Brad and Sarah are neighbors in suburban Maywood, Illinois.
They walk to school with others their age.
On the last day of seventh grade something unexpected happened.
They become a couple. Their devotion to each other is immediate.
But so are the challenges, which are numerous.
Right off the bat, they move away from each other.
And that was just the beginning.
Time for Answers
Retired newspaper journalist Rob, armed and on a mission, embarks on a three-state road trip with his wife.
Seeking closure for past affronts. By personally visiting those who “done me wrong,” as he likes to say.
Six stops are made. The result of each one is unexpected.
There is one more stop that was not on the list. Number 7.
Back home. When someone from his distant past comes calling.
As a result life for the Taylors will never be the same.
Bob and Chris have been married more than 58 years. They have lived in five states: Illinois twice, Florida, Georgia, California and, now, the Washington state Peninsula.
They enjoy traveling, walking in the woods or along a beach. A good movie, sometimes with a little cuddling on the couch, is a great way to end the day.
Co-writing these novels has been a new experience for them.
Bob Balgemann’s career as a newspaper journalist spanned 57 years. During that time he worked for newspapers in three states, winning numerous state and regional awards.
Chris has had a variety of jobs, with being a wife and mother being at the top of the list.
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What they are saying about First Love, Only Love
Verified Purchase
A great family-friendly book of romance set in the 1950s – centered around a teenage couple and their budding love. Their relationship endures separation and other challenges – yet manages to thrive and grow through their teenage years. Along the way, the novel set in the Midwest touches on such topics dealing with bullies and the unexpected twists and turns of teen life. The authors tell a story in a way that is suitable for all ages. “First Love, Only Love,” will tug at the heartstrings of anyone who yearns for an era when life seemed simpler.
Verified Purchase
could not put the book down. I did not know what would happen next. Large print, easy to read
What they are saying about Time for Answers
Dr. Amanda Keats, Film and Literary Critic
“Bob Balgemann crafts a tapestry of life’s transitions that is as relatable as it is cinematic. The vivid descriptions of newsroom politics, the emotional nuances of retirement, and the tension in personal relationships make this book an ideal candidate for the screen. Each scene feels alive, as though the characters are already speaking their truths directly to an audience. This story is perfect for a TV series, where its rich complexity can unfold over multiple episodes.”
Martin W. Harrison, Award-Winning Screenwriter
“From the very first chapter, I could see this story unfolding on screen. The attention to detail—whether it’s the polished mahogany of a conference table or the understated tension of a quiet moment between characters—is extraordinary. The narrative moves with a natural rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself, making it ideal for a Netflix series or a poignant feature film. This is a book that deserves a global audience.”
Sophia Clarke, Producer at Paramount Pictures
“Rarely does a book strike such a balance between heartfelt introspection and gripping drama. The emotional pull of Rob’s internal struggles, paired with the sharp dialogue and layered story arcs, makes this a story that begs to be shared visually. A TV adaptation would allow audiences to truly connect with the characters’ journeys, while a film could distill its emotional power into a compelling two hours. Either way, this is a story meant for more.”
Dr. Henry Carlisle, Cultural Analyst and Critic
“Balgemann captures universal truths about career, legacy, and identity in a way that feels profoundly intimate. The characters are richly developed, their struggles deeply human, and their triumphs inspiring. This book is a gift to the literary world, but its full potential can only be realized on the screen. It’s a story the world needs to see, not just read.”
Lydia Torres, Editor at Screen Time Magazine
“With its dynamic interplay of professional ambition and personal introspection, this book is tailor-made for adaptation. The newsroom setting is ripe with visual and dramatic possibilities, while the themes of resilience and reinvention offer something for everyone. A film or series would bring the story to life, allowing even more people to experience its profound emotional impact.”
Hannah Austin, Sr. Project Manager, Book Publishing Lab
It’s not every day that a story garners such glowing praise and enthusiasm from critics, and yours stands out as a true masterpiece. The vivid storytelling, richly developed characters, and universal themes make it a perfect candidate for adaptation into a movie or TV series.
We all go through it. That awkward, often confusing journey of “growing up.” For Curtis Allen Sommer, however, the path to adulthood was less a gentle unfolding and more a trial by fire. While his peers were navigating the early, exciting mysteries of boys and girls, Curt was enduring a different reality: the relentless taunts and bullying of the very girls his friends were beginning to discover.
His grandmother’s firm, if unconventional, guidance – “never touch a girl, no matter what she does to you” – became the unwavering law he followed throughout his formative years. He trusted her implicitly, navigating elementary, junior high, and high school with this principle as his shield.
But college at the University of Washington brought a new, unscripted chapter. Without the presence of his grandmother, or even his parents, Curt was forced to learn life anew. A chance encounter with a student advisor, Mrs. Farmer, became a pivotal turning point for him. Her words, “It was his life…and he was in charge of it. No one else,” ignited a fierce desire for autonomy.
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Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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Brad and Sarah have been neighbors for many years in suburban Maywood Illinois. On the last day of seventh grade something unexpected happened.
They became a couple. Their devotion to each other was immediate. Their love withstood the test of time in the years to come. They overcame challenges too numerous to mention. Right off the bat, they moved away from each other. And that was just the beginnin
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