When Life Gives You Lemons…Write Romantic Comedy?

When Life Gives You Lemons…Write Romantic Comedy?

It’s funny how life works sometimes. We all know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In my case, when life handed me more lemons than I could juggle, I ended up writing romantic comedy. Or at least, that’s how I like to tell the story. 😉

It’s been a while since I’ve released a new book. I wish I could say that the time away was carefully planned, a long sabbatical filled with writing retreats and quiet reflection. The truth is more like life happened—hard, messy, complicated life. And in the middle of it all, the joy I once found in writing slipped away.

But here’s the good news: joy has a way of returning when you least expect it.

Finding My Way Back

When I finally sat down to write again, I didn’t return to the heavier, deeply emotional stories I used to tell. Don’t get me wrong—I love those books, and I’m proud of every single one. And I'll probably make my way back to those. But this time around, I needed something different. Maybe you do, too.

The world feels especially heavy these days. News headlines, social media noise, everyday stresses—it can all pile up until it feels like we’re walking around with a backpack full of rocks. I wanted to offer both myself and my readers a break from all that weight. Something lighter. Something sweeter. Something that felt like laughter bubbling up when you least expect it.

That’s how Love or Money was born.

A New Series, A New Season

Love or Money is the first book in my brand-new Hearts Off Script series. It’s a romantic comedy filled with banter, chemistry, and those delicious “will they or won’t they” moments that keep you turning the pages. It’s lighter than many of my earlier stories, and it leans into the sweet side of romance—a little different from what you might expect if you’ve read me before.

I think age and perspective have a lot to do with that shift. The longer I live, the more I appreciate simple joys: laughter around the dinner table, quiet moments with loved ones, and stories that make me smile. If life insists on handing us lemons, then I say it’s time to bring out the sugar and make something refreshing.

Meet Seth and Talia

In Love or Money, you’ll meet Seth Colter, a high school vice principal who suddenly finds himself swept into a reality dating show he never wanted to be part of. And then there’s Talia, a sharp, determined librarian who signs up for the show because—well—fifteen thousand dollars is a lot of money when your roof is leaking.

Sparks fly, hijinks ensue, and neither of them is prepared for what happens when the cameras start rolling. It’s funny, heartfelt, and just the beginning of what I hope will be a delightful journey for you through this new series.

What’s Next

The best part? This is only book one. Seth has an identical twin brother, Zane, who is up next in Wrong Twin, Right Hearts. And let me tell you, Zane has quite a story waiting for him. He’s a charmer, a little reckless, and very used to getting by on his charm. Tracey—his match—might be the one woman who doesn’t fall for his smooth lines. Watching those two crash into each other has been an absolute blast to write.

And yes—there will be more after that.

Let’s Stay Connected

One of the things I’ve missed most during my time away is hearing from readers. Your letters and emails truly make my day. They remind me why I do this—why I sit down at the keyboard, even when life gets complicated.

So please, don’t be shy. You can always reach me here at my website SusanGable.com, or by emailing me directly at Susan@SusanGable.com. Tell me what's going on with you. What have you been reading? Has life been giving you lemons?

Thank you for welcoming me back into your reading world. I’m beyond excited to share Love or Money with you—and even more excited about everything still to come.

Here’s to love, laughter, and a little bit of lemonade.

— Susan