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- Herausgeber: Two Hearts Press
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Enjoy this steamy, small town 20
th
century historical mystery romance set in 1969 Swan Harbor.
Two strangers.
One mission.
Zero chance of staying away.
Lucy Strickland didn’t come to Swan Harbor looking for love. She came searching for justice—and answers. Disguised as a hat-check girl in a smoky 1969 nightclub, Lucy plans to get in, get what she needs, and get out. But staying under the radar proves difficult when a certain blue-eyed singer keeps stealing her attention—and possibly her heart. With secrets closing in and danger at her heels, Lucy must decide how much she’s willing to risk... for the truth, and for the man who might be more than just a distraction.
Roman Dankin is a smooth-talking nightclub singer with a hidden agenda and a dangerous past. He came to Swan Harbor under orders—but the mission grows more complicated as soon as he sees the beautiful, but guarded brunette behind the hat-check desk. There’s something about Lucy that pulls at him like a song he can’t forget. But in a world of shadows and lies, one misstep could cost them everything. Can Roman protect the woman he’s falling for without revealing the secrets that might destroy them both?
In 1969 Swan Harbor, secrets simmer beneath the surface, and not everything is as it seems. Lucy Strickland and Roman Dankin are two strangers with hidden pasts and conflicting missions. She’s hunting for the truth; he’s trying to bury it. When their paths collide under the nightclub lights, sparks fly and loyalties blur. With danger closing in, Lucy and Roman must decide if love is a luxury they can afford—or the only thing worth fighting for.
They were never meant to fall in love—but Swan Harbor had other ideas.
Welcome to Swan Harbor
Guided by love is part of the Historical Romantic Suspense Series from Swan Harbor. It is a work romance, instant attraction, mystery romance with a guaranteed happy ending.
In this small town series, you’ll find layered plots, complex characters, town gossip, and a strong sense of family.
Download a copy and travel back to 1969 with Roman and Lucy.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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GUIDED BY LOVE
A SMALL TOWN, 20TH CENTURY HISTORICAL MYSTERY ROMANCE
HISTORICAL HOPE & HEARTS
BOOK 3
SOPHIE BARTOW
CONTENTS
Some Residents of Swan Harbor
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Guide to Swan Harbor
Other Books by Sophie
About the Author
Sophie’s Heart
Inspiration began …
when a lost girl fell for a lost boy
SOME RESIDENTS OF SWAN HARBOR
Roman Dankin – He’s a singer at The Mountain View Lodge nightclub, and in town on a mission.
Lucy Strickland - She’s the hat check girl at the nightclub, and in town looking for answers.
Madge Tanner – Her family owns the marina in Swan Harbor. Angie appears in Guided by Love and Guided by a Kiss. She is also in multiple Hope & Hearts contemporary books.
Jimmie Tanner – He’s in Swan Harbor looking for answers—not love. Jimmie appears in Guided by Love and Guided by a Kiss. He is also in multiple Hope & Hearts contemporary books.
Darla -She’s a waitress at the nightclub.
Rick Desmond – He is the manager of the nightclub.
Captain Jack - His family owns the Spanish galleon that’s been docked in Swan Harbor for generations. Its story is told in Swan Harbor’s Hope Books.
ONE
QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Guided by Love be sure to check out my Guide to Swan Harbor at the end.
With that, enjoy!
* * *
Nightclub
April 18, 1969
8:00 p.m.
“Romeo, phone.”
Roman took the receiver and waited until Madge had walked away to answer. “Hello.”
“He’s dead,” a disembodied voice reported.
Damn!
“When?”
“Found last week.”
“And?”
“She’s already there.”
Jimmie tapped him on the shoulder before he could say any more. “We’re on in five.”
When the line went dead, Roman placed the receiver back in the cradle. “Thank you, Madge.”
“Anytime, Romeo,” she quipped. “Let me know what else you need.”
“You know I will.”
Roman stepped away from the desk, not really surprised by the news. Somehow, he’d expected what he’d heard. Which was why he’d already begun working to ferret out who she was.
On his way toward the small stage, his gaze drifted from one female to another. There were several he felt comfortable in ruling out. Once he knew who she was, though, what was he supposed to do with her?
“Hi, Roman.” A busty blonde cocktail waitress stepped in front of him.
“Darla.”
She didn’t have enough upstairs, so he immediately dismissed her as his mark. Which had proved to be the case with most of the females employed at the lodge. The younger Desmond brother had a reputation for hiring women who filled out the uniform, whether or not they could do the job. Did that make his task easier? Or more difficult?
Roman glanced around the nightclub one last time, looking for something—anything out of place. His gaze landed on the pretty brunette behind the hat-check counter, and not for the first time, he caught her staring. Just as she had before, she quickly averted her eyes.
He waited until she’d looked back in his direction and tossed her a wink. A gentle blush crawled across her face, and she ducked her head, making him take a second look. Her reactions threw him and kicked his heart rate up a notch. So much so that when he stepped on the stage, it took him several minutes to remember what he was supposed to be doing.
Jimmie, the bass player, Sticks, the drummer, and Don, the guitarist, were already tuning their instruments.
“Which set tonight?” asked Jimmie.
“Two.”
“Two?” Both Jimmie’s brows shot up, and then a knowing smile crossed his face. “Lucy?”
“Lucy?” Roman frowned. “Who’s Lucy?”
“The brunette behind the hat-check desk,” Jimmie offered. “She’s a looker, isn’t she?”
“Don’t let Madge hear you say that,” laughed Roman. “I’ve heard she has a temper to match her hair.”
“That she does,” Jimmie grinned. “However, she knows there’s nothing for her to fret over.”
“As long as she doesn’t catch you looking,” muttered Don.
“True,” Jimmie replied with a grin. “But making up can be quite enjoyable. If you know what I mean.”
Roman ignored the typical before-set razing and tried to focus on what he needed to do. When the curtain lifted, and they introduced him, the new girl again captured his attention.
Lucy.
Their eyes met, and the song he was singing took on a new meaning. It had him thinking of holding hands and walking in the moonlight. Except he couldn’t afford diversions. One life had already been lost. He’d be damned if there were more.
* * *
Nightclub
April 18, 1969
8:30 p.m.
Lucy had been in the quaint, small town of Swan Harbor, Maine, for three days. There was a feeling in the air she’d never experienced. It gave her hope she hadn’t made a mistake. That she hadn’t jumped into a situation she couldn’t handle. Yet, it didn’t quite dispel the nerves jumping around inside.
The music helped. As long as she focused on just the music—and not the man. She didn’t have time for male distractions—no matter how tempting they were.
Yet, each time she saw him, she found it more difficult to keep her eyes off him. She hated that Roman Dankin, with his brown hair, blue eyes, and soft baritone, took her breath.
“Keep your mouth closed, honey,” Madge whispered. “You don’t want to be caught drooling.”
“I’m not drooling,” Lucy hastily denied while surreptitiously checking her chin. “I was just listening.”
“Uh-huh.” Madge gave her a knowing look.
Lucy didn’t like the extra attention and searched for a way to side-track. “How did Jimmie get involved in music, anyway?”
Madge studied her so carefully, Lucy held her breath and fought to maintain eye contact. Several long grueling moments later, the other woman took the bait and went on to talk about her husband.
“I’m outta here,” she suddenly muttered mid-explanation.
“Wait, Madge …” Lucy began. However, her words faded when a cloud of aftershave surrounded her.
“Lucy.”
The low bass voice sent a chill zipping up her spine. Slowly, she turned away from the stage and met Rick Desmond’s dark eyes.
“Mr. Desmond.” She took his black velvet fedora. “Will there be anything else?”
He sent her an oily smile, and his dark eyes raked down her body. Waiting to hear what he had to say was more difficult than she’d anticipated.
“I understand you’d like extra hours,” Rick went on.
“Yeah, yes, I would.”
“There’s a game upstairs tonight,” he murmured. “Are you available after the club closes?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’d like you to serve.”
Lucy sent a quick look in Madge’s direction before turning her attention back to the tall man in front of her.
“I can do that. Thank you.”
“Good.” Rick gave her another slimy smile and took off toward the offices.
As soon as he was out of sight, Lucy slowly let go of the breath she’d been holding. She wanted to ask herself, ‘What do you think you are doing?’ Except, there was only one answer—she was doing what needed to be done.
Before she’d completely let go of her nerves, Madge sidled up next to her. “What did Rick have to say?”
“He wants me to work the game tonight.” Lucy swallowed hard. “What exactly does that mean?”
A flash of distaste crossed Madge’s face. “Tips.”
“Okay,” Lucy hummed. “But what aren’t you telling me?”
“Every time I work one of Rick’s games,” Madge replied. “I have bruises the next day.”
“Bruises?” It took an extra second for the comment to click. “You don’t mean …?”
Madge held up her hand, two fingers moving in a pinching motion. “I do. Just watch your tail.”
“Wonderful,” Lucy grumbled. “Just wonderful.”
However, if the game helped her get closer to where she needed to be, she’d be fine. If it didn’t, she was so screwed.
* * *
Mountain View Lodge
April 18, 1969
11:00 p.m.
Roman pushed open the stairway door and peered into the hallway. He had fifteen minutes to complete a task that would normally take five. In the extra ten, he planned to continue with his hunt for the she he’d been warned about.
As soon as the hall was empty, he rushed toward his destination. Before he’d even reached the door, his lock pick was in his hand, and after a few gentle maneuvers, the knob turned easily.
He slipped inside her room and leaned back against the door. The space was small and much like his own. A bed, dresser, nightstand, plus a separate bath. Sparse—but functional.
The first thing that captured his attention was the smell. It pulled at him, tempting him to stop and enjoy the fragrance. Only his training kept him on the move, searching for the best place for the tiny device. However, once he’d placed it under the base of a lamp, his focus wavered.
Roman picked up her bottle of Wind Song and inhaled deeply. It reminded him of sultry summer nights and had him thinking of burying his face in her neck. His gaze drifted around the room. The image of Lucy standing next to him was so vivid, it caused his hands to shake. With just a look, she’d turned him into a daydreaming fool. What kind of power would she wield over him—if he gave her a chance?
A noise in the hallway had Roman’s heart jumping into his throat. He’d just crawled under the bed, when the door opened, and Lucy walked in. The realization he was still holding her bottle of perfume had him biting his tongue to keep from groaning in frustration. It was a rookie mistake and sometimes those got you killed.
Roman held his breath and tracked Lucy’s movements as she entered the room. She stopped next to the bed and slipped off her shoes. A crinkle of plastic followed.
His imagination took flight at what was going on less than three feet from where he hid. Was she undressing and inside for the night? Or …?
Then he heard her muttering, and by the sounds of it, she wasn’t happy.
“Be a good girl and put this on,” Lucy grumbled. “You’ll look like a doll.”
She was quiet for several minutes as first her dress, then her pantyhose landed on the floor. The bed gave way as she sat, and a fishnet stocking dropped into his view. It was that item that caused Roman to sweat. He knew exactly what she was putting on, and his mind’s eye was having no difficulty filling in the rest of the outfit.
A little black skirt would accompany those stockings, and a red bustier would top them. She’d have on black gloves that stretched to her elbows and a small hat. It was the uniform for all of those serving the drinks at the card game. The outfit was tight and barely covered what was necessary. How was he supposed to keep his mind on the task at hand, if every time he looked up, it was to see Lucy dressed ready for sin?
* * *
The more of the tiny outfit Lucy slipped on, the more she wanted to scream. She hated feeling like a piece of meat. Unfortunately, though, the only way to know all the players was to be in the middle of the action. Yet, one more thing she had to do.
“So, poker night, it is.” Lucy tugged the skirt down and the top up.
When she looked in the mirror to adjust the little pillbox hat, it didn’t help her attitude to see so much bare skin.
Remember the why, she reminded herself on the way out the door.
Thirty minutes later, Lucy pushed open the door to the room above the nightclub. Smoke hung in the air, and the quiet immediately put her on edge. She dug inside for courage and looked around.
There were four tables of four players crowded into the small space. The men at the first three reminded her of a bunch of bears hunched around a pool of water. It was as if they were watching fish circle in front of them and were waiting for the chance to pounce. While she thought she was going to have to watch her tail, as Madge had warned, they didn’t threaten her.
It was when she approached the men at the last table, her sense of danger appeared. Between the slimy smile from her boss and the beady black eyes of two of his companions, she felt like a mouse in a trap. However, the man in the fourth chair had an entirely new set of feelings rushing through her. Those involved a racing heart and dancing butterflies. Especially when she saw how carefully he was assessing her.
“Whuh—Whuh-What can I bring you to drink?” Lucy asked, willing her pulse to slow down.
“Vodka,” the two men on either side of her boss replied. Their accents were heavy, and they caused a little zip of fear to rush up her spine.
Rick ordered the same. Then she turned her attention to Roman. The steadiness in his expression somehow calmed her nerves and gave her confidence.
“Would you care for vodka as well?”
A corner of his mouth kicked up. “Cognac, please,” he responded in that sexy voice of his.
For several heartbeats, their eyes clashed, and it was as if an invisible string was pulling them together. Then someone cleared his throat, and she felt a hand slide up the back of her leg.
Lucy gritted her teeth to keep from telling the man what to do with his dirty hand.
“Excuse me,” she retorted, her voice a shade less warm than before. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
As the night wore on, the touches became more persistent, moving higher toward her behind. To keep her hands to herself, Lucy had to dig into her reserves of willpower. More than once, she’d been tempted to slap the person who touched her. It was only Roman’s steady stare that helped calm her nerves. While he said nothing, with each touch, his jaw grew tighter and tighter. That someone was on her side, gave her strength to keep making the trips.
“Last refill for the night.” Lucy set the drinks on the table and had turned away when a sweaty palm closed around her thigh.
“Are you free for the evening?” Beady eyes number one asked.
Before she could respond, there was a growl, and Roman tugged her into his lap. “Lucy is mine,” he snapped seconds before his mouth was on hers.
Her first inclination was to fight. Except when Roman’s lips touched hers, her body had other ideas. His heat surrounded her, making her powerless, and all she wanted to do was to wrap herself around him. It took several seconds for her common sense to reappear. She pushed back, just far enough for their eyes to clash once again.
“Should I apologize?” Roman whispered.
“I,” Lucy clambered up, trying to remain decent in her tiny outfit. “I don’t …”
“Sorry,” Beady eyes one laughingly said to Roman. “I not know she was your woman.”
“Now you do,” Roman replied.
Lucy didn’t wait to hear what else was said. She picked up her tray, and with a last look, left the room. Her lips were still tingling, and the kiss was on repeat inside her head.
Roman Dankin was not a distraction she needed. If he thought she was going to be his puppet, she’d have to set him right. The reason she was in Swan Harbor did not involve a blue-eyed singer.
TWO
Roman’s Hideaway
April 20, 1969
2:00 p.m.
It had been thirty-six hours since he’d held Lucy in his arms. He could still smell her perfume and feel the imprint of her petite frame when he closed his eyes. Powerful memories that still hit him like a gut punch, just not the most potent one. That had to do with her unique flavor. The temptation to follow up had been so strong, he’d escaped to his hideaway.
Roman had tucked his recording equipment and a chair in a corner of the basement. It gave him easy access to the tunnels left from bootlegging days, which served his purpose in more ways than one.
However, his attention to the recordings didn’t last.
“How much longer do I have to wait?” Rick was saying when Roman switched to live sounds.
“Just a few days,” a female voice responded.
There was something about the woman’s voice that was familiar. Before Roman could figure out what, the conversation captured his attention once more.
“A few days?” Rick’s voice had taken on a petulant tone. “How many?”
Was there more involved than originally thought?
“Three or four,” the woman answered. “He’ll be here when he’s here.”
Shortly after, the breathing grew heavier, pushing Roman to switch to a different room.
“А новенькая - красотка,” the one he thought was Oleg was saying. Roman’s jaw tightened at the meaning behind the words.
“English, Oleg,” Grigory reprimanded.
“С чего бы?” Oleg began.
“English,” Grigory snapped. “You stay away from that woman. You know who the singer represents, do you not?”
“No,” Oleg answered, which surprised Roman as he’d assumed Rick had filled in the Russians.
“He represents the Volkovs.”
“The Volkovs?” Oleg repeated. “But that would mean he’s …”
“Shut up, you idiot,” Grigory hissed. There was a knock and the scrape of a chair, making Roman think one of them went to answer.
“Housekeeping,” he heard.
“We’ll just get out of your way,” Grigory replied.
Roman switched channels and turned up the sound coming from Lucy’s room. A part of him hated intruding on her privacy. Yet, she was on his mind. She made him curious, wanting to know more about her. It made him think that something else was guiding his hand.
In her room, there were the typical sounds. The removal of clothing from the closet. Her voice as she sang. Running water, and the distinct shuffle of objects as she picked them up or put them down. When he’d heard nothing for a minute, his worry meter climbed a few notches.
That invisible hand had Roman switching from one channel to another. He’d lost track of Lucy, and he needed to make sure she was okay.
Roman began to sweat, when after a few minutes, he hadn’t heard her voice. Just why, he wasn’t sure. Somehow, he already felt responsible for her.
“I need to go to my office,” Rick was saying.
“Oh, must you?” the female he was with answered. “What am I supposed to do?”
Roman didn’t care and continued searching. When he finally located Lucy and realized where she was, he took off running.
* * *
Mountain View Lodge
April 20, 1969
4:00 p.m.
Lucy stood back and regarded the piles of papers on the credenza. She’d looked through a couple of them, but she didn’t know what she was looking for. Well, except for the ….
She took the polaroid picture out of her pocket and looked at it once more. It hadn’t changed. Nor had she seen anything that resembled it … yet.
“Don’t give up, Lucy.” She reached for a drawer. “Remember why you’re here.” And it wasn’t for Roman’s kisses, which she’d spent too much time thinking about.
She’d just shoved aside a bottle of whisky, when there were three quick knocks on the door. Her blood froze, and several precious seconds zipped past before she could get her limbs to move.
Instead of ducking under the desk, Lucy pressed her ear against the wood. It was quiet, and then a chill raced up her spine.
“Rick, there you are,” Roman called from just outside the door.
Lucy barely had time to wonder why he was looking for Rick before the other man answered.
“Here I am,” Rick grumbled in a much quieter voice. “What do you need?”
“Nothing,” Roman answered. “Madge was looking for you.”
“Looking for me?”
“Something about schedules,” Roman offered.
Lucy held her breath, praying Rick would turn around. If he came into his office, she didn’t know what she would do.
“That’s right,” Rick finally answered. “I promised to get the schedules for her. They’re in my office.”
Black spots swam in front of Lucy’s eyes. Her head spun, and her heart climbed into her throat. She wasn’t sure what pushed her to move, but as the door opened, she peered out from behind the curtain.
“I don’t need your help getting the schedule, Dankin,” Rick quipped. “Was there something else you wanted?”
“Just making sure you don’t get side-tracked,” Roman replied. “You know how Madge can be.”
His voice was so near, Lucy squeezed her eyes closed and held her breath. She knew she was using the same flawed logic as cats, assuming you can’t see them if they look away.
“Is the weather always this nice in April?”
Roman’s husky baritone floated across her skin. Against her better judgment, Lucy opened her eyes just enough to see the singer’s profile. He was standing less than a foot away from where she was hiding, looking out the window. How did he not know she was nearby?
“The weather?” Rick repeated, his voice distracted over the shuffle of papers. “April is a transition month, but you’re right. This year there is something different.”
Lucy’s heart was pounding so loudly, she envisioned at any moment someone would catch her. Just a little longer. Just a little longer.
“Different?” Roman turned his head, and his twinkling blue eyes met hers. She thought he was going to out her, but then he moved away from where she was hiding.
“Just different,” Rick grumbled. “And now, if there’s nothing else …”
“No, nothing.”
By the time the door shut, Lucy had marks in her hands from her nails. Plus, she was fighting not to sink onto the ground in a puddle of nerves.
What had she been thinking?
She’d been thinking it was no big deal. That if others could do it, so could she. Except she hadn’t considered the possibility of getting caught. Which, now that she thought about it, was just dumb.
Lucy listened at the door for voices. When, after a few seconds, she heard nothing, she carefully opened it and peered outside. With the hallway empty, she left the office, and rushed outside.
The Mountain View Lodge sat in the foothills surrounded by trees unless you followed the patio around to the side of the building. She held on to the railing, and as it always had before, the view calmed her.
Swan Harbor spread out below, and the ocean stretched as far as the eye could see. In the center of the docks floated a seventeenth-century Spanish galleon. There was no doubt in her mind it had its own story. She just didn’t know what that was … yet.
Her hair blew across her face, making her wish she’d brought something to tie it back. The longer she leaned against the railing, the calmer she felt. Yet, it didn’t slow her thoughts. There were still questions that needed answers. Some of those, she suspected. Others were waiting for her to discover.
A door opened, then footsteps signaled she was no longer alone. One glance over her shoulder, and she realized why she’d been outside for so long. She’d been waiting for him.
Roman sauntered across the deck, causing her heart to race. He looked so good she had to tighten her hold on the railing to stay upright. Leather had replaced his dinner jacket and slacks. There was heat in his gaze, and his hair casually fell over his forehead.
Lucy whipped her head back around, hoping the wind would cool her thoughts.
“What are you thinking about?”
The voice that whispered to her in her dreams sent goosebumps crawling across her skin. Was she ready for the promises he spoke to her while she slept?
“Lucy?”
Something inside of her strained toward him, telling her it didn’t care if she was ready or not.
“Choices,” she finally offered. “I’m thinking about choices.”
Roman was quiet for several seconds, and a part of her wondered if he’d leave. He surprised her by leaning on the railing next to her, their elbows mere inches apart.
“What about them?”
She didn’t want to tell him about her actual choices. Instead, she turned the tables, needing an answer to one of her questions.
“Why didn’t you say something when you saw me in Rick’s office?”
Roman sent her a side-eyed grin. “Why were you hiding in Rick’s office?”
“I, I was getting my earring.” She flicked a nail on the aforementioned piece of jewelry.
He gave her a look that said, ‘That’s the best you can do?’
“Really,” Lucy exclaimed. “I lost it the other night, and housekeeping told me where it was.”
“Then why didn’t you just tell Rick what you were doing?”
“And get housekeeping in trouble?” Lucy exclaimed. “You know how Rick can be.”
* * *
There was some plausibility to her excuse. Of that, Roman was sure. Especially since he knew more about Rick Desmond than he was willing to admit. However, there was a tone in her voice that said she was lying. Lucy had been in the office searching for something. Just what, he wasn’t sure. Could they be after the same thing?
“That’s twice I’ve rescued you in the last few days, isn’t it?” he mused, wondering how far she’d let him go.
“Rescued me?” Lucy scoffed. “Is that what you did? Rescued the little lady?”
She turned toward him, and with the blushing heat in her cheeks and her flashing brown eyes, she took his breath. The song Puppet on a String flashed through his head. It had him wondering what it was about her that drew him.
“I rescued you,” he replied in a voice huskier than he’d anticipated.
Lucy’s eyes flared, and the pink in her cheeks grew brighter. “I’m not looking for …” She pressed her lips together, unwilling to voice what she was really thinking.
“And you think I am?” Roman retorted.
“Madge says—”
“Forget what Madge says,” he cut her off. Except how could he tell her Madge saw what he wanted her to see?
“But …”
“Lucy.” Roman took her hands and waited until she looked at him. “Do you feel it?”
Her gaze drifted away, only to bounce back, and something told him she was going to lie again.
“Feel what?”
He grinned and sang a few lines of Puppet on a String. From the first night, he’d known that song was theirs.
“A puppet?” she laughed. Except it sounded forced, making him wonder why she was so scared. “I don’t see any strings.”
“But aren’t some things like that?” Roman surprised himself by continuing. “There’s no visible connection between them, yet you know it’s there.”
Lucy pulled her hands free and put distance between them. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I can go simple,” he offered. “Let’s take an apple and an orange. On the surface, there are no connections. Different colors, different textures, different smells, yet they’re connected.”
“Because they’re both fruits?” she tossed out flippantly. “But how does that—?”
“You wanted an example,” Roman shrugged. “I gave you simple. However, it proves my point that sometimes there’s an association. Whether or not you admit it, some connections are just meant to be.”
With each word he spoke, he took a step closer until they were standing toe to toe.
“You can’t see the strings,” Roman went on. “But every time you’re near, I feel that invisible pull, and it's tightening.”
Lucy took a breath and fingered the lapels of his jacket. “Are you thinking you’re Elvis? Singing his songs, wearing leather …”
She’d changed the trajectory of the conversation, which somehow gave him hope.
“If you can pull it off,” he quipped. Then once again, he sang another line of Puppet on a String.
Her eyes dropped to his lips, and the swirl of emotions in their brown depths had his heart racing.
“Roman, I …”
Her words faded, and the wind carried them away. Before he could guess what she was thinking, Lucy jumped into his arms and slammed her mouth against his.
It took Roman an extra second to catch up. Once he did, he tugged her closer and dove in. She was soft and sweet, with that same flavor that bewitched him on Friday night. He grabbed hold and refused to let go.
The feel of her in his arms consumed him. A part of him understood they needed to talk. Except, he couldn’t make himself take time for anything but tasting her lips. And right then, that was the only thing that held his focus.
She stepped back before he was ready, and their lips slowly separated. With their eyes locked in a silent battle, Roman searched for the right words. Then, just as he opened his mouth, Lucy glanced toward the lodge, and all color drained from her face.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
Before he could stop her, Lucy took off running in the opposite direction. Roman almost followed, but then he saw Oleg and Grigory step out onto the deck. Were they what she’d seen? Or was there more to Lucy Strickland than he knew?
GUIDE TO SWAN HARBOR
I HOPE IT BECOMES YOUR NEW FAVORITE SMALL TOWN.
While the first email in my NL sequence explains a little about my series, let me break it down a bit more.
Swan Harbor is a charming, fictional town nestled in southern Maine. Each book in the series blends the allure of steamy romance with the intrigue of a cozy mystery, all tied together in a happy ending. While you can enjoy each book on its own, reading them in order enriches your understanding of the town and its vibrant residents.
Swan Harbor’s timeline is continuous, with each epilogue written in the POV of a main character from the next book.
The Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor series has seven novellas and 16 contemporary books in storefronts. To my newsletter subscribers, there are bonus scenes, a short story, and a novella that bridges a gap between book 13 and book 14.
The novellas.
Guided by Light – Terri & Dean’s story set in 1952. It introduces the Patterson family, the diner, lighthouse, Cygnet Harbor and the ship – people and places important in the contemporary books.
Guided by Heart – Angie & Jimmie’s story set in 1964. It introduces you to the marina and Siren’s Cove.
Guided by Love – Lucy & Roman’s store set in 1969. It introduces you to The Agency ,and The Mountain View Lodge.
Welcome to Swan Harbor – Sally & Danny’s story set in 1979. Catch up with the Pattersons.
Finding Her Lost Heart – This is a dual timeline book set in 1983 & 1990. It draws from a dangling thread left in Welcome to Swan Harbor and introduces you to Two Hearts Lake.
Guided by a Kiss – Lanie & Wyatt’s story set in 1995. You catch up with the couples from Guided by Heart and Guided by Love and learn more about The Mountain View Lodge. A very important place in multiple contemporary books. There is also a time jump between chapters 10 and 11 & 12 that takes you to the Mystical Waters Canyon magnet.
The Novels
From there, the epilogue takes you into From Darkness into Love, Book 1 of the contemporary books. However, there is also a prequel to those books called Saved by Love.
From Darkness into Love is set ~ five years ahead of Saved by Love. And the Hope & Hearts Series covers four years.
Cygnets & Dreams is a Hope & Hearts bonus book. It bridges from the end of April in Book 13 and ends in January of the following year. This bridges current day time to the Mystical Waters Canyon Series.
Mystical Waters Canyon Series
There are four books and a magnet in this series.
Whispers of the Future – Suzie & Noah’s story. Suzie is first introduced in Guided by a Kiss. The saying ‘Listen to your heart. It always knows,’ is an important saying in Swan Harbor. This book introduces you to the place where the legend started and explains why the canyon no longer works.
Whispers of Luck – Justin & Shay’s story. Their book is all about fire and luck and discovering the magic of the canyon. Justin is first mentioned in The Lessons of Love, as his brother, Lee is a main character. He is also in the bonus book. Shay is ‘talked’ about in the bonus book.
Whispers from the Past – Hugh Simpson’s book, due to release in October 2025. He just recently moved to Swan Harbor, and is the football coach at the university.
Whispers of a Miracle – Eric Simpson’s book, due in December 2025. He’s a deputy with the sheriff’s department and is mentioned in Book 2.
Whispers of Love – Amy Simpson’s book, due in February 2026. She works for the sheriff’s department and shows up in Book 2 for the first time.
Promises Kept - Swan Harbor Books will introduce a spin-off in summer 2025. It will be Scott & Joyce’s story. You briefly met Joyce in Guided by Light. Look for the magnet set in 1955.
In each book, I’ve dropped clues about what’s coming in future books. (Believe it or not, hints dropped in Guided by Light show up again and again.)
If you’re still with me and ready to dive in. Pick up a copy of Guided by Heart and see what’s happening in 1964 Swan Harbor.
Sophiex0
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More information about my books can be found on my website. SophieBartow.com
These books are available in Epub, and print. Many are available in hardback and Large Print. From Darkness into Love is available in audiobook.
Hope & Hearts Historical Novellas
GUIDED BY LIGHT - 1952
GUIDED BY HEART - 1964
GUIDED BY LOVE - 1969
WELCOME TO SWAN HARBOR- 1979
FINDING HER LOST HEART- 1983/1990
GUIDED BY A KISS - 1995
Contemporary Hope & Hearts
SAVED BY LOVE
FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE
KITTENS, PUPPIES & LOVE
BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS
KISSES, FAMILY & HOPE
A TREE, MISTLETOE & A SUNSET
HOPE, HEARTS & FOREVER
THE MEMORY OF LOVE
THE INNOCENCE OF LOVE
THE FORGIVENESS OF LOVE
THE POWER OF LOVE
THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG
THE KISS OF LOVE
THE LESSONS OF LOVE
THE HEART OF LOVE
THE JOURNEY TO LOVE
Bonus Hope & Hearts
CYGNETS & DREAMS
WHISPERS OF LUCK
WHISPERS OF THE PAST
October 31, 2025
WHISPERS OF A MIRACLE
December 2025
WHISPERS OF LOVE
February 2026
THE PROMISE TO BE THERE
Series Prequel - May 2025
THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW
Book 1 - June 26, 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie crafts small-town mystery romances that weave intricate plots with richly developed characters. Her female leads are intelligent, resourceful, and resilient, while her male characters, often stubborn, exude sexiness, wit, and a protective nature. She delights in building slow-burn romances, savoring the tension and delaying that first kiss for as long as possible. No matter the trope, every story she writes has a happy ending.
After a fulfilling 30-plus-year career as a speech-language pathologist, working with adult post-stroke and Parkinson's patients, she is enjoying her new journey. With their four children spread out, Sophie and her husband live in South Florida. They share their home with a pampered cat named Irma.
You can find her on her website: https://sophiebartow.com/Sophiexo
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