2025 ANTHOLOGY: HEARTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Fall in love with El Ocaso—and help nurture the next generation of storytellers.

Seven heartwarming love stories. One historic California rancho. Generations of passion, family, and forever.

Along the sun-warmed coast of California, Rancho El Ocaso has stood for nearly two centuries—its rugged canyons and ocean-kissed arroyos sheltering the dreams of the Galtero family. From rancheros and vintners to entrepreneurs and artists, each generation has fought for love as fiercely as they’ve protected the land they call home.

Now, across the seasons—from Halloween masquerade balls and Día de los Muertos remembrances to New Year’s kisses and holiday miracles—new love stories unfold beneath the California sky.

Inside this closed-door romance collection, you’ll find:

The Carpenter’s Gift by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Historical Romance (1864)
A sheltered woman on a California rancho can’t stop thinking of the handsome carpenter hired by her father. But his profession demands he travel for jobs, which casts doubt on the possibility of a relationship.

Heart & Soul by Selene Grace Silver
Historical Romance (1939)
Socialite Paloma Galtero holds onto her independence as fiercely as her family hangs onto their historical rancho. Hollywood composer Gerard Flores wants more than her love; he wants her heart and soul joined to him in marriage. Can he win her over on the night of her Halloween masquerade gala?

She Sells Sea Spells by Ciara Blume
Contemporary Paranormal Romance
When Luna's magical proposal business suffers its first disaster, she's forced to partner with her high school heartbreak Bowie, who doesn't even seem to remember her! Working together to fix his botched engagement means risking everything she's built, including her carefully guarded heart.

Curtain Call in Carver Landing by Jenny Hansen
Contemporary Romance
A single mom, her brilliant son, and a guarded drama teacher find love, courage, and a second chance at happily-ever-after . . . all sealed with a New Year’s Day kiss.

Dance of Love and Death by Louella Nelson
Contemporary Romance
On Día de los Muertos, gardening writer Carolina Galtero finds herself far from home, facing a bull arena challenge before a circle of powerful politicians and the commanding gaze of diplomat Mateo del Mar. His call for valentía stirs both fear and desire, making her wonder if this day is meant for destiny rather than remembrance.

Sol by Maricela de Barcelo
Contemporary Romance
A broken-down van. A mother’s last wish. And a reluctant veterinarian with a condo he can’t sell. What starts as a favor turns into a journey of healing, discovery, and a love that might just be destiny.

Love Beneath the Veil by Domino Savoie
Contemporary Romance
Destiny Galtero doesn’t take risks. Not after a lifetime of being told she was too much—too curvy, too impulsive, too visible. But one stolen moment onstage, veiled in sheer silk and glittering coins, changes everything—because Griffin looks at her like he’s been waiting for her to set him on fire.

Perfect for readers who enjoy wholesome romance, strong Latina heroines, multigenerational family sagas, and Hallmark-style holiday love stories.

All proceeds from this anthology help support the programs and educational initiatives of OCRW, empowering new and emerging romance authors.

 

2024 Anthology: Romancing Orange County

First Loves, Second Chances, and Compelling Courtships

Celebrate one family's enduring passion for love, land, and legacy with Romancing Orange County: An El Ocaso Anthology.

Gifted to the Galteros in 1842, Rancho El Ocaso—with its rugged canyons and arroyos descending to the Pacific Ocean—becomes the pride and passion of a family that binds its loyalties to the land and each other. First rancheros, then vintners and orchardists, then entrepreneurs and hoteliers, each new generation remains deeply committed to family and the land they cherish.

1864 / Her Healing Touch / Linda Carroll-Bradd
Casta and Joaquin have been acquainted since they were children. Somehow, on this visit to the Galtero Rancho, they look at each other through different eyes, unable to deny the attraction.

1890 / Love Under the Orange Blossoms / May Leonardo
My father forced me into a betrothal with a man I never met. Furious, I planned to bring misery upon all. But my betrothed offered me a deal: stay married for 30 days, then choose my own future. I will resist my new husband's looks, charm and sculpted body and return home a free woman. How hard can that be?

1910 / On the Wings of Love / Christoper Lentz
In 1910, a chance invitation from an artist to touch the sky in a hot-air balloon opens up a widow's world…and her heart.

1938 / Watch Over Me / Selene Grace Silver
One aloof, business-minded man determined to keep his life tidy, uncomplicated, controlled. One provocative, art-loving woman born to make it rousing, exhilarating, adventurous.

2023 / Lost in Lavender / Kristy Tate
Widowed nurse Jesse and reserved gardener Clive find unexpected love in life's later years, healing old wounds and discovering love can bloom again.

Present Day / Lucky in Love / Domino Savoie
When Camille skids off a muddy road to avoid a stray dog, she's unexpectedly rescued by Hawke, her long-time nemesis. Forced to share a rustic cabin, old tensions spark new passions. Can they overcome their tumultuous past and find a love that endures?

Present Day / Timeless / Liz Durano
He was my first love, the foreman's son I almost eloped with until life pulled us apart. Twenty-five years later, Hiro Sato returns as a billionaire and a man determined to rekindle what we left behind and a second chance at love.

400 pages.

Presented by the nonprofit Orange County Romance Writers, this collection of romances and women's fiction is inspired by the Galtero family's rich history. Romancing Orange County: An El Ocaso Anthology showcases a diverse array of voices, from bestselling authors to debut storytellers, all members of OCRW. All proceeds support emerging writers, fostering their growth in the world of writing and publishing.