Book Tour Grand Finale for
Sweet Melody
By Heidi McCahan
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
. . .
Sweet Melody is more than just a romance about a songwriter and a bakery owner. It’s also a story about failure, how we cope with unspeakable heartache, and what we do when our dreams don’t come true in the way we’d imagined or expected. Whatever you’re going through right now, I hope this novel inspires you, offers a temporary escape from your current reality, and reminds you of the hope that is found in walking with a God who loves you unconditionally.
Happy reading!
Heidi McCahan
"I was drawn to this book description right off the bat because it combines two of my favorite storylines - a bakery and a musician. . . . Watching the two of them grow together just made me feel happy inside. I may or may not have had misty eyes toward the end of the book. I want to be able to peek in on them later on, and have a feeling we'll be able to, as this is just the first book in the series. And I have a good guess as to who will be the focus in the second book. I'll be watching for it!"
"Heidi McCahan’s
Sweet Melody easily proves to be as sweet as the title and cover suggest. Focusing on dreams and failures and sweet, sweet romance, it’s a perfect read for contemporary romance fans. I recommend it and look forward to seeing more Seabrook stories, hopefully, in the future."
"What a sweet love story this was. . . . This had just the right amount of romantic tension and a story line that kept me glued to the pages. I look forward to more stories by author McCahan."
Lindsay Carmichael and Rhett Foster are the heroine and hero of
Sweet Melody. This manuscript evolved through multiple re-writes, mentoring from Susan May Warren and the incredible editing insights shared by Kristin Avila. Here are a few key details that inspired the development of both Lindsay and Rhett. . .
'The charming Washington coastal town of Seabrook will have you planning your next vacation while the descriptions of the goodies Lindsay offers at her bakery will have you salivating. The attraction between Rhett and Lindsay is instantaneous and builds from their first meeting and left me anxious for more. . . . Hopefully, readers will get more of Seabrook and this group of friends in future books from McCahan (because I really want to learn more about Cat and Micah!).'
Share your inspiration behind
Sweet Melody.
H: My family and I visited Seabrook over ten years ago and I was instantly smitten. I think it is a wonderful setting for a novel or possibly a whole series. As the book was launching, we were at Seabrook celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, which was a lovely full-circle moment.
B: How sweet! Congratulations to your parents!
"On the one hand, the plot is a familiar one – girl meets boy, attraction and friendship soon grow into something more, but certain facts are held back that could crush any chance for a positive outcome – yet the skill and execution of author Heidi McCahan elevates the story to so much more. It’s a fun, heartwarming, emotionally engaging read with compelling spiritual truths gently woven in. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed every minute spent with these characters."
Scones are a popular treat at bakeries and coffee shops. In
Sweet Melody, Lindsay serves scones at her bakery, Sugar Buzz, so I thought it would be fun to include a recipe for my favorite scone, the glazed cranberry orange. Sally’s Baking Addiction features a lot of fantastic recipes and I often visit this website when I need a fun dessert or special treat for our family.
"
Sweet Melody will have you booking a trip to the cozy coastal town of Seabrook, the real-life town coming alive under the author’s talented scene-setting. Layered and engaging characters become instant friends, and I’m looking forward to the stories still to come from this delightful mix of people. Faith, family, friendship, and chasing dreams combine with a sweet and swoony romance to give readers a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies or Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, you’ll want to grab a copy of
Sweet Melody for yourself!"
The front door opened, and a twenty-something guy came in, wearing a tight-fitting black T-shirt, ripped jeans and black work boots. Huh. Definitely not a local. With his brown hair swooped upward and classic handsome features, he looked like a front man for a band. Or the cover model for a romance novel. His caramel-colored gaze found hers, so intense. A delicious tingle swept across her neck then danced around to her cheeks. She couldn’t look away even if she wanted to.
"Hi.” She squeaked out a greeting.
Quinn’s eyes widened. “Hey.” He moved closer, his gait easy and confident. “Do you know where I might find the owner or manager?”
Lindsay couldn’t stop a frown. Did she not look qualified to be in charge? Granted, she probably seemed younger than twenty-four, in jeans and frilly apron over her yellow T-shirt. Still, he didn’t have to jump to conclusions.
“I’m she. I mean, this is her.” Oh brother. Maybe she was too young. Or he was too good-looking.
My parents bought a lodge in Alaska when I was a baby, so I spent a lot of my childhood watching my parents and grandparents prepare food and serve it to our customers. It wasn’t safe for me to be near the oven and grill, but I was allowed to climb up on a stool and hang around my mom while she baked pies and cookies in the evenings after the lodge was closed. I have fond memories of “sneaking” chocolate chips from the Nestle Toll House bag while she prepared the cookie dough. . .
"This book is a "happily-ever-after" but there is a ton of story from the beginning to the end. At times I wondered how in the heck the two would work things out. What I got was a story that had depth and a great storyline. I am definitely glad that I took the opportunity to read this book."
Mr. Perfect could be real trouble.
Not that he wasn’t qualified. He was more than qualified. He made the best vanilla latte she’d had in months, possibly ever. And he was telling the truth about his past—a simple Google search confirmed his story.
But serious amounts of time around that smile, those caramel eyes and the way his voice spilled out so effortlessly, doing crazy things to her insides … yeah, good thing it was a part-time temporary gig. She needed her full attention—
"McCahan has a gentle style to her INSPY Contemporary Romances - she lets you drink in the world she is creating for you first, gives you time to find feet inside the story and grants you this lovely place where despite the fact there are moments of adversity, there is a willingness to seek out the unexpected and the good in order to overcome what is giving the characters the most stress and anxiety to overcome. . . . McCahan has definitely thought hard about how she wanted the Seabrook Romances to look, feel and taste to the reader and it is a delight to curl inside this entrance of the series to see where the foundation will not just begin but will give wings to where future installments could continue forward from here."
In a library or a bookstore – what section do you head to first?
The new releases always grab my attention in a bookstore. Our library always has a clever display featured front and center and I usually stop there first. Basically I can’t walk past an interesting arrangement of books without stopping to explore my options.
"Such a beautiful romance with a beautiful setting. . . . I recommend it for readers who enjoy a sweet, clean and light romance with inspiration and faith."
I decided to write a book featuring Seabrook as the setting because my family and I have enjoyed several wonderful vacations in this gorgeous coastal community. When you read
Sweet Melody, I hope you’ll get a small taste of this amazing part of Washington State and maybe you’ll take the time to visit Seabrook too. . .
"If you're looking for your next sweet romance... nothing could be sweeter than
Sweet Melody, pun fully intended. Oh what a cute romance story this was. . . .
Sweet Melody was a quick and fun read... I finished it in less than a day! It had a great flow that kept me intrigued right to the last page."
A lot of romances these days include food, as in a character owns a bakery or the like. What is it about this that makes these romances so appealing to readers?
My editor asked me to answer this question because she wanted me to show readers why Lindsay, the heroine in
Sweet Melody, cared so much about her bakery and her motivation for launching a food truck. In my opinion, the kind of food one finds at a bakery, especially during a trip or a vacation, provokes happy thoughts and positive emotions. What’s not to love about a cake pop or a cupcake? Readers want to feel good and reading about yummy food recreates positive experiences and memories that also make the reading experience even more enjoyable.
"I really did love the way the attraction and romance brewed between these main characters (pun intended, as the hero was the barista). . . . I really enjoyed this book and the community that was introduced in it. I look forward to returning to Seabrook and reading future stories set there."
"
Sweet Melody is delightful and filled with romance. . . .
Sweet Melody was very enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet romantic fiction."
"I found
Sweet Melody to be such a heartwarming read. The chemistry between Rhett and Lindsay was so charming and vibrant throughout the entire book. I also enjoyed the overall theme of resilience in the face of deep personal struggle."
"This was my first book by author Heidi McCahan, and I really enjoyed this story. The blend of characters throughout the story developed very well as they told their story. . . . the author pulls everything together so smoothly and gives readers the perfect ending to the story."
"This book is such a cute story. Lindsay was determined to make her business work. The characters were so much fun."
“There’s something about this beach—it will cure what ails you.” She moved past him and started down the stairs. “I joke all the time that the marketing people sneak out at night and inject a secret ingredient into the air. No one believes me, of course.”
“A complex hypothesis like that doesn’t get much support, huh? Shocking.”
She paused and fired a playful look over her shoulder. “Don’t mock me.”
He held up both palms and tried not to laugh. “No mockery here. I’m sure your top-secret injection theory is spot on.”
“You wait and see. Fifteen minutes in, and you’ll forget whatever was bothering you.” She pivoted and trotted down the next flight of stairs.
His smile faded. If only that were true.
"The characters were cleverly and realistically developed., and while there were no major surprises in the story, it was well-executed on every level. If you love old-time romance with food trucks, bakeries, and country music, this is for you!"
"This is a feel good clean contemporary romance with quaint small town vibes and aromatic lattes. It's a very good read overall for fans of the genre. I recommend for something light, happy and a little bit spicy!"
"It is purely delightful and so very sweet. The author is a new to me author and I loved her writing style and her characters are likeable which made reading this novel a pleasant weekend read. The coastal setting was perfect, the close friendships are such a nice touch because there is no jealousy between them and they want to help each other no matter what. . . . Grab a copy of this book and a cup off coffee and enjoy this heartwarming novel."
"I really really enjoyed reading this book. It was such a comfortable and easy read. . . . The author’s writing style was awesome. Even though it was a romance novel, the book wasn’t swimming with heated scenes. It was very clean to read. I enjoyed it immensely. I hope to read more from this author."
Here in the South, pound cakes are a staple at family gatherings, church functions and any occasion that calls for a delightful sweet treat. We love our pound cake around here. There are probably hundreds of recipes and iterations available, but this one caught my eye because the author states her mother has been making this pound cake for more than thirty years. It’s apparently a crowd-pleaser and an award-winner. . .
That text message was burning a hole in his pocket.
Rhett grabbed a white ceramic mug from the stack nestled beside the bakery’s espresso machine and poured in a generous shot of hazelnut syrup. Brandi’s text filtered through his head while he pulled the shot of coffee.
I played our song for Paige Tyson. She loved it! Amazing, right? Her manager wants to know when we can finish it??
Ha! How about never? He added the coffee to the mug, then reached for the frothing pitcher full of milk. Empty.
"A sweet book that will make you drool throughout with a coastal backdrop as the setting. . . . I strongly recommend this book. Maybe you've been through mine and Rhetts situation in your life along the way. Have past hurts that need forgiven. Talk to the Lord my reader friends. He will point you the way. Forgive and love while that person is still there. You won't regret it."
"I had so much fun reading this sweet story! Though
Sweet Melody is light and fun, it still carries plenty of substance. . . . This is the first book I’ve read by Heidi McCahan, and I plan to seek out more of her work. Her writing style is easy to read, and her characters are well developed."
A shout out to the brilliant soul who created the cake pop! Cake on a stick? Yes, please. In real life, I listen to a podcast that features a woman who used to make cake pops for a living, but didn’t own a bakery. It was more of a side hustle that made her friends and family happy. That’s how cake pops ended up playing a supporting role in
Sweet Melody, because I needed a treat that appealed to a wide variety of customers and symbolized the happiness and contentment Lindsay longs to offer her customers at Sugar Buzz. Like Lindsay says in
Sweet Melody, “Who doesn’t love a cake pop?” . . .
From the first verse, the mood of the gathering shifted as Rhett’s tone dived deep and took on a mournful, seasoned quality—as though he’d lived every minute of the pain he crooned about.
Lindsay gripped the armrests of her chair, hanging on every note, captivated by the emotional journey of the songwriter. Captivated by Rhett. The chorus and subsequent verse told a powerful story of unrequited love, then came to an abrupt end as Rhett stopped playing.
“That’s all I’ve written so far.” He shifted in his chair. “Sorry.”
They were all staring with rapt attention. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one who wanted more.
"I’m just going to say it. I loved this book from the start. From the setting to the characters, to the plot and especially how I felt after reading it. Peeps this is a sweet contemporary romance with inspirational undertones to it. . . . I found that while reading the book, my heart opened and made me take stock in certain parts of my own life. . . . Do yourself a favor a pick up this gem of a book."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...
Sweet Melody
(Seabrook Romance #1)
By Heidi McCahan
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 242 Pages
August 1st 2019
When a struggling bakery owner is rescued by a wannabe songwriter with hidden culinary talents, they discover they can make sweet harmony … if they can only learn to work together.
Rhett Foster longs to change the world with his music, yet he can’t even finish writing one song. Battered by a string of failures and disillusioned, he returns home to Portland, Oregon. While he desperately wants to create a chart-topping hit, his dad mandates a new mission: move to coastal vacation hotspot Seabrook, Washington and expand the family’s successful restaurant chain.
In danger of destroying her late parents’ legacy if she doesn’t diversify her menu, Lindsay Carmichael will try anything to save her bakery. But with a tiny budget and an injured employee who can’t work, she has no choice but to sink the last of her savings into buying a dilapidated food truck and hiring Rhett as a part-time barista. What she doesn’t know is that the handsome songwriter has a secret … one that could destroy her business and her heart.
(Affiliate links included.)
Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband Steve, then she dusted off her big dream of becoming a published author and launched her first contemporary romance into the world in 2014. A huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, Heidi currently lives in North Carolina with Steve, three active boys and one amazing Goldendoodle.
One winner will receive a signed paperback with bookmark, $10
Amazon gift card, Sticky Fingers Strawberry Scone mix and a Seabrook Sea, Salt
and Surf 100% soy wax candle from Hometown candle company.
US only
Ends September 18, 2019
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