Andover resident Ryleigh Renee has released her first romance book titled “Land Lover.” For more information visit her Web site at www.ryleighrenee.com . The book can also be purchased at Riverdale’s Borders Books in Coon Rapids.(Photo submitted)

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Staff writer

Ryleigh Renee’s romance novel has been a long time in the making.Twenty-five years to be exact. And had she not been rummaging for tools in her basement, she would never have come across the manuscript that she wrote at age 19 and is now her first published book: “Land Lover.”

Of course, Renee, an Andover resident, first tweaked it and updated it.

Set in the corporate world of Minneapolis, “Land Lover” is about Randall (Randi) Pierce, vice president of a finance firm and land owner, and Philip Michaels, owner of oil company conglomerate PKM Petroleum, who is sent from Texas by his father to buy Pierce’s land. She doesn’t want to sell. By chance the two lead characters run into each other and sparks fly from the get go.

The 387-page book is laced with conflict, lies, strife, secrets, romance and betrayal. Ultimately, the characters are left with the mission to rebuild lost trust. Is it possible?

“It’s a journey,” Renee said. “It’s not like the typical romance novel where the lead characters meet each other and end up in bed after two days.”

Renee, 44, likes the idea of reading a good book and feeling as though she’s in the same room with the characters. “That’s what I want to do with my writing,” she said.

About two years ago, Renee’s husband, Tom, was hospitalized for eight months. She needed to do some repairs at home and was rummaging through things in the basement when she came upon a manuscript she had written in her late teens. It was still in a three-ring binder with tabs separating the chapters. She gave it a quick read. The book still had promise. So, Renee updated it – added cell phones and push buttons – doubled the size and sent “Land Lover” off to Vantage publishers.

Tom is healing and doing well now, but his close brush with death gave Renee pause. It was time to get her book out there. “Life is too short. I want to share this,” she said.

Renee is an administrative assistant for Target Corporation. She enjoys reading romance novels, especially Harlequin intrigue. When not writing, she crochets and is a cheerleader for three of her four boys who participate in sports. She is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. Still, Renee is busy working on her second romance novel, “Racing Hearts,” with all new characters.

“Land Lover” can be purchased at Riverdale’s Borders Books in Coon Rapids or online at www.borders.com. The book sells for $13.95. For more information, visit Renee’s Web site at www.ryleighrenee.com.

“I want people to enjoy it,” Renee said. “I want people to come along for the adventure.”

Source: ABCnewspapers.com
Elyse Kaner is at elyse.kaner@ecm-inc.com.