Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The To-Do List

Rate this book
Relax, she’s got this…

Maggie Harris has her ultra-organized life well in hand, until she finds her neighbor and husband together, in her bed, and the tight hold she keeps on her world unravels, leaving her grasping for an escape. So how can she refuse when she’s handed the dream job of running her aunt’s bookstore and a chance for a fresh start? Even though the bookstore is in Brockport, Connecticut, her former hometown, and a place she’d vowed to leave behind forever.

When someone breaks into Maggie’s new business and leaves a threat on the wall, Detective Cooper Stanton is assigned the case. It’s been twenty years, but Coop hasn’t forgotten the way Maggie once charmed him at every turn—even with her controlling ways. This time, though, Coop refuses to let her seize the reins. What he doesn’t know is she plans to grab them anyway…and she’s got a secret she never shared.

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2016

23 people are currently reading
595 people want to read

About the author

Sharon Struth

13 books452 followers
Sharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, was a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards for Best First Book, and her Blue Moon Lake Novels includes the Barnes & Noble bestseller, Share the Moon.

When she’s not working, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail, travel the world, and enjoy spending time with their precious pets and two grown daughters.

She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit sharonstruth.com or visit her blog, Musings from the Middle Ages & More at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
26 (42%)
4 stars
20 (32%)
3 stars
10 (16%)
2 stars
5 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
4 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2016
I was generously provided an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book begins with a great energy that continues to the very last word. Maggie Harris is beginning a new life in her hometown of Brockport, Connecticut with her teenage daughter, Brooke and their Labradoodle, Roxy, far from her ex, Ben. An inherited bookstore gives Maggie the new start she needs after her divorce. Roxy, in one of her escape acts, is returned to Maggie by Detective Cooper Stanton, who is a part of Maggie's past. As Maggie readies her bookstore, BOOKS, BEANS, and BEYOND for its opening, a mystery unfolds, and Detective Stanton is assigned the case. With each twist and turn the book had me turning the pages not wanting to stop. Had I not been running on little sleep, I would have had to finish this book on the very first day of reading. Ms. Struth has written a story filled with emotion, affection, angst and just enough mystery and humor. As with each of her books, this story played out in my mind's eye as if it were playing on a big screen. The characters and story line ring true to life. If I could, I would give this book ten stars. This is not a book to be missed!
Profile Image for Terri-Lynne DeFino.
Author 12 books314 followers
October 2, 2016
Romance? Mystery? It's hard to categorize a book that has a little bit of everything. Hometown comfort, an old flame rekindled, secrets that seemingly have nothing to do with the mystery of who's trying to run Maggie out of town, and yet everything. There were times I thought I knew who was doing what, and then--blam! Nope, I was wrong. Oh, wait, maybe I was right. Sharon Struth knows how to draw out a mystery without ever making it too much.

The romance is all about getting Maggie and Coop out of the past, and back into one another's lives after all secrets have been shared and (hopefully) put behind them. The sweetness of that journey leads up to that moment it all comes together (and then you're STILL in for a couple of surprises) without relying on the hot and heavy sex scene that, IMO, is never necessary if you've written a satisfying romance. We all know the mechanics. If that's your thing, you're looking in the wrong place. If you want a meaty mystery, a truly heart-twangy romantic storyline, and a little light comedy thrown in, this book should already be in your ereader, waiting.
Profile Image for Bookish_Sally.
391 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2016
I really enjoyed reading The To-Do List, from beginning to end. Maggie and Coop are the perfect match. I love this HEA, and everything before it. The combination of love, uncertainty, organization, suspense and intrigue all played a perfect part in this story.
1 review
October 2, 2016
Beautiful love story about second chances. The characters are wonderfully flawed and real. I enjoyed the mystery and thrilling twists. The subtle humor made me a fan. Good read that tickled my intellect side.
2,665 reviews20 followers
July 13, 2017
This is a story of starting over, second chances, secrets, and an intriguing mystery. Maggie is newly divorced. She and her daughter moved back to Maggie's hometown after Maggie inherited her Aunt Sally's bookstore. She is converting the bookstore into a bookstore and coffee shop . As opening day approaches someone breaks into the bookstore leaving a mess behind that causes Maggie to delay her opening. Someone wants her to get out of town. The break in also causes a sexy detective named Coop to investigate. Coop and Maggie haven't seen each other since high school when Coop turned his back on Maggie and broke her heart.

Maggie is also trying to solve the mystery of why her dad left and what happened to him. She feels this has influenced her choice in men. Coop knows the reason but he promised he would not tell anyone. You will enjoy this book and not want to put it down until you are able to solve all of the secrets and mysteries! I did receive an advanced copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kenzie Macallan.
Author 16 books621 followers
October 9, 2016
She has out done herself this time. If you're looking for a well written book that keeps you coming back for more, pick up The To-Do List. It's a combination of suspense, romance and mystery rolled into one fast paced well told story. This tale is full of secrets, heartache and interesting plot twists. The characters are so well developed and likable, you want to know more at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. I can't write anymore about it....I don't want to be the spoiler!
Profile Image for Debbie Christiana.
Author 9 books109 followers
December 4, 2016
The To-Do List by Sharon Struth is part romance and part mystery. Past secrets lurk over both Coop and Maggie's shoulders that need to be out in the open and dealt with. Oh, and humor. Just the right amount at the right time.

Ms. Struth easily makes the hesitation vs. desire, for both Maggie and Coop, at rekindling their high school relationship, believable. We're like both their friends, in the middle, understanding both sides, but always rooting for them the whole time.

I enjoyed this well written story, with a clever 'whodunit' or rather 'who's doing it' plot line, that keeps the pages turning quickly.

Grab The To-Do List for yourself or as the perfect holiday gift.

Profile Image for Melissa Smith.
77 reviews12 followers
December 12, 2016
I loved this book, far more than I expected to. It’s the perfect mix of romance and mystery, with tons of twists. After her divorce, Maggie is starting a new life running a bookstore. The bookstore was the perfect setting for this book and really added to it. Detective Stanton, a man from Maggie’s past, reappears in Maggie’s life and romance happens, but not easily.

This is a complex novel, which I wasn’t expecting. There are several twists, the mystery is well thought out, and the characters are developed. I recommend this to everyone.
Profile Image for Mayu.
216 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2017
The To-do List is a fine mixture of romance and suspense with nice plot. 

I loved both Maggie and Cooper’s characters. Coop is unorganised and likes to have his office table or anything he uses messy whereas Maggie is very organised and can’t tolerate messy places. 

Maggie and Coop were friends with feelings for eachother in their high school and they went their separate ways after Coop pushed her away. So The To-do List is a second chance romance as the two main characters meet again after a gap of 20 long years. Maggie and Coop’s love story is beautiful. It was sweet at times but at other times it was painful. This is my first second chance romance novel and after reading this book I know I would read more from this genre.

“Maggie admired Coop, breathing in the soft shadow of his cheeks and the glint in his eyes. He watched her and softened his lids ever so slightly, sending a warm tingle to her belly. Coop was sex on a platter.”


Mystery and the suspense surrounding the threats that Maggie received kept me guessing who can be behind these threats or what can be the reason. The reason these threats and attacks happened was something that I could have never imagined, even in my wildest dreams. The suspense was a very good addition to Maggie and Cooper’s story.

The To-do List is an enjoyable read that I believe would be loved by both mystery and romance lovers. 
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 5 books110 followers
July 5, 2017
**FULL REVIEW**

"Maggie slowly turned around. Her mouth went dry at the sight of Cooper Stanton. A man she'd once believed she loved. A man who'd rejected her."

Told in third-person POV, this sweet suspense is a perfect back porch read. Did you catch the irony in that last sentence? Let me explain.

Set in a small Connecticut town, our heroine, Maggie has come home to make a fresh start with her daughter, along with inheriting a precious old Victorian house-turned-bookstore left to her by a late aunt. What gives us the air of romance is the boy she left behind...or rather, he left her. Detective Cooper Stanton, who has also come back to his hometown to start anew.

Throw in a little vandalism, some cryptic messages, a kooky best friend and it's a perfect small-town suspense story with no real scare or tension to make it anything more than sweet.

"Nobody has a better handle on the details of life than me."

I can honestly say I enjoyed it. But, I did feel some parts dragging. The backstories for both characters caused some eye-rolling; it took forever for everything to be brought to light. It seemed anytime secrets of the past were about to breach, another conflict would come about causing delays that I didn't feel were necessary. And to add, these weren't small secrets...which I suppose can justify the author's wait. But the back and forth was just a little too much, causing me to stray from the story rather than keep me engaged.

In the end though, no harm-no foul and a happily ever after.

**3.5 Books & Bricks, Stars**


Profile Image for Harlie Williams.
Author 2 books41 followers
January 2, 2017
I have to admit that I didn’t read this book until Sunday. Yes, being on vacation killed my reading mojo. If you know me, I have to read in complete silence and the in-law’s house is not quiet…ever. Boy, am I glad that I waited for the afternoon to read this gem of a book.

For starters ,the book is a second chance, reunited lovers book that Ms. Struth wrote so beautifully. I’ve never read anything by her but I will quickly put her on my list of authors to read from now on. I was impressed that she took the time to have Maggie and Coop find the love that they had before slowly and find the friendship that they had before. Some authors rush it but with Coop leading the investigation and the pent up anger and frustration that they had towards each other, she doesn’t let the reader get mad about the conflict that is swirling around them from the first chapter.

Coop and Maggie have an intertwined past that is beyond just first love in high school. Each one holds a secret that they don’t think they other will be too happy about learning. Trust me, they are doozies but Ms. Struth doesn’t let the secrets be the forefront of the story. Yes, Coop’s secret is big one that would crush Maggie but Maggie’s is…wow, just wow! The big black moment…there is one but it’s not. You just need to read it to figure out what I mean.

There is a suspense element that is critical to the plot. Everything ties into it and I loved it. Coop is the alpha cop but when it comes to Maggie, he is a marshmallow. I loved how Roxy (the dog) is a complete character in the book. Not to mention Maggie’s daughter, Brooke. I can’t forget the other secondary characters Celeste, Bryan, Liam, Ben, Denny, Jackson and Archie. I loved how they all became involved in the romance of Coop and Maggie.

I would be remiss to add that there is a bookstore, sailing, and just some good old fashioned small town charm that you will love. But overall, this book is about trusting someone with your love and heart and finding that they had that trust all the time. Again, a gem of a book that you shouldn’t miss reading.
Profile Image for Bookworm027.
119 reviews21 followers
August 10, 2017
I was asked by the author for an honest review.

4 Stars!

This was a fun read about a recently divorced woman, the town Detective and the secrets that each one has. Maggie is back in town, and she back with a dream and a plan to make her aunt's bookshop shine. Books, Beans and Beyond, as she renamed it, was left to her in her aunt's will, and she's determined to make it successful once again, but this time, someone wants her gone. Threats begin to show up and seemingly random events are looking like they may be connected. And the secrets Maggie and Cooper have inside threaten to tear them apart.

I really liked Maggie and Cooper as characters; they were childhood friends, then something happens leaving them as practically nothing for a score of years. Struth really made them realistic. Each had their own demons, and she made her characters not only face those demons, but conquer them. The mystery of the threats and the...nope! No spoilers here! Let's just say the mystery was interesting and she did a great job of giving clues, but not giving away what was behind the curtain, so to speak.
Profile Image for Mave.
483 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2017
It 's a pleasant reading, engaging, full of suspense, secrets and twists. The love story is very intriguing and romantic.
Maggie is trying to start a new life in her hometown far from her former traitor husband. She has inherited a library and is perfect for her new beginning. But unfortunately someone threatens her new business. The case is assigned to detective Cooper who was once in love with her.
I loved all the characters, especially Maggie and Coop, are very funny and a wonderful couple
The plot is well developed and woven with a perfect mix of mystery and romance, once you start it it's really hard to put it down, a page leads to another.
If you love romantic suspense it is the perfect read for you.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews346 followers
December 11, 2016
I picked this book up for the mystery, and the fact that it involved a book store, but it was the romance that carried me away. This book has a little bit of everything. friendship, romance, danger, mystery and characters you will care about. Add in the slightest touch of magic and first editions of the Wizard of Oz book. Well written with a nice pace and flow.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,368 reviews29 followers
January 23, 2017
This was a good example of a second chance romance and a pretty darn good mystery all in one. There were lots of twists in the mystery of who is trying to run the main character/new book store owner out of town. The romance got a bit frustrating at times since both of the reuniting couple have secrets they are reluctant to share, but overall their relationship is appealing.
Profile Image for Naturalbri (Bri Wignall).
1,372 reviews119 followers
January 9, 2017
I always love getting introduced to new authors, especially when they turn out to be a real treat to to read. That was exactly the case with Struth's books, as her writing pulled me right into the book and wouldn't let go, until I had finished the last word.

I loved the writing style she had, as it felt very relaxed, not forcing the story, just letting it flow.it gave a very inviting feel to the work and made me want to cuddle in and enjoy. This is not to say that there wasn't excitement, a bit of worry and a good deal of laughter in the read. There was plenty of emotion to go with such a lovely book.

On top of such a well-written book, the insides were also fab. The characters reall brought the story to life, as the author gave us well-rounded individuals, who continued to grow and change, as the book drove their lives to become something more.

The pace and plot were great and very enjoyable. Again, adding to the effect of making the book very addicting! I felt that the flow of the lives of the characters and what was taking place for our leading lady really brought together everything.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Pat.
455 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2017
Meh

The blurb and title had me expecting a light, humorous novel. Light yes, humorous not so much. Divorced, Maggie moves back to her hometown with her daughter, opens a bookstore, encounters her first love from high school, who just happens to be a police officer, and receives mysterious threats. Of course old sparks rekindle as he investigates the mystery. A very light, predictable romance, but not what I expected or wanted.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
555 reviews10 followers
July 1, 2017
For the life of me I just couldn't get into this one. I hate to be so negative about a book. So I am just going to leave it at this one was not for me. I felt as if it was just dragging by.
Profile Image for Anniek.
436 reviews257 followers
January 16, 2017
Maggie is a very organized person who loves to make lists. When she catches her husband Ben cheating on her, Maggie's safe and secure life is over. An inheritance from her aunt makes her return to her hometown with her teenage daughter Brooke. Maggie will be opening her own bookstore/coffee shop named Books, Beans and Beyond. This has always been her big dream.

Maggie's ex-husband is a lawyer and he makes sure that she signs a special contract before letting her move with their daughter. As the opening date of her store is coming closer it turns out that not everyone is happy with Maggie's move back into town. She is determined to find out who wants her gone and she also wants to know why her father left her and her mother when Maggie was a teenager.

Maggie is a nice woman who does everything for her husband and forgets herself in the process. She's finally building a life together with her daughter and her dog, Roxy. She once had a crush on the local detective, Cooper. After one fantastic night together he left her heartbroken. She has never been able to forgive him for this. Maggie has a dark secret which she never told Cooper and she doesn't know that he has secrets as well, which made him do what he did. Will those secrets be what brings Maggie and Cooper together or will it drive them further apart?

The to do list is a sweet story about first loves and second chances. Maggie is such a likeable person and she becomes a lot stronger when she accepts her marriage is over. There are some mysteries that need to be solved and this made the story an even more enjoyable read. Maggie and Cooper both have issues they have to work through and I loved reading about their journey, which Sharon Struth describes in a great believable way.

Sharon Struth has written a realistic story about two people who fell in love when they were teenagers. She knows how to reach her readers and I enjoyed being drawn into The To-Do list very much. Sharon Struth believes you're never too old to pursue a dream. This is exactly what she lets Maggie do and it's also what everybody probably should try To-Do in life. The To-Do list is an interesting and entertaining read with a clear and important message
Profile Image for Dixie Brown.
Author 17 books352 followers
October 17, 2016
The To-Do List, by Sharon Struth, is such an enjoyable read! A complex story, it's a great second chance romance, filled with twists and turns, mystery and romantic moments. Maggie and Coop are perfect for each other even though they have a few past hurts from high school to work through before they're able to come to that conclusion. Realistic, flawed and now all grown up, the choices they made as teenagers still have consequences. If you're like me, you'll cheer them on toward their happily-ever-after. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance. It'll touch your heart!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.