Diagnosis: Love
by Rita M. Reali
Nighttime radio announcer Marc Lindemeyr always blamed himself for his best friend’s suicide during senior year of high school. Haunted by a prickly incident with Patrick six weeks earlier, Marc’s life spirals into despair while his aspirations of studying architecture at Yale wither and fade.
Dr. Marie Sheldon has never liked her brother Gary’s radio-station coworker and close friend. She acts overtly hostile and disdainful toward Marc whenever their paths cross.
Can Marc make peace with his past and forge a dynamic future with the woman he loves? And can Marie curb her hostility long enough to recognize how deeply she loves Marc before it’s too late?
What readers are saying
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'm not usually one for romance but this story is much more more than that. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next the author went in a different and much better direction. The characters build on each other and grow throughout the story all the way to the end. I will also warn you that you might not be able to put this book down. The one problem I did have is that I got up to get a snack and when I came back my wife had picked it up and wouldn't give it back until she was done! I guess I'll have to buy two copies of Rita's next book. So the bottom line is I highly recommend you get a copy of this.”
— Joseph Clarizio
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rita M Reali is one of the best storytellers I know. I lose interest in books when the plot is unrealistic, the dialog is stilted, and there's no description. This story is believable because the occupations and the relationships are those you might encounter every day, or in your own life. Rita's characters act as we might act, and think as we might think so they're eminently relatable. The dialog is fast-paced and clear, and the author's descriptions put you there, in the scene, in their heads. Not only that, the manuscript was obviously proofread perfectly which is not always the case with self-published works. I'm delighted that this is part of a saga and there's more to come from this fine writer.”
— Amazon reviewer
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I bought this book directly from the author, not through Amazon, so although this may not show up as an "Amazon verified" purchase, rest assured that it is a real review of a purchased book! Ms. Reali has a wonderful way with dialogue and story-telling. The characters are quirky, just like most people are (well, maybe a couple are quirkier than most....), interesting and likeable - and believable! I felt like I was right there, listening to them, seeing what they saw, feeling what they felt. The plot has twists and turns as the romance blossoms, threatens to wilt, and then is resuscitated.... Confession - besides being an avid - even voracious - reader of many genres, I'm also a writer, and I know I can be critical when a book suffers from a poorly constructed plot, shoddy story-telling, stilted, un-natural dialogue, bad grammar, and other faults.... This book suffers from none of those - it was a delight to read - in fact, I literally could not put it down! Thanks, Rita! I look forward to reading more from this talented writer!”
— B. Calhoun
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is the second book I've read from this Author. It was a fun fast pace reading book. I couldn't put it down. This writer is amazing in details. Wow is all I can say. Pick up this book and have fun reading it. Cant wait for her next one.”
— Tim Claflin
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A wonderful novel full of well-developed characters and rich details. Without giving away any plot points, I can tell you that, after reading one particular chapter, I so related to what one of the main characters, Marc, had gone through, that I had to stop and catch my breath and wipe away some tears. In all my years of reading, I've only had that experience one other time while reading a book (Stephen King's "The Green Mile."). A thoroughly satisfying story that I didn't want to end. I can't wait for Rita's next book!”
— Kimberly D.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A great read with well crafted characters and a good plot.The characters are well formed and seem like real people in real situations. Found myself conversing with the characters while reading (high praise from me) The story kept me engaged from beginning to end.The story gives the reader a lot to think about (how would I deal with the situations that happen in the book) Can't wait to read the next book from this author.”
— Grant Moss
More books by Rita M. Reali
Glimpse of Emerald
Book One in the Sheldon Family Saga. All books in the Sheldon Family Saga are standalone works.
Abandonment. Abuse. Betrayal. Rejection. By the age of 18, Gary Sheldon has endured all of these things. The one constant is the unwavering love and faith-driven support of Edward, his beloved grandfather. All too soon, the old man dies and all Gary has left is memories – and his granddad’s treasured rosary beads.
When Gary meets Michaela, her spitfire assertiveness shines through her somber façade and they forge an unlikely friendship… which deepens into love. But will the terrible secret Michaela acquires during their courtship derail their relationship?
Over time, a series of harsh revelations makes Gary re-evaluate everything he was certain of. Can he salvage the tattered shreds of his marriage? Will Michaela’s awful secret drive a deeper wedge between her and Gary? Or will their faith enable them to pick up the pieces and heal together?
The Unintended Hero
Book Three in the Sheldon Family Saga. All books in the Sheldon Family Saga are standalone works.
What starts out as an average day ends up being anything but.
When Marc Lindemeyr wakes up the first Tuesday in July, his plans include lunch with his fiancée, Marie, then driving her to JFK International Airport to catch a flight to a medical conference. He fully expects to be back in time for work. But he doesn’t know the half of it.
Before long, Marc finds himself at the center of an international incident – suddenly recognizable and instantly beloved. And that’s just what the shy nighttime radio announcer doesn’t want.
Through it all, Marc learns how – and how not – to navigate life in the spotlight, how to accept comfort when it’s offered… and what being a real hero is all about.
This is the author's favorite book in the series.
Second Chances
Book Four in the Sheldon Family Saga. All books in the Sheldon Family Saga are standalone works.
A reader favorite!
Gary Sheldon is about to meet the child he never knew he had. Within months, the popular afternoon-drive radio announcer and music director at Connecticut's Z97-3 initiates a lawsuit seeking full custody of his nine-year-old daughter.
Some years later, after enduring an acrimonious custody battle for the little girl, Gary finds himself embroiled in a shocking legal drama involving a teenage intern at the radio station. The bitter conflict threatens his career, his reputation and his faith.
Amid mounting trauma, Gary faces his steepest challenge yet: to extend forgiveness and second chances (and learn to accept them himself when they're offered). In doing so, he embraces the faith that sustained him when he feared all was lost.
Tender Mercies
Book Five in the Sheldon Family Saga. All books in the Sheldon Family Saga are standalone works.
Pregnant and ostracized, 16-year-old Dani seeks out her long-ago religion teacher for help. She never expected his reaction.
Gary Sheldon’s former students could always turn to him with any problem. His wife, Michaela, has been supportive of his involvement in their lives thus far; but when two teens divulge simultaneous life-changing situations, Gary must put their concerns into perspective with his own family’s needs.
In Tender Mercies, Gary and Michaela demonstrate Christ’s love in action as they open their home to a teenage girl with dark secrets. Gradually, horrific surprises emerge as she reveals deeply harbored dysfunction and violence. A compelling tale of hope triumphing over evil.
Brothers By Betrayal
Book six in the Sheldon Family Saga. All books in the Sheldon Family Saga are standalone works.
The last thing Gary Sheldon ever expected was to come face to face with his double. But today was the day his sister always dreaded, and their mother knew might eventually come. The sudden arrival of James Griffin sets in motion a series of relational upheavals for the Sheldon family – coinciding with a chain reaction of tumultuous events for Gary’s teenage daughter, Erin.