3.5 stars

I have been aware of Shalvis as a prolific romance author for many years, and so I jumped at the chance to finally read one of her works, and I have to say that The Sweetheart List did not disappoint. While I'm maybe more used to romances on the steamier side, I actually really appreciated the mostly cleaner nature of Shalvis's work, and think a series like Sunrise Cove would be a great introduction into the Romance genre for those unsure of it.

I do always worry when I start reading a series mid-way through that there will be too many in-jokes and references to previous stories, but I loved the fact that this didn't even follow another member of the same family, and that the only thing that remained simoilar was the location! This way it feels as though you can dip in and out whenever the premise suits you. The fact that we follow Harper in this book, who is in the process of opening a bakery, made me immediately interested, as it's a secret fantasy of mine, and gave me enough of a secondary plot to focus on while the romance between her and Bodie was building. I love a small-town setting, and really enjoyed the little features of the various town locations like the bookstore and the tavern too.

Harper's business venture wasn't the only secondary plot point that excited and propelled me through th story, however, as I loved how Shalvis navigated the whole teenage-runaway character into something so meaningful and important to the overall plot, as well as Harper and Bodie's blossoming relationship. I think it allowed for a strong level of character development not only for Iris and Bodie, but also for Harper and how they all got through such new and yet such strong relationships being formed. While strong family units are quite common in romance novels, the way in which Bodie's was introduced as part of the larger story felt refreshingly unique, as I didn't find it to overtake the romance, or the newer familial bonds being forged.

The Sweetheart List might not have captured my attention fully throughout the whole book, but I found the story to be very compelling, and I certainly fell in love with the setting of Sunrise Cove, and I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series, and more of Shalvis' books generally!

Loved this book amazing characters between the families. Full of laughter and joy. Enjoy the story. Beautiful written. I’ve read a few of Jill shalvis book always a joy to read.

This is my second Sunrise Cove book by Jill Shalvis, and like the first one I read back in January (The Backup Plan), this did not disappoint! Her writing style draws me in immediately, and I couldn’t put the book down. I love the small-town rural lake community aspect; reading about the people of Sunrise Cove fills you with such a cosy, heartwarming feeling - I need to pick up the other two books asap.

Firstly, Harper really is an absolute sweetheart, and not in a cheesy/uncomfortable to read kind of way, but she’s genuinely so caring and kind-hearted, I really felt for her with everything she went through. I loved the fact she decided to start fresh and follow her dreams of opening up a bakery all by herself though (and her adorable dog Ham), strong independent women am I right.

Bodie took a little bit longer for me to warm up to I think because he’s so closed off, which makes sense because of his past trauma, but once we get past his broody exterior he was just a joy to read about. I really loved how much family played a role in his life (and in the book overall), I feel like I keep repeating myself but this book is just so heartwarming and gave me all the happy gooey feels.

Multiple POV books are definitely my favourite and this really proved it, there was a good balance between Bodie, Ivy, and Harper’s perspective that made you feel that much more invested in their story. I will admit going into the book, I expected Harper’s romantic life to be the prevalent plot, however Ivy’s story about finding her father definitely took centre stage I would say. I didn’t actually mind this though because, like The Backup Plan, it only rounded out the story in a way that felt as though you were reading about real people with flaws and insecurities, not just an isolated love story.

I find that sometimes, adult authors often struggle to write about a teenager without coming off as quite cliche, but 16 year old Ivy was so well written. You could genuinely feel her pain, stubbornness and internal walls as well as her youthful joy and simply just wanting to be loved without conditions. Her story really made the book for me.

I felt that the romance was ever so slightly a little bit of insta-love (or perhaps I’ve simply read too many enemies-to-lovers!), but I appreciated that they didn’t dive straight into a relationship and were able to communicate their needs to one another. Both Harper and Bodie have experienced struggles with opening up and letting themselves love/be loved, so to see their journey develop together was quite a nice read.

Thank you to Headline Eternal for the gifted copy in exchange for review as part of the blog tour!

I read The Sweetheart List in one sitting, staying awake till 2:50am and I had no regrets whatsoever. I adored this book so much. It made me laugh, it made me feel warm inside and it also made me cry. This is my second Jill Shalvis book and honestly I'm adding the rest of her backlog onto my tbr.

Harper is an amazing character who you cannot help but love. She's incredibly realistic and relatable which is something I look for in my contemporary books. I especially loved the way she was with Ivy, who I just wanted to hold and never let go. I enjoyed watching her grow but I also liked how she actually acted like a teenager! I find that some books struggle with that but Jill hit the nail on the head with Ivy. Bodie was absolutely swoon worthy and I honestly need a man like him in my life!

I haven't stopped thinking about this book and it was an easy 5 star read for me. I could easily carry on singing it praise but I don't want to spoil it!

The Sweetheart List is a heart-warming love story that I 100% recommend picking up!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While this book is categorised as a romance, and there is absolutely a love story there, I don't think that's really the central theme of the book. And I loved that. I love a good love story, but it's so nice to see other kinds of relationships explored. And the friendships and family relationships that were navigated in this book were beautiful. A woman who has picked herself up and moved somewhere new all on her own to start over, a woman who has for a long time not felt part of a family, finds family in this new place. A young girl running towards something with a different motive than she stays for. Nothing is quite as you expect, but the characers are shown so brilliantly, you care for them all, you know and understand them and you want the happy ending for each of them. The book shows how important family, both biological and found, can be to someone and making their lives better. That sometimes running away from something takes you to exactly where you need to be. A beautiful story that shows all of these things. Absolutely a 5 star.

The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Headline Eternal and Netgalley.

Blurb

When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery. With her Sugar Pine Bakery in between a tavern, owned by sexy, grumpy Bodie Campbell, and a bookstore, run by her new BFF, she feels a peace she’s never experienced since…well, forever.. Then she meets Ivy, a teenage runaway, who barrels into her heart. She sees a lot of herself in Ivy and takes her under her wing, but the teenager has secrets… When those secrets explode, it changes Harper’s new world, and she’ll learn, it’s never too late to start over, it’s never too late to figure out your life, and best of all, it’s never too late to let yourself believe in love.

My Opinion

Before I start my review, I would like to start by saying that I have only read books 3 & 4 in this series so I know that the series works well as standalone books. For me, this was a lovely sweet read and I enjoyed every page. This will work well as a nice, summer read and as the chapters are short it makes for a quick read.

Harper is looking for a fresh start when she arrives in town to open her Sugar Pine Bakery and Jill Shalvis has really done a good job writing her second chance. A delightful read.

Rating: 4/5

This is a warm, emotional story that just makes you smile and feel good when you read it! Harper moves across the country to the idyllic small town of Sunrise Cove. Despite facing some challenging circumstances, she remains upbeat and determined to find joy in her life. On her first night in town she runs into Ivy, a troubled teenager, as well as her lovely neighbour, Brodie. I think my favourite aspect of the book is the way Harper is welcomed and embraced by the community, but in particular Brodie’s family. Brodie too has been through a rough time, yet opens his heart to both Harper and Ivy. All the characters are so likeable and endearing, I didn’t want to leave Sunrise Cove at the end of the book! This is the forth book in a series, but all are stand alone stories that do not need to be read in order.

The Sweetheart List, the fourth in Jill Shalvis’ Sunrise Cove series, is one of the most beautiful found family stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Though part of a wider series this is a standalone book, the commonality between being that they’re set around Lake Tahoe. I would wholeheartedly recommend this one and you can be sure I’m going to try and track down the first two books in the series I’ve yet to read.

The Sweetheart List is Harper, Bodie and Ivy’s story, and is told seamlessly through each of their POVs. Harper has left her old life behind to try and start again in Sunrise Cove, the last place she felt truly happy. It’s her dream to open a bakery and it just so happens her neighbour is the surly but very handsome Bodie. Whilst finding her feet Harper meets teen runaway Ivy who will come to change both her and Bodie’s lives in ways they couldn’t imagine.

The Sweetheart List was a wonderful read full of pure heart. Its characters were written with such warmth and depth. Our central protagonists have each been through their own significant traumas and both independently and together are able to begin their healing journeys. I loved each arc the characters went through and how important they became to one another. Shalvis’ supporting cast were also wonderful and beautiful drawn, I especially loved Shay, Mace and mama Cambell, each wonderful in their own right.

This was a wonderful live story and I was really rooting for Harper and Bodie. But I think what makes this book truly special was it’s found family nature and the different ways this was presented, though I’ll say no more so as not to spoil it.

A wonderful and heartwarming read.

Another fantastic book from Jill. Her books always draw you in and leave you feeling happy. Great characters as always. Perfect beach read

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Sweetheart List is a fun easy read romance with a beautiful setting and engaging characters.

As usual another wonderful feel-good read from Jill Shalvis.

In theory I suppose the main characters are Harper and Bodie, but runaway Ivy is really the one who steals the show and becomes the main focus of the book.

Harper has decided it's time for a change in her life and rents a shop in Lake Tahoe that she plans on turning into a bakery, in-between a tavern and a bookshop - you couldn't really get a more perfect spot than that!! Whilst there she meets and helps out young runaway Ivy who is there for more reasons than she initially admits to, but which become clear pretty quickly.

As usual all the characters were just so likeable - grumpy Bodie who falls for Harper, Ivy who is lost and looking for family, the bookshop owners Shay and her grandmother, Bodie's family, all just great characters who wind each other up constantly, but are there in a heartbeat if you need them. And of course the wonderful Hambone, Harper's Bernese Mountain Rescue dog.

Just the usual feel-good, laugh out loud story, with great characters and storyline that I've come to expect from a Jill Shalvis book. Loved it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'The Sweetheart List'by Jill Shalvis.

'The Sweetheart List' by Jill Shalvis is a new romance novel by the beautiful author and of course, it is consistent with Shalvis' other works. I did enjoy it but honestly, I received a major ick off of the main characters name and I couldn't get over it - selfish I know, but that's how it works for me.

Another really lovely romance from Jill Shalvis. All her stories leave you feeling happier. She writes so well the characters come alive. I read this in 2 sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

Jill Shalvis outdoes herself in this book where there is room for all the topics of her books: the big family that forgives you everything, the children who instead are left to their own devices and run away from home, the alpha male who falls in love while remaining convinced that he cannot, and pets (or not) etc.etc.
Obviously as a longtime reader of this author, I was well pleased and enjoyed it.

Jill Shalvis si supera in questo libro dove c'é spazio per tutti gli argomenti dei suoi libri: la famiglia grande che ti perdona tutto, i figli che invece sono abbandonati a se stessi e scappano di casa, il maschio alfa che s'innamora pur restando convinto che non lo puó fare, e gli animali domestici (o meno) etc.etc.
Ovviamente da lettrice di lunga data di questa autrice, ero ben contenta e mi sono divertita.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

What an amazing read. Right from the very start I was totally engaged. Harper in her car talking to her dog Hambone while she navigates the end of a very long and emotional journey. I love how Jill Shalvis writes characters that are so human. The thought processes, the funny inner thoughts and the great banter that they share with each other. I’m a mother of 4 teens and older kids, 3 of which are boys and the Connelly family meals was like sitting around my own dinner table. The constant ribbing and tale telling but also the great love and support, totally spot on!
Ivy was interesting too, her bravery and love was amazing. She went looking for a dad with very little expectations and she got the biggest loving family and community she could ever imagine. Harper and Ivy together was wonderful, Harper could identify with her so well and I loved how she supported her and kept her cool even when it put her and Bodie at risk.
The only fault I can find with this book is that it ended and I never wanted to leave Sunrise Cove.

Jill shalvis is all about the feel good factor. She is able to mix emotions alongside compelling storylines without taking away any of the necessary realistic factors.
This is a book about being brave, in the face of the unexpected, enough to take ourselves away from unhappy rut situations and making a new life with adamant hope and all whilst being graceful in the face of hardships; be it a homeless person or fighting your own emotions or even fighting those demons of another's that you've learned to love.
The only thing missing here was that whilst the female protagonist was starting over, she wasnt really in the sense that she just picked up and made it all work, had the money, the resources and the know how so its not really a starting all over again story maybe. But that's just me nit picking now! It was a truly heart warming book of finding family in more than one way. I'll leave it to you to enjoy now.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Shalvis is the queen of small-town feel-good romance. I know that I'm always in for a good time when grabbing a Shalvis book.
Harper needs change in her life, and decides to open up her bakery shop in Sunrise Cove, the last place that she remembers ever being happy. She finds more than she hopes: love with Bodie, friendships, and a place where she belongs.
Bodie is the quintessential Shalvis man - sexy, broody, smart, and goes all in for the woman he loves.
Ivy snuck up on me. Running away from home, she arrives in Sunrise Cove and finally finds the safe place she's been craving. Seeing her opening up and learning how to trust, and building relationships had tears welling up in my eyes. Trying not to give away the plot here, so trust me when I say that it's a whole lot of wholesome.
I am a sucker for a well-rounded secondary cast, and this one delivered. I loved the Campbell bunch and all their shenanigans.
As always, I look forward to the next book from Jill Shalvis!

Thank you to Headline Eternal and the author for the ARC via Netgalley UK. All opinions are my own.

An incredibly heart-warming romance, and amazing character arcs. This was a wonderful story which I couldn't put down; I loved all the characters especially Harper and seeing her learn who she is and grow. I also love a light-hearted romance (with some twisty secrets) and this makes a perfect summer read.

What do you do when your life is falling apart? Pack everything up and make your way to Lake Tahoe to fulfil a dream that may or may not happen. That's the case for Harper Shaw as she leaves her life that has fallen apart for the glorious lake. Enter Bodie, a man who is not grumpy but just happens to run a bookstore. But if her life couldn't get anymore complicated enter Ivy, a teenage girl.

Come along in this wonderful new book by Jill Shalvis that tells the tale of Harper, Bodie and Ivy. Will it be happy ever after and dreams being fulfilled or will it be a case of I wished I stayed at home for Harper? After all a teenager with secrets can never be a good thing, right? Romance, gorgeous setting in Lake Tahoe what more could you ask for as your possible summer read?

Nothing beats a great Jill Shalvis book! I’m so happy to acquire The Sweetheart List for our location. I love the idea of a fresh start and I love our heroine Harper is determined to get rid of everything in her life that doesn’t bring her joy! I’m so excited for readers to enjoy her opening her own bakery. Add in a hot love interest in Bodie and a teenager named Ivy who throws the whole novel into a tailspin and you have the perfect recipe for a feel good novel!can’t wait for readers to enjoy it as much as I did!