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2025 Mid-Summer Middle Grade & Young Adult Book List

It’s so hot here in Virginia that all I want ago do is stay inside my dark, cold house and read. That means it must be time for the 2025 Mid-Summer Middle Grade & Young Adult book list! As I’ve mentioned before, this is NOT a best-seller or new release list. This is an ongoing, cumulative list of books the kids in my reading army have read and is updated twice a year. They find their books on their own, usually in libraries or through recommendations from friends. With so many books being published–both traditionally and independently–it’s hard to keep up. So I want to thank my preteen & teen readers for their help and suggestions, as well as my blog readers who’ve made this list such a popular download. And if you’d like a refresher about how publishers and librarians classify Middle Grade and Young Adult books–and why–I wrote a blog post to help clarify the rules.

2025 Mid-Summer Middle Grade & Young Adult Book List

Thank you to Amazon for book covers, links, and blurbs*

This bi-annual compilation offers a good cross-section of genres for teens and tweens. Like in the last few years, a lot of new YA Fantasy and Middle Grade Action/Adventure stories were recently released. There are books on the list for all readers to get them through the rest of the summer!

Below are just a few highlights in no particular order. Some are new, and some are older, rediscovered books that were just added to the list. For the entire printable list available from Bookfunnel, click here: 2025 Mid-Summer MG/YA Book List.

YOUNG ADULT FICTIONby Suzanne CollinsSunrise on the Reaping

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

by Tracy DeonnOathbound: Book 3 in the Legendborn Cycle

Severed from the Legendborn. Oathbound to a monster.

Bree Matthews is alone. She exiled herself from the Legendborn Order, cut her ancestral connections, and turned away from the friends who can’t understand the impossible cost of her powers. This is the only way to keep herself—and those she loves—safe.

But Bree’s decision has come with a terrible price: an unbreakable bargain with the Shadow King himself, a shapeshifter who can move between humanity, the demon underworld, and the Legendborn secret society. In exchange for training to wield her unprecedented abilities, Bree has put her future in the Shadow King’s hands—and unwittingly bound herself to do his bidding as his new protégé.

Meanwhile, the other Scions must face war while their Round Table is fractured, leaderless, and missing its Kingsmage, as Selwyn has also disappeared. When Nick invokes an ancient law that requires the High Council of Regents to grant him an audience, the Order’s Merlins imprison him. No one knows what he will demand of the Regents…or what secrets he has kept hidden from the Table.

As a string of mysterious kidnappings escalates and Merlins are found dead, it becomes clear that no matter how hard Bree runs from who she is, the past will always find her.

by Sophie ClarkCruel is the Light

It is said that love conquers all. But will it tear them apart?

Humanity has waged a bloody war against demons for more than a century, with two elite soldiers now leading the fight: Selene Alleva, a powerful exorcist trained at the prestigious Vatican Academy, and orphan Jules Lacroix, unrivaled on the battlefield.

When their paths cross, the distrust—and unwelcome attraction—is immediately apparent. But to get to the bottom of a series of unprecedented demon attacks, Selene and Jules strike an uneasy alliance, agreeing to an unusual arrangement: a fake engagement. With Jules posing as Selene’s estranged fiancé, they head to the holy Vatican City in search of answers—only to discover a terrible secret.

Soon Jules is forced to question everything he’s ever known—including himself. And Selene, unable to ignore her growing feelings for Jules, must make an impossible choice between love and duty.

by Kristen CiccarelliRebel Witch

A WITCH…
Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER…
Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by joining forces with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE…
When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

by Shelby MahurinThe Shadow Bride

Célie’s life is over. She took her final breath trying to save the people she loves—including the powerful and enigmatic vampire king, Michal, who refused to let her go. When Célie wakes, she cannot walk in the sun; she can hear her friends’ heartbeats and she craves their blood. Michal has cursed her to the eternal existence of a vampire.

But Célie isn’t the only dead roaming the earth. Her sister, Filippa, has returned as a shadow of her former self, and other revenants are rising from their graves intent on revenge. The fragile balance between life and death has broken, awakening an even darker force—and he is coming for Célie, ready to claim her as his Bride. With the fate of their world at stake, Célie and Michal must set aside their searing attraction to mend the veil and right the balance, once and for all.

by Lynn PainterFake Skating

Growing up, Dani couldn’t help but follow around the adorable son of her mom’s best friend. Funny, kind of nerdy, and a little soft, Alec was always down to hang with Dani when they were little. From play dates on the playground to sneaking into movie theaters, Dani and Alec were inseparable. Until Dani moved away. Alec promised they’d stay in touch—except, they didn’t.

Flash forward and Dani is back in Minnesota for her senior year, she and her mom living with her grandfather. Dealing with the fallout of her parents’ devastating divorce, Dani wouldn’t mind a nerd-out with the cozy and comforting Alec (and maybe a chance to confront him on his MIA status for all these years). But teenage Alec is nothing like the kid Dani remembers. He’s a hockey star in a town where hockey players are worshiped as gods. Dani’s place as his shadow has been taken up by drooling female fans…and he loves it.

Dani is resolved to ice out her former best friend until an unlikely series of events brings them together—and forces them to fake being a couple. Once forced together, the former childhood sweethearts begin to reconnect, unearth complicated family secrets, and face their true feelings towards each other…including the real reason Alec has been pushing Dani away 

Middle Grade Fiction and Non-Fiction Booksby Katie SchonPainting Wonder

Just in time for the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe comes Painting Wonder, an enchanting picture book biography about the artist whose illustrations brought the worlds of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien to life.

Young Pauline Baynes lives in India, a land of towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and bright flowers. She even has a pet monkey that joins her for tea. 

Then her life takes a turn, and Pauline is sent to dreary England. Books bring light and color to her world, so she sets out to paint the stories she loves. Years later, two iconic authors see her paintings and know she’s the illustrator for their stories―of fire-breathing dragons, towering giants, a golden lion, and four brave children.

Follow Pauline into some of the most beloved and prominent landscapes in all of children’s literature: the magical lands of J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

by Anna Rose JohnsonThe Blossoming Summer

When English thirteen-year-old Rosemary is evacuated to her grandmother in America at the start of World War II, she uncovers the family secret—they are Anishinaabe and passing as white.

Life in England is all Rosemary has ever known. . . but as WWII changes the world, no one’s life is left unscathed. Suddenly, she’s sent away to escape the devastation of London. Her grandmother’s house on Lake Superior is safe, but unfamiliar, especially as she discovers her parents have kept a tremendous secret.

Rosemary and her family are Anishinaabe—and no one is supposed to know.

Far from home but newly connected to a once-hidden part of her family, Rosemary develops a warm, close relationship with her grandmother… and a local boy whose love of gardening helps her to see the beauty in her unexpected circumstances. As Rosemary grows into her new life like a flower in bloom, she realizes that maybe she’s not as far from home as she thought. 

by Adrianna CuevasWhat Fell From The Sky

All Pineda Matlage wants is to get through the school year and maybe pull an epic prank or two with his friends Junior, Ernesto, and Patsy. But class is disrupted when a slew of American soldiers descends upon their rural Texan town of Soledad. They’ll be carrying out a training exercise and taking over everything, from Pineda’s school to the local government.

But Pineda knows why they’re really here. For days he’s hidden the strange creature who fell from the sky in his parents’ barn. He promised her he’d find her family and help them return home. But with soldiers now on every street corner and armed checkpoints across every road, reuniting his new friend with her missing parents seems an impossible task. Especially when they realize that the army’s presence is really a coverup for capturing his alien friends―being observed in a laboratory by the US government for reasons of their own.

Enlisting the help of his friends, a Black soldier adjusting to a newly integrated army, and townspeople tired of the military’s destructive presence, Pineda and all of Soledad will embark on an adventure none of them could have ever expected.

by Nicole M. HewittThe Song of Orphan’s Garden

In an arctic world that’s getting colder every day, Lyriana’s only hope of survival is to get her little brother Zave and herself to the fabled Orphan’s Garden. It’s rumored to be the one place in the world not controlled by deadly Winter Spirits or ruled by the tyrant Giant king. In Orphan’s Garden, healing trees will melt away Winter’s pains, and Lyriana and Zave can live safely in the warmth of Spring. If the garden exists, they must find it. They won’t live much longer without it.

Brob, a Giant boy, also needs sanctuary. When the Giant king banishes his family to the Winter Blight, it’s a death sentence. Orphan’s Garden is his family’s only hope, and as far as Brob’s concerned, it belongs to him. After all, he was the one who accidentally used an ancient magic to grow the garden years ago. He has no intention of sharing his haven with pesky humans, who will just use up its magic and ruin it.

When it becomes clear that Orphan’s Garden is in danger of being destroyed, Lyriana and Brob are the only ones who can save it―but only if they can put the ages-old battle between Humans and Giants aside and find a way to work together.

by Mary AverlingThe Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay

Maudie isn’t your typical twelve-year-old girl—she’s the ghost of one. Along with her best friend Kit and little brother Scratch, she haunts a cottage in the woods, doing her best to scare off the vacationers and forget her old life.

But everything changes when Kit and Scratch go missing. Maudie knows something terrible must have happened, and she’s right: Longfingers—a monster from her own nightmares, with spidery fingers and needle-sharp teeth—has stolen her friends away.

Longfingers makes Maudie a twisted deal: find the key to a door in a mysterious cabin, or she’ll never see her friends again. With nobody else to turn to, Maudie has to beg for help from Gianna, the living girl she’s been haunting. Together, the girls search for a way to thwart the monster and save Maudie’s friends.

But Maudie’s keeping secrets about the cabin and her past. Unless she finds a way to finally face the truth, she may never be able to rescue her friends from Longfingers’s grasp.

by Jill NewFreedom Fire: Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement

For as long as she could remember, Kaya Morgan has spent her summers with her dad at the greatest place on Earth: The Renaissance Faire. Full of performers cosplaying as thieving pirates, enchanting fairies, and courageous heroes, the Ren Faire has always been a place where anyone could be anything they wanted to be. And for as long as she could remember, Kaya and her dad have dreamed of her someday being named the first Black Queen of the Faire

Unfortunately for the last two summers, Kaya has been known as something else: the girl with the dead dad. But she’s not going to let anyone stop her from taking her place as the Queen’s apprentice (the first step on her journey towards Queen). But when the role is given to the pretty and blonde Jessie, the only spot left for Kaya is the Court Jester (who doesn’t even come with a crown).

It’s bad enough that it’s another summer at the Ren Faire without her dad, and that her family thinks her love of medieval times is weird. But with everyone around Kaya determined to put her in a role she doesn’t want to be in, Kaya must decide whether to hold onto her old dreams no matter what, or realize that it’s okay for new dreams to become reality.

by Leland MelvinSpace Chasers

Launch into action in T-Minus 3, 2, 1… 

When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she’d pass. After all, she never really fit in at school.

In fact, she’s been skipping school most days to work at her brother’s auto shop instead. But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she’s part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth.

But the perils of space are unpredictable and Tia finds herself with only half her crew and no adults around to help. Now she must rely on her instincts and the quick thinking of her fellow kid astronauts to save the space station and their lives!

Disclaimer: Some of these books are (or once were) controversial. Some older YAs have closed-door or open-door adult situations, and others (YA & MG) deal with harsh issues such as suicide, bullying, war, poverty, drug use, social media anxiety, and loss of a parent. As a librarian, reader’s advisor, author, and mother, I’ve learned that tweens and teens tend to read within their comfort zone, both emotionally and reading-level wise. All of these books offer a chance for parents and kids to discuss which topics are appropriate now and which books are best left for another time. But I hope you all find books that will give your family new adventures and imaginary friends.

See you in January for the 2026 Mid-Winter Young Adult and Middle Grade Book List!

*The books listed in this blog post are in no particular order.

The post 2025 Mid-Summer Middle Grade & Young Adult Book List first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Midsummer Florals in Romantic Fiction

There’s something magical about midsummer blooms—including the heady scent of honeysuckle on the breeze, the sudden burst of color in a wildflower field, or the quiet message tucked into a bridal bouquet. As a novelist (and a not-so-secret lover of flower symbolism), I’ve always been drawn to the way florals carry hidden weight in stories, especially in romance, where every detail matters.

In my Kingsmill Courtships Series, Ivy Mosby, one of my favorite heroines who stars in A Bonfire Night to Remember, is a florist who uses flowers to speak when words fail. Whether she’s planning a wedding or helping a heartbroken client, Ivy knows the power of petals. And Midsummer is the perfect time to explore how blooms can deepen emotional arcs, build character, and foreshadow change.

Midsummer Florals in Romantic Fiction 1. Roses – Love, Secrets & Layers

No flower is more iconic or misunderstood than the rose. Red roses shout love, yes, but white whispers remembrance, pink offers grace, and yellow sometimes speaks of jealousy or lost friendship.

How to use in fiction: Give a heroine a rose garden where each bloom represents a lost relationship or let a bouquet of mixed roses hint at a character’s conflicted heart.

My favorite example in fiction: The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
The roses in Penelope’s garden reflect decades of love, regret, and family ties. A classic multigenerational tale where florals feel like characters in their own right.

2. Sunflowers – Loyalty & Longing

Sunflowers are bold and bright, but their meaning goes deeper and they symbolize unwavering loyalty and hope, always turning toward the light even on the darkest days.

How to use in fiction: Let a field of sunflowers mark a turning point or healing scene—perfect for an emotionally reserved character finally opening up.

My favorite example in fiction: Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly
Set during the Civil War, this story follows three strong women whose lives intersect in surprising ways. Sunflowers appear as a reminder of brightness in the darkest times, standing tall and turning toward hope even amid war and hardship.

3. Peonies – Romance, Wealth & Hidden Depths

Peonies are lush and romantic, often used in weddings, but in Victorian floriography they also suggest bashfulness or even shame. Beauty hiding vulnerability.

How to use in fiction: A wedding bouquet with peonies could reflect a character hiding something—or hint at the “second chances” theme of a romance.

My favorite example in fiction:  Peony in Love by Lisa See
This story follows a young woman in 17th-century China who becomes obsessed with a famous opera and the idea of tragic love. Peonies bloom not just in the gardens of her family estate, but in her imagination, marking moments of desire, heartbreak, and transformation.

4. Chamomile – Resilience & Rest

Often overlooked in favor of flashier flowers, chamomile represents calm, patience, and healing—a gentle strength. It thrives in rough conditions.

How to use in fiction: Have a character brew chamomile tea before a hard conversation, or keep a patch of it growing outside a war hero’s window.

My favorite example in fiction: The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. In this dual-timeline novel about a secret apothecary serving women in 18th-century London—and a modern-day historian who uncovers its mysteries—chamomile appears as a calming, healing herb, symbolizing peace, comfort, and quiet rebellion.

5. Lavender – Memory & Clarity

Lavender doesn’t just smell amazing, it also symbolizes devotion, peace, and even cleansing of past wounds.

How to use in fiction: Use lavender to mark the beginning of healing, maybe in a new home, along a wedding aisle, or a scent tied to someone lost.

My favorite example in fiction:  The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
This book is full of grief, growth, and gardens… lavender included. It’s a tribute to how life keeps blooming even after heartbreak.

6. Lily – Renewal, Purity, and Silent Strength

The lily has long symbolized purity, rebirth, and the quiet resilience of the human heart. It often appears in stories of grief and healing, representing a fresh start after loss.

My favorite example in fiction: The Christmas Lily by Sharon Wray. A prequel to my Deadly Force romantic suspense series, a mysterious lily mirrors the heroine’s emotional journey as she returns home for the holidays, carrying regrets and the hope of a second chance. The presence of lilies—delicate yet enduring—underscores the story’s deeper themes of forgiveness and the kind of strength that quietly grows even in the coldest seasons.

Write Your Own Language of Flowers

Flowers don’t have to be the central theme of your story to matter. A single bloom can say more than a monologue. Think about your characters—what flower suits their personality? What bouquet would symbolize their growth?

The post Midsummer Florals in Romantic Fiction first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Tomato Tart

This recipe is not hard to make, but it takes time since the dough really needs to chill overnight for at least 12 hours. Luckily, the dough can be made 2 days ahead. I only make this recipe in the summer when the tomatoes are at their freshest and juiciest. I love to use heirloom tomatoes if I can find them, along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I hope you all have a great weekend and are staying cool in these hot and humid summer days!

KINGSMILL REHEARSAL DINNER MENU SERIES

Welcome to my Kingsmill Rehearsal Dinner Menu series inspired by the fictional wedding celebration in my two new stories, A Room with a Groom (from Save the Date Anthology) and Luke’s Last Love Kiss (from Finding Forever Anthology). This blog series brings the charm of small-town Kingsmill to your summer table. 

Both love stories unfold in the heart of the Virginia mountains, and each features a special rehearsal dinner held near the town’s historic 18th-century mill, along the Shenandoah River. For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the seasonal recipes from that riverside celebration and today’s recipe is one of my all-time summer favorites: Tomato Tart

PrintTomato TartThis recipe takes some extra time to prepare since the dough really needs to chill in the refrigerator overnight. You can chill it for 2 hours minimum, but the extra time makes a big difference to how fluffy the dough is. Otherwise, this is an easy dish to put together and it's perfect for this time of year when the tomatoes are the freshest and juiciest. Course Side DishPrep Time 45 minutes minutesCook Time 15 minutes minutesChilling Time 1 day dayServings 6Calories 670kcalIngredientsCHEDDAR CHEESE PASTRY2 ½ cups flour plus extra for dusting1 teaspoon sea salt flakes1 cup sour cream2/3 cup salted butter2 ounces cheddar cheese gratedWALNUT PESTO2 garlic cloves¼ cup walnuts chopped1 bunch fresh basil1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil1 ounce Parmesan grated1 ounce Pecorino Romano gratedflaky sea salt to tasteTOMATO TART1 disc cheddar cheese puff pastry from above2 large tomatoes sliced3.5 ounces ricotta2 Tablespoons walnut pesto from abovesalt to tasteblack pepper to tasteolive oil for drizzling1 beaten egg for egg washDried basil to tasteDried oregano to tasteInstructionsCheddar Cheese PastryWash a large metal bowl and a box grater. Dry well. Place the bowl, grater, and the butter in the freezer for 20 minutes.Take out the bowl, grater and butter from the freezer. In the bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then grate the butter into the flour and, using your fingers, rub the butter Ito the flour until the mixture looks like small peas. In the center of the flour/butter mixture, add the sour cream and cheddar cheese. Use a fork to mix it all together until the dough is moist. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and gently knead the dough a few times and form into a disk. Cover the disc with plastic and chill in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight. Overnight is better. Take the dough out of the fridge and place on a lightly floured counter. Roll out the dough until it is a rectangle about 3/4" thick. Then fold the dough into thirds, turn the dough clockwise, and roll it out again until it's a 3/4" thick rectangle. Repeat this at least 6 times, always moving clockwise, until you have many layers and the dough is really smooth.Cut the finished dough in half, cover each in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge until using for up to 2 days. It can also store in the freezer for up to 3 months.Walnut PestoIn a food processor, process the walnuts, cloves, and a pinch of salt until it is kind of chunky, Then add in the basil leaves. Process while slowly adding in the olive oil until it is smooth. In a medium size bowl, stir together the Parmesan and Pecorino and Romano cheeses with the salt. Stir in the pesto and mix until well blended. Set aside.Tomato TartPreheat the oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a 9" deep dish pie plate.Wash and slice the tomatoes, placing them on a baking sheet lined with lots of paper towels. Sprinkle salt over the tomatoes and let them rest for 10 minutes. This will release excess moisture. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and pesto until combined.Using one disc of dough, roll it out on a lightly floured counter with a rolling pin. Roll the dough into a circle that is about 1 1/2" thick and 10" in diameter. Lay the dough into the pie plate and leave the edges hanging off for now.Spread the ricotta pesto mixture over the bottom of the pastry. Place the tomato slices over the cheese, layering as you please, and sprinkle the top with a pinch of salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano and a bit of olive oil drizzled over top. Fold the extra dough edges in for a more rustic tart, or flute the edges of the dough. Use the egg wash over the outer edges of the tart and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy and the cheese is lightly bubbling in the center. Let the tart rest for at least 20 minutes before serving.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Tomato Tart first appeared on Sharon Wray.

A Cover Reveal for One Night by Firelight

This coming December, I’m collaborating with a wonderful group of authors in a charity anthology called Heroes, Holidays, and Hope Vol. 3 where all the proceed supportsWounded Warrior Project®. But today I want to share the cover and blurb for my story within this anthology. It’s a novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series called One Night by Firelight. It’s about Abe Mosby, an Army Ranger, who rescues Daphne Thibodeaux, a stranded (and famous) ballerina during a rainstorm in New York State. While their attraction is instant, neither expects their paths to collide at a Memorial Day wedding deep in the Virginia mountains. But in a town full of secrets and second chances, love might be the storm they never saw coming.

One Night by Firelight

She’s looking for a way forward. He’s searching for what he left behind. Neither expected to find each other… or a lifetime of love.

After years on the front lines as an Army Ranger, Abe Mosby isn’t used to standing still. But when a half-truth sends him chasing whispers of his missing mother in Sleepy Hollow, New York, he ends up waist-deep in floodwaters while pulling a ballerina out of a sinking car.

Daphne Thibodeaux thought a weekend in the mountains of Kingsmill, Virginia for her best friend’s Memorial Day wedding might help her reset. After a career-ending injury stole her spotlight, she’s been lost, uncertain, and craving solid ground… until she meets the handsome soldier who saves her life.

Abe is all hard edges and restless energy. Daphne is grace under pressure. Yet one look, one dance, and one lightning strike of a connection forces them to confront feelings neither one understands.

But when family secrets and an outlaw MC’s trouble catches up to them in Kingsmill, the storm that brought them together might tear them apart—unless they’re willing to fight for the unexpected future they’ve only just begun to imagine.

This book releases on December 6, 2025.

Preorder Now!

One Night by Firelight will be included in the Heroes, Holidays, and Hope Romance Anthology Vol. 3, release date December 6, 2025.

Sacrifice. Valor. Patriotism.

They fought courageously on the battlefield. Now they’re fighting for love.

We are a group of Veterans and Veterans’ family members who are also bestselling and award-winning romance authors. We put our group together to publish a yearly limited edition, military romance collection set around various holidays. Each volume supports a military and veteran related charity.

We’re excited to bring you our third collection, which supports Wounded Warrior Project®, whose mission is to empower wounded service personnel through programs and services such as long-term rehabilitative care, mental health care, and career counseling.

“Peace does not come just because we wish for it. Peace must be fought for.” Lyndon Johnson, 1966. And so it is on Memorial Day that we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.

These stories embody sacrifice and resilience, passion and love, and the enduring human spirit. Enjoy these military romances of various tropes set around the Memorial Day holiday.

This “must have” collection is only available for 6 months after launch day, then it’s gone for good as we prepare for Volume 4!

preorder now!

The post A Cover Reveal for One Night by Firelight first appeared on Sharon Wray.

In Case of Wildfires

A few months ago we discussed building a Family Emergency Binder and a Family Emergency Plan. Then, a few weeks ago, I wrote a post about what to do in case of power outages. Those posts discuss about how to protect your family from disasters and how to rebuild your life after an emergency. But now that we’re in midsummer, it’s wildfires season.

Every summer, wildfire season becomes more dangerous and unpredictable. Whether you live in a high-risk area or you’re just traveling through, wildfires can start and spread quickly—sometimes without warning. This post isn’t meant to be an expert-level survival manual, but a curated collection of trusted resources from government agencies and wildfire professionals. It’s designed for anyone, regardless of experience, who wants to take real, practical steps to protect their home, family, and community from wildfire risk.

 Trusted Resources to Help You Prevent & Deal with the Threat of Wildfires: Home & Property Protection Ready.gov Wildfires This government website offers simple checklists for before, during, and after a wildfire. There are also resources for evacuation planning and tips for reducing home ignition risks. Firewise USA (National Fire Protection Association) This is a nationwide program with guidelines for creating defensible space and community-level fire mitigation plans. Wildfire Risk to Communities USDA Forest Service’s website is a “free, easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk.”This website includes interactive maps, risk assessments, and community-specific strategies based on U.S. Forest Service data. Evacuation Planning Ready, Set, Go! Program (International Association of Fire Chiefs) This website offers evacuation checklists, family communication plans, and key “go-bag” essentials tailored for wildfire evacuations. USDA Forest Service Wildfire Risk to Communities Evacuation Readiness This section of the website has all the information you need to learn about how to prepare your home in case you have to evacuate. Cal Fire – Prepare for Wildfire App & Resources Although this website is for California residents, it has some excellent resources on how to build emergency kits and how to prep vehicles for evacuation. It’s information that everyone can use. I especially love their directions on how to build a “Go Bag”. Prevention & Reporting Smokey Bear – Wildfire Prevention I’m sure some of you are old enough to remember the public service commercials featuring Smokey the Bear. Well, some things haven’t changed and this friendly, educational website is stuffed with free resources about how to prevent wildfires while camping, cooking outdoors, or burning yard debris. Highly, highly recommend reading all the pages on this site–there is so much to learn about this important topic. National Interagency Fire Center This site provides current wildfire updates, fire potential outlooks, and nationwide wildfire activity maps. AirNow.gov – Smoke and Air Quality Alerts This site offers real-time smoke tracking and air quality alerts—critical during wildfire season even for those far from the flames. I’m always shocked when I smell smoke and discover it’s coming from Canada or the western states.

The post In Case of Wildfires first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Summerween Movie Magic

I know I recently wrote about my favorite romantic summer movies, but I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Summerween… that time of the year when those of us who hate summer begin the countdown to fall. Since I’m stuck inside until pumpkin lattes go on sale, I decided to share some of my favorite Summerween movies that I watch while basking beneath the AC or put on an outdoor screen on those nights when the humidity doesn’t threaten to choke me. Most of these movies are available on various streaming platforms, or if you’re like me, you may even have a few on DVDs.

Some of these movies are older movies, and a few are romantic fantasies and rom-coms (before those genres were actually things.) But all of them are filled with all the Summerween feels to enjoy while waiting until September to arrive. Many are family-friendly, but some are for adult audiences only. So light a candle, draw a heart in your journal, and pop the popcorn. These films are here to remind you that a little magic goes a long way even when it’s still tank top season.

I’ve not included links to the streaming services because the rights to movies are constantly being sold between the services so it’s hard to keep up. All trailers courtesy of YouTube.

 Favorite Summerween Movies 1. Practical MAgic (1998)

Sisters, spells, second chances, and margaritas at midnight. Romance + magic + Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman = the perfect summerween summer movie!

2. stardust (2007)

A fallen star, a lovestruck hero, sky pirates, and a glam witch played by Michelle Pfeiffer makes this movie a romantic fantasy adventure that deserves all the rewatch love.

3. Bell, Book and Candle (1950)

Classic rom-com meets witchy charm. Kim Novak falls in love with Jimmy Stewart and risks her powers for romance.

4. Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Based on a great Young Adult novel, this Southern Gothic teenage romance is filled with curses, secrets, and swoony moments. Great for fans of supernatural slow burns.

5. hocus pocus 2 (2022)

New witches, old favorites, and a fresh twist on legacy and love. Not a love story per se, but it hits that nostalgic sweet spot.

6. howl’s moving castle (2004)

A Studio Ghibli masterpiece. A cursed girl meets a dramatic wizard. Enchanting and romantic in all the best ways.

7. the secret of moonacre (2008)

Magic, mystery, and a fairytale feel. Not as well-known, but full of charming visuals and romantic undercurrents.

8. Maleficent (2014)

Love in many forms, including romantic, platonic, maternal. A magical twist on a classic villain’s story with a soft heart underneath the horns.

9. labyrinth (1986)

A teenage girl journeys through a magical maze to rescue her brother from the Goblin King only to discover temptation, transformation, and a touch of dark romance along the way. (And this one comes with David Bowie in leather pants!)

10. Penelope (2006)

A quirky, modern fairy tale about a woman cursed with a pig’s snout who learns love begins with self-acceptance. Sweet, magical, and cozy with just enough whimsy for Summerween.

11. ella enchanted (2004)

Curses, talking books, and a charming prince. This YA fantasy rom-com has just the right amount of magic and romance, perfect for a lighter Summerween option.

12. The Addams Family (1991)

Filled with romance, chaos, and gothic glamour, this delightfully dark comedy proves that love (and eyeliner) can be eternal.

13. The Haunted Mansion (2003)

A realtor, a cursed mansion, and ghostly hijinks means spooky fun with a big heart and bigger laughs.

14. The Haunted Mansion (2023)

Ghosts, grief, and a haunted house with heart… this supernatural tale brings cozy chills and a dash of emotional depth.

15. Tim Burton’s Sleepy HOllow (1999)

Dark magic, decapitations, and a dreamy detective make a gothic romance-thriller that delivers spooky seduction with a side of supernatural folklore.

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The Magic of Midsummer Story Ideas

There’s something about midsummer that feels caught between. The long golden hours seem endless, but deep down we know the light is beginning to fade. It’s a season of paradox, of celebration and longing, magic and melancholy. Maybe that’s why midsummer has always inspired storytellers. From ancient festivals to modern novels, this halfway point between the solstices practically begs to be woven into fiction.

As writers, we have the perfect excuse to lean into the mood of the season and use it to inspire new characters, scenes, and plotlines. Midsummer only comes once a year, but the ideas it plants can bloom long after the light fades.

When Midsummer Inspires the Story Why Midsummer is a Story Goldmine

Midsummer has deep roots in mythology and folklore. Across cultures, it’s been celebrated as a time when the veil between worlds thins, when anything can happen. Love spells, bonfire rites, mysterious disappearances, and secret wishes under full moons… all the ingredients for a compelling scene or a character’s turning point.

Whether your genre is romantic suspense, fairy tale fantasy, or contemporary drama, midsummer gives you permission to write big emotions. Here are just a few thematic touchpoints that bloom this time of year:

Change – The year is half over. Where is your character emotionally? What’s already been lost or gained?Longing – Think hazy, heat-drunk yearning. The kind of nostalgia that makes characters take big risks or chase someone they shouldn’t.Magic – Folkloric or emotional, midsummer casts a spells that are perfect for second chances or sudden revelations. A Few Midsummer Scene Ideas:1. The Lantern Walk

Scene Prompt:
A town tradition calls for everyone to gather at twilight on the summer solstice and walk through the woods with handmade lanterns. One lantern doesn’t light until it passes someone unexpected.

Character Prompt:
Sketch someone who never believed in the legend until the night their lantern flickers to life.

2. The Forgotten Bonfire

Scene Prompt:
A secret bonfire is held in the ruins of an abandoned orchard where teens once gathered every summer night. This year, someone returns who was never meant to come back.

Character Prompt:
Write about a character who left town with a secret and now must face the person who’s waited every midsummer since.

3. The Heat Wave Haunting

Scene Prompt:
A record-breaking heat wave has gripped the town. Power is out. Tempers flare. And in the stifling nights, someone begins hearing whispers in the attic.

Character Prompt:
Draw a character who believes they’re hallucinating from heat and exhaustion… but maybe the ghosts are real.

The Firefly Pact

Scene Prompt:
Two childhood friends made a promise under the fireflies on a sweltering night. Now, ten years later, one of them returns with the old firefly jar, a secret, and an unbelievable story.

Character Prompt:
Who broke the promise and why? Does the other still remember?

Character Sketch Prompts:1. The Keeper of Old Fires

This character is the last of their family to carry on a tradition: lighting the midsummer bonfire. But this year, they’re considering letting it die out for a reason no one in town knows.

What secret are they guarding about the fire?How do they feel as the town gathers?Who is the one person who might change their mind?2. The Stranger Who Remembers

They arrive in a small town where no one knows them except the local historian, who recognizes their face from a decades-old photo. And the date on the back reads: July 14, 1923.

What do they remember… or claim to?Why did they return during midsummer?What do they want from the historian?3. The Heatwave Medic

A nurse on duty during a brutal heatwave starts noticing strange coincidences: all their emergency calls seem connected to one family… or one event from the past.

Are they haunted or being called?How do they cope with the heat, stress, and unraveling mystery?What is their personal stake in what’s happening? Seasonal Writing PromptsWrite a scene where a character makes a wish at midsummer and it unexpectedly comes true.Set a pivotal romantic moment at a summer solstice festival.Create a suspense scene where a secret is revealed only during the longest day of the year.Use a bonfire as the emotional centerpiece of a group scene. What gets burned, confessed, or thrown into the flames?  Midsummer Writer’s Playlist What Inspires Your Midsummer Creativity?

Do you have a favorite seasonal writing ritual? A playlist that feels like summer twilight? A certain scene you always revisit when fireflies start blinking outside your window? Let this time of year be your invitation to write something a little weirder, dreamier, and riskier than usual.

Now grab a lemonade, get to work, and meet me here next week.

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The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Cornbread Salad

This recipe is easy to make and can be made a day ahead. If you make it the same day, it needs to be chilled at least three hours before serving. I always use Jiffy cornbread instead of making my own, mostly because it’s easier. But the sweeter taste of Jiffy’s cornbread mix blends nicely with the Ranch dressing.

I hope you all have a great weekend and are enjoying these hot and humid summer days!

KINGSMILL REHEARSAL DINNER MENU SERIES

Welcome to my Kingsmill Rehearsal Dinner Menu series inspired by the fictional wedding celebration in my two new stories, A Room with a Groom (from Save the Date Anthology) and Luke’s Last Love Kiss (from Finding Forever Anthology). This blog series brings the charm of small-town Kingsmill to your summer table. 

Both love stories unfold in the heart of the Virginia mountains, and each features a special rehearsal dinner held near the town’s historic 18th-century mill, along the Shenandoah River. For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the seasonal recipes from that riverside celebration and today’s recipe is one of my favorites: Cornbread Salad.

[image error] PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: Cornbread SaladI love this salad, but I don't love raw onions and peppers so I often leave them out and the salad is just as delicious.Course SaladPrep Time 30 minutes minutesCook Time 15 minutes minutesServings 16IngredientsDressing1 10-ounce package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing1 cup mayonnaise1 cup sour creamSalad2 boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix2 egg2/3 cup milk2 16-ounce cans black beans rinsed (or your favorite kind of bean)3 large tomatoes chopped1/2 cup green pepper chopped (optional)1/2 cup red peppers chopped (optional)1/4 cup green onions chopped2 cans sweet corn drained2 cups shredded cheddar cheeseInstructionsDressingIn a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.Make the Jiffy Corn Muffin mix according to the directions (using 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk per box) and bake in two greased 9" round cake pans. Bake for about 10 minutes, but check at 8 minutes to make sure the cornbread doesn't burn. Once it's baked, cool in a baking rack for at least 15 minutes.While cornbread is baking, mix the black beans, tomatoes, corn, green onions and peppers in a large bowl. Stir until the veggies are combined and blended. Set aside.Build this salad in a large, glass bowl. Layer the salad with 1 cornbread crumbled in the bottom of the bowl. On top of the cornbread, spoon half of the veggie mixture. Then layer half the dressing and then layer half the cheese. Repeat the layers with cornbread, veggies, dressing, and finish the salad by topping it with the cheddar cheese. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.

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Summer Car Travel Preps: Updated

A few months ago we discussed how to prepare for long (and short) summer road trips. But this summer has been a wild ride on the roads. From flash floods turning highways into rivers, to power lines downed by storms with multi-hour backups in the aftermath, road travel this year has been more intense than usual. While those posts are still detailed and relevant, I wanted to add this updated guide with fresh insights and reliable government resources for a safe, smoother trip.

Before I get started, here’s a list of the posts I’ve recently written to help you prepare for all kinds of travel this summer… and into the fall and holiday seasons.

Prep & Plan: Summer Road TripsIn Case of Power OutagesUpdated Summer Airline Rules (2025)Packing for Summer TravelsWhere are We Going Next? (TSA/Travel Tips)Summer First Aid KitPrep & Plan: Summer Road TripsPrep & Plan: Travel Safety TipsTraveling with PetsPrep & Plan: Packing Lists Summer Travel Troubles: What’s New—and What You Can Do

1. Monitor the Weather Before and During Your Trip

Storms are bigger, faster, and messier this year, from record-breaking rains in the Southeast to surprise tornadoes in the Midwest. Then there’s Tropical Storm Chantal bearing down and the terrible tragedies occurring in Texas from those flash floods. One of the first things you can do is actively monitor the weather. Not just the day you leave, but keeping track of weather updates along your route and once at your destination. It seems silly to write that since it’s common sense, but sometimes the excitement–and stress–of traveling keeps me distracted and I forget the basics.

 Tip: Check live alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management sites.

 Tip: Buy and keep a solar/battery-powered radio in the car. I like this one. It’s not expensive (and Prime Day is on until July 11) and has multiple ways to charge. It includes a flashlight, smart phone chargers, and you can get weather and hazard updates from 7 NOAA stations in real time.

Bookmark: FEMA’s Disaster Alerts and NOAA Weather Radar

2. Plan Alternate Routes and Stay Road-Aware

Flooding and downed trees can shut down your main route quickly. Use your state’s 511 travel system or DOT app to check real-time closures. For example: Virginia 511, California 511, or search “[your state] 511”.

 Tip: Print or download alternate routes before you lose cell signal in rural areas. Or even buy paper maps from local gas stations along your route–yes, they are still printed and sold and they’ve saved us time and hassles are than once.

Bookmark: Federal Highway Administration: 511 Links

3. Know What to Do Around Downed Power Lines

Summer storms = more trees falling on lines. Stay at least 30 feet away from any line, even if it “looks off.” Last week I wrote a blog post about this topic and you can find it here.

If you see a downed line: Call 911 or your local utility provider immediately. Do not touch anything nearby—including fences or puddles.

Bookmark: Ready.gov Power Outage Safety

4. Pack a Summer “Car Emergency Kit”

Even if you’re not heading cross-country, keep a stocked vehicle kit and don’t forget to customize it for your region and passengers, including kids, pets, and older adults–or any other person who has mobility or medical issues. Below is the absolute basics to have in the car.

Bottled water, shelf-stable snacksFirst aid suppliesPhone charger + backup power bankFlashlight with extra batteriesPrinted map or state highway atlasTire pressure gaugeEmergency radio (separate from the car’s radio)

Bookmark: FEMA’s checklist: Emergency Supply List

Bookmark: My blog post about Travel Emergency First Aid Kids

5. Never Drive Through Floodwater

The rule still applies in 2025: Turn around, don’t drown. Just 6 inches of water can stall your car. One foot can sweep it away. And if you’re caught in a flash flood zone, get to higher ground as fast as you can. Don’t wait to see what will happen–just run.

Bookmark: National Weather Service Flood Safety

6. Get Emergency Alerts Straight to Your Phone

Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) through your smartphone or local emergency management system. That way you’ll be the first to know about weather warnings, evacuations, and more even if you’re not watching the news. The FEMA link below leads to a main page that walks you through the history of the Emergency Alert System and how to use it. From there, you can click on other pages of the website with more specific information about the program. But if you have time, read the FAQs. They’re a little bit concerning in a tragically humorous kind of way.

Bookmark:  FEMA’s Alert System Overview

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Sarah Munro’s Summer Foot Scrub

It’s sandal season! That means that more attention than ever is paid to our feet. So when the days get too hot and sweaty, and you want to keep your feet soft and callous-free, it’s time for a good old-fashioned foot scrub. This recipe uses essential oils and Celtic sea salt and no preservatives or artificial colors. This scrub works great on tired feet as well as those tough spots that can happen when you’re working out in sneakers in the heat as well as when you wear sandals for the first time after months in socks and shoes. Since sometimes it’s hard to find organic essential oils and sea salt, I buy my organic necessities from Mountain Rose Herbs.

For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because some recent studies have found that foot scrubs with essential oils not only reduce callouses and soften your skin, they help improve circulation in our feet and lower extremities. This, in turn, relaxes blood vessels and promotes better blood delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the area. Also, sea salt is a proven muscle relaxer.

Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sunflower oil8 drops lavender essential oil4 drops lemon essential oil3/4 cup Celtic sea salt[image error]Directions for Summer Foot ScrubIn a clean glass bowl, stir together all essential oils with the sunflower oil. Stir until well blended.Mix in the salt, a Tablespoon at a time, and keep stirring until it feels like damp sand. You may need to add more or less to get your preferred consistency.Pour the scrub into a clean, sterilized glass container with a tight-fitting lid.To use: Soak your feet in warm water, take 1-2 Tablespoons of the scrub and rub it on your feet. Do this 1-3 times a week making sure to moisturize when you’re finished. If you still have callouses, you can use a pumice stone with this recipe–just don’t scrub too hard. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING , AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:

I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).

It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.

If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.

Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.

Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.

Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.

Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.

I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!

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