Romance! Romance! Romance! Paul John Hausleben often states that he does not enjoy writing romantic stories or interjecting romance into his work. However, the author reluctantly agrees that romance is a necessary aspect of his style of writing. The truth is that romance is a powerful and often-used emotion within his volumes of work and his talent at capturing powerful romance is unheralded, but it remains a significant and popular aspect of the author’s work. While the author has composed many romantic short stories, novellas and novelettes, this novel is to date, the only dedicated romance novel that Paul John Hausleben has published. Where the River Bends and Curls, shines as an example of his talent at capturing the joy, the pain and the power of love and is an outstanding example of the author’s talent at writing romantic stories. The novel tells the story of a conflicted and somewhat reluctant Lutheran clergyman and his inner struggles while recalling memories of his life and his past. Suddenly, during an introspective time in his life, a vivid and persistent memory of a captivating past romance that he long since felt that he had buried deep in his soul, resurfaces, and the memories of that love invades his mind and heart. Amid the sudden recollections and while fraught with a deep depression, the clergyman struggles to understand his past, to face self-truths and to redirect his life, his love, and his career and dedication to God, when he needs to the most.

This is a potent story of an intense romance between two young lovers of completely different backgrounds, cultures and religions, but the two of them share a once in a lifetime love, a love, which is unforgettable. Where the River Bends and Curls is a story filled with raw emotion, but when you read much deeper, it is actually a story about what true love and life’s lessons can teach us.

This novel is very different from Mr. Hausleben’s past work, yet, as is true with the author’s work; it is genuine storytelling, and the author fills the pages with more of his remarkable characters. The novel tugs at the reader’s heartstrings, and the story is deeply emotional and truly unforgettable. At some point, perhaps, the author will admit that he might just have a touch of romance in his heart and that he writes moving and powerful romance stories. Perhaps he might write a few more romance novels for readers to enjoy. Time will tell!