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The Amish of Apple Creek #2
Once Upon a Buggy
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray—one of the most beloved voices in inspirational romance—welcomes readers back to Apple Creek, Ohio, a bright and bustling Amish community where a fairy tale romance is in bloom—but getting to happily ever after may require seeing love through new eyes . . .Perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Charlotte Hubbard, this second installment in The Amish of Apple Creek is rich with warmth and utterly endearing characters sure to enchant readers looking for a sweet twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale.
May Schott would do anything to change the tragic moment when she stepped too close to the fire that left her best friend, Carl Hilty, devastatingly burned. After Carl left Apple Creek for extensive surgeries, May patiently prayed for one chance to ask his forgiveness. Now, six years later, Carl Hilty is coming home.
The reunion goes nothing like May anticipated. Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Carl again, she is speechless, unable to look away. And Carl’s own stone-cold silence leaves her certain that whatever attraction they once shared has been replaced by his hatred of her.
After hiding in the shadows of the big city, Carl has returned to connect with his family and to see if May can overlook his scars and accept his love—but it seems she wants nothing to do with him. He grudgingly agrees to stay with his family for a time before retreating once again. . . . But in Apple Creek, it’s easy to miss what everyone around you sees plain as day. For two people who belong together, it will take a few helping hands to heal the hurts of the past and make a miraculous new beginning.
May Schott would do anything to change the tragic moment when she stepped too close to the fire that left her best friend, Carl Hilty, devastatingly burned. After Carl left Apple Creek for extensive surgeries, May patiently prayed for one chance to ask his forgiveness. Now, six years later, Carl Hilty is coming home.
The reunion goes nothing like May anticipated. Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Carl again, she is speechless, unable to look away. And Carl’s own stone-cold silence leaves her certain that whatever attraction they once shared has been replaced by his hatred of her.
After hiding in the shadows of the big city, Carl has returned to connect with his family and to see if May can overlook his scars and accept his love—but it seems she wants nothing to do with him. He grudgingly agrees to stay with his family for a time before retreating once again. . . . But in Apple Creek, it’s easy to miss what everyone around you sees plain as day. For two people who belong together, it will take a few helping hands to heal the hurts of the past and make a miraculous new beginning.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
187 people are currently reading
5257 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,306 followersLibrarian 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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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 152 reviews
March 28, 2023
This is a beautiful story that focuses on the importance of forgiveness. Not to hang on to bitterness and anger towards those who have hurt you in the past. In this story we see the rift between two Amish families put a strain on the entire community of Apple Creek. Fear caused a young Amish girl, May Schott, to stand in the middle of a fire unable to move out of arms way. As Carl Hilty stayed with May encouraging her to run out of the barn he sheltered her with his own body causing Carl to be burned almost beyond recognition. Years later he comes back to Apple Creek to visit his Amish family but he seems to have a cool attitude towards May. For years the Schott and Hilty family have held grudges toward each other and both families blame each other because of what happen to Carl and May from that barn fire six years ago. Will Carl ever be friends with May again? Can he ever forgive May for not fleeing the barn fire quickly and causing him to go through life scared from the fire?
It took me a little while to get into this story but once I did I loved it. I thought this story was quite different from what this author usually writes but this doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the story. Sometimes it’s good to write a different story. By the book’s ending I found that I enjoyed it so much that I gave it five stars. This was a shorter book than I’m used to from this Author. At times I felt the story was rushed so as to get it all in before the ending came. It was a want to be novella with 202 pages. It was emotional, romantic and I thought the Characters were well suited for the book. The book has a cute ending .
I recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and Christian Fiction. Once Upon a Buggy is book 2 of The Amish of Apple Creek series. This book is scheduled to be released on 3/28/23.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#OnceUponaBuggy#NetGalley
It took me a little while to get into this story but once I did I loved it. I thought this story was quite different from what this author usually writes but this doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the story. Sometimes it’s good to write a different story. By the book’s ending I found that I enjoyed it so much that I gave it five stars. This was a shorter book than I’m used to from this Author. At times I felt the story was rushed so as to get it all in before the ending came. It was a want to be novella with 202 pages. It was emotional, romantic and I thought the Characters were well suited for the book. The book has a cute ending .
I recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and Christian Fiction. Once Upon a Buggy is book 2 of The Amish of Apple Creek series. This book is scheduled to be released on 3/28/23.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#OnceUponaBuggy#NetGalley
November 8, 2023
Quickie Review-May Contain Spoilers, Fair Warning Upon Reading This Review
This was absolutely a delightful read. I really went into this one blind and color me surprise when this was a family feud type of romance. It was quite interesting seeing this type of setup. It also had some aspects of Cinderella too it in some ways with the heroine working all the time and doing all the chores. So in that respect it definitely had connection to it. I found the story between these two to be sweet and dramatic and had some dynamic conflicts. My biggest issue with this one is the romantic connection could have been a bit stronger and also the conflict on the family feud didn't really feel that resolved to me. So I would have liked to see more focus on that being resolved. And in this one we also see two stories, as it features two siblings and each of them finding their HEA with their next door neighbors whom they have a feud with it. I did respect how the disability aspect of the story was handled. The hero had suffered severe burns and the author really build his background on this very well. And while this one was far from perfect, I thoroughly enjoyed it and eager to try more of this author. She is fun to read for a Amish read.
This was absolutely a delightful read. I really went into this one blind and color me surprise when this was a family feud type of romance. It was quite interesting seeing this type of setup. It also had some aspects of Cinderella too it in some ways with the heroine working all the time and doing all the chores. So in that respect it definitely had connection to it. I found the story between these two to be sweet and dramatic and had some dynamic conflicts. My biggest issue with this one is the romantic connection could have been a bit stronger and also the conflict on the family feud didn't really feel that resolved to me. So I would have liked to see more focus on that being resolved. And in this one we also see two stories, as it features two siblings and each of them finding their HEA with their next door neighbors whom they have a feud with it. I did respect how the disability aspect of the story was handled. The hero had suffered severe burns and the author really build his background on this very well. And while this one was far from perfect, I thoroughly enjoyed it and eager to try more of this author. She is fun to read for a Amish read.
March 3, 2023
First let's talk about this cover, The perfect spring cover I love it.
I love a fun Amish romance and Gray is great at giving us a romance will not soon forget.
This series can be read as standalone but both books are really good.
I hope you will take the journey to Apple Creek.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
January 31, 2023
May Schott and her beau Carl Hilty were meeting in the barn on her parents' property when the barn was hit by lightning and there was a fire. Carl got May out but was burned badly in the fire. Carl was sent away for a lot of time in a hospital burn unit. Now, several years later Carl returns. He has never joined the church and he has been living as English. His parents have long blame May for his injuries and both families, although neighbors and former friends, avoid each other. Both May and Carl have carried a torch for each other all these years but the situation looks impossible -- He is English and she is Amish, their families don't get along, and May feels to blame for Carl's injuries.
This is a great story and is a lot deeper than many of the Amish romances I have read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.
This is a great story and is a lot deeper than many of the Amish romances I have read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.
January 14, 2023
Once Upon a Buggy by Shelley Shepard Gray is book two in her Amish of Apple Creek series.
May Schott is excited to see Carl Hilty back in their Amish community. Carl Hilty is happy to be back in Apple Creek. There are years and cultures between them. How do they overcome it all?
Shelley Shepard Gray has another well-written Amish tale to her credit. The characters are well-rounded, and the plot is interesting. I rate Once Upon a Buggy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of Christian romance.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
May Schott is excited to see Carl Hilty back in their Amish community. Carl Hilty is happy to be back in Apple Creek. There are years and cultures between them. How do they overcome it all?
Shelley Shepard Gray has another well-written Amish tale to her credit. The characters are well-rounded, and the plot is interesting. I rate Once Upon a Buggy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of Christian romance.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
May 28, 2023
May Schott and Carl Hilty were Amish teenagers who snuck away to her family's barn to be alone. Sadly, the barn was struck by lightning and although May got out with a relatively minor injury, Carl was seriously hurt and had to be life-lighted to the hospital. It has been six years of pain, treatment and healing for Carl, and during those years he has become English. However, he makes a trip home to reconnect with his family, bearing lifelong scars.
Carl is used to people taking a long and second look at him, but the person that matters to him most is May. While Carl is renewing his connection to his family, things between him and May are tentative. Guilt and forgiveness go hand in hand in this second book in the Amish of Apple Creek series. I loved the story between Carl and May and how they had to resolve their past in order to move towards a blessed future together.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Carl is used to people taking a long and second look at him, but the person that matters to him most is May. While Carl is renewing his connection to his family, things between him and May are tentative. Guilt and forgiveness go hand in hand in this second book in the Amish of Apple Creek series. I loved the story between Carl and May and how they had to resolve their past in order to move towards a blessed future together.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 3, 2023
“There was nothing like a wayward alpaca to act as a reality check.”
While not a purist retelling of Beauty and the Beast, there are several elements in Once Upon a Buggy that will appeal to fans of that fairy tale, including me. Carl may be physically scarred and the obvious ‘beast’ archetype in this story, but May carries just as many scars on the inside from her guilt over the same fire that drove her and Carl apart and created a rift between their once-friendly families. In fact, this story paints a vivid picture of how bitterness and unforgiveness can make you ugly on the inside, no matter what your outside looks like – and I’m not referring to May here but rather to Carl’s father. Conversely, Shelley Shepard Gray also shows how beautiful reconciliation & restoration can be, namely through a secondary romance that made my love-story-loving heart happy.
And what’s a fairy tale without animals that have almost-human personalities and help work things out?? Oh how I loved the alpacas in Once Upon a Buggy – all named for Santa’s reindeer. The way May talked to them as though they were real people made me smile often, and they usually stole every scene they were in. The author gave each of these supporting animal-characters a larger-than-life personality that quickly endeared them to me, and I think other readers will agree with me, too. The role they play in breaking down some of the walls these families have figuratively built up is also fun to watch.
Bottom Line: Wayward alpacas. A outwardly scarred hero. An inwardly scarred heroine. Two feuding families. Two pairs of star-crossed loves. Storms within and without. All the ingredients for a romance with hints of both Beauty & the Beast and Romeo and Juliet. In Once Upon a Buggy, Gray once again has written a story that will engage your heart from beginning to end. More than one romance will capture your interest, and the sweet themes of forgiveness and faith may just help heal some readers’ heart-scars too. And let’s just admit it – the alpacas are hands-down the stars of this show. Be prepared to be delighted in more than one way as you visit the Amish of Apple Creek again, once upon a buggy.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
While not a purist retelling of Beauty and the Beast, there are several elements in Once Upon a Buggy that will appeal to fans of that fairy tale, including me. Carl may be physically scarred and the obvious ‘beast’ archetype in this story, but May carries just as many scars on the inside from her guilt over the same fire that drove her and Carl apart and created a rift between their once-friendly families. In fact, this story paints a vivid picture of how bitterness and unforgiveness can make you ugly on the inside, no matter what your outside looks like – and I’m not referring to May here but rather to Carl’s father. Conversely, Shelley Shepard Gray also shows how beautiful reconciliation & restoration can be, namely through a secondary romance that made my love-story-loving heart happy.
And what’s a fairy tale without animals that have almost-human personalities and help work things out?? Oh how I loved the alpacas in Once Upon a Buggy – all named for Santa’s reindeer. The way May talked to them as though they were real people made me smile often, and they usually stole every scene they were in. The author gave each of these supporting animal-characters a larger-than-life personality that quickly endeared them to me, and I think other readers will agree with me, too. The role they play in breaking down some of the walls these families have figuratively built up is also fun to watch.
Bottom Line: Wayward alpacas. A outwardly scarred hero. An inwardly scarred heroine. Two feuding families. Two pairs of star-crossed loves. Storms within and without. All the ingredients for a romance with hints of both Beauty & the Beast and Romeo and Juliet. In Once Upon a Buggy, Gray once again has written a story that will engage your heart from beginning to end. More than one romance will capture your interest, and the sweet themes of forgiveness and faith may just help heal some readers’ heart-scars too. And let’s just admit it – the alpacas are hands-down the stars of this show. Be prepared to be delighted in more than one way as you visit the Amish of Apple Creek again, once upon a buggy.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 14, 2023
Once Upon a Buggy was a sweet tale of two people who had been torn apart and separated by tragedy finding their way back to each other. I liked seeing how well Carl had adjusted to Englisch life. It was clearly where he belonged now.
It was hard to see how much blame May took upon herself for the fact that Carl had been so badly burned years earlier in the barn fire. But I loved the way she still saw Carl for the man he was and considered him good looking.
The secondary romance between Walker and Ally was really wonderful. I felt for them and all that they had gone through in the years since the fire, in which a huge rift between their families had developed. I was, honestly, very surprised that the Bishop for their district allowed that bitterness and hatred to fester within Carl’s parents’ hearts toward May and her family.
Once Upon a Buggy is the second book in the Amish of Apple Creek series, but can absolutely be read as a stand alone novel.
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...
It was hard to see how much blame May took upon herself for the fact that Carl had been so badly burned years earlier in the barn fire. But I loved the way she still saw Carl for the man he was and considered him good looking.
The secondary romance between Walker and Ally was really wonderful. I felt for them and all that they had gone through in the years since the fire, in which a huge rift between their families had developed. I was, honestly, very surprised that the Bishop for their district allowed that bitterness and hatred to fester within Carl’s parents’ hearts toward May and her family.
Once Upon a Buggy is the second book in the Amish of Apple Creek series, but can absolutely be read as a stand alone novel.
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...
June 20, 2024
Well, this was honestly just so unsatisfying. The main couple had no chemistry. None. In fact, I have never been so convinced that a couple shouldn’t be together in my life. The secondary couple, which were the main couple’s siblings (MMC’s sister and FMC’s brother) had fabulous chemistry. The book should have been about them. When the main couple finally kissed, I felt nothing. I have read Amish romance before, and I’ve enjoyed them. And this author is usually much better. No idea what happened here. But skip it. For your sake.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
July 22, 2025
I feel like I should start this review off with the note that I am not Christian and my next few words have nothing to do with any aspect of how Christianity was represented in this book because I have no expertise to chime in on that matter. My feelings are purely toward the romance.
Absolutely not my first pick off my tbr but I’m glad I did! This was a science experiment among friends, because we felt like I needed to experience what all the commotion was in the Amish Romance genre. I picked one that most appealed to me and “plowed” on through. Haha get it?
It’s obviously so sweet and to the point. There’s not the usual toxic back and forth with the occasional fist fight like I’m used to (and love) so everything progressed very cleanly and logically, (for the most part. I mean every story has those “wait how’d they get the alpacas again?” type of moments right?) including a non surprising engagement in the end.
I do have to say that I was much more invested in Ally and Walker’s Romeo and Juliet than I was May and Carl’s Beauty and the Beast. Carl was not a beast. He was a man from a very small sheltered community forced through a trauma that understandably left him scarred in more ways than one. I’d say for it to be called a beauty and the beast retelling, Carl would need to commit more ass- hattery than getting a job and a computer.
Welp science done! Back to sex before marriage books like the lil heathen I am!
Absolutely not my first pick off my tbr but I’m glad I did! This was a science experiment among friends, because we felt like I needed to experience what all the commotion was in the Amish Romance genre. I picked one that most appealed to me and “plowed” on through. Haha get it?
It’s obviously so sweet and to the point. There’s not the usual toxic back and forth with the occasional fist fight like I’m used to (and love) so everything progressed very cleanly and logically, (for the most part. I mean every story has those “wait how’d they get the alpacas again?” type of moments right?) including a non surprising engagement in the end.
I do have to say that I was much more invested in Ally and Walker’s Romeo and Juliet than I was May and Carl’s Beauty and the Beast. Carl was not a beast. He was a man from a very small sheltered community forced through a trauma that understandably left him scarred in more ways than one. I’d say for it to be called a beauty and the beast retelling, Carl would need to commit more ass- hattery than getting a job and a computer.
Welp science done! Back to sex before marriage books like the lil heathen I am!
June 16, 2023
This was a very good book about how Carl overcomes some difficult circumstances in his life to come back to Apple Creek. He’s met with a totally different experience than he expected. May Schott finds herself hoping for the opportunity to ask for forgiveness after six years of waiting for a young man she loves. Two families pulled apart by a fire find a way to move forward as well.
April 5, 2023
When asked if I would review Once Upon a Buggy, I knew I liked the author's books and figured I could squeeze it into my schedule. I had no idea it was a Beauty in the Beast retelling. I have not read the first book in the series, (yet) but Once Upon a Buggy can be read as a stand-alone novel.
I have mixed feelings about Once Upon a Buggy. It gets props for a more unique Amish storyline. It is a very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but there is no beast here, just a guy with a lot of burns and emotional baggage. Sadly, he does not have a fabulous library.
May and Carl's relationship is strained, especially after six years of no communication. Their interactions were awkward, their families feuding, and their siblings are in love with each other. I never felt the chemistry between May and Carl. However, their siblings' relationship was beautiful.
My biggest hang-up was the feud between the two families. It was very un-Amish-like, and odd that the bishop didn't step in. Once Upon A Buggy is a story of reconciliation, forgiveness, and letting go of guilt and things we can't control.
Thank you to the author and Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have mixed feelings about Once Upon a Buggy. It gets props for a more unique Amish storyline. It is a very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but there is no beast here, just a guy with a lot of burns and emotional baggage. Sadly, he does not have a fabulous library.
May and Carl's relationship is strained, especially after six years of no communication. Their interactions were awkward, their families feuding, and their siblings are in love with each other. I never felt the chemistry between May and Carl. However, their siblings' relationship was beautiful.
My biggest hang-up was the feud between the two families. It was very un-Amish-like, and odd that the bishop didn't step in. Once Upon A Buggy is a story of reconciliation, forgiveness, and letting go of guilt and things we can't control.
Thank you to the author and Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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February 16, 2023A full NetGalley review to follow.
April 9, 2023
This story of two Amish families in Apple Creek was heartwarming and also thought-provoking. Carl Hilty was badly burned in a fire when he and May Schott got caught in a barn that lightning suddenly struck. May was okay physically but Carl was injured horribly and ends up in a burn treatment center. Returning home to visit, he has to confront his past and his parents who carry a grudge against the Schott family since it was their barn where their beloved son got scarred. I enjoyed the pacing of the book which was perfect for the storyline of two families who need to forgive and move on. The romance was endearing and realistically portrayed with a Romeo and Juliet kind of flair. The families feuded while the kids fell in love. Getting to know the characters was entertaining as well as informative as I learned about the daily life and challenges of being Amish. I especially enjoyed finding out about the alpacas that the Schotts raised and how smart they are. What a sweet and uplifting book to read, with conflict that is resolved and love that is happily ever after! I will miss the characters and look forward to a new visit to Apple Creek soon.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
March 28, 2023
Once Upon a Buggy is a feel good read that had me turning the pages. I enjoyed everything about this book. The main character at the age of seventeen was burned in a barn while visiting the heroine who was sixteen at the time. . He left to get treatment and didn't come back until six years later. There are feelings of guilt and pain on both sides with a terrible feud between the two families. However, I love how it all worked out. This author is one of my favorites and I always enjoy her books. This one included.
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
March 6, 2023
If you're looking for a sweet Amish romance, Shelley Shepard Gray never disappoints. With a well-rounded, and relatable cast of characters, and some quirky alpacas, the reader is quickly pulled in to the story. A few parts felt a bit rushed, such as the ending, but this is an enjoyable romance. Themes of faith, guilt, and forgiveness are key, and the family dynamics may resonate with some readers. It's part of a series, and I look forward to the next installment.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
May 3, 2023
May and Carl grew up liking each . When they were 16 they met in a barn. Lightning struck the barn and it caught fire. May panicked during the fire and Carl carried her out of the barn. He protected her from the fire, but he was badly injured and had to go to a hospital. He did not return for six years and now he is no longer Amish. May’s family and Carl’s family do not like each other because they think he was the one that caused shame on their family. When Carl takes a break from his job and returns to his hometown, sparks fly and they pick up where they left off six years ago. A quick easy read. I also learned a lot about llamas!
January 9, 2023
You can pray for God to fix your problems, but he might respond by giving the tools to fix them yourself.
It has been 6 years since May Schott has seen Carl Hilty. A barn fire that severely injured Carl and has haunted May with guilt. Was it her fault? Did Carl blame her? During Carl's recovery in the city, he never wanted May to see him. He had called this his dark place. Carl has come back to Apple Creek as a English man. He works for a English firm, he drives a truck, however, one does the one thing remain- his feelings for May. When they see each other, they are guarded with their feelings. It's only when their siblings have a romance of their own that they are faced with whatever feelings they may have. If they still do have feelings for each other, which one of them will follow the other.
I enjoyed reading this well paced romance. Carl and May where left in a emotional train wreck but after 6 long hard years, they both had time to think about what was important. What their feelings were really based on. They also had to mine the feelings of the others. Their parents who also suffered heartache of a different kind. Their story reminds me of how we are so intertwined with each other. How our relationships affect families, spouses, and community. It was a thoughtful read and one that I appreciated.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
It has been 6 years since May Schott has seen Carl Hilty. A barn fire that severely injured Carl and has haunted May with guilt. Was it her fault? Did Carl blame her? During Carl's recovery in the city, he never wanted May to see him. He had called this his dark place. Carl has come back to Apple Creek as a English man. He works for a English firm, he drives a truck, however, one does the one thing remain- his feelings for May. When they see each other, they are guarded with their feelings. It's only when their siblings have a romance of their own that they are faced with whatever feelings they may have. If they still do have feelings for each other, which one of them will follow the other.
I enjoyed reading this well paced romance. Carl and May where left in a emotional train wreck but after 6 long hard years, they both had time to think about what was important. What their feelings were really based on. They also had to mine the feelings of the others. Their parents who also suffered heartache of a different kind. Their story reminds me of how we are so intertwined with each other. How our relationships affect families, spouses, and community. It was a thoughtful read and one that I appreciated.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 30, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
A very sweet read with a wounded but not bitter hero, “Once Upon a Buggy”, by Shelley Shepard Gray (Kensington Books), is about achieving maturity, forgiveness and the clash between two different worlds.
Carl and May are two caring, sweet young people, trying to reconnect after a tragedy and a six year separation.
I liked Carl and his matter-of-factness about the scarring, its impact on others and their reactions.
I think I would have liked to know more about the healing/rehabilitation process and how it turned out to be such a radical change in the hero’s way of life. I felt the need to know more about his lonely yet successful life in Cleveland.
Yet the simplicity, the acceptance behind his calm personality is enticing to watch.
I didn’t quite understand the straddling of two worlds and how Carl apparently so easily abdicated from the Amish way (no doubt my ignorance).
As this is in part a story about a feud between families, the melodrama, miscommunication and misunderstandings were more on the elder people side; and the younger people often showed more common sense.
I liked the author’s writing style and the romance between May and Walker.
The alpacas are cute but the story sometimes seemed taken over by their antics.
I also felt the story could have been abbreviated without losing its interest.
It was a quick, easy, enjoyable read, addressing some serious, interesting issues.
3.5 stars.
A very sweet read with a wounded but not bitter hero, “Once Upon a Buggy”, by Shelley Shepard Gray (Kensington Books), is about achieving maturity, forgiveness and the clash between two different worlds.
Carl and May are two caring, sweet young people, trying to reconnect after a tragedy and a six year separation.
I liked Carl and his matter-of-factness about the scarring, its impact on others and their reactions.
I think I would have liked to know more about the healing/rehabilitation process and how it turned out to be such a radical change in the hero’s way of life. I felt the need to know more about his lonely yet successful life in Cleveland.
Yet the simplicity, the acceptance behind his calm personality is enticing to watch.
I didn’t quite understand the straddling of two worlds and how Carl apparently so easily abdicated from the Amish way (no doubt my ignorance).
As this is in part a story about a feud between families, the melodrama, miscommunication and misunderstandings were more on the elder people side; and the younger people often showed more common sense.
I liked the author’s writing style and the romance between May and Walker.
The alpacas are cute but the story sometimes seemed taken over by their antics.
I also felt the story could have been abbreviated without losing its interest.
It was a quick, easy, enjoyable read, addressing some serious, interesting issues.
February 28, 2023
A book about betrayal, shattered Dreams, overcoming Hard times, resilience , second chances and family.
This book was ok. The chemistry between the Main characters , felt for me, non existence. I liked the family dynamics. But other than that it was Just ok.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
This book was ok. The chemistry between the Main characters , felt for me, non existence. I liked the family dynamics. But other than that it was Just ok.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
May 19, 2025
Once Upon a Buggy is the second book in The Amish of Apple Creek by Shelley Shepard Gray. I didn't read the first book and had no problem following the story. When May Schott was 16, she and neighbour Carl Hilty, who was 17 were courting. They were caught in a barn that had been hit by lightning and started on fire. May froze and by the time she began to run from the barn, a beam collapsed and Carl sheltered her with his body. He was tragically burned and left Apple Creek for extensive surgeries. May blamed herself, especially when Carl said he didn't want her to visit. He is now ready to return home, but is now living as an Englischer. Her has his own tech company, but will live in the Amish Community part time. When he returns for the first time, May is overwhelmed with emotion and freezes, Carl assumes it is because he looks so bad. He turns away which just reinforces May's feelings of guilt. The two families, who used to be friends are now enemies, each blaming the other. Carl has returned to connect with his family and to see if May can overlook his scars and accept his love. He is upset, but agrees to stay with his family for awhile. Circumstances bring them together and everyone can see that their feelings are still there. Will they be able to communicate honestly with one another. How can an Amish woman and a man who is living English even consider a relationship?
Tragedies have the habit of breaking up marriages and other relationships, so it is no surprise that May and Carl are struggling. There is another storyline dealing with May's brother and Carl's sister that helps with some reconciliation of sorts. May's family raises alpacas, and I liked how they added to the story and I learned a bit about them as well. Carl's father has become a very bitter man and was unable to see what happened as an accident, he wanted someone to blame. Another tragedy occurs in the story, that opens some eyes and helps to sort out both couple's lives. I enjoyed this story very much. I liked the characters, the setting and the plot. It is good to see that even Amish people struggle with forgiveness sometimes, it makes the characters more human. Tavia Gilbert was the narrator for this audiobook. She did a nice job with the story but was more of a reader, as the voices were pretty similar. I still enjoyed listening to this book.
Tragedies have the habit of breaking up marriages and other relationships, so it is no surprise that May and Carl are struggling. There is another storyline dealing with May's brother and Carl's sister that helps with some reconciliation of sorts. May's family raises alpacas, and I liked how they added to the story and I learned a bit about them as well. Carl's father has become a very bitter man and was unable to see what happened as an accident, he wanted someone to blame. Another tragedy occurs in the story, that opens some eyes and helps to sort out both couple's lives. I enjoyed this story very much. I liked the characters, the setting and the plot. It is good to see that even Amish people struggle with forgiveness sometimes, it makes the characters more human. Tavia Gilbert was the narrator for this audiobook. She did a nice job with the story but was more of a reader, as the voices were pretty similar. I still enjoyed listening to this book.
October 15, 2023
Description & My “late” review …
In one tragic moment, a fire changed two lives: May Schott and her best friend, Carl Hilty, who was badly burned. But you cannot rewind the clock. Carl left by ambulance and went through multiple extensive surgeries. Six years later, Carl was returning and May had high hopes. But Carl was silent, “cold-stone silent”. It feels as if he hates her.
On the other hand, Carl has returned (he has been living English) to see if May can look beyond his scars and see the love he still has for her.
Two people wanting the same thing but behavior by both of them sends signals the very opposite of what they feel. And “Once Upon a Buggy” is the story of how these two people finally open themselves to expected hurt only to find love. It’s a sweet story.
Rating: 3.5 stars ~ It’s a nice story. Well-developed. You feel for all the parties involved, especially Carl. But … but the plot just didn’t pull me in. It was nice to pick up and read but wasn��t one to make you skip doing laundry or running the vacuum. For me, it was just a 3.5 read rounded to 4 stars for sites that only display round numbers.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Once Upon a Buggy” via NetGalley from the publisher, Kensington Books, Kensington. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I owe an apology to NetGalley and the Publisher for the late review. Health problems set me back in reading and writing reviews.
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars for sites that display only whole numbers.
Cover: Nice. Pretty.
Pages: 274
Series: The Amish of Apple Creek, book #2
Publish Date: 28 Mar 2023
#OnceUponaBuggy #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray
In one tragic moment, a fire changed two lives: May Schott and her best friend, Carl Hilty, who was badly burned. But you cannot rewind the clock. Carl left by ambulance and went through multiple extensive surgeries. Six years later, Carl was returning and May had high hopes. But Carl was silent, “cold-stone silent”. It feels as if he hates her.
On the other hand, Carl has returned (he has been living English) to see if May can look beyond his scars and see the love he still has for her.
Two people wanting the same thing but behavior by both of them sends signals the very opposite of what they feel. And “Once Upon a Buggy” is the story of how these two people finally open themselves to expected hurt only to find love. It’s a sweet story.
Rating: 3.5 stars ~ It’s a nice story. Well-developed. You feel for all the parties involved, especially Carl. But … but the plot just didn’t pull me in. It was nice to pick up and read but wasn��t one to make you skip doing laundry or running the vacuum. For me, it was just a 3.5 read rounded to 4 stars for sites that only display round numbers.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Once Upon a Buggy” via NetGalley from the publisher, Kensington Books, Kensington. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I owe an apology to NetGalley and the Publisher for the late review. Health problems set me back in reading and writing reviews.
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars for sites that display only whole numbers.
Cover: Nice. Pretty.
Pages: 274
Series: The Amish of Apple Creek, book #2
Publish Date: 28 Mar 2023
#OnceUponaBuggy #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray
March 13, 2023
First of all i want to thank Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Shelly Shepard Gray for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Once Upon a Buggy.
This is the second book in the Amish of Apple Creek, I did not read the first part but will be doing so soon. I know that this one can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book, the characters were very believable and you just couldn't help but get into the story. A book about a young couple facing a tragic accident in a barn fire and then their families not speaking to each other anymore. It was a story of forgiveness and also a story about how community come together when times get tough. The story of Carl Hilty and May Schott will be one i won't forget anytime soon.
I highly recommend this book to all my amish book lover readers.
This is the second book in the Amish of Apple Creek, I did not read the first part but will be doing so soon. I know that this one can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book, the characters were very believable and you just couldn't help but get into the story. A book about a young couple facing a tragic accident in a barn fire and then their families not speaking to each other anymore. It was a story of forgiveness and also a story about how community come together when times get tough. The story of Carl Hilty and May Schott will be one i won't forget anytime soon.
I highly recommend this book to all my amish book lover readers.
June 5, 2024
"Once Upon a Buggy" was my first foray into the world of Amish Romances. I've stood by on the sidelines as these books have flown off our library shelves and decided that I want in on the Evangelical madness. All I know is that the Amish can run a country mart like it's no one's business, but are they romancing just as hard?
I found that the whole quaint type of romance just isn't for me. I'm not saying that I was expecting Fifty Shades of Amish, but I wasn't invested in any of the characters. Not even the Beauty and the Beast trope would do it. I was worried more about their alpacas than I was about the MC's relationship.
I found that the whole quaint type of romance just isn't for me. I'm not saying that I was expecting Fifty Shades of Amish, but I wasn't invested in any of the characters. Not even the Beauty and the Beast trope would do it. I was worried more about their alpacas than I was about the MC's relationship.
January 20, 2024
A good read
This is book 2 in the series. Just as good as book 1. I can not wait to read book 3.
This is book 2 in the series. Just as good as book 1. I can not wait to read book 3.
September 25, 2024
If you are looking for an inspirational romance this is a great read. While not great literature, it was enjoyable,
October 1, 2024
I really enjoyed the two romances in this book. A book about two people who get a second chance at romance after an accident.
March 28, 2023
“Once Upon a Buggy” by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Apple Creek Series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The primary characters are Carl and May, who were teenage best friends and began to be interested in each other romantically. Then, a terrible fire and Carl’s burn treatment and rehabilitation kept them apart for six years. The story begins with Carl’s return to Apple Creek to see his family and friends for the first time in six years. The story progresses with unexpected events. Every character in the story has to remember the past and the consequences of their actions, while they reconsider the present along with the interactions with friends and relatives. The characters in Shelley Shepard Gray’s books are people who are working toward the best for themselves, their families, and their community. Carl and May are realistic characters, and I could identify with their thoughts and their actions. The book is a page turner, so it can be enjoyed quickly to see what happens next. But, it could also be read slowly to savor the story, the characters, and the values. I just finished the book, but I plan to read it again in order to relish the characters and the atmosphere of the story.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did, and that you read other Shelley Shepard Gray books; she is one of my very favorite authors.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did, and that you read other Shelley Shepard Gray books; she is one of my very favorite authors.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 2, 2023
Carl and May grew from childhood friends to childhood crushes to teens in love, but Carl wasn't moving very fast, so May asked him to meet her in their barn late one night, to get things out in the open. He went willingly, but while they were in the barn, after they kissed, a storm brewed up, lightning hit the barn, and the barn caught fire. Both mesmerized and panicked by the flames, May was unable to move, and Carl had to drag her out, getting severely burned in the process and being Medevac'd out of the fieldnbynthe barn to Cleveland to try and save his life.
Now, about 6 years later, Carl is finally coming home to visit. One thing he wants to know is if he still has a chance with the woman he has never stopped loving. When they finally meet, she is tongue tied. He is, as she has been told, thoroughly Englischer, and grown into a man, just as she has become a woman. She is more curious about what he looks like as far as his Englischer garb and the changes in height and other signs of mature manhood that he has gone through over time, and to see how he has healed, but he mistakes that for dismay instead of curiosity. Their reunion is complicated by a feud instigated by Carl's dad and maintained by both sets of parents, and by their younger siblings having fallen in love and having hidden it for years because of the feud. Their reunion is aided by May's honest replies as to what she really is staring at - broad shoulders, height, strength, even observance of his technical expertise. As they struggle to help their siblings and get their families together, they get help from a very unlikely source: a terrifying tornado spawned by a very bad storm, something that causes an unsought for alliance when Carl confronts his dad for not living by the tenets of their faith, and finds support from his youngest brother and eventually, his mom.
Will his dad continue the feud he started on the aftermath of the tornado, or relent? Can May's family forgive? And will Carl reconsider returning to his Amish roots, or will May decide she would rather be with Carl and be Englischer than be without him and stau Amish, esp. since she hasn't been baptized yet? Did Carl lose his faith during his painful recovery, or did it become stronger?
A note: As a retired nurse, I can tell you that every nurse has at least one, and usually 2 or 3, types of patient care they can't manage, usually because it is too emotionally enveloping for that nurse to be effective for their patients. Mine was burns of any sort, and the other was pediatric cancer, esp. congenital cancers (cancer that a baby is born with, and yes, there are 2 I can think of immediately. one a kidney cancer and one a brain cancer). I had no trouble with adult 9nciligy patients, just kids. I did care once for a toddler, a burn patient who was abused by a parent placing them in water that was 120⁰ when the EMTs got there nearly 20 minutes after the baby had been placed in the water (they came within 5 min. of the call, so the parent had waited that long to call). The litany of abuses the parent had visited on their other 8 children, most of whom had been taken into care, mirrored the abuse the parent had suffered as a child themselves. I have never seen eyes so dead as those of that child. Pain medication can only do so much, but it must be given because the physiological changes severe pain causes on the body of an adult are magnified in the body of a child. We all loved on this child, who was also going to be taken from the abuser and sent to live with a relative, but the child had lost all hope. All we could do was pray and keep loving on a child who, at 2, had never known love and had no idea what to do with it. The agony this little one stoically endured as its due broke our hearts, and drove me to pray and question why God had not taken this poor thing home with Him in her innocence, and loved her up in heaven. Perhaps, eventually, the child let itself be loved, as I prayed. But the pain the child endured during dressing changes meant I had to seek counseling before I lost my religion, and these were the "easy" dressings, the ones done in subacute care, not the severe ones immediately after a bad burn. Scalds can be worse than regular burns; the temperatures are higher and more prolonged so the deep tissue damage is worse. I saw acute burn care as a student. Patients are in what we used to call reverse isolation (now called protective isolation), where the focus is on keeping pathogens away from the patient, not keeping a patient's pathogens away from everyone else. Carers must scrub up and put sterile gear on to enter the room, whether to feed the patient or give medication or deal with burn treatments. Contact has to be limited so all care is consolidated to cut down on traffic in the room. As a result, burns are psychologically isolating by default, and make many burn patients feel like pariahs even when they understand why it must be done that way. Even with social media apps today, if the hands are burned, even use of a stylus or the newer electronic pens can prove difficult to impossible to use, depriving patients of even that limited contact with the outside world. To take them to whirlpool baths, for example (a deep cleansing and debriding treatment that takes away old and possibly infected tissue to allow new growth and infection control) requires a gurney covered with sterile drapings and sheets, and extra coverings for the patient that include masks and hair coverings. People in hallways stare, even though burns are not the only reason people are transported that way (cancer patients with little to no immune system left due to their treatments are also transported that way, as are new organ transplant patients and those with compromised immune systems from other causes). It is natural curiosity that feels like censure. Also, while in a 3rd or 4th degree burn the nerve endings are burned away, they do regrow, and the nerves in less swvwreky burned and intact skin are still alive and well. The most sensitive nerves in the human body are in the head area and the skin, and the skin is an organ of the body, the largest organ the body has. That means a lot of nerves for local and referred pain sensation. Some don't grow back and don't hurt, some do grow back and cause constant pain. Most are somewhere in between. Physical and occupational therapy can seem like torture, but not doing it would cause loss of function and actually worsen the pain over the patient's lifetime. Even nearly sedating a patient with strong pain medications doesn't do anything more than take the edge off, especially when surgeries have to be done for skin grafts, to remove scar tissue, or because a patient who is still growing must have some surgical intervention to allow their skin to accommodate their growing bodies, and of course, to deal with infections and with muscles that are getting frozen in place (called contractures medically, PT and OT are done to try to prevent those simce the surgery is far more painful than the therapy...but sometimes the surgeries are still needed). It is a long and very painful process to recover from severe burns like the ones that fictional Carl endures, and the author has either known a burn victim or been a nurse who cared for them - or has done extensive research to paint a less gruesome but still realistic picture of a burn patient's recovery, pain levels, levels of psychological isolation, and the courage to rebuild a life afterwards. Plus, even though Carl's life after the burns is among people who know he has been nurned and care more about his work and his friendship than his scars, his community hasn't seen him since that night, and in his mind, he reverts to his initial insecurity about being accepted as more than a freak show. This is an all too real phenomenon when a burn patient goes back to their home environment, and a reason why many who will be adults when they are discharged stay in an area with strangers with whom they have become comfortable and live and work there.
I hope that information is a help inderstanding the well researched character as well as Carl's explanations of being in a bad place as the reason why he didn't want to see visitors from home.
Now, about 6 years later, Carl is finally coming home to visit. One thing he wants to know is if he still has a chance with the woman he has never stopped loving. When they finally meet, she is tongue tied. He is, as she has been told, thoroughly Englischer, and grown into a man, just as she has become a woman. She is more curious about what he looks like as far as his Englischer garb and the changes in height and other signs of mature manhood that he has gone through over time, and to see how he has healed, but he mistakes that for dismay instead of curiosity. Their reunion is complicated by a feud instigated by Carl's dad and maintained by both sets of parents, and by their younger siblings having fallen in love and having hidden it for years because of the feud. Their reunion is aided by May's honest replies as to what she really is staring at - broad shoulders, height, strength, even observance of his technical expertise. As they struggle to help their siblings and get their families together, they get help from a very unlikely source: a terrifying tornado spawned by a very bad storm, something that causes an unsought for alliance when Carl confronts his dad for not living by the tenets of their faith, and finds support from his youngest brother and eventually, his mom.
Will his dad continue the feud he started on the aftermath of the tornado, or relent? Can May's family forgive? And will Carl reconsider returning to his Amish roots, or will May decide she would rather be with Carl and be Englischer than be without him and stau Amish, esp. since she hasn't been baptized yet? Did Carl lose his faith during his painful recovery, or did it become stronger?
A note: As a retired nurse, I can tell you that every nurse has at least one, and usually 2 or 3, types of patient care they can't manage, usually because it is too emotionally enveloping for that nurse to be effective for their patients. Mine was burns of any sort, and the other was pediatric cancer, esp. congenital cancers (cancer that a baby is born with, and yes, there are 2 I can think of immediately. one a kidney cancer and one a brain cancer). I had no trouble with adult 9nciligy patients, just kids. I did care once for a toddler, a burn patient who was abused by a parent placing them in water that was 120⁰ when the EMTs got there nearly 20 minutes after the baby had been placed in the water (they came within 5 min. of the call, so the parent had waited that long to call). The litany of abuses the parent had visited on their other 8 children, most of whom had been taken into care, mirrored the abuse the parent had suffered as a child themselves. I have never seen eyes so dead as those of that child. Pain medication can only do so much, but it must be given because the physiological changes severe pain causes on the body of an adult are magnified in the body of a child. We all loved on this child, who was also going to be taken from the abuser and sent to live with a relative, but the child had lost all hope. All we could do was pray and keep loving on a child who, at 2, had never known love and had no idea what to do with it. The agony this little one stoically endured as its due broke our hearts, and drove me to pray and question why God had not taken this poor thing home with Him in her innocence, and loved her up in heaven. Perhaps, eventually, the child let itself be loved, as I prayed. But the pain the child endured during dressing changes meant I had to seek counseling before I lost my religion, and these were the "easy" dressings, the ones done in subacute care, not the severe ones immediately after a bad burn. Scalds can be worse than regular burns; the temperatures are higher and more prolonged so the deep tissue damage is worse. I saw acute burn care as a student. Patients are in what we used to call reverse isolation (now called protective isolation), where the focus is on keeping pathogens away from the patient, not keeping a patient's pathogens away from everyone else. Carers must scrub up and put sterile gear on to enter the room, whether to feed the patient or give medication or deal with burn treatments. Contact has to be limited so all care is consolidated to cut down on traffic in the room. As a result, burns are psychologically isolating by default, and make many burn patients feel like pariahs even when they understand why it must be done that way. Even with social media apps today, if the hands are burned, even use of a stylus or the newer electronic pens can prove difficult to impossible to use, depriving patients of even that limited contact with the outside world. To take them to whirlpool baths, for example (a deep cleansing and debriding treatment that takes away old and possibly infected tissue to allow new growth and infection control) requires a gurney covered with sterile drapings and sheets, and extra coverings for the patient that include masks and hair coverings. People in hallways stare, even though burns are not the only reason people are transported that way (cancer patients with little to no immune system left due to their treatments are also transported that way, as are new organ transplant patients and those with compromised immune systems from other causes). It is natural curiosity that feels like censure. Also, while in a 3rd or 4th degree burn the nerve endings are burned away, they do regrow, and the nerves in less swvwreky burned and intact skin are still alive and well. The most sensitive nerves in the human body are in the head area and the skin, and the skin is an organ of the body, the largest organ the body has. That means a lot of nerves for local and referred pain sensation. Some don't grow back and don't hurt, some do grow back and cause constant pain. Most are somewhere in between. Physical and occupational therapy can seem like torture, but not doing it would cause loss of function and actually worsen the pain over the patient's lifetime. Even nearly sedating a patient with strong pain medications doesn't do anything more than take the edge off, especially when surgeries have to be done for skin grafts, to remove scar tissue, or because a patient who is still growing must have some surgical intervention to allow their skin to accommodate their growing bodies, and of course, to deal with infections and with muscles that are getting frozen in place (called contractures medically, PT and OT are done to try to prevent those simce the surgery is far more painful than the therapy...but sometimes the surgeries are still needed). It is a long and very painful process to recover from severe burns like the ones that fictional Carl endures, and the author has either known a burn victim or been a nurse who cared for them - or has done extensive research to paint a less gruesome but still realistic picture of a burn patient's recovery, pain levels, levels of psychological isolation, and the courage to rebuild a life afterwards. Plus, even though Carl's life after the burns is among people who know he has been nurned and care more about his work and his friendship than his scars, his community hasn't seen him since that night, and in his mind, he reverts to his initial insecurity about being accepted as more than a freak show. This is an all too real phenomenon when a burn patient goes back to their home environment, and a reason why many who will be adults when they are discharged stay in an area with strangers with whom they have become comfortable and live and work there.
I hope that information is a help inderstanding the well researched character as well as Carl's explanations of being in a bad place as the reason why he didn't want to see visitors from home.
January 10, 2023
"Once Upon a Buggy"
by Shelley Shepard Gray
Kensington Books
March 28, 2023
10-1496769833
Twenty-two-year-old May Schott wonders what life has in store for her. Six years ago, her best friend, Carl Hilty—the man she hoped would one day be her husband—was in a tragic accident. May had asked him to meet her in her family’s barn when a storm ensued, and lightning hit the structure, causing a fire. May panicked as Carl tried to get her to flee, but instead, she froze, unable to move. Carl managed to pull her out before the barn collapsed, and/or they both got burned, but through his heroism, he suffered fatal burns and needed extensive medical treatment.
Away from their hometown of Apple Creek, Ohio, Carl healed, albeit left with scars all over his body. As he recovered, he was able to get training and found lucrative employment, forgoing his Amish upbringing by becoming “Englisch.”
Things haven’t been the same for the Schott and Hilty families because of this tragedy. Carl’s parents blame May and the Shotts for what happened to their son, and they have shown hostility toward the Schotts ever since. May blames herself for Carl’s disfigurement and pain, and her only wish is to apologize to him.
Now, after all this time, Carl is coming for a visit:
“After years of wishing and hoping and praying, Carl Hilty had come back home. Her next-door neighbor, childhood best friend—the boy who’d saved her life—had finally returned. She was going to be able to see him in person.
“Adrenaline, fueled by a surge of nervousness and excitement, shot through her as she craned her neck. She was anxious to catch even a glimpse of Carl, but it was next to impossible. It looked as if the entire Amish population of Apple Creek was currently trying to do the same thing.
“May supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised. Carl was a hero, and he’d been gone for such a very long time. Six years was practically an eternity.”
May desperately needs to let him know how sorry she is the reason for what he has suffered. She wishes they can pick up their relationship where they left off. Though they were only teens, there was love between them.
When she encounters him, she can only stare at him, not knowing what to say. What is worse is his chilly demeanor toward her. She wonders, does he really hate me? How can she mend fences and get her best friend back, be in his good graces? She believes he wants no part of her, yet he thinks she is appalled by his appearance and will reject him, even considering he still has feelings for her.
After being away from his faith and community, Carl still is the same man he always was, even though he drives a truck, works with a computer, and uses a cell phone. May sees him as the caring, generous, and kind person he was as a kid, and she would do anything to show she still loves him. The Hiltys’ contempt toward her has her fearing she will never be accepted.
Even with the tension between the two families, May’s brother, Walker, is in love with Carl’s sister, Ally. However, the only way they can see each other is on the sly until Carl unearths their secret and announces it to his family. His parents are appalled, and they insist Ally break ties with Walker—either that or she is to leave their home. Upset, Ally loves Walker, so she will leave her home rather than lose him. Carl comes up with the plan for them to marry quickly, though this is not the usual way the Amish plan their nuptials.
Carl and May start to repair their relationship, and their main goal is to get their parents on friendly terms. The Amish are recognized as being peace-loving and forgiving, so why can’t the Hiltys understand this?
As time passes, May and Carl become closer, and everyone notices it. May’s father talks with her about her love for Carl, though she believes there’s no chance for a relationship due to him no longer being Amish. Her dad states:
“‘May, I’m going to tell you the same thing I told Robin and Able [Carl’s parents]. I’ve always figured life is made up of a lot of events, some big and some small.’ . . .
. . . “‘Do you also agree that some of those events—like weddings and funerals and births—well, they’re going to be memorable because they are huge, life-changing events?’
“‘Jah.’
“‘Then I want you to think about how the Lord gives us all myriad other less-significant moments in our lives. Some of them create lasting memories, too, for one reason or another. But I’ve always felt that there are other events that mark a person in unique ways. Whether it’s a fire or a job loss or even an injury, things don’t affect all of us the same way.’
“He exhaled. ‘What I’m trying to tell ya is that every person on this earth has their own ‘fire’ story. Maybe it doesn’t involve getting burned or separated from someone they care for, but it’s a trauma. I think it’s wrong to put so much emphasis on just one event—and selfish to think everyone else hasn’t through something just as difficult for them.’
“‘Dad, I don’t disagree with you. But I don’t understand how that affects my future with Carl.’
“‘What I’m trying to say, daughter is that you can either look at the fire and its aftermath as the biggest event in your life . . . or you can decide it’s just one of many big events you hope to experience. Respect that it happened and come to terms with the reality that it changed you and Carl—and everyone else in the family, too.’ He lowered his voice. ‘But then move on.’”
For their relationship to work, May and Carl must deal with Carl’s parents’ indifference, and they also have to face the reality of the accident. Will the Hiltys be willing to lose a daughter and a son due to their opinions and stubbornness? Can May’s loving father’s wise advice bring closure to the horrific occurrence they both endured? Is deep and abiding affection for each other enough to demonstrate they belong together?
Tragedy can happen to anyone at any time, and it takes the wisdom of May’s father to prove good can come from bad. A tale filled with pain as well as wisdom, "Once Upon a Buggy" is an insightful read into human nature—not just of those of the Amish sect—and how to deal with dire circumstances.
by Shelley Shepard Gray
Kensington Books
March 28, 2023
10-1496769833
Twenty-two-year-old May Schott wonders what life has in store for her. Six years ago, her best friend, Carl Hilty—the man she hoped would one day be her husband—was in a tragic accident. May had asked him to meet her in her family’s barn when a storm ensued, and lightning hit the structure, causing a fire. May panicked as Carl tried to get her to flee, but instead, she froze, unable to move. Carl managed to pull her out before the barn collapsed, and/or they both got burned, but through his heroism, he suffered fatal burns and needed extensive medical treatment.
Away from their hometown of Apple Creek, Ohio, Carl healed, albeit left with scars all over his body. As he recovered, he was able to get training and found lucrative employment, forgoing his Amish upbringing by becoming “Englisch.”
Things haven’t been the same for the Schott and Hilty families because of this tragedy. Carl’s parents blame May and the Shotts for what happened to their son, and they have shown hostility toward the Schotts ever since. May blames herself for Carl’s disfigurement and pain, and her only wish is to apologize to him.
Now, after all this time, Carl is coming for a visit:
“After years of wishing and hoping and praying, Carl Hilty had come back home. Her next-door neighbor, childhood best friend—the boy who’d saved her life—had finally returned. She was going to be able to see him in person.
“Adrenaline, fueled by a surge of nervousness and excitement, shot through her as she craned her neck. She was anxious to catch even a glimpse of Carl, but it was next to impossible. It looked as if the entire Amish population of Apple Creek was currently trying to do the same thing.
“May supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised. Carl was a hero, and he’d been gone for such a very long time. Six years was practically an eternity.”
May desperately needs to let him know how sorry she is the reason for what he has suffered. She wishes they can pick up their relationship where they left off. Though they were only teens, there was love between them.
When she encounters him, she can only stare at him, not knowing what to say. What is worse is his chilly demeanor toward her. She wonders, does he really hate me? How can she mend fences and get her best friend back, be in his good graces? She believes he wants no part of her, yet he thinks she is appalled by his appearance and will reject him, even considering he still has feelings for her.
After being away from his faith and community, Carl still is the same man he always was, even though he drives a truck, works with a computer, and uses a cell phone. May sees him as the caring, generous, and kind person he was as a kid, and she would do anything to show she still loves him. The Hiltys’ contempt toward her has her fearing she will never be accepted.
Even with the tension between the two families, May’s brother, Walker, is in love with Carl’s sister, Ally. However, the only way they can see each other is on the sly until Carl unearths their secret and announces it to his family. His parents are appalled, and they insist Ally break ties with Walker—either that or she is to leave their home. Upset, Ally loves Walker, so she will leave her home rather than lose him. Carl comes up with the plan for them to marry quickly, though this is not the usual way the Amish plan their nuptials.
Carl and May start to repair their relationship, and their main goal is to get their parents on friendly terms. The Amish are recognized as being peace-loving and forgiving, so why can’t the Hiltys understand this?
As time passes, May and Carl become closer, and everyone notices it. May’s father talks with her about her love for Carl, though she believes there’s no chance for a relationship due to him no longer being Amish. Her dad states:
“‘May, I’m going to tell you the same thing I told Robin and Able [Carl’s parents]. I’ve always figured life is made up of a lot of events, some big and some small.’ . . .
. . . “‘Do you also agree that some of those events—like weddings and funerals and births—well, they’re going to be memorable because they are huge, life-changing events?’
“‘Jah.’
“‘Then I want you to think about how the Lord gives us all myriad other less-significant moments in our lives. Some of them create lasting memories, too, for one reason or another. But I’ve always felt that there are other events that mark a person in unique ways. Whether it’s a fire or a job loss or even an injury, things don’t affect all of us the same way.’
“He exhaled. ‘What I’m trying to tell ya is that every person on this earth has their own ‘fire’ story. Maybe it doesn’t involve getting burned or separated from someone they care for, but it’s a trauma. I think it’s wrong to put so much emphasis on just one event—and selfish to think everyone else hasn’t through something just as difficult for them.’
“‘Dad, I don’t disagree with you. But I don’t understand how that affects my future with Carl.’
“‘What I’m trying to say, daughter is that you can either look at the fire and its aftermath as the biggest event in your life . . . or you can decide it’s just one of many big events you hope to experience. Respect that it happened and come to terms with the reality that it changed you and Carl—and everyone else in the family, too.’ He lowered his voice. ‘But then move on.’”
For their relationship to work, May and Carl must deal with Carl’s parents’ indifference, and they also have to face the reality of the accident. Will the Hiltys be willing to lose a daughter and a son due to their opinions and stubbornness? Can May’s loving father’s wise advice bring closure to the horrific occurrence they both endured? Is deep and abiding affection for each other enough to demonstrate they belong together?
Tragedy can happen to anyone at any time, and it takes the wisdom of May’s father to prove good can come from bad. A tale filled with pain as well as wisdom, "Once Upon a Buggy" is an insightful read into human nature—not just of those of the Amish sect—and how to deal with dire circumstances.
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