
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." - Carl Gustev Jr.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." William James
"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view again." - Alex Tax
"... The American Cancer Society, CDC, American Diabetes Association, and Psychology Today report that animal companionship can increase serotonin production, thereby lessening stress, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac function, strengthen children's immune systems, and improve the owner's overall quality of life."
3.5 stars
January 18, 2014
Happily Ever After was just that, a book about how to be happy. I loved this book so much because it was about how to be happy and grateful for everything you have in life. Trista took us into her life and told us how she does things and how she gets through each day and how grateful she is for all she has and has accomplished. I liked that other people also spoke in this book and it seems like Trista really worked hard to make this book special. I know she must have done a ton of research and she shared some things that were very special and private to the family and I think it's awesome that she wants to share her life with fans. This was one of my favorite biographies ever!
December 14, 2014
This was a quick, uplifting read.... nothing that I hadn't thought of before, or heard before, but definitely some great reminders and some really practical ways to live a life focused on gratitude. In my opinion, it got a bit repetitious, but I thought some of the best writing/anecdotes/suggestions were toward the end of the book.... read it backwards, maybe? :) My grandma actually got this book for Christmas and read it and then passed it along to me. We agreed that it was a good reminder for how we are already trying to live our lives and that it got a bit redundant, but neither of us were sad we read it.
January 5, 2015
This is yet another "self help" book whose specific tips and advice will soon be forgotten. I've always thought of Trista as a beautiful, smart, lucky woman who landed an awesome guy on a reality show (how cool is that?). A lot of her stories are based on other people's experiences, and many are enlightening. Some are downright depressing (a lot of sad, untimely deaths).. I didn't walk away with any tangible strategies that I didn't already know to be more grateful in my life. It was a good, general reminder, however, (especially at this time of the year), to count our daily blessings and be grateful for all that we have.
December 2, 2013
I actually really enjoyed this… I know many people may laugh that she wrote a book, and wonder what makes her qualified to write along these lines, but the book was enjoyable. It was also very real - life gets busy, we get stressed or caught up in our own things and sometimes being grateful and appreciating those around us slip to the wayside. There was a lot of inspirational stories/anecdotes and it was an easy read. But truly, I walk away from the book wanting to make an effort to be more optimistic and grateful for those I have around me.
July 31, 2016
Meh, nothing special. I only read this because I've read a few Bachelor memoirs lately and happened to see this at the library, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Unfortunately it was more of a self-help book than a memoir, and it was full of stories about a bunch of other people instead of personal stories from Trista. (Seriously, sometimes she just tells stories about people she heard about IN THE NEWS, but acts like she knows them personally and knows exactly why they had a "grateful heart".)
I've read way worse, though - this was just "meh".
I've read way worse, though - this was just "meh".
March 11, 2015
This was a pretty good read. Nothing earth-shattering or ground breaking but a perfect read for me while sitting in the hospital with my 21 month old was ill with a severe stomach bug. She had some good tips for finding the happy moments in life when things are hard and living a happy and grateful life. I especially liked her choice to remember and record her favorite part of every day as a way to appreciate what she's been given. I want to start that too!
February 8, 2014
Picked this up because I thought it'd be all about The Bachelorette (spoiler alert: it's not), finished and LOVED it because it's an amazing look at living with gratitude daily.
I related to Trista's struggle with infertility & was inspired by her suggestions for practicing positivity. Easy read, highly recommended!
I related to Trista's struggle with infertility & was inspired by her suggestions for practicing positivity. Easy read, highly recommended!
May 21, 2014
Abandoning a book for the first time! I really like her, but I just can't do it.
Besides... I can Pinterest "inspirational quotes" on my own... :)
Besides... I can Pinterest "inspirational quotes" on my own... :)
March 30, 2015
I liked hearing some of Trista's story as I really like her (or what I've seen of her), but I like how this was all about gratitude and finding the good in every day, and how she works that into her life...not just all about her and her family!! This gave some great ideas for teaching kids to be grateful, and although I try to be grateful and thankful, gave me more ideas!!
October 3, 2014
I quite liked this book. Very uplifting and positive and I have always loved Trista and Ryan. I'm happy to see that they are still very much in love and together. I loved her glimpses into her not so happy times but how she bounces back along with stories of others failures/ success stories. Thanks Trista!
Read
February 24, 2014"The book is filled with lots of inspirational quotes that she shares as part of living a life of gratefulness and being thankful daily for the blessings that she has."
Read more here.
Read more here.
February 21, 2014
I am a big fan of the bachelor and bachelorette, and I just love Trista and Ryan! But, this book was only so-so for me. Glad I read it, and it did have some good advice and cute ideas of some things to do in life, but I didn't just love the book.
shelved
November 16, 2015I admire Trista for being a positive voice for marriage and family in the midst of all that's wrong in Hollywood, and while I really enjoyed her book promotion on the Power of Moms podcast, I had to put this down after about seventy-five pages. The writing is ... not great.
June 23, 2014
This book is uplifting and contains lots of anecdotes and quotes. It's a hodge-podge of personal stories and tales about her famous friends. Each chapter had tips on how to be happier and more grateful. It was good but nothing awe inspiring.
November 27, 2014
I remember seeing her on the Bachlorette. Each chapter has examples some from her own life and then ends each chapter with actions that you can do yourself (e.g., start a gratitude journal, write thank you notes).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews