The Pirate, the Witch and the List

by Mary Ann Joyce from the November 3, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Madison volunteers at the library, she doesn't expect to fall under the spell of a sweet Captain Hook!

Off the Cuff Observations: There's a "Who Needs Men List?" LOL I kind of don't understand. She writes down names of people who don't need men?

Okay, now I see that it's...

a list of things she liked to do without men.

This is cute and it shows her as a well-rounded person. We want our heroines to not need a man to be complete. 

He pulled off the hoop earring, grimaced and rubbed his ear.

Love that little detail.

Okay, I made it all the way to the end of the story without stopping to add a comment. That's because I was engrossed. What Mary Ann does so well is really incorporate the list. That list isn't just a throwaway. I expected the list to be mentioned once and then again at the end, but instead the author included it several times. We see Madison really struggle with her vow to avoid men, but bit by bit Max wears her down until...

When she tried to remember all her solo plans, she just kept thinking of...him.

Also, note the ellipsis and how it adds a pause that gives the sentence a wistfulness, a little moment where she sort of begins to accept her list might not be in her best interests after all.

And then, at the end when she starts a new list...perfection! If Mary Ann had chosen to just call back to the list and have Madison write it off, the ending would not have that hopeful, wishing and most of all romantic quality.

Photo by Newcastle Library via Flickr CC License

A Halloween Treat

by Lisa Weaver from the October 27, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Sabrina shows up to cater a party at the old Silverpine mansion, she doesn't expect to be greeted by a host with a smile sharp enough to match his costume--or to feel a spark that's anything but scary.

Off the Cuff Observations: Cinnamon-laced pumpkin cupcakes? Yes, please!! 

Prediction--R.J. Blackthorne is the mysterious new owner of the haunted mansion.

Who doesn't love a cape? (Maybe Edna Mode from The Incredibles.)

Ryder Joven. Ha! Same initials.

Okay, he's taking a raspberry-filled cupcake, but she was making pumpkin... Okay. I'm a little slow on the uptake here. She's a baker, not a full-on caterer. 

Intrigued, Sabrina considered his invitation to partner up in the Halloween festivities. -- Wait, I thought he was inviting her as a guest but I guess I was wrong.

This was a fun, spooky story. I did get a little confused but whatever. I do still think you can't wink dialogue though. 

Photo by tawest64 via Flickr CC License

A Season for Love

by Melanie Dusseau from the October 20, 2025 issue

Tagline: After a local fall 5K, Adam and Sandra reminisce about their first run together--rekindling memories and discovering a spark that may lead to something more.

Observations: Wow. I haven't read a story so warmly romantic in Woman's World for a long time. Let's look at what makes it so dreamily sigh-inducing.

First, the couple have a history. She's been coaching him as a member of her beginners running group. They respect each other; he is grateful for her encouragement and she admires his determination. This is a good basis for a relationship and readers will mark this in their minds.

Adam's rainbow memory isn't just a couple of sentences. Ms. Dusseau uses quite a few words to set the scene, establish a physical attraction (the ubiquitous sparks), and most importantly, establish Adam being "unquestioningly smitten." Not only that, but we share this "knowing" moment with him...

"Oh, I remember," he replied quietly, with a smile.

This one sentence emphasizes the significance of that memory. So, we're already anticipating an escalation in their relationship, which we get. He asks her out and she accepts.

That's when Dusseau makes a real effort to create a mood, using words and phrases like:

soft rumble

gracing 

leaned into 

cool mist

slow classic love song

gentle kiss

swayed softly

magic

slowed its pace

embers...simmering

By the time the story is over, we're swaying to the music too, wistfully and vicariously living out the moment along with Adam and Sandra. 

Photo by Ryan via Flickr CC License

Lucky in Love

by Tanya Schleiden from the October 13, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Tara's pup leads her to a handsome stranger, she's surprised to find out he's her neighbor--and that her dog has a nose for love!

Off the Cuff Observations: While I admire Tara for rescuing a dog, it's a pet peeve of mine when people can't control their dogs. This is why I have tiny dogs. LOL

I get a little confused when he asks her "Do you two live in the complex?" I was under the impression that she was on a longish walk.

Swerving toward the right, Tara detoured over to the deserted playground. Lucky trotted beside her. Nearing the woods trail, Tara knelt... 

They walked down the dirt path. Tara was admiring the sun shining through colorful autumn leaves when Lucky began to walk faster.

To me, this seems like she's some distance from her apartment so when she encounters a man tying his shoes a little while later and he refers to her apartment complex, I think it's an odd assumption.

This is a classic misunderstanding in which a character sees the other character with someone and assumes he/she is married/taken. This is a tried and true trope you can adopt as your own. Usually, this is all the drama there is, but this author threw in a black moment for the dog too, which is so cute. We worry that Lucky will have a problem with Jason's dog, but then we discover it's a beagle and all is well for Tara and Lucky!

Photo by Marc Dalmulder via Flickr CC License

Catching the Artist's Eye

by Kate Fellowes from the October 6, 2025 issue

Tagline: After Lucy Mulligan's volunteer shift at the library, she never imagined she'd have a 'meet-cute' with a handsome man. But when Harry Peters introduces himself, sparks fly...

Observations: It's always good to paint your main character in a good light and Lucy is a volunteer at the library.

Ah, the gentleman is a true gentleman, allowing her to keep the book they both wanted.

Oh! He's the teacher of her next class! Nice twist I didn't see coming.

I have to love Harry. He's so nice! 

There is a pause at the end in the second to last paragraph that I wanted to point out because it really adds to the moment. Indulge me and read the last two paragraphs as is, with the pause, and then read them again skipping over the ellipsis like it isn't there. Do you see what I mean? It adds some emotion to the scene that the story really benefits from. It's kind of crazy how much three dots can do.

Photo by The Digitel Beaufort via Flickr CC License

A Pizza Party 'Plus One'

by Jennifer Anne F. Messing from the September 29, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Cerise Campbell hosts her daughter's birthday, handsome single dad Jordan steps in to help...and love is on the menu.

Stream of Consciousness Observations: "They turned onto Iris Lane, which was shaded by trees with leaves in brilliant fall colors." -- I'm interested to see if there's a reason the street is specifically named.

"Oh no!" Macie wailed. "Who will deliver our pizzas?" -- This sounds a tiny bit stilted, especially coming from the mouth of a teen.

Oooh, stovetop popcorn is the BEST.

As he picked up one of the big bowls of popcorn [sic] his strong, muscular arm brushed against Cherise's arm and she felt an unexpected, pleasant tingle in her arm. -- This is an example of why reading your story aloud is a good idea. The word arm is used three times, which is, if you ask me, one too many.

Nice story! I especially liked the laid-back plans for the birthday party. These days with Instagram and Pinterest, I feel like so many people feel pressure to dial up their events. Birthdays should be celebrated, but not all of them require photo-inspired fanfare.

Photo by Andrew Rivett via Flickr CC License

A Sweet Ride to New Love

by Sandra Smith from the September 25, 2025 issue

Tagline: Izzy arrives at the ocal fair expecting a sweet summer outing with friends. Then she meets Jackson--and sparks fly!

Stream of Consciousness Observations: Sandy really immerses us in the atmosphere of a State Fair. I've been to county fairs and, honestly, they're not my favorite. I don't really like any of the types of rides they have and there are so many people. Once I eat my corn dog and funnel cake, I'm ready to go home. LOL But Sandy's writing allows me to enjoy a fair vicariously.

Rule of thumb: it's never too early for a funnel cake!

I've come across the word Midway twice and the capitalization of it has caught my attention both times. I don't believe this should be capitalized unless you're talking about the island. 

Awww. How can you not fall in love with Jackson when he sacrifices his own comfort for Izzy's obvious enjoyment? I also like how Jackson is unfavorably compared to the ex. We see that Izzy is moving on in a positive direction. 

"How about I take you out for food that doesn't come on a stick from a truck?" -- LOL. 

That's a great ending too. Upbeat and optimistic for the future.

Photo by F. Delventhal via Flickr CC License