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!
About the Author: It is difficult to classify the work of Paul John Hausleben. One critic's words might be the best description so far, when he wrote, "Mr. Hausleben is a myriad of storytelling adventures. When Mr. Hausleben writes humor, he is today's Jean Shepherd. When he dabbles in emotions, drama, fantasy or the other genres that he ventures into, then he is impossible to classify. His now, seemingly endless cast of characters has become almost 'Dickens-like.' He is indeed; a master storyteller and that might be the best description of all." If you are lucky enough to meet Paul John Hausleben in person and have a chance to sit and speak with him, then we can guarantee that it will be a magical experience. If your luck is exceptional and you are able to lure him into a story or two, then it will be forever memorable. As many people have said, you will not meet a better storyteller. Paul himself will tell you that he is not an author, he will insist in saying that he is just a storyteller. His mission is to continue to write and tell stories to warm your heart, make you laugh, and sometimes make you cry - just a little. Most of all, he deals in memories, and helping you to also remember the good times of your own life, and the special people who touched you along the way. Paul was born and raised in Paterson, and then nearby Haledon, New Jersey, and began writing at an early age. He revisited a writing career later in his life, and he now is the author of a number of novels, compilations, short stories and other works. Most of his work, touches upon nostalgic remembrances of simpler times, and tells the stories of heartfelt, humorous, and special human relationships. Other than writing, among many careers both paid and unpaid, he is a former semi-professional hockey goaltender, a music fan and music reviewer, an avid sports fan, photographer and amateur radio operator. He now resides in Somewhere, U.S.A., but his heart always remains along Belmont Avenue in good old Paterson, and Haledon, New Jersey.