A Treasure Uncovered

by Carrie Langevin from the June 29, 2026 issue

Tagline

When Christina heads to Cape Cod for the summer, a handsome seafood shack owner--and his lovable dog--turn her getaway into something more.

Off the Cuff Observations

She's vacationing for three months. Is she a teacher?

Yes, she's a teacher. LOL

I love the idea of a vintage cottage, but I doubt a refrigerator from the 60s would still be working. Maybe it was meant to be 60s style.

Thank you again to the publishers for extending the word count of the romance stories! I'm often noticing richer descriptions like in this story. 

I love the golden french fry scarfing Lab. Woman's World does love dogs in stories. I noticed that back in 2005!

And the coincidences rack up. First, she happens to run into Randy on the beach. Then his aunt just happens to own the cottage she's renting. Actually, this type of thing is to be expected in these stories. Yes, it's a little goofy, but that's what makes Woman's World stories so fun. You have to enjoy the tongue-in-cheekiness of this very specific genre.

OMG. See what I mean? He lives in Florida during the winter in her neighborhood! Well, of course he does. And his niece is a former student.

I liked how Carrie wove the sea glass throughout the story at the beginning, middle and end as a sort of motif. 

Photo by Kathleen Dagostino 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