Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: First Comes Love
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.heatherheyford.com/
CITY: Lemoyne
STATE: PA
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Female.
EDUCATION:Has master’s degree.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer; former art teacher.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Heather Hayford is a writer of contemporary romance novels set in West Coast wine country. Born in the Northeast to a military father, Hayford moved every three years with her family. Her childhood was spent in Texas and England. To adjust to the constant changes, she turned to books. Today, Hayford lives in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, though she frequents vineyards around the country to research her books.
The Sweet Spot
The first in Hayford’s “Willamette Valley Romance” series, The Sweet Spot introduces Jamie Martel, a Philadelphia music teacher exhausted by her busy life. She seeks solace by booking a vacation at the Vineyards at Ribbon Ridge, a lush vineyard in Willamette, Oregon. Jamie feels renewed and revitalized, and when an opportunity to stay at the vineyard for the entire summer comes up, she cannot resist. Hank Friestatt owns the vineyards, having inherited the business from his parents. Hank successfully saved the failing business and now feels tempted to sell the vineyard and explore new opportunities. However, with Jamie in the picture, Hank wonders if perhaps staying at the vineyard, and having Jamie in his life, might be the right choice.
A contributor to Urban Book Reviews website described the book as “heartfelt and engaging,” adding: “The plot felt character driven with some action.” A contributor to Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews website described it as a “sweet and sassy story.”
First Comes Love and Right All Along
The second novel in the “Willamette Valley Romance” series, First Comes Love, tells the story of two dueling attorneys, both of whom have chosen to leave the cutthroat cases of Portland behind to live in quiet Willamette Valley. After detective Alex Walker’s case is destroyed by a ruthless attorney in Portland, he decides to move to wine country to have a quieter life. He is in for a shock when he learns that Kerry O’Hearn, the same attorney who shattered his case, has also moved to Willamette Valley. Despite their initial distaste for one another, in the new, peaceful setting of wine country the two discover a deep attraction.
Right All Along tells the story of high-school sweethearts reunited in Willamette Valley ten years after their romance ended. Harley Miller-Jones always believed that she and Jack Friestatt would end up together forever. When Jack promptly married another woman after high-school graduation, Harley was devastated and left their hometown of Ribbon Ridge to heal. In the ten years since this event, Harley has established a successful art career. Now she is ready to return to Ribbon Ridge to open a bed and breakfast. As soon as she sees Jack, the sparks are reignited, and the walls she has worked so hard to build up around her heart begin to fall away yet again.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, May 7, 2018, review of First Comes Love, p. 53.
ONLINE
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews, http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/ (February 27, 2018), review of The Sweet Spot; (September 25, 2018), review of Right All Along.
Harlequin Junkie, http://harlequinjunkie.com (September 11, 2018 ), review of Right All Along.
Heather Heyford website, https://www.heatherheyford.com (November 9, 2018).
Urban Book Reviews, https://urbanbookreviewsrus.wordpress.com (March 31, 2018), review of The Sweet Spot; (April 9, 2018), review of First Comes Love.*
Heather Heyford
Born in the Northeast, Heather Heyford learned to walk and talk in Texas, and then moved to England. ("Ya'll want some scones?")
While in Europe, Heather was forced by her cruel parents to spend Saturdays in the leopard vinyl back seat of their Peugeot, motoring from one medieval pile to the next for the lame purpose of 'learning something.'
What she soon learned was how to allay the boredom by stashing a Cosmo under the seat.
New Books
September 2018
(paperback)
Right All Along
(Willamette Valley, book 3)
Series
Napa Wine Heiresses
1. A Taste of Chardonnay (2014)
2. A Taste of Merlot (2014)
3. A Taste of Sauvignon (2015)
4. A Taste of Sake (2015)
The Napa Wine Heiresses Boxed Set (omnibus) (2016)
Oregon Wine Country
1. The Crush (2016)
2. Intoxicating (2017)
3. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine (2017)
Willamette Valley
1. The Sweet Spot (2018)
2. First Comes Love (2018)
3. Right All Along (2018)
Heather Heyford writes contemporary romance novels set in the wine country, where she visits frequently to drink pinot noir--er, research books.
Heather sold her first romance series in 2014 to Kensington Publishing's then-new digital imprint, Lyrical Press. After gaining a following in digital, her first mass market paperback series launched in 2018 with The Sweet Spot, a contemporary love story set in Oregon's Willamette Valley.
To learn more about what Heather is doing and what inspires her, sign up for her newsletter: http://tiny.cc/heatherheyford
Literary agent: Sarah Elizabeth Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency, 350 7th Avenue, Suite 2003 New York, New York 10001 (212) 239.2861
For publicity inquiries please contact Michelle Addo, Kensington Publishing Corp. Maddo@KensingtonBooks.com (212) 407-1571
Live abcTV interview: http://bit.ly/2eSP4Aj
Blog: HeatherHeyford.com
Latest news: http://tiny.cc/heatherheyford
Facebook * Pinterest
Heather Heyford is the author of contemporary romances set in the wine country. See what inspires her writing on her many Pinterest boards, read more about her on HeatherHeyford.com, and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
Interview with Heather Heyford
Heather Heyford’s newest release is First Comes Love, Book 2 of A Willamette Valley Romance. Here, Heather shares a glimpse into her world of wine and romance . . .
In First Comes Love, Alex is a jaded detective who vows he’ll never be domesticated—until two little boys have nowhere else to turn. Kerry, the fiery attorney who almost destroyed his career, and a single mother with deep roots in the wine country—becomes determined to weave him into her tangled family vine. I love how these two strong-willed characters butt heads before realizing they belong together.
What made you become a writer?
My dad was in the military, so growing up, I moved every three years. I was a dreamy, introverted kid, constantly needing to adapt to new environments. To cope, I read—a lot. But it wasn’t until I was teaching art that a story kept nagging at me until I finally caved and wrote it, thinking that would be that. Instead, it showed me that writing what I was meant to do.
What was it that made you into a self-described wineau?
It must have been fate. When I was seven we lived in a tiny French village where, despite their modest budget, my parents could afford to buy champagne by the 12-liter bottle, which came up to my hip. When we moved back to the states, I was struck by how small the wine bottles were here!
Years later, I was so inspired on my first visit to the Napa Valley that I imagined a whole series of love stories there: The Napa Valley Wine Heiresses.
Then, when a family member moved to Oregon, I fell in love all over again with the Willamette Valley. People say the Willamette is now what Napa was twenty-five years ago, and based on my research walking the vineyards and talking to the growers and the winemakers in person, I’d have to agree. It’s still somewhat rugged and undeveloped, but the air hums with excitement and potential. That’s also where I envisioned my books, The Crush, Intoxicating, and Kisses Sweeter Than Wine.
What do you love most about the Willamette Valley?
Lumbersexuals. I bow to any guy whose grooming is superior to mine.
Pinot noir. Sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand used to be my go-to wine, until I tasted Erath pinot noir. I love Erath’s back story about the engineer who started out making garage wine, vowing to one day make the world’s best pinot under twenty dollars—and succeeded.
Voodoo viniculture. What’s not to like about a culture that buries crushed quartz crystals in cow horns in the middle of their vineyards on the summer solstice in hopes of a good harvest?
What’s next?
Right All Along
Jack was born wine country royalty and Harley was from a blue-collar family, but she always believed they were meant for each other—until he stunned her by marrying someone else. Fast-forward ten years. Successful beyond expectation, Harley returns to Ribbon Ridge just as Jack is struggling to raise precocious twin daughters alone. The question is, has he learned enough to win back the woman whose world he once turned upside down? You can pre-order now for delivery in the fall.
As you might have guessed by now, the theme running through all of my books is one that’s close to my heart: finding home. I hope you love them! Stay in touch on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.
In Heather Heyford’s newest book, a single mom and attorney with deep roots in the rolling hills of Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge wine country thinks her family is perfect as is—until she crosses paths again with a gruff police officer who has two boys of his own . . .
There is nothing sweeter than the family you pick yourself . . .
After detective Alex Walker’s last case in Portland is skewered by a tough-as-nails attorney, he decides to finish out his career on a quiet note in the Willamette Valley. Dedicated to his job and committed to his family, he’s fine letting his brusque exterior keep even the thought of a relationship at bay—especially once he realizes his new hometown is the old hometown of the attorney who ruined his last case . . .
Single mom and attorney Kerry O’Hearn is just as wary as Alex is, thanks to her disastrous first marriage. But she isn’t fooled by Alex’s tough-guy image. When he asks for her assistance in gaining custody of two little boys from an abusive foster home, she sees what he desperately tries to hide: a giant-sized heart. Between them they have five kids and a whole barrel of bad experience. And yet, Kerry can’t shake the feeling that she and the crusty cop were meant to be . . .
uthor Interview – Heather Heyford
Demi: As the author of six romances set in west coast wine country, my readers are dying to hear what inspires you!
Heather: Writing wine romances all started I when I visited northern California a few years ago. I was struck by the beauty of the landscape and the amazing wine mansions, and I began to wonder what it would be like to live there. That fired my imagination and I started taking notes. By the time I was on the plane for the trip home, I was already writing A Taste of Chardonnay, my first published book in The Napa Wine Heiresses series.
Ironically, on the heels of my first series a close relative moved to Oregon’s The Willamette Valley. While visiting her I learned that The Willamette is fast gaining fame as the best place in the entire world to grow the finicky pinot noir grape. Of course, while I was there I had to sample the Kool-Aid ***back of palm to forehead*** Alas, the perils of being a romance writer . . . and now you might happen to find a few empty bottles of Erath in my weekly recycling bin.
A few things to know should you find yourself in Oregon. First, pronounce it wrong and the locals will be quick to tell you “it’s Will-AM-ette, dammit.” Second, Oregon wine country is said to be much like Napa was twenty-five years ago: rustic and unspoiled. One way it is different, however, is that Willamette vintners are dedicated to doing all things as organically as possible. In fact, many if not most winegrape growers there subscribe to biodynamic farming principles. In other words, they bury cow horns full of quartz crystals in the middle of their vineyards on the summer solstice. Those kind of details are like a gift from the gods when it comes time to sit down at the keyboard. They are richly sprinkled throughout my current release, The Crush!
Demi: Kensington, parent company of your publisher Lyrical Press, made a splash last summer with the news that they were going to launch a line of mass market paperbacks. (And a little birdie tells me you may have been selected as one of their debut authors!) What does this mean for your career?
Heather: Here’s how I explain it to my non-writer friends. In 2013 (the dawn of the Kindle and Nook age), Kensington saw a chance to cater to digital readers with Lyrical Press. Those books, such as A Taste of Chardonnay, were specifically designed to be read digitally. While it’s possible to buy them in print, the production method makes them expensive compared with mass market paperbacks.
Flash forward to 2017. Kensington stirred the spaghetti in the pot and threw a handful at the wall. Lo and behold, the name Heather Heyford stuck. As printed in Publishers Weekly, I had begun to “garner a following.” As a result I am now thrilled to be contracted for THE SWEET SPOT, book 1 in my third series, A Willamette Wine Country Romance, which will be part of Lyrical’s new mass market paperback line starting in 2018.
What does that really mean, you ask? It means that in addition to e-readers my books will be available wherever paperbacks are sold, such as Walmart, Target, grocery stores and airports.
Demi: How can my readers find your books and connect with you online?
Heather: If you want to be first to get book news, I invite you to join my newsletter subscribers at tinyletter.com/HeatherHeyford. Another great source is my website, HeatherHeyford.com. I post often on Facebook and Pinterest. A little less often on Instagram. As for Twitter, it’s more like my grumpy aunt’s house. I visit occasionally, but only out of obligation, LOL. All my social media is under Heather Heyford.
Demi: I’ll be the one texting you pictures of your books beside Nicholas Sparks’ latest, Heather!
Heather: Thank you so much for having me! And before I go, a hint for readers. Show your love for your favorite author, no matter who he or she is, by posting a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads or other online bookseller. The best reviews are short, have a catchy title, and sandwich any negatives between two positives. Thanks, and happy reading!
Heather Heyford writes romance novels set in the wine country.
Heather Heyford writes contemporary romance novels set in the wine country, where she visits frequently to sample pinot noir—er, research her works in progress.
Heather sold her first romance series in 2014 to Kensington Publishing’s then-new digital imprint, Lyrical Press. After gaining a following in digital, her first mass market paperback series launched early 2018 with The Sweet Spot, a contemporary love story set in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
She is represented by Sarah Elizabeth Younger at the Nancy Yost Literary Agency 212 239-2861
To learn more about what Heather is writing and what inspires here, sign up for her newsletter here .
For review copies, interview requests, and publicity inquiries please contact Michelle Addo, Kensington Publishing Corp. Maddo@KensingtonBooks.com
First Comes Love
Publishers Weekly. 265.19 (May 7, 2018): p53.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
First Comes Love
Heather Heyford. Lyrical, $4.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-5161-0257-0
Fans of women's fiction may appreciate Heyford's low-key story about the difficulty of trusting in love later in life, but the romantic thread receives short shrift. When detective Alex Walker decides to move from Portland, Ore., to the quiet town of Newberry, he is surprised to find that Kerry O'Hearn, the defense attorney he couldn't forget from a past case, has also recently moved there. She doesn't remember him at first, but he has never forgotten her. Alex is happy being alone, and Kerry has had bad experiences dating police officers, so they keep their distance. Then Kerry's 12-year-old daughter starts taking boxing lessons at the community center where Alex is a volunteer instructor, and the two adults are forced to spend more time together. Alex and Kerry frequently express their distaste for each other, but Heyford never tries to build the excitement of whether they will overcome that and end up together. There's a heavy emphasis on the daily lives of a bachelor and a single mother; readers looking for a deep romantic experience or passionate love scenes will be disappointed. (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"First Comes Love." Publishers Weekly, 7 May 2018, p. 53. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A538858695/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=ec91d52f. Accessed 22 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A538858695
REVIEW: Right All Along by Heather Heyford
Posted September 11th, 2018 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, Review / 2 comments
In Right All Along (Willamette Valley #3) by Heather Heyford, Harley Miller-Jones is finally ready to return home after living away for years and establishing herself as an artist. Buying a property in order to start a Bed and Breakfast is her first order of business, but when she discovers Jack Friestatt is back in town and looking to buy the same property, she decides she’s not going to give up on getting what she wants easily. Will she get to follow her dreams or will Jack disappoint her all over again like he did in the past?
”What’s your mother say about it?”
“You know my mother. She always did have lofty expectations.”
Harley cradled her mug between her hands. “The tree that won’t bend doesn’t last with the storm.”
He chuckled humorlessly. “Then again, how could I complain about my life? Ski vacations. A new truck when I turned sixteen. Me moaning about my childhood would be like someone complaining the AC was too cold in their beach house in Cabo.”
Ms. Heyford pens interesting stories and this story was an engaging and fascinating read about star-crossed lovers that wore torn apart, but now have a second chance to be happy. The way this story started drew me in immediately, as the hero’s daughters are at the age where they need a mother and are determined to drive the hero crazy with their demands. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story where things get interesting, as the heroine wants the property and discovering that the hero wants it too is infuriating. Will Harley achieve her dream of opening a Bed and Breakfast?
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because Jack’s mom isn’t the easiest woman to get along with and believes that Harley isn’t good enough for her son. Will Jack side with his mother or will he finally go after what he wants? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, hard-working, feisty and I liked that she gave Jack a chance, even after what happened between them in the past that left her devastated. I also liked the growing bond between the heroine and the hero’s daughters, which proves she’s good for them. Certainly, she understands what it’s like to be a girl their age since she’s experienced it. Will she be able to help the two girls? Will she be able to help Jack understand the twins better, especially when they want to change things in their lives? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was her determination to follow her other dream of becoming a mother, even though things don’t go her way, which is proven by what happens. Will she be able to handle the decision made by someone she thought she could trust?
”I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”
“What if I were to tell you I need you to take care of me? And the girls, and your son. Our kids. We can be a family.”
Waking up next to Jack every morning…the patter of three pairs of little feet down the hall? Ending each day together? It was everything she had ever wanted.
While the hero, he’s confident, smart, driven and I liked how determined he was to win Harley over because she’s always been important to him and he’s not going to let anything stand in the way of them being together this time. I also liked the close relationship he has with his daughters and that he would do anything for the pair, even though they don’t make things easy for him. However, there were moments where the hero frustrated me and had me shaking my head because his mother is a master manipulator and he should have put a stop to her interfering not only in his life but his daughter’s lives as well a long time ago. What right does she have to tell his daughters what they can and can’t do?
Overall, Ms. Heyford has delivered a good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was every bit as strong now as it was in the past; the romance was well worth the wait, as Harley needed time to decide whether she could trust Jack again; and the ending had me loving the hero’s determination to fight for his relationship with the heroine because she’s the one for him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely due to the surprise the heroine had for the hero and the surprise the hero gets from someone else. I would recommend Right All Along by Heather Heyford, if you enjoy second chance romances, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Roxanne St. Claire, Olivia Miles, Donna Kauffman and Jill Sanders.
Book Info:
Publication: September 25th, 2018 | Lyrical Press | Willamette Valley #3
Come home to Ribbon Ridge, a close-knit community in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. In Heather Heyford’s newest offering, childhood friends reunite and discover that time apart has only deepened their feelings for each other . . .
These star-crossed lovers could be the perfect pairing!
From the time they were in grade school, graphic designer Harley Miller-Jones believed that Jack Friestatt was her destiny–until she was blindsided by Jack’s sudden engagement to another, right after high school graduation. Ten years have passed. Now Harley’s back in Ribbon Ridge, successful beyond expectation, intent on buying a bed and breakfast–an independent woman ready for the next chapter in her life.
Jack Friestatt has his hands full managing his winery, precocious twin daughters, and an iron-handed family matriarch. But behind the gentleman farmer’s handsome exterior beats an empty heart. Life has taught Jack some tough lessons and now the lonely widower is ready for a new life partner. But has he learned enough to win back the woman whose world he once turned upside down?
Review: The Sweet Spot by Heather Heyford
Synopsis:
Welcome to Ribbon Ridge, Oregon, a small town steeped in history and graced with verdant valleys. In the first book of Heather Heyford’s newest series, a family-run vineyard is the perfect place to find yourself . . . and lose your heart.
A summer friendship ripens into something more . . .
The Vineyards at Ribbon Ridge is about as far away from the big city as Philadelphia music teacher Jamie Martel can get, and it’s the perfect place for her to forget her troubles for a while. But can a dream vacation turn into her real life? When she is offered a summer job at the lush Oregon vineyard, she decides it is time to find out.
Hank Friestatt took over The Vineyards when his parents passed. Committed to keeping their legacy alive, he has poured his heart and soul into the family business. With things back on track, he’s torn between tradition and a tempting opportunity to cut and run. Yet something about down-to-earth Jamie is making him question his plans. As the grapes are harvested and the leaves start to turn, Hank vows to keep the promises he made. Saying goodbye to Jamie, however, may be a lot harder than he thought . . .
Rating: 4-stars
Review:
The Sweet Spot by Heather Heyford is the first contemporary romance novel to a new series, A Willamente Valley. Inside, I was quickly introduced to a small-town setting with a big family theme. I loved how Hank took his family obligations seriously and how easy going he was. He worked hard on his family vine yard, and it may just be worth enough it going. Hank’s decision on quitting is natural. Sometimes doing things for so long, the drive to keep going gets lost. It was lost until a wonderful woman like Janie showed up to help. With her around, Hank has a lot to think about…especially where his future may lie with Janie. Janie is just as likable as Hank. She took on a summer job that holds a promising future ahead…only time could tell. She met Hank and things quickly changed for her as it did for him. Their personalities made it easy to connect with them both. The plot felt character driven with some action. It was heartfelt and engaging. Overall, I highly recommend this sweet romance to all readers.
Review: First Comes Love by Heather Heyford
Review: First Comes Love by Heather Heyford
Synopsis:
In Heather Heyford’s newest book, a single mom and attorney with deep roots in the rolling hills of Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge wine country thinks her family is perfect as is—until she crosses paths again with a gruff police officer who has two boys of his own . . .
There is nothing sweeter than the family you pick yourself . . .
After detective Alex Walker’s last case in Portland is skewered by a tough-as-nails attorney, he decides to finish out his career on a quiet note in the Willamette Valley. Dedicated to his job and committed to his family, he’s fine letting his brusque exterior keep even the thought of a relationship at bay—especially once he realizes his new hometown is the old hometown of the attorney who ruined his last case . . .
Single mom and attorney Kerry O’Hearn is just as wary as Alex is, thanks to her disastrous first marriage. But she isn’t fooled by Alex’s tough-guy image. When he asks for her assistance in gaining custody of two little boys from an abusive foster home, she sees what he desperately tries to hide: a giant-sized heart. Between them they have five kids and a whole barrel of bad experience. And yet, Kerry can’t shake the feeling that she and the crusty cop were meant to be . . .
Rating: 4.5-stars
Review:
This contemporary romance novel by Heather Heyford is sweet, engaging, and heartfelt. There is a huge theme on family. Patience, love, and friendship are among the smaller themes featured in this book. I was hooked. I connected quickly to both the single mom and the police officer. Both have enormous hearts of gold and an unavoidable attraction to each other. First Comes Love, was fun to follow. Kerry O’Hearn is a single mother who feels something for the former police officer she knew from her past. Brought together again after so much time, both end up getting what the desired and what they never thought they could have. The children made for some laugh out loud moments. I truly enjoyed reading this romantic tale. Overall, Irecommend it to readers everywhere.
Kitty’s Review – Right All Along (Willamette Valley #3) by Heather Heyford
SEP
25
DIDI
Heather Heyford always pulls at my heartstrings. She always has a way of telling a story that can be sweet and innocent yet hot and steamy. ~ Kitty, Guilty Pleasures
Blurb:
Come home to Ribbon Ridge, a close-knit community in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. In Heather Heyford’s newest offering, childhood friends reunite and discover that time apart has only deepened their feelings for each other . . .
These star-crossed lovers could be the perfect pairing!
From the time they were in grade school, graphic designer Harley Miller-Jones believed that Jack Friestatt was her destiny–until she was blindsided by Jack’s sudden engagement to another, right after high school graduation. Ten years have passed. Now Harley’s back in Ribbon Ridge, successful beyond expectation, intent on buying a bed and breakfast–an independent woman ready for the next chapter in her life.
Jack Friestatt has his hands full managing his winery, precocious twin daughters, and an iron-handed family matriarch. But behind the gentleman farmer’s handsome exterior beats an empty heart. Life has taught Jack some tough lessons and now the lonely widower is ready for a new life partner. But has he learned enough to win back the woman whose world he once turned upside down?
I love the sweet, heartwarming stories about Ribbon Ridge, Oregon that Heather Heyford has been bringing to us. Each story is filled with love and respect and now a little drama from a matriarch that turned my stomach until her true colors were shown and then I kind of liked her.
Jack and Harley had a past together. One that was beautiful and loving and which Harley thought would last forever. Until one day, it was over. Harley couldn’t stay there after that so off she went and made a good name for herself. She’s back now and the house of her dreams is for sale. It would be perfect for her new career. Until she is sitting across the table in a bidding war with the one man that she hoped she wouldn’t see.
Jack was never happy in his marriage but is so proud and lucky to have his twin daughters. Moving back to Ribbon Ridge is his mother’s idea. She feels that he needs to find a new wife, a mother for his daughter’s and to settle down again. He’s trying to do her bidding but it’s getting harder and harder. Especially since Harley is living right in his back yard and bringing up a lot of memories. Memories of a time when he was young, carefree and in love. But, his mother still doesn’t think that Harley is good enough for him. It’s time for him to stand up to her … stand on his own two feet and do what he knows is right for him and his girls.
Heather Heyford always pulls at my heartstrings. She always has a way of telling a story that can be sweet and innocent yet hot and steamy. I love the way she tells a story, writes a romance. She knows how to construct a story and bring in her minor characters to make a big impact on the whole story. He’s always enjoyable to read and I always look forward to her next book.
Kitty’s Review – The Sweet Spot (Willamette Valley #1) by Heather Heyford
FEB
27
DIDI
What a beautiful friends to lovers story The Sweet Spot was. New to me author, Heather Heyford, had me totally engaged from beginning to end with this sweet and sassy story. ~ Kitty, Guilty Pleasures
Blurb:
Welcome to Ribbon Ridge, Oregon, a small town steeped in history and graced with verdant valleys. In the first book of Heather Heyford’s newest series, a family-run vineyard is the perfect place to find yourself . . . and lose your heart.
A summer friendship ripens into something more . . .
The Vineyards at Ribbon Ridge is about as far away from the big city as Philadelphia music teacher Jamie Martel can get, and it’s the perfect place for her to forget her troubles for a while. But can a dream vacation turn into her real life? When she is offered a summer job at the lush Oregon vineyard, she decides it is time to find out.
Hank Friestatt took over The Vineyards when his parents passed. Committed to keeping their legacy alive, he has poured his heart and soul into the family business. With things back on track, he’s torn between tradition and a tempting opportunity to cut and run. Yet something about down-to-earth Jamie is making him question his plans. As the grapes are harvested and the leaves start to turn, Hank vows to keep the promises he made. Saying goodbye to Jamie, however, may be a lot harder than he thought . . .
What a beautiful friends to lovers story The Sweet Spot was. New to me author, Heather Heyford, had me totally engaged from beginning to end with this sweet and sassy story. Beautiful characters with big hearts and open arms … personalities that you can relate to and love beyond the stars had me turning page after page hoping that Hank and Jamie would finally find their way to each other.
As the story progresses and you see the struggles that both Hank and Jamie were going through with decisions that could affect everyone’s lives, you only hope that they make the right ones. With a little push from Jamie, Hank knows what he has to do. Unfortunately, a money grabbing witch, with her own agenda, decides to try to get him to change his mind and, in the process, drives Jamie away. Hank is heartbroken … Jamie tries to move on. In the end, after several misunderstandings, Hank finally finds his way to her and makes her his own.
I loved how Heather Heyford brought this story full circle. How she gave us a little bit of every emotion you could think of. From happiness to discontent; from respect to heartbreak … she brought it all out in her characters. She slayed me with Ellie, had me shaking my head at Delilah, cheering for Jamie and I was hopelessly in love with Hank. I never knew that Oregon had a wine country but, with her descriptions of the land, I was able to picture it like I’ve been there a thousand times. This author has a way with words that will pull you in, pull on your heart-strings and wish that the story never had an ending.
There were no hero or heroines in this story, just true, down-to-earth people who knew how to love, how to cherish what was in front of them. Hopes and dreams were at the center of The Sweet Spot and they were all realized as Summer turned into Autumn and then into Winter.