Skating into a Second Chance

by Donna Clancy from the March 2, 2026 issue

When Jamie opens her seasonal ice rink and beloved hot cocoa stand, she never expects someone from the past to melt her heart.

Off the Cuff Observations

Oh, what a fun side gig--an ice rink and cocoa stand! Having lived in Southern California all my life, I have never experienced watching a body of water freeze. 

I love how we get to know Jamie and her loved ones. We see her life is a full one. Cue the eligible man!

This story was a very solid old flame story. It plays out in a predictable, but satisfying way. People often dismiss "formulaic" writing, but in Woman's World, familiar tropes are loved and valued. 

We meet Jamie and see her "ordinary world." The old flame makes an appearance. Jamie "resists the call to adventure" by assuming he's married. (If you haven't read Vogler's The Writers Journey, you should.) We all discover that Andy is single and that he had a crush on her too, way back when. They make plans to see each other again. 

Photo by Jeremy Keith via Flickr CC License

An Always Kind of Love

by Mary Ann Joyce from the February 23, 2026 issue

When Laurie arrives home from her shift, she has no idea her sweet husband has transformed the night into something unforgettable!

Off the Cuff Observations

Ol' Betsy - I love when people name their cars. I should name mine. Maybe Penny, because she's a pretty bronze/copper color.

Reading about that old man visiting his wife everyday at the skilled nursing facility made my eyes well up. Real love does exist and romance stories and novels help us keep aiming for that ideal.

A friend told me that a mensch is a person of good character, a nice guy. I've got a mensch for a husband too. I was feeling overwhelmed the other day because of some medical issues and he surprised me with some flowers!

OMG. I just got to the part where he whips out the re-stoned engagement ring. THIS, my friends, is Romance. If I had been the editor, I would have clicked "Buy" right at that moment.

You know, first meet stories are all well and good, but seeing a couple still in love after 32 years is so heartwarming. Well done, Mary Ann! I bow to your mastery of the craft.

Photo by Sunshinecity via Flickr CC License

Her Unexpected Valentine

by Marcie McEachern from the February 16, 2026 issue

As Sophie musters the courage to follow through on a holiday tradition, she never expects the evening to become a classic love story.

Off the Cuff Observations

Casablanca...I have never seen that movie! 

So, she's fulfilling her late grandmother's wish that she to go this Casablanca revival. The importance of family as an institution can't be overstated in Woman's World stories.

Oh, I agree with Gran that the concessions are highway robbery, but I can't say no to theatre popcorn! We go on Tuesdays when it's half off.

The smile he gave her as they shook hands turned her insides effervescent--all bubbles and shimmering light. -- Love this physical reaction that is not the cliched electricity.

The banter between them regarding the contraband snacks is fantastic.

Maybe Cupid, maybe Gran. -- Woman's World magazine has a feature in every issue called "My Guardian Angel" in which people tell stories about how they've received signs that their loved ones are watching over them. In my Basics class, I recount the story of how first got published by WW. After a few failures, I scoured the magazine looking for inspiration and found it in the horoscope section. So keep in mind all the regular features and remember that their readership is interested in those things--everyday heroes, recipes, ways to save money, horoscopes, puzzles, beauty, travel, kindness... Think about ways you can incorporate them in your stories.

"Unless you've got a four-course meal hidden in your purse." -- LOL!

Photo by Breve Storia del Cinema via Flickr CC License 

True Love for the Win

by Diana Georgelos from the February 9, 2026 issue

When Jenny arrives at her sister's annual Super Bowl party, she never expects her biggest rival to transform into her perfect match.

Stream of Consciousness Observations 

Wow, that stadium made from sandwiches and finger food sounds really impressive! And I love the idea of offering a prize for the favorite party food at the party. I would be so down for competing in that!

I like the playfulness between Jenny and her "rival" Ben.

Oh, no! Her food slid off the tray. I feel for her so much. I had made a special cheesecake for a party once and dropped it right when we were leaving the house. I was heartbroken.

Hooray, they're joining forces!

Ah, leave it to a boy to think showing off is the way to a girl's heart. LOL 

...in matters of the heart, collaboration trumps competition when it comes to finding the perfect teammate. - How true!

Photo by Switz1873 via Flickr CC License