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 … 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.
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I’m relatively new to Heidi McCahan and her novels, but after reading Sweet Melody I think I need to go on a reading binge! Sweet Melody is an excellent contemporary romance that I enjoyed from start to end. It reminded me of the very best Hallmark films — the ones where the storyline is highly engaging, the chemistry between the hero and heroine is fierce and palpable from their first meeting, the kisses are sweet and swoon-worthy, and the ending is so satisfying you just can’t help but sigh. Sweet Melody is all this and more!
Life is hard. Sometimes life hurts us and leaves us feeling as if we have a giant gaping hole right in the center of our chests. As humans, our natural inclination is to fill these voids with what we think are good things: we eat our feelings, we hang out with our “fun” friends, we start a new romantic relationship, or we escape into fun adventures that take us from our usual day to day. While joyful for a moment, the joy we feel from these worldly things is fleeting, and often leaves us feeling a little sadder and a little more empty inside. Life has definitely beaten up both Lindsay and Rhett. They’ve both been searching to fill their voids for quite some time, and both believe they have the answers to making their lives better. But things just keep falling apart. What is going on? When will they catch their breaks? Eventually, both Lindsay and Rhett realize that nothing worldly will ever fully fill the voids in their hearts. Only calling upon Jesus as their Lord and Savior will allow their hurt places to heal and true joy and peace to reign. I think this is a wonderful reminder for all of us readers, especially in this crazy day and age.
Sweet Melody is a highly enjoyable, sweet contemporary romance filled with heartwarming moments and timely themes. It’s a great read that I cannot recommend enough. Purchase your copy today. You will not be disappointed that you did.
I purchased an eBook copy of this book from Amazon.com on August 31, 2019, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ok, let’s just get this out of the way. If you want to make me a happy reader, then include a couple mentions of my hockey team in your book. Thank you, Heidi McCahan for giving Rhett some Nashville Predators pride.
And while that, ahem sweetened, the story for me, it was just a fun little fact to come across. The heart of Sweet Melody lies in Lindsay’s and Rhett’s challenges and persistence to realize their dreams.
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.
I appreciate the friendship these two form. The way they encourage each other to chase their dreams despite the roadblocks. And even when everything comes to a head, I was cheering the duo on.
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!).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Step up for some sweet treats and romance…
Sometimes a person just has to take a break and either read or listen to a sweet romance. Something not to difficult, where the characters have problems but still get their happy ending. Sweet Melody was that for me. I’ve read quite a bit of mystery/suspense/historical lately so Heidi McCahan’s contemporary romance was the break I needed.
I really liked Lindsay, though how she could be nice even to people who were very unpleasant to her was more than I could ever do. I liked Rhett as well, but I still can’t figure out why he didn’t bail over the side of the family business when he figured out how much it would hurt Lindsay and her business. Can you tell that I kinda got caught up in all of the Hallmark-like romance and family drama?
I listened to the audiobook version of Sweet Melody and I enjoyed it. The narration was excellent. The sound and production quality seemed to be OK. All in all it was a good listening experience and a great introduction for me to Heidi McCahan’s writing.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Lindsay is trying to make her dreams come true, a bakery and a food truck in Seabrook. If she has a good summer it will come true, if not, she will close everything and leave town. Rhett is in Seabrook to find himself and show his family he can work in the family business, even if his dreams is to become a song writer. CAn Lindsay and Rhett help each other make their dreams come true or will their past split them up? A sweet story about friendship, faith, love and fighting for your dreams. The audiobooks is great.
I read the audiobook version of this book and enjoyed it. I was not, however, a fan of the narrator, but it did not take away from the written potion of the book. This is a feel good story about a girl who questions her faith & confidence in herself to make it on her own in the business world. Along the way she meets someone knew who helps gain her footing all the while her livelihood is tested. It’s a sweet and cute romance. It also includes yummy side notes about her bakery that will have you craving sweets.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Just Read Tours & author for review. All opinions above are strictly my own.
This sweet story lured me right in from the very beginning and the well created characters, Rhett and Lindsay, captured my heart as I turned each and every page throughout the entire book!
The book is a good inspirational romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good. The story is an enjoyable, inspirational read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet Melody
Lindsay owns a shop that sweets and coffee. The book starts out with her barista gets hurt on her first day. So now she can only serve regular coffee, nothing fancy. She will have to find someone else.
Rhett comes back to town where his dad lives. He happens to be a barista and a singer. There is a lot of conflict with his dad.
This is such a cute story. I love watching fancy coffee being made when they show it on TV. Lindsay was determined to make her business work. The characters were so much fun to read about.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Prism book tours. This book review is my own opinion.
A tasty treat
Sweet Melody is delightful and filled with romance.
Lindsay was still reeling from the destruction of her parents’ dream closely followed by their death. Feeling compelled to have her bakery succeed to preserve their legacy, she did all that she could. One problem after another seemed to impede her progress.
Rhett felt rejection from his father ever since his mother died when he was a young boy. He never felt he was good enough and did feel like he was constantly being compared unfavorably with his stepbrother, Adam. Broken, yet determined to win his father’s respect and favor, he took on a barista position at Lindsay’s bakery.
Rhett’s heart struggled to choose between pleasing his father and pursuing his growing attraction to Lindsay. This just sounds wrong but I enjoyed seeing his dilemma and how torn he was! When reading about his feelings of rejection and inadequacy, I felt like I was experiencing them myself!
Lindsay’s grief and frustration as things appeared to fall apart around her were equally real. Her devastation when she found out who Rhett was, though she didn’t give him a chance to explain, made me sad for her.
While I knew some of the things were going to happen, after all, they really had to, there were surprises along the way and I didn’t expect everything to work out just like it did. Rhett’s overture to win Lindsay back made me want to cheer!
Sweet Melody was very enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet romantic fiction.
Read my review of Sweet Melody by Heidi McCahan at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Sweet Melody describes this book so well. Singer/songwriter Rhett Foster didn’t really want to make coffee for a living but since it was the only part time job he could fine, he had no choice. And Rhett was just the person Lindsay needed. And he was good eye candy to boot.
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. Of course there are always some unlikable characters, which this story has, but they sure made the story much more interesting. Rhett and Lindsay both had dreams and goals they were striving for, but life was certainly not being pleasant to them. Rhett wanted to make his dad proud at least once, and Lindsay wanted to keep her parents’ honor and dreams alive. I did enjoy the bakery talk and that dreaded food truck was a hoot. But fixing it up shows the love and caring of special friends in Lindsay’s life, though the good feelings didn’t last so long. Thanks to Rhett. Then secrets started coming to the surface, causing a lot of heartbreak. And this is where I’ll stop because it will ruin it for you. I do love the ending, and how the author pulls everything together so smoothly and gives readers the perfect ending to the story.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
UPDATED *Finished listening to the audio book version and it was very good! The narrator did a good job and had a pleasant voice. It was so nice to experience this story through audio this time!*
I really enjoyed this romantic story! Now, this is one of those situations where sometimes I wanted to talk some sense into the hero, Rhett Foster. He could have saved a lot of heartache between himself and Lindsay Carmichael if he had spoken up about who his family was earlier in the book. However, the fact that he didn’t, led to some great conflict and confrontation eventually.
I really did love the way the attraction and romance brewed between these main characters (pun intended, as the hero was the barista). Both Lindsay and Rhett were hurt in multiple ways in the past and carry their own insecurities, ensuring that falling in love would not be something easily achievable between these two.
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.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I love when I can relax and enjoy a book that makes me feel good to read it. This one fit that to a “T”.
This is a sweet romance about two people who are trying desperately to make their chosen careers work. They both have issues from their pasts that they are hanging on to and need to let go before they can heal and fully move on with their lives.
My heart went out to Rhett. He was dealing with a ton of disappointment and hurt. Nashville left him empty instead of giving him a boost to his music career. His family is not there for him. He’s really a good guy with a ton to offer the world. Fortunately, he landed in Seabrook where he met Lindsay, someone who needed him as much as he needed her.
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.
This story contains Christian themes. My favorite quote from the book is “When God looks at you, He doesn’t see failure.”
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I had so much fun reading this sweet story! Though Sweet Melody is light and fun, it still carries plenty of substance.
For whatever reason, I enjoy reading stories that involve bakeries. I also love coastal settings. Well, this story fills both those slots! Seabrook is a breathtaking backdrop and I feel as if I’ve been there. Lyndsay is so easy to sympathize with and Rhett is a wonderful character as well. The story has just enough tension, and a satisfying conclusion.
I enjoy so many genres, and sweet contemporaries are growing closer to the top of the list. 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.
First Line: It was worse than she thought.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of Prism Book Tours. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Sweet Melody is an enjoyable read. I loved Lindsay right from the start and admired her strength, bravery and determination. Rhett was, also, a character I enjoyed. The two had been through so much through their life. It was great to see how they learned to forgive and having second chances. Such a beautiful romance with a beautiful setting.
I am giving Sweet Melody four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy a sweet, clean and light romance with inspiration and faith.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
What a sweet love story this was. Lindsay is trying to stay afloat with her bakery and to expand into a food truck. She is having a lot of troubles keeping her dream alive and the dream of her parents. I felt for Lindsay as she takes her business very seriously, the negative reviews broke her heart and I like that she had enough spunk to pull herself together and try to fix the problems.
Rhett is moving back to Oregon after his heart is broken and his song writing career didn’t take off in Nashville. Stepping back into his family’s business is not something he ever wanted to do, but Rhett wants to start anew and afresh. Then he meets and begins working for Lindsay, and they are attracted to each other almost from the moment their eyes meet.
I liked how this story played out their romance. Both of them were wary of new love especially after each made some poor decisions in that category so even if the attraction was instant, their path to true love was a bit rocky. I liked the themes in this story especially sometimes our dreams are not the best reality for us. And in Rhett and Lindsay’s case- they had something better waiting for them.
Then there is their pasts which neither at first realize how much they intertwine and Rhett is on a mission from his father that may just derail Lindsay’s long hoped for success. 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.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book. It had a great storyline with a positive message. I would recommend it.
“It’s everything I never knew I wanted.”
Another sweet and heart-searching book by Heidi McCahan. The author’s writing style, as always, is easy to read and the plot is well-paced and easy to follow. The main characters Rhett and Lindsay are both emotionally broken people but so lovable. Rhett, broken by the world’s and his father’s rejection of his music, becomes unwittingly involved in his step-brother and father’s scheme to expand the family’s restaurant business into a small resort town of Seabrook. Though battered down by the world, Rhett still holds on to his dream and even dares to fall in love with Lindsay though circumstances are not optimal. Lindsay is a baker in the resort town of Seabrook who is barely making ends meet but dreams of owning a food truck to offer baked goods. Burned by a previous relationship and still mourning the death of her parents, she’s bitter and insecure. Through their friendship and relationship, both Rhett and Lindsay learn about holding onto their dreams, letting go of their past hurts and mistakes, and granting and receiving forgiveness.
If you enjoy a heart-warming contemporary romance, you will really enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Lindsay lives in Seabrook and owns a backery shop, she struggles about failure, hard work to realize her dream.
Also Rethtt wants realize his dream: write and sing country music, but his family isn’t happy to that.
A quote was on the wall behind dad’s desk “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great”.
nice book, sweet, with good topics.
“We carry big dreams in our hearts for a reason. Sometimes we’re tempted to give up and try to wrestle the circumstances into submission, especially when it looks or feels like things aren’t headed in the right direction, but we each have our unique gifts. I believe we’re supposed to use them for a purpose. That’s the way God created us.”
WOW, what a fantastic quote to have in this book! The sweet thing is, there are many more great quotes throughout this book!
This was wise counsel given to Lindsay by her roommate as she was stressing over her business and how things were going. Lindsay is a sweet young woman who lives in a quaint tourist town on the coast of Washington state. She has dreamed of owning a bakery/coffee shop where people can come and hang out. She loves her town, yet soon finds things are a bit more difficult than she thought they’d be.
Rhett is a songwriter whose family doesn’t support him. He has a difficult time breaking into the industry and must move back home. Unfortunately, his father has other plans for him, and he finds himself moving to this quaint vacation town called Seabrook, Washington. He must find a job and the only thing which fits him is being a barista at Lindsay’s bakery. Unbeknownst to both Lindsay and Rhett is the bad situation involving both their families.
Okay, this book has so many fun things I can relate to!
First, is the fact of the town. I LOVE coastal towns and all their charms. I actually looked up this town and found out it is real! I’m also from the Pacific North West and had never heard of this town. Now I have a new town to visit and maybe vacation at!
Second, I was a barista for a few years and totally understood all that went into working as one! Oh, and I LOVE coffee!
Then third, part of the time I was a barista was in a little coffee kiosk cart, like this truck Lindsay was trying to get to work. I could just visualize everything that was happening.
Heidi McCahan has done a fantastic job portraying all the aspects of this adventure Lindsay and Rhett were on. The flow of the story was fun and whimsical. It brought sweet moments and warm fuzzies to my soul. I could smell the baked goods and almost taste the yumminess of them!
This was a fun book to read and I highly recommend you pick it up!
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review and all opinions are my own.
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. Does Ms. McCahan beat you over the head? No, it is subtle and so worth it in the end. I found that while reading the book, my heart opened and made me take stock in certain parts of my own life.
Rhett and Lindsay are a perfect couple. Are they perfect? No, but learning from their past and opening up to different things made them perfect for each other. They each had big voids to fill in the lives and kept getting a bit beat down when something didn’t quite measure up. That’s life and you can grow from it as they did in the end. Each of them has been hurt in the past with relationships and are dealing with that in their own way. Lindsay is bitter and Rhett is somewhat guarded. These two have a ways to go before they can finally get their HEA.
I loved the seaside town and the plot point of food trucks. I live in a small town that doesn’t have them but they intrigue me. Ms. McCahan does a great job of explaining the ins and outs and what it takes to run one. I found that Rhett’s dad is just an awful person and doesn’t see Rhett as a person but as a thing that he can manipulate. Grrr…Rhett and Lindsay are dealing with grief and rejection that can only come from someone that shouldn’t have rejected them in the first place.
Ultimately, this book is about forgiveness, opening your heart to something new, finding love when you least expect it and letting go of the past. You can only look forward to move on. I don’t normally watch Hallmark movies but this book would make a perfect movie. Ms. McCahan’s descriptions filled my head with all kinds of visuals and I would love to see it come to the screen.
Do yourself a favor a pick up this gem of a book. I dare you not to love it and wish it was a movie, too.