Heartstrings

Singing to the Heart #1

by Sara Walter Ellwood

He's determined to set things right, no matter the cost. The last person Abby Crawford wants to face down is country music superstar Seth Kendall. Last time she did, she flat-out lied so he'd go to Nashville without her. She's never understood why their mutual best friend proposed, but she went with it so her baby wouldn't be fatherless. Now she's a divorced mother of a teenager, and secretly Seth's biggest fan. Seth is home in McAllister, Texas for his father's funeral. . .and a chance to meet the daughter he's never known. He's willing to face the music of his own making and admit he's known about his little girl all along. For fifteen years he's kept his distance because Abby told him to follow his dreams without her, insisting she didn't love him. But now he won't leave until he knows his daughter and she knows him, even if it means facing the woman who broke his heart for good. Confessing she's lied about her daughter's paternity all these years won't be easy for Abby, especially with her ex blackmailing her to keep the secret. And Seth doesn't know the hardest truth of Every love song he plays on his guitar still plucks her heartstrings. CONTENT Spicy sex.62,000 Words

Genres: Romance, Music, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Chick Lit, Ebooks

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Sara Walter Ellwood is an award winning author whose novel Gambling On A Secret was named by bestselling author Carolyn Brown in the Happy Ever After Blog on USA Today as one of her favorite romances of 2012. Although Sara has long ago left the farm for the glamour of the big town, she draws on her experiences growing up on a small hobby farm in West Central Pennsylvania to write her stories. She’s been married to her college sweetheart for nearly 20 years, and they have two teenagers and one very spoiled rescue cat named Penny. She longs to visit the places she writes about and jokes she’s a cowgirl at heart stuck in Pennsylvania suburbia.

She also writes paranormal romantic suspense under the pen name of Cera duBois.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly boring, and worse totally cardboard. Everything is shallow, and some things were of the snort variety. There's nothing touching any one's heartstrings...

[Lady Lioness · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I read this before work this morning. Some people drink coffee to wake up, I read. I was hoping the fact that the hero was a country star, as opposed to the usual rocker, would make the story feel a bit more fresh. It did not. In addition to the overall feeling of sameness, I didn't particularly like the twist with the heroine's ex-husband. It was very clear that something hinky was going on with him, but I still found his descent into Big Badness very rapid. Also, every time the heroine referred to herself as Indian, I thought of India the country, not Native American. My confusion there probably undermined the heroine's confession about why she lied to the hero when they were teenagers.

All in all, it was a good book to wake up with, but it's nowhere near the caliber of my favorite famous rocker book, Lauren Dane's Never Enough. However, if you liked The Rancher and the Rock Star by Lizbeth Selvig, you'd probably like Heartstrings as well.

[Nikki Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wont lie. I'm hooked when it comes to sexy country singers...There is just something about them! So of course, when I saw this title, I had to snatch it up.

It certainly did not disappoint. What I found within the pages of Heartstrings is an emotional story about second chances, coming clean, and forgiveness.

If you had the chance to chase your dreams, would you do it? Seth had a hard decision to make. He could get as far away from his Texas hometown and the meories that surrounded him. One thing could keep hom there, and that was Abby.

One fateful decision could change the course of your life.

Seth now has a chance to have everything he ever wanted. Yes, he has his stunning career, but there's just a few things missing in his life. A family. love. The woman he never forgot and never stopped loving.

Heartstrings is full of emotion, heartbreak, lies, and deception. The characters were well rounded and I fell in love with Seth, Abby, and Emily. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and this story took me on a wild ride that tugged on my own heartsrings. I couldn't put it down!

Heartsrings is highly recommended from this reviewer! Who doesn't love a good second chance story filled with music, laughter, and love?

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly great! Review up April 29th go grab it up!

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartstrings Sara Walter Ellwood


I received this from the publishers in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.


Well, this book looks a kind of sweet cowboy romance I thought, and sometimes thats what we need, something gentle and non taxing to read. They're not usually my keepers but fun for a one off read so I asked to review this book. Was I in for a shock, started as a conventional lost love type romance, but quickly diverged into the unusual with twists and turns, and I soon realised that this book is so much more! Just when I thought I'd worked out what the secret was Sara threw in another curve – and then another til by the end the whole plot had taken directions I really didn't envisage from the beginning and was just so much more that a gentle HEA romance I was expecting. There is the happy ever after – but it comes at a price for many of those involved and includes a journey of so many secrets and deception spanning many many years. The characters learn things about themselves and each other that were sometimes unthinkable.

It was a great read, kept me engrossed all the way through and I just loved Seth – yes he made a mistake as did Abby but at 17 and 18 who hasn't. Its that time when you're teetering on the brink of adulthood and yet the repercussions of a simple things can reverberate through the following years with unintended consequences. The betrayals were shocking and very unforeseen by me anyway – and as for the ending, that came up very unexpectedly, never saw it like that!



There's some hot sex scenes, lots of love and humour, and I enjoyed the mix of people involved. Its (I guess) a typical small town where everyone knows everyone else from long long ago and histories are never forgotten and poor Abby still carries discrimination form some of the older families because of her parentage. We see how that shapes some of her decision – the same with Seth, and to compound it their fears are played on by people they trusted. I really felt for the children they were and was so happy that things finally worked out for them though the others innocently involved must have been heartbroken. Still, thats fiction – if its all happy ever after and no-one gets hurt it'd make for a dull tale wouldn't it so as long as my heroes can be happy I can deal with the rest :)

Its well written and edited as usual from Lyrical, a great story that’s more than just a gentle romance but has angst and emotions in and lots of twists to keep reader wondering what’s going to come out next. All the endings tie in neatly – I hate books where I’m left wondering “yes, but what happened about ….” Sara doesn't do that – she lets all the plots merge and become part of the whole with us learning what was behind the deceptions and motives of the major players. Priced at £3.71 on kindle for 391kb (I don't have page numbers but it was quite a quick read so I’d guess around 175 pages perhaps?).

Stars: well this book really surprised me, I was expecting a 3 star ok read but I’m going for a well reversed four stars – a great read.

[Lisa Filipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first met Sara at the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference two years ago, and she was such an awesome person and I was thrilled that she was being published. I was even more thrilled that she wanted to Book a Tour with Tasty Book Tours, which gave my greedy hands access to her Romances, and I am SO GLAD that I had the chance to read HEARTSTRINGS.



HEARTSTRINGS reminded me so much of one of my favorite Rachel Gibson romances, DAISY'S BACK IN TOWN. There are MANY differences between the two, but one thing remains the same, the deeply felt, heart-breaking emotion that comes with years and years of lies, deception and betrayal. My heart hurt so much just reading it, which is kudos to Sara for writing such emotion into the book.



It's so hard to think about these "kids" trying to make sure adult decisions and when push comes to shove, yeah, they screw up and make mistakes, but to think one small decision can change the entire course of each of their lives. I actually felt bad for Mike in the beginning. I understand that he had to be the bad guy, but he stepped up and that means a lot in my book, BUT, he does go on to make MANY MANY bad decisions, so my love for him was short lived, but for a young kid stepping up when a "friend" needed him, well, he gets a little notch on the "Good Guy" side from me.



Seth Kendell, yes... Sexy Country Star, BUT, I was kinda mad at him. I understand the reasons for what he did, but it doesn't mean I had to like them. And YES...Mike was very convincing in his conviction, BUT, I think Seth should have manned-up, so for that, he gets a notch on my "Dickhead Move" list! But...he does redeem himself, better late then never I guess.

I think now that I am a mother I understand Abby a lot better than I would have if I wasn't a mother. She had a baby to think about, and for us "MOTHERS" ya know that once that baby is born, it is the Be All, End All of your existence, so I think she did what she needed to do to have security and a better life for her daughter, and for a kid who was scared and had been abandoned by the only guy she ever loved, well, she did the best she could.



And Emily...how stinking cute was she? I loved her innocence and her love of music that she was able to share with Seth. I think it would be harder for a Daughter to connect with a Father, but they had a connection right away and I love the scenes where the two interacted with each other. It was nice to see Seth knocked down a peg or two by this beautiful girl!!



Great Scandal...Great Romance...GREAT "Ahem" ....and a whole lot more to enjoy. HEARTSTRINGS is like your favorite TV Series...you just want more more more! I encourage you all to give it a read...especially my NASHVILLE Fans out there!!

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story of miscommunication, loss, hope and love with a holy I didn't see that coming.



When we are younger making grown up decisions we think we are making the right choice but often it was the wrong choice and our pride can get in the way to admit that we were wrong.



This was the case Abby and Seth, pregnant at 17 and the wrong time and place in life. But 14 long years later and lines of communication finally being opened cause a big love to be re-revealed and a chance to heal old open wounds.



I really did like this story and I liked the honesty that Abby and Seth had with Emily and the story line with Mike. I knew something was up but I SO did NOT see that coming. I loved the connection and chemistry between Abby and Seth. When things are meant to be they find a way to work out.



You can also find me on:

Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Live Read and Breathe Twitter

For more of my reviews:

Live Read and Breathe

[Sara Bree High · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartstrings

Country music sets the backdrop, secrets, lies and twists and turns tell the story.
Seth has come home. He has to bury his father. Coming home though is a big step, life is about to change and it's about time.
Years ago, Seth left to pursue his dream. His dreams of being a country music star. When he left though he left behind a woman he loved who was pregnant with his child. All his life he has lived with regret. What should have been, what was not and the child being raised by another. Success cannot erase the past, it also cannot fix your broken heart.

Abby wanted him to not be here. She had moved on, she was happy without him. She did ok with out him. Her daughter had a father. Her best friend .. Sure she was no longer married but some secrets need to kept, right? She may have not even married him for right reason, but it was what needed to be done. Right?

What she did not expect was to still want him, still have him make her yearn for his touch. This was a great second chance love story. It had all the makings of a good heart touching, soul redeeming story. Then the author makes your toes curl and your knees go weak. Damn this book is sexy! Add all that up plus add one hellish twist and crazy suspense turn. Wow! Honestly, jaw dropped type of moment. Good guys aren't always good! Things you think are true are all lies! Sometimes things can work out, but damn it's one sad country song in the making getting there. Take the time to read this book. It will make you hot under the collar and believe in love all at once.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I am a huge fan of these country romance novels. First off, Seth is a brooding, successful, Nashville country star, not to mention sexy as hell. I imagined him to look something like Jason Aldean, and that's what got me hooked on this book. Seth is in town for his father's funeral, even though he is not happy about being there. He runs into Abby his one time love, with some problematic past, he's determined to make things right, Abby lied to him, and then married his best friend. This is one of those books where the past and the problems of two teenage lovers who had a child together, they don't just forget about when they see each other again. Seth wants to get to know his daughter, he also wants her to know who he is, he wants to be her dad, to help make her dreams come true. Mike, Emily's step in father, doesn't want that. He doesn't want Emily to know they have been lying to her, but Seth believes there is more motive behind the reason he married Abby, so it's up to Seth to try and sort things out with Abby again, and finally get down to the truth he deserves. This book was exhilarating and emotional. It was one of the best books I have had a pleasure of reading, so if you're looking for a new sappy, with a little more spice then your used to, definitely pick this one up, as it will pull on your heart strings.


Find this and other reviews at www.momsreadingcorner.blogspot.ca

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this cowboy story, I was surprised by the anger that hits the reader in the beginning. It is very thick and you can almost feel it. It was hard for me to get passed the first few chapters. Abigail and Seth loved each other once and had a child very young. He went off to begin his singing career and she stayed behind marrying their best friend to raise their daughter. Seth stayed away thinking he would be a horrible father, of course his friend and husband to Abby, Mike helped perpetuate that idea. He manipulated both Seth and Abby. When Seth comes back for his father’s funeral, sparks fly. Anger, hurt, resentfulness, jealousy, love, and lust rear their heads as the two former loves meet again fourteen years later. Seth knows who Emily’s father is and it isn’t Mike as everyone in town believes. Seth wants to get to know his daughter. Mike and Abby fear that Seth will tell Emily along with the world the truth. The tangle of lies finally unravel as Seth and Abby discover there is more behind their estrangement then they thought. The reader knows that something is driving Mike to make sure the secret is kept. I was shocked at what was really going on. It was an interesting twist and a great ending to the book. I enjoyed reading the end better than the very beginning.

[Aileen Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Country superstar Seth Kendall is back in town and ready to confront the woman who set him free fifteen years ago to pursue his dream. At the time, Abby Crawford kept secret the fact she was pregnant with his baby, but Seth now needs to own up to having known about his daughter all along.

Be prepared for an emotional ride when Seth and Abby reconnect. Both have made some bad choices and it's not easy to admit mistakes—and Ellwood doesn't make it any easier! HEARTSTRINGS is a great title for this book, as the ups and downs will definitely tug at your heart. Seth and Abby have smoldering chemistry, rounding things out for a satisfying read. I give it 4 stars!

*I was given a copy of this book for an honest review*

[Brandy Dorsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and have always been a closet rockstar reader! Seth is complicated. I liked him but at the same time I hated him. Life is never easy and he took the coward’s way out for a very long time.
Abby has always felt the pain of not fitting in and she made some touch choices at a young age. You can’t fault her for following her heart and doing what she thought was right. I have to say that I had no idea the twists and turns this story was going to take! Mike was not the man that we all thought he was going to be.
Love a good rockstar story and this one is a keeper!

[Missy Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent love story with likable characters. I just wasn't too impressed with the heroine. She allowed too many people to walk all over her, even after seemingly growing into a sensible adult. Her back story also seemed shallow, not nearly enough info to get me emotionally involved.

[Azusa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2★'s

[Stephncaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was sweet, short, and sexy. There were a couple of "twists" that I didn't think were necessary and were a bit over the top.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced story!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than the initial erotic scene--it came too early in the plot and felt rushed--it was well written and was a good read.

[Nicole Naranjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I really wished there would've been an epilogue though.

[Rachel]

*downloaded free on ARE

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about chasing your dreams, lost chances, hurt and redemption. About love and life.
It was intense and I loved it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this book so much, that I bought the next two books in the series. Good fast read.