I Love Jill Shalvis and The Sweetheart List is book four in the Sunrise Cove series but all of the books read as a standalone.

Harper has just moved to Sunrise Cove to open her bakery and she's ready for a second chance. When she helps a runaway teen and meets the tavern owner she's ready for this new start.

Cute town set along Lake Tahoe and I love all of the characters. It's a sweet romance and a great summer read.

The Sweetheart List is the fourth book in Jill Shalvis’ newest series, Sunrise Cove. I’m late to the Jill Shalvis party, but I started reading this series last year and it quickly became one of my favorite romance series. Each book has just been such a heartwarming delightful read filled with characters who are so well drawn that I feel like I know them. I also love the Lake Tahoe setting and I really like how even though the books are all interconnected by the setting, they can all be read as standalones.

The Sweetheart List follows Harper Shaw. Harper has abandoned her old life, which was no longer bringing her joy, and has come to Sunrise Cove, the last place she remembers being truly happy, looking for a fresh start. When she goes to pick up the keys to the shop where she’s planning to open a bakery, she has a hilariously awkward meet cute with Bodie Campbell and then can’t seem to escape him no matter where she goes. He not only lives near her, but he also owns the tavern next to her shop, and he and his family are her landlords. The sparks fly between Harper and Bodie every time they cross paths and you can just tell they could be good together if they give it a shot.

As much as I adored Harper for her determination to get out there and find a happier life for herself, it was Bodie who really stole my heart. He suffered two major losses while he was away working for the ATF, and when he returns home, everyone else seems to have already finished grieving and moved forward. It broke my heart to see him struggling so much, but thankfully he has an incredible support system with his mom and his hilarious brothers. As Bodie himself says, his family loves hard.

I also fell hard for Ivy, the teenage runaway, who has come to Sunrise Cove on a mission. Not only did I fall hard for her, but so does Harper, who takes Ivy under her wing, and Bodie, who recognizes another soul who is struggling. Watching these three characters come together like a family truly warmed my heart even more so than the romantic possibilities between Harper and Bodie did.

The Sweetheart List is yet another gem of a story from Jill Shalvis. If charming settings, quirky lovable characters, hilarious antics involving wild animals, swoony romances, and found families are your vibe, then this one is a must read for you!

Harper Shaw’s life has imploded. She travels to a small town on Lake Tahoe which is the last place she remembers being happy. She opens a small bakery and meets the locals—Shay, who runs the bookstore with her abuela, and the Campbell brothers who are her landlords. Bodie Campbell is a handsome, injured former ATF agent who has come home to run her family’s bar and grill. On her first night in town a runaway, Ivy, breaks into the bakery looking for a place to sleep. Harper takes her under her wing. Harper, Bodie, and Ivy are all recovering from some kind of trauma. They have found a great place to heal. I have enjoyed Jill Shalvis books in the past but this is one of her best. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This book was well written and enjoyable to read. The characters were relatable and the story flowed along making the reader want to read further to find out what happens to the characters.

The Sweetheart List is an easy fun read. One knows how the book is going to end but the fun is seeing how it all plays out. Definitely a beach read.

This is my first book by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. Even though I read this book as a stand-alone, it is the latest in the Sunrise Cove series. I didn’t have any problems reading it as a stand-alone, but I plan to one day back-track and read the rest of the series.

Harper Shaw’s life imploded, and she decided that she needed a total life reset. Putting all fears aside, she loaded her car with all her possessions and her dog and took off for Lake Tahoe, the last place that she was happy. It was there in Sunrise Cove, that she would fulfill her life’s dream of opening her own bakery.

As Harper skidded into the icy parking lot of her rental getting her car stuck under a tree, a gorgeous man named Bodie ran out to rescue her. He feed Harper, then let her into the apartment/bakery. It turned out that Bodie was both her landlord and next-door business neighbor. She reminded herself that she wasn’t looking for romance.

That same evening as Harper and her companion Hambone (her humorous dog) were settling into her rented space, a sixteen-year-old runaway named Ivy let herself into Harper’s place, searching for a warm place to sleep. Even though Harper didn’t know Ivy’s story, she gave her a safe place to stay. As days passed, Harper saw more and more of herself in this young lady, and secretly vowed to help her on her journey.

Harper’s bakery was sandwiched between Bodie’s tavern and the bookstore. Shay, the bookstore owner was initially gruff and impersonal as she was suffering from a broken heart. Eventually, things improved, and she and Harper became fast friends.

Each of these character’s had their own side-story and were trying to work through their internal conflicts as best as they could. As they struggled to resolve their issues, often leaning on each other, they became friends, forming a unique pseudo-family.

My only complaint about the book is that it was overly predictable. I would have preferred more surprises, twists, and turns. However, at about a quarter way through the book, Ivy dropped a big bombshell that changed the dynamic of the newly forming relationships drastically. Who is this young girl and why did she travel alone half-way across the country to this place?

The Sweetheart List made me laugh and made me cry, sometimes simultaneously. It tugged at my heart and soul as I identified with each character’s plight. There were many layered stories that eventually came together as one. The characters were well developed, each uniquely quirky and loveable. In the end, they found joy, confidence, and unity in their little Hamlet.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about the strength of family, friendship, romance, and believing in oneself.

I am grateful to Author Jill Shalvis, Avon and Harper Voyager Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this Advanced Reader’s Copy. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.

This is a great story about the meaning of love, family and forgiveness. It brings together three characters, Ivy, Harper and Bodie, who are all in need of healing and trying to grasp a future they want despite their messed-up pasts.

I had no idea when I read this book that it was part of a series, so this worked really well as a standalone. Looking at the descriptions of the earlier books in the series, I didn't see any overlap of character names either.

The story was the perfect blend of humorous and heart-wrenching, and I was sad to see the story end.

Thank you to Jill Shalvis, Avon and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Harper Shaw and Bodie Campbell’s Story!

Harper Shaw needs a change in her life, after the mess of a relationship she just got out of, so she moves 500+ miles to Lake Tahoe more specially Sunrise Cove. It just happens to be the last known place where she was happy. She opens up her bakery, Sugar Pine Bakery, and attached is a small apartment for her. Little does he know that it instead snows in July! Oh boy. And she is 2 weeks early AND her building isn’t exactly ready yet. She also meets a runaway teen as she is trying to fall asleep in the freezing temps. What do you think she does? She is determined to work on herself, be successful and be her own boss. Determination is her middle name. But do you think she takes on more than she can handle? Do you think she asks anyone for help?

Bodie Campbell is owner of the Tavern and part landlord to the space next door which is the bakery. He’s a grumpy man - being in the military and then the ATF can do that to you and losing your dad after you were injured and couldn’t come home adds to it. He doesn’t really want anything to do with relationships. He’s a terrible people person. He is genuine and cares about his family. Definitely a family man. His attraction to Harper is almost instant But how can you stop what the heart wants? Does he tread lightly? Or knock it up a notch almost from the get go.

Ivy is a runaway and has a secret. Does she finally get to tell it? She is sixteen years old and her mom left the country and left her with her step sister which is when she took off. Is she stubborn and set and just wants to find out the info and go? Can she trust enough to make friends? Or does she blow it all?

Fave quotes:

“….No one knows what they’re doing. Even people who love each other are going to act irrational or get mad…”

“ You could’ve called me. You can always call me. Even if you’re afraid you can’t, you can. I’ll come for you, no matter what. Please, if you believe nothing else, believe that.”

I loved this book from Jill Shalvis. I thank NetGalley and Avon and Harper for allowing me this ARC copy.

I loved this book!! Jill Shalvis really knows how to get me into the summer mood. I loved Harper from the start. She just felt relatable.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I was more than ready to continue with the Sunrise Cove series; the books are completely standalones. The setting is inspiring and beautiful. Harper comes to town, where she was last happy as a child with her mother, to open a bakery and start fresh. Ivy is a runaway teen who comes to town for other reasons.

They arrive at nearly the same time and are treated to food and kindness by Bodie who runs the local tavern. He also turns out to be one of Harper's landlords along with his brothers. Harper has been used and taken for granted by her so called fiancé. She and her father have not been close since her mother died. She doesn't need to give her heart to be stomped on again and choses to be independent. Bodie was recently injured on the job and is now retiring back in his home town. His work was always dangerous so he never developed relationships that might be used against him.

Ivy, at 16, has really never known care or comfort from her single mom, who has just left on a one month honeymoon with her fourth husband. She left Ivy with someone who is less than concerned about her when she says she's going to stay with a friends instead.

Harper gets her business set up and slowly becomes friends with the bookstore manager next door. The owner is the grandma of the manager and wants to bake and becomes one of Harper's employees, along with Ivy, who needs money of her own, although Harper took her in to her spare bedroom. Harper also has an adorable rescue dog.

Of course, Harper, Bodie and Ivy make a found family with some surprising twists. Bodie's family is a delight. His mother and brothers have had their own problems but they welcome Harper and Ivy, who have not had this much care. I always enjoy the heart and humor from this author. And who doesn't love a bakery and bookstore as places to spend time?

Pure joy and entertainment from start to finish. The only issue with anything penned by the enormously talented Jill Shalvis is coming to the end of what has basically been a wondrous adventure into humor and angst. The texts between the Campbell brothers are a perfect example of that. The brothers are still reeling from the death of their father. Bodie still missing his deceased twin and working to recover from wounds from his old job as an ATF agent. Mace well being himself and difficult to zero in on at the moment. Oldest brother Zeke managing the businesses and trying to manage his wife and three young kids at the same time. Zeke is an amazingly efficient soul and yet challenged by his own little kids.
Enter Harper Shaw, new woman to the town opening her own bakery. Harper and her huge dog Ham are in Sunrise Cove to jump start their lives. Harper having been summarily dumped by her almost fiancé. She has a definitely list of dos and don’ts even if she has sworn off lists. Her dialog, both spoken and internal is the stuff dreams are made of. Pure delight. Pure Jill Shalvis.
Harper is ready to face all new challenges even black bears, raccoons, and spiders. After the disappointment of her life and relationships Harper is ramping up her game and confidence. Looks like this new place is filled with some wonderful caring folk. Some a little on the odd side but who is she to judge.
First meeting with Bodie, one of her landlords, was not very auspicious. But Harper has to admit he is a fine-looking guy. Not her type, actually she doesn’t have a type other than her own self designed hands off. And it just may be a challenge to keep her distance from this broody wonderful caring guy.
Harper definitely caught Bodie’s eye. And her baked goods are truly mouthwatering. Neither looking for anything even remotely close to a relationship but both could use a good friend.
THE SWEETHEART LIST is about family and brother dynamics at its best. So many memorable moments spent with the Campbell brothers sniping at each other, hugging, and always having each other’s backs. Harper was new to this kind of family fare. So was Ivy the newcomer to Sunrise Cove in Lake Tahoe. Ivy at sixteen was running away or to something or someone. Harper immediately took her in, to her home, and her heart. So many similarities to their family experience. The Campbell’s did not hesitate to welcome these two females into their circle of friends. The caring is off the charts. Now we just have to figure out where it goes from here.
Some surprises for the Campbell’s. New beginnings. New challenges. But as always narrated by the extraordinary conversations that will have you laughing aloud. Guaranteed. Here is another surprising observation, this marvelous story will also bring tears of joy to your eyes. Fans of Jill Shalvis are simply going to adore THE SWEETHEART LIST. In fact I think it is her best yet. Pretty bold statement. Do not miss out on this crazy heart melting romantic comedy. THE SWEETHEART LIST by Jill Shalvis is the best of 2023.

3.5 stars. This was my first Jill Shalvis book but won’t be my last!

The Sweetheart List is a cute story about Harper, who moves to Lake Tahoe to start a bakery, but also about Bodie, who already lives there, and Ivy, a runaway teen.

The book is sweet with light romance but also had some laugh out loud lines. The side characters are particularly entertaining!

I liked the pacing of this story, too - it moved along well to keep you hooked but not too fast.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Jill Shalvis, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Sweetheart List is a cute small town story about family and friends that embrace each other to conquer their trials .
Harper moves to start over and ends up renting a place for her bakery from Brodie & his brothers. Her first night there she discovers, Ivy who has run away from her sister and is hiding out . Instead of scaring her off she allows Ivy to stay and they become fast friends.
The Sweetheart list is full of love and new beginnings.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy for my honest opinion.

The Sweetheart List, by Jill Shalvis, is the fourth book in the Sunrise Cove series, but easily can be read as a standalone. This is an absolutely delightful, feel-good romance with a hearty dose of found-family and inspiring familial bonds. I loved everything about this story, with the exception of the spice, which is purely personal preference.

In this story we follow Harper Shaw, who after heartbreak, bravely finds her way back to the last place she was happy. She is planning on starting her own bakery, but first has a less than warm-hearted meet cute with the closed-up, brooding Body, tavern owner and member of the larger-than-life Campbell clan. She also unexpectedly comes across, Ivy, a 16 year old runaway with a secret mission of her own.

I loved the main female protagonist, the newly forged friendships, the story of sweet, temporarily homeless Ivy, her backstory, and the family members who embraced them. There was a lot to this novel that either made you pause and consider, or made you smile and sigh. And I suppose the highest compliment is that I wanted to stay and be a part of this world with these people, and hated to see their stories end.

This is my first Jill Shalvis book, but it won’t be my last. This rom-com has a little bit of everything you expect: new girl in town, brusk hunky guy, second chances in life and love, and romance with its problems. At first I thought it was slow and predictable, however, once it picked up I couldn’t put it down. Second chance romance with a couple of twists and turns…and I can’t wait to read the ones before this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jill Shalvis for the opportunity to read this ARC. 4 stars and recommend to those who love romance, second chances, and family. All opinions are mine alone.

It has been a few years since I have read a Jill Shalvis novel. Such a great book! I don't know why I let this author slip off of my must-read all-new releases list. This story featuring Harper is such a delight. Great relationships develop in this small-town atmosphere. I loved the grumpy Bodie and the teenager, Ivy as well as the best friend Shay. All in all a great romance with lots of friendship, love, and humor. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a nice feel-good book. There is some spice, and the characters are well aware of their past trauma, which feels a little unrealistic at times. However, nothing is too far-fetched in my opinion - it would be amazing if this is how much self-awareness we all had. I enjoyed learning about Harper, Bodie, and Ivy - I’m intrigued enough to check out Jill’s backlist of the Sunrise Cove series!

Harper’s life has fallen apart, and she decides to start life over, eliminating anything that doesn’t give her joy. She takes off to Lake Tahoe to open her own bakery, which was the last place she was happy. Things do not start off well. The bakery is not ready, she has practically no money and one of her landlords is particularly grumpy. She decides to spend her first night in the bakery apartment with no water, heat or electricity. However, she does have a family of raccoons in her bathroom! As she settles in for the night, she hears someone trying to break in. Upon investigation, it turns out to be Ivy, a teenage runaway. Unable to turn her away in the cold, she allows Ivy to spend the night. As they got to know each other, Harper began to see a lot of herself in Ivy. But Ivy has some big secrets that change everything. I enjoyed these characters and the storyline. It’s part of a series, but I hadn’t read the other books. I will go back and read them now!

Also reviewed on B&N under 1IrishEyes430 and Kobo under IrishEyes430

The Sweetheart List made me want to move to Sunrise Cove to meet these fabulous people! This was my first Sunrise Cove books but I know it will not be my last. I so appreciated all the unique connection between these characters, particularly the connection between Harper and Bodie as children. Each character’s story came a.I’ve and felt so very real, even the stories of Bodie’s family. Jill Shavis has the knack of showing connections between characters as opposed to just telling them, thereby placing the reader within the heart of the story instead of being a passive observer. I felt a connection to each and every character. Loved the first meeting between Harper and Bodie. Also the first meeting of Ivy and Harper. The smells of cinnamon wafting through the air and the vision of burgers and fries jump off the pages and into your brain, making me wish I could visit the Sugar Pine Bakery and Bodie’s bar. Some day soon I hope to return to Sunrise Cove.
A perfect summer read that will make you feel warm and cozy and appreciative of second chances and the power of love.
Many many thanks to Jill Shalvis, Avon, and NetGalley for affording me the absolute pleasure of reading an arc of this recently published gem.

Whenever I start a Jill Shalvis book, I know I'm going to get a sweet story with likable characters. And there's also the emotional content -- it's always there with this author. The Sweetheart List was a sweet little story of three people trying to find their place in the world... and there's a dog, too.

Harper Shaw packs up her belongings and moves to Sunrise Cove in Lake Tahoe for a new start. Her last relationship didn't work out and her father doesn't even know she's around. So she sets out for the last place she was happy and decides to start a bakery business. The first person she meets is Bodie Campbell, who happens to be one of her landlords and a local business owner.

Bodie has some problems he's working through as well. A former ATF agent, he's working through some serious losses from his last mission and adjusting to a new life. His family is there for him, and they are a rowdy bunch of siblings who keep Bodie from losing it. The banter between among the siblings is just terrific and provides some nice humor.

When Bodie Encounters a young runaway named Ivy at his bar, he is immediately worried about eher. What he doesn't know yet is that Ivy has a secret that involves Bodie and it's a doozy.

The pace here was great for me, I was able to finish this story in a day. The writing is smooth and just flows, and before I knew it, I was 75% through the story. Harper, Bodie and Ivy's lives are intertwined and there are a few roadblocks caused by some incorrect assumptions that need to be taken care of before they can all find their HEA.

The Sweetheart List was a very pleasant story about new found friends and the beginnings of love in Sunrise Cove. The characters are very likable and the story moves along at a good clip to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed this story -- it was perfect read for sitting out in the sun on a hot summer day.