New Romances #12

In "I Need Your Love," high school student Leslie Dixon, a lifelong tomboy known for her love of sports, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Dan Wilson after he returns from college. When she overhears her sister Marianne pretending to be Dan’s prom date to push Leslie toward a more feminine image, Leslie makes a bold decision—spending her savings on a makeover, leaving everyone stunned by her transformation.

**"How Do You Rate as a Hostess?"** When Ellen arrives for a weekend visit with her friend Laura, she's hoping for a relaxing time away—but Laura has other ideas, scheduling activity after activity without once asking what her guest might actually want to do. As Ellen gets swept from lawn work to swimming to late-night double dates, she finds herself exhausted rather than refreshed, leaving her wondering if she'll ever accept another invitation from her overzealous hostess.

Joan Rowe has it all—success at work and a promising future—until her engagement to Hugh Brown hits a rough patch when he refuses her help after losing his job. When Hugh gets a chance to start over in another city, he asks Joan to leave her life behind, but she says no, convinced his ambition means more to him than their future. Months later, with her career soaring but her heart hollow, Joan begins to wonder if she’s lost something irreplaceable. Meanwhile, Hugh grapples with his own doubts, and the distance between them grows heavier than ever.

In "My Silent Heart," Larry Wayne and Sue Wycott share a quiet moment at the beach, their friendship deepening amid the waves and sand. When Sue grows frustrated that Larry won’t speak his feelings—afraid she’ll never know if he truly cares—his quiet hesitation begins to unravel. The story unfolds with tender honesty, exploring how love can be spoken in silence, and how a single, brave confession might finally break through.

Rita throws an informal party and learns the secrets to being a relaxed, welcoming hostess—from sending clever invitations weeks ahead to letting guests steer their own fun rather than forcing a rigid agenda. When her friends arrive, Rita discovers that the real key to a successful gathering is enjoying it herself, treating herself as much a guest as a host.

In "My Guilty Heart," Jennifer Warren struggles to adjust to married life on Dusty Warren’s Kansas farm, where her husband’s mentally challenged brother, Robbie, lives with them. Torn between her growing unease around Robbie and her love for Dusty, Jennifer’s fear reaches a breaking point when a tornado forces her to protect him—leading to a moment that changes everything.

Wendy’s quiet vacation at a resort takes a turn when she finally steps out of her shell and joins the social scene, finding unexpected connections—and a charming new friend in Ted.