Why I Wrote Crossroads: The Path Home

While I was thinking about my new novella, the story of Brad and Trish, I came across an article entitled, “Why Do Women Cheat?” published by Good Housekeeping. In it Dr. Alicia Walker noted, “I found women were outsourcing the sexual pleasure in their relationships in an effort to remain in their primary partnerships …”

I have talked to many people over the years, and I believe this to be true. Women I know have had affairs, yet stayed with their partners, most eventually giving up the outside arrangement. But it has always been stressful for the partner who strayed, as well as the underlying tension felt by the person who may or may not know his wife is cheating.

Characters Who Have Affairs

And yet, I was hesitant to write this book. Characters who have affairs, particularly the female character, are frequently stigmatized by readers. They make us uncomfortable, taunting us with the specter of the “other woman” who takes their spouse. (If you want to read a hilarious take on this phenomenon, pick up Until He Doesn’t: Love, Sex, and Why They’re Incompatible by my friend, Grace Powell.)

The Happy Ending

The need to write the story was too strong, however. Good marriages often hit times of stress for one reason or another. While my own track record isn’t something to write home about, my current marriage has lasted a long time now. Communication is so essential. My husband and I thank each other for telling the truth, even when it’s painful, rather than letting it fester. It’s taken me a long time to learn this lesson.

As usual, I promise you a happy ending to this story, so I hope you’ll take a chance when it comes out in the spring. Be forewarned though, it is somewhat more sensual than most of my other work.

READ NOW!

If you’d like something to read right now, though, my Christmas romance, Sweet Montana Christmas, is available for 99 cents!