In forgiveness, healing can begin.
Sweet Ridge Hearts
Book Three in the Maple Ridge Series
Published by She Rises Studios
Available Now!
Synopsis
Career-driven Katy Flanagan desperately wants to become the creative director of the Martin and Lewis marketing agency. But when she loses the promotion and gets dumped by her boyfriend the same day, Katy flees New York for a small-town break with her cousin Christine.
Yet even in country-quiet Maple Ridge, Katy’s skills can be useful, and she’s prepared to jump in to help Christine win a competition for her Sweet Ridge Bakery. What she’s not prepared for is handsome bakery manager Derek Higgins.
A veteran dealing with the aftermath of PTSD, Derek is a lone wolf, and he likes it that way. Being forced to work with a spirited businesswoman and her healthy ego is a challenge every step of the way. But the stakes are too high for him to give up helping his boss.
As the competition heats up, so does the chemistry with Katy—until she’s offered a new job in another city. Now she has to decide whether to take a risk and start her own company, or become the creative director of a new, successful firm, which is everything she ever wanted.
At the same time, Derek must face his own issues when personal tragedy wraps him in survivor’s guilt, leaving him unable to forgive himself for past actions. While Derek seeks to heal the wounds of a haunting past, and Katy searches for the courage to face her fears and forge a new path, what will become of their relationship?
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Testimonials
A Heartfelt Story of Love, Growth, and Second Chances
“Sweet Ridge Hearts,” by Susan Bagby, is a charming and emotionally rich story that balances romance with deeper themes of healing and self-discovery. Katy Flanagan, a driven marketing professional, and Derek Higgins, a veteran grappling with PTSD, are two opposites who find themselves working together in the idyllic small town of Maple Ridge. Their journey toward love is both heartwarming and inspiring, filled with moments of vulnerability, humor, and hope.
What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle important topics—career crossroads, trauma, and personal growth—with compassion and authenticity, all while maintaining the charm of a classic small-town romance. Katy and Derek’s chemistry is electric, and their individual struggles make their connection feel even more genuine. The stakes of the Sweet Ridge Bakery competition add a delightful sense of urgency and community to the story, making it hard to put the book down.
As the third installment in The Maple Ridge Series, this novel is a treat for returning readers who love revisiting familiar characters, but it also stands strong on its own. Susan Bagby’s writing shines with warmth and insight, and her ability to craft relatable characters makes this a perfect escape for any reader.
If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you inspired, Sweet Ridge Hearts is a must-read.
