Sharon Wray's Blog, page 14

A Creative’s Guide to Savoring Spring

Spring is nature’s invitation to begin again. Since we’re in the middle of a new quarter of the year, I often think of Spring as a New Year’s redo, as a change to reset my life but this time more gently, more slowly, and with a lot more intention. As the days grow longer and the world softens into bloom, it’s the perfect time to align with the rhythm of the season and embrace slow living. For creative people and writers, this isn’t about relaxation, it’s about opening space for inspiration to rise so I can write books, begin new projects, and be more productive in a way that won’t lead to burnout.

So how do I bring slow living into Spring? It’s quite easy, actually. And it all starts with a refreshed morning routine and a new commitment to good health… and you can read all about that here. Anyway, below I’ve listed a few ideas to help you have your own 2025 redo, just in case you’re craving a fresh change before the summer travel and fun season begins.

Bringing Slow Living into Spring1. Start Your Day Outside 
Begin your morning with a warm drink on the porch or a quiet walk. Let the birdsong, breeze, and changing light become part of your daily rhythm. Writers: bring a notebook or an inspirational book. These slow starts often spark rich ideas.

2. Write or Create Without Expectation 
Let spring be a season of exploratory creativity. Journal. Sketch. Doodle. Begin a new series under a new pen name. Or outline a new book to resurrect an older series. Write a scene you’ll never use–or save it for a newsletter freebie. When you remove the pressure to produce, you give your imagination room to breathe.

3. Plant Something—Even an Idea 
Tending a garden, or even a single herb pot, connects you to patience and growth. Maybe even cut some flowers to press them in your favorite book. It’s a physical metaphor for nurturing your work: creativity, like plants, needs sunlight, water, and rest. If you’re interested in beginning a pollinator gardens, I have a fun blog post about that here.

4. Declutter with Mindful Intention 
Spring cleaning can be more than tidying up, it’s also a creative reset. Clear physical space to clear mental space. Let go of what no longer fits, whether it’s a cluttered drawer or an old idea that’s lost its spark. Send it all to Goodwill or a church thrift shop, so you old things can help others.

5. Let the Seasons Shape Your Senses 
Slow living is sensory living. Eat fresh spring produce. Smell the blossoms. Buy a new candle that reminds you of your heroine or new project. Feel the sun on your face. Eat you dinner outside beneath lights strung in a tree. Let sensory input guide your work—write what you see, taste, hear, and feel.

6. Carve Out Creative White Space 
Like any good piece of writing or art, your schedule needs margins. Embrace time away from screens. Sit in silence. Meditate and let your mind wander. The most unexpected inspiration often arrives in the stillness.

Spring doesn’t demand urgency—it offers renewal. By living slowly, you create space for beauty, clarity, and creativity to bloom.

The post A Creative’s Guide to Savoring Spring first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer—it’s a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Whether you’re spending the day with family or enjoying some quiet time, here are five simple and meaningful ways to celebrate:

5 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day1. Pause for a Moment of Silence
At 3:00 p.m. local time, join the National Moment of Remembrance. It’s a small act that carries deep meaning—one minute to reflect, honor, and remember.

2. Visit a Memorial or Cemetery
Pay your respects by visiting a local memorial, battlefield site, or cemetery. Many communities host services or flag-placing events and it’s easy to check local listings.

3. Support a Veterans’ Organization
Consider donating to or volunteering with a nonprofit that supports veterans and their families. Every small gesture helps carry the legacy of those we’ve lost.

4. Fly the American Flag
If you have a flag at home, raise it high. Displaying the flag is a powerful and respectful symbol of gratitude and remembrance.

5. Share a Story or Post
Take a moment to share a story about a veteran you know, or repost a message of remembrance. Honoring their lives through words helps keep their memories alive.

The post Happy Memorial Day first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lemon Asparagus Pasta

It’s National Asparagus Day! I have to admit that I don’t love asparagus. I like it well enough, but that means I need to mix this veggie with other foods I do love… like pasta. This is an easy Spring dinner to make. You can use any kind of pasta you prefer, or substitute zucchini noodles. While leftovers can be reheated the next day, the cream sauce may separate and this recipe does not freeze well. But not to worry–I rarely have leftovers ! Have a wonderful weekend!

[image error] PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lemon Asparagus PastaCourse Main CoursePrep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 30 minutes minutesServings 6Calories 410kcalIngredients3/4 lb dried pasta own choice1 pound fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces8 ounces heavy creamzest of 1 lemon3 Tablespoons lemon juice1/2 teaspoon salt2 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut in half1/4 cup pasta cooking water1/2 pound small shrimp peeled and cooked3/4 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in halffresh cracked pepper and parmesan cheese for servingFresh chopped basil for garnishInstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta of choice until it's al dente. During the last minute of cooking, drop in the asparagus and cook for that whole minute. Drain the pasta and the asparagus. but make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.If the shrimp isn't cooked and peeled yet, do that now. While everything else is boiling, place a deep skillet on the stove but make sure it has sides high enough to hold the finished pasta and all the other ingredients. Pour the cream into the skillet and bring to a low heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir in 1 Tablespoon the butter until it's melted and blended, and then add the other Tablespoon. Once the cream and butter are incorporated, adjust the salt and lemon juice to taste. Stir in the cooked shrimp and cut tomatoes.Stir in the drained pasta and asparagus and then add in the 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Heat and serve immediately with parmesan cheese, cracked pepper, and fresh chopped basil for garnish.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Lemon Asparagus Pasta first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Goal Setting for Summer

Summer is more than just beach days and BBQs.

Summer is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and make meaningful progress in both your personal life and your business. With longer days, a natural sense of momentum, and that fresh energy in the sun-soaked air, summer can be the most productive and fulfilling season. But you must approach your goals with intention.

Whether you’re dreaming of a healthier lifestyle, launching a creative project, or growing your business, here are some ideas on how to set smart, sustainable goals this summer. But the most important thing is that it’s great to achieve goals, it’s more important to have fun and enjoy life. Summer is filled with lots of fun activities… as long as you make time for them.

Summertime Goal Setting  1. Reflect Before You Plan

Start by looking back. What did you accomplish in spring? What worked? What felt off? Taking time to reflect helps you identify what actually matters moving forward. There is no reason to chase goals that don’t align.

Try this simple idea to get started:
Make a two-column list:

Left side: “What energized me this spring?”Right side: “What drained me?”

Use this to guide your summer priorities.

 2. Choose One Theme for the Season

Instead of spreading yourself thin, pick a seasonal theme that resonates. It could be growth, connection, balance, visibility, or rest. Let this guide your personal and professional goals.

Example:
If your theme is connection, your goals might include:

Hosting one outdoor dinner party a month (personal)Sit by a bonfire and eat S’mores with friends (personal)Reaching out to 10 new collaborators or clients (business)Starting a Facebook readers group or another type of group (business)  3. Set 3 Personal + 3 Business Goals

Keep it simple. Choose no more than three goals in each category to stay focused and avoid burnout.

Personal Goal Ideas:

Take a weekend trip each monthTry 3 new healthy recipesEstablish a 10-minute morning or evening routineRead a classic novel or one of the books on your TBR

Business Goal Ideas:

Launch a summer promotion or productUpdate your website or portfolioGrow your email list by 100 subscribersStart a YouTube channel 4. Break Goals Into Monthly or Bi-Weekly Steps

Don’t just set goals, but create a plan. Break big goals into bite-size actions that can be done weekly or bi-weekly.

Example:
Goal: Write a short eBook/reader magnet this summer

Week 1: Brainstorm and outlineWeek 2: Draft first two chaptersWeek 3: Edit and reviseWeek 4: Design and format

Keep progress visible with a goal tracker, a Kanban board, or a sticky-note calendar.

 5. Embrace Summer’s Natural Flow

Summer’s energy is different from the hustle of fall or the stillness of winter. Don’t force rigid routines. Instead, build goals around your actual lifestyle. Maybe you work better early before the heat sets in, or maybe you need to take Fridays off for fun.

Goals should support your life, not stifle it. Otherwise you’ll give up before you get started.

Final Thoughts

Setting goals for summer isn’t about piling more on your plate. It’s about choosing what matters most and moving toward it with clarity and joy. With a little structure and a lot of intention, you can make this summer both productive and personally meaningful. So grab your iced coffee, your planner, and a fresh mindset. Let’s make it a summer to remember.

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Sarah Munro’s Rosemary and Orange Herbal Tea

I love making herbal teas in the Spring. I love them hot and I love them cold, mostly because they are so easy to make and so delicious. And this one, Rosemary and Orange Herbal Tea, is my new favorite. It’s a combination of dried rosemary leaves and fresh orange zest. Super easy and super delicious. While I can get organic oranges at my grocery store, I prefer to get my organic and natural herbs from and 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 rosemary is known for its ability to improve concentration and stimulate our ability to focus. And the orange zest has vitamin C which can boost the immune system. These are two things I need all year long!

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 Tablespoon organic dried Rosemary Leaves 1 teaspoon fresh organic orange zest1 Tablespoon (or more to taste) of honeyDirections for Rosemary and Orange Herbal TeaThis recipe makes 1 cup of tea.Boil 1 cup of water in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Once the water comes to a boil, add the Rosemary Leaves and orange zest. Stir gently. Turn off the heat and allow the tea to steep for at least ten minutes. Strain the tea into a tea cup and stir in the desired amount of honey. Enjoy! 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!

The post Sarah Munro’s Rosemary and Orange Herbal Tea first appeared on Sharon Wray.

May Book Fairs and Reading Events

May is flying by and soon we’ll be in the middle of summer. That means we’re coming up to the season of book fairs, summer reading events, and beach reads! So today I have a bunch of free books for you so you can get to know some new-to-you authors. I’ve also included a charity paperback that will be coming down soon, as well as a Bookfunnel promo and a live author interview. There are tons of books and reading events for every type of romance reader, all guaranteed to make these last few weeks of May extra special.

1Light My Fire Charity Anthology Paperback

This Charity Romance Anthology Paperback will be disappearing soon! While the e-book is no longer available, the paperback will be on sale for just a few more weeks. And it’s a perfect book to take to the beach!

Bonfire Night, Homecoming, Harvest Festivals, whatever the reason – ‘tis the season to sparkle. Gather your nearest and dearest (or those who you wish were) close as we fan the flames in this collection of stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café sure to warm your heart…and maybe other places. All proceeds go to charity in the fight for mental health support. Our chosen charities for this anthology are Wounded Warrior and the International Mental Health Association. Oh, and this anthology includes my Kingsmill Courtships novella A Bonfire Night to Remember.

2The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly Livestream

The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming on Thursday, May 29th at 3 pm EST while we interview Lori Foster and her newest release Let Me Be the One! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

4Fated Mates in May Bookfunnel Promo

This collection includes sexy paranormal romances, sci-fi romances, billionaires, romantasy, sexy shifter cowboys, and dark romances. This promo runs through the end of May.

Free Books for May Stolen by the Berserker by Asa Maria Bradley

He’s an immortal Viking who’s in town to complete a semi-legal weapons deal. She’s the tempting server dishing up delicious pie at the local diner.

After one sizzling night, they both think they can just walk away from each other. But even if Loki’s monsters and the Goddess Freya had not exacerbated the situation, they would both still be very wrong. That one night changed everything.

Get it for free now! Risking Trust by Adrienne Giordano

Michael Taylor is cooler than ice. As CEO of a private security company, his job means protecting those at risk. But now Michael is the one in trouble—he’s the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. To prove his innocence, he needs not just a few good men, but one smart woman.

Get it for free now! Crystal: A Mafia Romance by Nellie Krauss

Crystal Foxz doesn’t believe in running away from a problem, but when treachery threatens her life and her father’s, the Don of the famiglia DeAngeli, she must act. As her father’s chosen heir, it is her duty to protect and continue the family’s reputation and influence. With her life and the family’s future at stake, she has no choice but to expose the traitors and eliminate them.

Leonard Stonehorse is a former Blackfeet law enforcement officer in need of a new career. Offered the opportunity to be a personal security agent, Lee can’t resist the chance to start a new life in San Francisco. When his new job brings him face to face with the powerful Don’s daughter, he begins to question his decision. As he gets closer to Crystal, he finds himself torn between his ethics, his duty, and his growing feelings for the new Donna of the famiglia DeAngeli.

In the midst of a dangerous game of power and betrayal, Crystal and Lee must navigate their growing attraction while staying one step ahead of those who want them dead. Will they be able to fulfill their duties, protect each other, and find enough common ground to keep their differences from betraying their hearts?
This moderately steamy, mafia romance features a spirited heroine, a protective hero, multicultural characters, and adult situations. All books in this series will be complete with no cliffhangers.

Get it for free now! How to Unbreak a Heart by Jennie Marts

Solitary cowboy, Trip Turner walked out on the love of his life twelve years ago, breaking her heart and landing in juvenile detention. Now he’s back in Saddle Creek, Montana, at the dude ranch for wayward teens, where his mentor, John Stone, taught him the rules of how to become a man. But a tragedy has reminded Trip he failed to follow one of those rules. And it could have been the most important one of all. Bre Wilson had moved on with her life—she has a successful veterinary practice, and she’s put all thoughts of Trip Turner, the boy she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with, behind her. Or so she thought. Because he’s back, and no longer a boy. Now he’s a hot-as-hell man, and she has to spend the next two weeks working by his side without either kissing him or killing him. Trip let Bre go once, he won’t do it again. He has a second chance to fix the mistakes he made all of those years ago, and this time he’s following the rules. He just needs to figure out how to unbreak her heart. 

Get it for free now! Viper by Susie McIver

A No-Love Rule Shattered Under One Roof.

Cole’s return home after four years in an Iranian prison was meant to bring solace, but fate had other plans for the man better known as Viper. 

Enter the mysterious woman living in solitude, pursued by a relentless stalker. Unable to stand by, Viper sweeps into her life, proposing a fake engagement to silence the nosy people in their small mountain town after insisting she move in with him.

Bailey’s cabin was meant to be a refuge from her tormenter, not an unexpected detour into a stranger’s world. 

However, her initial resistance of Viper taking charge begins to crumble as sparks fly and their limited shared space awakens dormant desires. And while she feels safe for the first time in too long, he poses a different challenge to her guarded heart. Their undeniable attraction and the heat from just a simple touch leaves them both perilously close to shattering their resolve to avoid love. The question is: will they surrender to their yearning, or can they find a way to defy the odds?

Get it for free now! Mississippi Heat by H.C. Bentley

In the small town of Tatesville, Mississippi, teenage girls are vanishing without a trace. Girls like Lacey Fuller’s best friends, Claire and Jo. But Lacey was the lucky one… she managed to escape when she was taken. Desperate to get away from the whispers and stares from people in town, Lacey left for college shortly after graduation and never looked back.

Now, ten years later, Lacey has returned home, hoping to put that dark time in her past behind her. When Jo’s older brother, Brooks Harding, comes back into her life, Lacey finds herself unable to resist the feelings she once had for him. Lacey’s life is falling into place and she’s feeling a long-forgotten sense of peace… until the killer makes contact.

Fear blankets the town as girls once again start disappearing at a rapid rate. And with Lacey in the killer’s sights, she and Brooks know that until the person behind these abductions is caught, they have no chance at making a life together. But the truth they uncover is more than anyone ever expected.

Get it for free now!

The post May Book Fairs and Reading Events first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Favorite Springtime Reads

There’s something magical about springtime in romance and women’s fiction. Spring is the season of renewal, fresh starts, and blooming love. Whether set in charming villages, seaside flower shops, or gardens coming back to life after a long winter, the books listed below capture the heart of what spring represents: hope, growth, and the promise of something new. From laugh-out-loud romantic comedies to emotionally rich women’s fiction, these books are perfect for curling up with as the days grow longer and the world turns green again. If you’re looking to fill your TBR with sunshine and second chances, these spring-themed reads are the perfect place to start.

All book blurbs courtesy of Amazon (I am not an affiliate so there are no affiliate links in this post).

Women’s historical FictionThe Forgotten Shore by Sarah Maine

AMAZON BLURB:

1940: Wounded in action, Archie Maxwell returns to his Scottish family estate of Rosslie. But between the uneasy company of his father’s new wife, and the nightmares that haunt him, he finds the house more of a battleground than a refuge.

1980: Journalist Eva Bayne arrives at Rosslie looking for a story. Since Archie’s disappearance forty years ago, the Maxwells have lived in the shadows – and Eva is drawn to their mystery. Especially when a glimpse of a photograph stirs up long-buried memories of her childhood in Newfoundland . . .

Could uncovering the truth heal the wounds of Eva’s past? And what will it cost for Rosslie to give up its secrets?

FantasyThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

AMAZON BLURB:

The Story of Mary Lennox
Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan, is sent to live with her reclusive uncle at a mysterious English manor. While exploring the estate, she discovers a locked, neglected garden and sets out to bring it back to life. As the garden blooms, so does Mary, who begins to experience joy, connection, and a sense of purpose.

A Journey of Healing and Growth
Along the way, Mary befriends Colin, her sickly cousin, and Dickon, a kind-hearted boy who has a magical connection with nature. Together, they uncover the garden’s secrets and learn valuable lessons about resilience, love, and the beauty of the natural world.

NEw Adult RomanceThe Spring Girls by Anna Todd

AMAZON BLURB: The Spring Girls—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—are a force of nature on the New Orleans military base where they live. As different as they are, with their father on tour in Iraq and their mother hiding something, their fears are very much the same. Struggling to build lives they can be proud of and that will lift them out of their humble station in life, one year will determine all that their futures can become.

The oldest, Meg, will be an officer’s wife and enter military society like so many of the women she admires. If her passion—and her reputation—don’t derail her.

Beth, the workhorse of the family, is afraid to leave the house, is afraid she’ll never figure out who she really is.

Jo just wants out. Wishing she could skip to graduation, she dreams of a life in New York City and a career in journalism where she can impact the world. Nothing can stop her—not even love.

And Amy, the youngest, is watching all her sisters, learning from how they handle themselves. For better or worse.

SMall Town RomanceThe Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

AMAZON BLURB:

It’s the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam—built by Willa’s great-great-grandfather and once the finest home in Walls of Water, North Carolina—has stood for years as a monument to misfortune and scandal.

Willa has lately learned that an old classmate—socialite Paxton Osgood—has restored the house to its former glory, with plans to turn it into a top-flight inn. But when a skeleton is found buried beneath the property’s lone peach tree, long-kept secrets come to light, accompanied by a spate of strange occurrences throughout the town.

Thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the passions and betrayals that once bound their families—and uncover the truths that have transcended time to touch the hearts of the living.

women’s Fiction Short StoryThe Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman 

AMAZON BLURB:

Isabel Gibson has all but perfected the art of forgetting. She’s a New Yorker now, with nothing left to tie her to Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Her parents are gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister, Sophie, will probably never speak to her again.

But when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox, Isabel feels herself drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her independence, she dreads the thought of going back to the island. What she finds there may forever alter her path—and change everything she thought she knew about her family, her home, and herself.

women’s fictionA Spring Affair by Milly Johnson

AMAZON BLURB: When Lou Winter picks up a dog-eared magazine in the dentist’s waiting room and spots an article about clearing clutter, she little realises how it will change her life. What begins as an earnest spring clean soon spirals out of control.

Lou‘s loved ones grow disgruntled. Why is clearing out cupboards suddenly more important than making his breakfast, her husband Phil wonders? The truth is, the more rubbish Lou lets go of, the more light and air can get to those painful, closed-up places at the centre of her heart.

Even lovely Tom Broom, the man who delivers Lou‘s skips, starts to grow concerned about his sweetest customer. But Lou is a woman on a mission, and not even she knows where it will end . . .

Women’s FictionLove at First by Kate Clayborn

AMAZON BLURB: Sixteen years ago, a teenaged Will Sterling saw—or rather, heard—the girl of his dreams. Standing beneath an apartment building balcony, he shared a perfect moment with a lovely, warm-voiced stranger. It’s a memory that’s never faded, though he’s put so much of his past behind him. Now an unexpected inheritance has brought Will back to that same address, where he plans to offload his new property and get back to his regular life as an overworked doctor. Instead, he encounters a woman, two balconies above, who’s uncannily familiar . . .
 
No matter how surprised Nora Clarke is by her reaction to handsome, curious Will, or the whispered pre-dawn conversations they share, she won’t let his plans ruin her quirky, close-knit building. Bound by her loyalty to her adored grandmother, she sets out to foil his efforts with a little light sabotage. But beneath the surface of their feud is an undeniable connection. A balcony, a star-crossed couple, a fateful meeting—maybe it’s the kind of story that can’t work out in the end. Or maybe, it’s the perfect second chance . . .

Small Town Women’s FictionHopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash

AMAZON BLURB:

Meredith’s life is at a standstill. She’s stuck in a dead-end job, approaching fifty, and her dating life is a string of disasters. But one evening, while browsing the internet, she sees an ad for a lighthouse, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she makes a ridiculous bid for it.

With the help of local handyman Clem, she sets about renovating. And as they work together, a bond begins to form. But when Meredith finds out that Clem is keeping a secret from her, it changes everything. Will they find a way to build something more meaningful together?

romantic comedyHappy Place by Emily Henry

AMAZON BLURB: Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.

They broke up five months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best?

Women’s Fiction The Little Flo wer Shop by the Sea by Ali McNamara

AMAZON BLURB: The blossom is out in the little Cornish harbour town of St Felix

But Poppy Carmichael’s spirits aren’t lifted by the pretty West Country spring. Inheriting her grandmother’s flower shop has forced her to return to Cornwall, a place that holds too many memories. 

Poppy is determined to do her best for the sake of her adored grandmother, but she struggles with the responsibility of the more-shabby-than-chic shop. And with the added complication of Jake, the gruff but gorgeous local flower grower, Poppy is very tempted to run away… 

The pretty little town has a few surprises in store for Poppy. With new friends to help her and romance blooming, it’s time for Poppy to open her heart to St Felix and to the special magic of a little flower shop by the sea!

The post Favorite Springtime Reads first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Mimosas

I love Mimosas. That’s why I’m shocked that I didn’t know there was a special day set aside for my favorite cocktail. This is probably the easiest cocktail to make, and while the original uses Champagne, I’ve made it with Prosecco and Cava. Just make sure whatever sparkling wine you use that is chilled ahead of time. I also don’t like orange pulp in my drinks, so while freshly squeezed juice tasted better on its own, I just use remade/no pulp juice for these drinks. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you enjoy National Mimosa Day!

PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: MimosasIf you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, you can use sparkling grape juice or any flavored/unflavored seltzer water of your choice. Freshly squeezed juice tastes better, but you may want to avoid pulpier juices. Course DrinksKeyword cocktailsPrep Time 5 minutes minutesServings 8Ingredients1 bottle Champagne, prosecco, or cava, chilled3 cups orange juice no pulp InstructionsWash and clean 8 Champagne flutes. Chill them, if desired, for 15 minutes before serving. Fill each glass half way with Champagne or other sparkling wine. Fill the rest of the glass with orange juice. Serve immediately.

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National Notebook Day: One Page at a Time

Today is the third Thursday in May, and that means it’s National Notebook Day! I love this day because I’m obsessed with notebooks… and any kind of writing gadget, including pens, tablets, Kindle Scribes, etc. But in a digital age where typing and tapping dominate, National Notebook Day invites us to slow down and return to the tactile joy of writing by hand. Whether you’re a novelist, a poet, or someone who just loves the feel of a pen on paper, today is a celebration of the blank page and all the possibility it holds.

As a writer, I understand that some ideas only come to life when we write them out longhand. There’s something powerful about the quiet focus of a notebook, away from notifications and blinking cursors. It can be where my next chapter starts—or where I finally figure out my main character’s secret. And if it works for me, I know it can work for you!

National Notebook Day

For Writers, Notebooks Are More Than Paper
A notebook is a safe space for messy first drafts, snippets of overheard dialogue, or that perfect line that pops into your head at 2 a.m. Many writers keep separate notebooks for plotting, character development, or scene brainstorming. (I know I do!) And unlike a blinking screen, a notebook doesn’t judge my crossed-out words or half-formed ideas.

A Romance Author’s Secret Weapon
Romance authors, take note—literally. A dedicated notebook can be your relationship tracker, helping you chart chemistry arcs, romantic beats, or emotional turning points. Here is one of my favorite tips for using notebooks while crafting my romances: Use a double-column notebook spread to track each love interest’s emotional state scene by scene. On one side, jot down what the heroine is thinking or feeling; on the other, track the hero’s perspective. It’s a simple, powerful way to build authentic emotional tension and pacing.

Celebrate with a Page (or Ten)

Start a fresh notebook and write the opening lines of a new story.Go back to a work in progress and free-write a scene you’ve been stuck on.Try a writing prompt in pen and see where it leads.Gift a gorgeous notebook to a writer friend—or yourself. (You deserve it.)Start a gratitude journal.Write a letter to your future self.Sketch something from your day.Organize your travel plans or goals in a new notebook.No matter your genre or style, today is a perfect reminder that every book begins the same way: a blank page and the courage to fill it.Happy writing—and Happy National Notebook Day!

The post National Notebook Day: One Page at a Time first appeared on Sharon Wray.

All Shades of Blue

Blue is the invisible becoming invisible. Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond the dimensions of which other colours partake… Yves Klein

Blue: A Hue Are You Anthology was recently released from Jambu Press. I am not in this anthology, but it includes a dear friend of mine, Angie Rysanek, the mother of my wonderful son-in-law. Angie has a short flash fiction story in this collection which includes short stories, poems, and art all having to do with the color blue.

This is a beautiful book, with color plates and black and white sketches interspersed with prose and poetry. It’s such a lovely idea to focus on all the emotions that the color blue evokes, and this book is a combination of works that evoke every feeling from melancholy to joy, from desire to tranquility. It’s also a lovely coffee table book with its gorgeous blue cover and the square binding. (It’s about 8″ x 8″).

Now I don’t want to give too much away about Angie’s story “Shades of Blue” (which is my favorite in this collection), but let’s just say that it’s about a southern belle who laments her life choices, and it was inspired by the time we spent together in Charleston, SC while we helped our kids plan their wedding.

Angela Rysanek is a Carolina Girl who lives in Raleigh, NC. She is the author of “Shades of Blue” (BLUE: a Hue Are You anthology from Jambu Press, 2025) and “Hidden Desires” (Men in Uniform: A Steamy Romance Anthology, Wyld Stallion Press, 2020). She is an avid reader in a variety of genres and travels whenever she has the chance.

This anthology is not available on Amazon at the moment, but it’s for sale on the Jambu Press website. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Blue: A Hue Are You Anthology

This is an eclectic and emotive collection (oh, how mercurial is blue!) uniquely expressing the fluid interplay of color and words. 

BLUE: A HUE ARE YOU ANTHOLOGY, the second in a series focused on color, aims to capture some of the many ways poets, writers, and visual artists perceive and respond to blue in all of its various names and shades. An eclectic and emotive collection (oh, how mercurial is blue!) including intriguing works from early masters to contemporary voices notable and new, BLUE uniquely expresses the fluid interplay of color and words. Readers should be prepared to feel irresistibly taken by the color as if floating in a tranquil sea, or bathed in a haunting melancholy so seductive it seems to shine like sapphires steeped in desire.

Curated especially for Jambu Press by guest editor Virginia Barrett, the poems, prose, and art in this anthology explore expansive, diverse, and sometimes unexpected subjects such as blue in art and myth, blue objects in our lives, rare blue finds in flora and fauna, blue as a conjurer of ghostly encounters, feeling the blues or musing on the music given the name, sudden dreamy moments evoked by the color, blue as metaphor for ethereal thoughts, and other brilliant blue poetic interplays.

Six full color images of art and photography complement the book. Contributors include: Sandra Anfang, Adrian Arias, Lynne Barnes, Holly Bass, Suzanne Benton, A. C. Blake, Laurel Blossom, Pia Täavila-Borsheim, Susana Case, Aileen Cassinetto, Victoria Chang, Lucinda Shaw Chatham, Margaret Chula, Julian Clark, Gillian Clarke, Soheyl Dahi, Aloma Davis, Lucille Lang Day, Susan Dyer, Anne Faught, Sean Gallagher, Joan Gelfand, Terri Glass, Veronica Golos, Rafael Jesús González, Paulette Guerin, Geoffrey Heptonstall, William Heyen, Saeed Jones, Suzanne van Leendert, Russ Allison Loar, Dave Malone, Karla Linn Merrifield, C.S. Merrill, Garrett Murphy, Sara Parrott, Olga Pavlinova Olenich, Renee Owen, Mary Peacock, Carl Phillips, Andrea Potos, Adélia Prado, David Radavich, Alberto Rios, Angela Rysanek, Steven and Reefka Schneider, Lubna Sharif, Betsy Sholl, Kim Smith, Gwendolyn Soper, Lynn Ungar, Marius Starkey, Sidney Wade, Lorraine Walker Williams, Steve Wilson, Joanie HF Zosike, and more!

This book recently released and is available for sale at Jambu Press.

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