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
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