This book should come with a warning. Beware. Start reading at your own peril. Don't expect to get any work done. If you think for even a moment that SWEET LITTLE LIES by the amazing Jill Shalvis is just going to be a nice summer read -- you would be greatly underestimating its power. SWEET LITTLE LIES is a wondrous entry into the Heartbreaker Bay series -- an introduction to some of the most memorable and likable characters you will ever meet. That is, by the way, a trait common to any story by Jill Shalvis who stands apart from most authors as a tested master of dialog and scene stealing. The characters in SWEET LITTLE LIES will capture your heart while the story grabs hold until the very last page. There are so many ah moments that I dare not even attempt to mention them. Suffice it to say SWEET LITTLE LIES has a star studded cast including the requisite pets and not to mention even a delightful homeless man.

In SWEET LITTLE LIES Pru has been delivering on her promise to somehow take care of anyone hurt in the wake of her parents car accident. She was not in the car -- luckily -- but somehow she can't shake off her blame in the matter. Pru has done an admirable job in her endeavor -- all at her own expense -- monetary, emotionally and personally. Guilt is so hard to live down. But in Pru's case you really get a sense that she is fighting someone else's battle -- her parents.

Now she realizes that one of those victims actually lives near her. Two brothers whose lives were unmistakably shaken with the death of their father. Finn and Shea O'Riley have been running their pub for a couple of years. Finn put his personal life on hold to raise his brother. He has an enormous work ethic having grown out of his more adventurous years -- no choice here -- the welfare of Shea was most important. Fun would have to be put on a back burner.

And then Finn meets Pru who is intent on putting fun back into his life. Pru has become a master of getting things done with years of experience putting people's lives back together as best she could. Kind of ironic since in her own life she has never felt crucial to anyone. She has no family. Her small group of friends have taken on that role. Pru doesn't intend on becoming part of Finn's world but her plan necessitates a more hands-on approach with this man. Only problem is Finn is becoming really attracted to this wonderful woman who has enriched his life. Pru has managed to get Finn back into the land of living -- realizing that there is more to life than just work. But Pru is a realist. Is there really much of a difference between telling a lie and holding back some facts? As soon as Finn gets wind of her family background that will put a total kibosh on their budding friendship -- but that is the price she will pay even if it breaks her heart.

Wow. SWEET LITTLE LIES is about selflessness. In a world where people seem to search out immediate gratification, quick rewards and entitlement Jill Shalvis introduces us to a unique blend of folk. Delightful foray into a group intent on gentleness and caring. No rewards or acknowledgement required. At the end of the day the reward is just knowing that they helped someone. Such a wonderful concept and what an extraordinary tale of goodness. But even so the ultimate prize is love.