Restless Heart

Destiny Hart is a young country singer with a passion to succeed. But before she hits the big-time, she's stuck serving other hopefuls sweet ice tea before they take the stage at Back in the Saddle, a Nashville institution. Her family back home thinks she's already made it—and Destiny's not about to correct their misconceptions (having had a little something to do with their formation). But when she finally impresses a recording executive, the singer who's a little "rough around the edges" can finally tell her daddy that she's a star. Success is never simple, however, and a run-in with her high school crush, Seth, sparks a flame that neither of them expected. Seth loves small town life and the new couple struggle to keep their relationship on track as Destiny's star continues to rise. If it all sounds familiar that's because it is. Readers will immediately recognize the character types on display in Judd's debut—the small town stud, the eager young performer, the conservative dad—but the singer/writer wisely sticks to what she knows and makes it all enjoyable. Her novel is as clear, easy, and familiar as a country song about heartbreak, dogs, and dirt. And, like a handsome drifter at a Tennessee truck stop, it won't stick around for long. (Feb.)