Kay Correll's Blog

Thanks for Visiting My Little Towns

Creating these coastal communities is one of my favorite parts of being a writer. I hope when you read them, you feel like you’re stepping into someplace warm, welcoming, and maybe even a little magical.

If you’ve ever visited Sanibel, Siesta Key, or Anna Maria Island, I’d love to hear what you loved most! Or tell me about your favorite beach town—I might just use it as inspiration for the next book…

— Kay

The post My Little Towns appeared first on Kay Correll Women's Fiction Author.

How I Create My Coastal Town Settings

(…and why I always want to move there when I’m done writing a book!)

One of the questions I get asked the most is:
“Are your beach towns based on real places?”

And the short answer is… sort of!

I write fictional towns because I like the freedom to shape them exactly the way I want. (Need a bakery with checkered floors and cinnamon rolls the size of your face? Done. A cozy cottage with a weathered porch swing and a secret room in the attic? Absolutely.)

But these made-up towns are always inspired by real places I’ve visited and fallen in love with, especially along the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida.

I try to put in the Southwest Florida spark

Over the years, I’ve spent time in some truly magical places: Sanibel Island, Anna Maria Island, and Siesta Key—each with their own laid-back charm, salty breezes, and that feeling like time slows down just a little.

There’s something about the Southwest Gulf Coast that gets under your skin in the best way. The pastel cottages. The turquoise water. The locals who wave from their bikes. The way the air smells like salt and sunscreen and maybe a little coconut.

Those experiences live in my memory—and they always find their way onto the page.

I try to build a fictional town that feels real

When I sit down to create a new series, I start with the vibe of the place. Is it sleepy and small, like Belle Island? Or a town where four generations of Parker Women live like Moonbeam Bay? Is it the kind of town where everyone knows everyone… or where someone might go to disappear for a while?

From there, I sketch out the heart of the community:

The main street with a bookstore, or cafe, or an ice cream shop

The beach that holds everyone’s memories

The homes with their porches and peeling paint, and potted plants

The people who make it feel like home

Old hotels, B&Bs, or cozy inns

I want each of my towns to feel like a place you could step into—where you’d run into a friend at the market, sit in on a book club, or help plan the town’s Fourth of July parade. (Or Christmas festival. Or pie contest. You get the idea.)

The towns are a blend of memory and imagination

Some details come straight from my own memories—like sunsets on Anna Maria Island or shell-hunting on Sanibel. Others I invent completely. But the goal is always the same: to create a world that feels real and comforting, a place you’d want to visit (or maybe even move to, if it weren’t fictional!).

And the best part?
Once I finish a series, I get to build a brand-new town. New characters, new quirks, new secrets waiting to be uncovered.

It never gets old.

Where to start if you’d like a little escape

If you want to take a stroll through one of my fictional beach towns, here are a couple places you can start:

The Lighthouse Point series – set on Belle Island, full of family, secrets, and second chances. My first beach series where it all began!

Saltwater Sunrises – book one in the Magnolia Key series, where friendship and new beginnings shine. (and just a short ferry ride from the coast—right near Moonbeam Bay and Belle Island, of course.)

Seaside Christmas Wishes – a Belle Island holiday story full of nostalgia and hope

You can find all of my books right here.

Thanks for visiting my little towns

Creating these coastal communities is one of my favorite parts of being a writer. I hope when you read them, you feel like you’re stepping into someplace warm, welcoming, and maybe even a little magical.

If you’ve ever visited Sanibel, Siesta Key, Anna Maria, or Sarasota, I’d love to hear what you loved most! Or tell me about your favorite beach town—I might just use it as inspiration for the next book…

— Kay 

The post How I Create my Coastal Town Settings for my Books appeared first on Kay Correll Women's Fiction Author.

Why I Love Second Chances in Fiction (and in Life)

There’s something about a second chance that just gets me every time.

Maybe it’s because I’ve had a few of my own—those moments when life knocks you sideways, and you have to figure out how to stand back up and try again. Or maybe it’s because I believe we all deserve the space to grow, to change, and to start fresh… even if it’s not perfect the second time around either.

Either way, I can’t stop writing about it.

The Magic of a Do-Over

Second chances come in all shapes and sizes. In my books, it might be a woman returning to her hometown after decades away. Or an old flame showing up unexpectedly. Or someone rediscovering a dream they’d tucked away years ago because life just got too busy.

Whatever the form, I love the idea that it’s never too late—not for love, not for healing, not for happiness.

I think there’s real beauty in that.

Second Chances Feel Real

Let’s face it—we’ve all had moments where Plan A didn’t quite work out.

Maybe it was a relationship that ended. A job that burned us out. A path we followed because it made sense at the time, only to realize later that it wasn’t what we truly wanted.

That’s what I try to capture in my stories. Not fairy tale perfection, but real women dealing with real life… and discovering that sometimes, the second chapter is even better than the first.

My Favorite Kinds of Second Chances

In case you haven’t noticed (ha!), second chances pop up a lot in my books. Some of my favorites to write include:

Women finding love again after heartbreak

Friends reconnecting after years apart

Mothers and daughters mending old wounds

Someone finally chasing that dream they put on the back burner for everyone else

That man from your past—the one that got away—showing up again…

I don’t always plan it that way, but these themes sneak into my stories again and again. Probably because they sneak into life that way, too.

I write about second chances not just because it makes for a good story (though it definitely does), but because I think we need to be reminded that we’re allowed to change directions. We’re allowed to make mistakes and come back from them. We’re allowed to begin again—even if we’re starting over at 40, 50, 60, or beyond.

Second chances are hopeful. And I think hope is one of the most important things a story can offer.

If You’re Craving That Feeling…

If you love books where women find strength, community, and maybe a little unexpected romance after life doesn’t go quite as planned, you’re in the right place.

A few of my second-chance favorites I’ve written?

Return to the Island– my all-time favorite character, Tally, gets her second chance. It is book 5 in the Lighthouse Point Series

Lilacs by the Sea– a married couple on the brink of calling it quits discover there’s more waiting for them than they expected. (Book 5 in the Moonbeam Bay series)

You can check out all my books right here.

Thanks for reading—and for believing in the power of a second chance.
If you’ve ever had one of your own (or wish you could take one), I’d love to hear your story. Come say hi over on Instagram or Facebook, or sign up for my newsletter so we can stay in touch.

— Kay

The post Second Chances in Fiction appeared first on Kay Correll Women's Fiction Author.

What Is Women’s Fiction? (And Why I Love Writing It)

People ask me all the time—what exactly is women’s fiction? Is it just another name for romance? Is it a book only women read? Is there a checklist?

Honestly? It’s a little hard to define… and I kind of love that about it.

But since I write it—and read a lot of it—I thought I’d share what women’s fiction means to me, and why it has such a special place in my heart.

So… What Is Women’s Fiction?

To me, women’s fiction is about a woman’s emotional journey. It’s about the choices she has to make, the relationships she navigates, the second chances she takes (or doesn’t), and how she changes along the way.

It’s not always about romance—though it can have a love story woven in (mine usually do). But the main focus is always on the woman herself. Her life. Her growth. Her story.

Women’s Fiction vs. Romance: What’s the Difference?

I love a good romance just as much as the next person. But when I sit down to write a book, I’m usually thinking beyond just a love story.

Romance is all about the relationship. The plot centers around two people falling in love, and there’s always a happily ever after.

Women’s fiction, on the other hand, might have romance, but it’s not the whole story. The woman’s personal growth is what really drives the book. She might be navigating a divorce, a new career, a family secret, or simply figuring out who she is after the kids leave the nest. (Or all of the above!)

The Kinds of Stories I Love to Tell

If you’ve read any of my books, you probably know the themes I keep coming back to:

Second chances (because who doesn’t need one?)

Found family and small-town charm

Friendships that carry us through the hard stuff

Mothers and daughters, sisters and best friends

Starting over at 50, 60, even 70… whenever life decides to shake things up

I love writing about women who are a little older and wiser. Women who’ve lived some life, made some mistakes, and are still figuring things out.

Why Women’s Fiction Matters (At Least to Me)

I think one of the reasons women’s fiction is so special is because it feels real. These stories reflect the lives many of us are living or have lived. They remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles or dreams. That it’s never too late to change course. That friendship, community, and belonging still matter.

And honestly? I think that’s pretty powerful.

Where to Start If You’re New Around Here

If you’re just dipping your toes into women’s fiction, I’ve got a few books that might be a good place to start:

The Parker Women

Four women. One beach cottage. Lots of secrets and second chances. This one’s full of family drama, healing, and the pull of the past.

Saltwater Sunrises

A story about two lifelong friends returning to a beach town they once loved. It’s about starting over, finding your people again, and maybe even falling in love.

You can find information on all my books right here if you want to take a peek!

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I love hearing from readers who’ve connected with a character or felt seen by a storyline. That’s really what women’s fiction is all about—connection. If you’re looking for stories with heart, hope, and heroines who feel like real women, then you’re in the right place.

Want updates on new books, behind-the-scenes stories, and occasional ramblings from me? Join my newsletter and let’s stay in touch.

Thanks for stopping by. Now go grab a cozy blanket (or a beach chair), and happy reading!

— Kay

The post What is Women’s Fiction (and why I write it) appeared first on Kay Correll Women's Fiction Author.

Book five in the Moonbeam Bay series is available now!

See links to all retailers here.

Francine Winters—Frankie to her family and friends—doesn’t know how she got to this point in her life. Her marriage is falling apart. Will moved into the guest bedroom and their marriage is crumbling.

They’re considering a trial separation but haven’t told their grown daughters yet.

Which is too bad because…

The last thing she needs is the surprise family vacation the girls plan.

And to make things worse? They planned it at the very place she and Will had honeymooned. A celebration for their fortieth anniversary.

And to make things worse? They planned it at the very place she and Will had honeymooned. A celebration for their fortieth anniversary..

But a lot can happen when you come to stay at Blue Heron Cottages…

Lilacs by the Sea is book five in the Blue Heron Cottages series. The book can be read as a standalone or pop back to book one, Memories of the Beach, and binge the series. From a USA Today Bestselling Author. Grab Lilacs by the Sea and dive into this feel-good beach read.

Memories of the Beach
Walks along the Shore
Bookshop near the Coast
Restaurant on the Wharf
Lilacs by the Sea

Are you ready for a new book in the Blue Heron Cottages series? Book four, Restaurant on the Wharf, is available now!

Links to all retailers here.

Francine Winters—Frankie to her family and friends—doesn’t know how she got to this point in her life. Her marriage is falling apart. Will moved into the guest bedroom and their marriage is crumbling.

They’re considering a trial separation but haven’t told their grown daughters yet.

Which is too bad because…

The last thing she needs is the surprise family vacation the girls plan.

And to make things worse? They planned it at the very place she and Will had honeymooned. A celebration for their fortieth anniversary.

And to make things worse? They planned it at the very place she and Will had honeymooned. A celebration for their fortieth anniversary.

But a lot can happen when you come to stay at Blue Heron Cottages…

Lilacs by the Sea is book five in the Blue Heron Cottages series. The book can be read as a standalone or pop back to book one, Memories of the Beach, and binge the series. From a USA Today Bestselling Author. Grab Lilacs by the Sea and dive into this feel-good beach read.

Memories of the Beach
Walks along the Shore
Bookshop near the Coast
Restaurant on the Wharf
Lilacs by the Sea

FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Book one in the Charming Inn series.

One Simple Wish

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Amazon International (Amazon is wavering with international pricing. If you go to a site other than the .com and the price isn’t free, check back later. Sorry.)

or it you prefer the paperback, it’s still available for purchase:
PAPERBACK

Sometimes everything is not exactly as it seems…

When her aunt is injured, Sara hurries back to Belle Island to help out at Charming Inn. She’s sure she can run the inn and work remotely for her job back in Boston. If only she can juggle all of it…

But what are the chances she’d run into Noah McNeil after all these years and what is he doing on her island? He disappeared from her life in Boston without a word over twenty years ago. And now he has a dog? He always swore he didn’t have time for pets…

Sara and her two best friends, Robin and Charlotte, struggle to keep Charming Inn running while Sara struggles to ignore Noah completely.

But maybe, just maybe, Noah isn’t quite the man she thought he was.

Join these three best friends and the familiar people of Belle Island in this delightful spin-off of the Lighthouse Point series.

This is book one in the Charming Inn series:

One Simple Wish – Book One
Two of a Kind – Book Two
Three Simple Things – Book Three
Four Short Weeks – Book Four
Five Years or So – Book Five
Six Hours Away – Book Six
Charming Christmas – Book Seven

Are you ready for a new series? The first book in The Blue Heron Cottages releases June 28! This series is set back in Moonbeam. Violet, who bought and restored the cottages is featured in this series along with a charming set of characters, both townsfolk and people who stay at her cottages.

Book One – Memories of the Beach

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Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AUS
Apple Books
Barnes and Noble/Nook
Kobo
Google – coming on release day
Paperback – coming soon

Violet Bentley bought the run-down Blue Heron Cottages and updated the small beachside resort in the quaint town of Moonbeam. Her brother, Rob, is temporarily living with her in the owner’s cottage and helping with the resort. She adores him—really she does—he’s all the family she has. And if he’d just keep his many opinions to himself, it would be the perfect arrangement.

Aspen is stuck in a stream of bad luck and can’t seem to break her streak. She receives a mysterious letter asking her to come to an all-expenses-paid week at the resort. She’s intrigued but can’t afford to take time off work. When her boss fires her, the decision is made. She packs up all her belongings and heads for Moonbeam, curious about the letter and nowhere else to go.

Still grieving the loss of her mother, Willow receives her own letter asking her to come to the resort. She’s uncertain, but her husband encourages her to go. Maybe it has something to do with what her mother struggled to tell her—unsuccessfully—with her dying breaths. And Willow has to admit a week at the beach and time to relax might be just what she needs.

What neither woman sees coming are the startling revelations the letters will bring to their lives.

Memories of the Beach is the first book in a heartwarming series about Violet, the charming people of Moonbeam, and the guests who come to stay at Blue Heron Cottages.

Yay! It’s finally here! Release day for The Perks of Being a Parker!

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Apple
Nook
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Paperback
Google – coming soon

Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AU

Livy and Austin finally get their wedding. Or do they?

Charlie, Livy’s father, shows up after years and years of being a no-show in her life and starts causing problems. And who does he connect with? Camille! And, what a surprise, Camille is stirring up trouble, yet again.

Cassandra is back in town for the wedding and might finally have that date with Delbert. If it actually happens this time. Oh, and there’s a charity ball and a fire at Cabot Hotel. Are you ready for the exciting conclusion to the Moonbeam Bay series?*

*(Not saying there will never be another book in this series, because, as you know, I can never just leave my characters behind.) But we can all be assured these characters will pop up in other series, just like they always do.

Be sure to look for the next series, Blue Heron Cottages. (Yes! Violet’s cottage resort!)

OR Try the standalone novel Wind Chime Beach. Releasing May 17th. Preorder now!

There’s a preorder up for a new standalone novel. Wind Chime Beach. I know, I know, I usually write series, but this story just wanted to be told. The book releases May 17, 2022 but the preorder is available now. Order now and it will magically arrive on your ereader on May 17!
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Amazon.com
Amazon International
Apple Books
Barnes and Noble/Nook
Kobo
Google – coming on release day
Paperback – coming soon
LARGE PRINT – coming on release day

Sometimes life forces us to make impossible choices.

Lizzie saved Rachel’s life when they were young girls and that one moment cemented a lifelong friendship. But twenty-five years later life has dealt them some rough blows.

Lizzie is recently divorced, has a son in college who barely speaks to her, and she’s positive her appliances are having a rebellion while demanding the rest of her meager savings. Not to mention, after years of taking care of her husband and son, she has no idea what skills she has to get a job and move on with her life.

Rachel has the perfect life and perfect husband. The only thing she doesn’t have is the child she’s longed for. She’s sure getting pregnant will make her life complete.

Rachel’s mother, Sara Jane, has problems of her own. Like her cheating husband who keeps insisting that’s all in the past. Until… it isn’t.

This book is a celebration of friendship, family, and the strength of three women when pushed to their limits. Try this heartwarming story from USA Today Bestselling author, Kay Correll.