Sweet Melody: A Seabrook Romance

Written by Heidi McCahan

Narrated by Erin Parker

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Snug Corner Cove Press
• Release date: Apr 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662218743

Heidi McCahan

Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she writes uplifting, inspirational romance novels set in small towns. Heidi's a huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and reading books with happy endings. She's originally from Alaska but currently lives in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world's greatest goldendoodle. Heidi loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, www.heidimccahan.com.

Reviews for Sweet Melody

[Hallie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As it turns out, Heidi McCahan’s Sweet Melody is as charming via audiobook as it is in print, and I enjoyed revisiting the town of Seabrook, Washington. The romance between struggling bakery owner Lindsay Carmichael and struggling musician Rhett Foster makes for easy listening, but has an uplifting message at its heart. For listeners of contemporary romance, it is a perfect way to escape to a new place for a few hours amidst these complicated times—definitely worth a listen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Katherine Good · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lindsay and Rhett feature in this sweet contemporary romance set in the northwest in a story of what you don't know can hurt you. Both main characters are wondering what's next for them, hoping to find a way forward in an uncertain future. Through a turn of events, Rhett ends up working for Lindsay but isn't completely honest with her.

While they both fight their attraction but are still pulled together, they come to terms with their pasts and have to learn to let go of the past in order to find the future. Along the way, they ask questions about faith and love.

An enjoyable quick read, though I listened to the audiobook version. Some comedic moments and good quotes.

I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Erin Mifflin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lindsay Carmichael has dreamed of owning a food truck for as long as she can remember. She's managed to open a small bakery and keep her parents' legacy going through her tasty treats, but she dreams of more. The small tourist town of Seabrook, Oregon, only offers good profits for part of the year, and as summer approaches Lindsay hopes she can make enough to keep her doors open year-round.

Heading back to his hometown after several unfruitful years in Nashville trying to write a hit country song, Rhett Foster asks his dad for a job in their family's successful restaurant chain. His father sends him to Seabrook to scout the area for potential expansion, and to help fill his time, Rhett decides to take a barista job at Lindsay's bakery.

More of a natural risk taker, Rhett encourages Lindsay when he hears about her food truck dreams. When one becomes available, albeit with a lot of TLC required before it's serviceable again, his certainty emboldens her to go for it, even though it means financial risk. If they can't make it work this summer, she won't only lose the truck, but her bakery and the connection to her deceased parents.

Rhett is horrified when he learns that his father has changed plans and now wants to bring a food truck to Seabrook. With the reputation of his well-established chain, his dad's truck could easily drive Lindsay out of business. How can be break the news to her? Can he talk his dad out of his plans before everything falls apart?

This is a sweet romance but packs a punch with its themes of family, dreams, regrets, and missed opportunities. Lindsay is relatable as a struggling business owner who misses her family, and Rhett struggles to continue pursuing his own dreams even while urging Lindsay forward in hers. I would recommend this for everyone who enjoys something light and fun but also touches on deeper subjects in a hope-giving way.

I received my copy of the audiobook from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Becca Peterson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story was cute and sweet. It's set in a small coastal town of Seabrook in Washington. I love that it is a real town. Lindsay owns a bakery but she needs help. In comes, Rhett who seems to be the answer to her prayers until secrets come out. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change. Both were people I'd like to be friends with. I liked most of the characters in this book.
I listened to part of this book as an audiobook. It was easy to bounce back and forth between audio and ebook. The narrator did a wonderful job creating memorable characters. Each person had a distinct voice. Also, I thought her voice was well suited and not breathy when she talked.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.


I think that the reader can learn valuable truths right along with Lindsay and Rhett.

[Yakira Goldsberry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Full disclosure: this is my first time ever writing an audiobook review! I’m not 100% certain of all the things I’m supposed to touch on in this review, but I’ll just write what I think and go from there.

While I can’t say Sweet Melody grabbed me from the beginning, it certainly drew me in slowly, like a fish on a hook, especially after Rhett was introduced. My biggest question was, will Rhett ever finish writing his song? Lindsay is a likable character, who thinks too much and talks too much, but has a big heart and some crazy dreams. When she and Rhett meet, their interactions start out as hilarious and quickly turn into something more serious.

The plot of Sweet Melody is interesting enough, with Rhett scouting out Seabrook for his father, and Lindsay trying to not go bankrupt with her coffee shop. And while Rhett being there might have saved her business at first, he has all the potential to destroy it as well. It was interesting reading Rhett’s struggle between family duty and wanting to help Lindsay.
The narrator’s voice, I think, was quite suited for the book. Her gentle alto flavored with a hint of south-western accent gave the audiobook just the right feel it needed.

Overall, Sweet Melody is a fun and enchanting tale, perfect for fans of Katherine Reay and Jessica Kate.

NOTE: I received a copy of this audiobook from the author through JustRead Tours for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kat Bryant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Brittany · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

The narrator had a very pleasing voice, which was easy to listen to and worked well with the story. I enjoyed listening from start to finish and definitely recommend it.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. All opinions are my own.