Sweet Edith: One Voice. One Love. One Happy Ever After.

by Kathleen Bandaruk

Edith has moved to LA, leaving behind the bullies of her painful past and chasing her dream of stardom. Having sworn off love after a devastating divorce, she meets Evan, a charming DJ and music producer with a reputation for breaking hearts. As sparks fly between them both on and off the stage, an unexpected event shakes her world, leaving Edith struggling with more than just her career. As her battle with inner demons intensifies, Evan must confront his own fears before they can find a way back to each other. Will their love survive the tests of fate, or will their pasts keep them apart?
A perfect choice for fans of steamy romance, gorgeous rock stars with dark secrets, dramatic events and happily ever afters.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Kathleen Bandaruk is a professional singer, award-winning blogger, and content creator. Inspired by Kathleen’s personal experiences as a performer, her debut novel, Sweet Edith, blends heart, passion, and melody into a captivating love story.
A seasoned soloist who has performed across the country, Kathleen now lives in New Jersey with her hottie husband and their four rescue dogs. Most days, you’ll find her in her office, writing and jamming out to electronic dance music with her pups curled up at her feet.
Where to find her:
Website: kbandaruk.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/Kathy.bandaruk
Instagram: instagram.com/kathleenbandaruk
Tiktok: tiktok.com/kathleenbandaruk
Goodreads: Goodreads.com/Kathleen_bandaruk

Reviews

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith is living her best life out in LA working on her singing career and is super excited that her sister is moving to LA .

Evan is the hottest electronic music DJ in town but needs to find the perfect voice for his new hit song

Edith and Evan run into each other touring a house and decide to just do the tour together . He can’t get her out of his head after that.

You have to read to see how the rest of this plays out and boy is it HOT!

[Virginia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you enjoy sweet romance stories featuring complex characters with minimally spicey scenes? Then pick up Kathleen Bandaruk’s Sweet Edith.

Edith (FMC) was bullied by her classmates for her unruly red hair, thick glasses, and love of music. Edith matures into a beautiful woman, but she medicates her childhood trauma with alcohol. Edith leaves her loving family and moves to California to pursue her interest in the music industry.

Evan (MMC) harbors childhood trauma due to his alcoholic father and absent mother. Due to his mother abandoning him, Evan chooses not to have serious romantic relationships. He captures females’ hearts with his charismatic demeanor, while he lives an extravagant lifestyle due to his wealth as a DJ and recording artist.

Edith and Evan meet at a Beverly Hills house showing. They have an instant attraction to each other, and Evan learns that Edith has a beautiful voice. Will Edith become another conquest, or will he give his heart to her? Will Edith permit her desire for alcohol to derail her professional and personal aspirations?

This book is for readers who appreciate discussion regarding:
🎤 Music Industry
🦮 Labrador MMC
🥰 Loving Family
🏙️ Thoughtful Friends
💍 Commitment Issues
🏩 Childhood Trauma
🍸 Addiction

Bandaruk is a thoughtful writer. I hope you follow her.

Oh, she supplies readers with a music playlist for her 237-page novella.

[Susan Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming debut romance that strikes all the right notes with themes of redemption and healing and self-discovery.
Edith and Evan, two flawed but deeply compelling characters, are drawn together by their shared passion for music. As their connection deepens, they must confront their inner demons and grow into stronger, more authentic versions of themselves—only then can they open their hearts fully to love and earn their happily-ever-after.
The author’s emotionally resonant writing brings both the characters and their world to life, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
An enjoyable and heartfelt read!

[Carly Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book even though it is not my usual pick. I did receive an arc for this book. This story is about finding one’s path and finding love. We follow Edith through her journey as an awkward kid and eventually into adulthood. She is a struggling singer and she finds love with a DJ. Their story is cute and I enjoyed it. If you love movies like a star is born, you would really enjoy this story! This story does have some adult themed scenes but nothing over bearing.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so amazing I can't even tell you in words how much I fell in love with these characters the storyline just everything was so good I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book I need it on my shelf these characters will forever live in my head and if you haven't already please go check this amazing author out check out this book and just fall in love with the characters just like I did

[Billie Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC.

A captivating and quick read, Kathleen Bandaruk's "Sweet Edith" draws readers into the whirlwind romance of a talented singer and a charismatic DJ, but leaves them yearning for more direct communication between the young couple. The novel is an easy page-turner, yet the frequent misunderstandings and Edith's reliance on alcohol can become a source of frustration.
The story follows Edith, a singer with a haunting voice and a painful past, who moves to Los Angeles to chase her dreams of a music career. There, she encounters Evan, a "bad boy" DJ and music producer with a reputation. A spark ignites between them, both on and off the stage. However, their burgeoning relationship is soon tested by an unforeseen event that forces Edith to confront her inner demons.
While Edith and Evan's chemistry is palpable, their journey is fraught with miscommunications that could seemingly be resolved with a single, honest conversation. Edith's frequent drinking throughout the story also serves as a point of contention, highlighting her struggles to cope with her past and the pressures of her new life.
Despite these frustrations, "Sweet Edith" creates a compelling world and a couple worth rooting for. The narrative raises intriguing questions about what secrets both Edith and Evan are hiding, leaving the reader invested in their future. Book One sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their pasts and how they will navigate the challenges that life continues to throw their way. The novel will leave you contemplating the complexities of love, trust, and the courage it takes to face one's own vulnerabilities.

[Jaimie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an Arc, and it isn't my normal read I would say it was a good book. The characters are likeable enough. I was more a fan of Evan. I mean not at first but by the time she really let us see who he was. I fell for him. Edith was just okay for me. But all in all it was a cute story without any open door love scenes if that is your thing.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and how it captured the southern California vibe. I enjoyed vizualing the main characters in my mind (gorgeous!) and their romance through each of the colorful scenes. like a movie... sigh. 😊

[Noreen Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I needed to have beautiful days to read this debut love story❤️. Characters that the author brought you along the twists and turns of their life story. Best kind of Rom-Com, as in the end of this first book you understood the adventures of Edith and Evan and can’t wait to read more. Don’t forget to listen to “Edith’s playlist” while reading, an extra you didn’t even know you needed! 🎶🎶

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strongest elements of this book is Edith's determination to over come her past. Once labeled the "music nerd" and bullied by her classmates, she blossoms into a beautiful, driven woman with an unshakable passion for music. Her dream of becoming a singer fuels her. Unfortunately she develops a quite dependence on alcohol.

Her struggle nearly derails not just her career, but her growing connection with Evan, who she met