From Omaha Roots to Rapid Rise: A Decade of Perseverance Pays Off
Mary Lee Painter, a University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate based in Omaha, Nebraska, has transformed a decade-long journey of rejection and challenges into a thriving career as a romance author. Painter draws from real-world experiences to infuse her stories with authentic humor and sharp dialogue. Living with her family in the heartland, she channels everyday life into relatable characters that resonate with readers. Her path to publication reflects sheer determination: securing both an agent and a publisher through unwavering discipline. Painter’s advice to aspiring authors is practical and inspiring: “Read everything you can get your hands on; it helps shape how you think about character development and storylines. And most importantly, set aside a time every day to write.” This routine has propelled her to release three novels in just fifteen months, showcasing versatility from emotional narratives to playful, laugh-out-loud romps.
Holiday on the Rocks: A Sparkling Second-Chance Holiday Romcom
Ushering in the holiday season, Painter’s third novel, Holiday on the Rocks, is a delightful romantic comedy published by Satin Romance. Available at major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, it follows the acclaim of her earlier works, Wild in Minnesota and The Other Fork in the Road. The story centers on Allie and Levi, exes whose whirlwind marriage lasted a mere day seven years ago. Reunited at a friend’s holiday wedding in snowy Colorado, a blizzard traps them, forcing a 24-hour pact to settle old wounds. Painter’s signature quick, witty banter shines alongside heartfelt moments and festive cheer, blending forced proximity with themes of reconciliation and growth. As snow blankets the setting, the narrative sparkles with laughter, tension, and emotional resonance, making it perfect for fans of holiday rom-coms. This release continues Painter’s trend of crafting layered stories with action, humor, and depth, solidifying her standout voice in contemporary romance.
Future Visions, Inspirations, and a Message of Resilience
Painter’s creative momentum is unstoppable. Beyond adult romcoms, she’s expanding into young adult territory with Worst Idea Ever, her first YA romcom, slated for spring 2026 via Fire and Ice/Melange Books. Another adult romcom, Ding Dong, I’m Home, follows in July 2026. What sets her apart from her peers? Quick, witty banter paired with stories that boast layers and action. She admires authors like Tessa Bailey, Sarah Adams, and her sister, Lynn Painter, for their engaging styles.
Painter hopes to inspire others to realize life’s path can shift at any moment. “It’s empowering to realize the course of life can be shifted,” she says. “No matter where you are in your journey, you can seek new education, training, and go a different direction if you choose.” Whether pursuing new career training or focusing on family, every day offers a chance to try something new. Her core life lesson? “Never give up.”
Looking ahead, Painter envisions continuing to write stories layered with humor, emotion, and action. Her personal brand emphasizes perseverance and reinvention, proving that with discipline, anyone can change their trajectory. As a holiday romcom author, she delivers escapist joy while encouraging readers to embrace second chances on the page and in life.
