The Love List

Hilton Head Island #1

by Elana Johnson, Liz Isaacson

Beatrice Callahan loves lists. Sometimes she even makes a to-do list of things she's already done, just to go check, check, check and feel accomplished. So it's easy to understand why, when her divorce is finally final and her ex is all moved out, Bea takes a cool, close look at her life...and makes a list.

It's not exactly a bucket list.

It's a love list.

Bea loves the outdoors, so she puts visit 10 National Parks on the list.

She loves animals, and on goes get a puppy.

She loves the beach, and she adds take a dream vacation to the list, and decides to do that one first. After all she's been through and all she's lost, she needs time to relax, rest, and reset.

On the first day she arrives in Hilton Head Island, she meets Grant Turner, the man whose house she's renting for her fabulous beach vacation. He's just there to make sure she settles in properly and has enough towels.

But when Bea asks for recommendations around the island, Grant quickly becomes her tour guide and then a friend and then...more than friends.

Bea turns to her lists when things get confusing and her love list morphs once again... Can she add fall in love at age 45 to the list and check it off?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Ebooks, Summer Reads, Audiobook, Chick Lit

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2022

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea is newly divorced with three adult children. She creates a bucket list, which she quickly renames as a love list. This love list is for all the things she wants to do with her life.

Things are not going to be easy, but Bea has a fabulous attitude about all the changes she plans on making in her life. More than the wonderful friends she has in her life, friends who are the ride or die type, Bea finds that she has a second chance at love when it comes to Grant. He is a wonderful man and the time he and Bea spend together are full of warm moments and a connection neither is able to deny.

All of the characters in this book are marvelous. Obviously we have Bea and Grant, but some of her dear friends, Lauren, Joy, Sage and other wonderful women whom epitomize the true meaning of friendship.

What an uplifting book for these perilous times that we live in. What I loved most about Bea is that in one way she reminds me of myself - she has a glass half full attitude and that makes her utterly loveable as well as relatable.

Many thanks to AEJ Creative Works and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/p2-MPNoMEEY

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say, I love a book where thought and love have been put into the physical details! The artwork that heads the beginning of each chapter and the embellishments added throughout are just fantastic. I know it seems simple but it adds so much to the reading experience.

As for the story of Beatrice Callahan, well... let's make a list.

💙I celebrate women who make changes even when they are hard.
💙New is scary but it's exciting too.
💙Love lists are better than bucket lists.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Love List. It's perfect for any beach bag or sandy shore. Funny, loving, and kind in all ways. I can't wait for more.

~Tanja

*Thank you to @inkslinger for sharing this title with me. I am proud to have it on my bookshelf.


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[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off let me say that I enjoyed reading this book. Everyone was so nice to get to know. While Bea may have been the main focal point of this book, her friends were right up there with her. They are women that I would want to have around in my life. Plus, they provided some fun entertaining moments. The Love List is a charming, upbeat read with endearing characters!

Bea gets a second change at love. The tone of the story could have been a downer, but it was positive which is why I enjoyed reading it so much. Bea and Grant are great together. They shared sweet moments together. It felt real. Grant is the type of guy you would want to get to know. I do look forward to reading more books in this series.

[TerryAnn Greco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note this review is on the fly not edited for grammar or even making sense for that matter. I just wanted to get my thoughts out even if haphazardly.

Absolutely loved this book! I’m a reader that prefers spice x10 when it comes to romance books BUT for some unknown reason I wanted to read this book.

Didn’t really look for spoilers which is ODD for me as I always want to know if it’s a Happy ending and what the spice level is before reading anything. This time I literally went ahead and read knowing only a little bit I saw on IG. All I knew was it was about women over 40 and their second life journey so to speak and Hilton Head Island

I’m 50 and just chanced it and tried the sample. Within a few pages I bought it and binged it. All in the wee hours of the night too!

The author is so cool as she responded with a question I had while reading which was amazing!

I do not gravitate towards books that are “friendship” oriented. If main characters have friends or solid side characters great but I don’t need an origin story about the relationship of them taking time from the main story.

BUT this is that and I knew going in at least that the women and their friendship were 25% of the book and I still wanted to read it. ???? Very strange for me..seriously!

The romance was closed door which would irk the heck out of me and normally end up being a DNF and that did not happen.

And it was sad in parts which still didn’t turn me away!

Basically all my restrictions for reading was in this and went out the window!

It’s romantic funny sad loving and a very easy read!

#elanajohnson #elanajohnsonauthor #hiltonheadisland #thelovelist #reading #fallreading #over40andfabulous #secondchanceromance

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the scariest things we have to do are also the most rewarding. Now with grown children and a broken marriage behind her, Bea is starting over at a time in her life when she should be enjoying the rewards of all her hard work. I adored the way Bea took on the challenges of this new phase in her life. Things she wanted to do but hadn’t while she was still with her ex? Those go at the top of the list to accomplish first. And I loved that she was willing to step outside of her comfort zone and take little risks with Grant. I’m also a little in love with the supporting cast around this pair. They’re all vibrant characters and I want to read more about each and every one of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great midlife read. Not a paranormal one like I usually read but a beach one and i loved it. 45 years old, newly divorced and kids got their own lives what’s a lady to do? Start a list of what you would love to do and follow it. That’s exactly what Bea does and so finds herself on Hilton Head island and a fantabulous beach vacation. Throw in a tall, dark and handsome vacation manager and you have yourself a sweet clean romance with a couple that have great chemistry which just proves there is life after 40!!

[Annette Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lists lists lists

Bea has created a list of new experiences to try as she starts her new life as a single woman. This story has all of my favorite aspects of a fun, romantic second chance romance.

[Gabrielle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading The Love List while on a beach in Hilton Head, so it felt very kismet to read. Overall, I liked this book. If you like the insta-love trope, this book is for you! For me, it's not my favorite romance trope, but I did think that this was a good, easy summer read.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Love List is the first book in the Hilton Head Island series by Elana Johnson. Beatrice “Bea” Callahan loves lists. She loves when she creates to-do lists and the satisfaction she gets when she can check each item off. So when she gets the finalized divorce papers, she is ready with a list to live the life she wants. Bea doesn’t call it a bucket list, it’s a love list. She loves the outdoors, so she plans to visit ten National Parks. She loves animals, so she will get a puppy. She loves the beach and wants to take a dream vacation. After the insistence of her beloved friends, she heads to Hilton Head Island. There she meets Grant Turner, the man who owns her rented house. He soon becomes her tour guide, a friend and then something more. Can she add falling in love to her list?
This story opened with Bea eagerly waiting for her divorce papers and when she does, she wastes no time and consults no one as she starts down her list. It is supposed to be Bea and Grant’s romance story; however, I did not like chapters featuring her friends more and discussing their troubles. I understand that the author is trying to establish interest in the future books in the series but it was a turn off for me. I also disliked that all the couples are divorced, troubled marriages or newly separated. While all marriages have issues; but can one marriage be relatively a happy one? Overall, I did not enjoy The Love List and will not be continuing the series. However, if you are a fan of Elana Johnson, you may enjoy The Love List and I encourage you to give it a try.

The Love List is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

#readpairsharereview

The Love List
by Elana Johnson

Book 1 of the Hilton Head Island series. Swipe to see book blurb.

Thanks to Magaly @catchybooknook for sending this book to me when I told her I went to Hilton Head for my honeymoon 25 years ago! Such a sweet way to reminisce.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥 (0-5) kissing only

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Mature MCs (40-45).
🤩 Bea’s actual LOVE LIST—trying to make the best of life.
🤩 The Texas Supper Club ladies—sweet friendships, fun times.
🤩 Smoothie shop meet cute! I’m such a sucker for a unique and memorable meet cute (plus a meet again).
🤩 Beach vacation/beach life fun.
🤩 The lighthouse—I’ve been in it! 😍
🤩 Intimate thoughts, glances, touches—really good at showing the attraction between Bea and Grant.
🤩 Mouth-watering food descriptions.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I wish is would not have gone so deep into Lauren’s life in this book since this isn’t her story.
💫 I’m pretty greedy for the lusty feelings of desire in my romance books, even sweet ones. The last ¼ of the book fell flat for me in this area. It just didn’t seem honest/real compared to how I think they really be feeling.

Possible Trigger Warnings:
🔬divorce, longing for a partner, empty-nester




🏷 #sweetromancebook

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always shied away from ‘later in life’ romances. I’m at that age and didn’t think I would enjoy reading about it. So when I started reading A Love List, I almost stopped, before I got started. But I had committed to reading it so on I went. The story about this group of ladies “The Supper Club” hit the mark. I throughly enjoyed learning about these ladies, and surprisingly didn’t fell overwhelmed by intros to all of them. I thought the story development was really well done, focusing mostly on Bea and Grant. But the few chapters that highlighted other characters really tied in well and made you want to hear their story also. I also really appreciated the wholesome, chaste relationship. The love list, list is a really fun idea for anyone needing to expand and explore, to add new things to keep life interesting. No real high drama, just loving, and compassionate friends that support and encourage each other. A breath of fresh air and a rededication to trying new things, like ‘later in life’ romances. I am excited to read who’s story is next!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and when I checked her out I was surprised just how many she has written. I guess now my TBR pile grew. The author put together a great foundation for this series. The theme for one of the main characters, Bea, is trying to get through a divorce. I'm really anticipating the next book in this series.

The interest with Grant is obvious. He manages some properties that he goes to inspect and meets Bea. Some sub plots exist and one is the things that go wrong with her rental.

The best part of the sub-plot was the actual "Love List" It was a good one. Some things so simple, and some are not. A new puppy is an easy one. Is love on the list?

The Saturday Supper is the start for the next character to be highlighted. I wonder who gets book two. It is a clean beach read that goes by fairly fast. For me I would have thrown in some good steam, not a lot, but a little.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and when I checked her out I was surprised just how many she has written. I guess now my TBR pile grew. The author put together a great foundation for this series. The theme for one of the main characters, Bea, is trying to get through a divorce. I'm really anticipating the next book in this series.

The interest with Grant is obvious. He manages some properties that he goes to inspect and meets Bea. Some sub plots exist and one is the things that go wrong with her rental.

The best part of the sub-plot was the actual "Love List" It was a good one. Some things so simple, and some are not. A new puppy is an easy one. Is love on the list?

The Saturday Supper is the start for the next character to be highlighted. I wonder who gets book two. It is a clean beach read that goes by fairly fast.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, getting to know all the characters. I loved Grant and Bea's story and can't wait for the rest of the stories. These two are so right for each other. Make sure you get the bonus chapters at the end. They are worth it. A really great second chance romance.

[Anne-Kathrine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish. Female lead was beyond annoying and childish regardless of being an adult.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay, a new series by Elana Johnson!

This is the first book in what I'm sure will be a great new series. The characters are 6 female friends, living in Texas, who have known each other for a very long time, are all in different stages of their personal relationships and who will support each other to the bitter end.

This particular book focuses on Bea, divorced a bit over a year ago from Nort (she should have dumped him just for that name, imho!). Her friends encourage Bea to let loose a little and start fulfilling her Love List, which is a list of things she wants to do now that she's single. A trip to Hilton Head is arranged, and off she goes. She meets a guy in line at a smoothie shop and they survive a smoothie explosion together, and go their separate ways. When she heads to the beach house to check in, yup, you guessed it, Grant (smoothie guy) is the property manager.

A few broken things at the beach house force Bea and Grant closer together, and then nature takes its course for a while. I don't write spoilers, so I won't tell you what happens, please, please read this book. It is a fast, clean, easy, fun read and gives you good insight into what the rest of the series will be like. I can't wait!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Love List is a women's fiction read about starting over, the power of friendship, and falling in love again.

Bea is just coming off a divorce and is learning what being single means. She was so used to being in sync with her ex and just following his lead. Now, she is making a 'love list'. A list of items she loves that she has always wanted to do like fly a kite and walk along a beach. When her friends send her to a beach for a vacation, she is surprised when she starts to feel chemistry with a man, Grant.

Grant is a kind and a relaxed man who is in charge of the place where Bea is staying. He is also going through a divorce and is too surprised that he is feeling a connection to another woman so quickly. He tries to play it cool but he just wants to spend time with her.

Bea and Grant have amazing chemistry and really help each other find themselves again. It's really a beautiful romance to read about.

I give The Love List 4 stars. It's a wonderful women's fiction and romance that is all about change and acceptance. I love the connection between the main characters. I am a newbie to Elana Johnson's books but I look forward to reading more.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book of second chances and the fellowship of women who challenge, love, and care for each other. I've never officially made a bucket list, but I enjoyed reading about Bea's and the fact she called it her "Love List"--things she'd love to do in her life! Her friends help her along by booking a getaway vacation for her, and now that she's in this new stage of her life, she begins to enjoy life and the friendly Grant who owns the beach house she's renting. But they live so far away from each other, and what with family obligations, can it ever work out? As Bea begins to step out into the adventure of life, I thoroughly enjoyed the encouragement she received from her friend, "Run with it, not from it." I've been able to apply this to my current life circumstances as I'm going through some health challenges. I also enjoyed that this book's main characters were 40-somethings. A fun and uplifting book of second chances that I heartily recommend--a perfect summer beach read! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Beatrice Callahan’s divorce settlement finally comes through, she decides that she will make a ‘love list’ and note all the things she loves ranging from getting a puppy to taking a dream location. So on the first day of arriving at Hilton Head Island, she meets Grant Turner, the man whose house she’s renting for her dream vacation. Soon Grant goes from being the property manager, to giving tours to being more than just friends. So when Bea turns to her list, she is unsure whether falling in love at 45, was ever part of her plan.
The chemistry between Beatrice and Grant was well described, particularly where both were facing their fears about starting a relationship again after feeling as if the safer option was to stay single. Grant is all the things that Bea needs being calm, confident and understanding. I enjoyed the dialogue and found this a lovely romance novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and AEJ Creative Works. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bridget · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a perfectly fine book.

Beatrice Callahan lives in Texas, and as the book starts, she has just received her official divorce papers. Bea loves making lists, and she has made a "Love List" of what she would like to do once her life us her own.

Her friends convince her to take a trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina and enjoy some time on the beach on her own. As soon as she meets the man who handles the rental of her cottage, she feels attracted to him. It turns out that he feels the same.

They have a safe romance for the time she us there, and Bea starts to consider moving. But while she is back in Texas helping her daughter with wedding plans, her father falls and breaks his hip. Will she ever get back to Hilton Head and yhe man she's fallen in love with?

I'm not a huge romance reader, so I'm not necessarily the audience for this book. But the characters, while all quite nice, didn't really draw me into their orbit. And Bea, the main character, seemed like a character that wanted to come across one way, but never quite hit the mark.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of loss, friendship, and unexpected love
This book introduces you to a group of friends belonging to a ladies’ supper club. They are divorced, married, separated, or still single but they have bonded together and now support each other through all of life’s ups and downs. This book focuses on Bea who is now divorced after twenty-five years of marriage from a man who determined everything in her life and then wanted his secretary instead. After a fourteen month battle over what Bea would retain from the divorce, her friends send her off on a beach vacation, one of the things on her “love list” of things she wants to do. Arriving she soon finds the beach town is able to help her mark off things on her list and even add a few unexpected things. You also get to meet the other women in the group and get introductory peeks into their lives. A fun light read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about starting over after divorce, having good friends by your side, and finding love when you aren't even looking for it! 5 amazing stars for this one!
Bea's divorce is finally final, and while meeting up with her friends, they find her a place to just take a break and get away. Hilton Head it is, by herself for ten days. She's got her list of things to experience from her friends, so she sets out to get them done.
Grant has been divorced for a few years now, he's looking forward to his daughter coming to visit for the summer. When he stops to check in on one of the properties he manages, he meets Bea, and there is just somethin so refreshing about her, not to mention things going wrong in her rental!
These two hit it off, but as always life gets in their way. Can they make this work? Read along and find out!
This is my first book by this author, and I'm so looking forward to reading more about Bea's friends in this series!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story
When Bea’s divorce is finalised after 14 months of negotiations, she has a short list of things she wants to do for herself - cut her hair short, take a break at a beach, visit 10 national parks and fly a kite. Her supper club best friends decide to help her with the “love list” and book her a trip to a South Carolina beach house. After a hectic travel day, she stops for a smoothie before checking into her accommodation and meets Grant. He has a rental agency in the town, and is soon smitten with Bea. Things move fast but neither can resist their strong feelings for each other.

My thoughts
I recently read an eARC of the second book in this series, and saw that the first book was available in my library through Libby. This story is an easy read, and with characters in their 40’s, grown up children, older parents and friends that support, this is a very relatable series of stories. If only true love was as easy to find as it is in the stories 😉

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for lots of ahs and sighs.

What an amazing fun beach read. Six women that have a Saturday Night Dinner Club and help each other through all of life’s ups and downs. Bea was suddenly left adrift after her husband found someone new after 25 years and her 3 kids grown and in university and making their own lives. After a 14 month divorce process she’s free to have a Love List -not a bucket list, but things she would love to do. The friends arranged for her to go to Hilton Head island for a 10- day getaway. Her cottage manager is Grant, a handsome 40 something with a teenager daughter. Both felt something they hadn’t dared even dream they would feel again. Life happens and family happens and they wonder if it really was just a vacation fling.
This is a clean beach read, but with real feelings and sizzle. Life and love can happen after 40.

[Caroline O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book.

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and all I can say is, bring on the next book! I really enjoyed this one a lot.

Bea is a recently separated lady after a long time married, luckily for her she is an extremely strong woman with a fabulous support group of friends around her. She has been living the same life for a long time and I think she is ready to spread her wings and start actually living.

All of the characters were so nice, and a group of loyal friends that anyone would love to be a part of. I adore the idea of a supper group, how much fun did these ladies have.

Grant was lovely too, he really was someone you would be proud to introduce to your family. He is the kind of guy that just fits in and gets on with everyone.

I really enjoyed the storyline to this book, it was full of fun but also real life struggles. It was set on a beautiful island for the most part, a place where it sounds lovely to visit.

Thank you so much for the chance to read this, it was an absolute pleasure ❤️

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea loves making lists about everything but her best list is her love list. This is the list of things she wants to do once her divorce is finalized. Thanks to her friends, Bea is on her way to Hilton Head after her divorce is finalized. She just plans to walk on the beach, and think about her new life. Then she meets Grant who manages the house she is renting. Sparks fly but can they last since Grant lives on Hilton Head and she lives in Texas. When she leaves Hilton Head to return to Texas for her Daughters graduation and wedding planning party, Bea's intentions are to return to Hilton Head but then her father breaks his hip and Bea decides she must stay in Texas. Will Bea continue with her love list but forget her love for Grant, or will fate and friends bring the two together again?

[Debbie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good romance

Wonderful love story. It was nice to read of an older couple romance. 40+ is definitely not old these days. And sadly there are many divorced people out there, looking for the right one. This story I believe helps those who wonder if they'll ever find their soulmate. I was blessed to find mine. I didn't like all the backh stories if the Supper Club ladies, especially when none had a happy ending. I'm assuming the author will write a happily ever after story about each of them. For those like me, who reads a book a night, who can't afford to buy every e-book, we'll never know their romantic endings. I enjoyed seeing Bea check off her love list items, but I didn't like it being called love list. Maybe "To Live Again" list would have been great. My opinion only. Ha! I was very happy to find a clean modern day romance. Kudos to this author.

[Laura Calderisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book popped up free in my Nook and it seemed like a good beach read and given that I am on a beach I gave it a try.
What I liked:
- strong female friendships
- female characters around my age
- exploration of complex life events (divorce, aging parents, etc.)
- a cute romance that, while it seems unrealistic, could definitely happen when the feelings are strong
What I didn’t:
- focusing on the age of the characters a little too much. I believe the author was setting up for future novels featuring these characters, which is a great idea but heritages were too front and center and too “defining” for me.
- I did not know this was a “clean romance”. I am not looking for smut necessarily but if the chemistry was that hot between them I would liked to have felt it.
- the mentions of prayer and church. Just my preference.

[Debbie Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love List=Life Plan

Simple sweet story of a mid-life divorcee who create her love list, basically her bucket list. These were things she wanted to do in her life—- simple things like get a dog, take a trip….that kind of things. With the help and encouragement of her friends, Bea traveled from Texas to Hilton Head Island where her friend had rented a cottage for her. Due to a couple things being Wong at her cottage, she met the handsome property manager/ owner which made her vacation much sweeter.

It is nice to read a book about people in their 40s who have had their lives upended yet they manage to keep going. In Bea’s case, her supper club as the support group for all the members and I enjoyed seeing women who cared enough about each other to want the best for each of the,

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice now and it still makes me feel happy and giddy just as much as the first time if not more so now considering my own situation atm. This book is full of fun, laughs and figuring out who you are after being divorced in your mid 40's Bea is a list maker whose friends basically bullied her into taking a trip after her divorce was finalized 14months after she caught her husband cheating on her (typical) whilst on the trip she finds herself and she finds that she can love again...Grant just so happens to be the man who evokes live in her heart once again! Such a cute story and I love that it is a pg romance and not smutty (I enjoy smut it just doesn't feel right in this book). It has moments of sadness, happiness, fear, failure and ultimately joy. This is a great read for anyone! I need to see how the other books go one of these days lol!