I always create a playlist while I’m writing. It comes in handy while I’m editing because it helps me narrow down the vibes and feels of the book. For RETURNING TO ROMANCE, the songs really came together naturally and helped tell the story of Kalinda and Clarke. Music has a funny way of capturing emotions that are sometimes hard to put into words, and each of these songs reminds me of a character, a relationship, or even a scene at the Sunshine Sisters Resort.
Here are a few favs from my RETURNING TO ROMANCE playlist:
“Sunshine’s Coming” – by Tabitha Meeks, Ryan Corn
This song is pure Kalinda. She’s the head and heart of her family’s beachside resort. The one always trying to stay optimistic even when renovations, finances, and life seem determined to test her. No matter what gets thrown her way, she makes things work. That hopeful spirit of hers is exactly what this song captures.
“An Innocent Man” – Billy Joel
If Clarke Cantor could choose one song to explain himself, this might be it. Years ago, he made a heartbreaking decision that hurt the woman he loved, believing he was doing the right thing. Returning to Sunny Banks means finally confronting the consequences of that choice and hoping he’ll be given the chance to explain. (And maybe even be forgiven.)
“Sway” – Michael Bublé
Kalinda and Clarke have undeniable chemistry, even if they’re both trying to pretend otherwise. Whether they’re dancing around old feelings or simply standing too close together, there’s an effortless pull between them that neither can ignore. This song perfectly captures those moments when they’re drawn back into each other’s orbit.
“Rockin’ Robin” – Bobby Day
Every resort has a mascot, right? Okay, well, The Sunshine Sisters resort has two. This song happens to be for an opinionated little yellow bird named Budgie! He may be yellow and small, but he steals more than a few scenes and quickly became one of my favorite unexpected characters to write. Every time I hear “Rockin’ Robin,” I can’t help but picture Budgie creating a little more chaos around Sunshine Sisters Resort.
“Save the Last Dance for Me” – The Drifters
Without giving away spoilers, weddings play an important role in RETURNING TO ROMANCE. This classic perfectly captures the bittersweet hope that runs throughout the story. Sometimes love deserves another chance, another dance, and sometimes the person you’ve been waiting for is the one who never stopped loving you.
Writing this book reminded me why I love second-chance romances so much. They’re filled with hope, forgiveness, and the belief that the right person can and will find their way back to you even after years apart. I hope you’ll press play on this Spotify playlist, settle into your favorite reading spot, and enjoy your stay at Sunshine Sisters Resort.
Entire Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4VZo66ajx0M6XCtlCgzunO?si=YShTiD7fTkWLu0IieumDow&pi=7gkU2pvSTW2nm
Happy reading!
Jennifer Shirk
RETURNING TO ROMANCE by Jennifer Shirk
Sunny Banks #2
Saving her family’s beloved seaside resort was never going to be easy—but falling for the man who could ruin everything wasn’t part of the plan.
Kalinda Wingate is pouring her heart into restoring the Sunshine Sisters Resort, determined to protect the legacy her parents left behind. With renovations stretching her budget, guests dwindling, and the future hanging by a thread, one thing could change everything: a glowing review from the elusive travel critic known only as The Secret Sightseer.
When rumors spread that the mysterious reviewer may be headed to town, Kalinda is determined to make every moment perfect. What she doesn’t know is that the critic is already closer than she thinks.
Clarke Cantor only planned to stay long enough for his sister’s wedding. Instead, he finds himself face-to-face with Kalinda—his first love, the woman he never forgot, and the one person who can never discover the secret he’s keeping. As wedding festivities, quirky mishaps, and the charm of their coastal hometown pull them back together, the sparks between them are impossible to ignore.
But with old wounds still lingering and a life-changing secret standing between them, Kalinda and Clarke must decide whether love deserves a second chance—or if some mistakes are too painful to forgive.
A heartwarming small-town romance filled with second chances, hidden identities, family bonds, and all the cozy seaside charm readers love.
Romance Contemporary [ Entangled: Amara, On Sale: July 13, 2026, e-Book, / ]
Buy RETURNING TO ROMANCE:Kindle Unlimited| Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
About Jennifer Shirk
Fun, Feel-Good, Romantic Fiction
Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.
She is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Montlake Romance and Entangled Publishing. Her novel, FIANCE BY FATE, a 2015 Readers’ Crown Finalist, became an Amazon #1 bestseller for Series Romance. And recently, WRONG BROTHER, RIGHT MATCH won the Sweet Traditional category of the 2017 Golden Quill Contest and became a #1 Amazon bestseller for Holiday Romance and USA Today bestseller.
She serves on many volunteer boards in her community, but is most proud of her work on the Ocean City Free Public Library Board of Trustees, where she has served as President since 2014. She resides in a beach resort in NJ, and when she’s not involved in all the above, she’s taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter, and two grateful rescue dogs.
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