Exploring Small-Town Romance and Wine Country with Stacy Travis

In a recent podcast episode, we sat down with romance author Stacy Travis, who’s known for creating rich, character-driven stories set in cozy small-town environments. With a background in journalism and TV writing, Stacy brings an authentic, well-researched approach to her novels that resonates with readers who love contemporary romance with a strong sense of community. Her latest book, Love You Truly, set in the lush landscapes of wine country, captures her unique storytelling style and her love for small-town dynamics and big family sagas.

Stacy’s Journey into Romance Writing

Stacy’s writing journey began far from romance novels. Starting in journalism, she later pivoted to nonfiction and TV writing before finding her niche in romance. A childhood love for classic authors like Judy Blume and Sweet Valley High nurtured her love for storytelling, and over time, she discovered the charm of romance novels. Her passion for the genre grew as she explored the evolving themes in romance, from sweet and spicy tales to the unique, community-centric stories found in small towns.

The Allure of Small-Town Romance

There’s something about small-town settings that make romance novels even more captivating, and Stacy has fully embraced this charm. In her novels, readers find a close-knit community atmosphere, complete with family-run businesses, familiar faces, and complex family dynamics. Stacy is especially drawn to stories about big, messy families. Although she didn’t come from a large family herself, she’s fascinated by the sibling dynamics, parental influences, and generational connections that fuel the small-town feel. Her books allow readers to escape to a place where everyone knows each other—and each other’s business!

Spotlight on Love You Truly

In her latest release, Love You Truly, Stacy brings readers into the world of Dash and Mallory, two characters from very different backgrounds but united by fate. Dash, the youngest son in a large winery-owning family, is known as the charming playboy who handles the “people side” of the business. Mallory, on the other hand, is the ambitious socialite, seemingly aloof but driven to build a winery legacy she can be proud of. Their unlikely pairing begins as a fake engagement to stave off Mallory’s persistent ex but quickly deepens as they discover shared dreams and values, peeling back the layers of their personalities in the process. With themes of identity, reputation, and hidden depths, Love You Truly is a delightful exploration of romance, family, and self-discovery.

Bringing Wine Country to Life

Stacy’s novels don’t just tell you where you are—they immerse you. Her commitment to authentic storytelling took her to Napa Valley, where she witnessed firsthand the art and science of winemaking. Rising early to see grapes picked at dawn, watching as they’re sorted and de-stemmed, and observing the fermenting process, Stacy captured every step to give readers a full sensory experience of wine country. From the scent of the soil to the science of grape fermentation, her time in Napa Valley allowed her to build a setting that’s as vivid as her characters, adding depth and authenticity to Love You Truly. These details make her novel stand out, taking readers beyond the surface of “another winery romance” and into the heart of the wine-making process.

What’s Next for Stacy’s Readers

Stacy’s wine country series is far from over! Readers can look forward to two more books in this series, each following a different family member as they navigate love and life in the tight-knit community of Napa Valley. And if you can’t get enough of Stacy’s small-town romances, her Berkeley Hill series provides another family-centered storyline, this time featuring a Bay Area family of six siblings. The first book introduces a romantic twist involving white-collar crime, bringing an unexpected blend of suspense to her usual warmth and humor.

Stacy’s Reading Recommendations

Stacy’s passion for storytelling doesn’t stop with her own work—she’s also an avid reader with a love for thrillers and contemporary fiction. Authors like Ruth Ware and Karen Slaughter are among her favorites for their page-turning psychological thrillers, which provide a delightful contrast to the romance novels she writes. Additionally, Stacy keeps an eye on book club favorites and literary prize winners, staying current on popular titles across genres. This eclectic reading mix keeps her inspired and informed, offering new techniques and ideas to infuse into her own writing.

Final Thoughts and Where to Find Stacy Travis

Chatting with Stacy was a reminder of the power of romance to create connection and a sense of community. Her dedication to authenticity and her love for crafting heartwarming stories set in familiar, relatable worlds make her a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

You can keep up with Stacy’s latest books, projects, and updates on her website and social media channels:

• Website: stacytravis.com
• Instagram: @stacytravisauthor
• TikTok: @stacytravisauthor
• Facebook: Stacy Travis Author

Stay tuned for more podcast episodes where we chat with amazing authors about their writing journeys, favorite books, and exciting new projects!