Readers of the Wren Island series often mention they love that the characters feel like comfy friends. They love the intriguing setting, including pop-up appearances of whales. And the delightful food that appears throughout.
Virgil’s muffins are proclaimed the best in the world. Macy hands out green smoothies. When we first meet Amelia, she’s sharing a donut with sea gulls. Allison’s buzzy brownies appear at poignant moments. Snacks are passed around during movies and football games. Macy outdoes herself with traditional holiday foods. A simmering slow cooker sets up a memorable stormy night. Ralph and Shasta step up to barbeque. Pulled pork sandwiches become a forgotten lunch. And so much more.
Not being super handy in the kitchen, how all this wonderful food comes into existence usually remains baffling to me.
2025 is going to be the most fun we’ve seen yet on Wren Island. This spring, the conclusion of Wren Island with Wallace Around. This summer, a full-length novel available “in bookstores everywhere.” This fall, a brand new Wren Island story.
And coming soon, a companion guide to Wren Island!
The companion guide will be chock full of interesting tidbits, trivia, behind-the-scenes peeks, and … you guessed it … recipes. That is, if you’re willing to contribute.
Do you know of a recipe other Wren Islanders might enjoy? Would you like your special recipe included in the companion guide?
Recipes selected for the companion guide might also be mentioned in the novel being published this summer!
Simple is a-okay. Remember we aren’t all super chefs. Green smoothies, tasty muffins, slow cooker soup? Barbequed ribs, lasagna, salad dressing? Movie snacks? No crumble dog cookies? A personalized espresso drink? Herbal tea at just the right temperature?
If it’s something Wren Islanders would enjoy, it’s already got potential.
Here’s how to get rolling:
- Suggest a recipe for the Wren Island companion guide.
- Include the recipe name, ingredients, and steps. Also indicate how tried and true the recipe is. For instance, does it always turn out? Are you still tweaking ingredients or steps?
- Feel free to include any notes or stories about the recipe. For instance, why is the recipe special to you? Why might it appeal to Wren Islanders?
- Give Yours Truly permission to print the recipe. (“Laura Joy Lloyd has permission to print this recipe and other comments I’ve made here.”)
- Suggesting a recipe does not guarantee it will be included in a Wren Island book. But if it does turn up in print, how would you like your name to appear in the credits?
- You’re welcome to suggest as many recipes as your little heart desires. If it’s something you enjoy, it’s something other Wren Islanders will enjoy. The last date to send ideas is February 14, 2025 (Valentine’s Day!).
Is it possible? Could Wren Island food become even more tantalizing?
Make it happen by suggesting a recipe.
Thanks for caring about what happens on Wren Island!
(This post is adapted from a note I wrote my subscribers in the winter of 2025. If you’d like to be the first to read more notes like these, subscribe here.)
[Photo courtesy of Unsplash.]