A Bouquet of Promise

by Jennifer Anne F. Messing from the April 27, 2026 issue

Tagline

Maybelle takes her daughter down to the local park expecting a simple, sunny day--but to her surprise, a sweet second chance awaits!

Off the Cuff Observations

Seems like this might be a "marriage in trouble" story.

"Yay! I'd like that," Brooklyn said happily. -- This does not seem like something a 7 year old would say. Feels a little stilted. If you're not around kids much and you're writing about a kid, find someone who has a kid around the age you need info for. Ask them to vet your dialogue and/or actions. It will add to the realism.

As I read the summary of all the things Jeremy still does, even after their separation, I know for sure this is a "marriage in trouble" story. Then, of course, he shows up as expected. :)

All right, second story in a row I see where I would have suggested an edit. And for the second time in a row, it has to do with the ending. As published, this story has what I call a soft ending. 

Then, Maybelle's gaze fell on the beautiful bouquet he'd just given her, bright and full of promise.

There is no concrete ending, but the suggestion that things will be all right in the future. This, obviously, is fine with the Woman's World editors. I see these types of endings all the time. However, I very clearly see a place where we can beef up that emotional payoff (and still keep that last paragraph.)

"Yes!" Jeremy said. "I'm now the manager at Fairlane Transport. But I've decided I won't take overtime anymore."

I would have suggested that the author end this statement right after he says he got the promotion. Let Maybelle give him the quick hug of congratulations. Then, I would have had him tell her about not taking the overtime anymore because this is big for their relationship. This is how Jeremy is demonstrating he is willing to change for the sake of their marriage. 

After that, I would want to let Maybelle process this information and tell the reader how she's feeling about it--the quiet hope she's feeling, maybe reassurance, joy, what have you. Let the reader bask in the All The Feelz Moment, or ATFM as I think I'll call it from now on. Like I said in my last post, this is the reward for reading the story, the reason we read romance. Love will prevail. 

Photo by Julie via Flickr CC License

A Cure for Writer's Block

by Barbara Barata from the April 20, 2026 issue

When Kelly settles into her usual cafe booth to write, she never expects her fictional romance to turn into real-life inspiration!

Off the Cuff Observations

Love the name of the cafe--The Postage Stamp Cafe. Sounds like a cozy spot.

...a physique a friend described as "hot teddy bear." -- LOL! Love.

He had a broken freezer. That brings back some fond memories of a novella I wrote in which a chef who had the same thing happen to her.

Ah...Tom converted an old post office into the cafe. I wondered if we'd find out why it was named that.

Their friendship had developed after January 1, when she became a regular customer. -- Odd that date was mentioned specifically... Was it because ...she had resolved that this was the year to pursue her dream? 

I'm almost halfway throught the story and have gotten to the part where we're in a flashback to her conversation with her sister and I'm really enjoying the pacing of these longer stories. The extra words are allowing us to more seamlessly add bits of backstory like this. It is so nice!!!

OMG. I love the lead-up to the kiss. The second the readers see that she's having trouble with the logisitics of the kiss, they know what's going to happen, even if Kelly doesn't--which is the whole point. The author knows this readers-know-but-the-character doesn't dynamic heightens the anticipation. In our minds, we're like, "Kelly! Just go with it. It's going to be fine!"

And do you see the small black moment? Let me know in the comments if you do. In my basics class on how to write and sell romance to Woman's World, I talk about including a black moment in your stories--that moment when you think it's not going to work out after all. It can be big and obvious or small and subtle (as it is in this story.) Either way, it's not mandatory, but in my opinion, better to include than not.

All right. Cute story, but if I had been called in as editor on this, I would have suggested that Ms. Barata beef up the emotion in this critical spot:

Kelly laughed too, her doubts flying away. "Yes."

This is the big payoff moment. Everything changes in Kelly's mind and heart because she knows that Tom is truly interested in her. I would like to have seen just a couple of sentences here showing what Kelly's going through. Let the reader in on all the feelz. Draw this out. Make the most out of it because this is why people read romance--vicariously living the feeling of falling in love. Don't skimp.

By the way, click here to find out more about my editing services.

Photo by Stephen Kelly via Flickr CC License

The Best Table in the House

by Kimberly Kirkland Absher from the April 13, 2026 issue

When Kyle's family invites him to brunch by the river, he has no idea that an old connection--and a little matchmaking--awaits!

Observations

Usually, a matchmaking story has a bit of humor and is lighthearted and fun. This story was a little different. This story was calm and quiet and had a sense of knowing things were meant to be this way, that the two people just had to be in the same place at the right time. I think the added words made it even more comforting.

I do have to say it feels like there were more connections between the grandmas than there were between Kyle and Chelsea.

Photo by Chic Bea via Flickr CC License

A Season for Second Chances

by Stacey Weeks from the March 30, 2026 issue

Eric thought his dating days were behind him--until an ordinary Wednesday night game turned into an extraordinary new start.

Observations

I'm not sure how long the extended word count has been in place, and I haven't counted the words in this story, but it felt longer and--dare I say it?--more complete. 

Now, that could be the story itself--how it's written and the pacing. But to me, it felt like we more fully experienced Eric and Emily's first meet and budding romance. I didn't feel like I just ate chicken nuggets instead of a plate of buttermilk fried chicken and all the fixins. Is it just me?

Photo by Rick Obst via Flickr CC license

A Stroke of St. Paddy's Luck

by Katie Fitzgerald from the March 16, 2026 issue

At Shamrock Hill's holiday parade, Grace epects an ordinary day--until a chance encounter makes her believe in lucky new beginnings.

Observations

I felt a little meh as I read, but the last part of the story brought me solidly into "I enjoyed it" territory. When Ian gets off the float to give her his last necklace and to ask her out, it's like a wee grand gesture. We're used to seeing grand gestures after someone messes up, so this is a nice little change from that expectation.

I also liked that last sentence:

Grace rubbed a shamrock charm between her fingers, realizing those four leaves on his cheek had been as much her good-luck charm as his.

I want to reiterate a point I make in my Basics class on how to write and sell romance fiction to Woman's World. Spend a little extra time crafting your ending. That is your last chance to impress the editor and make her feel all the feelz. It's like an event in gymnastics. If you don't nail the landing, you jeopardize everything that came before it. Conversely, a really great ending can give you extra points.

Photo by Mosman Library via Flickr CC License

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