Make Waves Press

Paw Prints Magazine Most Wanted Winter Reading List

By: Make Waves Press

On: December 17, 2025

In: News

“Santa Overboard” Awarded First Place for Chick Lit Fiction in the 2025 PenCraft Book Awards for Literary Excellence

By: Make Waves Press

On: October 23, 2025

In: Awards, News

“The Cicada Spring” Awarded Women’s Fiction Runner-Up in the 2025 PenCraft Book Awards for Literary Excellence

By: Make Waves Press

On: October 23, 2025

In: Awards, News

10 Novels of Women Surviving Against All Odds

By: Make Waves Press

On: September 24, 2025

In: News

“The Cicada Spring” Awarded Silver in 2025 IBPA Book Awards for Best Fiction Audiobook

By: Make Waves Press

On: May 18, 2025

In: Awards, News

Carolyn McBride Receives National Recognition Through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®!

By: Make Waves Press

On: February 18, 2025

In: Awards, News

“The Cicada Spring” Selected as Book of the Month by The Zebra Press

By: Make Waves Press

On: February 11, 2025

In: Awards, News

Holiday Author Blog: A Recipe for Inspiration

By: Make Waves Press

On: December 12, 2024

In: Essays, News

Simply Nicole on Instagram

Have you watched ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ or ‘Virgin River’? ‘The Cicada Spring’ gave me the same vibes! I found these characters to be incredibly relatable, like I could meet them . . . and just hit it off.

Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

…soulful women’s fiction…. Filled with amazing little bits of insight, you will be hard-pressed not to dig a little deeper into your own life to find that which ‘feeds your soul.’ “The Cicada Spring” is a must-read!

Judge, 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Award

Exemplary in its voice…’The Cicada Spring’ has a strong command of its style…. A breezy read that doesn’t sacrifice its heart.

Simply Nicole on Instagram

Grab a cozy blanket and your favorite Christmas scented candle because we’re back with Katie and the Beach Bonfire Babes! ‘Santa Overboard’ was just the book to get me into the spirit of Christmas plus lots of laughs along the way.

Editor’s Pick, Booklife Reviews

McBride’s assured debut [with ‘The Cicada Spring’] launches her Potomac Shores series with a turbulent but uplifting romance…, ultimately positing that the only way to navigate rough waters is by taking the helm. Takeaway: Uplifting middle-age romance alive with wisdom and love of nature.

Earnie Porta, PhD, Mayor, Town of Occoquan

[‘The Cicada Spring’ is] a well-written and absorbing story of resilience that also wonderfully explores and captures the natural beauty of the Occoquan River and its surroundings.

Read With Lindsey on Instagram

Peppered with facts about the region and beautiful imagery of the town, ‘Santa Overboard’ will leave you wanting to plan your own visit to Occoquan this holiday season – 5 out of 5 stars!

Reedsy Discovery 5-Star Review

‘The Cicada Spring’ is women’s fiction at its best. I have no hesitation in awarding it five stars and recommending it to anyone who loves great women’s fiction or just appreciates a talented wordsmith and storyteller.

Earnie Porta, PhD, Mayor, Town of Occoquan

[‘Santa Overboard’ is] a fast-paced, enjoyable holiday read that incorporates some of Occoquan’s cherished traditions.

Colie Reads on Instagram

‘Santa Overboard’ is a delightful continuation of the Potomac Shores series. The way she weaves history and culture in her novels make her books so special. The holiday spirit of the small town is reminiscent of a great holiday movie.

Kirkus Reviews

McBride sets a vivid scene, and her storytelling consistently engages. [‘The Cicada Spring’ is] an involving tale that balances struggle, love, and hope.