I loved this book it was a pager turner and hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish books. Shelley is a great author and I love her books and her writing style.

I love this author and I love her books. They draw me in because of the Amish content and keep me hooked because of the topics and message from the author that she weaves in seamlessly. I love the characters and how she writes them all differently from each other. I can totally relate to at least or two in each book.

i am a huge fan of author shelley shepard gray's amish stories. i loved this story of addie, who is considered a wall flower. maybe because that was what i was called in school. now i didn't have a donkey named snickers, but i love how addie is able to tell snickers everything.

this was a fun story and i highly recommend it and see how addie overcomes the hardships that life has thrown her.

“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)

Happily Ever Amish by extraordinary author Shelley Shephard Gray is Book One in her The Amish of Apple Creek series. This is a Christian Amish romance that has a lovely message. It is the story of Addie Byler, a different sort of Amish girl, and Daniel Miller, her friend and advocate of sorts.

I loved this book. It was easy to become invested in the story and Addie. I got emotional with her. There are twist and turns, lessons about gossiping and talking about people, friendship, and romance. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the second one. It gets a 5 star rating from me.

Addie Byler was raised by her grandmother. She has good friends and a good life, filled with hard work and meaning. She is satisfied with that. Addie knows that no man would really be interested in her, with her glasses and pet rescue donkey. Until she receives a note from a secret admirer. She's wary, until a second note arrives.

Daniel Miller isn't interested in Addie like a girlfriend. She's too chatty, cheerful, and odd. When he learns that Addie is teased for never being courted, he decides to send a note.

Daniel is surprised to see how sweet and kind Addie is through the letters and in person. He's even more surprised to learn that her pet donkey, Snickers, is actually a therapy donkey.

People are more than their appearances. This book is a great reminder of that. Plus, it's a sweet, cozy, Amish romance.

From a far people think Addie is a little different. She has an usual pet and doesn't really associate with people a lot. Addie has not had a typical upbringing. She was raised by her grandparents and did not know her parents. Daniel notices that she hasn't got a lot of confidence so he comes up with a plan to build it up. He starts writing her letters as an secret admirer. She in turn decides to write back. Their relationship is going strong until she finds out who her secret admirer is. Sometimes you have to have to have faith and forgive. Addie has to give herself time to heal and Daniel has to admit to caring for her. This book will take you full circle in the matters of love, healing and forgiveness. I have read several of Shelley Shepard Gray books and they never disappoint.

Another well written Amish romance by Ms. Gray. Good plot and character development. I definitely recommend this book.

Happily Ever Amish begins The Amish of Apple Creek series with a lovely, emotional, and at times, unexpected romance between a young woman who is considered a bit odd and a wallflower and the man who stood up for her when she was being spoken about badly behind her back but isn’t looking for a romance… for the same reasons that he championed her among his “friends.”

Daniel may not want to court Addie, but he doesn’t want to see her hurting anymore, either. His thoughtful, encouraging notes were only meant to be temporary, a way to show her that she was good enough, to be encouraging when she seemed so down. Yet, when Addie began answering those notes with thoughtful, revealing notes of her own, Daniel slowly began to see the young woman behind her oddness, which might, in fact, be something far different than anyone had imagined.

Addie hasn’t felt accepted anywhere, even in this Amish community where she came to live with her grandmother years ago. She’s quiet, talks to her Donkey, Snickers, who she’s trained to be a therapy animal, and tries to keep to herself, ignoring the often cruel whispers about her that she overhears (as is often intended). When she finds the first encouraging note, Addie is convinced someone is pulling a mean prank on her but decides to answer with thoughts of her own. Slowly two people will begin to open up their hearts to each other, but will the truth behind those notes bring happiness to them both or more pain for Addie?

I think outsiders have a romanticized opinion about the Amish and forget that people are people no matter where or how they choose to live. There are just as many kind and thoughtful people among the Amish as there are unkind and mean folks as well. No one, no community is perfect… and Happily Ever Amish gives us a glimpse into the world of hurt that Addie has had to endure. I liked her so much. And I have intense conversations with my cat, so we have that in common.

The slowly growing affection between Daniel and Addie through their notes set the stage for the time when Daniel must admit the truth… and his feelings for a woman he never thought was perfect for him until he got to know and love her. I loved their story and also a different side of Amish life, proving that no one is beyond being bullied, even in a community where it’s unexpected by those on the outside looking in. Addie grabbed my heart, and I hurt for her so much and rejoiced when her deepest wish finally came true.

If you love a well-written, emotion-filled romance with believable characters and a love story to give you all the emotional feels you could possibly want; then you need to pick up Happily Ever Amish and get started on The Amish of Apple Creek series soon. You won’t be disappointed.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

I am a huge fan of Shelley Shepard Gray writing and this book is no exception.. Addie and Daniel and Snickers are the perfect characters to warm your heart. Addie and Daniel struggle to connect but with faith you can overcome adversity. Ms. Gray touches on "bullying" and the effects it has on children, a battle that no child should have to fight. Ms. Gray also takes us on a storyline that touches the subject of "Service Animals" and how they can assist everyone. If you need a heart warming read. you will find that in this wonderful book.

A sweet start to a new series. The story was a good reminder to not give people a chance and things aren’t always what they seem. You will truly root for the main characters to be happy. Many thanks to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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.

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.

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.

Pub Date 25 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book and being introduced to some new characters in a new town. Addie was the odd girl out in her Community but still overcame many obstacles.

Happily Ever Amish by Shelly Shepard Gray is a clean Amish romance story that engaged me from start to finish. The Amish small town setting was unique and well researched. The story was engaging and the characters realistic and well developed. I had a wonderful time reading this book and I couldn’t put it down till I had finished it. I came away from this story with a grin on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I highly recommend this book!

My Rating: 5 Stars!


I am also pleased to let you know that Kensington Publishing is releasing book 2 Of the Amish of Apple Creek Series - Once Upon A Buggy. I can't wait to read this!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own. Thank you to Shelley Shepard Gray and Kensington Publishing as well as Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Addie Byler feels like a misfit amongst the gmay. Raised by her grandmother, she is ostracized by the young people. When a simple note of encouragement blossoms into something more, hope is renewed. Will Addie find true love?

The Amish of Apple Creek is a new series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Happily Ever Amish is the first book to release and I’ll say that it has an enjoyable storyline, although I thought it was a bit cruel at first, I suddenly found the characters to be charming and somewhat caring.
This isn’t the first book that has a couple leaving anonymous notes for each other in a secret place, but, I did find it incredibly perfect for Addie and Daniel

Addie Byler is a kind, loving person and what better way to show her heart than her love for her donkey, Snickers?
Daniel Miller is kind, caring and about to embark upon something that he may not be ready for.

Engaging characters, perfectly paced storyline and an HEA makes for a wonderful read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Happily Ever Amish is book one in Shelley Shepard Gray’s newest series, The Apple Creek Amish. In it, Addie is a bit awkward and a bit odd, never having quite fit in to her community. Daniel feels bad for her and wants to help. So, he writes her a note from a secret admirer and sends it to her. They strike up a conversation through notes left in a tree and begin to talk more in person. Daniel realizes that she isn’t actually odd; people just haven’t taken the time to get to know her. But when she discovers that he is her secret admirer, things go a bit crazy. A fun and sweet romance that will make you smile! Can’t wait for the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

I tell like this book and the author. She gives real insight about how the Amish live. I loved the story and the characters