Lucy Day has a knack for weaving love, laughter, and a touch of magic into every story she writes. With One Sweet Holiday, the 2024 IPPY Silver Medalist in Romance, and The Almost Lovebirds, which took home the same award in 2023, Day has captured readers’ hearts two years in a row.

We caught up with her to chat about the ups and downs of her writing journey, what it felt like to win not one but two IPPYs, and what’s next for this rising star in the romance world.

Winning an IPPY: Day’s Initial Reaction

Winning an IPPY is no small thing, but Day never expected it. “I almost didn’t even enter One Sweet Holiday,” she admits. “It was such a last-minute decision, and when I saw my name on the list of winners, I think I squealed and danced around the room.”

Her husband, hearing the commotion, thought something was wrong. “I made so much noise he came running in,” she laughs. “Then I cried, because it just meant so much to me. I loved this book, and knowing others felt the same way was incredible.”

The Inspiration Behind Her Work

One Sweet Holiday is the third standalone book in Day’s Jasmine Falls series, a charming small-town romance collection. This particular story has a special place in her heart.

“It’s a love letter to my mom, really,” Day says. Her mother adored Christmas and sweet romances, and those memories inspired Day to create a story full of holiday magic.

But this isn’t your typical Hallmark-style romance. Day made sure to bring something fresh to the genre. “I wanted to write a body-positive heroine—a woman learning to get out of her own way and shine,” she explains. Throw in some fake dating and opposites-attract fun, and you’ve got a recipe for a story that’s as heartfelt as it is entertaining.

Writing, Doubts, and the Power of Taking a Break

Like many authors, Day faced her fair share of challenges while writing. In fact, she almost gave up on One Sweet Holiday altogether.

“I hit a wall halfway through the draft and thought, ‘Maybe this isn’t the right book,’” she shares. Instead of pushing through, she set it aside and worked on a different project. “That break was exactly what I needed. When I came back to it, everything clicked.”

This experience taught Day an important lesson: “Sometimes you just need to give yourself some grace. Not everything happens on the timeline you expect, and that’s okay.”

Why Romance?

Day’s books don’t just tell love stories—they celebrate love in all its forms. And that’s not by accident.

“One reader told me, ‘This book reminded me that I deserve love and can have a happy ending, too.’ That comment hit me hard,” Day says. “That’s why I write romance. Everyone deserves love, and everyone deserves to see themselves in a happy ending.”

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Day’s advice for anyone dreaming of publishing their own book? “Tell the stories only you can tell. Write what brings you joy. And don’t let self-doubt win—be brave.”

She also recommends finding a rhythm that works for you. “I used to be a binge writer, but now I write every day, even if it’s just for an hour or two. It’s helped me grow so much as an author.”

What’s Next for Lucy Day

Day isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s putting the finishing touches on her next Jasmine Falls book, My Star-Crossed Summer, a sweet summer camp romance filled with humor, heart, and second chances.

After that? A brand-new four-book series set in North Carolina. “It’s one of my favorite places in the world, and I can’t wait to bring it to life in these stories,” she says.