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 

A Home Run to the Heart

by Marcie McEachern from the June 23, 2025 issue

Tagline: Sharon meets a silver fox while teaching a senior social media class, but sparks fly when they bump into each other at a game.

Observations: I loved the premise for this story...the social media for seniors class. What an fantastic idea. I wish I'd thought of it. 

Woman's World magazine is unique in that it publishes romances about people in their golden years. I mean, it makes sense, since the demographic of their readership skews older. Readers want to connect with characters they can relate to. So don't be afraid to submit stories about elderly people.  On the flip side, don't hesitate to write stories revolving around younger people. Romance is for people of all ages.

Photo by OPAA Little League via Flickr CC License

A Love So Sweet

by Marcie McEachern from the September 22, 2023 issue

Tagline: When Kate delivers a loaf of banana bread to one of Cottonwood's retirees, she receives more than a simple thank you!

Observations: Other than the slight cliche of a baker heroine, this story was great! McEachern used a plot device we see often in Woman's World stories--the mistaken identity. Here, Kate sees a man on a ladder and thinks it's Teddy Jacobs, friendly neighborhood senior citizen. Instead, it's his young, handsome (and single!) namesake. This plot device is tried and true and definitely one you should put in your toolbox.

I liked the humor, like when he says, "...whom do I have the pleasure of being bossed around by today?"

There's a solid black moment when the hero kind of slams the door in her face, which due to some good writing and timing wasn't as harsh as it sounds. The heroine thinks she'll probably never see this guy again.  But, surprise, he's actually not just visiting his grandfather, he's moving into town and starting his own business. 

Yes, Woman's World stories can be formulaic, but this is what the editors and readers want--the comfort of familiarity and McEachern did this very well here.

Photo by Beckmann's Bakery via Flickr Creative Commons License

Better the Second Time

by Marcie McEachern from the November 7, 2022 issue

Tagline: Back in her hometown, Amy enters the fall festival pie contest...but will her maple confection be enough to rekindle an old flame?

Observations: This was a lovely story. I think Ms. McEachern is really hitting her stride with her Woman's World stories. The tale is rich with sensory details and I liked the idea of their having met in a high school culinary class. 

I did question why they were given slices of their own pie at the awards ceremony, but then again, I've never attended a pie contest. Maybe that's the normal routine. :)

I do wish there was an actual recipe, though. A Maple Cream pie sounds delish!

The Sweetest Love Story and Love Blooms in Spring

 byAmy Oliveira and MarciMcEachern, from the April 19 and April 26 issues, respectively

Taglines: After inheriting a candy shop, Evelyn can't see how she can afford to keep it...until handsome Tom opens her eyes to all the sweet possibilities.

When her handsome new neighbor approaches with a fun request, Lori's love life is suddenly blossoming with promise.

Observations: Both of these stories were excellent, but unfortunately, I couldn't find any teaching moments in either of them. It's hard sometimes, guys! 

Photos by LoriCaliforny and David Howard via the Flickr Creative Commons License

A Blizzard to Remember

by Marcie McEachern from the March 1, 2021 issue

Tagline: In the midst of a late-season blizzard and power outage, Anita lights a fire to share with her new neighbor, Calvin...and sparks of love begin to fly.

Observations: I thought I'd do another stream-of-consciousness post with this story. This is where I just type my thoughts as I read.

I love chili on wintery days. And corn bread too! With honey butter.  Honey butter is mandatory. I like how Anita thinks--slow cookers are fantastic for things like chili.

Oh, I might have tried to cook the cornbread in the fireplace. I toured an old cotton plantation once and learned that you can bake stuff like cookies and cake in Dutch ovens in a fireplace.

Calvin was obviously no Boy Scout, seeing as how he was completely unprepared for a power outage. LOL

Hmm, I'm going to assume Anita didn't have Calvin's phone number. 

I love Scrabble!

Oh, he spells D-A-T-E. Very clever!

Great story.

Photo by Nathan Borror via Flickr Creative Commons License

A Perfectly Good Man

 by Marcie McEachern from the December 14, 2020 issue

Tagline: Kristen is unsure if moving to a new town was the right choice, until a dashing stranger gives her the sign she's been hoping for.

Observations: It's been a while since I saw a story with the trope of "Grandma's Advice," so I was glad to see it in this story. This is a tried and true Woman's World plot in which the heroine remembers a piece of advice, usually a saying, that a relative always said. It's usually about love, but it doesn't have to be. It's also usually a heroine, but you could swap the genders for a twist. Usually the advice ends up coming true, but McEachern put her own twist on it and wrote a story that did not conform to the norm. 

I liked the humor at the end of the story. 

Photo by Marco Verch via Flickr Creative Commons License

The Apple of His Ice Cream

 by Marcie McEachern from the November 23, 2020 issue

Tagline: When an ice cream vendor starts stealing business from her pie stand, Amanda never expects he'll be stealing her heart too!

Observations: Marcie McEachern is quickly becoming a regular contributor. Obviously, she's figured out what the editors like.

In this story you'll find two Woman's World tried and true elements.

• A nostalgic Norman Rockewellian event like apple picking
• Comfort food x two!

I truly enjoyed seeing the heroine wrestle with her conscience and choose to take the high road. Sometimes reading a Woman's World story is like the opposite of watching a reality show in that we can actively see people making good choices that demonstrate character.

Photo by Jennifer Boyer via Flickr Creative Commons License