'Dashed Dreams' with Tahoe backdrop; author comes to Valley

Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular places to visit in the United States. The beautiful lake, abundance of trees and clean air make it a serene backdrop for tourists and residents. And now, its ambient setting is making its debut as the backdrop for Susan Worley-Bean's romantic novel, "Dashed Dreams."

"My mother and her mother had spoke about 'dashed dreams.' In my youth, I questioned the phrase several times but never got an answer. I had to find out myself," said Worley-Bean of the meaning behind the title.

Worley-Bean lives with her husband, Jim and their beagle, Megan in Yerington, which is another setting in her novel.

The fictional love story of "Dashed Dreams" revolves around Jillian James, M.D., who had her life settled until she met Robert John Montgomery, a famous country western star. They are united when "R.J." participates in a celebrity golf tournament and concert in Lake Tahoe. They become involved in a whirlwind of a romance when he buys a house on the shore of Tahoe to be closer to James. However, James breaks it off when problems start to arise. But fate seems to have other plans; they meet again at the wedding of their two best friends and are left with the choice to rekindle their relationship or let it go.

Worley-Bean, along with being a writer, has been in the publishing business for over 15 years. Before working in the publishing business, she worked in the medical profession in doctor's offices and hospitals. After that she worked for the Grace Dangberg Foundation, Inc., which is a non-profit publisher in Carson City. She worked on the layout team for several published titles as well as working as the office manager. The books published were various state textbooks: "Battle Born Nevada," "Kansas the Prairie Spirit," "Wyoming Courage in a Lonesome Land" and "Montana People and Stories."

"Dashed Dreams" is the first book to be published by Sage Hill Publishers, LLC, which is a publishing company founded by Worley-Bean herself, along with her husband and their children, James Wayne Bean, Jennifer Bean-Blake and Gordon Bean. They all serve as co-managers.

The story for "Dashed Dreams" came easily to Worley-Bean.

"The story has been in my head for several years," she said. "When I started writing, I couldn't get the story on paper fast enough. It just came pouring out."

Some of Susan and Jim's friends appear as characters in the book.

In April, Worley-Bean attended The Book Festival in Palm Springs, Calif. She showed and signed her books. She had a book signing at Neighbors Bookstore in South Lake Tahoe later the same month.

Worley-Bean will be at Douglas County Public Library on June 24, 3-5 p.m., to speak about her book. There will also be a book signing and refreshments will be available.