Maggie Blackbird

Today, award-winning author Susan Elizabeth Bagby is guesting. She’s talking about her latest release, Forever Kind of Love, book one in the Cedar Hills series, a contemporary romance. Be sure to read my review. And don’t forget to enter the King Sumo giveaway.

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Do Susan’s characters hijack the story? Read on and find out!

Thank you for having me today. I appreciate the support you offer authors. This is an interesting question.

I would like to think that I have control over my characters. In the beginning stages, I fill out character description forms that help me decide their flaws, strengths, home life, past experiences, physical description, etc.. I shape the character in my mind and decide the trajectory of their life in my story. Then I write.

That’s where it can be tricky. I’m not a thoroughbred pantser, but I do find I make discoveries along the way that I never think about in the plotting stage of the novel. I might turn a corner and all of a sudden, my character wants to do something or think in a way that is completely new and spontaneous. Actually, I love when this happens. It keeps me on my toes.

So, to answer the question honestly, I hold the reins on my characters until they show me a better way, a twist I might not have thought about, or a spark of personality that just makes the book more appealing. I guess, I hold the reins, but I try to stay open and flexible in case magic appears. Don’t want to miss the magic!

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Title: Forever Kind of Love
Series: Cedar Hills, book one
Author: Susan Elizabeth Bagby
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 275 pages
Release Date: February 2, 2026
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up.

Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?

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The plane ride was smooth, and Willow headed toward baggage claim upon arrival. As she made her way through a forest of people, she bumped into a man, causing her to trip, but she regained her balance. She lifted her head and found herself staring into Zach’s eyes.

“Willow Mason!” He spread a grin across his face.

Willow felt her stomach flip-flop, as if she were plunging down a monstrous rollercoaster drop. “Zach.” She could only say his name.

“Are you coming back from New York?” He adjusted his grip on his luggage.

“Yes. And you, Nashville?”

“Yep. What a coincidence. Do you have a ride home?”

“No. I planned on ordering a car.” Waves of trepidation, circling like a cyclone in her gut, were wreaking havoc on her ragile emotions. She wasn’t ready to see Zachary Hayes. Not today.

“I’ve got a car. Let me give you a ride.”

“Okay.” She’d be stupid not to accept.

“Come on, follow me.”

She fell into step while peering at the floor until she arrived outside the terminal, where his driver took her suitcase and computer bag.

He opened the door. “After you.” He motioned with a hand.

She forced the sides of her lips to lift. “Thanks.”

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Although I don’t listen to a lot of country, I enjoy novels with protagonists who are musicians, so I wanted to read and review this novel for the blog tour.

As stated in the blurb, Willow Barton’s life is a total mess.  After being betrayed by her husband in the most awful way possible, she flees New York for her hometown to regather herself while staying at her mother’s place.  Willow’s heart is locked solid, unsure if she can trust again.

Zach Hayes is a singer /songwriter living in Nashville.  The road, women, and wine have taken their toll on him, and he’s struggling for inspiration for his upcoming album, which he must work on.  He’s remained in Nashville after a falling out with his father, who wanted Zach to take over the hardware store his father owns.

This is a slow-burning romance that I enjoyed.  Willow and Zach had calm heads, making sure to stick to friendship even though the chemistry was potent between them.  Zach fears love after the death of his mother, and Willow is fresh out of a relationship.  Both are leery about becoming involved with anyone.

The description of the small town is vibrant.  There are lots of interesting secondary characters to add to the mix.  And the people are just like everyone else you’d find in a small town:  Zach’s father is suffering from dementia, Willow’s childhood friend is a widow who’s recently lost her husband, Zach’s niece has Down’s Syndrome, and Willow’s mother is struggling with Lupus.

I liked that both are at turning points in their lives:  Willow is ready to sink into something steady after being in such an unsteady marriage and having her world implode.  Zach is sticking to the tried and true in a stunning professional colleague.  But it’s their friendship that gives them the strength to make the unavoidable decisions they must face.  They can’t keep their heads in the sand forever.

I enjoyed how they built their relationship first on friendship.  It made their love story very believable.  If you enjoy slow burn romances, do yourself a favour and get a copy.  It’s a wonderful, sweet story.

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Susan is a retired speech and language pathologist and full-time writer of romance books. She has three novels published with independent presses and her newest release is slotted for February 2026 with The Wild Rose Press entitled, Forever Kind of Love. In addition to being a Maggie Award finalist, Sweet Ridge Hearts, her last book, was also a Literary Titan gold award winner. She lives in Ohio where she relishes the four seasons, (well, maybe not winter), and loves yoga, jazz, golf and walking anywhere outdoors. Susan belongs to the Great Lakes Fiction Writers organization and to Romance Writers of America (RWA). She loves seeing new characters come to life and is a firm believer that dreams do come true.

Follow Susan: Facebook | Instagram | X | Bluesky | TikTok | Threads | BookBub | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter

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