The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis

 💖💖💖💖💖/5

The Sweetheart List, book four in the Sunrise Cove series, is no exception to the fact that every time I read a book by Jill Shalvis I fall in love with the characters she creates. This story exemplifies Shalvis’ sense of humor, the personalities she gifts unto her characters, allowing the reader to connect with each of them. This is a heartwarming story of family ties, both blood and found family, with a side of romance.

Harper had finally decided to move on with her life, moving to the last place she remembered being truly happy, and opening her own bakery. Things were not going her way when she arrived in Sunrise Cove; not only was it snowing in July, the place she had rented for both her bakery and apartment wasn’t ready yet. Then there was the visitor, late that evening, Ivy, a runaway, who

claimed to have emancipated herself; but she was on a mission to find her sperm donor. Harper invited Ivy to stay with her and started teaching her how to bake. Harper and Ivy became close and trusting due to the similarity of their lives; despite their age difference. While Harper was getting to know Ivy and learn more about her situation, she also became acquainted with Bodie, the hot bartender; one of her three landlords. Despite having sworn off men, there was a definite attraction to him; that chemistry and magnetic attraction kept pulling them together. Bodie had never really thought that much about love, but he felt that same attraction. Bodie’s entire family was supportive, helpful, and had each other’s back; modeled by their mother how to be amazing and caring people.

 

An attempt at healing a broken relationship between Shay and Mace ran through this story. These two had been dating since high school but Shay had trust issues thanks to the way her parents treated her and abandoned her with her grandma. Her grandma is a kick. She’s pushy and forceful, finding a way to get what she wants. Mace just wants to love Shay.

This story hits so many touching areas. Shalvis takes on tender subjects with grace and care. Her characters are real, compassionate, warm, loving, and humorous; people you want to know and become. Her stories are the definition of heartwarming. I highly recommend The Sweetheart List to other readers and look forward to what’s next in this series.

 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.