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The Amish of Apple Creek #1

Happily Ever Amish

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Combining the appeal of a small-town Amish setting and favorite romance tropes, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the most beloved voices in inspirational romance—presents the first in a heart-warming new series perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Charlotte Hubbard.

Addie Byler may be Apple Creek’s resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer—and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers—until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then, a second note arrives . . .

It’s not that Daniel Miller doesn’t like Addie, he just doesn’t want to court her. She’s too willful, too chatty, too odd. Yet when he learns she’s been teased because she’s never had a beau, he decides to send a little note of encouragement. One note leads to another. And when Addie begins replying with thoughtful messages of her own, he’s struck by her sweetness and warmth.

As chilly winter melts into spring, what began as a gesture of sympathy becomes something much deeper. Daniel fears revealing the truth, but with courage, faith—and a helping hand from their close-knit community—Apple Creek’s most unlikely couple may find their path to happiness . . .

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2022

334 people are currently reading
1370 people want to read

About the author

Shelley Shepard Gray

126 books2,314 followers
Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,445 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2022
This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the first book in the Amish of Apple Creek series. I really enjoyed reading this book. I love seeing the two main characters figuring out what they wanted out of life, and I also find out they need each other. I loved the letter writing in this book because I found the idea of it so cute and fun. This book was so much more than just a romance. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington) or author (Shelley Shepard Gray) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,407 reviews119 followers
November 20, 2022
An Amish wildflower raised by her grandmother; Addie Byler feels that she doesn't quite fit in with the other Amish youth. Apple Creek, Ohio, a small, vibrant Amish community where Addie lives helping her elderly grandmother and talking to her rescue donkey, Snickers. I really loved the character Snickers I think he helps Addie to relax and be less anxious. I have read so many of this author's books over the years, she has quite a few and they are all equally amazing. She truly writes from the heart and brings these characters to life. Not everything is wonderful all the time but it's realistic and the characters talk things out and offer each other compassion, forgiveness and love.
Realistic daily Amish life is what you'll find in this book. Surprises along the way offer up joy and a chance at a new beginning. An inspiring book full of hope and family values.

Blog review here https://veganbookblogger.wordpress.co...

Pub Date 25 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
725 reviews177 followers
October 25, 2022
A Heartwarming Amish Fiction book that drew me in from the first page. It was written by Shelley Shepard Gray and I’ve loved all of her books that I have read. This book certainly didn’t disappoint! The theme of this book was learning to trust others and being able to forgive those who have hurt you. I thought the book was entertaining and emotional. It was definitely a page turner and the main characters were engaging and realistic. My favorite character was Addie Holmes because she had a hard life and was emotionally scared from the actions of others in her life. Daniel Miller came in a close second as my favorite character. I could tell from the very beginning that he was different from his friends and that he had a good heart. I loved the books happily ever after ending. This is a book that will stay with me for a while and I’m glad I decided to read it.

Addie Holmes was considered to be a bit odd by most of her school friends. Some of these friends had been cruel to her and she had been excluded from their friendship circles. Yes she was Amish and most of us, myself included, thought Amish people were more kinder to others but in this story we see a different side of them when it came to the younger people. Even after Addie had graduated and left school she wasn’t excepted and most often was talked about by her former school acquaintances. She talked to donkeys. She was so odd that her parents didn’t want her and dropped her off at her grandparents so they could raise her.

Daniel Miller never made much of an effort to befriend Addie during his school years but he wasn’t mean to her either. At an engagement party for an Amish couple his friends gathered around and began saying mean and degrading comments about Addie. Daniel spoke up on her behalf and didn’t want to talk about her. After the party he wanted to do something to make Addie happy. He started to send her secret admirer letters . Addie wondered who could be sending her these letters and she thought whoever it was might be trying to make it a joke at her expense. She decided to respond to these notes and they corresponded with one another by leaving notes in a hallowed out trunk of an old oak tree. She had no idea it was Daniel and she wondered how long these notes would continue and if she would ever get to meet this secret admirer.

Addie had grown up feeling bitter against her parents for leaving her with her grandparents. Over the years she hadn’t heard anything from either one of them. Then after her grandfather had died she learned that her father had died and her mother was a drug addict who went to jail for robbery. Her grandmother had known this for a while but she had told Addie she didn’t know their whereabouts. Addie felt betrayed by almost everyone in her life. Even so she tried to help others when she trained her donkey to be a therapy animal and they would go out to nursing homes and even hospitals visiting patients and residents. She took care of her grandmother who by that time was quite up in years. Would she ever marry and have a family? Why didn’t her friends like her? Was she rude to people?
Even her own parents didn’t like her.

I recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and fans of the author. This is the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's new series The Amish of Apple Creek. This book is scheduled to be released on 10/25/22.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

#HappilyEverAmish#NetGalley
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,224 reviews35 followers
October 28, 2022
An Amish wallflower raised by her grandmother with a sweet, therapy donkey named Snickers feels ignored by almost everyone. Then one day she receives a note from a “Secret Admirer” … and her world seems a little brighter.

My Review …
You won’t like the young women who are Addie’s age and make snarky comments about her behind her back. AND even to her face. The single men in Apple Creek should take note. “She talks to her donkey.” “She’s never had a beau.”

Shoot, I talk to my 'four-foot manager'. And I wear glasses too, at least some of the time. Snarky little twits. Wonder how they talk about little ole ladies?

Addie Byler tells herself that she has a loving grandmother and her moments with those needing Snickers visits are 'wunderbar'. But she does miss having friends her own age. And she knows what was said.

Daniel Miller realizes when standing with his friends and several girls that he did not like their comments about Addie. And he decides to send her an uplifting note, signed “Secret Admirer”. At first, and understandably, Addie thinks it might be a prank. But what if it wasn’t? So she replies and a correspondence begins using a hollow in a tree as their mailbox. And eventually …

So does my manager.)
So does my manager.)
The plot …
You are quickly on Addie’s side and want a fulfilling life for her. You will like Daniel who seems to be more mature than his “friends”. Oh, he talks to his dog, Bob, too. Bob thinks Daniel is supposed to be in bed by 10 pm. (So does my manager.)

Emotions …
Some may feel an emotional connection to the two main characters. Ever felt like you were a square peg trying to fit into a round hole? Or had to be around people who you knew were talking about you behind your back? Or seeing it done to someone else but didn’t know what to do that wouldn’t make the situation worse? I admired Daniel for taking action instead of just being empathetic.

“Happily Ever Amish” was truly an enjoyable read and gets a full five stars from this reviewer. Be sure to add this to your “Gotta Read These Amish Books” list.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Happily Ever Amish” via NetGalley from the publisher, Kensington Books. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
#HappilyEverAmish #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
August 8, 2022
3.5 stars

A delightful start to a new series. A key theme of learning to trust others will likely resonate with many readers. Characters are well-drawn and realistic, and it's easy to connect with and root for Addie, as well as Daniel. There is solid development in both main characters. I've never read a book with a donkey as a therapy animal, so that was a nice point, as well. In fact, he was one of my favorite characters in the story, and he had many moments where he put a smile on my face.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,270 reviews923 followers
December 20, 2022
Addie Holmes has been regarded as different and maybe a little strange by her peers. She’s quiet, lives with her grandmother and has been seen talking to her pet donkey. But she captures Daniel Miller’s attention. He’s heard the talk about Addie, but never really considered her, and on thinking finds it very unfair that she’s been labeled odd. Seeing her at a friend’s wedding and how apart she is from the crowd he decides to write her an anonymous letter telling her he sees her and finds her special and asks her to write back.

They begin exchanging letters and Addie seems to come out of her shell a bit to the point that they start running into each other in person. Daniel sees what everyone has been missing. A beautiful, kind-hearted, interesting woman, but he’s worried as soon as Addie finds out he’s her secret admirer it’ll ruin any chance he has to win her heart.

I felt bad for Addie and the way a few made her feel, how they influenced others to think her strange, not knowing the full picture or how this talk might hurt her. At first Addie thinks these letters are a joke at her expense, but they become the bright part of her week. They give her a boost of confidence knowing that someone else besides her grandmother and Snickers, her pet donkey see value in her. I liked that she had some spine, too, and didn’t let the opinion of others dictate her actions. I loved the story behind Snickers, the donkey she rescued, how much he enriched her life and brought happiness to others!

Happily Ever Amish
was a sweet romance that brought joy to my heart. I’m fairly new to the Amish romances, but I like how they highlight looking at the positives in life, being kind, and thinking of others.

A copy was kindly provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews209 followers
October 28, 2022
Oh, this book was simply delightful! In the opening pages of Happily Ever Amish, the author included an Amish proverb that fit the events of this story perfectly. It was “Everything has its beauty – but not everyone sees it.” That really summed up the way Addie was treated by the other Amish young people. She was always left on the outskirts with people her own age and some even gossiped about her and ignored her.

I thought it was sweet that Daniel wanted to do something to lift Addie’s spirits, even though he did not really think about how connecting with her through letters could eventually be an uncomfortable situation to end. I loved the way his eyes were opened to the gem that Addie truly was as they traded letters back and forth.

There was a lot of depth to this story and I liked seeing Daniel and Addie begin to get to know each other in real life, too, apart from the letters. The emotions that both characters felt in this story really resonated with me. There were some beautiful lessons in the novel, too, about forgiveness, grace, and the importance of being kind to others and aware that everyone has worth.

This story made me so happy to read. I loved the interactions between Addie and Daniel both in the letters they exchanged and also as they began to get to know each other in real life. I highly recommend this sweet story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,232 reviews76 followers
October 26, 2022
Combining contemporary romance with Amish characters gave this book a sense of authenticity. Addie Byler is the main character, an Amish girl who really lacks self-confidence since she was abandoned by her parents as a young child and raised by her grandmother. Daniel Miller, a young Amish man, sees how shy Addie is and wants to help her be more confident, so he comes up with the idea to send her anonymous notes commenting on her good qualities. The story is predictable but a good one in that Addie and Daniel have some bumps in the road in their pursuit of romance. Addie also has to overcome her rejection from her mother and what she feels is betrayal from her grandmother. The themes of forgiveness, self-acceptance and loving the unlovable are all portrayed well in this quick read. The pace was just fast enough to keep me interested but not so fast that I lost out on details that were needed later. This is the beginning of a new series set in Apple Creek and was so heartwarming that I look forward to more books just like it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Jill.
1,201 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2022
4 stars
Happily Ever Amish
by Shelley Shepard Gray
An absolutely delightful tale. Addie is different from the rest of her Amish community and has trouble fitting in and making friends. She struggles to accept her life and herself. Shelley Shepard Gray has written a timeless book, Addie's struggles will resonate with almost anyone, and it was a pleasure reading through her struggle and growth. This is just a wonderful book with fleshed out characters that as a reader, I could not help but love. I would love to see this turned into a series.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books655 followers
December 14, 2022
My thoughts:. This wasn't my favorite book by this author, but it does have some good thoughts. I like how the author showed that everyone has some worth even those people that their peers consider nobody. Once you get to know them you find that they are actually somebody worth knowing. I like Daniel he was sweet and considerate. Addie was insecure and felt like she was nobody, until she learned that she had value. The ending was kind of rushed but it was sweet. If you like Amish stories you will enjoy this one. There is little to no faith message and the romances very light. It is more about growing up and discovering who You are. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,894 reviews452 followers
May 28, 2023
I love books when the basis of a new relationship comes in the form of letter writing, and that is how this first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series begin. Addie is exchanging letters with her S.A., Secret Admirer,, and it takes her some time to discover who she is losing her heart to.

It is Daniel who is admiring Addie from afar and the two do eventually personally interact. However, he holds his identity as her S.A. away from her as their connection is being built.

What a lovely story and a great start to a new series for me. I am enjoying the many Shelley Shepard Gray books that I have been reading and this ranks right up there with the others that I have loved.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book507 followers
March 19, 2023
“Everything has its beauty – but not everyone sees it.”

If I had to sum up Shelley Shepard Gray’s writing style with one word it would be ‘heart’, and the same can be said of Happily Ever Amish. Not only does the author’s heart shine through in the narrative and in the warmth of her characters, but the theme of this story is all about heart, too. Specifically, bypassing all other factors and looking at the heart of a person to form your opinion of them.

Addie Byler is a wallflower, partly by choice and partly by circumstances. From her glasses to her therapy donkey (yes you read that right) and lack of parents, Addie doesn’t quite fit the mold of an Amish girl in Apple Creek. Get ready, though, because her slightly-lonely-but-mostly-contented-life is about to get turned on its head! I loved Addie’s character, and I really loved her rescue donkey Snickers. The author gave him such personality for a nonverbal character, and he just made me smile every time he was on the page. Speaking of animals with big personalities, Daniel’s dog Bob also delighted me. Gray always does such a stellar job creating her four-legged supporting characters, and Happily Ever Amish has two great ones.

For his part, Daniel Miller goes with the flow. While he’s never been mean to Addie, he begins to feel badly that he also hasn’t gone out of his way to befriend her. He doesn’t want to court her (famous last words!) but he wants her to know that she’s valued nonetheless. Daniel has such a good heart (there’s that word again), and his intentions to encourage Addie with a ‘secret admirer’ note are honorable if perhaps a bit short-sighted. Watching these two form a sweet friendship outside the letters they’re exchanging (unbeknownst to Addie) is everything warm and charming, and the little ‘You’ve Got Mail’ twist was icing on the cake for me.

Bottom Line: Happily Ever Amish may not be a fairy tale retelling in its truest sense, but it has some fairy tale elements tucked away between the lines, and I’m here for it. Gray’s writing voice draws you in and keeps you invested in this tender story, rooting for Addie & Daniel to find their happily-ever-after despite some bumps along the way. The supporting characters – both the two- & four-legged varieties – add humor and depth to the story, and I look forward to seeing where the series goes from here!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,050 reviews83 followers
October 18, 2022
Happily Ever Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is the beginning of The Amish of Apple Creek series. It is a sweet story. I enjoyed getting to know Addie Byler and Daniel Miller. Addie has never felt like she fit into the community of Apple Creek. Her mother left her with her grandparents when she was four years old. Addie is now nineteen and takes care of her grandmother. She has a donkey that is a therapy animal (it is a real thing). People find her odd because she talks to her donkey, but they are unaware that Snickers is a smart and intuitive donkey. Daniel takes notice of Addie at a couple’s engagement party. He did not like the comments his friends were making. He decided to send her a note signed “secret admirer.” Daniel wanted to boost Addie’s confidence. They correspond for a few weeks until Daniel accidentally drops one of Addie’s envelopes in front of her. The secret is out, and Daniel needs to show Addie that he was sincere. I like Shelley Shepard Gray’s writing style. It is friendly and draws the reader into the story. I thought the characters were realistic and relatable. I can relate to Addie’s feelings of being different and not fitting in. We get to watch Daniel and Addie learn more about themselves. This enabled to figure out what they wanted. I found Addie’s grandmother to be a spunky woman who was well-respected in the community. I like that the author featured the lost art of letter writing. It does not have the instant gratification of texts. Letters, though, can provide a way for people to express their feelings and for people to get to know one another. Happily Ever Amish had moments that made me smile and others that make you sad. I was rooting for Daniel and Addie. Addie’s story is one that will resonate with many people. I am looking forward to reading Once Upon a Buggy next spring. Happily Ever Amish is a tender tale with a good-natured grandmother, clandestine letters, cruel rumors, a prolix preacher, a darling donkey, and an exposed secret.
3,921 reviews1,763 followers
December 4, 2022
Happy Sigh. A new Amish series from Shelley Shepard Gray is always something to get excited about and The Amish of Apple Creek promises to be another memorable one.

Love the way the author has set the series up -- I'm guessing that Daniel's bachelor friends are going to get their own stories in the near future. But I also really loved the soul-searching in this first book. And not just with Addie and Daniel, but his friends as well. It makes for a wonderful springboard for future adventures among the set.

Addie is misunderstood, partly due to malicious gossip but also because she's resigned to be overlooked. She suffers in silence as the confirmed outsider and pours her heart into serving her ailing grandmother and the people she works for. Her best friend is a donkey named Snickers! His story is fabulous so I won't give anything away except to say that he's the epitome of true friendship. :-)

Daniel's the kind of guy who goes with the flow. He's never been mean to Addie but he never speaks up against the gossip either...until one day he notices her standing all alone in a crowd and starts to wonder. So he sends her a secret admirer note. What follows is heartwarming and heartbreaking and funny and sweet and everything in between. And so much more!

So excited for this new series by a much loved author of Amish Romance.

https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Michelle Rhoden.
507 reviews17 followers
July 3, 2022
Addie has always felt like an outcast because she was known as the girl whose mom didn’t want her, was being raised by her grandmother and was always talking to her donkey. Daniel knew Addie when they were younger, but never interacted with her. When he learns how kind and caring she is, he makes a decision to make her feel important and like she is worth something. When Daniel sends Addie a letter and signs it from a secret admirer, Addie feels leery in believing someone would want to befriend her. The letter comes at a time when Addie is struggling with finding out that her grandmother has been in contact with Addie’s mother and now wants to meet with Addie after all these years and also that the dad she never knew, has died and bequeathed her some money. What will happen when Addie finds out Daniel is sending her secret admirer? Will she accept the money her dad left her and will she be able to put aside all the anger she has towards her mom and let her be a part of her life again? I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

My words and opinions are my own. I was given a complimentary book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
July 25, 2022
Another awesome story by Shelley Shepard Gray that I absolutely loved!
Addie is so much like me that I felt like Gray was telling my life story! Just wow!
I connected so much with Addie. I felt her joys and the pain of everything she went through. Same thing I went through my whole life.
People can be so cruel and still are. Even today I'm sometimes not sure how to deal with them. That's where God comes in. That you Lord that I have Jesus. I couldn't have done it myself.
Addie is a special person. I'll treasure this story always. I'm still thinking about it.
Snickers though stole the show. I thought he was the cutest thang. I could just picture that sweet donkey.
There's a bit of mystery involved too and that was what kept me engaged. I do love twists and turns that are throughout this novel.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done. I'm still thinking about Addie and that sweet donkey
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
1,157 reviews13 followers
May 1, 2023
Loved this book!!!!
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,268 reviews
October 31, 2022
This was an enjoyable story even with the emotional ups and downs of the characters. Addie Holmes didn’t have the best childhood but had a big heart in assisting others. I truly enjoyed how her rescued donkey, Snickers, was a therapy animal. Addie and Daniel’s story tugged at my heart with a reminder that each individual is unique and had a lot to offer others. The themes of trust, forgiveness and seeing the value of others is well displayed throughout the story. Addie and Daniel will remain in my heart in the months ahead and I look forward to the next book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s new series, The Amish of Apple Creek.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an early e-copy of this wonderful tale. I have expressed my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,834 reviews159 followers
November 3, 2022
'Everything has its beauty---but not everyone sees it.'

This Amish proverb sets the stage for a thought-provoking story that reminds us to look beyond the outward appearance so that we can find the true beauty inside. Happily Ever Amish explores a young woman's emotions, as she continues to deal with the rejection of her parents and her feelings of isolation from the other young people in her Amish community. And then, Addie receives a letter from a secret admirer, and her whole life changes. Will Addie finally recognize her true worth through the words shared in their exchanged letters?

Addie, Daniel, and Addie's grandmother are unique characters who experience tremendous growth and change during this story, and there's also Addie's true confidant, a special rescue donkey named Snickers. I love Shelley Shepard Gray's special touch of including the conversations between Addie and Snickers, and I also appreciate the letters between Addie and Daniel. We're reminded of the value of sharing our thoughts, through speech or through the written word.

Happily Ever Amish is a delightful romance to enjoy and savor! I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,579 reviews74 followers
October 2, 2022
Happily Ever Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is a wonderful book. I enjoyed this book very much. It is a story about Annie who was dropped off at her grandmother’s home when she was five years old. Her mother did not want her anymore. The children at school made fun of Annie because she lived with her grandmother and she also has a pet donkey that she talks to. As years go by Annie grows into a beautiful young lady but is basically an outcast in her age group. She does not have any friends except one girl who is her English driver.

One day Annie gets a letter from a secret admirer. She has no idea who sent her the letter, but she does write back and they start a correspondence. When Annie finds out who sent the letter at first she is very upset but later realizes that the secret admirer is very sincere.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Amish fiction.. I received a copy of the book from NetGalley.. The opinions expressed are my own
377 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2022
Daniel Miller has known Addie Byler all his life but the other young people in their group gossip about her and think she is strange. He doesn't like the way they talk about her so he decides to become her friend. He chooses to be a "secret admirer" and exchange notes without actually making physical contact. Addie is lonely and she enjoys this for a while but she starts running into Daniel around town and he is suddenly a lot more personable than he has ever been. She is now processing this sudden interest and also the enjoyable correspondence with the secret admirer. When the secret comes out it causes a stir for both parties. This is a fun story and has some good lessons in it and a good conclusion.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Paula.
436 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2022
Happily Ever Amish is a lovely story of Addie, a young girl that has had a turbulent life. She was left by her mother to be raised by her grandparents when she was four, and now that she is nineteen, she still has no friends to speak of, because the others like to tease her that even her mother didn't want her. So she is lonely but tries to do her best. Soon she receives a letter from an admirer, somebody local but she doesn't know who. Daniel is a boy she has known for years, but they have never talked until recently. He seems nice, but he is a popular boy with many friends, so she doesn't know why he would want to be friends with her. Daniel sees her as a lonely girl and he tries to befriend her because he doesn't like how the others make fun of her. He begins to care for her in a deeper way, until she finds out he is her admirer. Lovely story I enjoyed reading!
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
August 20, 2022
Shelley Shephard Gray once again gives us a story that will keep you turning the pages. A sweet story of love gone sideways, I really enjoyed this storyline of forgiveness and being yourself. We’re all different in some way, and Happily Ever Amish reminds us that we all have value and are worth getting to know.

Daniel and Addie are both dealing with things in their lives but they find the courage to become friends. And they help each other to grow and get past those things (I’m being careful not to give spoilers.) Then there’s Snickers. Snickers is adorable and key to this story. You’ll love him!

If you enjoy Amish fiction with a bit of a twist, then I recommend Happily Ever Amish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,712 reviews1,123 followers
November 2, 2023


This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Happily Ever Amih is the first book in the "Amish of Apple Creek" series and after falling for the Cinderella retelling, I was really curious about this one here. In some aspects this has some Cinderella themes to it, but not as heavily focused. I am really starting to enjoy this author and want to read more of her works. Even though this wasn't my favorite Amish romance, it had the typical charm and delight that you can expect from an Amish romance. The heroine is a bit interesting, but the story is endearing and I loved the grandmother and the hero is so solid. I love seeing such strength in a romance and this one has it in spades.

First Line
Daniel Miller was bored.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Daniel
-Amish
-Custodian at the local Hospital and a bit of a counselor at times
-Hardworking

The Heroine: Addie
-Orphan
-Raised by her grandmother
-Works odd jobs
-A pet Donkey who is also a emotional support animal for the county

Summary
Addie Byler is the well known wallflower of the area, she was abandoned by her parents to be raised by her grandmother and was raised to be hard working and prepare for being a wife and mother one day. But Addie is shy and wears glasses and has never been the popular girl in school. Always a bit of a outcast in many ways because she was different. Then we have Daniel, who is attracted to Addie when he sees her at a local party and wants to start courting her but knows that she would be apprehensive on his intentions. So he starts leaving her letters and they start exchanging letters with each other. Soon they start exchanging warm thoughts with each other and wanting more from each other, but will Addie be able to forgive Daniel of his deception and embrace the love she can have with him?

What I Loved
Happily Ever Amish is such a cute tale. I really enjoyed the love letter aspect to the story. Seeing these two people learn to get to know each other through writing letters and leaving it in a hollow of a tree? I mean that is such a romantic meet cute for them. But developing a relationship with each other won't be so easy as either of them expect that it will be. I really enjoyed seeing these two bond with one another. The ways in which they come together was endearing. I loved how Daniel is though. You see so much more to his job and I love that he helps Amish people in the hospital and brings comfort to them. The relationship between Addie and her grandmother is just so fun and quite honestly delivered so many laughs for me. The romance between Addie and Daniel is sweet and steady. They have to work together to overcome issues but you see them learn how to communicate with each other and the work that it takes when you are new to a romantic relationship. And the story came with so many cozy moments so if you are looking for a wonderful winter read to cozy up with, this is your ticket.

What I Struggled With
There were just a few aspects that I really struggled with. I had a hard time with the romance at times. I do wish that there had been more swoony moments. But with Amish these aspects can definitely feel more surface level sometimes. The heroine was hard to take at times. She was always making assumptions and accusations and not listening to reason and thinking things through. She overreacts constantly and while it would be understandable for one or two things, its obvious she was written with her personality like this and it was just hard to read at times. I just wanted to shake a "calm chill pill" into her haha She really needed to learn to relax and get all the facts before reacting as strongly as she does.

Narration
Tavis Gilbert is actually one of my favorite narrators so I always have a good time when she is narrating a story. She has such a lovely voice and its easy to listen to when she is at the helm.

Overall View
Happily Ever Amish is a sweet and cozy Amish romance that will deliver vibes for winter, friendship and a charming love letter theme with a few laughs along the way....will lift the spirit from beginning to end.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Inspirational Romance
Character Types: Amish
Themes: Pining Hero, Love Letters
Tropes: Unrequited Love, Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
The Gathering by Will Ackerman

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone if needed.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy

Narrators:
Tavia Gilbert

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Profile Image for Carole Jarvis.
556 reviews58 followers
February 20, 2024
Shelley's books are comfort reads for me, and Happily Ever Amish is a great beginning to a new series. It has a lot of heart, relational situations, and the day-to-day living out of faith. The gentle romance between Addie and Daniel progresses at a natural, steady pace. And readers will fall in love with Snickers, Addie's rescue donkey.
Profile Image for Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs.
1,959 reviews38 followers
August 10, 2023
Be willing to be loved

Addie is one of the best characters. I felt a connection to her story that one doesn’t always feel. I’ve come away with a better outlook on a few aspects of my own life.

Happily Ever Amish shows us friendship comes in all shapes and love does too. We have to be willing to open up our heart.
Profile Image for Dawn.
232 reviews22 followers
November 3, 2022
Very sweet albeit, unusual romance. The real star of the story, though, is Snickers. The therapy donkey.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,799 reviews124 followers
June 10, 2024
3⭐️⭐️⭐️.5🎧

Gossip is in every community. They say Addie is odd because she has a donkey and was raised by her grandmother. She has an English friend who she pays to take her to town. They do become friends, but it's not the same.
Addie is the primary caregiver to her grandmother, who is 72, and her health is declining.

Daniel is the only person who makes an effort to say hello to Addie, but he just doesn't want to court her. But as he learns that she has been teased for things she can't change, he decides to write her a secret admirer letter.

Their friendship blooms through letters, even if she doesn't know who the SA is.
But outside of the SA letters, they become friends as well, and Daniel realizes just how wrong everyone was about Addie. She isn't really all that odd; no one has ever taken the time to get to know her.

I really enjoyed their story. It is very much a slow burn, and I was here for it.
The narration was perfect for the story. Tavia Gilbert is a great voice actor.
Profile Image for Faye.
303 reviews37 followers
February 28, 2024
I loved this book. Sweet, clean, and definitely kept my interest. I didn't want to put the book down.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
668 reviews18 followers
October 13, 2022
Beautiful Story

The book's description labels Addie Byler and Daniel Miller as "Apple Creek's most unlikely couple." While this seems like an appropriate label, as I got to know Addie and Daniel better, I felt like they were more of a likely couple than an unlikely one.

Addie is seen by others as being very odd. They talk about how Addie never had any boys show interest in her during her school years, and has no one showing an interest in courting her now. On top of that she has a pet donkey that she talks to. It's a wonder that people see her as strange, but that's the sad reality of what happens when people look at the superficial instead of what's deep inside. If they had looked deeper, they would have seen a sweet, caring, helpful and hard working young lady.

Enter Daniel. He's known Addie since they were children, but he doesn't really "know" her. What he knows is that others are talking about Addie and making fun of her. Daniel's caring spirit rises to the occasion and he hatches a plan to help Addie by posing as her secret admirer. However, it's a funny thing about the best laid plans. They don't always go as planned and Daniel finds himself truly getting to know Addie and seeing her in a new light.

Along side their story is a subplot that throws in a little intrigue which adds just the right touch to understanding more about Addie, but doesn't deter from Addie and Daniel's truly beautiful story. I loved how their friendship blossomed and deepened turning them from Apple Creek's most unlikely couple to its most likely one.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.
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