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The Someday List

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Sylvie Sweet should have inherited her family’s inn.

She's spent the last 9 years running it. Planning weddings on the terrace. Welcoming guests from around the world. Letting her own life shrink until the inn was all she had left.

So when her mother dies and leaves the property to Sylvie’s 17-year-old niece instead, it feels like a final, devastating blow.

...there is only one way to get it back.

Her mother’s will is clear. Sylvie has one year to complete the bucket list she wrote decades ago if she wants the inn back. If she doesn't, the property will remain with her niece.

The list is filled with dreams Sylvie set aside after her divorce, and completing it feels daunting, even impossible.

Yet as Sylvie begins checking off the list, something unexpected happens. The bucket list starts feeling less like punishment and more like her mother knew exactly what she was doing...


This is Book 1 of 6 in the #1 Clean & Wholesome series to begin the new year with. Scroll up to read now!

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2025

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Sage Parker

272 books380 followers

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5 stars
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96 (23%)
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51 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
3,387 reviews27 followers
January 9, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Someday List (Book 1 of Sweet Stays Inn) by Sage Parker

This was a quiet, heartfelt start to a clean and wholesome series that leans heavily into emotional growth, second chances, and finding yourself after years of putting everyone else first.

Sylvie Sweet is an easy heroine to root for. She’s spent nearly a decade holding her family’s inn together, sacrificing her own dreams, relationships, and sense of self along the way. The opening conflict—discovering the inn has been left to her teenage niece instead of her—is genuinely painful, not because it feels cruel, but because it feels complicated. Grief, resentment, love, and obligation all tangle together in a very real way.

The premise of the bucket list is where the story really shines. What initially feels like a punishment slowly reveals itself as an act of quiet, maternal wisdom. Each item on the list nudges Sylvie back toward the woman she once was—and the woman she still could be. The pacing is gentle and reflective, allowing readers to sit with Sylvie’s emotions rather than rush her transformation.

This book isn’t driven by romance or dramatic twists. Instead, it focuses on healing, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to choose yourself after years of living small. The inn itself feels like a character—warm, nostalgic, and full of memories—which adds to the cozy, small-town atmosphere.

Because this is book one in a longer series, the story feels intentionally open-ended. Not everything is resolved, but that works in its favor. It feels like the beginning of a journey rather than a standalone arc, inviting readers to keep going.

Overall, The Someday List is a tender, thoughtful read that’s perfect for readers who enjoy clean fiction, introspective heroines, and stories about reclaiming lost dreams. It’s comforting without being bland, emotional without being heavy, and sets a strong foundation for the rest of the Sweet Stays Inn series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,690 reviews14 followers
January 5, 2026
Sylvie Sweet should have inherited her family’s inn.

She's spent the last 9 years running it. Planning weddings on the terrace. Welcoming guests from around the world. Letting her own life shrink until the inn was all she had left.

So when her mother dies and leaves the property to Sylvie’s 17-year-old niece instead, it feels like a final, devastating blow.

...there is only one way to get it back.

Her mother’s will is clear. Sylvie has one year to complete the bucket list she wrote decades ago if she wants the inn back. If she doesn't, the property will remain with her niece.

The list is filled with dreams Sylvie set aside after her divorce, and completing it feels daunting, even impossible.

Yet as Sylvie begins checking off the list, something unexpected happens. The bucket list starts feeling less like punishment and more like her mother knew exactly what she was doing...

This contemporary small-town sweet, clean, wholesome later-in-life romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building at Sweet Stays Inn, where the sunrises and sunsets are majestically painted across the sky in vibrant hues, and characters who are resilient, heartbroken, grieving, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the someday list, love/loss/divorce, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth that are sure to leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs; to wipe away their tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, chaos/drama, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the someday list, and a later-in-life romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly emotional and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shuvai.
831 reviews17 followers
January 5, 2026
The Someday List (Sweet Stays Inn #1) by Sage Parker

Sylvie Sweet has spent years pouring her heart into running the family inn, only to discover her mother’s will leaves it to her teenage niece. To reclaim it, Sylvie must complete the “someday list” she wrote decades ago—a challenge that forces her to confront old dreams, strained family ties, and unexpected second chances.

✨ Highlight for me: The absolute high was Sylvie reconnecting with Luke, her high school sweetheart. Their rekindled bond brought warmth and hope to the story, reminding me that love can resurface even after years apart.

💡 Strengths:
- Heartfelt romance with Luke that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
- A cozy, small‑town inn setting that makes the story immersive.
- The “bucket list” premise adds a unique twist to Sylvie’s journey of growth.

⚖️ Balanced note: Some plot beats are predictable if you read a lot of romance, but the emotional depth and family drama keep the pages turning.

🌟 Final Thoughts: This is a sweet, uplifting start to the Sweet Stays Inn series. It’s about second chances, rediscovered dreams, and the courage to embrace change. If you enjoy cozy romance with family dynamics and a touch of nostalgia, this book will leave you smiling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
133 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2026
Sylvie is divorced and running her mother's Inn. Her mother passes away and she has left stipulations in it that she has to complete before she will inherit the Inn. Her niece Lilly will inherit in unless Silvia doesn't complete the list within a year. Silvia decided to go on a short trip where a movie that her and her mom watched many, many times was set. She gets to her destination and runs into a former boyfriend from when she was a teenager. They do a few things together and she is really enjoying herself and as it is a short trip, a week long, she has to leave. Her cab pulls into the Inn and she hesitates going inside. When she does she finds out that her sister in law Fiona is trying to sell the Inn from under her. She leaves and goes outside to cool off and runs into Damian the cook from the diner that seems to know what is going on. I can't wait to see what happens next....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
82 reviews
January 5, 2026
Sylvie Sweet has been back in her hometown since her marriage failed helping her parents run the family Inn. Then when her father and brother are killed in an accident she has to stay to help her Mom, who had gotten sick shortly before their accident.
In some ways she feels stuck here out of obligation, but she can’t just leave her Mom alone to handle everything. Then the unthinkable happens and her Mom dies and leaves the Inn to her 17 year old niece, Lilly, who will be supervised by her Mom, Fiona. But there’s a catch in the will. If Sylvie can complete the Sweet Someday List that she wrote in her journal during her growing up and early adult years within one year, then she will inherit the Inn.
And thus the story begins …….. The author, Sage Parker has started out with another blockbuster series. I can’t wait to see what happens next !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
575 reviews32 followers
January 4, 2026
After her divorce, Sylvie has been running her mother’s Inn.

When Sylvie’s mother dies and leaves the Inn, to her niece instead of her… unless she completes her bucket list within the year, she doesn’t understand and feels punished.

But as she starts working on the list, instead of a punishment, I becomes more and more clear what her mother wanted for her… happiness, joy and perhaps even more. ☺️

A heart warming adventurous story about loss and hope, about truly living and putting things in the right perspective.

Sage Parker brings a beautiful story and makes you think about what’s truly important in life.

I’m looking forward to start reading the next book in this Sweet Stays Inn series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
2,035 reviews22 followers
January 5, 2026
Book one and I am already hooked. The story is quite interesting and I am cheering Sylvie all the way and hoping she achieves her goal and does everything on her “bucket list” especially after her mother has willed her the family inn on the proviso that the actually goes and enjoys life and completes her someday list. I can already tell it is not going to be easy as she has some competition with her sister in law but the fact that there are two men that could be possible suitors for Sylvie is also giving me hopes for some spicy adventure for Sylvie. Book one was amazing and I can only hope the rest of the series follows in this wake.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
746 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2026
Really sad premise for a story to start, but with a meaning for Sylvie to make changes in her life for the better. Awful for it to happen so that she actually fulfilled a bucket list.
Isn't her niece Lilly the sweetest, but her late brother's widow's behavior is suspiciously unusual.
So the bucket list's check-off begins with a journey and a surprise meeting with someone from her past. That was mostly a nice vacation.
Great attitude from Damian. I can't tell if he seriously means everything he says he would do; if so, it's crazy and bold.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,405 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2026
There are just so many emotions in this book it feels like you are there experiencing everything the FMC is going through. After losing her mother Sylvie is told she has to share the inn with her horrible sister-in-law and her niece. After returning from a Caribbean vacation she encounters developers in her kitchen brought there by her sister-in-law. They are talking about selling the inn and Sylvie has to take the bull by the horns and put her foot down. I highly recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,580 reviews20 followers
January 8, 2026
The Someday List, Book 1, introduces Sylvie, the divorced daughter who had returned ten years ago to assist her widowed mother with the running of the family's Inn, Fiona, her widowed sister-in-law, Lilly, who is Sylvie's niece and Fiona's daughter, and finally, Damian, who is a new employee at the diner. Prior to her mother's death, Sylvie learned she would only inherit the Inn if she completed her bucket list which she had written in the past. Sylvie begins her bucket list with a trip but she faces a big surprise when returning home to the Inn. The book ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barb Graham.
396 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2026
Sylvie's mom passed away but not before telling her that she needs to do the things on her "someday list" in order to inherit the inn that she has worked for her whole life. If she doesn't her 17-year-old niece will get the inn. Her sister-in-law, Fiona, her brother's widow is named co-advisor for the year. Fiona and Sylvie have a contemptuous relationship. As the story begins, Sylvie embarks on her first task and comes back to Fiona inviting some advisors without permission. This is a great start to the series, and I can't wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,661 reviews
January 4, 2026
Sage Parker has again given her readers an excellent new series.
This is the first in the Sweet Stays Inn series.
Sylvie has been running her mother’s inn. Her mom recently passed away and instead of leaving the inn to Sylvie, she left it to her granddaughter. Sylvie has to come to terms with what she must do to in the next year that her mother has stipulated in her will if she wants the inn back.
I can not wait to read the next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,736 reviews29 followers
January 1, 2026
“The Someday List” by Sage Parker

-A strong and engaging start to the Sweet Stays Inn series that pulls you in right away. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

After her mother’s death, an unexpected inheritance and impossible conditions turn Sylvie’s life upside down. Emotional, intriguing, and full of promise, this first book sets the stage beautifully for what’s to come.
Profile Image for Roslyn Simonin Jenkins.
580 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2026
Sylvie's Mother was on her deathbed, and decided to let Sylvie know the terms of the Will.
The Inn would be Sylvies , IF AND ONLY IF she completed her "Someday List" with-in one year. She had spent her entire life at the Inn and needed for see what was out there and also needed a break.
Well let's see if she can do it.
A great start Sage. Love it....well not Fiona, so much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,152 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2026
Sylvie has been working at the inn with her mom since her father and brother were killed. But now her mom has informed her that she has 1 year to complete her bucket list to keep the inn. In the meantime, there is her niece Lilly and her mom and Sylvie co-caetakers, Sylvie takes her first bucket list item and comes back to find Fiona trying to sell the inn out from under her. What's going to happen next?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,987 reviews
January 19, 2026
Everybody has “ want to do or see” list, and almost everyone put this on back of mind.
Some do the list, some don’t and some are forced to do.
And this is the story…
New series seems to be very interesting and intriguing.
Will she do it ? Will this help to find herself ?
Will she get her inheritance ?
Its going to be good story, I could feel it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,046 reviews48 followers
January 24, 2026
Wonderful lead character to follow along as she is fulfilling her bucket list for the inn that she wants to inherit from her mother. It was left to her niece but she has been running it herself and wants to have it. There might be a few bumps in the road as she goes through her bucket list but she is very determined. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,184 reviews73 followers
April 16, 2026
Sylvia's life was turned upside down nine years ago. She moved back home to South Carolina to help run her parents' inn she's not taken a vacation. During that time, she's stayed focused on taking on the responsibility of running the inn. With Sylvia's mother's health starts to decline, she tells Sylvia it's time to put herself first and
go on a vacation. If you haven't read a book by Sage Parker before, her books continue until you end the series.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,641 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy
December 29, 2025
This is an awesome beginning to the newest Sage Parker story. Her mom recently died and left her inn to her granddaughter instead of her. She would only get the inn if she met some highly improbable expectations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,115 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2026
Great start to a new series!

A fascinating start to a new series as Sylvie faces the challenges caused by her mother's death and the unusual stipulations in the will.  Faced with the challenges, Sylvie does her best to deal with her grief and life choices.  I thoroughly recommend this book and author.

I received an advance copy of this book.  I am voluntarily writing this review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,428 reviews40 followers
January 4, 2026
Sage Parker fans, this series is going to be a good one! What an incredible start. We're going on a bucket list adventure with Sylvie so she can keep the Inn. Awesome writing and characters, love Sylvie but ole SIL, not a fan. There is heartache, disappointment and then hope and a glimmer of happy. I'm already obsessed and SO excited for the next book in the series!.

2,716 reviews9 followers
January 6, 2026
Sylvie has spent many years working and taking care of the inn. When her mother passes away, she learns her inheritance has a catch. She is hurt and surprised at this development. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
352 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2026
Sylvie had a Sweet Somedays list of things she wanted to do. After her mother’s death she goes to Femme de Force in the Caribbean. She learns somethings about herself and that she wants to knock off her sweet somedays list.
What’s next?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,211 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2026
The first book in a new series kicks off with Sylvie’s mother passing away, leaving behind unusual conditions for Sylvie to inherit the beloved inn she’s been running. She has one year to fulfill the terms by completing her Someday List, a set of goals she began as a teenager. With an intriguing storyline and engaging characters, this is a promising start, and Book 2 can’t come soon enough.
1,131 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2026
This collection start is a tear jerker. It is exceptionally well written because I felt the sorrow, anxiety, and reluctance to continue. Sage Parker has definitely written a story that put me on an emotional edge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
166 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2026
The someday list

This was a short Story of a woman who has been divorced and has stop living her life and her mother before passing away took a list of things her daughter need to complete in order to get her inheritance or it goes to her niece. This story is very interesting. I recommend that this story should be read.
37 reviews
January 2, 2026
Good starting of the new series really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read other books .I highly suggest everyone to start reading this series as soon as possible.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
37 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it was a real page turner. I love how Sage Parker always puts a twist at the end to make you anxiously waiting for more. A must read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11k reviews128 followers
January 12, 2026
I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Sweet Stays Inn Series; it is the beginning of a new series. The story continues in the next book and needs to be read in order.
Profile Image for D..
1,924 reviews
January 20, 2026
I like the introduction of Sylvie. She has an interesting path to follow so she can get back the inn she so desperately wants. I am intrigued by what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews