The Man for the Job

by Jenness Walker from the August 24, 2026 issue

Tagline

When Aiden shows up to fix a porch light at a client's house, he doesn't expect to reconnect with his high school crush--and feel a spark again.

Off the Cuff Observations

LMAO. Granny rented her a wedding date? That is hilarious.

Okay, the ex is not the groom. That really simplifies things. (I mean, I was getting When Harry Met Sally vibes.) We don't feel nearly the angst for Sarah. 

I mean, Gram is stealing the show. How she calls out, "You heard the fella!" Priceless.

Okay, wow. There was some serious tension going on there when the two guys faced off. This is something I've never seen in a Woman's World story. I wonder if this is a sign they're changing the tone for the future? 

I'm not sure how I feel about this, to be honest. Perhaps it's because as a reader of these stories for the past 20+ years, I have expectations when I read the stories. If there's conflict, it's either in the past or off the page. Then again, the first story I wrote for them had some conflict. So...maybe the longer word count--then and now--allows for that. Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.

Photo by Bob via Flickr CC License

Sailing into New Love

by Jennifer Anne F. Messing from the August 17, 2026 issue

Tagline

When Kaitlynne accepts a friendly invitation to a celebratory dinner cruise, she never expects to meet a handsome stranger--or feel a spark!

Off the Cuff Observations

Okay, I'm feeling the part-time caregiver thing. My mom, bless her 89-year-old heart, has three professional part-time caregivers, not counting my sister who lives with her. 

Dinner reservations for three? This is definitely a matchmaker story. I'm a little surprised Beatrice doesn't reserve two tickets and then bow out at the last minute. It's refreshing to see her just be honest about the whole thing.

He opened Beatrice's door and helped her out of the car. Then he walked around and opened Kaitlynne's door. -- This is odd. Kaitlynne actually sat in the car the whole time? I would have expected her to just get out before he had time to walk around and be a gentleman. It might have been a good idea if maybe Kaitlynne had been fiddling with her phone or something, delaying her exiting the car and then being surprised by him opening the door.

I love prime rib. Makes me want to roast one now. I make a mean one! Comment below if you want my recipe.

Wait. Kaitlynne has another job other than caregiver? I don't understand, especially considering the position of assistant manager is going to be a full-time job.

I had to Google the song, "Something Stupid." I haven't heard that song in a long time. LOL

It's a little bit of a coincidence that he happens to be watching the same season, but I'll roll with it. Coincidences abound in Woman's World stories!

Photo by Thank you (25 millions) via Flickr CC License

Love Hits Hard

by Colleen LaQuay Urbaniuk from the July 27, 2026 issue

Tagline

Rachel and Matt make an innocent bet to see who wins their charity softball game, but thanks to a romantic spark, they both end up winners.

Off the Cuff Observations

The first paragraph sounds like a tagline! Colleen could make a living writing taglines, that one is so spot on!

The banter is cute. When I played softball in school--not something I relished--I always disliked people taunting the person at bat. It seemed unsportsmanlike to me, but I have come to learn that is part of the game.

Oh, another widow. Hm. Although this is a well-written story, this is a trope that I have always had trouble with--getting together with the late spouse's friend. I believe that they have developed feelings for each other and I wish them well, but it just doesn't feel right to me. It's not the story. It's me. Best friends to lovers isn't my favorite either. It just goes to show you, you can't please everyone.

Photo by slgckgc via Flickr CC license