A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of contemporary romantic comedies and emotional women’s fiction. Her work has earned praise from Kirkus, Booklist, Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly, and has been featured in Women’s World, The Knot, and Book of the Month. Melissa’s novels will soon be translated into a dozen languages. 

About Wish I Were Here: In this witty and charming love story perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens, Ashley Poston, and Josie Silver, a buttoned-up math professor is forced to rely on her carefree doorman when her identity mysteriously disappears.

Are you the type of person who has ever wished you could go back in time for a do-over of the past? Or maybe you’ve wondered what it would be like to look into the future and change your fate. If you find yourself nodding your head, then chances are you’re a fan of magical and timeslip movies like Groundhog Day, 13 Going on 30, About Time, and Palm Springs. And you’ll probably love all the magical romance novels published recently!

There’s so much that draws us to magical tropes! They pull us out of ordinary life and show us what could have been if we’d made different choices. They let us imagine taking charge of our futures. They reassure us that love can be destined. If you’re in the magical romance mood, consider checking out these books that are perfect for fans of wishes, time travel, and fate!

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

I love magical tropes so much that I even wrote a couple of books about them myself! My upcoming novel, Wish I Were Here is the story of Catherine, a Type-A math professor who carefully calculates everything from her daily to-dos to her afternoon snacks. But one day, she wakes up and discovers her entire identity has mysteriously disappeared. There’s no evidence Catherine ever existed.

With no other options, Catherine reluctantly accepts help from her exasperatingly laidback—and infuriatingly attractive—doorman, Luca Morelli. Before long, by-the-books Catherine finds herself bending all the rules with the charismatic Luca…and in the process, discovering that losing herself might just be the key to finding where she truly belongs.

The Backtrack by Erin La Rosa

The Backtrack is the story of Sam, a pilot who returns to her childhood home after more than a decade away in order to help her grandmother move. In the process, Sam finds an old mix CD that her childhood best friend and “the one that got away” made for her in high school. To her astonishment, Sam plays the CD and discovers she can revisit her past and experience how her life might been if only she’d stayed instead of left all those years ago.

This book is the pitch-perfect mix of heartwarming second-chance romance, nostalgic music, and a hint of magic. It will appeal to anyone who has ever looked back on their first love and wondered “what if?”

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb

Speaking of nostalgia… dreamy, early-aughts actors like Adam Brody and Joshua Jackson are having big moments in the spotlight this year, and their fans won’t want to miss Prime Time Romance! This book has all atmosphere and charm of a small town early-2000’s teen drama, but with a sexy, magical twist.

Brynn, a 30-year-old recent divorcee finds herself suddenly plummeted into the world of her favorite teen TV drama along with her sexy new roommate, Josh. To get back to their real lives, Brynn and Josh have to fulfill the happy ending that never happened on the show. But when they begin falling for one another, they deliver a plot twist that jeopardizes the show’s perfect ending. Any reader who has ever rooted for the bad boy to get the girl, or for the girl to get her long deserved happily-ever-after will fall for this book.

Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin

Witchful Thinking is another perfect choice for anyone who loves the charm of a small-town romance about “the one that got away.” Think of it like a Hallmark movie with magical beings and a whole heap of chemistry between a witch and a very sexy merman!

Lucy lives a pretty ordinary witchy life until Alex unexpectedly comes back to town. All of a sudden, his presence—and her impeding high school reunion—has Lucy wishing for more out of life. When her wish turns to a spell, Lucy finds herself magically opening herself up to all sorts of new experiences…and a romance with her old love. Witchful Thinking is the first of three books in the Elemental Love universe, all of which are out now…just in time to binge for Halloween season!

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

Happy Medium is a fresh, original, and entertaining story about a fake spirit medium named Gretchen who is hired by one of her elderly clients to “cleanse” the property of an old friend. It turns out that the friend is a 30-something smokeshow named Charlie, and the property is populated by a real ghost.

The moment I encountered the back cover copy of this book, I knew I had to read it, and it did not let me down! This book puts the “com” in romcom, and it genuinely had me laughing out loud!

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

Red String Theory is the dreamy, romantic story of Rooney, an artist whose whole life has been guided by fate, and in particular, the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by an invisible red string. When Rooney meets Jack—her perfect match—on an idyllic New York night, she’s sure she found The One…until she learns he’s a skeptic who doesn’t believe in destiny.

Rooney is hired as an artist-in-residence at Jack’s workplace…which if you believe in fate, you’ll know is no coincidence! And even more enchanting, Red String Theory is set at NASA so there are literal planets aligning and stars shining down on the couple. Readers will feel the magic on every page!

The post Do You Believe in Magic (Books)? appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In need of a good swoon? Well get ready for all of the exciting romance books hitting shelves in the second half of 2024! With new releases from Emma Lord, Tessa Bailey, Jessica Joyce, Hannah Grace, Andie Burke, Carissa Broadbent, Lyla Sage, Nora Roberts, Sangu Mandanna, Lana Ferguson, and many more, along with those making their sweet debuts!

With just about every trope explored to historical romances and fantasy romances, you’ll be sure to find something for your romance-loving heart!

Read on to discover just a few of our picks and also be sure to check out our Most Anticipated list.

JULY 2024

Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

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In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife―the only problem is she’s starting to think that might be her.

Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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A small-town bartender juggles motherhood and a sexual awakening in this heartwarming queer friends-to-lovers romance from the author of Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

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Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with an all-new sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny…

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

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A fake engagement, second chances, and newfound family members come together in this new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the “swoon-worthy” (Business Insider) The Spanish Love Deception.

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

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A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on earth before ten days are up…

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney

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A spicy, swoony frenemies-to-lovers romance, whilst full of heart, humour, and heft – and offers a moving ode to the people and places we call home.

What’s in a Kiss? by Lauren Kate

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From # 1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate comes an enemies-to-lovers “what if” romance about a prom kiss that never was, and one woman’s magical chance to live what might have been.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

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Set against a sizzling-hot Greek summer filled with sunshine and souvlaki, Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s Let the Games Begin is a page-turning debut rom-com about two strangers at the top of their game.

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

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Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View.

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle

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The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new series packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

AUGUST 2024

Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne

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After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year in this effervescent rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan.

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

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Two best friends who haven’t spoken in ten years pretend to date after break-ups with their respective exes go viral, in this delightfully fun and deeply emotional novel.

Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotugno

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The beloved New York Times bestselling author of Birds of California hits it out of the park with this smart, sexy, thrilling take on the celebrity-athlete story—a funny, sizzling, ripped-from-the-headlines romance between an international pop star and a major league baseball player who thought his best days were behind him.

I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram

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A smart, tender, vivacious romantic comedy about mistaken identities, the line between love and sex, and the way one night—and one person—can change your life forever.

Daydream by Hannah Grace

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The third in the New York Times bestselling Maple Hills series follows fan-favorite Henry and a bookish fellow student who come up with a plan to help them both overcome their respective challenges in a difficult year.

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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A Chickasaw woman who can’t catch a break serves up a little white lie that snowballs into much more in this witty and irresistible rom-com by debut author Danica Nava.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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From the creator of the viral TikTok videos about the sunshine assistant to the evil villain and their unexpected romance comes the second book in the hotly-anticipated fantasy romance series.

You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban

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The enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance follow-up to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, in which a young lord and a second son clash, but find themselves thrust together again and again by their meddling cousins.

Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai

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Diamond necklaces, billionaires, Mafia bosses, and student loans—it’s all in a day’s work for Simi Chopra and her ragtag heist crew in the next romantic-comedy caper from Sara Desai.

Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller

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In this sparkling romance, two professors with a complicated past get a second chance to prove history won’t repeat itself.

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

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It’s love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits in this new series from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

SEPTEMBER 2024

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

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Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz

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After reconnecting on a road trip, two friends must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this funny, emotional sapphic romance.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

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Business or Pleasure meets Evvie Drake Starts Over in this delicious opposites-attract romance from debut author Sarah Chamberlain.

All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard

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Two rival authors—and ex’s—are thrown together just in time for the holidays in this delightful new romantic comedy from beloved author Falon Ballard.

Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen

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A rollicking, unforgettable romance about two strangers finding love despite their best efforts as they embark on a sweeping matchmaking tour through Việt Nam, perfect for readers of Carley Fortune and Abby Jimenez.

Fall For Him by Andie Burke

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In Fall for Him by Andie Burke, seven-hundred-fifty square feet isn’t enough for the home-renovation-fueled hatred and the building sexual tension.

The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Ann Rose

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Equal parts heartwarming and bittersweet, The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean expertly weaves the wonder and terror of falling in love into a beautifully crafted story about the joy that can be found when you’re willing to dust yourself off and try again.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Caraval in this seductive fantasy adventure. With steamy romance, a sexy morally gray love interest, OCD rep and jaw-dropping twists, Phantasma is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

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From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

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Nothing sucks more than fake dating a vampire in this paranormal romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of My Roommate Is a Vampire.

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

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A struggling waitress and the heir to a major Seattle company stumble into a high-profile fake engagement while simultaneously trying to keep up with their own love lives in this flirty fall rom-com!

One On One by Jamie Harrow

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For readers of The Hating Game and The Ex Talk, a workplace, enemies-to-lovers debut for anyone yearning for a courtside romance, perfect for anyone who can’t get enough sports rom-coms.

OCTOBER 2024

Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore

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A hilarious and heartfelt rom-com about having it all, slowing down to see the big picture, and finding out that the person you least expect could be your perfect fit

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

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From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom-com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky

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The Santa Clause meets Husband Material in this delightful holiday novel!

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay

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When doppelgänger best friends trade one’s cabin Christmas vacation for the other’s Hawaiian would’ve-been-honeymoon, both might just find love they weren’t expecting.

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

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A big-hearted small-town romance from bestselling, award-winning author Elle McNicoll, Some Like it Cold is perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Talia Hibbert and Gilmore Girls.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

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In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder…and falling for each other in the process.

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

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Erin Sterling brightens up the Winter Solstice with another delightfully spooky novel following Bowen Penhallow and the girl he feels strangely drawn to—especially when she becomes his only hope of salvation after a strong spell sends them to a Yuletide celebration… more than 50 years in the past.

Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña

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The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

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Opposites attract when a buttoned-up professor and carefree doorman must restore a magically missing identity in this sparkling romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens and Ashley Poston.

Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts

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A dashing ghost hunter and the bookseller who made up the ghosts he’s chasing wind up entangled in more ways than one in this steamy contemporary romance from the author of Text Appeal, perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Chloe Liese.

Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux

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Madeleine Roux’s next season in Regency England follows a rebellious writer and the man who risks everything to publish her.

The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison

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Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it’s not yours, and you’re planning it with the guy you’re secretly crushing on.

NOVEMBER 2024

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley

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After accidentally going viral on social media, a cupcake-baking football player gets assistance from a social media maven—and his best friend’s little sister—to help promote his new bakery.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

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From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year, a hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.

The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt

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Filled with crackling tension, The Co-op is a steamy second chance romance about restoration and renovation, and uncovering all the things that build character within ourselves. It’s about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage.

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

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New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Songbird and the Heart of Stone, where A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Dante’s Inferno, in an epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods.

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

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She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other. From the author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring enemies to lovers and forced proximity.

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

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When her student goes missing, an independent bluestocking must seek the help of the arrogant duke who spurned her in this sizzling tale of romance and intrigue, perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith

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When a pyrotechnic engineer discovers her biological father is an international criminal, she must work with a sexy CIA agent to take him down in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

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Two very indoor people rough it on a remote island after getting swept up in an archaeologist’s hunt for a famed jewel in this dazzling new adventure rom-com by Kerry Rea, author of Lucy on the Wild Side.

Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden

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In this hilarious and steamy rom-com, a hardworking city woman unexpectedly inherits her grandparents’ farm that comes equipped with a handsome horticulturist.

Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane

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A sapphic romance in which two former hockey teammates turned rivals with unresolved feelings for one another are paired to host a popular morning show’s Olympic coverage and must remain professional amid a nation of fans closely scrutinizing their incredible chemistry.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts continues the hauntingly spectacular Lost Bride Trilogy with book two, The Mirror.

Pickleballers by Ilana Long

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A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life’s swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy.

DECEMBER 2024

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

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A woman discovers that not all monsters are her enemy—the opposite, in fact—in this new paranormal romance by Lana Ferguson, author of The Fake Mate.

Not in My Book by Katie Holt

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The Hating Game meets Beach Read in this sexy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance from a debut Peruvian-Tennessean voice.

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

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When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L. Howe

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In this charming new rom-com from Jenny L. Howe, a young woman who’s fed up with dating challenges her family and friends to set her up on ten dates, but gets more than she bargained for when her best friend adds himself to the roster.

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

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In this splendidly bittersweet romantic comedy, enemies forced together by a mutual loss are led on a cross-country journey toward a second chance.

What July to December romance books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Enjoy These Swoonworthy July to December 2024 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Melissa! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello! I’m a night-owl who began writing about eight years ago when my early-to-bed family retired for the evening. I write in two different genres that you might technically call something like, “light-hearted romantic comedy” and “emotional women’s fiction.” I like to group them together under the category of “book club fiction,” though, because I hope they’ll spark discussions and inspire you to want to talk about them with other readers!

I’m a full-time writer now, but I began my career in public health and social work, which has served as an incredible inspiration for my books. When I’m not writing, I love hiking and spending time at our cabin in West Virginia. And though I love to cook, it sometimes surprises people to hear that I’m not a baker like the Sadie from The Second Chance Year! Writing Sadie’s character required me to watch every season of The Great British Bake Off and eat a lot of pastries…a sacrifice I was willing to make for my readers.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I was always a reader from a very young age, and growing up, my mom encouraged me in all sorts of creative pursuits. I took art classes, loved to sew, and did pretty much any sort of crafty thing I could get my hands on. But writing was not on my radar until well into adulthood. I had two kids and was working in social work when I realized that I missed using my creativity. I read an article about one of my favorite authors, Kristan Higgins, who started writing while her kids napped. That’s when it all began.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: I was obsessed with Anne of Green Gables in elementary school. I desperately wanted her to come alive and be my “bosom friend.”
• The one that made you want to become an author: Kristan Higgins has such a talent for writing books that are both emotional and funny. She can make you laugh and cry—sometimes on the same page—and her books have been a huge inspiration to me.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: In about 5^th grade, I read a book called The Endless Steppe, a memoir of a Jewish girl and her family who were sent to live in a labor camp in Siberia during World War II. For the longest time, I couldn’t remember the name of the book, but the girl’s story stayed with me. I finally did some googling and found it for my daughter to read. I’d love to read it again, too.

Your latest novel, The Second Chance Year, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Magical New Year’s do over

What can readers expect?

The Second Chance Year is the story of down-on-her luck pastry chef who has the chance to go back in time to save her job, fix her love life, and do-over her terrible year when a carnival fortune teller grants her a New Year’s wish. Readers can expect a light-hearted comedy about a woman navigating a year she’s already lived before, in the pursuit of fixing the mistakes she made the first time around. Along the way she learns a whole lot about herself and about what really matters. The story has a dash of magic, a loveable found family, a heroine who stands up to bullies, a romance with a cinnamon roll hero…and because Sadie is a pastry chef…you’ll find heaps of actual cinnamon rolls and other delectable desserts!

Where did the inspiration for The Second Chance Year come from?

I imagine that at some point, most of us have something in our past—whether it’s a moment, a day, or maybe even an entire year—that we’d love to go back and have a second chance to do differently. But I wonder—if we could actually go back and change the past, would we be happier? Or would we find that things had actually worked out for the best the first time around? The Second Chance Year grew from there!

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I love the concept of “found family” and the idea that you may be born or adopted into a family, but it doesn’t end there. There is a whole world of people who you can choose as your family—and they can choose you, too. So, I absolutely loved writing the interactions between the quirky characters at Higher Grounds Café, where Sadie works a side-job as a baker and where she ultimately discovers her found family.

This is your sixth published novel! What are some of the key lessons you have learned when it comes to writing and the publishing world?

One important lesson I’ve learned is that each author’s writing and publishing journey is unique, and what you see on social media rarely tells the whole story. So, I try not to spend too much time comparing my accomplishments to other authors,’ and instead, I do my best to focus on writing the next book!

I’ve also learned to always appreciate and acknowledge the readers and reviewers who choose my books, and to do my best to respond and connect with them when they reach out, whether over social media, email, or a book event. They’re the reason I’m here, and I hope to always let them know how much that means to me.

What’s next for you?

My next book, Wish I Were Here is the story of an organized, Type-A math professor who wakes up one day to find that her identity has disappeared…There are no government records of her, no social security number, her bank accounts have shut down, and Human Resources won’t let her start her new job until she can prove she exists. So she has to enlist the help of her free-spirited, disorganized doorman and his huge, loud, quirky Italian family to help her get her identity back. Wish I Were Here has a touch of the supernatural, some fabulous grannies, a little light breaking and entering, and a opposites-attract love story.

Lastly, are there any 2024 releases that you’re looking forward to that our readers should keep an eye out for?

I’m big fan of Lauren Kung Jessen, and I’m so excited about her upcoming Red String Theory. It’s about an artist guided by fate who meets her perfect match in a skeptic who doesn’t believe in destiny. Happy Medium by Sarah Adler is such a fresh, fun concept about a fake spirit medium who ends up talking to a real ghost. And I can’t wait for Kennedy Ryan’s This Could be Us, her follow-up to the gorgeous Before I Let Go.

Will you be picking up The Second Chance Year? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Melissa Wiesner, Author of ‘The Second Chance Year’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.