I was thrilled to read A Deeper Love by Heidi Gray McGill for two reasons. First off, I just love her—not only her writing, but her! What a joy it is to be on this writing journey with such a giving and gifted author. Secondly, this story is her first of three novellas for the Suamalie Islands Series. And since I will also be participating in this series, I want to support those contributing to it the best I can.
If this sounds a little confusing, let me try to clear it up for you. Nine authors were contracted with Celebrate Lit Publishing to write three novellas each spanning three years. Heidi’s just released on October 31st, with book two and three releasing in October of 2024 and 2025 respectively. All these authors will connect their stories with the setting—the fictitious tropical Suamalie Islands. It’s been fun to see what each author comes up with for their own novellas.
You may be wondering where my first book lands in this. Well, it doesn’t. I’ve actually taken over for Tabitha Bouldin, who had to step back after writing the first of her three novellas—which released in June. After reading her first book I created book two (For the Love of Tessa) which will release in June 2024. Book three will follow June of 2025. Is that clear as mud?
Now back to Heidi. The title, A Deeper Love, is significant to the story. Main character Alicia Garry (aka Algae) owns and operates her late father’s dream company, a scuba diving shop on the Isle of Tiga. Get it? Deeper is a play on both emotion and the diving aspect of the story. I was immediately hooked. I always love learning something new when reading fiction—and scuba diving is definitely not something I’ve experienced personally.
Of course, it’s a romance, so we need a handsome hero. In walks Daniel McMaster. Wealthy, attractive, and off limits as far as Alicia is concerned. She’s dealt with enough rich, entitled people in her line of business to know falling for him is a waste of her time. And since the only thing she wants more than for her dive shop to succeed is marriage and a family, she’s not willing to compromise. Even if it seems she’ll never find Mr. Right.
I love that we, the readers, get to experience under-sea life. I happen to know the book was inspired by her own experiences as a diver (as well as her husband’s), which I find fascinating. I also love that the big macho Daniel McMaster isn’t perfect. He screams like a girl when he sees a shark, and though it would appear his life is perfect, he has a difficult load weighing him down. Alicia and Dan’s story is sweet, and it will leave you wanting more.
There are a cast of heartwarming characters to keep this story interesting—and of course—to set up the next book in the series. If you enjoy romance, outdoor adventure, and any of the other books in the Suamalie Island Series, you’ll love A Deeper Love.
Comments 4
In the book, For Love of Tessa, is that the same Tessa as the one in your book in Apple Hill series?
Author
No, it’s not. Because the previous author already named the characters in book one, I couldn’t change Tessa’s name–otherwise I would’ve. This is a completely different type of series.
You touch my heart. I’m so thankful God allowed our paths to cross!
Author
I feel the same!