Dear future readers,

Reflecting on 2024, I’m struck by how much this year has meant to me. It was this year I officially began my writing journey—a leap of faith inspired by the love stories I’ve witnessed, including my own. Earlier this year, a good friend shared he was beginning his own writing journey. As we talked, I couldn’t help but think back to my time as a military journalist, sharing real-life stories, and my many travels, including the solo sailor cruises where I’ve met some incredible people. Like me, my friend also met his wife onboard a cruise ship, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting several other happy couples who found their own love stories on the open water.

Even as I’m writing this, I’m onboard a Christmas sailing with my family, and the magic of the season is all around us. Just yesterday, while relaxing in the hot tub, I met another couple who shared that they first met onboard a solo cruise vacation similar to one I’d been on myself. Their story is an excellent reminder of how powerful these journeys are and how they’ve inspired my writing.

I started writing earlier this year about how my wife and I met; it’s our cruise ship love story. But as the story unfolded, I realized I was trying to fit too much into one narrative. It felt forced, and I knew I needed to take a step back. That’s when the RomantiSea Serenades series came to life. With Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas, I set out to capture the magic of a romantic connection at sea, but also to dive deeper. Just as my wife and I’s story didn’t end after a weeklong cruise, I wanted to explore how a journey at sea can spark transformation and new beginnings long after the waves settle.

This year has been full of challenges, lessons, and proud moments. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to let my characters guide me. Instead of forcing them into a specific narrative, I’ve stepped back and allowed them to grow naturally—and it’s been incredible to see where they’ve taken me. I’m so proud of what these stories have become and of the time I’ve spent getting to know Aidan, Harper, and the other characters who breathe life into Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas.

As I look ahead to 2025, I’m filled with excitement. Soon, I’ll be able to share these stories with you. I can’t wait for you to meet Aidan, a chef balancing tradition and self-discovery, and Harper, a driven New Yorker learning to embrace the joy of slowing down. It’s not all hearts and flowers; these stories are about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding who you truly are. I hope you see yourself in these stories, and they inspire you to chase your dreams!

I’m also revisiting the very first story I wrote, one inspired by my wife and me. Now, I’m taking more creative liberties to let those characters grow into their own. It’s exciting to see how that story is evolving, and I hope it will eventually become the second set of companion novels in the RomantiSea Serenades series.

As we step into 2025, I feel incredibly grateful for this writing journey, the stories and people who inspired it, and you, future readers. I can’t wait to welcome you aboard the Elysian Serenade in spring 2025. Until then, I hope you hold on to the magic of this season and look forward to your new beginnings.

I’ll see you onboard again soon.

With love,

J.D. Harbor