Jan Moran's Blog

March 3, 2026

Top Summer 2026 Books: Best Beach Reads

Looking for the best beach reads for summer 2026? We've got you covered with a stack of new romantic women's fiction books and series additions for your summer books list. If you're a binge reader, you'll love these top summer books from bestselling fiction authors. You'll find contemporary fiction, small town romance, women's fiction, romantic comedy, friends to enemies, friends to lovers, and many more popular genres and tropes for your summer reading list, gifts, and book club recommendations. Preorder now, or look for these books to debut this spring and summer.

Whether you’re heading to a local beach or lake, going on vacation, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in a sunny spot, you can always escape with a good book from this book list. Some authors have more than one new book debuting this year, too.

Kristy Woodson Harvey – Summer State of Mind

Kristy Woodson Harvey – Summer State of MindA warm Southern story about friendship, family, and rediscovering joy during one unforgettable summer. As long-buried tensions surface and life takes unexpected turns, the season becomes a chance to heal old wounds and reconnect with the people who matter most. Sometimes a summer can change everything.

 Jan Moran – Seabreeze Garden

SBGarden MockUp Book Cover 200x300 1A new visit to Summer Beach is in store with Seabreeze Garden and its popular cast of recurring characters in a sunny beach town. This time, sisters Ivy and Shelly uncover a long buried secret in the Seabreeze Inn's garden. A sun-drenched women’s fiction story with all the good feels.

 Jan MoranSummer Street

Summer Street Book Cover 200x300 1A new book in the Crown Island stories about a small town artist colony built around the Majestic Hotel, a seaside Victorian-era resort. The island is a place where neighbors know each other, friendships blossom, and love appears when it’s least expected.

 

 Carley Fortune – Our Perfect Storm

Carley Fortune Our Perfect StormA heartfelt friends-to-lovers story about lifelong friendship, unexpected heartbreak, and the trip that changes everything. When Frankie’s wedding falls apart, her best friend George proposes an unlikely plan—a healing getaway meant to mend her broken heart. But beneath the laughter and memories, long-buried feelings begin to surface.

 Abby Jimenez – The Night We Met

Abby Jiminez The Night We MetA moving love story about fate, timing, and the night that forever connects two strangers. What begins as a single unforgettable encounter grows into something neither expected. Sometimes the smallest moment can change the course of a lifetime.

 Pamela Kelley – Nantucket Second Chances

Pamela Kelley – Nantucket Second ChancesSet on the charming island of Nantucket, this breezy coastal story explores family bonds, fresh starts, and the courage to begin again. As old relationships resurface and new opportunities arise, one woman discovers that the life she truly wants may be waiting where she least expects it.

 Rachel Hanna – The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield

Rachel hanna The unpolished life of Eleanor whitfieldEleanor Whitfield’s carefully planned life begins to unravel in the most unexpected ways. As she navigates new challenges, she learns that imperfections can lead to surprising happiness. Sometimes the most beautiful life is the one that isn’t perfectly polished.

 Rachel Hanna – The Midlife Birthday Club

Rachel Hanna The midlife birthday clubA heartfelt story about friendship, reinvention, and the unexpected adventures that come with midlife. When a group of women gather to celebrate milestone birthdays, they discover it’s never too late to chase dreams or start over. Together, they learn that the best chapters of life may still be ahead.

 Katherine Center – The Shippers

Katherine Center The ShippersA charming romantic comedy about unlikely partners thrown together by circumstance. As they navigate new beginnings and a series of hilarious mishaps, they begin to discover that love often appears where you least expect it.

 Emily Giffin – Love You More

Emily Giffin – Love You MoreA poignant story about complicated relationships and the choices that shape our lives. As secrets come to light and loyalties are tested, one woman must decide what love truly means—and how far she’s willing to go to protect it.

 RaeAnne Thayne – The Rainy Day Bookshop

raeanne thayne the rainy day bookshopA cozy small-town tale centered around a beloved bookshop where stories bring people together. As friendships deepen and new possibilities unfold, the healing power of community and books shines through.

 Susan Mallery – Secrets of Summer

A heartfelt summer story about friendship, hidden truths, and the courage to start over. As the warm season unfolds, long-kept secrets begin to surface, changing the lives of those who thought they knew each other best.

Susan Mallery – The Bookstore Diaries

Susan Mallery – The Bookstore DiariesAn uplifting story set in a welcoming bookstore where lives intersect and friendships blossom. Through shared stories and quiet moments among the shelves, the characters discover that books—and the people who love them—have the power to change lives.

 Debbie Macomber – A Date with Destiny

Debbie macomber a date with destinyA feel-good romance about trusting the twists and turns of life. When unexpected encounters begin to reshape the future, one woman discovers that destiny sometimes arrives when you least expect it.

 Best Beach Reads Roundup

Share these top summer 2026 books with friends, and happy summer reading to you! 

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Published on March 03, 2026 16:39

January 1, 2026

Coming in 2026: Books You Can Preorder Now!

2026 Books To PreorderNew stories, new adventures, and an exciting year ahead in Summer Beach and Crown Island.

As we welcome a brand-new year, I’m delighted to share a special preview of the heartwarming stories arriving in 2026. If you love uplifting fiction, coastal escapes, and unforgettable characters, there’s so much to look forward to in the months ahead.

Two brand-new books are now available for preorder, and I can’t wait for you to step into these new chapters with me.

Seabreeze Garden

Springtime in Summer Beach brings new beginnings — and a garden full of surprises.

In this next installment of the beloved Summer Beach series, Ivy and the Bay family find themselves preparing for a new season at the Seabreeze Inn. But when a simple garden project uncovers something unexpected, the discovery sends ripples through the community. What begins as a spring refresh soon becomes a story of resilience, healing, and the unshakable bonds that make Summer Beach feel like home.

Filled with familiar faces, tender moments, and the charm readers adore, Seabreeze Garden is perfect for fans of clean romance, small-town women’s fiction, and heart-warming second chances.

👉 Preorder Seabreeze Garden

Summer Street

Return to Crown Island for sunshine, community, and irresistible coastal charm.

Readers have fallen in love with the Crown Island series for its warmth, whimsy, and unforgettable cast of characters — and Summer Street (Book 5) promises to be another heartfelt journey.

This new story brings romance, humor, and the everyday magic of Crown Island to life once again. Whether you’re new to the series or already in love with the island’s cozy corners and lively community, Summer Street is sure to brighten your TBR list for 2026.

👉 Preorder Summer Street

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Published on January 01, 2026 12:00

December 12, 2025

Discover Your Next Favorite Holiday Story — The Winter Wonderland Book Parade!

Winter Wonderland Book ParadeThe holiday season is here and what better way to celebrate than with a cozy stack of festive reads? If you’re searching for your next favorite winter story, you’re in luck! A group of bestselling authors have teamed up to bring you The Winter Wonderland Book Parade — a delightful collection of seasonal ebooks that’s available for a limited time.

Whether you love heart-warming Christmas romances, small-town charm, snowy adventures, or simply curling up with a good book and a warm drink, this curated collection has something special for every reader.

What You’ll Find in This Holiday Collection

This special BookFunnel collection features a variety of brand-new holiday stories from beloved authors — all wrapped up in one festive parade of books. Dive into tales filled with:

✨ Cozy winter settings
✨ Romantic holiday twists
✨ Feel-good characters
✨ And lots of yuletide cheer

Perfect for reading by the fire, on holiday travel, or anytime you want to feel that magical winter spirit.

👉 Act fast — grab this collection is only available for a limited time!

Bonus Reading Tips

Here are a few ideas for making the most of your holiday reading:

📍 Set up a cozy reading nook with twinkling lights
☕ Pair your stories with hot cocoa or spiced tea
🎧 Or listen on-the-go with your favorite audiobook player

Enjoy the magic of the season one page at a time — and don’t forget to share this festive book parade with friends and fellow readers!

Happy reading and happy holidays!

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Published on December 12, 2025 01:55

December 10, 2025

Seabreeze Harvest Bonus Scene

Seabreeze Harvest Bonus Scene Generic To listen to the audio bonus, download the free audio here! (Coming soon)

“There has to be a way to make coffee without burning down the inn,” Ivy muttered to herself. She’d once started a kitchen fire as a newlywed in Boston. Now she kept a fire extinguisher handy.

 

Everyone had stayed up late celebrating the Thanksgiving harvest feast yesterday, especially the younger ones. Ivy expected Sunny, Misty, and Poppy would sleep in, along with other guests at the inn, though her parents were often early risers.

With the electricity still off, Ivy stared at the bag of coffee beans on the kitchen counter as if some magical presence might intervene and transform them into a drinkable beverage. The coffee maker sat useless on the counter.

However, the old gas cooktop worked fine.

The sun had just risen, but the marine layer was foggy and thick. Still, it was light enough to start breakfast for their guests.

They had survived yesterday’s harvest feast without electricity. So many people had gotten creative to manage outdoor grills, candles, and flashlights. With propane heat lamps, fireplaces, and blankets, everyone stayed warm.

But brewing coffee without an electric coffeemaker? Her foggy, pre-caffeinated brain couldn’t recall how to do it.

Not that she ever had.

She texted Shelly. “How is Mitch brewing coffee at Java Beach this morning?”

After a small lag, Shelly replied. “On the cooktop. He says it’s easy. Just water and coffee. Mitch took Vanz and Melinda to help him at Java Beach, so I’m coming over with Daisy.”

“If he can do it, so can we. I’ll have it ready when you arrive.” Ivy pushed up the sleeves on her sweater and brought out a pot that looked large enough to make what they’d need.

Fortunately, everyone was sleeping in and wouldn’t see her fumbling around. They’d wake up to a delicious aroma and all would be well with the world once they were sufficiently caffeinated.

She filled the pot with water, lit an old burner with a match, and placed the pot over it. While the water came to a boil, she folded a clean dishcloth over the beans and brought out a wooden rolling pin. She began crushing them with vigor, releasing an earthy, roasted scent.

Grinding them felt primitive, but at least she was making progress.

Then she lifted the cracked, crumbled beans on the cloth and poured them directly into the boiling water.

So far, so good, she thought. She turned back to the counter to clean up the mess she’d made.

Behind her, the pot sizzled and popped.

She whipped around to see the brew foaming and bubbling over the sides, hissing as it hit the flame.

“Oh, no,” Ivy cried. She grabbed the handles, nearly burning her hands, then turned off the knob. Coffee-tinted water pooled on the stovetop and trickled down the side.

Shelly appeared in the doorway in fleece sweats, her hair swept into a messy bun. She held Daisy by the hand. Their eyes widened at the scene before them.

“I suppose your rescue team has arrived.”

“Better put Daisy up first.” Ivy grabbed a pair of dishcloths, sopping up the brown liquid seeping over the edge of the stove and onto the floor.

She had to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Shelly strapped Daisy into a highchair and gave her a bottle of apple juice and a soft wafer. “What were you doing?”

“Making coffee,” she replied, gesturing to the rolling pin. “I had to crush the coffee beans. Can’t use the grinder without electricity, so I got creative.”

Shelly quirked a grin. “Actually, that was pretty smart.”

“Crushing coffee beans was easy enough—until I got to the actual coffee-making part. Now what?”

“Let’s pivot, Sis. Do we have any instant coffee?” Shelly opened the pantry and looked inside.

Ivy shook her head, though mentally, she added that to her emergency list. “If Mitch is cooking coffee on the stovetop for the masses, I figured I could manage a pot for us.”

“A pot? That’s practically a cauldron.”

“You’ve got that right.” Ivy wiggled her fingers at the pot as if casting a spell on it. “‘Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble.’”

Daisy giggled at the rhyme.

Shelly laughed, tickling her little girl behind an ear. “Shakespeare for breakfast is impressive. But you still can’t make coffee without a machine.”

“Apparently not.” Ivy wrung out the dishcloth at the sink. “Do you have any other ideas?”

Shelly found a smaller pot and started filling it with water. In the meantime, she pulled her phone from her pocket. “I’ll look, but I didn’t have much time to charge my battery in the car.”

“No telling when the electricity will be restored,” Ivy said. “Bennett checked with the emergency department this morning, and they just said they’re working on it.”

Shelly scrolled through her phone. “Do you have a moka pot?”

“I wish. Not even that.”

Shelly eyed the mess on the stove. “Spice grinder?”

“Electric.” Ivy brightened. “Hey, I have Mom’s molcajete.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s the Mexican mortar and pestle she used. It’s made from basalt, or volcanic stone. She used it to crush garlic and chili peppers. I do the same.”

“I remember that.” Shelly raised her eyebrows. “Whatever works, I guess. Here’s something. You boil grounds with water. Then—” The screen went black, and she sighed.

“Let’s ask an expert,” Ivy said.

From a kitchen shelf, she pulled a vintage cookbook she had received as a wedding gift years ago. Joy of Cooking. She scanned the glossary, then flipped to the front. “Look, it’s one of the first recipes in the book. That’s how important it is.”

Daisy squealed as if for emphasis.

Shelly gave her some fresh blueberries from her bag. “So what does Irma Rombauer say?”

Ivy tapped the stained, yellowed page. “Two spoonfuls of ground coffee per cup for each cup of water. Boil for five to ten minutes, then drain. Sounds easy enough, but we should watch it.”

While Shelly tended to Daisy, she brought out the stone mortar and pestle to grind coffee beans. “Let’s start over.”

Working together, they measured grounds into the water. When the mixture began to bubble, they stood watch, guarding it like gold.

“Imagine making this over a campfire beside a covered wagon,” Shelly said, shaking her head. “I feel like a pioneer on the Oregon Trail.”

“Only in a fairly modern kitchen.” Ivy grinned at her “We have little reason to complain, do we?”

As they watched, the water grew darker and released a rich aroma.

When the color looked about right, Ivy turned off the flame. “Now we let it settle, then we strain it.”

“With what? The strainer’s holes are too large, except for the tiny one for tea.”

Upstairs, footsteps sounded in the hallway. Guests were coming downstairs.

“We don’t have time for that,” Ivy said. “Oh, wait a minute. Diya left something here that might work.”

She brought a folded cheesecloth from a drawer and positioned it over a bowl with a spout placed in the sink. Shelly lifted the pot and poured. The coffee that emerged was murky, with visible sediment swirling through it.

“That looks awfully rustic.” Shelly reached for two cups and filled them. She gave Ivy one and lifted hers. “Cheers.”

Ivy tasted what they’d made. “Wow, that’s strong.” Suddenly, her mouth was on fire.

“And spicy.” Shelly breathed out, fanning her mouth. “What did you add to the beans?”

Ivy filled a glass of water from the faucet and gulped it. “That kick must be from leftover chili peppers. I didn’t think to wash the mortar or pestle.”

They looked at each other and burst out laughing. Shelly also reached for a glass.

Just then, Bennett walked in the rear door. “What’s so funny here?”

“Try the coffee,” Shelly said, grinning.

Before Ivy could warn him, Bennett took a long drink. A moment later, his eyes bulged and perspiration appeared on his forehead. “Wow, that’s strong enough to wake the dead. And hot. Spicy hot, I mean.” He grabbed the water from Ivy and finished it in one long swig.

Ivy chuckled. “But better than nothing, right?”

He ran another glass and drank it down. Catching his breath, he put his arm around her. “You never cease to amaze me.”

Lifting the smaller bowl, Shelly poured it into a thermal container for the dining room. “Guests might not love it, but they’ll appreciate the effort. We’ll call it our special spicy blend.”

“I don’t think we can serve that,” Bennett said, coughing. “Not without a defibrillator.”

Just then, the overhead lights flickered to life. The refrigerator hummed, louder than usual.

Bennett hugged Ivy and whirled her around. “The electricity is back. Thank goodness.”

“Yes!” Shelly shouted, slapping their hands in a high-five.

Excitement swept through the inn as guests came downstairs. Ivy looked at the thermos they’d prepared, then at the modern coffee maker.

“Should we even mention our first attempt?” Shelly asked, already reaching for the real coffee maker.

Ivy dumped the coffee down the sink. “That was my second attempt. And no, not if we want to maintain our dignity.”

“This stays between us,” Bennett said, drinking more water.

“Deal.” Shelly turned on the faucet to fill the coffee maker’s reservoir. “Although people might wonder why the place smells like charred jalapeños.”

“Wait, I remember now,” Ivy said. “Not long ago, I ground the habañeros you grew.”

Shelly coughed and refilled her glass of water. “No wonder it’s so spicy. Those are a hundred times hotter than jalapeños. And I’m not kidding.”

Bennett drew a hand over his face, chuckling.

Shelly pressed a button. The stainless-steel machine ground the beans, then gurgled coffee into a carafe. This was a miracle of modern convenience.

Ivy leaned against the counter, relief washing over her. “I will never take electricity for granted again.”

Bennett kissed her cheek and whispered, “I didn’t miss it last night. That fireplace in our bedroom was awfully cozy.”

“And romantic,” Ivy said, kissing him back.

“Oh, you two,” Shelly said, chuckling. “You’d think you were still newlyweds.”

At that, Daisy screamed and waved her hands.

“That’s her alarm for me to serve another course,’ Shelly said, covering her ears. “Yogurt coming right up.”

“Everyone else gets leftovers today,” Ivy said, turning to Bennett. “Want to help before you take off for your run?”

Bennett grinned. “That’s not really a question, is it?”

“Stay and say hello to Mom and Dad. Then you can go running.”

Bennett lifted the carafe. “I’ll serve the coffee.”

Voices drifted from the hallway where people were gathering. Within minutes, the quiet morning erupted into the familiar bustle of guests.

With Shelly’s help, Ivy took charge of breakfast. They warmed cinnamon-spiced baked apples and pumpkin muffins while arranging an assortment of fruit, cheese, and sliced vegetables.

When she entered the dining room, Bennett stood chatting with the young Italian couple, who had enjoyed their first Thanksgiving feast. Adelina sat with Carlotta and Sterling, their conversation flowing. They all wore warm sweaters as it was a little cool.

Ivy signaled to Bennett to turn on the heater now that they could. He nodded and left the room.

“Good morning,” Ivy said, joining her parents and Adelina. “I see you’ve found each other.”

Carlotta looked up, her silver earrings catching the light. “We were just catching up, recalling the pieces we bought from Adelina in the past.”

“Her work was exquisite,” Sterling added. “I recall clients asking when we might get more.”

Adelina smiled, the compliment bringing color to her cheeks. “That almost feels like another lifetime ago. So much has changed.”

“Yet here you are, getting ready to relaunch your career,” Ivy said, settling into the chair beside them.

Adelina smiled at her. “I was wondering if I was too old to start over—not that I have much choice if I want to eat and keep a roof over my head. And then your parents shared their adventures. If they can sail around the world, I can do what I need to.”

“And what you love,” Carlotta said, patting the other woman’s hand. “You’re so talented, and your love of art shines in every piece. We’ll reach out to some of our contacts for you.”

Bennett reappeared in the doorway with something tucked under his arm. Ivy nodded for him to join them.

They had shared the bunker discovery with her parents and Adelina over dinner last night and promised they’d share more of it today.

“Here’s the logbook,” Bennett said.

The cover was stained, its spine cracked in places. He gently opened it, revealing pages filled with neat, measured handwriting. Dates lined the margin. 1942, 1943, 1944.

“Someone kept a meticulous record,” he said, reading the first entry. “It appears to be a lookout log.”

Adelina sucked in a breath. “May I see that?”

Read More…

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Published on December 10, 2025 22:12

December 2, 2025

Live Recap: Laughter, Signed Books, Pixie the Chihuahua, and a Peek Behind the Stories

If you missed my Ask Me Anything Facebook Live or YouTube Live earlier, here’s a warm and cheerful live recap! This livestream was filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, exciting book updates, and the kind of reader camaraderie that makes these sessions so meaningful.

Thank you to everyone who joined and filled the comments with joy, love, and thoughtful questions. 

Ask Me Anything Live JM

🔑 What We Talked AboutLimited-Time Sale + Signed Paperbacks – I opened the live with the exciting limited-time shop sale, and many of you picked up signed paperback editions while they were available. Thank you so much for your support — signing each book is always a special moment for me. Pixie the Fictional Chihuahua Steals the Spotlight – One of the liveliest parts of the evening was our conversation about Pixie the chihuahua — the beloved fictional dog from the Summer Beach series. Even though Pixie isn’t a real dog, readers adore her quirks, her sass, and her big personality. We laughed together about her “kleptomaniac tendencies” in the books and her ongoing therapy sessions — all part of her humorous and heartfelt story arc. And of course, I hinted that Pixie continues to play an unexpected and important role in the latest Seabreeze Harvest, which made many of you smile. She truly has a fanbase of her own!Author Q&A Session – You asked, I answered! A variety of fans shared thoughts and asked questions about writing, publishing, creative process, what’s next for future books. Scroll down below to know why it took long for the audiobook to be published.Seabreeze Harvest – I talked about my latest book release, Seabreeze Harvest and advise the readers to get the Seabreeze Harvest bonus scene which I included at the back of the book.The “Next Pet” Conversation – I had a fun moment when I asked everyone: “If I ever wrote in another pet besides a dog… what should it be?” Your answers were amazing and hilarious: a cat, a parrot, and another dog. It felt like a full brainstorming session for future character pets — and your creativity added so much laughter to the live.Readers shared their love of the series – Your comments throughout the live were heartwarming. Many of you shared how much you love reading the Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, Family sagas, and Crown Island series, calling them comfort reads, escapes, and stories you return to again and again. Seeing your messages in real time made the live feel like a big virtual family gathering.Travel Inspiration – I also talked about travel inspirations — especially how my trip to Mallorca became the spark behind the setting and atmosphere of Seabreeze Honeymoon. The Mediterranean coast, island beauty, and quiet charm helped shape the story the characters experience.Sneak Peek: What’s Next – I teased upcoming projects (new stories, maybe a giveaway, more live chats) — all suggestions from you. So many ideas — and I can’t wait to see what we build together next. So be sure to scroll down!🎧 Why the Audiobook Took Longer

One reader asked about the delay in the newest audiobook release, and I explained that my narrator, Erin Bennett, is truly one of the top narrators in the audiobook industry.

Her schedule is always full, so I’m incredibly lucky she was able to squeeze my books into her busy recording calendar. Her warm, expressive performance brings so much depth to the stories — the wait is always worth it. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm!

📚✨ Binge-Reader Bundles Available

We also talked about the saver bundles now available in several formats — perfect for binge-reading or gifting:

Ebook bundles for instant reading

Audiobook bundles for relaxing, hands-free listening

Paperback bundles for those who love building a physical collection

If you’re new to the series or catching up, these bundles make it easy to dive into the world of Summer Beach and Crown Island from the beginning.

Upcoming Books on Preorder

Many readers were excited when we talked about the next books now on preorder:

Seabreeze Garden, Book 13 of the Summer Beach series – A beautiful new chapter with familiar faces and heartwarming moments.

Summer Street, Book 5 of the Crown Island series – More friendship, romance, humor, and coastal charm coming your way.

New: Exclusive Reader Zoom Call

One of the special things we agreed to during the live is to host a reader-only Zoom call!

This will be a cozy, face-to-face gathering where we can:

talk about books and characters

share stories

answer your questions

enjoy some laughs together

and connect on a more personal level

👉 The Zoom call will be exclusive to members of my VIP Reader Group. If you haven’t joined yet, now’s the perfect time — we’d love to have you there.

To everyone who joined the livestream — and to those watching the replay — thank you for such a joyful, unforgettable session. Your warmth, curiosity, and humor make these events truly special.

I’m excited for our next live… and I can’t wait to see many of you in our upcoming Zoom hangout.

Sending hugs — and Pixie (our fictional troublemaker!) sends her mischievous love. 🐾✨

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Published on December 02, 2025 01:56

November 18, 2025

Seabreeze Harvest Book Launch Giveaway

To celebrate the debut of author Jan Moran's new Seabreeze Harvest book, enter for a chance to win a Williams Sonoma Spiced Cider Candle. This comforting, limited-edition candle is from their Home Scents Collection. The beautiful, hand-poured candle is crafted of a soy wax blend with natural botanicals.

Paper and cotton wick ensures clean, aromatic burn.Burns up to 60 hours.Comes in a lovely, reusable ribbed glass holder.

Scent Notes

Top: Blood Orange, Spiced Lemon, Red PlumMiddle: Nutmeg, Eucalyptus, CardamomBottom: Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Clove Leaf

📚 Bonus: Join Jan’s VIP group and get a FREE ebook, The Welcome to Summer Beach Kit, instantly!

💬 Share the giveaway for extra bonus entries — the more you share, the more chances to win! To learn more about Jan and her bestselling novels, visit www.JanMoran.com.

 

 
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Published on November 18, 2025 04:36

November 14, 2025

Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced Apple CiderWarm spiced apple cider is a wintry favorite at the Seabreeze Inn. In Seabreeze Harvest, Ivy and her family indulge in a cup of hot apple cider in the small town of Julian. This is a real mountain village in Southern California, and I enjoy visiting Julian for some of the best apple cider and apple pie around. 

This recipe uses nonalcoholic apple cider, also known as unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice. In some countries, apple cider is an alcoholic beverage.

This recipe is also known as mulled apple cider. Traditional mulling spices for apple cider (or warm mulled wine) are cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and star anise, along with sliced oranges, apples, and lemons.

When the air turns crisp, it’s time to enjoy warm apple cider. A side benefit is the lovely aroma that will fill your home.

Makes: About 8 cups (2 L)

Ingredients8 cups (2 L) apple cider (nonalcoholic), preferably unfiltered

3 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp (3 g) whole cloves

1 tsp (3 g) whole allspice berries

1 orange, sliced

1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar (optional, to taste)1/2 Tbsp (15 mL)  vanilla extract (optional) 8 cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)orange slices to garnish (optional)DirectionsCombine the ingredients.
Pour apple cider into a medium-sized pot. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, vanilla, and orange slices. If desired, stir in brown sugar. May also use brown sugar substitutes, such as Splenda brand.

Warm.
Heat over medium until cider begins to steam. Reduce heat to low.

Simmer.
Let cider simmer for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.

Strain & serve.
Remove the spices and orange slices with strainer. Ladle into mugs. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange slices if desired. Optional: A splash of dark rum.

 

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Published on November 14, 2025 00:00

Potato Stacks with Herbs & Garlic

Potato Stacks with Herbs GarlicThese are the potato stacks that Ivy prepared for the harvest feast dinner. You’ll enjoy this layered stack of crispy, thinly sliced potatoes made in muffin tins. These may be made with butter and Parmesan cheese or dairy-free with olive oil. Both are delicious.

Yellow or red-skinned potatoes work best, such as German Butterball or Yukon Gold. These smaller, less starchy potatoes are about the diameter of a muffin tin. The resulting tower will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 

For variations on the theme, try different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, or a combination of your favorites. These can be made ahead; simply refrigerate them in the muffin tin and finish before serving. 

Ingredients

Herb Butter or  Olive Oil Mixture

½ cup (100 g) unsalted butter or olive oil, or a blend

3 garlic cloves, minced, or to taste

3 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (plus small sprigs for garnish)

1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Potato Stacks

3 lb (1.5 kg) yellow or red potatoes, unpeeled

12 small rosemary sprigs or herb of choice

Optional: ½ cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese

 

InstructionsPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil.

Make the herb mixture:
Melt the butter (or warm the oil), then stir in the garlic, chopped rosemary or other herbs, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.

Prepare the potatoes:
Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes into very thin rounds (about 1/16 inch).

Combine:
Place the potato slices in a large bowl. Pour the herb mixture over them and toss gently to coat.

Assemble:

Place a small rosemary sprig in the bottom of each muffin cup.

Layer the potato slices loosely, allowing edges to overlap.

If using Parmesan, sprinkle some midway through stacking, then continue layering.

Slightly overfilling is fine. The stacks will compress as they bake.

Bake covered:
Cover the muffin tin tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are mostly tender.

Bake uncovered:
Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), and bake for an additional 13–15 minutes, or until the tops and edges are golden and crisp.

Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes. Remove each stack with a fork or small spatula. Flip so the herb sprig on the bottom is upright. Bottom will be cruncy and darker. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and serve warm.

Make-Ahead

Bake as directed, then let cool slightly and transfer to a wire rack. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. For extra-crispy edges, finish under the broiler briefly, watching closely.

Next: Spiced Apple Cider

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Published on November 14, 2025 00:00

November 13, 2025

Signed Books Are Back in My Shop — Limited Time, Limited Quantities!

Signed Book Sale 2025 Social MediaI’m delighted to share some exciting news just in time for the holiday season: signed books are officially back and available in my online shop! This is one of the most requested offerings from readers throughout the year, and I’m thrilled to finally open up a new round of signed copies while supplies last.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sorting inventory, updating counts, and preparing a fresh selection of signed editions from across all of my bestselling book worlds. Right now, I’m offering around 25 different titles, beautifully signed and ready to ship — but please know that many of these books have already begun to sell out just hours after the announcement in my reader group. If you’ve been hoping to add a signed edition to your bookshelf or gift one to someone special, now is truly the best time.

These signed editions span multiple series and eras of my writing, including many reader favorites:

🌊 Summer Beach Series

🏡 Coral Cottage Series

✨ Sunshine and Second Chances Series

🌴 Crown Island Series

📜 Historical Saga Standalone Novels

This is a rare chance to collect signed editions across several different story worlds — from cozy contemporary seaside escapes, to heartfelt small-town romances, to sweeping historical sagas. Each book is personally signed, carefully packed, and sent with so much gratitude for your continued love and support.

If you’re shopping for holiday gifts, signed books make incredibly thoughtful presents for the readers in your life. They’re meaningful, personal, and unique, and something your loved ones will cherish for years to come. I’ve heard from so many readers who love gifting signed books for birthdays, holidays, or “just because,” especially to friends who share their love of Summer Beach or Crown Island.

🎁 A Few Important Notes:

Inventory is very limited — once a title is gone, it’s gone for this season.

Several books have already sold out.

I strongly encourage placing orders before Thanksgiving to ensure availability and holiday delivery.

This signed book release will be open for a short time only.

👉 Browse the Signed Book Collection Here

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your enthusiasm, excitement, and endless support. Whether you’re collecting your favorite series, discovering a new one, or gifting a book to someone dear, I am truly honored to be part of your reading world.

Wishing you warmth, joy, and a beautiful holiday season ahead.
With love and sunshine,
Jan

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Published on November 13, 2025 01:13

August 31, 2025

Labor Day Sale 2025!

💙📚 Labor Day Deals! Dive into my first-in-series ebooks for just $2.99 each! 🎉 Beach View Lane, Coral Cottage, and Seabreeze Inn on most retail platforms! Like to binge-read? Unlock EXTRA bundles savings only on my shop w/Labor Day code: 15OFFLABORDAY 📚💙
✅ Paperbacks
✅ Audiobooks
✅ Ebooks
👉
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Published on August 31, 2025 15:32 Tags: labor-day-sale