I loved this book! A fabulous story with an wonderfully eclectic collection of people that prove that family is so much more than genetics, an amazing animal rescue that is also a people rescue and a whole lot of love. So many ups, downs, a lot of change and growth, acceptance, secrets that come to light and change everything, romance, will they/won’t they, chemistry and more. Smart, witty, romantic, emotional and an overall wonderful read that has me hoping this series goes on forever.

4.5 stars rounded up!

This book was just all around a good read. It had a great storyline that kept you intrigued, every single character was lovable, the witty banter between not only the two MC’s, but just the whole cast was great. This book made me laugh, smile, feel good, fell sad and just really want to finish it in a day (which I did!). I also enjoyed that it was located in Lake Tahoe, close to where I live and a place that I grew up going to as a kid.

Thank you Net Galley, Avon Books, and author Jill Shavis for this gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I don't know how she does it, but Jill Shalvis never misses. Although there are no surprises and she definitely has a certain vibe to her books, she never fails to entertain.

I have always loved stories about found family and The Bright Spot serves a full plate of this. Luna and her merry little band of misfits on the farm tug on the heartstrings. The way they look out for each other is the stuff of legends, but my favorite part is how much they challenge and push each other.

Mrs. Shalvis, I'm a fan for life. Your stories are my comfort food and will ALWAYS take a full helping.

Can two people overcome the emotional scars of their pasts and find the courage to love?

Welcome to Sunrise Cove, near Lake Tahoe and home to Apple Ridge Farm. The farm is full of orchards, flowers and all sorts of creatures who have nowhere else to call home. The people who work there are also misfits in their own ways, but have joined forces to run the business and become a family. Like most farms, however,, Apple Ridge Farm is not doing well financially. It’s owner, Silas aka the Grinch, has always found a way to keep things afloat financially while Luna Wright, the young woman he brought in to manage the farm, oversees the staff and the day-to-day operations. Luna was given up for adoption when she was younger, and though she was quickly adopted by a successful older couple, she has never felt that she measured up to their goals for her. Running the farm and surrounding herself with offbeat characters who bring their individual talents to the shared enterprise has given her confidence….she earned the job, and does it well. But that confidence takes a sharp knock when Silas dies, and Luna discovers that she has inherited half ownership of the farm. The other half has been left to Jameson Hayes, Silas’ investment manager and in many ways the son Silas never had. The farm’s finances are worse than Luna ever suspected, and a huge balloon payment is due to a group of investors (who quite frankly want to raze the farm and build luxury housing in its place) in just two months, money that the farm doesn’t have and more than it is likely to make. Luna’s nurturing and creative personality is the polar opposite of the stoic number cruncher that is Jameson….but when has that type of thing ever stopped an attraction? They will have to overcome their differences and work together if the farm is to be saved.
This is the fifth entry in Ms Shalvis’ Sunrise Cove series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone for those who haven’t read the previous books. This is a very enjoyable romantic escape; Luna is a smart, giving, hardworking heroine whose painful past (and a really bad dating record) has left her wary of romance and makes it difficult to trust people, including herself. Jameson is more than the “suit” that Luna first judged him to be, and he too bears the scars of a less than perfect childhood. Silas had more than a few secrets that he kept from Luna, and Jameson finds himself torn between adhering to promises he made to Silas and wanting to give Luna the honesty she demands. With a cast of characters including a fortune telling adopted grandma, a lonely baby goat who likes to snuggle in laps, Luna’s gay ex-boyfriend, and many others with their own quirks and dramas, I found myself hurtling along through the story. With just enough humor and snark to balance out the angst and fears, this is a must-read for fans of Ms Shalvis’ earlier works as well as for readers of Susan Mallory, Nora Roberts and Samantha Chase. If you want to be reminded that you shouldn’t have to change who you are just to be loved, The Bright Spot is just what you need. Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy.

Diving into "The Bright Spot" by Jill Shalvis feels like wrapping yourself in a warm hug. Luna, the tenacious farm manager, and Jameson, the new co-owner, navigate life's twists as they strive to save Apple Ridge Farm. Shalvis delicately weaves their stories, delivering authenticity and real-life challenges. Luna's found family, including the lovable animals, adds heart and humor, creating a cozy atmosphere.
In this heartwarming novel, Luna's world at Apple Ridge Farm is threatened when Jameson enters the scene. As Luna grapples with unexpected revelations, the charm of the farm and the quirky ensemble of characters shine through. Shalvis skillfully explores Luna's resilience and the complexities of her relationships. The chemistry between Luna and Jameson is both delightful and complicated, making their journey to love all the more captivating.
Shalvis’ storytelling shines as Luna confronts her past and fights for the farm's future, and the animal shenanigans bring laughter.
Overall, "The Bright Spot" is a great story blending warmth, humor, and romance seamlessly.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy, opinions are my own

Five years ago, Luna was approached about running the struggling Apple Ridge Farm. Doing what Luna does best, she assembles a team, like her found family, to help run and renovate the farm. From her best friend, Willow, as the botanist on hand. To her ex, Chef, who runs the Bright Spot cafe, and her adoptive grandmother Stella, who reads fortunes and runs the gift shop.

Now, the person who funded the farm has died and left Luna as half owner. Feeling overwhelmed, Luna decides to have a nice night out with her friend. As luck would have it, she meets a hot stranger in the bar. But as Luna’s luck would have it he turns down her proposition for a night of fun, and things are further complicated when the stranger turns out to be none other than the owner of the other half of the farm: Jameson Hayes.

Jameson showing up in Sunrise Cove brings a string of surprises to Luna who has to reevaluate a lot of how she views herself as well as how she views the farm if she wants a chance to save it. On top of all of that is the undeniable attraction she has to Jameson, but too many failed past relationships keep her wary.

I have enjoyed this series by Jill Shalvis as a whole. Some books I've like more than others. The Bright Spot is one of them. It's in my top two for this series so far. The character ensemble was fantastic and seeing them pull together to try and figure out how to save the farm just made me wish I could actually go to Apple Ridge Farm.

I loved the "meet-cute" between Luna and Jameson. Even though I immediately figured out how things would go down after he was introduced, I still like the revelation of who was who, and now they have to work together! It was fantastic.

The story is told from three perspectives: Luna, Jameson, and Willow. Honestly, I almost feel like Willow was done a disservice. I think that what we got of her character, just being a secondary character was enough. Having her with her own POV didn't necessarily elevate her to a main character status. Her point of view just didn't feel that fleshed out to me beyond a secondary capacity. I think there were maybe two stories to tell here, either Luna's or Willow's - and then of course their prospective HEA. I think putting more of the focus on Luna and Jameson could have also strengthened some weak points in the building of their relationship - which as readers of romance know, always comes with a complication to work through.

As it is, though, the true standouts will always be the animals! And The Bright Spot has them in abundance since, you know, the farm also acts as an animal rescue. Seeing the shenanigans they cause provided a lot of laugh out loud moments.

Overall, another good, cozy entry in the series. There was a lot more at stake than in some of the previous entries which I think helped pull me become more invested in the story and kept me wanting to see how everything worked out.

Fun, uplifting story of two people struggling to save a small “farm” with a farm to table restaurant, gift shop, rescue animals etc. A small group of employees who are more like family- a quirky family! Luna and Jameson struggle to get past their insecurities, their feelings and a big balloon payment due soon on the farm. Love how they “find” happiness with themself and with each other.

The owner to Luna’s farm has passed away. And Luna has just learned that the owner left her half of the farm and the other half to Jameson Hayes…hot guy in a suit! These two must work together to get the farm in the black and meet a balloon payment due soon…or the Luna’s livelihood is lost forever.

I just love getting lost in a Jill Shalvis novel. And this one definitely hit the mark. The characters and the animals are so adorable. I just loved the goat DZ, short for Da#*it Ziggy. But then there is Luna. She is struggling to keep this farm going and she is super woman! She can just about get anything done. And she and Jameson are perfect together. And don’t get me started on Luna’s grandmother…SHE CRACKED ME UP!

Need a heartwarming tale to take you away…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

Once again Jill Shalvis does not disappoint. I can always count on her for flawed but tremendously sympathetic and likable characters, lots of fun, flirty banter, found family, and great supporting cast, including the animals. Luna and Jameson were the lead couple in this one and they were great together, but I would happily have read a separate book featuring Willow/Shane and or Chef/MIlo. As for DZ, he stole every scene he was in. I think the weakest part of the book was the third act breakup, which seemed a bit contrived to me, but it didn't last overly long and led to Luna facing some hard truths that will only make her stronger going forward. I'll be looking forward to the next book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a fun read with all the fun animals and quirky people. Luna and Jameson were fun to read. Two very different people brought together as partners inheriting the farm and finding a way to work together to hopefully save it . I loved the way Jameson started out very business oriented only but fell in love with Luna and the animals. (Especially Dammit Ziggy lol ) and became a part of the family. The others on the farm are so entertaining. I loved them! I would 100% recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun romance with some laughs. Enemies to lovers. Grumpy / Sunshine, Slow burn

Shalvis takes her readers back to Sunrise Cove in her newest release, The Bright Spot. Although part of a series, the story works well as a stand-alone. None of the stories in the series are related. The one thing they have in common is the location. However, after reading this instalment, you’re going to want to read the previous books in the series. The Bright Spot delivered a feel-good story that can lighten the heart and mind even at the darkest and gloomiest of times.

This latest instalment of the Sunrise Cove series introduces readers to Luna. Adopted as a child, Luna never gelled with her adoptive parents. They loved each other, but Luna never fit into the mould they created for her. She forged her own path, which led to her current position as the manager of the Apple Ridge Farm. The people she works with are more like family than employees. Her BFF, Willow, her ex-boyfriend Chef and his partner Milo and her grandmother.

Luna pours her heart and soul into the farm, and she believes that all is well. However, when the owner of the farm, Silas, died and left her with a fifty percent stake, she discovers that not all is well despite all the hard work she put into managing the farm.

Jameson Hayes, an investment manager, inherited the other fifty percent. He came to Sunrise Cove as per Silas’s request to guide Luna in whatever decision she made regarding the farm. Not only was his presence helpful, in turning the farm around, it also helped Luna to be more open about her feelings.

Without a doubt, these two shared an undeniable chemistry from the get-go. However, past issues endangered their relationship. Luna’s belief that she was not enough proved to be the biggest obstacle. A feeling which was further compounded by a recent discovery regarding her biological family. This overwhelming feeling prevented her from recognizing that everyone she came in contact with admired and loved her. So much so, they willingly supported her efforts in rescuing the farm.

Jameson also experienced his share of blows in the past. Although he had someone who believed in him and helped to secure a stable future, he led a solitary life. Spending time at the farm proved a game-changer, as he recognized that there was more to life than maths and spreadsheets. Not only did he feel accepted, he gained a family. Also, he played a major role in helping Luna see she was definitely more than enough.

As with all the previous books in the series, The Bright Spot delivered not one but two storylines. The secondary storyline focused on Willow, Luna’s best friend. Yes! It’s understandable that she had a lot to deal with …. The uncertainties surrounding her marriage and her future goals. The dreams she had as a young girl did not materialize, and so she considered herself a failure. These feelings spilled over into her marriage. Also, the lack of communication between her and her spouse further compounded the situation. However, from her actions, one would have thought she didn’t achieve something. Honestly, Willow grated on my nerves. I found her actions annoying and selfish. Eventually, she realised dreams can change directions, and she just needs to embrace the goals achieved thus far, even if they differ from what she envisioned.

The return to Sunrise Cove proved a delight. The Bright Spot was a heart-warming story filled with humour and romance.

When the owner of Apple Ridge Farm passed away, Luna discovered that she had inherited the farm. Well, she inherited half the farm. The other half was inherited by Jameson, aka The Suit, and he had arrived to help Luna save the Apple Ridge.

And the hits keep on coming! I have been a long time fan of Shalvis', but my undying adoration of her books started with the Wildstone series. These books still had all Shalvis' signature elements, but there was a bit of a shift leaning more towards "women's" fiction which really works for me.

In The Bright Spot, Shalvis has created a wonderful world filled with quirky characters, farmland, and baby goats. From the first few pages, I knew this was going to be a hit for me. I mean, BABY GOATS!!! But seriously, there was just something special about Luna that captured my interest and had me deeply invested in her story.

So, what was so special about The Bight Spot?

- Luna was the heart and soul of Apple Ridge Farm. I admired the way she poured herself into every aspect of the farm, and it was very important to me that everything worked out for her. I am not just talking about saving the farm here. Luna had a tendency to keep parts of herself from others. She didn't willing share personal details because she always saw herself as not enough. The irony here was that everyone at Apple Ridge Farm loved her so much and were huge supporters. It was going to take a lot to get her to see what everyone else already did.

-Jameson was a part of getting Luna to see how incredible she was. He had been dealt some blows in his past and was lucky enough to find someone to believe in him. But it wasn't all Jameson being a hero here, he got so much out of his time at the farm. Jameson had lived a fairly solitary life. His job required extensive travel, and he never really put down any roots. Apple Ridge Farm was a magical place where Jameson found acceptance and family.

-The found family element is one Shalvis always does so well, and here, she assembled a most-lovable rag-tag group of characters. They were delightful and hilarious, but mostly, they exuded love and warmth, and heck, I wish I could get a job there.

-Willow's storyline had a great message, too. As Luna's ride-or-die, she was very important in Luna's life, but had been dealing with a lot of inner turmoil related to her future. She made goals when she was younger and was struggling with not being where she thought she would be. A lot of self-reflection and reevaluation were needed, and also Willow had to acknowledge that dreams and plans can change.

-All Shalvis' books feature animals in some way, but she really upped her game with this book. Being on the farm and spending time with the emu, the baby goats, the geriatric dog, and all the other rescues was fantastic. Their antics never failed to bring a smile to my face, and I totally have a soft spot for the critters.

Overall, this was an incredible return trip to Sunrise Cove. This book was packed with humor and warmth and it simply captured my heart.

Shalvis can always be counted on to provide a rollicking read.
Jameson and Luna now own a small farm/orchard/crazy train acreage but it’s in financial trouble.
The cast if characters are zany and wonky and they all work together to pull off a miracle.
I didn’t like Willow until the very end when she started to be likable because for most of the book she was just a pain.
Of Course I drooled over Shayne and Jameson.
Stella was a hoot but the real stars were the animals, beginning and ending with DZ. I laughed like crazy about Damn Ziggy because many years ago I had a cat named DC-Damn Cat. Perfect!

Lately, my favorite pastime is watching Instagram posts of rescued-farm-animals-doing-cute-things. I scroll through them avidly, each new one more endearing than the last. THE BRIGHT SPOT takes that idea, rolls in a straight forward romance with some endearing side characters and produces a good story. If the tale lacks surprise, it more than makes up for it with delight and a high ‘cute factor.’ The author does a great job of creating a sense of place and bringing it to life through the pages of the book. This farm would be on everyone’s short list for regular visits. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

The Bright Spot, book five in the Sunrise Cove series, once again wrote a heartwarming and humorous story, with the characters, that I connected to and fell in love with. This is a heartwarming story of family ties, both blood and found family, with a side of romance.

Luna and Jameson along with a whole group of misfits who make up the community Luna has created at Apple Ridge Farm. Luna is the glue that keeps the entire farm together, taking care of employees, animals, the business; all while trying to keep afloat. When the owner of the farm dies, Luna inherits half of it. A finance manager from LA inherits the rest. And Luna learns that she has found her birth grandfather; only after he passed away. Luna is close to most of the employees at the farm, and fears sharing that she's now half owner, as she doesn't want to become the same kind of person Silas was. Jameson knew Silas since he was teen, is a numbers guy, and owns the other half of the farm. With a hilarious meet-cute, the chemistry between Luna and Jameson electrifies the air around them. Luna does not want to mix business with pleasure; especially since Jameson might decide to sell his part of the farm off and leave, just like most other people in Luna's life have done so far.

Jill Shalvis created a story of found family; with wonderful secondary characters, who added humor and depth to this sweet romance with complicated relationships, and high stakes about keeping employment for several people, is your story. I highly recommend The Bright Spot to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I'm going to be honest -for the first 30% of the book or so I was not sold on this book. There was a lot I loved - the farm setting was fantastic with a maximum amount of shenanigans. Luna's grandmother, Stella and most of the other people at the farm were quirky and entertaining. Jameson was dreamy - damaged but not self-destructive, a numbers guy but willing to listen to the people element, a relationship flunky but willing to try. He was also okay with a baby goat becoming his bestie and sitting in his lap most of the time. It wasn't hard not to love him.

What kept the beginning of this book from being a winner was Luna and Willow. Willow is Luna's best friend and quite determined to destroy everything she's built in her life because it doesn't meet some arbitrary benchmark she set for herself. I don't think I ever really liked her though I did understand her a bit more by the end. Luna also drove me crazy at the beginning. She's facing losing the farm but is unwilling to make any changes and for awhile refused to understand what was happening. However, while I never fully warmed to Willow, I did end up really connecting to Luna. Yes, she's stubborn but she's also innately talented with people, gifted with multitasking, and seriously complicated.

This is a funny quirky romance with deeper issues woven within. After a slightly slow start I was completely pulled into this story and couldn't put it down.

THE BRIGHT SPOT – Jill Shalvis
A Perfect 10
Sunrise Cove, Book 5
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063235755
January 16, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Lake Tahoe, California – Present Day

Luna Wright is as independent as they come. She was adopted and knows little about her birth family. Her adoptive family was a bit unorthodox, so Luna has a soft heart for down-on-their-luck souls but trusts few people. She happened upon a dream job managing an animal rescue farm and has several employees who depend on her for employment. The farm is owned by a man who lived in another state and let her run it as she saw fit. Unfortunately, he died recently, and she is unsure what will happen with the farm. A visit to an attorney ends with Luna learning some shocking information. The man who owned the farm was her biological grandfather and he left half of it to her with the other half to a man named Jameson Hayes. But there is a catch. A balloon payment is due in a few months and if it isn’t paid, then the farm will be foreclosed.

Luna isn’t sure how to process the news. There’s a real chance the farm will be unable to make the payment and the employees at the farm will lose their jobs. She ends up in a local bar attempting to drown her sorrows in booze when she runs into a stranger. They flirt hard but stop short of a one-night stand. The next morning, Luna learns to her horror that the man in the bar is Jameson Hayes. He is her partner, and he will be spending the next two months at the farm going over the finances and trying to save the farm. Luna doesn’t really want to work with him, but she has no choice. Add in that their attraction from the bar still sizzles between them, and it’s no wonder they have a lot of conflict going on.

THE BRIGHT SPOT is as witty as many of Jill Shalvis’s books are. We have a feisty heroine (Luna) and a seriously hunky hero (Jameson) who puts up with the antics going on around him. Jameson was plunked out of a bad situation by Luna’s grandfather when he was a teen and groomed to be a businessman. Why her grandfather didn’t reveal his true identity to her is a bit of a mystery. It could be because she was as prickly as a cactus and wouldn’t have accepted any help from him. He did the next best thing by offering her a job and making her the manager. Luna loves working on the animal rescue farm with its animals and various shops. There is even a farm-to-table restaurant called The Bright Spot. Luna’s oddball adopted grandmother works there also, running a shop and telling fortunes. Luna’s best friend Willow is usually supportive, but she doesn’t want to hear any advice about what to do about Willow’s estranged husband. Those two can’t stay away from each other but Willow can’t see that she still loves him. There are many fun—and let’s emphasize FUN—characters in THE BRIGHT SPOT.

Meanwhile, Luna and Jameson get to work trying to cut corners and make some money. Everyone has suggestions and Luna still tries to be a good boss even though she knows that she needs to put her foot down. Her relationship with Jameson is up and down. Luna sees him as a stuffy suit. His experience with the various animals that run loose on the farm is nil. Who doesn’t like pigs, emu, goats, and other animals roaming pretty much freely? Even one of the goats takes a shine to Jameson. But as Luna and Jameson continue to work together, the attraction that began that night in the bar flares up again and again. It isn’t long before they’re sharing kisses—and more. But the most important thing between them is saving the rescue farm. Will that happen?

THE BRIGHT SPOT is the perfect way to start 2024 with its fun and witty characters and scenes—and is a big reason I’m giving it a Perfect 10. A book that is hard to put down is a winner in my mind. Don’t miss the pleasure of reading THE BRIGHT SPOT.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

The Bright Spot is the latest in the Sunrise Cove series by the very talented Jill Shalvis. I loved reading Luna and Jameson’s story and can’t wait to read the next in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance full of unforgettable characters including a unique little goat named DZ that will melt your heart.

What an enjoyable time I had at Apple Ridge Farm! The assortment of characters was eclectic and fun. They are truly a found family and, although quite nosy, are always looking out for each other. Luna is the ringleader of this ragtag troupe and she seems to bring joy wherever she goes. Yet inside, Luna always feels like she can be rejected at any moment with no warning. Her insecurities broke my heart, but I loved her friends for recognizing those insecurities even if they played it off like they didn’t.

When Jameson comes to the farm to help Luna make some financial decisions once the owner dies, he is not expecting to become a part of this family. He’s always been the outsider due to his upbringing and now his job. But this group doesn’t judge people for anything other than their true heart and spirit and they recognize Jameson as one of their own. Meanwhile, he and Luna are trying to fight their attraction since they have to work together. That doesn’t last long. Luna and Jameson have great banter and find a sort of security when they are together. It’s charming and gave me a warm glow.

While Jameson and Luna are the main romance happening in this story, there is a side story with Luna’s best friend that is a marriage in trouble story. Everyone gets an HEA in this book, don’t worry. But Willow’s marriage problems are a great mirror for Luna when she needs to take a look at some of her own problems. The heartbreak that is Luna and Willow having a falling out and seeing both women deal with a lot of heavy stuff without the support of the other was written beautifully. Some things we have to figure out for ourselves, but that doesn’t mean friendships should be cast aside.

All fictional books require some suspension of disbelief, which was the case here with the farm and how it was kept running. But if I didn’t concentrate on that and just kept my mind on the people and their relationships, this was a great story.

☀️ The Bright Spot ☀️

“It makes you real. And real is my very favorite thing about you.”

Another delightful Jill Shalvis read! Her books are comfort reads for me. I always know what to expect - swoony, thoughtful MMC, hilarious banter, and flawed but real characters. She always manages to write characters who are working through things, but find what they need in partners and are loved as they are, without changing.

The Bright Spot is no different! Set on Apple Ridge Farm, run by the charming Luna, who rescues animals and collects people alike. She’s fighting to keep the place alive when the owner, who she didn’t realize was her grandfather, passes away and leaves her half the farm. The other half is left to Jameson, “a suit”, who swoops in to see the books and try to get the farm back in the black before the circling investors swoop in to close them down.

Jameson and Luna can’t fight their attraction to one another as they fight to save the place they both love. They find each other and the unwavering support of their found family at the farm.

A lighthearted, quick comfort read that I loved.

Check this one out if you’re looking for:
☀️ Emotional support baby goats
☀️ Coworkers to lovers
☀️ Sassy side characters
☀️ Found family
☀️ Being loved as you are

I received an ARC from Netgalley and Avon. My opinions are my down. The Bright Spot is on shelves January 16, 2024!