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The Merriams #4
Sunflower Alley
Millions of readers have fallen in love with Ava's bestselling books...come join the family.
International Bestselling Author Ava Miles’ acclaimed family series, The Merriams, returns with an inspiring story about a hero with nothing to live for and a heroine who shows him the power of second chances… And, of course, everyone’s favorite matchmakers to guide the way.
Connor Merriam has lost everything.
His best friend.
His family.
His high-powered job.
All he has left is a promise to a dead man—and his honor.
Louisa Evans has rebuilt everything.
Her family.
Her career.
Her life.
Now she’s helping people in need—and she’s happy.
They shouldn’t be right for each other.
But they could be—if Connor lets Louisa show him the way to lasting love and redemption.
PRAISE:
"Ava's story is witty and charming." Barbara Freethy #1 New York Times Bestselling Author on Nora Roberts Land
"On par with Nicholas Sparks' love stories." Jennifer's Corner Blog
“The constant love, and the tasteful sexual interludes, bring a sensual, dynamic tension to this appealing story.” Publisher’s Weekly
"I am adding Ava Miles to my list of always reads like Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, and NORA ROBERTS." Marjay's Reading Blog
"Miles' story savvy, sense of humor, respect for her readers and empathy for her characters shine through..." USA Today on The Gate to Everything
International Bestselling Author Ava Miles’ acclaimed family series, The Merriams, returns with an inspiring story about a hero with nothing to live for and a heroine who shows him the power of second chances… And, of course, everyone’s favorite matchmakers to guide the way.
Connor Merriam has lost everything.
His best friend.
His family.
His high-powered job.
All he has left is a promise to a dead man—and his honor.
Louisa Evans has rebuilt everything.
Her family.
Her career.
Her life.
Now she’s helping people in need—and she’s happy.
They shouldn’t be right for each other.
But they could be—if Connor lets Louisa show him the way to lasting love and redemption.
PRAISE:
"Ava's story is witty and charming." Barbara Freethy #1 New York Times Bestselling Author on Nora Roberts Land
"On par with Nicholas Sparks' love stories." Jennifer's Corner Blog
“The constant love, and the tasteful sexual interludes, bring a sensual, dynamic tension to this appealing story.” Publisher’s Weekly
"I am adding Ava Miles to my list of always reads like Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, and NORA ROBERTS." Marjay's Reading Blog
"Miles' story savvy, sense of humor, respect for her readers and empathy for her characters shine through..." USA Today on The Gate to Everything
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2020
About the author
Ava Miles
99 books1,150 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 25, 2020
Sunflower Alley
I've been an Ava Miles fan since the first book I read by her. They have all been really good, but this one jumped out. I'm not sure why it hit me in so many ways but I loved it. Louisa shines so brightly, I think she would make anyone feel good.
I've been an Ava Miles fan since the first book I read by her. They have all been really good, but this one jumped out. I'm not sure why it hit me in so many ways but I loved it. Louisa shines so brightly, I think she would make anyone feel good.
January 21, 2020
Couldn’t put down. I think I will have to reread all these Merriam novels again! They are too good to read only once.
January 24, 2020
A much-needed helping of love, kindness and family ties.
In a world gone mad, you can always count on Ava Miles to fill it with love and light. Having read almost all of her books, I can always count on her to provide a major dose of kindness and inspiration.
This is the latest installment in the series about the Merriam family. Billionaire and former CEO of Merriam Enterprises, Connor Merriam is in the midst of a soul-crunching crisis that has alienated him from his family. He is mistaken for a homeless person by Louisa Evans, a community advocate who runs a shelter called Sunflower Alley which is located in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago. Aided by a core group of workers, volunteers and friends, she has provided the impetus for a good number of people to turn their lives around. What starts as an effort by Connor to take care of the widow and children of his best friend, quickly evolves into a project much larger in scope as Connor calls on his uncle and aunt, Arthur Hale and Clara Merriam Hale (as well as the incomparable Hargreaves), to help Louisa expand her shelter's offerings. In the process, Connor and Louisa fall in love but their journey is strewn with obstacles galore. Ultimately, love triumphs, goodness prevails and the power of family shines bright.
Next up is Flynn Merriam and I eagerly await his story.
In a world gone mad, you can always count on Ava Miles to fill it with love and light. Having read almost all of her books, I can always count on her to provide a major dose of kindness and inspiration.
This is the latest installment in the series about the Merriam family. Billionaire and former CEO of Merriam Enterprises, Connor Merriam is in the midst of a soul-crunching crisis that has alienated him from his family. He is mistaken for a homeless person by Louisa Evans, a community advocate who runs a shelter called Sunflower Alley which is located in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago. Aided by a core group of workers, volunteers and friends, she has provided the impetus for a good number of people to turn their lives around. What starts as an effort by Connor to take care of the widow and children of his best friend, quickly evolves into a project much larger in scope as Connor calls on his uncle and aunt, Arthur Hale and Clara Merriam Hale (as well as the incomparable Hargreaves), to help Louisa expand her shelter's offerings. In the process, Connor and Louisa fall in love but their journey is strewn with obstacles galore. Ultimately, love triumphs, goodness prevails and the power of family shines bright.
Next up is Flynn Merriam and I eagerly await his story.
May 18, 2025
Book #4 in a series. These books need to be read in order. They are not good as stand-alones. That said - I like Connor's story the best so far. Connor - or, as he is known in his family, The Big Bad Wolf, has completely lost himself to fear. The fear that he cannot keep the people the mean the most to him safe has pretty much ruined his life. He lost his cousin to an oil rig failure, and almost lost his youngest sister, Michaela, on a trip to Africa that he insisted she go on. His best laid plans seem to be deadly. Because he has lost his $*%t, his family has fired him as the CEO of Merriam Enterprises, so he finds himself in Chicago, set on seeing the wife and sons of his cousin. When the wife blames him for the death of her husband and won't let him see the boys, Connor grabs a bottle of whiskey and sets out to drink himself into a drunk on a park bench - in the midst of a snowstorm.
Enter Louisa - the owner of a shelter for homeless people. She sees a guy who may freeze to death and sets out to save him from himself. Her empathy eventually saves him. Lots of visits by the Merriam family (especially aunt Clara and Uncle Arhtur, along with Hargreaves). Having a billionaire mistaken for a homeless person, and then learning about homelessness and lack of opportunity makes this book worth your time.
Enter Louisa - the owner of a shelter for homeless people. She sees a guy who may freeze to death and sets out to save him from himself. Her empathy eventually saves him. Lots of visits by the Merriam family (especially aunt Clara and Uncle Arhtur, along with Hargreaves). Having a billionaire mistaken for a homeless person, and then learning about homelessness and lack of opportunity makes this book worth your time.
June 6, 2020
Sunflower Alley: The Merriams, Book 4 is by Ann Miles. Unfortunately, this book is not nearly as good as the others. It took quite a bit of concentration to keep reading it. It went so slowly. The basic story was good; but carrying it out wasn’t.
Connor had left San Francisco the night he was fired by Marriam Industries with all his siblings agreeing. However, they did it out of concern for him, not wanting to just get rid of him. They knew he was suffering over Corey’s death. Connor went to Chicago to see Olivia and the boys; but she wouldn’t let him see the boys because of his irratic actions. He took to running. He was running one night and finally purchased a bottle and sat in the part in the snow. Here he met Boxer and Louisa as she came to help him get pit pf the freezing snow. Even while in his lowest state, Louisa manages to impress him and gives him a renewed reason for living and a way to do something for Corey’s widow even if she doesn’t know it.
Will his idea work or will it crash like the last things he dealt with? Will he ever find his way back to the Merriam family?
Connor had left San Francisco the night he was fired by Marriam Industries with all his siblings agreeing. However, they did it out of concern for him, not wanting to just get rid of him. They knew he was suffering over Corey’s death. Connor went to Chicago to see Olivia and the boys; but she wouldn’t let him see the boys because of his irratic actions. He took to running. He was running one night and finally purchased a bottle and sat in the part in the snow. Here he met Boxer and Louisa as she came to help him get pit pf the freezing snow. Even while in his lowest state, Louisa manages to impress him and gives him a renewed reason for living and a way to do something for Corey’s widow even if she doesn’t know it.
Will his idea work or will it crash like the last things he dealt with? Will he ever find his way back to the Merriam family?
May 5, 2020
One of the most poignantly written love stories of our times. Connor leaves all of his family behind to head to Chicago for the only thing he knows to due. Take care of Olivia and the boys like he promised Corey, but when he gets there Olivia will not let him even see the boys. He was not fit to be around them. Now more crushed and broken than when he left California, Louisa Evan's finds him on a park bench drinking alcohol from a paper bag. This was an emotional read as Louisa uses her own personal background and training from running the local shelter to break through Connor's wall of being the "big bad wolf". It was a story of love, forgiveness, compassion, family, standing by each other no matter what, giving space, and most of all courage. You will need a box of tissues as you follow Connor on his journey to rebuilding his life to the man he was meant to be, and what a different man you will meet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2020
Another great book about the Merriam children and Clara and Arthur's match making skills.
Standalone with no cliffhangers.
Connor is a man struggling to find his worth in life after he has lost everything. Then on a cold night a woman gives him help and hope. In true Connor style he wants to do too much to fast, and fear is still an issue that may cost him the one great thing in his life right now.
Louisa has been at rock bottom before in her life, she knows that life can get better with a helping hand. She wants to be that hand for Connor but some battles need to be fought alone.
This is an amazing book, it made me laugh and cry more than once. I have been waiting to see what kind of woman Ava would write for Connor, I was not disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Standalone with no cliffhangers.
Connor is a man struggling to find his worth in life after he has lost everything. Then on a cold night a woman gives him help and hope. In true Connor style he wants to do too much to fast, and fear is still an issue that may cost him the one great thing in his life right now.
Louisa has been at rock bottom before in her life, she knows that life can get better with a helping hand. She wants to be that hand for Connor but some battles need to be fought alone.
This is an amazing book, it made me laugh and cry more than once. I have been waiting to see what kind of woman Ava would write for Connor, I was not disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2025
Connor and Louisa’s story is not only a beautiful love story, but a story about how kindness, compassion and love can help us overcome some of our greatest challenges. Connor’s battle with grief and his own negative self-images lead going from the boardroom to a park bench in a snowstorm! The light in Louisa in the face of darkness guides Connor out of his own darkness. This story is about the power of love and how the kindness of a stranger can change everything and that our family loves us, even when we do not love ourselves! Thank you Ava for being brave enough to include the darkness to make us reflex on the struggles of the people around us! Clara, Arthur and Hargreaves are again a ray light for their family!
May 2, 2020
I obviously have something in common with Louisa, who is the main female character in Sunflower Alley. We are both suckers for emotionally needy men....lol. Just kidding, sort of. I actually loved Connor. He was dealing with so much tragedy but deep down he was always a genuinely good man. He just needed Louisa to help him see that about himself. This book was so sweet and I did fall in love with the people. I would have rated it higher but the pace was slower than I prefer. Story content and character were great though. I can't wait to read more about this family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
Book four in The Merriams series, that just gets better with each new story. I want to read the next book. This is Connor Merriam who has hit bottom after the death of his cousin Corey, who he blames himself for. He meets Louisa Evans and Boxer when he is sitting on a park bench drinking Jameson in the freezing snow. Louisa has understanding and enough love for everyone no matter what they do. Conner has to learn to not believe everything that happens is his fault. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2023
This is the best of the series so far. I laughed and cried along with Connor and Louisa as they navigate life. They've each experienced great love and loss in their lives, but together they navigate how to deal with pain and disappointment. Her empathy when dealing with the poor and homeless on the South side of Chicago, help her enlighten Connor to the true nature of humans.
This is an uplifting story even though the tone of the book is dealing with society's downtrodden. The author has a unique way of writing that is a pleasure read. Now on to Flynn's story!
This is an uplifting story even though the tone of the book is dealing with society's downtrodden. The author has a unique way of writing that is a pleasure read. Now on to Flynn's story!
June 10, 2020
I love Ava Miles books and Sunflower Alley is another outstanding novel she has written about Conner Merriam of The Merriam Series. This great book has amazing characters and a heartwarming plot which focuses on the plight of the homeless, emphasizes the importance of family, and features the finding of true love when you are at the lowest point in your life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2022
I day this a lot with AM books, but I did really enjoy this installment, I think when you follow a series you do get very invested in the separate characters and really want to know how their story unfolds.
Louisa personality was infectious, I love how they link Connor's love interest to his mums roots and that no matter how much he couldn't tell her who he was she still supported him through his grief.
The family bond throughout AM series does make me very jealous😔
Louisa personality was infectious, I love how they link Connor's love interest to his mums roots and that no matter how much he couldn't tell her who he was she still supported him through his grief.
The family bond throughout AM series does make me very jealous😔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
Another wonderful story about pain and healing, trusting and supporting. The Merriam family is full of interesting characters, close bonds and they are always ready for another adventure. Connor has a lot of pain but he pushes his family away. Lucky for him he finds Louisa or she finds him. Their relationship is so heartwarming.
May 4, 2020
If you have read the previous books in this series, you will know that Connor has had a rough time. It does stand alone so there's no need to read the previous ones but it does give more context. I felt for Connor. It hit me right in the heart. However, it seems fitting that he would meet Louisa at just the right time. This is a heartwarming story about moving forward. I couldn't put it down.
May 4, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Ava Miles; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2020
I cannot get enough of this author and this series!
Each book is an emotional storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!
Intense, wrought with emotion, and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Each book is an emotional storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!
Intense, wrought with emotion, and so well written that I absolutely could not put it down!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2022
love the Merriams
Conor's back and is rescued by a beautiful compassionate woman who runs a shelter for the poor and needy people of Chicagos south side neighborhood.
Romance and thrills with a billionaire Former CEO who's down and out by trauma of losing his cousin in a company oil offshore drilling accident!
Kept me up reading all night!
Conor's back and is rescued by a beautiful compassionate woman who runs a shelter for the poor and needy people of Chicagos south side neighborhood.
Romance and thrills with a billionaire Former CEO who's down and out by trauma of losing his cousin in a company oil offshore drilling accident!
Kept me up reading all night!
July 1, 2023
Great fun and easy read
I’m loving Ava Miles and her The Merriams books. So refreshing to not have to wade thru lengthy sex scenes… I have enough imagination without them…Love her positive outlook on life and honest to goodness good advice on traveling the trials of just living in today’s world.
I’m loving Ava Miles and her The Merriams books. So refreshing to not have to wade thru lengthy sex scenes… I have enough imagination without them…Love her positive outlook on life and honest to goodness good advice on traveling the trials of just living in today’s world.
July 21, 2024
Sunflower Alley
Great story MS Mills. Totally loved that Conner found his bearings after dropping from the top into the gutter. Grief can be as well as very debilitating and without help, it can paralyze life as you told in this story and introducing Louisa into this mix was brilliant.
Great story MS Mills. Totally loved that Conner found his bearings after dropping from the top into the gutter. Grief can be as well as very debilitating and without help, it can paralyze life as you told in this story and introducing Louisa into this mix was brilliant.
May 2, 2020
Who would have thought Conner
What a great way for tough Connor to work out his demons. I’m looking forward to the next. I have read the others. Pleasant reads during our Covid in house stays.
What a great way for tough Connor to work out his demons. I’m looking forward to the next. I have read the others. Pleasant reads during our Covid in house stays.
May 4, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
This book is a sweet emotional story, I found it to be slow and drawn out. The characters were both sweet and likable.
Sunflower Alley is part of The Merriams series, it can be read as a standalone story.
This book is a sweet emotional story, I found it to be slow and drawn out. The characters were both sweet and likable.
Sunflower Alley is part of The Merriams series, it can be read as a standalone story.
May 5, 2020
A unique premise.
I’ve read a few books with this type of premise and found I always enjoy them.
Connor is at rock bottom and being a faux homeless. Louisa is street smart and determined to help those in need in Chicago. I found I quite liked her.
Recommend.
I’ve read a few books with this type of premise and found I always enjoy them.
Connor is at rock bottom and being a faux homeless. Louisa is street smart and determined to help those in need in Chicago. I found I quite liked her.
Recommend.
May 7, 2020
A perfect summer read that you can't put down! Great story line that captivates the reader, wonderful characters that you fall in love with and a great love story that's a joy to read and get lost in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2020
Entertaining and interesting characters that work through issues to find love. Good story and easy reading. Would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2020
Sunflower Alley
Another great read , I love the “Merriams Series” I’d suggest you read how this very large wealthy family knows when to come together in support of one another, excellent read, thank you Ava Miles.
Another great read , I love the “Merriams Series” I’d suggest you read how this very large wealthy family knows when to come together in support of one another, excellent read, thank you Ava Miles.
February 19, 2024
It was nice to have a story with a really strong female lead - so often in this type of book it is the female character who has the wobble and can’t deal with whatever ‘revelation’ unfolds. Louisa was an excellent character.
March 5, 2025
This one may be the best of the series. So enjoyed the main characters. Their journey is one of hope, love and redemption. The depth of emotions was so gut wrenching at times but relatable on so many levels. Connor & Louisa have an aspirational love that is so wonderful. Highly recommend.
February 7, 2020
Likeable characters and a heartwarming story.
March 19, 2020
i love this series !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews