Author Kei Swanson

A Drummer's Beat To Mend, by Kei Swanson

McKenna Stafford thinks she’s content with her world as soon-to-be chief of orthopedic surgery, living alone in the family mansion in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Men don’t matter now, having experienced disappoint in her father’s eyes and failing to deliver a healthy baby to her now ex-husband. Her world is the hospital and she claims to be happy without a family to call her own.

Tetsuro Takamitsu thinks he’s happy with the world of taiko drumming. Having become one of the featured performers, he’s traveled the world several times on tour and experienced what other cultures have to offer. Handsome and viral, he’s also experienced what female fans have offered. A mistake thirteen years ago still haunts him, denying him the one thing in the world he wants--a family.

When Dr. Stafford is called to the emergency room to repair the crushed hand of a performer, she never thought she’d be bringing her patient home with her. Unable to join the touring company until his hand is mended, Tetsuro lives with his doctor in an uneasy plutonic relationship. Slowly the housemates come together as they learn about the other’s culture. Showing McKenna the way to mend her heart as she mends his hand, Tetsuro finds his own beat mended by her love.

"A DRUMMER’S BEAT TO MEND is a magical love story that will leave you breathless. This captivating love story makes you believe that true love can heal your heart and overcome every obstacle in your way. Kei Swanson did a beautiful job with the characters and setting. Everything was very realistic. This heart-warming story made me cry at the pain these two people have endured and made me root for them to get together. If you are looking for a love story to warm your heart, than this is the book for you." - Billie Jo, Romance Junkies.

"...a good story, a novel storyline, and definitely worth the time it will take to devour." - Reviewed by Morgan Wyatt for Novelspot.

"Tetsuro Takamitsu is more than a drummer. Trained in the art of taiko, his musical abilities carry him far. About to appear onstage in Cleveland, Tetsuro mangles his hand. Orthopedic surgeon McKenna Stafford is called in to perform surgery. Chocolate brown eyes lock with blue-gray eyes, and a romantic adventure begins.

Japanese Tetsuro abhors being linked to a bed without the use of his hand. His cultural instincts do not allow him to request better food or service. It would be rude. His friends arrive with food suitable to his palate only to relate they will move on with the tour and leave Tetsuro behind. Loneliness creeps in along with memories of lost love.

McKenna Stafford fought her way to the top of the male chain in her hospital. Her tough exterior covers a heart longing for love and family. She is afraid to lower any barriers, yet the pulsing drum beat of her new patient has entered her heart. She thrusts away feelings lest another man tell her what to do.

As Tetsuro improves, he has to find a place to live. Dr. Stafford has a huge empty home which she seldom uses. Tetsuro moves in. A friendship begins. Neither wants to cross a fine-line they draw. A night on the town and too much sake would give Tetsuro an opportunity, but he is a gentleman. He relocates. Now McKenna has to decide whether to pursue this relationship or not. Neither has a vocation which would allow them to relocate easily should anything develop. No, love between these two is ill-fated.

Swanson has written a captivating tale with enjoyable characters caught in two different worlds. She has extensive knowledge of the Japanese culture and has woven her tale to encourage the reader to learn more. Just the sushi scene is worth a read. It isn’t just raw fish! I enjoyed this book. It is sensuous, yet tastefully so.

A haiku:

Two strangers first meet
Their paths are two directions
A junction ahead?"

Review and Haiku by Eileen Key for The Road to Romance.