Love Connection: Romance in the Land of the Rising Sun

Love Connection: Romance in the Land of the Rising Sun is a “romantic adventure” that spans three continents, and is entirely unlike any love story you’ve ever read.

And it is based on real events!

The novel is set in contemporary Japan and is the story of Kumiko and Takashi, two 50-something individuals grieving the loss of their spouses. We follow their romantic quests as they travel separately to Africa — Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and other exotic countries. They finally meet back in Japan under most unusual and shocking circumstances.

This totally unique tale is not a romance novel in the traditional sense. It’s about finding and redefining self, rediscovering relationships, revitalizing life, and then in sharp contrast, the ruthlessness and callous manipulation by certain foreign criminal elements, preying on the innocent, trusting nature of Japanese people.

Here is the opening of the first chapter:

Many mornings Kumiko’s husband would let her sleep in, then just before heading off for work, leave a note on the table for her, propped against a vase or their lacquer salt and pepper shakers. She could still vividly remember his boyish smile and the soft gleam in his eye.

Today Kumiko was standing at his graveside. She reached into her leather handbag. There wrapped in a floral-print fabric was the most precious memento of any from her marriage. As she stared at a handwritten note mounted in a frame, silky tears pooled in her eyes — not quite enough to streak down her cheeks, but still blurring everything. She knew word-for-word what it said, and in her mind’s eye could still see her husband’s graceful script. It was the last note he ever gave her, one he wrote late one evening on his death bed, a month before he passed away.

I can only guess how jealous the other blossoms 
in the garden must be, when the most lovely flower 
in the world wanders into their midst to water 
them and give them loving encouragement. 
You are that precious bloom.

She looked up, gazing at a shape in the distance only she could see, then closed her eyes.

She wiped her tears as if that would make it easier to speak. Words caught in her throat as she gulped just enough air to begin her halting, nearly silent soliloquy.

“It’s been so long. Almost 13 years now, my precious Kenjirō-san. Why does it seem so distant and at the same time so near? You were always so strong in your love. I guess that strength is still with me. And it’s in our beautiful but stubborn daughter for sure. You would be so proud of her. She’s a woman now … but still a girl in many ways. Still the girl you read stories to and let sleep in your arms before carrying her slumbering little body to her room at night. She so loved you, Kenjirō-san. As I still do. I must go now. I hope you have found the peace that eluded you for so many years. You were much too good for this world, my sweet man, my beautiful friend.”

Kumiko reached down to make a final adjustment to the fresh cut flowers she had placed in the metal graveside urns. They were from her own garden.

Then she drove back into the city. She had promised to have lunch with her best friend, Michiko.

Here are a few editorial reviews:

“A rollercoaster turn of events across three continents, Love Connection paints a vivid picture of two people’s tales throughout Japan and Africa, with poignant moments, but just the right amount of laughs along the way. A thoroughly enjoyable read.” – Owen Maskiell“This is a fascinating, detail-rich story about endearing, engaging people – and filled with insights not only into the Japanese main characters but also into the international destinations where they visit and become embroiled in both culture and crime, mostly in the emerging nations of East Africa.” – Gerald Everett Jones

“One of the most distinctive and enjoyable aspects of Rachel’s novel is his voice, which travels confidently between the serious and humorous. It’s a good balance, and the writing itself is lively from start to finish, which is no easy thing. Another thing I liked was the extent to which he immerses us in Japan and East Africa – I’ve never read a novel by an American with Japanese characters in Japan, Uganda, Kenya, and other East African countries. Oh, and Morocco and France as well.” – David Joiner

“This was fun, introspective, clever, and well worth the read. You get two different stories going, both of middle-aged Japanese people making a Love Connection in the middle of their lives. Both stories have you traveling around the world as the relationships grow. Then Bam! It turns into a serious… well, you’ll have to read it for yourself. And I think you should. Very well written. Hope the author does a sequel.” – Randy Winters

“A captivating read about an enchanting place. John’s writing took me there and immersed me into the world of his characters. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to them but didn’t want the story to end either.” – Liz Sibert

“I was seduced by LOVE CONNECTION and I’m glad of it. There is a rhythm and music to John Rachel’s language that allows the reader to believe that he/she is experiencing a translated version of these characters’ thoughts and language straight from Japanese.” – Erik Svehaug

Love Connection: Romance in the Land of the Rising Sun