When the weather turns chilly, hearts get warmer—at least according to the talented authors of First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW), whose latest anthology Holiday Wishes delivers exactly what romance readers crave during the winter season.
As a member of FCRW and their Director of Communications, I’m thrilled to introduce readers to this enchanting collection of six short holiday romances that prove good things really do come in beautifully wrapped packages. Available now on Amazon, Holiday Wishes features stories ranging from sweet to spicy, with something for every romance reader’s taste.
A Collection with Heart and Purpose
What makes Holiday Wishes stand out in the crowded field of holiday romance anthologies? Beyond the compelling stories, this collection serves a dual purpose. All proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.
This fundraising model mirrors successful programs by national organizations like Romance Writers of America (RWA), which has published benefit anthologies for decades. However, FCRW’s approach offers something unique: a commitment to maintaining professional editorial standards while supporting both established and emerging authors in the romance community.
Six Stories, Six Unique Voices
Holiday Wishes showcases the diverse talents within FCRW’s membership:
Lia Davis opens the collection with My Winter Wolf, a forbidden love story that burns hotter than any winter fire. When pack laws stand between two shifters destined for each other, readers discover that some attractions can’t be denied—even when fate itself seems determined to keep them apart.
Leah Miles delivers tension and transformation in Tied Up for Christmas. Blake and Ryan find themselves literally bound together, forced to rely on each other for survival. What begins as potentially the worst Christmas ever might just become the one that changes everything.
Sara J. Walker transports readers to another era with Maude and the English Doctor. This historical romance pairs a dedicated healer with a man running from his past, proving that some callings—and attractions—simply can’t be escaped, even when circumstance forces unlikely partnerships.
Melody Johnson adds a magical twist with The Witch’s Meow. When incompetent witch Shelly accidentally transforms her cat into a lookalike of her childhood crush, the situation becomes complicated in the best possible way—especially when the real Julian shows up with Halloween treats.
Gloria Zahler Ferguson explores second chances in Mistletoe Reconnection. Set in Alaska, this story follows Nick Klause and his ex-wife Holly as an accidental kiss under the mistletoe invokes a local legend. Will they reconnect this time for keeps?
Vanessa Victoria Kilmer closes the collection with Katie and Cody Do Christmas. When Katie Bloom returns to her hometown, she must face the best friend she left behind—and confront the glimpse of true happiness Cody Miller once gave her.
How FCRW Stacks Up
Romance anthology collections have become increasingly popular over the past decade, with organizations using them for fundraising, community building, and reader engagement. Compared to similar efforts by groups like the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of RWA or the nationally coordinated Heart2Heart Romance anthology series, FCRW’s approach demonstrates several strengths.
First, the organization maintains rigorous professional standards. Each story undergoes professional editing, and authors must have their work vetted by member beta readers before inclusion. This quality control ensures readers receive polished, publication-ready stories.
Second, FCRW’s rights reversion policy is author-friendly. Contributors retain the ability to republish their individual stories after a designated period (typically six months for themed anthologies), allowing authors to continue building their individual brands and backlists.
Finally, the pricing remains accessible. At standard anthology pricing, Holiday Wishes offers excellent value—six complete stories for the price of a single novel, with the added benefit of supporting a community organization.
Perfect for Holiday Reading
Whether you’re a romance reader looking for cozy winter reads or a writer interested in seeing how professional anthology collaborations work, Holiday Wishes delivers on multiple levels. The stories feature the emotional depth and satisfying happily-ever-afters that romance readers expect, while showcasing the range and talent within the FCRW community.
From paranormal shifters to historical healers, from witchy mishaps to second-chance Alaskan romances, this collection proves that holiday magic comes in many forms—but always leads to love.
Holiday Wishes: A First Coast Romance Writers Winter Anthology is available now on Amazon. Find it at https://amzn.to/48X2mIy and discover your next favorite romance author while supporting a organization dedicated to advancing the craft of romance writing.
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