An Amish Cinderella

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Levi Beachy is humble, but he has achieved fame as a blacksmith and a welder, His sculptures are valuable and sought after. He takes on Clayton as his apprentice, a young man who spent most of his years as an orphan in a children’s home. Levi has not thought through the details of the apprentice’s stay—food, lodging, etc. His sweet adult daughter Heart refuses to have Clayton stay in a small unheated attic room over the workshop with spiders, mice, dust and no bathroom facilities. Levi and Heart have been on their own for four years since Heart’s mom Katie passed away. Heart reminds Levi that his wife would never have allowed his treating the young man that way.

Although Levi is physically large and strong and his demeanor is gruff, he actually has a soft spot for children and animals. Levi is patient with his apprentice who works hard and appreciates all Heart does for him. Another important character is Mary who lives close by. She is a widow who helps take care of people in their final days, as she did for Katie Beachy, and those recovering from injuries and sickness. She involves the Beachy family in taking care of a white pet “fancy” rat and also her dog Virginia with five new pups.

An Amish Cinderella displays the trust the characters have in God even during hard times. It shows that God is not a magic genie to deliver wishes, but He does have a plan for our lives and we can count on Him. There are two gentle romances within this tale that is both pleasing and a page turner. This book showcases Amish and English being able to interact to pull together and help others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Romance, Christian

Notes: #3 in The Amish of Apple Creek series, but perfect as a standalone because, judging by the publisher’s summaries, the characters do not overlap—just the setting. In fact I thought it was a standalone until I was finished and did a little research.

Publication: September 26, 2023—Kensington

Memorable Lines:

That was the thing about Levi Beachy. He was a mess of contradictions. He was the biggest man she knew and twice as gruff, but never harsh. Actually, she’d never heard him raise his voice to anyone. Likely, it was because he had no need to. Between his size and his continual scowl, most people in the area were anxious to do what he wanted and get out of his way.

Though most people’s childhoods were the same, it was different in a home. There were two realities that permeated every waking hour. One was that his parents hadn’t wanted him, and the other was that no one else seemed to want him, either.

Why hadn’t he ever let go of his control enough to feel such joy?…Laughter felt good. It felt cleansing. Hopeful, even. The Lord sure worked in amazing ways.

Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.

Thank you to Kensington Books | Kensington and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I love books by Shelley Shepard Gray and have read several of them. I requested this book and was excited to see she had a new title coming out.

This book was cute and fun and completely an escape. I really enjoyed this one.

Shelley Shepard Gray is always a favorite author for me. Her books always pull you and and take you away. If you love reading and the escape and joy of reading please get this book and a cup of tea and enjoy.

The story over all was good. It took me a little by surprise as I was expecting a more Cinderella retelling based on the title and I didn’t feel like that was quite the story that was given. You do get to enjoy a double romance with this story though. I really liked Heart’s dad. He was a bit eccentric but he was a good caring man who just got lost in his own world sometimes. I try not to let a book cover sway me or throw me when I read a book, but like anyone, I do look at a cover to see what insights it can give me to a book. The cover looks great for spring or summer. But the story starts off in Winter just a a few weeks away from Christmas.

That aside if you enjoy Amish love stories, I think you will find this story pleasing and satisfying.

Once again, I love this author and everything that she writes. An Amish Cinderella was no exception. The author brought another homerun with the topic of the book and the characters. Wonderful book that I will remember with a smile long after having read the last pages. Another book i will be recommending to my friends.

Such a charming and entertaining romance. I loved the humor and the characters were fantastic.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

In this story, a young Amish woman finds sweet animals, a suitor, and a new relationship with her dad. Heart keeps the household in order for her blacksmith father, after the death of her mom. When her dad Levi takes on an apprentice, Heart's world opens up in a new way! She also becomes the caretaker of a "fancy rat" who becomes an integral part of the household, beloved by the gruff blacksmith and apprentice Clayton. Add puppies and romance into this mix, and you have all the elements of a humorous and touching story by an experienced author of Amish novels.

This is a sweet and clean story, with no graphic violence or intimacy, and no strong language. Readers who enjoy stories about Amish people, with a lot of humor and fun, will find this a great selection for any time of the year, although it is set at Christmas time.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions contained in my review are mine alone.

This is the sweetest book. A new take on a traditional Amish romance. This should be a part of every Amish romance collection!

Another wonderful Amish book by Shelley Shepard Gray! The story is original and interesting! The characters are wonderful! They are realistic and relatable!

My favorite is Clayton! He's had a hard life, but he's eager to learn the trade of blacksmithing. He's compassionate and a quick learner. Heart has the patience of a saint! She's adorable and easy to love.

The importance of family life is apparent throughout the book. For someone like Clayton, who didn't have a family, being accepted by the Beachy's was important and significant!

This book is a must read! The ending especially was sublime!

I was provided a copy of the book from NetGalley and the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own

4.5 stars

I always enjoy a new Shelley Shepard Gray novel, but An Amish Cinderella is one of my favorites in recent memory! This story – and its characters – simply delighted me.

While this isn’t a true Cinderella retelling per se, there are several nods to the beloved fairy tale that are sure to please its fans like me. An overworked, underappreciated daughter. A missing shoe. A loyal dog. Even a cuddly pet rat with personality. And let me tell you… second only to my chicken phobia is my rodent phobia, but Shelley Shepard Gray’s fairy tale charm even made me like Spike, the aforementioned cuddly rat. I enjoyed this story on its own, to be sure, so if Cinderella isn’t your fave, don’t worry – the shared elements are very subtle. But since Cinderella IS my fave, I also delighted in seeing those nods scattered throughout this story.

There’s so much to love about An Amish Cinderella, but the number one reason for me is Levi Beachy. Heart’s gruff and often oblivious father had me chuckling all the way through this book. Gray has cleverly made him an endearing blend of infuriating and hilarious (often at the same time) and given him a surprisingly tender side that I delighted seeing come to the surface more and more as the story progressed. I loved Heart and Clayton and Mary too – and all the animals – but Levi is one of those reluctantly-lovable characters that stays with you.

Bottom Line: Rats, puppies, and apprentices, oh my! An Amish Cinderella by Shelley Shepard Gray is a book that made me smile from cover to cover. I loved the Cinderella elements but I also loved that it can stand on its own as a delightful story without any comparison to the fairy tale. Clayton and Heart’s friendship, banter, and eventual romance is sweet, swoony, and fun to read, as is the other romantic subplot in this novel. I especially adored Heart’s father Levi and his endearingly clueless & cranky self – and his scenes with Spike are some of my faves. An absolutely delightful story in every way!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

AN AMISH CINDERELLA has everything I was craving! Its funny and heartwarming, serious and emotional at times and there was even a footwear mystery involved. Just like the Cinderella we have all grown up with. Shelley Shepard Gray is a fantastic story teller and she always leaves her readers wanting more. I have been reading her books for more than ten years and she has never disappointed me. Heart Beachy lost her mom a few years ago and she is just trying to move forward. Her Daed hires A new apprentice, Clayton, and Heart’s life is about to go through some major changes.On top of that, add in five rambunctious puppies and a pet rat named Spike that will surely pull on readers heart strings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My full review will be available at http://www.freshfiction.com shortly!

An Amish Cinderella tells the tale of a young Amish woman who stays at home and cares for her widower father, Levi. As her friends marry and move away, Heart Beachy feels lonely. People continue to ask when she will marry. Don't they realize she is too busy taking care of herself, her father, and all the creatures God has given her to care for? Clayton Glick feels blessed to be taken on as an apprentice to Heart's father, Levi. Not knowing how a real family is to function, Clayton soon finds himself enamoured with Heart and her life. Will he be able to break through her heart? I love how the characters are brought to life in this story. Heart really does have a big heart. Believe me I would not want to take care of a pet rat as she does. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

The Amish Cinderella is a sweet story of widowed Levi Beachy and his daughter Heart Beachy. Levi is a strong and cankerous man but gentle and sweet with Heart. He hires Clayton from the orphanage to come work for him. Instant attraction between Heart and Clayton. Neighbor Mary also sees the softer side of Levi. She was his wife’s friend and soon their relationship starts to change. I didn’t understand the title being the Amish Cinderella. There were no wicked Step mothers or sisters. There was however so much love and support from all the characters in this story! Wonderful read!
I was given this book to read and leave my honest review.

What a sweet, sweet story. Author Shelley Shepard Gray has written a book that kept me turning the pages. I loved watching Heart, Clayton, and Levi grow and change. I’d love to visit with them over a cup of coffee and snuggle with Spike the rat.

A story of loss and grief, family and friends, and even second chances I was left wanting more. A good sign, jah?

If you enjoy sweet clean romance with plenty of humor then do read this book

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

An Amish Cinderella by Shelley Shepard Gray is a cute story. I laughed often while reading it. I thought the story was well-written and the scenes moved smoothly from one to the next. The author created a cast of delightful, developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Heart Beachy, Levi, Clayton, and Mary. Heart is such a sweetie. She truly lives up to her name. Heart is so busy taking care of the household and making sure the meals are on time (her father likes each meal at a certain time), that she does not have time to spend with people her own age. Heart is the opposite of large, blacksmith father, Levi. Levi may come across gruff, but he has a caring heart and an artistic soul. I enjoyed the descriptions of his beautiful metal work. Clayton is Levi’s new apprentice, and he finds himself instantly smitten with Heart. Clayton is happy to assist Heart with her tasks. Mary is a neighbor who is a caregiver among the Amish. I believe she is a little shocked when Levi attempts to flirt with her. When an intuitive pet rat and five playful puppies join the household, you can count on chaos and humor to abound. I like that Christmas was included in the story (adds another heartwarming layer to it). There are some scenes that touch your heart and a couple of will bring tears to your eyes. While An Amish Cinderella is the third novel in The Amish of Apple Creek series, it can be read as a standalone. An Amish Cinderella has hope, family, humor, love, and faith. An Amish Cinderella is a delightful tale with considerable quantities of cookies, an appealing apprentice, a perceptive pet rat, a brusque and benevolent blacksmith, a pack of puppies, a compassionate neighbor, and a tender daughter.

I did enjoy this story it was sweet from the beginning to the end. I will say there were parts that dragged a little bit. I will say there is two "stories" going on at the same time, but they intertwine so its not hard to keep up at all. You have Mary and Levi and man I loved Mary she was so sweet and had the biggest heart and had to have one of the hardest jobs but God used her in families lives when they may be going through one of there toughest moments. Levi was a little rough and gruff but he had the biggest heart for those he loved and cared for, Heart being his biggest worry and his greatest accomplishment. Then you have the story with Heart and Clayton. Clayton faced some big things in his shortest time however that did not slow him down from trying to make the best life he could. Heart this girl hands down ran this story she truly was the heart of the story and she after loosing her mom she took on so much yet never complained she had the biggest heart for any living creature and was the sweet kind friend everyone needs in there life. I loved that this author kept this book clean and suitable for all this is worth the read for sure.

I highly recommend this book. Shelley has become one of my favorites. I actually laughed out loud while reading this old story with a new twist.

A beautiful modern day romance based on the fairy tale of Cinderella. Cinderella happens to be my favorite fairy tale and this new Amish romance from Shelley Shepard Gray does it justice.

Heart is such a sweet soul. She tries to do nothing but please everyone she some in contact with even the animals. That is how she ends up with Spike, a pet rat. I will admit she has a bigger heart than I. I don’t think I could have a pet rat no matter how cute it may be. Spike is the catalyst to bringing this family even closer.

Clayton has not had the luxury of living a typical family life. He has agreed to an apprenticeship with Heart’s father. In doing so, he becomes a part of the family and finds the love he never expected.

Go grab a copy of An Amish Cinderella and settle in for a feel good read. You won’t be disappointed. It is book three in the Amish of Apple Creek series but each book can be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are solely my own opinions.

This is a sweet heartwarming Amish romance that was a joy to read. Heart and Claytin's story is full of emotions and once you start reading it you can't put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish romance.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.