The best romances in the wide world of romance

Why am I passionate about this?

My first books were little Golden Books. I loved reading those stories of the sleepy little puppy and the engine that could. I moved on from there to all kinds of books and I remain a very happy reader. I have channeled my love for reading to a love of writing. My writing career started with a focus on journalism and writing for magazines, newspapers, and radio. About 18 years ago I began writing romance novels. I read all kinds of different genre but I thoroughly enjoy following the expanding relationships that make up the core element of all romances. That’s the thing about romance novels. There’s something for everyone.


I wrote...

Then There Was You: Love in Dunes Bay Book One

By Lynn Crandall,

Book cover of Then There Was You: Love in Dunes Bay Book One

What is my book about?

Half-way down the aisle on her wedding day, Cherish Moss realizes her fate that awaits. The path to the alter is a dead end. She runs out of the church, down the street, and toward reclaiming her life. Along her way to true freedom she stumbles into journalist and Boatwright Greyson Steel’s circle. Immediately, danger surrounds them when they learn dirty cops who threatened Grayson have come to town. The timing is all wrong for them but the two see something in one another that draws them together. Grayson and Cherish must accept the unwanted fate they helped create or follow their hearts to survive.

"Lynn Crandall's storytelling is so vivid, touching, and breathtaking that readers will be captivated from the first chapter to the last!" InDtale Magazine

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Storms of the Heart

Lynn Crandall Why did I love this book?

If you like small town settings with big old houses and hints of a ghost, intrigue, and simmering romance, you’ll love Storms of the Heart.

The story’s female main character, Emerson Lane, finds herself right in the middle of a raging thunderstorm at night on her way to her Uncle Wayne’s house in Twin Creeks, where she lived when her parents died in a car crash. She’s on a mission to reconnect with her uncle after leaving abruptly years ago to live in New York City. Trouble is waiting for her in the name of Sheriff Max Lomax, who she left behind.

Max has his own problems, but he is secretly but begrudgingly thrilled to see her, but questions whether this time she’ll stay. I liked the interesting characters in this story and the pleasant descriptions of Emerson’s hometown. The writing was so nice it felt like I could just walk into Uncle Wayne’s house and sink into a chair by the fireplace, while Mrs. Beresford sets a cup of steaming coffee on a nearby table.

Also, I enjoyed the developing love relationship between the two main. Once you start reading this story you won’t put it down until you’ve finished it.

Book cover of Bitten

Lynn Crandall Why did I love this book?

Elena Michaels is walking through life with one foot in the human world and the other in a shifter world.

Clayton Danvers is the reason for that. So she left her pack to forge a life among the humans. But when the pack calls her back to solve problems only she can, reluctantly she returns…to the life of a shifter within a pack…and in close quarters with Clay.

You don’t have to be a paranormal reader to get sucked in to this book. I like when I lose track of time, and this book achieved that for me. Kelley Armstrong brings the world of wolf shifters right into your face. The pages fly by and you’ll become immersed in the story. Her wolf pack is filled with sexy, hunky werewolves, but no one can top wild-hearted Clayton.

I enjoyed the moments of fierce passion and couldn’t wait to read the conclusion and find out how Armstrong pulled together the conclusion.

By Kelley Armstrong,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Bitten as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING OTHERWORLD SERIES.

"Frisky...Tells a rather sweet love story, and suggests that being a wolf may be more comfortable for a strong, smart woman than being human."-The New York Times Book Review

Elena Michaels is the world's only female werewolf. And she's tired of it. Tired of a life spent hiding and protecting, a life where her most important job is hunting down rogue werewolves. Tired of a world that not only accepts the worst in her-her temper, her violence-but requires it. Worst of all, she realizes she's growing content with…


Book cover of Jane Eyre

Lynn Crandall Why did I love this book?

This is a beautiful book. It is a story of unconditional love and devotion between Jane and Mr. Rochester.

Through Jane, the story shows us how a young woman who starts out as an orphan in a harsh environment where she is forced to accept her lot in life, digests her experiences, and makes her own way.

I like to read about female main characters who triumph over obstacles to find joy and peace. The teachings of Jane’s home and her boarding school restrain her. But Jane becomes strong on her journey to self-development through challenging obstacles and moments of sweet awareness. Through a lifetime of struggles, she learns what is important to her and she settles for nothing less.

I cheered on Jane, and questioned her decisions, and relished in her happiness. I like reading books that inspire me to be strong and devoted to a cause or a love.

By Charlotte Brontë,

Why should I read it?

33 authors picked Jane Eyre as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Introduction and Notes by Dr Sally Minogue, Canterbury Christ Church University College.

Jane Eyre ranks as one of the greatest and most perennially popular works of English fiction. Although the poor but plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, she possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage.

She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order. All of which circumscribe her life and position when she becomes governess to the daughter of the mysterious, sardonic and attractive Mr Rochester.

However, there is great kindness and warmth…


Book cover of Snowfall at Willow Lake

Lynn Crandall Why did I love this book?

Sophie Bellamy has lived an exciting life as an international lawyer working to protect human rights. But it came at the cost of having little time to be with her children as they grew up.

Her childhood memories of times spent at Willow Lake in Avalon bring her back to the small town where she hopes to make up for the time she spent abroad. Sophie was determined to repair her relationships with her children, but a twist in the story brings a happy surprise when she meets veterinarian Noah Shephard.

Their immediate attraction is at first unwanted, but prompts her life to take another turn. I like to piece together stories so I loved the unexpected twists.

The romance in this is story is lovely, and is mixed with intrigue and hope in the darkest hours. I like stories I can snuggle up with, and this story gave that immersive feeling. Sophie’s plans to stay for only a while are shifted as she takes another look at life on Willow Lake.

I think it’s important to stay open and see what life brings along, which is what Sophie faced.

By Susan Wiggs,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Snowfall at Willow Lake as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

Revisit the tranquil shores of Willow Lake and the Bellamy family in this heartwarming tale of a woman who discovers that small moments can end up being life’s most cherished memories.

International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a hostage situation, she remembers what matters most—the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.

There Sophie discovers…


Book cover of Uninterrupted Joy: My journey through infertility, pregnancy and special needs

Lynn Crandall Why did I love this book?

While this nonfiction book is strictly speaking not a romance, there is so much love flowing in this story that it shines a light like any romance novel I’ve read.

The author shares her struggles with starting a family. She lays out onto the page the pain and suffering of trying to have a baby, as well as the hope and joy along the way. It’s a very touching, personal account. Things work out differently than expected when she delivers her son, Rory, and learns he has a disability.

Her life turns out differently than expected and she must adjust, but through it all she discovers the joy that is always available to those who choose to embrace it.

You might also like...

Not in the Plan

By Dana Hawkins,

Book cover of Not in the Plan

Dana Hawkins Author Of Not in the Plan

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a contemporary romance writer, mom, queer, dog-lover, and coffee enthusiast. I have a deep love of the genre, particularly sparkly and swoony, sapphic romcoms, with a borderline obsession with happily-ever-afters. Knowing I will always have a happy ending while smiling through pages gives me the comforting hug I sometimes need. My goal is to spread queer joy in my writing and provide a safe, celebratory, and affirming space for my readers to escape reality.

Dana's book list on swoony, sapphic RomComs

What is my book about?

Crushed under writer’s block and a looming deadline, Mack escapes from New York to Seattle. She meets Charlie, a beautiful, generous, nearly bankrupt coffee shop owner recovering from heartbreak. For the first time, Mack has a muse. And then Mack starts using Charlie’s private stories in her novel…

When a storm traps Mack and Charlie in the coffee shop, they share a mind-bending, knee-shaking kiss. But Charlie is an eternal optimist who sleeps with fairy-lights on, while Mack is an ironing-at-5am worrier who sleeps with… everyone. They could never turn this chemistry into something real, right? And if Charlie finds out what Mack has been doing, turning Charlie’s most intimate secrets into a juicy page-turner, will they even have a chance to try?

Not in the Plan

By Dana Hawkins,

What is this book about?

Free-spirited coffee shop owner meets uptight coffee addict. Is an opposites-attract match brewing… or burning?

Crushed under the weight of writer’s block and a looming deadline, Mack escapes from New York to Seattle. She meets Charlie, a beautiful, generous, nearly bankrupt coffee shop owner recovering from heartbreak. For the first time, Mack has a muse. And then Mack starts using Charlie’s private stories in her novel…

When a storm traps Mack and Charlie in the coffee shop, they share a mind-bending, knee-shaking kiss. But Charlie is an eternal optimist who sleeps with fairy-lights on, while Mack is an ironing-at-5am worrier…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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