Promises We Couldn’t Keep

Genre: Fiction
Premise: “Some loves are worth chasing—even if they’ve been lost.”
Synopsis:
Chasing What We Lost is a heartfelt contemporary romance about second chances, emotional healing, and the courage it takes to let love back in after heartbreak.The story centers on Nora Bennett and Jake Carter, two high school sweethearts whose love story seemed destined to last forever—until life tore them apart.
After a messy breakup during their college years, they lost touch and went on to live separate lives in different cities.
Now, ten years later, Nora and Jake both find themselves back in their small hometown of Maple Springs, a picturesque and close-knit community where everyone knows each other’s business. Nora has returned to care for her mother, who is recovering from a stroke, while Jake has come back to take over his late father’s auto repair shop. Neither of them expected to see the other again, let alone confront the lingering feelings they thought they’d buried long ago.Their first encounter is anything but smooth. Nora is guarded, still nursing old wounds from their breakup, while Jake is determined to make amends for the mistakes he made in the past. But as fate keeps throwing them together—whether at the local diner, community events, or their favorite childhood haunts—they can’t deny the spark that still exists between them.
Through shared memories and heartfelt conversations, Nora and Jake begin to rediscover the connection they once had. However, the road to reconciliation is far from easy. Both are haunted by the choices they made and the dreams they gave up. Nora, now a successful architect, struggles with the fear of losing her independence, while Jake grapples with guilt over the circumstances that ended their relationship and the pressure of living up to his father’s legacy.As they navigate the challenges of their renewed connection, Nora and Jake find themselves drawn into the community’s efforts to restore the town’s historic lighthouse—a symbol of hope and resilience for Maple Springs.
Working together on the project forces them to confront their fears, forgive each other, and rediscover the love they once shared.But just as they start to believe in the possibility of a future together, an unexpected opportunity threatens to pull them apart once more. Nora is offered a prestigious position at an architectural firm in New York City, while Jake is tied to Maple Springs and the life he’s rebuilding there.In a poignant and emotional climax, Nora and Jake must decide whether to fight for their love or let each other go again.
Can they find a way to bridge the gap between their dreams and their hearts? Or will they lose each other for good this time?Chasing What We Lost is a tender and moving story about taking risks, finding forgiveness, and learning that sometimes, love is worth the chase. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich romances with relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.
Target Audience: Readers who love stories of rekindled romance and emotional growth.
Approximate Book Length: 70,000 words

Why It’s a Bestseller:

Relatable Premise: Explores universal themes of love, regret, and second chances, appealing to a wide audience.
Emotional Depth: Delivers a compelling mix of nostalgia, heartbreak, and hope that resonates with readers.
Timeless Themes: Rekindled romance and personal growth are evergreen topics in the romance genre.
Cinematic Appeal: The small-town setting and heartfelt narrative make it ideal for adaptation into a Hallmark-style movie.