A Cozy New Beginning

by P.S. Murray from the March 9, 2026 issue

When Roxie braves her first brutal cold snap in a new town, a cup of coffee and a stranger's kindness offer more warmth than she expected.

Observations

Sorry for the many weeks between critiques. I was laid up with a "fun" out-patient lithotripsy (kidney stone removal.) The lead up to that and the subsequent recovery added to my shoulder problems was a little overwhelming. But I'm back! Kidneys are in good shape. The shoulder...remains to be seen.

Anyway, let's get to the story. 

Well, I have lived in  Southern California all my life, but even I know that if I were to move somewhere with Real Winters, I would probably need new outerwear. I'd rather have seen the heroine have procrastinated on this rather than be ignorant of the problem. 

This bothers me when I watch movies or TV too--characters making poor choices. I gather this is a trope in horror movies, which may be part of the reason why I hate horror movies. But I see it in other types of movies too. It's especially annoying in situations where the characters create even more danger for themselves when they should know better. 

In this story, it's not a life or death situation but I would still prefer for the heroine to be a little more prepared when it comes to moving to a new town with an unfamiliar climate.

Photo by Geir Tonnessen via Flickr CC License

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

Say Aloha to Love

by Eileen Buffone from the January 26, 2026 issue

When a snowstorm derails Lauren's tropical trip, she's disappointed. But her handsome best friend Cody arrives to cheer her up--and sparks fly.

Observations

This was a cute friends-to-lovers story centered around a cancelled trip to Hawaii. I have a trip to Maui scheduled for November later this year, and since I live in Southern California, beings snowed in isn't something that will happen to me. LOL

It's fun to see a plot that isn't a first meet.

Considering how short these stories are, I think Eileen did a great job showing the friendship morphing into something more. Here are some of those moments.

He looked into her eyes. "...I always love seeing you smile."

As they ate and talked, she felt the energy between them shift...but something felt different today--there was a spark.

Lately, Lauren had been noticing his attentive eyes and strong hands more than usual. At times, she noticed his muscles flex...

...Cody slipped his arm gently around her shoulder. Butterflies paraded through her stomach. Oh my.

Photo by Colby Stolpa via Flickr CC License

Almost Home

by Millicent Porter Henry from the January 12, 2026

During a snowy night, a work call gives Marnie the chance to rewrite the ending she always wanted.

Observations

We've seen romance writer heroines before in Woman's World, but have never gone behind the scenes to one of the tasks necessary for an indie author who publishes her own work and doesn't go through a publisher. Getting cover art is one of those tasks. I liked the slight foreshadowing here:

Why did the drawings of a man and woman on a bluff overlooking a river seem familiar, like she'd actually been there?

And I absolutely loved the ending. I was getting to the last paragraph and found myself wondering if we were going to get back to the apple pie and the twins. Obviously, we did and it was so funny.

Photo by Timothy Vollmer via Flickr CC License

Love in the Air

by Alice Benson from the January 9, 2026 issue

When Greta headed on a skiing trip, she didn't expect to make a connection with a fellow skier--and it was the sweetest winter surprise!

Off the Cuff Observations

Details in the first paragraph--the dazzling glitter of the snow, the jolt of the ski lift, and then that smooth glide--bring me right back many years ago to when I used to ski. 

There are a lot of words dedicated to the man's appearance. This is purely an author's choice when writing a Woman's World story. In my Basics class in the section on how to write short, I advocate minimizing physical descriptions. Readers have good imaginations. You don't need much to sketch out a character's looks. However, painting a picture of what the character looks like can be a good thing, especially if, as I suspect, this chin dimple becomes "important."

Okay, the ex-boyfriend also had a chin dimple. I immediately think Greta's motto is now "Beware the cleft chin." LOL. 

So they're stuck on the lift and are finding out they have things in common. Nice.

Ha! The cleft chin is mentioned again. I expect a third mention at the end of the story to bring things full circle. It's kind of funny, isn't it? That a tiny physical feature can be a central motif in the story?

I like the suggestion that they race and that the loser buys drinks. 

So, looking back, the majority of the story is showing them connecting and having things in common. This will show up over and over in Woman's World stories for good reason. These are the basics of a loving relationship. We readers need to believe the couple has a good chance for happiness together. 

Also, I was wrong about mentioning the cleft a third time. I really thought the last line would be about the cleft. LOL

Photo by Jonathan Cutrer via Flickr CC License

Time Will Tell

by Lauren King from the January 5, 2026 issue

When Tessa stops by a clock shop, she meets one of the owners--and their instant connection proves the sweetest moment often arrive right on time.

Observations

My favorite part of this story was when he's asking her questions, at first, to register her for the layaway plan, but later to get to know her better. That was funny and the pacing was perfect and added to the humor.

Not much else to comment on. Solid story.

Photo by Alan Myers via Flickr CC License

The Sweetest Christmas Surprise

by Lisa Weaver from the December 29, 2025 issue

A flurry of snow--and a little fate--brings Holly a second chance at first love just in time for the holidays.

Off the Cuff Observations

Dashing out of the frosty falling snow and into her cozy candy store, Holly Nicholas let the tantalizing aroma of homemade chocolates wrap around her like a warm hug. 

Okay, can we talk about this sentence??? First, it really sets the scene and lets us know Holly owns a candy store. It brings in the sense of smell, which is often neglected in descriptions. There are two lovely examples of alliteration. And it is packed with holiday references. 

She uses these holiday-evoking words dashing (dashing through the snow), frosty (the snowman), wrap (wrapping presents). And did you notice her name? Give that a second look please and then give Lisa Weaver a little salute. 

Oh, a gingerbread latte. Those are yummy. Starbucks used to have a gingerbread loaf with this lovely creamy frosting on it, but it's been discontinued. It was so moist and yummy and I miss it.

...quivering like Santa's belly when he laughed... -- Love it.

I don't know if I'm stretching the holiday reference thing too far but Gabe's last name, Kingsman, might be referring to the three kings. And their town is Merrylake. 

Oh, I did not see his visit coming. Talk about story pacing!

The promise of delicious possibilities hung in the air between them. -- This is very subtle, but notice the use of the word delicious and how it ties in with the candy shop. It's minute details like this that are the mark of a pro.

They're going to see A Christmas Carol. I will never forget the time I saw it with Patrick Stewart playing Scrooge. I love him, but I fell asleep, despite all my efforts to stay awake. So disappointed with myself for missing the entirety of his performance.

Another surprise was that they both had the same idea for the date. This is another detail that you may not notice consciously. I think this could indicate that they think in the same way--a sign that they might make a good couple. We readers always want to believe they have a future of happiness ahead of them and the more you can convince us that they are a good match beyond that meet cute, the more satisfying the story will be.

Thank you, Lisa, for writing a story that had so much for me to talk about!

Photo by Rachel Tayse via Flickr CC License

Lighting up the holidays

by Marcella Robinson from the December 22, 2025 issue

Tagline: Madelyn isn't feeling any Christmas cheer this year--until her handsome neighbor, Zach, asks for help decorating, and something sparks between them.

Off the Cuff Observations: I notice the pro move of dispersing the backstory in a bit at a time. If you're new to writing, backstory is everything that happened to the main characters before the story occurs. In novels, we're told not to "info dump" backstory at the beginning but to sprinkle it in a little at a time, as in this story. We find out that Mad is new to her 0ver-55 community. Her grandson accidentally caused the injury of her nextdoor neighbor. They have a polite and friendly relationship. However, because WW stories are so compacted, it's actually all right to shoehorn it in the first couple of paragraphs.

Her heart sure didn't feel two sizes too small standing close to Zach. - Love the Grinch reference.

Wait, there's a Community Light Up contest? Love that! 

Madelyn smiled as the sound [of his laughter] eased the loneliness that had been taking hold lately. - Again, nice little addition of backstory.

...his eyes flaring with interest as he stepped closer, ready to catch her if she fell. - He's not going to be too successful with a broken arm, so let's hope she doesn't fall! LOL

There's a cute little bit of banter when they're playing this or that.

OMG, there's an almost kiss! What a nice surprise. I find myself really wanting them to kiss, especially since Zach's question of poinsettias or mistletoe was so clever. The reason the interrupted kiss works so well is because Marcella has laid the groundwork for Mad and Zach's history. We readers can tell there's something brewing. If the two of them had just met, the almost kiss would fall flat. We would have no reason to root for them.

The ending gave me the tingles. Lovely story!!

Photo by chasB via Flickr CC License

A Lucky Snow Day

by P.S. Murray from the December 15, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Eve stepped onto a snow-covered street, she never dreamed she'd bump into the handsome guy from work--or that it would lead to new love.

Observations: This was a darling story. I often think about the people who end up being alone on Christmas and I'm glad the two people in the story were able to spend it together. I did worry at first about the snowball to the face. Those can really hurt! The snowballs I've made are always compact and hard so that they fly more accurately. But I'll have to take her at her word, like Chuck did, that she was fine.

Photo by Kyle via Flickr CC License

A Recipe for Love

by Carol J. Douglas from the December 1, 2025 issue

Tagline: When her best friend's brother stops by to pick up the Thanksgiving rolls, Linda is surprised by their instant connection--and it just might change their holidays.

Off the Cuff Observations: I love the aroma of bread baking too! If I didn't work at Starbucks, a bakery would have been a wonderful-smelling place to work too.

Every year, Linda made a beautiful basket filled with Thanksgiving items -- I paused to think about what would go in a Thanksgiving raffle basket those would be. A turkey? That's not going to add to the beauty of a basket. Maybe place settings, a table runner? Okay. This is plausible.

I've read stories in which someone wonders about the path not taken, but it's usually not as serious as a marriage proposal. My heart really goes out to Linda. 

This year, Carla's family bid the highest on Linda's basket again. -- Prediction...the person picking up the rolls is going to be an eligible bachelor!

And I was right. Paul is single!

Linda's heart did a little turkey trot. -- LOL!! Love it.

This story was longer than normal. I love that! I also loved the reason that they're getting together again is to make the perfect leftover turkey sandwich. Nice, fresh idea for a Thanksgiving story, but I am wondering why a Thanksgiving story is appearing in the December 1 issue. Do they need more seasonal stories that aren't connected to a holiday? Just wondering.

Photo by Mark Levisay via Flickr CC License

A Very Happy Thanksgiving

by Tina Radcliffe from the November 24, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Lindsay dashes to the store for a missing ingredient, she doesn't expect to bump into her neighbor...or to spark something new.

Observations: A perfect story. I have no notes on it except good ones.

First, we have great characterization in the form of list-making Lindsay. This trait is threaded throughout the story. We see it really established at the beginning. It's mentioned again in the middle of the story...

Lindsay laughed. "It's right here on my checklist."

Then, it's mentioned at the end for a third time... 

"You're a list person too?"

I think mentioning things three times originates with fairy tales, but it's kind of a time-honored thing that I think readers have come to subconsciously expect. It also feels right, for some reason. What's great in this story is that this third mention also shows that they have something in common.

The second thing I wanted to highlight was that we are shown that Lindsay is ready to move on with her life after a break-up. This is a small but crucial detail when writing a Moving On story, whether it's a break-up or a divorce. The character must be ready or else, in the backs of our minds, we readers will not be sure the romance will ever go anywhere. This readiness can already be established or it can be shown in the story, as in:

Over a year? Already?

...maybe Paige was right after all. Maybe it was time to try.

Photo by DC Central Kitchen via Flickr CC license

Finding Love at the Right Door

by Mina Beckett from the November 17, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Daisy hears someone knocking, she doesn't expect a handsome chef to be at her door. Will her lonely afternoon turn into a holiday to remember?

Off the Cuff Observations: Daisy stood at her sink, staring at the turkey...totally paralized by the absolute certainty she'd bitten off more than she could roast. -- Been there, done that!

"And wait...you're the woman with the dedicated mail-checking schedule." -- LMAO

"Humans are trickier than poultry." -- Another witty line.

Oh my gosh. I'm getting tingles reading the part where she gathers guests for her Thanksgiving by knocking on her neighbors' doors.

Later as Tate and Daisy cleaned up, their hands brushed and neither pulled away. -- Hooray for no electricity!

Really nice, warm fuzzy ending. I really liked this one.

Photo by Renee Schwietzke via Flickr CC License

A Love Match Made in Flannel

by Mina Beckett from the November 20, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Maren reluctantly attends her job's fall retreat[,] she meets rugged Silas and, to her surprise, sparks fly.

Observations: You know, Maren wasn't your typical Woman's World heroine, which I found refreshing. I really identified with her, because seems to have slight social anxiety and is therefore, a loner. As I read, I sort of expected her to come out of her shell and sort of become a new version of herself, mainly because that's kind of the norm in these stories. The characters get over some kind of speed bump on the journey of becoming their best selves. 

But Maren remains sort of aloof, which is...nice. This story acknowledged and demonstrated that we sometimes need to accept that are who we are. 

Photo by Nelo Hotsuma via Flickr CC License

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