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The Sweetheart Shortcut: A Sweet Romantic Comedy
Sometimes the longest detours lead to the sweetest destinations.
A road trip is supposed to be about freedom, not duct tape, MoonPies, and a goat with an appetite for electrical wires. But at forty-three, widowed and restless, I’m determined to prove I can still chase an adventure. What I don’t expect is Gabe—the grumpy, maddeningly handsome man now occupying the passenger seat of my borrowed pink van.
Babysitting my neighbor’s cross-country quest was not on my calendar. Still, one look at Margot juggling snacks, maps, and stubborn determination, and I know she’s going to need backup. She’s sunshine where I’m storm clouds, and every mile makes me wonder if getting her safely to Sweetwater is the point—or if this shortcut is leading us both somewhere neither of us planned.
The Sweetheart Shortcut is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll
Road TripOpposites AttractAdorable Goat Side KickForced ProximitySmall townKisses-only-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has seven standalone, sweet Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale So, unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!
A road trip is supposed to be about freedom, not duct tape, MoonPies, and a goat with an appetite for electrical wires. But at forty-three, widowed and restless, I’m determined to prove I can still chase an adventure. What I don’t expect is Gabe—the grumpy, maddeningly handsome man now occupying the passenger seat of my borrowed pink van.
Babysitting my neighbor’s cross-country quest was not on my calendar. Still, one look at Margot juggling snacks, maps, and stubborn determination, and I know she’s going to need backup. She’s sunshine where I’m storm clouds, and every mile makes me wonder if getting her safely to Sweetwater is the point—or if this shortcut is leading us both somewhere neither of us planned.
The Sweetheart Shortcut is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll
Road TripOpposites AttractAdorable Goat Side KickForced ProximitySmall townKisses-only-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.
The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has seven standalone, sweet Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale So, unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
7 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Evie Sterling
21 books183 followersThrough her fiction works, Evie Sterling seeks to provide readers with an escape into a world of genuine emotions and heartfelt experiences. Evie hopes to connect with readers who share her passion of clean romance and those who seek to be moved by stories that touch heart and soul.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 7, 2026
I received a ARC copy of this book and even though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression I had upon finishing it.
Evie has written a sweet story about new romances in this mid life no spice series of people deciding to take a chance on love again after divorce or having their spouse die.
Margot is still finding it hard to cope after losing her husband to cancer some three years ago but with her
assistant and the social media presence she brings to her bakery she finds the extra attention and exposure is generating new customers. When a show producer asks her to retrieve a pie safe she had donated to a museum in Memphis she goes to get it but finds her therapy companion has decided to come along for the ride! Who knew a baby goat could generate such publicity and even do a little matchmaking on its own!
This was a delightful romcom to read and I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it to one and all! In fact I have read all the books up to this one in this new series as well and have enjoyed them all and can recommend this entire series as books I know you’ll enjoy reading as well!
The museum sends a man with her and the pie safe
and being around her and her goat changes both of their lives in that they decide to see if they are too old for love again after being single for so many years!
Conversations and unguarded moments make both decide to see if this could be a relationship worth pursuing or not.
I enjoyed this short story and really believe you’ll enjoy it as well! I know you won’t regret reading it that’s for sure!
Evie has written a sweet story about new romances in this mid life no spice series of people deciding to take a chance on love again after divorce or having their spouse die.
Margot is still finding it hard to cope after losing her husband to cancer some three years ago but with her
assistant and the social media presence she brings to her bakery she finds the extra attention and exposure is generating new customers. When a show producer asks her to retrieve a pie safe she had donated to a museum in Memphis she goes to get it but finds her therapy companion has decided to come along for the ride! Who knew a baby goat could generate such publicity and even do a little matchmaking on its own!
This was a delightful romcom to read and I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it to one and all! In fact I have read all the books up to this one in this new series as well and have enjoyed them all and can recommend this entire series as books I know you’ll enjoy reading as well!
The museum sends a man with her and the pie safe
and being around her and her goat changes both of their lives in that they decide to see if they are too old for love again after being single for so many years!
Conversations and unguarded moments make both decide to see if this could be a relationship worth pursuing or not.
I enjoyed this short story and really believe you’ll enjoy it as well! I know you won’t regret reading it that’s for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC Reveiw | Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Street Team
Book 4 of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series.
Margot and Clover! I knew there was going to be a goat at some point, but not that Clover was an ESA! I absolutely loved loved loved this! Gabe, the helper of getting the cake safe delivered safely. Loved the banter, the heartfelt moments and that ending! Especially loved how they both felt awkward with their pasts once they were brought up. And acknowledging that sometimes you do fall for someone almost immediately, maybe even more so as you age.
This whole series has been enjoyable so far! Each author has written a great read!
Book 4 of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series.
Margot and Clover! I knew there was going to be a goat at some point, but not that Clover was an ESA! I absolutely loved loved loved this! Gabe, the helper of getting the cake safe delivered safely. Loved the banter, the heartfelt moments and that ending! Especially loved how they both felt awkward with their pasts once they were brought up. And acknowledging that sometimes you do fall for someone almost immediately, maybe even more so as you age.
This whole series has been enjoyable so far! Each author has written a great read!
January 9, 2026
What a cute second-chance Valentine’s Day novella!
Margot is a widow heading out on a road trip with her adorable emotional support goat, Clover. Gabe is a divorcee who isn’t looking for love.
When their paths cross, they find each other in unexpected ways—and through shared grief, discover that second chances really are possible.
Quick, sweet, and full of grumpy/sunshine banter, The Sweetheart Shortcut will leave you believing that love can happen… right on time for Valentine’s Day. 💘🐐
Margot is a widow heading out on a road trip with her adorable emotional support goat, Clover. Gabe is a divorcee who isn’t looking for love.
When their paths cross, they find each other in unexpected ways—and through shared grief, discover that second chances really are possible.
Quick, sweet, and full of grumpy/sunshine banter, The Sweetheart Shortcut will leave you believing that love can happen… right on time for Valentine’s Day. 💘🐐
Review of advance copy received from Author
Taking a Chance might be the craziest thing when it comes to a new relationship. Great dual pov story of Margot and Gabe (and of course Clover the goat).
After loosing her husband to cancer, Margot, never thought she would have romantic feelings again and in walked Gabe - a grumpy carpenter, who might heal her heart as well as his own in the process.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After loosing her husband to cancer, Margot, never thought she would have romantic feelings again and in walked Gabe - a grumpy carpenter, who might heal her heart as well as his own in the process.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2026
I found this story absolutely adorable. It was easy to read, the writing flowed smoothly, and the author’s style was excellent. I usually don’t enjoy short stories because everything tends to happen too quickly for my taste. However, in this case, the author truly managed to make the story engaging, realistic, and perfectly paced.
I absolutely loved both main characters. There was a bit of a grumpy x sunshine trope at the beginning, which happens to be my favorite trope! Once again, Evie Sterling did not disappoint. She has officially become one of my favorite authors.
I absolutely loved both main characters. There was a bit of a grumpy x sunshine trope at the beginning, which happens to be my favorite trope! Once again, Evie Sterling did not disappoint. She has officially become one of my favorite authors.
January 14, 2026
Margot and Gabe’s love story is super cute. The book was well written and easy to follow. Nice little short novel
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evie Sterling's got me with all my feels! She nailed that feeling of loss, AND she had me giggling at some parts. I love that goat cameo!. So sweet and endearing how she brought Margot and Gabe together! Fast-paced but full of heart. It grabbed my heart quick and didn't let go. if you want a good, sweet and heartfelt read this is it!!!!
January 20, 2026
The Sweetheart Shortcut is Evie Sterling’s contribution to the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series. This series of interconnected sweet romantic comedy novellas are written by multiple authors and can be read as stand-alones and in any order.
43-year-old Margot Bennett has been widowed for three years. She has been running the Sweetheart Bakery in her hometown of Sweetwater, Tennessee with the assistance of a young lady, Dot. After Daniel’s passing, Margot adopted a goat, Clover, who has become a treasured pet. Margot was so heartbroken that she couldn’t bear to see the antique pie safe that sat in her bakery, so she donated it to the Brooks Museum of Art. Now that the pie safe is 150 years old, Margot has to put it back in her shop for social media promotions.
When Margot leaves Sweetwater for the five-hour drive to Memphis, she discovers that Clover is inside her pink van. She decides to let the goat be her passenger and provide emotional support. When she reaches the museum, she’s informed that a contract employee for the museum will accompany the pie safe to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged. A grumpy carpenter named Gabe is the lucky employee.
46-year-old Gabe Turner is a reserved, bachelor carpenter and antique restorer. He accepts the week-long assignment to travel to Sweetwater with the pie safe in order to visit his cousin, Denny. Gabe is astounded to see the colorful woman in the pink van, along with her pet goat. He’s happy to guide Margot on the back roads, and they have a few hilarious adventures on their way to Sweetwater. Naturally Margot’s sunshiny personality wears down his grumpiness and they fall in love.
The Sweetheart Shortcut is a sweet and clean story of insta-love between middle aged characters. The story is kind of silly, but readers will laugh at Margot and Gabe’s misadventures. Gabe is the first man who has turned Margot’s head since the death of her husband, and the portrayal of her emotions is authentic. Margot’s discomfort doing her social media posts and every scene involving Clover are hilarious. This heartwarming story can be enjoyed in a single evening.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
43-year-old Margot Bennett has been widowed for three years. She has been running the Sweetheart Bakery in her hometown of Sweetwater, Tennessee with the assistance of a young lady, Dot. After Daniel’s passing, Margot adopted a goat, Clover, who has become a treasured pet. Margot was so heartbroken that she couldn’t bear to see the antique pie safe that sat in her bakery, so she donated it to the Brooks Museum of Art. Now that the pie safe is 150 years old, Margot has to put it back in her shop for social media promotions.
When Margot leaves Sweetwater for the five-hour drive to Memphis, she discovers that Clover is inside her pink van. She decides to let the goat be her passenger and provide emotional support. When she reaches the museum, she’s informed that a contract employee for the museum will accompany the pie safe to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged. A grumpy carpenter named Gabe is the lucky employee.
46-year-old Gabe Turner is a reserved, bachelor carpenter and antique restorer. He accepts the week-long assignment to travel to Sweetwater with the pie safe in order to visit his cousin, Denny. Gabe is astounded to see the colorful woman in the pink van, along with her pet goat. He’s happy to guide Margot on the back roads, and they have a few hilarious adventures on their way to Sweetwater. Naturally Margot’s sunshiny personality wears down his grumpiness and they fall in love.
The Sweetheart Shortcut is a sweet and clean story of insta-love between middle aged characters. The story is kind of silly, but readers will laugh at Margot and Gabe’s misadventures. Gabe is the first man who has turned Margot’s head since the death of her husband, and the portrayal of her emotions is authentic. Margot’s discomfort doing her social media posts and every scene involving Clover are hilarious. This heartwarming story can be enjoyed in a single evening.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This book was so cute. A sweet romance that included a goat. Yes, you heard that right, a goat brought this story together and made it something that readers could not put down. Margot - owned Sweetwater Bakery. Sweetwater Bakery had achieved internet success and a television show wanted to feature the bakery and the story behind the pie safe. The pie safe was tucked safely away at a museum in Memphis which was approximately five hours away from Sweetwater. Margot needed to pick up the safe for the segment. The pie safe was an integral part of the bakery's story.
The museum sent Gabe -to protect the pie safe. Gabe was a grumpy man but could not deny Margot's charm and Clover's bleats-. The time they spent together made Gabe realize that he wanted something he could cherish. Margot and Clover fit the bill. Gabe knew he only a few days with them. Does Margot feel the same way? They were both out of relationships that were supposed to last a lifetime. Grief is real. Margot needs to decide if it is finally time to move on. She also needs to figure out how to move on. Is if fair to bring Gabe along for the journey? Though fairly short, Ms. Sterling is still able to give readers a full story. Readers will understand both characters doubts and fears and want the best for them.
The museum sent Gabe -to protect the pie safe. Gabe was a grumpy man but could not deny Margot's charm and Clover's bleats-. The time they spent together made Gabe realize that he wanted something he could cherish. Margot and Clover fit the bill. Gabe knew he only a few days with them. Does Margot feel the same way? They were both out of relationships that were supposed to last a lifetime. Grief is real. Margot needs to decide if it is finally time to move on. She also needs to figure out how to move on. Is if fair to bring Gabe along for the journey? Though fairly short, Ms. Sterling is still able to give readers a full story. Readers will understand both characters doubts and fears and want the best for them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s time for another Valentine Midlife Meet Cute, and this one features the most adorable emotional support goat, with a taste for mischief and Moonpies.
When her husband Daniel passed away, baker Margot donated the antique pie safe he bought her to a nearby museum. However, with her bakery about to be featured on national TV, the producer wants to have the pie safe as part of the central love story of the segment, so Margot heads off on a road trip to retrieve it temporarily, complete with a stowaway goat. When she arrives, she finds out the museum has asked a local restorer, Gabe, to accompany her back to Sweetwater with the safe.
Gabe is a grumpy grouch, and Margot is sweet as sugar, but thanks to Clover, they find themselves relaxing in each other's company, even chastely sharing a one-bed at the inn scenario.
Both Margot and Gabe are recovering from past relationships. Margot is still grieving Daniel, although slowly coming to the idea of dating again. Gabe was divorced, amicably, but he still feels affected by it, unsure of putting himself back out there. It was sweet watching both of them get closer and finally admitting to each other that they wanted to see more of each other, despite living in separate places.
Clover the goat was a proper sweetheart and definitely a TikTok sensation.
When her husband Daniel passed away, baker Margot donated the antique pie safe he bought her to a nearby museum. However, with her bakery about to be featured on national TV, the producer wants to have the pie safe as part of the central love story of the segment, so Margot heads off on a road trip to retrieve it temporarily, complete with a stowaway goat. When she arrives, she finds out the museum has asked a local restorer, Gabe, to accompany her back to Sweetwater with the safe.
Gabe is a grumpy grouch, and Margot is sweet as sugar, but thanks to Clover, they find themselves relaxing in each other's company, even chastely sharing a one-bed at the inn scenario.
Both Margot and Gabe are recovering from past relationships. Margot is still grieving Daniel, although slowly coming to the idea of dating again. Gabe was divorced, amicably, but he still feels affected by it, unsure of putting himself back out there. It was sweet watching both of them get closer and finally admitting to each other that they wanted to see more of each other, despite living in separate places.
Clover the goat was a proper sweetheart and definitely a TikTok sensation.
January 21, 2026
4.5 stars
When there's a mischievous pet in the mix, there must surely be many laugh out moments. The Sweetheart Shortcut is filled with many hilarious moments as Gabe and Margot navigate their feelings around Clover the mischievous goat.
Margot's memories of her late husband is one of support for her dreams- her bakery business and as she grows and becomes involved in her own TV show, she has the opportunity to feature a beautiful memory from the past. Her travel to bring back that piece of memory for the show connects her with Gabe, a quiet reticent man. Their attempt at passing through a detour to get back to the bakery quickly brings about a gradual opening up of hearts and ultimately love.
Clover the goat surely added lots of emotional support and smiles, bringing joy to those around. Her antics were so hilarious, from sneaking into the truck, to grabbing a moon pie or being at the center stage of curious fans. She surely worked her way into Gabe's heart as he fell in love with Margot. Indeed, Margot and Gabe realised that it was possible to find true love again after past loss and pain. A light hearted read that puts smiles on the face as one reads.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When there's a mischievous pet in the mix, there must surely be many laugh out moments. The Sweetheart Shortcut is filled with many hilarious moments as Gabe and Margot navigate their feelings around Clover the mischievous goat.
Margot's memories of her late husband is one of support for her dreams- her bakery business and as she grows and becomes involved in her own TV show, she has the opportunity to feature a beautiful memory from the past. Her travel to bring back that piece of memory for the show connects her with Gabe, a quiet reticent man. Their attempt at passing through a detour to get back to the bakery quickly brings about a gradual opening up of hearts and ultimately love.
Clover the goat surely added lots of emotional support and smiles, bringing joy to those around. Her antics were so hilarious, from sneaking into the truck, to grabbing a moon pie or being at the center stage of curious fans. She surely worked her way into Gabe's heart as he fell in love with Margot. Indeed, Margot and Gabe realised that it was possible to find true love again after past loss and pain. A light hearted read that puts smiles on the face as one reads.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A road trip with an adorable goat (and all the shenanigans that go along with that)? What could be more fun than that? Seriously though, this was a really cute read! I really enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Margot and Gabe... it definitely felt like she brought out a lighter side to him. There was definitely a sense of healing in their story, and I loved seeing these two get a second chance of falling in love with someone new after loss. As much as I loved these two though, I will say that Clover (the goat) was the true star of this story. It was short and sweet... the perfect bite size Valentine read. If you enjoy later-in-life romance and animal antics, this is certainly one worth checking out and a really fun addition to this series.
The Sweetheart Shortcut is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of later in life Valentine's Day romcoms that can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Sweetheart Shortcut is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of later in life Valentine's Day romcoms that can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, trust me, you’re going to fall in love with Clover the alpine goat! This addition to the multi-author Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series is a bittersweet romcom that will have you tearing up over the lingering love Margot Bennett still has for Daniel, her deceased husband of three years, and laughing over the crazy antics of Clover, her therapy pet, while enjoying every minute of the sweet new romance developing between Margot and the grumpy carpenter Gabe Turner. The road trip Margot, Clover, and Gabe take turns into an epic adventure where two strangers soon realize they are reluctant to see the trip come to an end.
Yes, this book had just the right blend of heartbreak, emotional bonding, humor and love interest to make it one I didn’t want to put down. I have to admit I’m still chuckling over Gabe holding Clover in the front seat…you just have to love those grumps when they do the unexpected. Loved the book, loving the series. A talented group of writers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes, this book had just the right blend of heartbreak, emotional bonding, humor and love interest to make it one I didn’t want to put down. I have to admit I’m still chuckling over Gabe holding Clover in the front seat…you just have to love those grumps when they do the unexpected. Loved the book, loving the series. A talented group of writers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded to 4 because I can’t give half stars and it had an emotional support 🐐.
💝 Clean Romance
The Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie Sterling is part of the Valentine’s Mid-Life Meet Cute series by various authors, and overall it was a decent, cozy read.
This is a sweet, lighthearted novella with gentle emotional weight from themes of grief, loss of a spouse, and divorce. The MCs are both 40+, which I really appreciated, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked well for a short story.
An influencer baker widow meets a carpenter divorcee while picking up her pie safe for a baking series installment. Add in a small-town setting, a road trip, there’s only one bed, and Clover the emotional support goat, and you get a predictable but charming story.
As a novella, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a sweet romance a cozy filler read, easy to finish, and a nice way to kick off Valentine’s Day reading without a big time commitment.
Thank you to Evie Sterling and Hayling Storm LTD for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
💝 Clean Romance
The Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie Sterling is part of the Valentine’s Mid-Life Meet Cute series by various authors, and overall it was a decent, cozy read.
This is a sweet, lighthearted novella with gentle emotional weight from themes of grief, loss of a spouse, and divorce. The MCs are both 40+, which I really appreciated, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked well for a short story.
An influencer baker widow meets a carpenter divorcee while picking up her pie safe for a baking series installment. Add in a small-town setting, a road trip, there’s only one bed, and Clover the emotional support goat, and you get a predictable but charming story.
As a novella, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a sweet romance a cozy filler read, easy to finish, and a nice way to kick off Valentine’s Day reading without a big time commitment.
Thank you to Evie Sterling and Hayling Storm LTD for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy
This was such a cute, cozy short story—a no-spice, sweet romance
that follows Margot and Gabe on a journey that’s equal parts
healing and heartwarming.
Margot sets out on a road trip to retrieve a pie safe purchased by her late husband, and what starts as a simple errand turns into an unexpected return to love—with Gabe by her side. You can really feel Margot’s internal struggle as she navigates grief, guilt, and the complicated emotions that come with moving forward while still holding love for someone she’s lost. It was tender, honest, and beautifully done.
While Margot and Gabe shine as the leads, let’s be real—Clover the goat absolutely stole the show 🐐💫. Every scene with Clover added charm, humor, and that extra sprinkle of cozy joy I didn’t know I needed.
Needless to say, I’m officially off to look up the rest of the Valentine’s
Midlife Meet Cute Series because this one totally worked its magic on me. 💕📚
#ARCReview #HaylingBookstormLTD #Bookstagram #SweetRomance #EvieSterling #MidlifeMeetCute #CozyReads #GoatSidekick
that follows Margot and Gabe on a journey that’s equal parts
healing and heartwarming.
Margot sets out on a road trip to retrieve a pie safe purchased by her late husband, and what starts as a simple errand turns into an unexpected return to love—with Gabe by her side. You can really feel Margot’s internal struggle as she navigates grief, guilt, and the complicated emotions that come with moving forward while still holding love for someone she’s lost. It was tender, honest, and beautifully done.
While Margot and Gabe shine as the leads, let’s be real—Clover the goat absolutely stole the show 🐐💫. Every scene with Clover added charm, humor, and that extra sprinkle of cozy joy I didn’t know I needed.
Needless to say, I’m officially off to look up the rest of the Valentine’s
Midlife Meet Cute Series because this one totally worked its magic on me. 💕📚
#ARCReview #HaylingBookstormLTD #Bookstagram #SweetRomance #EvieSterling #MidlifeMeetCute #CozyReads #GoatSidekick
January 10, 2026
The Sweetheart Shortcut is such a cute read. This short story is part of a multi-author series focusing on finding love later in life. This was my first read of this series and can definitely be read as a standalone.
This tells the story of Margot, who owns a bakery and was widowed 3 years previously. Her husband Daniel had bought her a pie safe which she donated to a museum following his death. Margot is now a social media start about to be part of a reality show and requires the pie safe for filming. This leads her to meet grumpy carpenter Gabe who needs to supervise the pie safe on its journey back to the bakery.
There is so much to love about this book, learning to love again, humour and a grumpy/sunshine love story. However, the true star of the book is Clover, the emotional support goat.
I’ll be looking out for the other books in the series while working out how to get my very own goat!
I received an ARC of this story.
January 19, 2026
Margot and Gabe . . .
Margot is a widow in her 40's, a baker who will be getting a short exposure on TV which will help her business, but the producers insist on showing off the pie safe if the bakery wants to do the segment. So she needs to borrow back the pie safe she had donated to a museum. Pie safes provided protection for baked goods or any other foods that needed protection from bugs and rats back before there were refrigerators. Journeying in her pink bakery van, her young goat Clover has tagged along on the 6-hour trip to Memphis as a stowaway. Margot meets grumpy Gabe who doesn't like goats and, as a museum restoration expert, will be traveling back with her to oversee the transport of the pie safe. Their attraction eventually begins to build on the trip. But the fun along the way is what makes the storyline awesome! How will their trip turn out? What more is in store for them? And what else can Clover get up to on that long drive home?
Margot is a widow in her 40's, a baker who will be getting a short exposure on TV which will help her business, but the producers insist on showing off the pie safe if the bakery wants to do the segment. So she needs to borrow back the pie safe she had donated to a museum. Pie safes provided protection for baked goods or any other foods that needed protection from bugs and rats back before there were refrigerators. Journeying in her pink bakery van, her young goat Clover has tagged along on the 6-hour trip to Memphis as a stowaway. Margot meets grumpy Gabe who doesn't like goats and, as a museum restoration expert, will be traveling back with her to oversee the transport of the pie safe. Their attraction eventually begins to build on the trip. But the fun along the way is what makes the storyline awesome! How will their trip turn out? What more is in store for them? And what else can Clover get up to on that long drive home?
January 21, 2026
This light-hearted, clean, feel-good rom-com was so refreshing and fun to read! Sometimes it can be so joyful and satisfying to read a story that just makes you laugh and makes your heart feel good! This is that kind of book. Gabe and Margot's second-chance love story was funny and sweet, and was a beautiful picture of healing and love being possible even after great loss and tragedy. Their grumpy-sunshine relationship, and the crazy little adventure they experience together, had me chuckling and both characters were so likable! Since this is a novella, it makes for a quick and delightful read with a precious story and a great ending that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. After the privilege of being an Early Reader for this book, I look forward to reading more of Evie Sterling's books!
(I was given a free copy of this book from the author, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)
(I was given a free copy of this book from the author, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Evie Sterling for this ARC, part of the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series 💙
This is such a genuinely lovely story about second chances done right. Margot is a widow running a bakery (already a soft yes from me), and Gabe is the definition of grumpy, emotionally barricaded, and absolutely not looking for love-until life, fate, and a goat have other plans.
Add an emotional-support goat named Clover (iconic), one epic road trip, and two people quietly learning how to move forward after loss, and you get a romance that’s tender without being sugary. It’s about grief, healing, and letting yourself want something again-even when it feels risky.
Warm, comforting, and quietly hopeful, this was a perfect way to start the New Year. If you like your romances cozy, mature, and emotionally satisfying (with bonus goat energy), this one’s for you.
This is such a genuinely lovely story about second chances done right. Margot is a widow running a bakery (already a soft yes from me), and Gabe is the definition of grumpy, emotionally barricaded, and absolutely not looking for love-until life, fate, and a goat have other plans.
Add an emotional-support goat named Clover (iconic), one epic road trip, and two people quietly learning how to move forward after loss, and you get a romance that’s tender without being sugary. It’s about grief, healing, and letting yourself want something again-even when it feels risky.
Warm, comforting, and quietly hopeful, this was a perfect way to start the New Year. If you like your romances cozy, mature, and emotionally satisfying (with bonus goat energy), this one’s for you.
Review of advance copy
The main descriptive word I have for this book is sweet. This a a short novel that centers around Margot, the sweetheart baker of Sweetwater her companion goat Clover and the grumpy carpenter Gabe.
A trip to Memphis with her stowaway goat, sees Margot (widower) meet Gabe (divorcee) when he travels with her back to Sweetwater. A few shortcuts later, and you see the characters evolve and open up about their experiences with both having loved but also the different loss of their previous partners. We also see when Margot realizes that it is okay to move on and start something new.
I could envision this being made into a Hallmark movie, as it ticks all of their boxes small town sweet romance, with a dash of comedy, love after loss and a farm animal.
👩❤️👨 dual POV
🚐 Roadtrip
💗 Sweet romance
☀️🌩️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🪚 Carpenter👩🍳 Baker
🐐 Clover
** This was an ARC read**
A trip to Memphis with her stowaway goat, sees Margot (widower) meet Gabe (divorcee) when he travels with her back to Sweetwater. A few shortcuts later, and you see the characters evolve and open up about their experiences with both having loved but also the different loss of their previous partners. We also see when Margot realizes that it is okay to move on and start something new.
I could envision this being made into a Hallmark movie, as it ticks all of their boxes small town sweet romance, with a dash of comedy, love after loss and a farm animal.
👩❤️👨 dual POV
🚐 Roadtrip
💗 Sweet romance
☀️🌩️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🪚 Carpenter👩🍳 Baker
🐐 Clover
** This was an ARC read**
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a cute story made a million times better by a meddling goat named Clover who will go after your Moon Pies!
Margot has lived a great love story. Her late husband, Daniel, was her childhood sweetheart and had made it his life’s plan to see her dream of owning her own bakery become a reality. When she meets Gabe, he’s a little grumpy and not too sure about Clover. Their road trip of getting the pie safe that Daniel bought Margot to her bakery is full of misadventures and adventures alike.
I laughed at Clover, I cried when Margot worked through her feelings about trying again, and my heart squeezed for Gabe as he worked through his feelings on being good enough to try again, and I cried again when those two worked everything out. This is the perfect book to bring a smile to your face to start the year.
I received an ARC from the author.
Margot has lived a great love story. Her late husband, Daniel, was her childhood sweetheart and had made it his life’s plan to see her dream of owning her own bakery become a reality. When she meets Gabe, he’s a little grumpy and not too sure about Clover. Their road trip of getting the pie safe that Daniel bought Margot to her bakery is full of misadventures and adventures alike.
I laughed at Clover, I cried when Margot worked through her feelings about trying again, and my heart squeezed for Gabe as he worked through his feelings on being good enough to try again, and I cried again when those two worked everything out. This is the perfect book to bring a smile to your face to start the year.
I received an ARC from the author.
January 19, 2026
The Sweetheart Shortcut is another sweet romance by Evie Sterling. Part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series, the main character, Margot, is young at heart despite being a forty-three-year-old widow. That is not to say that she is not a hard-working bakery owner because she certainly is that. I liked her, perhaps even more than her therapy goat. Gabe, the grumpy carpenter, is pretty good too, especially as he opens himself to life, love and Margot as the story progresses. It is a story of moving on while remembering and appreciating the past yet looking to the future at the same time. What I didn’t expect was this novella to touch my heart so deeply, which it did. I highly recommend The Sweetheart Shortcut to all whether you have loved and loss or need to be reminded to appreciate those you love today.
January 21, 2026
Is a sweet meet cute, road trip, forced proximity, sunshine/grumpy, opposites attract romantic comedy with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Yeah, a whole two-year-old goat…I thought the terrible twos were bad with toddlers, but goats…” --- “Yes, Tennessee! The epitome of the north!” --- “He’s a little camera-shy. But by the end of this trip, I think we’ll break him out of his shell.” --- “You deserve happiness. Everyone does. It doesn’t mean you’re moving on or leaving things behind,” --- “Don’t ever imply someone has baked a hockey puck. That implies it’s overbaked and hard and burnt and –“ ---
Clover is Margot's emotional support goat and steals the show. Can you imagine going on a road trip with a goat?
I loved Margot and Gabe's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Yeah, a whole two-year-old goat…I thought the terrible twos were bad with toddlers, but goats…” --- “Yes, Tennessee! The epitome of the north!” --- “He’s a little camera-shy. But by the end of this trip, I think we’ll break him out of his shell.” --- “You deserve happiness. Everyone does. It doesn’t mean you’re moving on or leaving things behind,” --- “Don’t ever imply someone has baked a hockey puck. That implies it’s overbaked and hard and burnt and –“ ---
Clover is Margot's emotional support goat and steals the show. Can you imagine going on a road trip with a goat?
I loved Margot and Gabe's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.
January 15, 2026
Margot, a widow who runs Sweetwater Bakery, once donated an antique pie safe her late husband gave her to a Memphis museum. Now, thanks to a TV show she’s starring in, she has to go pick it up — and that’s where Gabe comes in, the reluctant mind-keeper of the pie safe who isn’t thrilled about a trip to Sweetwater.
But spending time with this gorgeous widow (and her sweet goat!) quickly gets to him. Gabe finds himself wanting to be a better man and support Margot any way she’ll let him, and their connection is warm, tender, and so easy to root for.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. You can’t help but smile while reading it — the characters and the writing draw you right in. If you love small-town, second-chance romance, this one won’t disappoint.
But spending time with this gorgeous widow (and her sweet goat!) quickly gets to him. Gabe finds himself wanting to be a better man and support Margot any way she’ll let him, and their connection is warm, tender, and so easy to root for.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. You can’t help but smile while reading it — the characters and the writing draw you right in. If you love small-town, second-chance romance, this one won’t disappoint.
January 21, 2026
Margot Bennett is on her way to Memphis to pick up her pie safe for an appearance in her bakery. A road trip to unwind and her unexpected stowaway, Clover, is just what she needs for a little down time. Gabe Turner is a surprise she wasn't at all prepared for, but the time she spends with him, it will make her wonder if she is ready for romance.
I thought these were wonderfully well written and realistic characters. Margot and Gabe may be opposites, but they quickly realize that they are what each of them needs and that they make each other happy. I adored Clover, the emotional support goat made me laugh out loud. This is a quick, kisses only rom com that will make you laugh, and a happily ever after makes it a must-read. I loved it.
I thought these were wonderfully well written and realistic characters. Margot and Gabe may be opposites, but they quickly realize that they are what each of them needs and that they make each other happy. I adored Clover, the emotional support goat made me laugh out loud. This is a quick, kisses only rom com that will make you laugh, and a happily ever after makes it a must-read. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is not my normal speed, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got sucked up in Clover’s antics and the instant connection of Margot and Gabe. This was a really sweet, kinda second chance (one whose spouse passed away and the other is divorced), closed-door romance; all that is on page is that they have kisses. Margot is a complete ray of sunshine, whereas Gabe is a grumpy, "hunky carpenter", mountain man.
I would recommend this to anyone who is getting into romance and would prefer an older couple who are finding their second love in their life.
I am an ARC reader, and this is my honest review of the book. Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to review it.
I would recommend this to anyone who is getting into romance and would prefer an older couple who are finding their second love in their life.
I am an ARC reader, and this is my honest review of the book. Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to review it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
I am so happy to be back to the Evie Sterling reading experience I know and love! This book reminded me why I love her writing. I truly flew through this addictive read.
It was a quick, cute, and funny read that wholeheartedly warmed my heart. Who doesn't love a wonderful goat character? It certainly sold me!
Speaking of characters I loved Margot and Gabe's dynamic. They compliment each other so well!
This is the perfect book for someone who wants a fast, and sweet read. It can be nice to have a short kisses-only read between heavier and spicy reads.
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm LLC for the ARC! My review is honest and voluntary.
I am so happy to be back to the Evie Sterling reading experience I know and love! This book reminded me why I love her writing. I truly flew through this addictive read.
It was a quick, cute, and funny read that wholeheartedly warmed my heart. Who doesn't love a wonderful goat character? It certainly sold me!
Speaking of characters I loved Margot and Gabe's dynamic. They compliment each other so well!
This is the perfect book for someone who wants a fast, and sweet read. It can be nice to have a short kisses-only read between heavier and spicy reads.
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm LLC for the ARC! My review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy
Thank You to Hayling Book Storm and author for this free digital ARC read in exchange for my honest review of The Sweetheart Shortcut.
Such a sweet read!
In this sweet romantic comedy we end up on a road trip with Margot, her emotional support goat and Gabe. They discover each other in unexpected ways and find out that second chances are possible in this captivating read. The author wrote this well and I enjoyed every character in this one, especially the goat. It was a quick and sweet read that is the perfect read for Valentine's Day. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who loves romantic comedy reads.
Such a sweet read!
In this sweet romantic comedy we end up on a road trip with Margot, her emotional support goat and Gabe. They discover each other in unexpected ways and find out that second chances are possible in this captivating read. The author wrote this well and I enjoyed every character in this one, especially the goat. It was a quick and sweet read that is the perfect read for Valentine's Day. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who loves romantic comedy reads.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Pies and a goat. A dual POV meet-cute over a TV segment and the props needed for that segment. A story that has wonderful characters, an unexpected animal and a true Hallmark type storyline. The cast is comprised of a pair that is in their 40’s so this isn’t their first rodeo. The backstory of each is an important part of the tale. There are plenty of awkward moments turned comfortable as the characters get to know each other. There are revelations that are unexpected given their location that cause some pulling back but like all good romances the push thru reveals more about the strength of the characters. A page turner to the end and a sweet story to get lost in.
January 19, 2026
Widow Margot Bennett is to appear on a TV show featuring her Sweetheart Bakery and the pie safe her late husband gifted her on the opening of the shop.
The antique pie safe is now in a Memphis Museum where Margot donated it after her husband's death.
Carpenter Gabe Turner is tasked by the Museum with accompanying her on the return trip to Sweetwater overseeing the safety of the Pie Safe.
He's a bit of a grump, tightlipped and now stuck in a van with upbeat Margot.
It's delightful how much can happen on a simple roadtrip when shortcuts, a stowaway goat called Clover and moon pie is involved.
Such a lovely sweet romantic treat of a story about Margot, Gabe and taking a chance on love.
The antique pie safe is now in a Memphis Museum where Margot donated it after her husband's death.
Carpenter Gabe Turner is tasked by the Museum with accompanying her on the return trip to Sweetwater overseeing the safety of the Pie Safe.
He's a bit of a grump, tightlipped and now stuck in a van with upbeat Margot.
It's delightful how much can happen on a simple roadtrip when shortcuts, a stowaway goat called Clover and moon pie is involved.
Such a lovely sweet romantic treat of a story about Margot, Gabe and taking a chance on love.
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