Secret Desires by Joan Ramirez

 

Secret Desires

By Joan Ramirez

Book Blurb: 

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. Joan would love to start a club for those Starting Over. Do contact her at joan@joansbookshelf.com if you are interested in being a part of her new venture. 

Excerpt: 

Chapter 1 

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.” 

Author bio: 

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.