Reckless Love: An Inspirational Romance Novel

Book excerpt: Emma stood on the creaking porch of her family's ancestral home, her gaze lingering on the rolling green hills of the English countryside. The scent of fresh rain mingled with the earthy aroma of the garden, a sensory reminder of her childhood. It was here, among these hills, that she'd grown up, her life a tapestry of family traditions and unspoken expectations. The house, with its ivy-clad walls and weathered stones, had been a witness to generations of joy and sorrow. Emma felt the weight of her lineage, an invisible mantle that had been passed down through the years. Her family, known for their unwavering principles and societal standing, had always been her guiding compass. But beneath the composed surface, Emma harboured a heartache, a secret she'd kept even from those closest to her. She had returned home after years abroad, her academic pursuits and a teaching career taking her far from these familiar surroundings. Yet, the pull of home had been irresistible, a call to return to her roots, to the place that held her most cherished and painful memories. As she walked through the house, her fingers trailed along the spines of dusty books and family portraits that adorned the walls. Each step was a journey through time, a reminder of the legacy she was expected to uphold. Her parents, both eminent figures in their fields, had always envisioned a certain path for her—a path of academic excellence and a marriage that would align with their social standing. However, Emma's heart yearned for something different. She sought a love that was passionate and all-consuming, a connection that transcended societal norms and expectations. But such desires were often whispered in the quiet of the night, never to be voiced in the light of day.