Delicious Delivery

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery from the May 5, 2025 issue

Tagline: As Gabby helps her grandmother prepare for the Cinco de Mayo festival, a delivery leads to an unexpected connection and new romance.

Observations: I'm a foodie, so I enjoy any story that revolves around food. And, boy, this one made me hungry! I appreciate how authentic and accurate the recipe was as well. I could also practically hear the mariachi music as I read the story.

The only note I have  is that Gabby stated, "The cooking gene skipped me. But, I can whip up a mean batch of churros." Honestly, churros are going to be a little more difficult because of the deep frying and the fact that you have to pipe the batter into the oil with a pastry bag, but this is a very minor criticism in an otherwise fantastic story.

Also, did you notice that Wills-Raftery used the real collective noun for butterflies? A kaleidoscope!

Photo by Quiote via Flickr CC License

Cupid's Tea Shop Set-up

by Cathy Cormany from the April 28, 2025 issue

Tagline: As Sarah relives painful memories of her breakup while replacing a beloved heirloom, an unexpected surprise changes everything.

Observations: Well, Ms. Cormany has been busy! We just critiqued a story of hers a couple of weeks ago. Good for her!

If a tea shop isn't the perfect setting for a Woman's World story, I don't know what is. It's got that old-timey, nostalgic, slice of Americana feel to it much like carnivals/county fairs, festivals, bakeries, florists, garage sales, parades, old folk's homes, antique shops, and bookstores. The list goes on and on. While these settings might feel cliche by now, they continue to sell, so don't necessarily shy away from them.

Being a die hard pragmatist, I immediately wondered how the man identified the china pattern from Sarah's vague description. There have to be hundreds of patterns out there. Sarah would have been better off snapping a picture, but it doesn't really matter. I'm probably the only person in the world who had this thought.

Still, you might want to keep in mind the age of your characters and, if they are considerably younger than you, really put yourself in their shoes as you craft your plot. (This is not to suggest that Ms. Cormany is of a certain age. I really don't know. I'm just bringing up a pet peeve of mine which is when authors use their own frames of reference for characters who are one, two or more generations apart from them. 

Loved the twist at the end! It's so hard to write couple-in-trouble stories. 

Photo by Selena N.B.H. via Flickr CC License

Baking up Love

by Lida Sideris from the April 14, 2025 issue

Tagline: Mari, a cheerful warehouse worker, discovers unexpected joy and potential love when a colleague requests her baking secrets.

Off the Cuff Observations: So we're introduced to Mari who has such a cheerful attitude while at work, I can't help but like her.

A long-time supervisor, Ray[,] often dashed by, greeting everyone--but singling out mari and starting a conversation? That was a first.

As usual, pragmatic me thinks, this is not good in a work environment, setting up someone for possible sexual harrassment. But this is Woman's World magazine, so you have to go with it.

There is no cat or bag.

LOL

Tucked underneath were little notes of appreciation.

That IS sweet!

Ah, give a man some cookies and you feed him for a day... LOL. I was totally expecting him to invite her to the barbeque and ask for her to bring cookies, but I like how he asked to be taught instead. Smart man! That way he gets more intimate one-on-one time with her.

Photo by Helena Jacoba via Flickr CC License

Some Bunny to Love

by Mary Ann Joyce from the April 21, 2025 issue

Tagline: Dressed as the Easter Bunny, Elliot reconnects with an old crush during a springtime community event.

Off the Cuff Observations: But fair and square, he'd lost a bet with his sister Molly, who'd organized the Easter weekend event.

As sort of de facto matchmakers in the wings, we're always consciously or unconsciously judging the characters in the stories to see if they are good for each other. Here we've got to give the guy a point for being a good brother. 

"Besides," she continued, "it's just for a few hours, and women love a man in a suit...even if it is a bunny suit."

LOL

His walk turned light, and he added a hop every few steps.

Atta boy, Elliot! Getting into the spirit of things.

"Do you know the Tooth Fairy?" he asked, lisping through the gap in his front teeth. "'Cause I left her two teeths, she only paid for one."

LOL again.

...another little boy pointed toward Elliot's backside. "Where do the eggs come from? Do you lay them?"

OMG, so funny! Kids say the darndest things.

There was definitely something blooming beyond the yellow daffodils in the sun.

Nice way to set the scene and get important information across at the same time.

"...we're 'opposed to look for eggs now!"

Seems apparent Joyce has or had access to young children to mimic their way of talking so well.

The girl skipped away, giggling under the sun.

Hmmm. Was this little girl put up to asking him the question about having a girlfriend by a well-meaning matchmaker? 

Photo by somewhere in the world today via Flickr CC License

True Love at the Carnival

by Krista Wroblewski from the April 7, 2025 issue

Tagline: Abby's nostalbic visit to the carnival leads to a chance encounter, sparking a connection that promises new beginnings.

Off the Cuff Observations: I'm criminally behind on the blog, so I'm going to do the "quickie" analyses by jotting down my thoughts as I read the story.

While I don't love actually attending carnivals because I don't like those kinds of rides, I love the idea of a carnival as a story setting.

Oh, funnel cakes. Yeeesssss. So unhealthy but so good. I miss having school-aged kids because they were a good excuse to splurge on that and have a couple of bites to satisfy the craving.

Wroblewski sets the scene and the mood well before we meet the love interest.

There was an instant connection neither of them could ignore.

I like this line which shows the spark without mentioning electricity. I'm also thinking this seems to be told in an omniscient POV.

She in turn shared her own journey--a turbulent marriage that ended in divorce and her new life of independence and self-discovery. 

I feel that last part of the sentence embodies the kind of heroine and attitude we see often in Woman's World stories. We want characters with optimistic attitudes who are ready for love.

The lights twinkled like stars... 

I'm suddenly a little confused about what time of day it is. Further ahead it says "rest of the evening," so I guess it was late afternoon when she got there...?

...both felt a sense of hope and possibility.

Here is where I was absolutely sure this was an omniscient POV.

The flow and structure of this story is a bit different. I notice the prolonged ending. It could easily have ended here:

With a gentle kiss on the cheek, they parted ways, both feeling excited for what the future might bring.

Or here:

As Abby drove home, she couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, some of the best and brightest moments in life happen when you least expect them.

Okay, it actually could have ended on any of the last five paragraphs, but with all those paragraphs included, the author leaves us basking in a wistful, quiet hope.

Photo by chascar via Flickr CC License

Baking Love

by Cathy Cormany from the April 24, 2025 issue

Tagline: Hugh's sister is on a mission to set him up, but Hugh's too busy running his bakery to notice--until he meets Josie. With flour on her cheek and a love for sweet treats, she just might be the recipe he needs for romance!

Observations: Were you guys fooled by this story too? I totally thought Claire was the love interest! I love being surprised.

I wanted to discuss verisimilitude in Woman's World stories. The degree of reality in these stories is fluid. Where I live in surburbia, there are pretty much no mom and pop type bakeries. There are grocery stores and chain bakeries like Panera, Nothing Bundt Cakes (hate that name), Corner Bakery and the like. There is a cake place - but that's more specialty baking like for weddings. Other than that, Corner Bakery is called that because they want you to feel like you're in the type of bakery that doesn't exist anymore. 

But in the world of Woman's World stories, they certainly do. As I've said before, there is a certain amount of nostalgia present in the romances, mainly and probably because of the demographic skewing toward older women. 

So if you're someone like me, who strives to ground her stories in reality (is it safe for the heroine to say yes to a man who invites her to dinner at his house when she just met him in the grocery store?) remember the fact that you can sculpt the world of your story to fit the tone of WW's published stories and expectations of the readers.

Photo by Greta Ceresini via Flickr CC License

Good Guy in Green

by Shannon Fay from the March 17, 2025 issue

Tagline: Andy's hectic morning turns around when her daughter's teacher offers a thoughtful gesture--and a surprise dinner invitation--that might just make St. Patrick's Day her favorite holiday.

Observations: It's easy to see why this story was chosen for the St. Patrick's Day issue. This rang very true as a slice of life in a mom's life. It really brought back memories of when my kids were pre-teens. I also very much remember the anxiety of not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day, not wanting to get pinched! There were a lot of moments I wanted to touch on in this story.

I loved the moment when Andy calls Mr. Parr Greg and the daughter chides her for it. Hilarious.

That moment when Andy wonders how the wearing green situation was her fault was one of the ones that resonated with me as true to life.

I thought that the moment when Greg notices Andy's tension has not dissipated was great in that it showed he would make good boyfriend material. You always want to believe the couple in these stories has a solid chance at a future together. 

Finally, did you notice the black moment in the story? (The black moment is when you think all is lost.) Let me know in the comments if you saw it.

Photo by Tony Alter via Flickr CC License

Sew in Love

by Anne Gwynne from the March 31, 2025 issue

Tagline: Viola, the last single woman in her friend group, reconnects with Adam, a former classmate, while preparing to be her best friend's maid of honor. Could this reunion amid wedding preparations lead to romance?

Observations: I really identified with the character who made me remember when all my sorority sisters were getting married. It's a forlorn feeling, going to a wedding at which you want to be happy for the couple but are secretly and sadly envious.

I thought this was a cute premise--meeting someone from your past--a guy you secretly admired--at the tailor shop. And who hasn't dreamed of being wanted by Mr. Popular? This is a fantasy fulfillment story, for sure. 

Mrs. Choo was a cute secondary character who was kind of a matchmaker but more of an encourager, which was amusing. 

I have no idea what "lake effect snow" is. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Also, I was very puzzled at Mrs. Choo's statement, "She sins most of the time too." I was like, whaaat?  Weird that the tailor would comment on something like that, but then I figured out it was probably a typo. It was probably supposed to be "wins," which makes total sense. That just goes to show you, you shouldn't rely on spellcheck!

Photo by Jeff Egnaczyk via Flickr CC License

Two Tickets to Love, Please

by Vicki Cox from the March 10, 2025 issue

Tagline: Nora and Dale meet during a Star Wars screening, and while bonding over the film, a spark of romance soon begins to grow.

Observations: I loved the premise of this story, mostly because I think Star Wars is a perfect movie. I have very fond memories of seeing that in the theatre more than once the summer it came out and blasting the soundtrack over and over from my cassette player. 

I also appreciated the nostalgia introduced via the landmark theatre being refurbished and opening again in modern times. It's no secret that the demographic of Woman's World reads on the gray side the spectrum. There's nothing we boomers love more than a blast from the past.

Photo by Lynn Kelly Author via Flickr CC License

Dance of Second Chances

by Mina Beckett from the March 3, 2025 issue

Tagline: Liora gains confidence and sparks romance when she dances with a cclose friend at the Mardi Gras ball.

Observations: I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised to see this type of story appear in Woman's World. For years, I've been advising people to steer clear of heavy subject matter, but there is "a new sheriff" in town, and perhaps the editorial staff is more open to stories with a little more heft to them--like this one.

I mean, Liora has been battling back from what appears to be a career-ending injury. She was once a ballet dancer. Now, she seems to have finished her physical therapy and is dancing (non-professionally) for the first time since her accident. This story is all about her conquering her fear and realizing she can still enjoy dancing, if not at the level she once enjoyed, and finding romance along the way.

I really loved how encouraging Gavin was. The ending was fulfilling, but, for me, leaning more toward self-realization than romance. Which might be a good thing because I couldn't help but wonder at how ethical it is to start a relationship with a patient.

Even so, I very much enjoyed this story.

P.S. I know this photo is not of a masquerade or a ball but it is Mardi Gras and it was so cute, I couldn't resist.

Photo by Shreveport Bossier via Flickr CC License

Skiing Slopes Into Love

by Donna Clancy from the February 24, 2025 issue

Tagline: Carol rekindles more than just her love of snow sports on a weekend away at a ski resort when she runs into an old flame.

Observations: Ha! This was a matchmaker story that I didn't see coming. I LOVE being surprised. This was also an old flame story, so don't hesitate to combine two tropes together in one story. 

I liked that Ms. Clancy seemed very familiar with skiing. All the little details rang true. Even if you're not familiar with an aspect of your story, the internet is only a click away. I wrote my first hockey romance not being a hockey fan at all, but thanks to Google, I was able to learn a lot about the sport and some of the behind the scenes stuff that made it seem to reviewers like I'd been a fan for a long time. 

Shout out to Donna. Congratulations on your first published story! You're proof that persistence is so important. You nailed the tone, the tropes, the connection between the characters... Brava!

Warm Hearts on a Cold Night

by Kristen Walsh from the February 17, 2025 issue

Tagline: Cherie didn't expect that a crisp winter skate at the lake would have her falling into the arms of a Valentine's Day sweetheart. 

Observations: What's more romantic than meeting while ice skating and sipping cocoa? I really liked the setting of this story. I could just picture the twinkling lights, hear the scrape of the skates on the ice and smell the hot chocolate. 

My favorite line: "The pickup hockey team is my way to keep from turning into a cold and lonely winter hermit." That made me laugh!

On the flip side, there were three instances of blushing at the end of the story. Having a critique partner read your drafts would be a good way to avoid repetition like this. Or you could always hire me to edit your story for you! 😜 

Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr CC License

Touchdown for True Love

by Carrie Langevin from the February 10, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Sherri showed up at her friend's Super Bowl party, she was dreading the though tof having to watch football. Until she hit it off with a handsome stranger by the snack table.

Observations: I really identified with this story, being a non-football fan myself. When I go to Super Bowl parties, which is rarely, I'm only there for the food. LOL

I liked the nod to the national anthem. I am a proud American and I always sing it at live events. I wish more people would. It's exhilarating to sing with a big group of people. 

I laughed when she admitted she tried the guacamole when she made it and my mouth watered when I read about the smoked chicken wings. YUM. As much as I don't like football, I love chicken wings.

It was fun to belatedly realize that this was a matchmaker story, too! I didn't see that coming, but it was a welcome surprise. I really liked the last line too.

Paige looked over her shoulder, seeing this romance unfold, and congratulated herself on a successful strategic offensive play. 

And it's a funny coincidence that this is the second story in a row to feature Swedish meatballs!

So, as a bit of a teaching moment, when writing a matchmaker story, you don't have to identify that trope and/or the matchmaker him/herself right off the bat. You can keep that card close to your vest until later as a fun surprise. 

Photo by Jeremy Keith via Flickr CC License

Love in a Snow Globe

by Wendel James Potter from the February 3, 2025 issue

Tagline: Enjoying a peaceful winter morning, Marni accepts an invitation from her handsome neighbor, Jann, to try Swedish meatballs

Off the Cuff Observations: I hate to start out with a criticism, but not sure I'd use the word "tender" to describe eyes. However, I still like the opening paragraph. It really sets the scene.

Ooh, I really like the snow globe paragraph! I also like the little summary of Marni's life right how. It paints her as a woman who is grateful for where she is and continues to work hard to meet her personal goals.

Oh, Jann sounds like the kind of neighbor every young single woman wants. Dare I say he's a NILK (Neighbor I Want to Kiss)?

She watched him as he walked to the counter for more coffee, taking in each step of his sort of lumber-swagger. That's how her breaths were coming. -- I'm a tad confused. Exactly how were her breaths coming? Lumber-swaggering? 

Ice fishing. LOL

Oh, he cooks! Another point in his favor. 

She knew her answer to his question, of course she wanted to come over, but a part of her hesitated. -- Why did she hesitate? And then why was she so confident with her answer, once she finally gave it?

Marni can't recall the last time she felt this content. -- Oops, we slipped into present tense.

Nice story! Loved the snow globe imagery and the yummy Swedish hero!

Photo by Sharon Chen via Flickr CC License

Breaking the Ice

by Mina Beckett from the January 27, 2025 issue

Tagline: megan finds herself jumping into more than just freezing water at the local polar plunge. With Reid, she may just dive into love too.

Observations: This was a very cute story and I liked it for a lot of reasons.

First, the premise was unique. A polar plunge! I've never seen that in a Woman's World story before. 

I also liked the banter between the two of them and how he used humor to calm her fears. 

I felt optimistic and happy when I got to the end. Even though no date had been nailed down, the couple really seemed like they had some fun ahead of them. 

Oddly enough, I very much appreciated that he threw his arm around her shoulders but there was no electricity, no zings, no flutterings. I know that the editors have said they like physical reactions like these to be included, but for me, it's apparently gotten to the point where not seeing it is refreshing. LOL It just wasn't needed and that Ms. Beckett realized that demonstrates how much of an art writing is. This story was published despite not having any physical attraction/reactions. I encourage you not to write your stories with a checklist. I think that is only asking for stories that seem cookie-cutter and formulaic.

Photo by Eagle102.net via Flickr CC License

A Spark in a Power Outage

by Eileen Bloss Buffone from the January 2025 issue

Tagline: Amanda, a city girl new to Montana, struggles with snow and isolation until her handsome landlord, Jonathan, offers pizza and companionship during a snowstorm.

Stream of Consciousness Observations: Contrary to my usual comments, these observations will be off-the-cuff, as I read, no forethought or analyzing. I usually do this because I'm behind on the blog and I need to catch-up. 

Oh, I am a born and bred California girl and I, too, get antsy when driving in the snow. 

She's a brave woman, moving to a new state with a completely different climate. However, as much as I like saguaro cacti, Big Sky Country would be so beautiful. I admire her sense of adventure!

"I'll bring the kerosene heater up from the basement." -- Her basement or his? I'm a little confused.

Pet peeve warning...their hands brush as she's handing him his root beer. As a barista, I hand drinks to people all day long without making skin to skin contact, but somehow this happens all the time in Woman's World stories. People's hands are constantly brushing accidentally. Maybe the point is that these people are doing it subconsciously because they're attracted to the other person? I don't know. I just know that it's very easy not to touch someone else when handing them things and it bugs me everytime I see it in a story. 

"This is the first time I've actually seen snow." -- I find it a teensy bit strange that he doesn't react more to this. All he says is that it's been a mild winter. 

Oh, a ride on a snowmobile sounds like a ton of fun. I like how Jonathan is just going for it.

Okay, I've finished the story. There was no black/gray moment, and I do miss it a little, although, as I've said many times before, it's not necessary for publication. The couple have a love of cooking in common, so that's a plus as far as their future is concerned! We always want to leave the story with a reasonable expectation of happiness and love between the couple.

Photo by Michael Lucas via Flickr CC License

 

Love Burns Brightly

by Colleen LaQuay Urbaniuk from the January 13, 2025 issue

Tagline: Peter knows a thing or two about putting out fires, but a surprise visit from Angela reveals the one fire he never quite extinguished.

Observations: First of all, I loved the tagline. It was extra clever this week.

There was a lot I liked about this story. I loved all the banter amongst the firefighters. If you love that type of thing too, I highly recommend the book Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center. It really goes deep into the world of firefighting. Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors.

I noticed this story had an omniscient POV, which isn't seen as much but was worth noting, if you like writing that POV.

I also really liked how much time was spent with the main characters interacting and exploring their past feelings and setting the record straight. Everything that happened back then sounded very plausible. When the story ended, I felt confident these two had a real chance at love.

A Perfect Beginning

by Marcella Robinson from the January 6, 2025 issue

Tagline: Looking to evade her family's matchmaking scheme, Elaine enlists a friend as a faux date that leads to real feelings on New Year's Eve.

Observations: This was a cute fake boyfriend story and it just goes to show you/me that you can take romance novel tropes and apply them to a Woman's World story! Fake relationships are all the rage in full length romances, and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more of them in the pages of the magazine we all want to publish with.

Favorite line: Seriously, no man should ever look that good in flannel.