What if you are married and by chance, you run into the love of your life on the streets, but only..., you are married to someone else? What if when you married your spouse, you said 'I do, for better or worse', and you meant it with all your heart. Then what do you do? 'The Second Time Around, the Legend of White Eagle', the first novel by J.R. Méndez is a love story about a love that has no boundaries, and no end. It is the story of the outlaw White Eagle, a criollo from the lower class who dares to fall in love with Patricia Ortega, the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Theirs is a love that cannot be, and must wait for the passage of time to be fulfilled. It is also the story of the author's real life love affair with Lizzy, the woman that crossed his path on the streets of New York, and changed his life forever. Set in New York, Florida, and Puerto Rico, 'The Second Time Around' introduces us to true events from the Spanish American War, the outlaw White Eagle, (José Maldonado Román) and the American spy, Edward Emerson Jr. The author weaves a story of endearing passion and lust. Méndez recalls the events of his youth, and cites historical events from the US invasion of Puerto Rico, to intertwine the past and present in wonderful panoply of many minor episodes from his life before and after his chance encounter with Lizzy. Review, by Bob West A tale woven over a century, the writer brings to life the age-old idea that true love knows no boundaries. The story of JR and Lizzy goes back and forth in time to give the reader the idea that the two lovers have always been, and always will be, together, regardless of what circumstances may hinder their paths. His almost Hemingway-esque descriptions paint vivid scenes of the beauty of old Puerto Rico as well as the urban landscape of modern Brooklyn. The reader can almost see the mountains with their tropical foliage as the White Eagle gallops through the countryside, his pistol strapped to his side and white scarf blowing in the wind for a secret rendezvous with his true love. Mendez does an excellent job of actually making the reader feel the emotions of the characters along with the tension between the hero and his arch nemesis. The action and adventure merit mention but above all this is a wonderfully written love story! The Second Time Around is part true life love story of Lizzy and JR, and part paranormal romance. Spanning three generations, it is the journey two lovers must take while trying to figure out why they always keep running into each other through the years, and how they finally realized the secret truth. The story will leave you believing that Love can reach across time.
About the Author: JR Mendez was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico in 1956, the son of a career Air Force airman. JR was raised in Germany, where his father was stationed during his formative years. He joined the Army in 1979, and after a brief stint in the military he began a career in the airline industry. After thirty years in the airline he decided to return to one of his passions, and began writing again. He has written two plays, Strictly Blue Collar, and The Stardust. The Second Time Around is his first novel.