By Sally Carey
There’s something irresistibly comforting about small towns—the familiar faces, the quirky local traditions, the deep sense of belonging. For romance readers, small-town settings offer more than charm—they offer hope, heart, and the kind of love that feels timeless.
As a romance author, I’m endlessly inspired by those cozy little communities where the biggest drama unfolds at the local bake sale or town meeting, and love stories bloom slowly like wildflowers after spring rain. That inspiration led to the creation of Merriwether, the fictional Southern town at the heart of my Merriwether Series, including Forgotten But Not Lost, Return to Merriwether, and Merriwether Magic.
So why do readers keep returning to small-town romance?
1. High Stakes, Close to Home
Small towns may look sleepy, but the emotional stakes are sky-high. In a place where everyone knows your name—and your history—second chances come with a cost, and falling in love means facing your past head-on.
In Forgotten But Not Lost, passionate local artist Faith Abernathy is determined to save Merriwether from redevelopment. When an accident leaves businessman Jonathan Kinsley with amnesia, Faith sees a chance to show him the town’s beauty—and maybe steal his heart in the process. As Faith pretends to be his fiancée, emotions blur, truths unravel, and the fate of their beloved town hangs in the balance.
2. From Enemies to Something More
One of the great joys of small-town romance is watching old wounds turn into healing, and enemies become lovers. The roads to reconciliation are never smooth—but always rewarding.
In Return to Merriwether, bakery owner Mara Blake is blindsided when her high school tormentor, now Hollywood heartthrob Justin Hartley, returns to town in search of redemption. Tasked with working together for their high school reunion, Mara must navigate painful memories, old flames, and the possibility that Justin’s changed—and that love might be on the menu after all.
3. Love in the Slow Lane
Small towns slow everything down. And that’s a good thing when it comes to falling in love. Readers adore slow-burn romances where attraction simmers, banter flies, and the big moments sneak up unexpectedly.
In Merriwether Magic, big-city doctor Ben Carter lands in Merriwether hoping for a brief escape from his fast-paced life. But when he ends up as an accidental roommate to feisty bookstore owner Evelyn Tate, his plans for a quiet stay are thrown into chaos. As their awkward living situation turns into undeniable chemistry, Merriwether’s meddling residents do what they do best—nudge romance right along. Will Ben choose love over ambition, or is his heart already home?
Why Merriwether?
When I created Merriwether, I imagined a town filled with warmth, character, and the kind of imperfect, unforgettable people who make life worth living. It’s a place where old wounds are healed, new beginnings spark, and love always finds a way.
Each book in the Merriwether Series is a complete story, but together, they weave a tapestry of community, resilience, and romance. Whether you’re looking for fake fiancées, second chances, or reluctant roommates-to-lovers, there’s a story in Merriwether waiting just for you.
💛 Start your journey to Merriwether today
Explore the series here: [Link to Amazon or your website shop]
Tell me—what’s your favorite small-town romance trope? Enemies to lovers? Secret pasts? Matchmaking neighbors? Let’s chat in the comments!