"Adieu, you whom I love a thousand times."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote the above at the end of his love letter to Charlotte von Stein on June 17, 1784. Although 1,500 letters passed between the couple sparking an intellectual and physical liaison lasting over thirteen years, a "happy ending" did not result. Circumstances of their connection could never allow a "happy ending." Charlotte was married to Friedrich, Freiherr von Stein, equerry* to Duke Karl August. The final breach of the relationship came as a result of Johann’s two-year trip to Italy in 1786. Charlotte could not forgive him for leaving her, and upon his return, she ended the relationship in 1788.

Unlike the periodic disappointments of unrequited love in "real life," romance stories always leave us with a happy ending.

*An officer who supervised the royal horses

One of the numerous elements that make up a romance story includes how the characters of our heroes and heroines influence the story line. A believable plot has to weave crisis and conflict to escort the reader on a merry chase. Of course, the romantic entanglements add a lovely spice to the tale. Nevertheless, without a happy ending, romance novels would not meet our expectation and desire that love conquers all. We readers, who enjoy romance, appreciate the trademark of the romance genre - The Happy Ending.

The last chapter of the story usually ties up any loose ends to the plot. In addition, we know that despite the arguments, passion and conflicts, the hero and heroine are going to walk into the sunset hand in hand. In Elysa Hendrick’s book, Crystal Moon, Kyne and Sianna tell us that," the future is now ours to create." In Amanda Quick’s, Slightly Shady, Tobias says to Lavinia, "…I am far more interested in discussion of a continuation of our partnership." Whether a child, wedding, or vacation away is planned, we readers can sigh with pleasure knowing that when we turn the last page, our hero and heroine have discovered that life together is a wonderful option.

In Victoria Johnson’s book, All I Need to Know in Life I Learned from Romance Novels, she discusses how happy endings are "created by the persons involved." As we relish a good romance story, she encourages readers to "nourish all the areas of your life...take care of your body and spirit, then you’ll have the energy to be a feisty heroine of boundless vitality, ideas, wit and poise." Like our favorite heroines, despite the setbacks and discouragement, the secret is to "press beyond the tough times."

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