sweet ridge hearts | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

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?

publisher: she rises studios

release date: october 22, 2024

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other books in the series

christmas wish upon a star

home for love

excerpt

“Seems like you’re making friends with Katy.” Mark tilted his head, awaiting his response.

“At first, she pushed my buttons, but we talked about that in group. Now we seem to have this bond forming because we’re on the same mission—to win this competition for Christine.”

“And how’s that going?” Mark asked.

“Good. We’re driving up to Vermont tomorrow for our little recon spy mission.” He chuckled. “I’ll be spending a lot of time with her and have to admit I’m attracted to her as a woman.” Yes, her perfect curves, soft, curly hair, large brown eyes, and pink lips have caught my attention.

“Yes, she is a vibrant, striking woman. What’s her relationship status?”

“She just went through a break-up in New York. Seems her boyfriend got her coveted position at the office, stole one of her ideas, and broke up with her because of the company’s policy with bosses and employees.”

“Ouch. That must have hurt.”

“I don’t know if she’s let herself feel the pain. I think she’s in the anger stage still.”

“So wise, brother.”

“It’s all those therapy sessions with Dr. McPherson.” He laughed.

about the author

Author Susan Bagby spent most of her life working with children and youth as a speech pathologist. After retirement, she moved back to her hometown of Akron, Ohio, and her debut novel, Christmas Wish Upon a Star, was published in 2022 and was a semi-finalist for the 2023 CIBA Chatelaine Book Awards for Romance Fiction. Her second book, Home for Love released in October of 2023 and was a second-place winner for the Romance-Wholesome category in the 2024 Spring BookFest Awards. Her third book, Sweet Ridge Hearts, was published in the fall of 2024 and won a first place for Romance-Wholesome category in the spring BookFest Awards 2025.

Susan belongs to the Great Lakes Fiction Writers organization and to Romance Writers of America (RWA). She is presently working on a new small-town romance series and loves seeing new characters come to life. When she’s not writing, she loves reading, walking in the woods, yoga, Pilates and playing the piano. She’s a firm believer that dreams do come true.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanbagby.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed copy of Sweet Ridge Hearts and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.