Happily Ever Esther: Two Men, a Wonder Pig, and Their Life-Changing Mission to Give Animals a Home

by Steve Jenkins, Derek Walter

From the New York Times bestselling authors and loving owners of Esther the Wonder Pig, comes a memoir about their new life on the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, which is anything but boring.
Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter, had their lives turned upside down when they adopted their pig-daughter Esther--the so-called micro pig who turned out to be a full-sized commercial pig growing to a whopping 600 pounds--as they describe in their bestselling memoir Esther the Wonder Pig. The book ends with them moving to a new farm, and starting a new wonderful life where they will live on the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary to care for other animals and just live happily ever after...

Or so they thought. People often think about giving it all up and just moving to a farm. In theory it sure does sound great. But as Derek and Steve quickly realized, the realities of being a farmer--especially when you have never lived on a farm let alone outside of the city--can be frantic, crazy, and even insane. Not only are they adjusting to farm life and dutifully taking care of their pig-daughter Esther (who by the way lives in the master bedroom of their house), but before they knew it their sanctuary grew to as many as 42 animals, including: pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, cows, roosters, a peacock, a duck, a horse, a donkey, and a barn cat named Willma Ferrell.


Written with joy and humor, and filled with delicious Esther-approved recipes dispersed throughout the book, this charming memoir captures an emotional journey of one little family advocating for animals everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Vegan, Biography Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

First published July 10, 2018

About the author

Steve Jenkins is a Canadian realtor. In 2012 he and his partner Derek Walter adopted what they thought was a mini pig, who turned out to be a full-sized commercial sow. Since then, Esther the Wonder Pig has become a social media sensation and the couple has opened Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary.

Reviews

[Brandon Forsyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A totally charming read that, while kind of slight and narratively unfocused, actually has me considering vegetarianism.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning to live with a 650-pound pig in our 1000-square-foot home nearly drove us to our breaking point. There were sleepless nights, heated conversations, and many, many tears. But we soldiered on and challenged ourselves in ways we had never dreamed of before. We thought we had been through the worst until we started an Esther the Wonder Pig Facebook page that would take things to a whole new level of crazy. Within weeks her page went viral, amassing over one hundred thousand likes in under eighty days. Unfortunately, we lived in a town whose bylaws prohibited us from keeping Esther. Facing the risk of losing her to town officials, we had a serious decision to make: shut down the page and quietly fade away...or get serious about realizing our new dream of opening a farm sanctuary. We knew we could rescue many more “Esthers”, along with other abused and abandoned farm animals that needed a safe-forever home. Five months after the page began – and less than two years after we met Esther for the very first time – we launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $440, 000 to buy the farm in just sixty days.

We had somehow done what everyone told us was impossible. This was our Happily Ever Esther.

I hadn't read Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter's first book, Esther the Wonder Pig, but the above passage from this book's intro brought me up to speed: After having been shocked to discover that the “micro pig” they had adopted grew into a full-sized 650-pound commercial sow, the two city boys grew so attached to their “pig-daughter” Esther that they became vegan, bought a run-down farm, and decided to dedicate their lives to providing forever homes to abused and abandoned farm animals. Happily Ever Esther picks up the story – describing the steep learning curve the pair faced with everything from researching and providing for the needs of diverse rescue animals (from goats to sheep to bunnies to cows) to also learning how to run a charity and organise volunteers; all while mending fences and shivering inside their drafty farmhouse – and while this story doesn't quite have the exotic narrative of We Bought a Zoo or the emotional pull of Born Free, it did grow on me as a charming and gentle tale of a sweet piggy and her two Dads; a family that decided to open their hearts and their home and found a more meaningful life along the way.

The entire book is told from Steve's first person POV, and despite he and his partner Derek having the help of a professional author (Caprice Crane) to fashion their story, I didn't find it to be terribly well-written; narratively scattershot and inexpertly told. This early paragraph about the fish-out-of-water experience of moving to the country is fairly typical and made me wonder if the book would hold my interest:

You don't realize what a difference city living makes until you're no longer there. We can't even have pizza delivered here. If that isn't one of the saddest things you've read today, you don't have enough appreciation for pizza. We're used to not having delivery now, but at first it really sucked.

Just...amateurish. Steve is a little catty in talking about his mother-in-law (who had warned him after the first book not to mention her name in public again) and he tells the story of being unfriended on Facebook by his best friend after he forgot to go to her housewarming party (which I found irrelevant), and when Steve tells the stories of overzealous volunteers who have since been severed from the sanctuary, I had to hope that he changed their names for the sake of privacy. And somewhere along the process of publishing this book, someone should have advised these men against referring to “Esther's monthly 'lady days'” as “Shark Week”. Even so, the story of this family grew on me, and when I then went online to check out Esther's Facebook page and the website for the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, I have to admit that there's a kindness and a gentleness to this project that absolves a lot of literary sins.

If Esther has taught us anything, it's that being kind to everyone you meet can have a bigger effect on your life than you could ever imagine. It sounds so lame, but every time someone asks how we made all this happen, the first thing we say is, “Be kind to people.” It's easy to get frustrated with any number of situations over the course of a day. Often the first thing people do it take to Facebook to air grievances. We've been the subject of many vent posts from various activists, sometimes even sanctuary founders, who were upset about one thing or another we did or said. We learned very quickly that you can't please everyone, and complaining about it just drives a wedge between people. There's enough negativity in the world, so make it your mission to be nothing but positive. Give people a break from the everyday downer news stories; make someone smile for a change. Stay focused on your goals, and believe that even when your closest friends think you're insane, anything is possible.

If Esther really does have two million followers on social media, then this update and behind-the-scenes look at life on the farm is probably exactly what her audience was looking for (especially since the farm itself was crowdfunded). And if the sales of this book can somehow provide for more barns and fencing that will allow Steve and Derek to expand their rescue operation, then that spreads more kindness in the world; and who wouldn't get behind that? This is a short read, probably of most interest to those who were already following Esther and her story, but in the end, I found it valuable, too. (I was intrigued enough to look at the upcoming tour dates for the sanctuary – which is only a half hour from my house – but discovered they're all sold out for the foreseeable future. Good for them!)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Designed as a bit of filler behind the story of Esther the Wonder Pig this charming, slightly dotty little book is a) a fund raiser b) a bit more of the true details of life with a rather large pig in the house and c) immensely helpful for those of us with (non-house) pet pigs one of whom is inclined to get a bit "sharky" at certain times of the month. Points to Steve, Derek and all for being so open and honest, and so bloody brave (crazy?) with what they are doing at the Happily Ever Esther Sanctuary.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. No, its not a thriller, but it is an honest and frank inside look at one of social media's biggest stars (and pink beauty) Esther the Wonder Pig. With over 1.3 million followers, there is little doubt that Esther is loved and the message that comes through loud and clear from Esther's celebrity (and her two dads) is that love comes in every shape and size.

In fact, this is the central message in all of Esther's various platforms, be it book or internet (Facebook page). She has launched a movement to gently engaged people in looking at their eating habits and even their lifestyles, encouraging everyone to see animals as more than a convenience to humans.

Having said all of this, Happily Ever Esther is the continuing story from the first book, where dads and Esther write about their settling into their new home, which is also a Sanctuary for abused or abandoned farm animals.

Told by one of the dads - Steve - this is a surprisingly honest look at their life, which was completely turned around when they met Esther as a piglet and decided they were never going to let her go. Throughout the book, Steve details the very ups and downs of their decision to put their old lives behind them and embark on creating a comfortable and happy life for animals that are at their sanctuary.

Steve makes it clear that the learning curve was high and that both he and Derek questioned their decisions at times, feeling overwhelmed and trying to find their way in this new challenge.

Also present are funny stories about Esther and sanctuary life. We get more of a backstory on some of the animals at the farm, but we also discover that, at times, sweet Esther can be a challenge, especially when she wants to be the boss. Its hard to re conciliate the sweet Esther we regularly see on FB to the one who throws occasional tantrums, especially when is facing her "teen" years.

Told always with a loving voice, Steve comes clean with a lot of things and honestly, he gave answers to some of the questions that I have had for several months.

No matter what is happening, Steve and Derek and their love for Esther and all the animals at the farm is obvious.

Thank you to these two wonderful people who put the needs of Esther and her friends before their own.

Wonderful, wonderful read that makes me tear up (something I rarely do when reading a book). I want to hug both of them for being their true selves and to Esther who is capturing the world one heart at a time.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts where the last one finished. Steve, Derek, Esther and co now live at the sanctuary and the crazy adventures continue!! I was lucky enough to visit the sanctuary yesterday with my family and saw Miss Esther in person (or piggies!!). The book made me laugh out aloud many times and if you follow the sanctuary on social media this gives you a behind the scenes tour.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of Ester the Wonder pig until I found this book staring at me from the library shelves. Apparently it is the second book, that tells how her two fathers, after realizing that she is indeed getting too big for their suburban house, decide to move to rural Canada, buy some land and set up a pet sanctuary.

Part of the story are amusing, and I had to admire their determination to look after so many animals that had been abandoned, and it made me want to pack in my job and do the same. I did find some of it a bit bitchy and wondered if they should have just stayed quiet on their opinions about some of their helpers. A quick light read it did make me go and look at Esters Instagram posts.

[Amy Grossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Esther and her two amazing Dad’s. Steve and Derek have done so much for abused and often killed farm animals. They inspire me to do more and to make change happen. Esther, I adore your antics and your story!

[Indydriven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to Esther The Wonder Pig. Esther really is a wonder pig in that she has captured hearts around the world with her Instagram account, Facebook page and books (a children's book has also been published).

Recently Esther had some health issues and vets were not able to perform a scan due to her size. There was no large animal scanner in Canada and Esther would have had to be shipped to the United States if her owners wanted to proceed. Esther started to improve so they didn't have to subject her to the stress of the travel and the worry about how they were going to pay for it. What Steve and Derek did do, however, is start a gofundme fundraiser to raise enough funds to purchase a large animal scanner for use in Canada (located in Ontario). Due to Esther, we now have a large animal scanner in Canada in which many animals will benefit. That is why I agree that she is a wonder pig - who would have thought that a daily diary of a pig's life would change the lives of so many animals?

I was very excited when I heard that there was going to be another book and I purchased it as soon as it was available. I have to say, however, that I am disappointed. One of things that they said that the book would cover was the back story of all the animals they have received on their sanctuary farm. One of the animals that is consistently in Esther's Instagram account is a 30 pound turkey called Cornelius that spends a lot of time with Esther. I really wanted to know how they ended up with a turkey on their farm, however, he was not even mentioned until the last page of the book and then it was only to say that the writer had to wrap up because he had a turkey that wanted some attention.

I give these two men credit that they have changed their lives completely due to Esther and have become devout vegans. I'm glad that it works for them and good for them! However, I did find that there were some sections that were a little "preachy" when it came to this topic and I felt that I was being a bit nagged about it.

I am disappointed that I did not enjoy the book more. I thought that I would.

[meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Esther. She and her dads are what we all need in these dark times. I thought I had a pretty good idea of how things went after they purchased the farm and started the animal sanctuary. They make a choice with their social media to keep things positive, so I really didn't realize just how tough things got. But two city guys purchasing a farm and starting a sanctuary with no prior experience? There was a learning curve.

This book made me laugh. There were definitely parts that made me cry. And there were some people along the way that make me ashamed in my species. But the overall message was one of hope. It can all seem so overwhelming at times, but we can make a difference in the lives of animals. I definitely will make the trip to Canada to see Esther, Cornelius and the other residents of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary. But for now, there's are two farm animal sanctuaries just miles from my home that I can help out at.

[Julie A · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Esther and the story of how the farm sanctuary came to be. The book is easy to read and tells the story of the sheer love these two men have for all animals. The information surrounding commercial animals and those used in tourism is important to bring to the forefront of people’s discussions.

I was disappointed, however, in the respect shown for some people through the telling of the story. Some of the events that transpired with volunteers or friends may be absolutely necessary in the telling of the sanctuary story. To name these people, though, seems unnecessary and takes away from the positivity of the rest of the book.

I hope there are future books. There are so many animals’ stories to be told. But I hope those books respect the privacy of the human characters (in this case they’re real people). You have a public forum to tell your take on the story. They do not have the same public forum (I am assuming) to tell theirs.

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

This is so boring! Who’d have thought an animal book could be so dull? This is clearly someone trying to capitalize on their fifteen minutes of internet “fame”.

There’s no real story. It’s abysmally disorganized. I couldn’t stand the author’s writing style or the personality that comes across (be it genuine or manufactured). I had no idea this was a second book and it’s really hard to be invested without any background information. This is just a bunch of name-dropping, personal anecdotes, and preachy “activism”. The contents of this belong in a personal diary, not a published work.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super-adorable read about a couple of urban guys who think they are adopting a mini-pig into their lives (Esther).... only to one day find out their mini-pig is going to grow into a 650lb internet sensation. Families come in all shapes and sizes and this book is a sincere and inspiring reminder of that. An abundance of love can be the foundation for any home.

3.5/5

[Valerie Wallis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was actually one animal book that I just couldn’t finish. As a farmer I felt like I was being yelled at the entire time by an arrogant vegan who clearly has never worked a hard day on the farm in his life.

It’s great what they’re doing with the farm sanctuary but don’t think that all meat eaters out there are doing harm to their animals. Come visit our farm and see that for yourself.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second adult book about Esther the Wonder Pig, her two dads, and the people and animals who love them. The authors recount stories about the family's new life and adventures on a farm in Canada building and growing a farm sanctuary, Happily Ever Esther. You don't need to read the first book to enjoy this book although the first book is excellent and tells the beginning of this important journey into animal activism. I highly recommend it.
The story continues, like the first book, in the voice of Steve Jenkins who is one of Esther's dads. I relate to Steve in many ways. He tends to jump to worst case scenario thinking and start planning for how to handle the situation from that view which has not happened yet all while thinking funny thoughts. He leans towards getting anxious very quickly about the well being of loved ones and will laser focus on them and their needs above all else. Steve gives a lot of himself to others, will go out of his way to help them (even at a detriment to himself), gives people the benefit of the doubt until they cross the point of no return and then they can't recover with him. Lastly he (and Derek) feel that kindness is the filter in life to lead with, especially when it comes to people who are sincerely questioning their food choices. I can relate.
The book is wonderfully funny and honest, including transparent details about the mistakes the two made in the beginning days of the sanctuary. Mistakes like, not vetting where animals came from (volunteers who purchased them), or fence structures, or trusting people that had different views on how to do things or how much work it can be to start and then run a successful sanctuary.
I found this last piece (how hard it can be) to be refreshing and something that is very much needed in the animal rights world especially with the plethora of micro sanctuaries and larger sanctuaries popping up. While well intended, start ups would benefit from reading this book to make sure they are prepared for what is ahead and potentially to not re-learn the same lessons. There is nothing more painful than watching a start up sanctuary fail. This book is a good unintentional, yet helpful, primer for anyone considering opening a sanctuary.
For me, the most interesting and helpful thread in this book (not unlike what I found the most helpful in the first book), is Steve and Derek's approach to animal rights, advocacy, vegan life, and where Esther fits into all of this. There are a lot of approaches to animal rights and like any growing movement, there are people who feel strongly and believe that their approach and way is the only way. Direct action is the only way, getting in people's faces is all that works, putting stickers on meat, protests, giving money, posting videos of heinous acts is all that works, etc. There is no end to the different ways that people approach advocating for animals and no end to the amount of arguments, attacks, and trolling that can happen if your approach is not the one that someone else subscribes to. I'm not being critical of animal rights advocates, this is my perception based on what I have experienced after a lot of years as a vegan and the decades prior as a vegetarian. I don't know what approach to saving animals is the best or even if there is a "best"; what I do know is what works for me and where I lean. The approach that Esther's dads take is more in line with my own approach and what suits my personality.
Listening to people, providing information, showing them how easy and good the food can be, understanding and remembering when you were blind to the realities of farm animals lives and thinking about what would have made you change, has always been my approach. I have and still continue to help many people move towards removing all animals from their plates. I post food or I veganize recipes or answer questions and try to not to appear judgmental of their choices even when internally I may be. I loved the thread throughout the book about being clear on your approach, sticking to it, believing it, not apologizing for it, and ignoring critics. It obviously helps that my approach is similar, yet I appreciate the reminder that there are others who take the kindness first approach as well. It was very comforting for me to read their words.
The writing, with the help of Caprice Crane is clear, easy to read, keeps your attention, makes you think, and is quite funny and poignant. I laughed a lot and certainly cried (especially in the epilogue). The story telling is spot on in the level of detail which allows you to feel like you are right there with them. The recipes at the end of the book are an excellent addition and bonus and a great way to close out the book.
I love what Esther represents for those of us who love animals, I loved reading this book, and recommend it for a quick read.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting, entertaining book about two men who moved from a small home to a large farm to start an animal sanctuary. While I thoroughly applaud their goals, I felt annoyed by the lack of planning/knowledge with which they jumped into the project. Frequently the mistakes described in the books (escaped animals, downed fences, animals fighting for dominance) were because they "didn't know." Esther named in the title is a 650 pound pig, who was adopted as a mini-pig but was obviously not, is an ambassador for rescue animals and veganism. The authors are big-hearted and left their jobs and home to move to a fixer-upper farm, and this book gently promotes the vegan way-of-life and protecting animals.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and witty read. Esther had now entered her difficult teenager phase and along with the fellow pigs, goats and cows she has become a veritable Houdini, getting past the various fences with ease and going on the run.

Comedian Ricky Gervais visits the sanctuary and is shocked to learn the truth about the dairy industry. Even as an intelligent and compassionate animal lover he had no idea that cows don’t just walk around lactating freely. Rather, they must be forcibly impregnated, give birth and then have their calves taken away from them so that humans can take their milk. As such, concerned with the suffering of such sentient beings, the final pages are given over to plant-based “Esther-Approved” recipes, in hope of helping readers make more compassionate choices.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the first book by these guys, Esther The Wonder Pig, Happily Ever Esther is a light, conversational, enjoyable read. It picks up where the first book left off and offers insight into the process of moving from their previous home to the new (to them) farm that was to become a home for not only Esther and her humans, but also dozens of other rescued animals. Throughout, main author Steve Jenkins (he's the voice of these books, even though he apparently had help) is engaging and very honest. This is a must read for devotees to the Esther The Wonder Pig Facebook page (with a million+ followers!), especially those who have read the first book. Everyone else: start with the first book!

[Amanda Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Esther. I probably would give this book l stars just for having her face on the cover. However, my rating is also backed up with the great stories inside. Stories about Esther and stories about other pigs, goats, horses, cows, and others living on her sanctuary. It's also capped off with some great recipes. While some of the vegan messages are repetitive causing them to seem preachy, they are well positioned within various tales so they aren't as overstated as they could be. Overall, if you want a fun read about a beautiful, wonderful animal (and one who doesn't die in the end), this is your book.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

#FirstLine ~ Bringing home a new family member can be a life-altering experience.

I love this story. It is fun to follow and see how things have shook out since the first book. This is a story that is about love and rolling with what happens next. It is sweet and crazy and almost unbelievable!!! I love that these men have taken a strange and life changing situation and done so much to help in so many ways! Love, love, love this story so much!

[Tory Hunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther is my favorite Wonder Pig. This book picks up from when Esther and her dads move to the farm and start acquiring new sanctuary residents. Short, quick read with some juicy sanctuary details you don't see on their social media pages. 🐷

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a positive uplifting book.

[Andrea McDermott · Rating 5 out of 5]

this isn’t going to win any awards for literary genius but I love this family and the message they are spreading!

[Tribefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this one very much!

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and interesting read if you're a fan of Esther The Wonder Pig. If you're not, then probably not so much. It's the story of two city guys who buy a farm and begin a farm animal rescue/sanctuary.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can probably guess what the whole story is going to be about just by reading the cover. You can probably fill in the blanks by reading the jacket flap. That's why a lot of people probably picked up this book. Unfortunately, the voice in which it is told seems... watery and amateur at times.

I think it has to do with the co-author. There's a clear clash of ideas here - Steve and Derek's hard, impassioned quest and Caprice Crane's attempt to make it marketable? To Americanize it? To make it a family tale? It is never quite as funny or as impacting as you want it to be. The whole situation is absurd but also really admirable. These are two guys doing something big with their lives and for the lives of others.

But Happily Ever Esther amount to not much more than another piece of merchandise to sell in the Esther store. I don't want to see the movie adaptation if it is written by the same people. I only met Esther through this book, not through social media like most people - I'll probably forget about her in a day or two. And I don't think that's what the authors wanted to happen.

Better luck with the sequel, Once Upon a Pig?

[Megan Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after my daughter received it for Christmas. She was very interested in the story of Esther the Wonder Pig and is now considering becoming vegetarian, so the recipes in the back of the book were a definite bonus (and delicious)! This was a fun light read - even though I hadn't read the first book, it was easy to pick up the story of Esther and her Dads and is told as a series of anecdotes...a bit like having a conversation after dinner over a nice bottle of wine.
We hope to one day be able to visit the Happily Ever Esther sanctuary, but until then, reading about their adventures was fun (and occasionally quite honest and very poignant). Highly recommend, even if you aren't vegetarian or vegan :-)

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of this book is very entertaining and brought good memories of raising pigs.. However it was hard for me to read at times for a couple of reasons. With a PhD in Nutrition I know that a vegan diet is not a really good diet especially for growing children. I also was very upset about the anti meat industry especially dairy and pig framers.

[Jeimy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenkins picks up right where Esther the Wonder Pig leaves off. While I loved the first book, this one feels a bit more disjointed. The only saving grace is that the Jenkins continues to see the humor in his predicaments.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and delightful book! All my kitties are rescues and for these gentlemen to take it upon themselves to rescue farm animals is so heartwarming!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway. What a delightful easy read book about opening a sanctuary for animals, unprepared but with an open heart and a willingness to work hard. If you love animals, you will love this book!