Picture a storyteller weaving tales of love and self-discovery against the backdrop of charming small towns—meet Barbara Josselsohn! A bestselling author of contemporary and historical romance, Josselsohn has enchanted readers with her heartwarming 'Lake Summers' series, set in a fictional Adirondack Mountains town. Her stories, rich with family ties and second chances, reflect the vibrant life she leads with her husband, three children, and indefatigable shih-poo in Westchester County, New York.
With a knack for crafting emotional narratives, Josselsohn draws inspiration from her mother’s vivid storytelling and her own experiences, creating novels that feel like a warm embrace. Whether you’re curling up with a book or dreaming of a lakeside escape, Josselsohn’s work invites you to explore the beauty of human connection.
The Making of Barbara Josselsohn
Born on Long Island, Barbara Josselsohn’s journey to bestselling author began in the bustling world of journalism. She started as a business reporter for HFN, a trade magazine covering home furnishings, before transitioning to freelance writing for prestigious outlets like The New York Times, Parents, and Westchester Magazine. Her early career honed her ability to capture human stories, a skill that would later define her fiction. Inspired by her mother’s gift for storytelling, Josselsohn ventured into novels, publishing her debut, 'The Last Dreamer,' in 2015, a women’s fiction tale that marked her shift from articles to heartfelt narratives.
Barbara Josselsohn’s Unforgettable Stories
Josselsohn’s 'Lake Summers' series is her crown jewel, a collection of standalone novels set in the picturesque town of Lake Summers. 'The Lilac House' (2020) follows Anna Harris, a widow rebuilding her life with her children at a summer house, finding unexpected romance and community. 'The Bluebell Girls' (2020) explores three generations of women navigating love and secrets, while 'The Lily Garden' (2021) traces Caroline’s return to save her mother’s legacy, uncovering family truths. 'The Cranberry Inn' (2021) brings a festive twist, with Laurel Hanover revitalizing her family’s inn during a snowy Christmas.
Beyond Lake Summers, Josselsohn’s 'Sisters of War' series, including 'Secrets of the Italian Island' (2023) and 'The Forgotten Italian Restaurant' (2024), dives into historical romance, blending World War II settings with multigenerational drama. Her writing style is light yet poignant, weaving themes of love, loss, and resilience with small-town charm. Readers praise her richly developed characters and immersive settings, which transport them to cozy shops and sparkling lakeshores.
Josselsohn’s ability to balance romance with deeper themes like family dynamics and self-discovery sets her apart. Her novels often feature protagonists at crossroads, reflecting her own emotional truths as a mother and writer, making her stories relatable and uplifting.
Why Barbara Josselsohn Matters
Barbara Josselsohn’s novels resonate because they celebrate the power of human connection in everyday settings. Her 'Lake Summers' series has carved a niche in contemporary romance, offering readers an escape to a world where love and community triumph over adversity. Her historical novels expand this appeal, blending history with emotional depth, appealing to fans of authors like Carolyn Brown and Debbie Macomber. By teaching novel writing at Sarah Lawrence College and mentoring aspiring authors, Josselsohn also nurtures the next generation of storytellers, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.
Her stories remind us that small towns and family ties can spark profound personal growth, making her a beloved voice in romance fiction. Whether through a summer romance or a wartime saga, Josselsohn’s work invites readers to find hope and joy in life’s pivotal moments.
- Born: Long Island, New York
- Key Works: 'The Lilac House,' 'The Bluebell Girls,' 'The Lily Garden,' 'The Cranberry Inn,' 'Secrets of the Italian Island'
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance
- Fun Fact: Josselsohn’s shih-poo is a recurring inspiration for the furry companions in her novels!
Snag 'The Lilac House' and dive into Barbara Josselsohn’s heartwarming world of romance and small-town charm!