by: Susan Elizabeth Bagby
Series: Cedar Hill
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 2, 2026
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
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?
Hello! I’m great, and thank you for supporting my book, Forever Kind of Love.
You’re welcome. Can you sum up Forever Kind of Love in ten words or less?
A broken marriage, a hometown return, and a love worth risking.
Oh. That sounds good. Tell me about the characters of Willow and Zachary, and what attracts them to each other?
Willow has been betrayed, hurt, and humiliated by her husband’s arrest for fraud. She needs to rebuild her life, and the last thing she wants is a relationship. Zachary returns home to recharge his music career and falls for the kindness and caring that Willow shows his father, who is in the early stages of dementia. With each step that Zachary takes in helping Willow, her defensive wall crumbles. Zachary has his demons as well, and when Willow makes her way into his heart, he must make a big decision in order to change his life.
What was your favorite part of the book to write and why?
Near the end, when Willow visits him in Nashville, something happens that changes the trajectory of their relationship. That’s all I will say☺
Can you tell me about one of your favorite scenes from the book? And why is it a favorite?
Favorite scenes: One is what Willow goes through when she returns to New York and faces the ugliness of what her husband did. I loved writing about the depth of her devastation and her courage to overcome fear. Another one is definitely the ending, but I can’t give anything away.
Final question. Why should readers grab a copy of Forever Kind of Love?
If you love second chances, forced proximity, hot country music stars, then you’ll enjoy my book.
Susan, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for me. Congratulations on your latest release.
He browsed the shelves, stopping in front of a framed photograph on the wall of a close-up picture of a couple, sitting in a park somewhere in New York City. The woman was laughing, and the man held her outstretched hand. “The carefree expressions on their faces strike me with a feeling of wistfulness. Not an easy emotion to capture in an image. Who did this?” Zach pointed to the picture.
“I did.” Willow felt warmth spreading across her cheeks. Oh, God. I’m blushing.
“You’ve got talent—another surprising quality you possess. And this one?” He indicated another photo on the opposite wall.
“Yes.” She chewed on the end of her pen, watching him.
“Why aren’t you pursuing this as a career?”
She lowered her pen. “I’ve always wanted to, but life got in the way.” She was determined to stay tight-lipped about her endeavors in New York and failed career as a fine arts photographer.
“Don’t let adverse circumstances prevent you from following your dreams, Willow. No matter what happens externally, don’t lose touch with your inner calling.” He lifted the photo and placed it by the cash register. “I want to buy this, please.”
Willow observed his facial expression, which bordered on flirtatious. “You don’t have to. Please don’t feel you need to buy one because we know each other. I won’t be offended.”
“You see, your problem is you don’t believe in yourself. I want this because the photo is an exquisite piece of art. I have a perfect place for it in my house. Don’t argue.” He grinned and eyed her with both hands on his hips, then slapped his credit card onto the counter.
“I did.” Willow felt warmth spreading across her cheeks. Oh, God. I’m blushing.
“You’ve got talent—another surprising quality you possess. And this one?” He indicated another photo on the opposite wall.
“Yes.” She chewed on the end of her pen, watching him.
“Why aren’t you pursuing this as a career?”
She lowered her pen. “I’ve always wanted to, but life got in the way.” She was determined to stay tight-lipped about her endeavors in New York and failed career as a fine arts photographer.
“Don’t let adverse circumstances prevent you from following your dreams, Willow. No matter what happens externally, don’t lose touch with your inner calling.” He lifted the photo and placed it by the cash register. “I want to buy this, please.”
Willow observed his facial expression, which bordered on flirtatious. “You don’t have to. Please don’t feel you need to buy one because we know each other. I won’t be offended.”
“You see, your problem is you don’t believe in yourself. I want this because the photo is an exquisite piece of art. I have a perfect place for it in my house. Don’t argue.” He grinned and eyed her with both hands on his hips, then slapped his credit card onto the counter.
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