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Novel Magic: Taking a Second Chance at Love

Secret Desires by J.L. Regen is about second chances–and what better way to end the year?

Novel Magic hibernates in January, but we’ll be back in February 2022. We’ve got changes in the works, too. Take a peek HERE. (Hint: Sorchia Reviews Novel Magic books in 2022.)

Until February, Thanks for hanging with me and for checking in from time to time.



Taking a Second Chance at Love

by J.L. Regen

Many years ago I dated someone who I thought would become my soulmate for life. It was such a romantic courtship. To my chagrin, his intentions didn’t lead to a happily ever after.  I was disappointed, but I was young and bounced back.  I finally found my partner.  Recently, I thought about Second Chances in life. If nothing else, COVID has taught me the emotional advantages of having a partner.  

In my contemporary romance, Secret Desires, the heroine, Margo, wants the same things.  She falls in love with Edward, a widower, who is still grieving for his wife and can’t commit to a relationship. As the book progresses, he turns changes his attitude, but complications develop when Margo becomes a foster parent. In the end, there is a happy ending waiting for Margo and Edward.

I’d like all those searching for a partner to have their second chance. I want to talk about Second Chances on Love for widows, widowers, divorced people, and singles who are ready for a second chance. I’ll be using my romance novel, Secret Desires by JL Regen, as my example. I know what it’s like to go through this heart wrenching experience as did Margo and Edward. Their love story will inspire and motivate individuals to look for that “second” chance.

Please do contact me: joan@joansbookshelf.com  for workshop signup. While there are no guarantees in life, making an effort for that second chance is the first step.


Secret Desires by J.L. Regen

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.


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.

Secret Desires is her first contemporary romance. She has also published three nonfiction books and is crafting a historical suspense set in World War II.

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