Because I Loved You by Donnaldson Brown

 

They met and fell in love in a small town in Texas.  Leni is a tomboy, always on her beloved horse, not crazy about school except for art and determined to get out as soon as she can.  Caleb is a typical Texas guy who works on his dad's ranch and plays football but there's something else he wants.  He wants to go to college and study physics and make his life somewhere else.  The two share a love of horses and soon are sure that there is nothing that can end their love.

But fate intervenes.  Both have family issues and Leni goes first.  She leaves behind nothing but a note but goes out of love for Caleb, knowing that he won't go to college as long as she is in the picture.  Caleb can't believe she has gone but it is the spur he needs to go to Princeton where he has a scholarship.  

Fourteen years later, both are living in New York.  Leni is an artist while Caleb is in finance, working with his college roommate on property development.  The two cross paths at a galley opening and suddenly nothing between matters.  They get back together but once again, fate steps in and breaks them apart.  Will they ever be able to fulfill their love?

This is a gorgeously written novel about young love and enduring love.  Although I could have shaken both of them at times, their story is one I won't forget soon.  Brown is able to recreate first love in a way that will take readers back to their own first loves and sympathize with the characters.  This book is recommended for women's fiction readers.