Short Take Reviews: The Sweetheart List and Echoes of You

 

The Sweetheart List

by Jill Shalvis

Series: Sunrise Cove #4

Genre: contemporary romance, women's fiction

ARC provided by the publisher

Harper has just walked away from everything in her life that didn't spark joy - her job, making lists, and especially her ex. Returning to Sunrise Cove, the last place she felt truly happy, she has plans to open her own bakery and make a fresh start. Her first meeting with Bodie - bar owner and her landlord - was bumpy but they quickly developed a friendship, with the possibility of more. Finally, teenage Ivy was also new to Sunrise Cove and had come with a purpose. When she finds compassion and support, she's left uncertain about her future.

There was so much here to love. Both Harper and Bodie had issues to work through, and needed to lay down hurts of the past before they could move forward. Bodie was so open with his feelings for Harper while never pushing her beyond what she felt she could give. Bodie's family was a delight and I loved their easy acceptance of new family and friends into their fold.

The Sweetheart List is one of only three that I have read from Shalvis, but I can tell you that it is my favorite. I loved these characters. I was drawn into their lives, I felt their struggles, and I wanted the very best for them. This one delivered all the feelings and warmed my heart. 4.25 stars

Note: The Sweetheart List is part of the Sunrise Cove series but can easily be read as a standalone.

Echoes of You

by Catherine Cowles

Series: Lost & Found #2

Tropes: contemporary romance, romantic suspense

Maddie and Nash had been best friends since kindergarten. While they both had feelings that went beyond friendship, they never acted on those feelings (or even admitted to them). Now Maddie has returned to Cedar Ridge, fleeing her abusive ex-fiancé, and is ready to reclaim her life, surrounded by friends who feel like family. Nash is by her side, thrilled to reconnect with his best friend, but Maddie's happy homecoming is cut short when threatening texts start and her tires are slashed. As Maddie and Nash begin to explore a romance, danger seems to be closing in, and Nash is determined to protect the woman he loves.

I loved returning to Cedar Ridge and reconnecting with the large, boisterous but loving Hartley family. They welcomed Maddie home and still considered her one of their own. Unfortunately, Maddie's happy homecoming was short-lived when the threats started, especially considering there was likely more than one source. Nash had some serious "who hurt you" vibes so if you love a protective hero, this one's for you. My only quibble would be that both Nash and Maddie seemed to drown in misplaced guilt. With every new development in the story, one (or both) of them was wracked with guilt for situations they had no control over. I kind of wanted to shake them both out of that habit. Beyond that, it was so easy to pull for these characters and yearn for a happy ending for them. Maddie, especially, had been through so much (she truly lost out in the family lottery) and after abuse at the hands of someone who should have protected her, it was satisfying to see her embraced by her found family. If you enjoy childhood friends to lovers, a heroine in hiding, a dash of suspense, and a small town setting, you'll love Echoes of You. 4 stars 

Have you read either of these books?