Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis Narrator: Andi Arndt
Series: Sunrise Cove #4
Published by HarperAudio, William Morrow on June 13, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Life Fiction
Pages: 352
Length: 9 hours, 8 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
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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…
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?
Narration:
Andi Arndt is a favorite narrator and this is her first series with this author. She has just the right tone for the type of woman Harper is, strong and yet vulnerable. The men’s voices are a bit husky and delicious. The emotions make the whole performance better. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Andi Arndt
Andi’s relatively neutral US English accent is a product of a Minnesota childhood, New Jersey high school years, and Maryland/DC/Virginia adulthood. Firm grounding in both theatre and broadcasting led to full-time work in voice over.
About Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
Cute puppy and a beautiful setting. Love it
The settings in this series are amazing. I also appreciate the found families and pets who get loved in the stories.
I always like that found family trope in a book like this. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
I love her books. They are like a hug, often inspiring in the issues characters face.
It sounds like it worked well on audio. So glad you enjoyed it.
Andi Arndt is one of my favorite narrators.
Yes, there was so much to love about this one! Wonderful review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. I enjoyed it a lot.
Love seeing how much everyone is enjoying this one. I really need to get busy on Shalvis’ books.
Shalvis is an auto-read author for me. I’ve always loved her books.
Harper’s cinnamon rolls had me craving cinnamon rolls. I really enjoyed this one and it reminded me that I need to read more of the Sunrise Cove series!
A bakery and food is a good addition to many stories! You can read them in any order as they are connected only by location.
I really enjoy Jill Shalvis and it’s been a while since I read her. This fit’s the bill for my upcoming road trip. Thanks Anne
I hope you love it Debbie. She’s an auto-read author for me.
Good story premise. I like the sound of this book.
I love her books. They have characters who are individuals without being so quirky as to be ridiculous, just realistic. And usually there are pets.
I just loved this group of characters! Andi Arndt was the perfect narrator for this one.
yes I fall in love with her characters. And pets. Andi Arndt is a favorite of mine too.
I’m excited to read this, just picked it up from the library.
I hope you love it.
I’ve read one book by this author and enjoyed it mostly. I do love Andi Arndt’s narrating too! Thanks for sharing!
I love everything Jill Shalvis. Andi Arndt has been a favorite for a long time, too. Now I got them together for this series.