Romance is in the air (along with the bats) in Sorchia’s Universe. We like a good tale of love–unrequited love, tragic love, love interrupted by zombies–whatever. But truth has a way of being stranger–and sometimes more tragic–than fiction. Contemporary Romance author J.L. Regen tells about the true-life love story that inspired her first romance novel.
Love is Lovelier the Second Time Around
by J.L. Regen
I wrote Secret Desires, my contemporary romance novel, because I truly believe that love is often better the second time around. In Margo and Edward’s case it remains to be seen if that will be the case, but at least they move toward that goal. What makes my story unique is a young girl of twenty one who decides to become a foster parent after the child’s mother dies. It says a lot about her character and her perseverance to not only achieve happiness in her personal life but forge ahead with her career.
In general, today’s young professionals have so many more opportunities to take advantage of than any other generation. They can fill positions that, in the past were only open to men. However, rather than questioning the reason why a better approach it to seize the day.
I speak from personal experience about a dear friend who took a second chance on love only to have her beloved pass away after only five years of marriage. He’d gone through a terrible first marriage and welcomed her with open arms. Unfortunately, as is often the case with a man devoted to the care of his children, my friend’s spouse neglected his health and succumbed to a heart attack at the age of fifty.
So, ladies, if you find that special someone, grab hold, tell him daily that you love him, and live!
Nothing in Margo Simmons’s life comes easy. She can’t claim the inheritance on a condo apartment her uncle has left to her until she is gainfully employed in a job for a year. She meets the man of her dreams but anguishes over a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife. With great difficulty she becomes the guardian to a recently orphaned child she had been tutoring.
Margo evolves from an insecure, newbie elementary teacher into a woman determined to fulfill the secret desires locked in her heart. My story speaks to anyone who has suffered a loss and had to start over.
A Taste of Love in Secret Desires
Margo Simmons gripped the edges of the leather chair, waiting for details from the family lawyer about her Uncle Harry’s death. She hoped it would be shorter and less painful than the reading of her father’s will. An older gentleman extended his hand. “I’m sorry your mother couldn’t be here.”
Margo looked up from her reflections to acknowledge him.
“Thanks, Mr. Steinberg.”
“You’ve grown into a lovely young woman.”
Margo blinked back tears at memories of good times shared with Uncle Harry. “Not so young. I’m twenty-three.”
The portly man squeezed himself into a swivel chair and peered at her over wire-rimmed bifocals. “I’m ancient compared to that number.”
Margo gripped her knees to steady her nerves. “My mother wanted to come with me, but they’re downsizing at her dress shop. She was afraid to leave early. My stepfather is furious because Uncle Harry didn’t leave him any money.”
Mr. Steinberg saddened at the sorrowful expression on the young woman’s face. “It pains me to hear Jerry hasn’t changed his ways. However, since you’re the only one present to hear your uncle’s will, I’ll get to the point. Harry has left you his Riverside Drive condominium apartment and the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
Margo jumped up from the chair and hugged the man. “This is a miracle. I can’t wait to tell my Mom. She’s wanted me to get out on my own. Now I can. Though I wish it hadn’t come with the loss of my uncle. I adored him.
Meet J.L Regen
J.L. Regen’s book was inspired by a real life story of lovers who join hearts against many odds. She lives in the New York metropolitan area, is a published photojournalist, has short suspense stories online, and has taught English as a Second Language to students around the globe. This is her first contemporary romance. She has also published three nonfiction books and is crafting a historical suspense set in World War II.
