What do you think?
Rate this book
Once in a While
2014 LYRA INDEPENDENT FICTION CONTEST ROMANCE CATEGORY WINNER!
In the tradition of The Notebook comes...Once in a While. It's 1937... Victor Matthews is a down on his luck young man, frustrated with his life and his inability to find gainful employment. Louise Hoskins is a young woman content in her life with her family and friends. Her biggest concern is her upcoming lead part in a play. One rainy night, they meet...and both are forever changed. Neither could foresee that the world as they know it is on the precipice of experiencing the now famous ’37 Flood, and that daily life is about to be transformed into a bone chilling waterlogged state of affairs. But as that harrowing experience fades and their lives return to normal, the two young lovers embark on an unforgettable courtship - that is, until a terrible argument and a tragic misunderstanding tear them apart. How will they survive the separation? And why does one special song have the power to instantly transport the sweethearts back into the realm of cherished memories?
In the tradition of The Notebook comes...Once in a While. It's 1937... Victor Matthews is a down on his luck young man, frustrated with his life and his inability to find gainful employment. Louise Hoskins is a young woman content in her life with her family and friends. Her biggest concern is her upcoming lead part in a play. One rainy night, they meet...and both are forever changed. Neither could foresee that the world as they know it is on the precipice of experiencing the now famous ’37 Flood, and that daily life is about to be transformed into a bone chilling waterlogged state of affairs. But as that harrowing experience fades and their lives return to normal, the two young lovers embark on an unforgettable courtship - that is, until a terrible argument and a tragic misunderstanding tear them apart. How will they survive the separation? And why does one special song have the power to instantly transport the sweethearts back into the realm of cherished memories?
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2014
194 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ellen
12 books89 followersLinda Ellen is an historical romance writer who made her debut with Depression Era romance, rich with history, love, heartache, and real life.
Linda lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky,
She began her writing career penning articles for a small neighborhood newspaper, The Southwest Reporter. In 2009, as a labor of love, she began writing fan fiction, under the pen name Linda4him59, based on the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman television show, stories that were well-received thanks to Linda's talent for upbeat narration, good-natured humor, and heart-thumping romance. Twenty-eight short stories and four novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a ‘real’ novel.
Her novel ONCE IN A WHILE is loosely based on the author's parents’ romance in the late ‘30’s. Wishing to give her readers the most accurate account of the time, place, and mood, she extensively researched details regarding the 1937 flood that incapacitated the entire Ohio Valley. The Flood plays a large part in the early chapters of the book.
The local newspaper did a story on her, her mom, and the book - click here: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/...
When she isn't busy writing stories to enchant her readers, Linda, a born-again Christian, and her family are faithful and active members of Evangel World Prayer Center in Louisville, KY. She is very involved in the prison ministry at her church, where she is the office manager and is in charge of facilitating a large correspondence course operation with a sizable number of volunteers, serving inmates in all 50 states.
Linda lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky,
She began her writing career penning articles for a small neighborhood newspaper, The Southwest Reporter. In 2009, as a labor of love, she began writing fan fiction, under the pen name Linda4him59, based on the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman television show, stories that were well-received thanks to Linda's talent for upbeat narration, good-natured humor, and heart-thumping romance. Twenty-eight short stories and four novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a ‘real’ novel.
Her novel ONCE IN A WHILE is loosely based on the author's parents’ romance in the late ‘30’s. Wishing to give her readers the most accurate account of the time, place, and mood, she extensively researched details regarding the 1937 flood that incapacitated the entire Ohio Valley. The Flood plays a large part in the early chapters of the book.
The local newspaper did a story on her, her mom, and the book - click here: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/...
When she isn't busy writing stories to enchant her readers, Linda, a born-again Christian, and her family are faithful and active members of Evangel World Prayer Center in Louisville, KY. She is very involved in the prison ministry at her church, where she is the office manager and is in charge of facilitating a large correspondence course operation with a sizable number of volunteers, serving inmates in all 50 states.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 14, 2014
I received an ARC for an honest review.
What can I say...I loved this book. It's a perfect mix of history, romance, and angst. The main characters are believable, and you can feel their love as well as their pain come right off the pages.
The story starts out during the great flood of Kentucky. Louise and her family along with everyone else in town are trying to escape the rising waters when an unexpected meeting turns her world on its side.
Vic wasn't looking for love. In fact, all he wanted was a job, but sometimes we find love in the most unexpected places. I loved how this couple kept running to each other throughout the beginning of the story. It was like fate was telling them they were meant for each. What the universe didn't tell them was that one of them had a secret that would tear the couple apart.
I'm not one to give away spoilers, so... if your looking for a nice, sweet romance with a little bit of angst and a whole lot of history, you should definitely check this book out. You won't be disappointed, and it will renew your beliefs in true love.
What can I say...I loved this book. It's a perfect mix of history, romance, and angst. The main characters are believable, and you can feel their love as well as their pain come right off the pages.
The story starts out during the great flood of Kentucky. Louise and her family along with everyone else in town are trying to escape the rising waters when an unexpected meeting turns her world on its side.
Vic wasn't looking for love. In fact, all he wanted was a job, but sometimes we find love in the most unexpected places. I loved how this couple kept running to each other throughout the beginning of the story. It was like fate was telling them they were meant for each. What the universe didn't tell them was that one of them had a secret that would tear the couple apart.
I'm not one to give away spoilers, so... if your looking for a nice, sweet romance with a little bit of angst and a whole lot of history, you should definitely check this book out. You won't be disappointed, and it will renew your beliefs in true love.
January 6, 2017
Wonderful memories!
Nice to read a true love story! Vic and Louise certainly had an interesting route to romance and it's refreshing to read such a heart warming tale!
Nice to read a true love story! Vic and Louise certainly had an interesting route to romance and it's refreshing to read such a heart warming tale!
January 26, 2016
Absolutely loved it.Memorable is the word that best describes this book for me. It's a book I'll never forget. Why you might ask? The vivid characters, the era, the excellent writing and the fact that this is a true story, all make it unforgettable. I fell in love with Vic myself. So many things they did remind me of my early dating years, so it also gave me a warm feeling of nostalgia.
At the beginning, I didn't think I'd like the book. It isn't the type I normally read. While interested in the flood, I was impatient to get to the romance of Louise and Vic so I persevered and was rewarded by the best romance story I've ever read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The book is large with almost ten hours of reading, and it was difficult to stop for the night. I kept saying to myself, "Just another chapter, just another..." Usually I feel a bit sad when I finish a good book because... now it's gone. But, the author has saved me from sadness by offering part two in another book, The Bold Venture. Will I buy it? You bet! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a long, deep, nostalgic romance that makes the heart happy.
At the beginning, I didn't think I'd like the book. It isn't the type I normally read. While interested in the flood, I was impatient to get to the romance of Louise and Vic so I persevered and was rewarded by the best romance story I've ever read. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The book is large with almost ten hours of reading, and it was difficult to stop for the night. I kept saying to myself, "Just another chapter, just another..." Usually I feel a bit sad when I finish a good book because... now it's gone. But, the author has saved me from sadness by offering part two in another book, The Bold Venture. Will I buy it? You bet! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a long, deep, nostalgic romance that makes the heart happy.
December 18, 2014
Once in a While, written by Linda Ellen, takes us back to the depression era. Set in Louisville, Kentucky, this novel tells the story of Vic Matthews and Louise Hoskins. Based on the real-life love story of Ms. Linda Ellen’s parents, this wonderful book takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions! It is beautifully and expertly written. Linda Ellen showcases her amazing talent with her debut novel. When reading this book, you can tell that the author put her blood, sweat and tears into this story. You find yourself hooked from the moment you start reading the Prologue all the way through to the end. This is a book that you can’t put down. You desperately want to finish this story and see how it ends, yet at the same time, you do NOT want it to end! Luckily, this is the first in the Cherished Memories Series, so keep an eye out for the second book “Bold Venture”!
Now, before I go any farther, I’d like to talk about the prologue. I know quite a few people who tend to skip the prologue section in a book. Please don’t do that with this book! The prologue expertly sets up the rest of the book and really draws you in. So do yourselves a favor and READ the prologue! ;)
Linda Ellen takes us back to 1937 Louisville, Kentucky. We meet Victor Matthews, a down on his luck young man frustrated with his life and his inability to find gainful employment. Louise Hoskins is a beautiful young woman content in her life with family and friends. But their lives change quickly due to a series of events. The two young people meet one rainy night, and from then on, both are forever changed.
The novel is divided into 4 parts (and might I add, it is really well organized and structured). The first part of the book takes us through what is now known as the Flood of ’37. Going into this book, I had never heard of the Flood of ’37 nor was I real familiar with Louisville, Kentucky. So I found it really enjoyable to read and learn about this historical event. I cannot praise the author’s talent enough! Throughout this whole book, I felt like I was living alongside the characters. I felt what they felt; I experienced the harrowing events that they experienced. I lived and breathed this book for days. Linda Ellen takes you through every emotion a human can feel. Parts 3 and 4 are particularly gut-wrenching, although I will not share why; you will have to find that out on your own. ;)
I really like the use of foreshadowing in this book. I also enjoyed the movie references on page 185 and page 423. I love both movies, but the one on page 185 is one of my absolute favorites.
When reading this novel, you are struck with the sense that the author put a lot of hard work, time, and research into this book. I can tell that Linda Ellen put everything she had into this work, because it shows in her writing. This is a truly wonderful work of literature. I will go as far as to say that it is the BEST work of fiction to come out in the last 2 years. Every aspiring author would hope to have their debut novel come out half as good as Linda Ellen’s. This is a good, clean story. It contains themes of real life, but is suitable for all ages. It also contains a Christian theme, although it’s subtle and not preachy for those who aren’t Christian and interested in this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a beautiful work of literature. I am currently doing my best to wait patiently for the next novel in this series, Bold Venture! I see Linda Ellen establishing herself as a truly talented author who will soar to the highest heights in the literary world.
About the Author:
Linda Ellen lives in Louisville, Kentucky. A lifelong avid reader, after encouragement from her family and friends, she tried her hand at writing in 2009 and never looked back. Prior to the release of her debut novel “Once in a While”, she has written 30 well-received Fan Fiction works, including short stories, missing scenes, novellas, and four full length novels, based on the TV show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. She also keeps very busy with her work in her church’s prison ministry. There will be two more books in this Cherished Memories series.
First appeared on blog: http://lincolncreekbookthoughts.blogs...
Now, before I go any farther, I’d like to talk about the prologue. I know quite a few people who tend to skip the prologue section in a book. Please don’t do that with this book! The prologue expertly sets up the rest of the book and really draws you in. So do yourselves a favor and READ the prologue! ;)
Linda Ellen takes us back to 1937 Louisville, Kentucky. We meet Victor Matthews, a down on his luck young man frustrated with his life and his inability to find gainful employment. Louise Hoskins is a beautiful young woman content in her life with family and friends. But their lives change quickly due to a series of events. The two young people meet one rainy night, and from then on, both are forever changed.
The novel is divided into 4 parts (and might I add, it is really well organized and structured). The first part of the book takes us through what is now known as the Flood of ’37. Going into this book, I had never heard of the Flood of ’37 nor was I real familiar with Louisville, Kentucky. So I found it really enjoyable to read and learn about this historical event. I cannot praise the author’s talent enough! Throughout this whole book, I felt like I was living alongside the characters. I felt what they felt; I experienced the harrowing events that they experienced. I lived and breathed this book for days. Linda Ellen takes you through every emotion a human can feel. Parts 3 and 4 are particularly gut-wrenching, although I will not share why; you will have to find that out on your own. ;)
I really like the use of foreshadowing in this book. I also enjoyed the movie references on page 185 and page 423. I love both movies, but the one on page 185 is one of my absolute favorites.
When reading this novel, you are struck with the sense that the author put a lot of hard work, time, and research into this book. I can tell that Linda Ellen put everything she had into this work, because it shows in her writing. This is a truly wonderful work of literature. I will go as far as to say that it is the BEST work of fiction to come out in the last 2 years. Every aspiring author would hope to have their debut novel come out half as good as Linda Ellen’s. This is a good, clean story. It contains themes of real life, but is suitable for all ages. It also contains a Christian theme, although it’s subtle and not preachy for those who aren’t Christian and interested in this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a beautiful work of literature. I am currently doing my best to wait patiently for the next novel in this series, Bold Venture! I see Linda Ellen establishing herself as a truly talented author who will soar to the highest heights in the literary world.
About the Author:
Linda Ellen lives in Louisville, Kentucky. A lifelong avid reader, after encouragement from her family and friends, she tried her hand at writing in 2009 and never looked back. Prior to the release of her debut novel “Once in a While”, she has written 30 well-received Fan Fiction works, including short stories, missing scenes, novellas, and four full length novels, based on the TV show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. She also keeps very busy with her work in her church’s prison ministry. There will be two more books in this Cherished Memories series.
First appeared on blog: http://lincolncreekbookthoughts.blogs...
July 22, 2017
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment. While it seemed like a simple storyline, it took me back to an era that I haven't read much about. I felt like I was actually living in the time.
November 6, 2014
Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.facebook.com/twinsietalk
@twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Look out Notebook Lovers, this book maybe your new favorite!!!
I am a big lover of Historical Fiction. So when a friend told me about her friend writing a book detailing her parents love story, I said cool. When the author gave me a copy to review, I was excited. I was also a little nervous because all the historicals I have read are usually 1800's with corsets and carriages. When I opened this book, we are in the 1960’s. We are told the story through a flashback by Louise (the author’s mom) who is sharing her love story with the family. The story opened right after the Great Depression. Their story is told in 4 parts and I felt that each "part" was its own story essentially. I loved the flow of the story and felt like I was listening to my Nana tell her love story of meeting my grandpa. The story is full of detail and actual REAL LIFE facts.
Part 1 of the story is a lot of world building. The author is introducing you to the characters and allowing you to get to know the world that they are a part of. We are getting to know Vic and Louise plus their home lives and friends. When Vic and Louise meet, we can see the sparks but they can’t "be together" . Throughout the whole first part, both are kinda wondering about the other the whole time that the city is being flooded. The near misses and casual appearances of each other made my heart flutter. I was screaming "kiss her" after their 3rd meeting.....but Vic being the gentleman, doesn’t.....SWOON….yes Linda I know it’s hard to read about people SWOONING over your dad!! LOL
Part 2 of the book is essentially them dating and falling head over heels in love. By now the book begins to FLY. We know the time period and the characters so we look forward to their time together. I felt emotionally about these two lovers!! We also meet TJ and really don’t like him but just ignore him not knowing what role he will be playing in their lives later……
Part 3 is the part of the book I was left gutted and a complete mess. Our couple can't be together and the tearing apart literally had me in tears....I am literally getting teary eyed right now as I type this review. OMG this part of the book was just sooooo hard. I even messaged my friend to confirm this was a TRUE STORY and to hear it was....harder sobs!!!
Part 4 is the lovers trying to find their way back to each other. They are still head over heels in love but don’t know if the other is still in love. I was a mess of stress and emotion waiting for the reunion. Let me say, it was worth it. When I finished the book and saw there was a 2nd book in the mix, I was soooooo excited!!!! I cannot recommend this book enough, I know it’s marked as historical but it is a love story and an epic one at that.
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.facebook.com/twinsietalk
@twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Look out Notebook Lovers, this book maybe your new favorite!!!
I am a big lover of Historical Fiction. So when a friend told me about her friend writing a book detailing her parents love story, I said cool. When the author gave me a copy to review, I was excited. I was also a little nervous because all the historicals I have read are usually 1800's with corsets and carriages. When I opened this book, we are in the 1960’s. We are told the story through a flashback by Louise (the author’s mom) who is sharing her love story with the family. The story opened right after the Great Depression. Their story is told in 4 parts and I felt that each "part" was its own story essentially. I loved the flow of the story and felt like I was listening to my Nana tell her love story of meeting my grandpa. The story is full of detail and actual REAL LIFE facts.
Part 1 of the story is a lot of world building. The author is introducing you to the characters and allowing you to get to know the world that they are a part of. We are getting to know Vic and Louise plus their home lives and friends. When Vic and Louise meet, we can see the sparks but they can’t "be together" . Throughout the whole first part, both are kinda wondering about the other the whole time that the city is being flooded. The near misses and casual appearances of each other made my heart flutter. I was screaming "kiss her" after their 3rd meeting.....but Vic being the gentleman, doesn’t.....SWOON….yes Linda I know it’s hard to read about people SWOONING over your dad!! LOL
Part 2 of the book is essentially them dating and falling head over heels in love. By now the book begins to FLY. We know the time period and the characters so we look forward to their time together. I felt emotionally about these two lovers!! We also meet TJ and really don’t like him but just ignore him not knowing what role he will be playing in their lives later……
Part 3 is the part of the book I was left gutted and a complete mess. Our couple can't be together and the tearing apart literally had me in tears....I am literally getting teary eyed right now as I type this review. OMG this part of the book was just sooooo hard. I even messaged my friend to confirm this was a TRUE STORY and to hear it was....harder sobs!!!
Part 4 is the lovers trying to find their way back to each other. They are still head over heels in love but don’t know if the other is still in love. I was a mess of stress and emotion waiting for the reunion. Let me say, it was worth it. When I finished the book and saw there was a 2nd book in the mix, I was soooooo excited!!!! I cannot recommend this book enough, I know it’s marked as historical but it is a love story and an epic one at that.
March 2, 2017
Once in a While
What a story! The emotions that this story brought out surprised me. I felt emotionally invested in the outcome. The characters are so real and the characteristics of each one were so very real that you felt you'd know them if they walked up to you. This added to the emotional attachment to the main two characters however, I was cheering on a few others in the story.
This is a great book and I'm ready to read the next two in this story. You'll find you want to keep reading just to see "what happens next" then you'll notice the time and wonder how could it fly by like that! That's the ultimate compliment to an author!
Definitely a five star rating!!
What a story! The emotions that this story brought out surprised me. I felt emotionally invested in the outcome. The characters are so real and the characteristics of each one were so very real that you felt you'd know them if they walked up to you. This added to the emotional attachment to the main two characters however, I was cheering on a few others in the story.
This is a great book and I'm ready to read the next two in this story. You'll find you want to keep reading just to see "what happens next" then you'll notice the time and wonder how could it fly by like that! That's the ultimate compliment to an author!
Definitely a five star rating!!
November 30, 2014
This one deserve 20 stars instead of only 5.
I could have easily written the same glowing reviews this novel has already received, but of all the praising formulas I can think of, all sound like understatement.
There are so many things in Linda's debut novel worthy of applause I don't know where to begin. From her storytelling ability to the highly vivid rendition of a time and place a gal like me, French, and relatively quite young, knew virtually nothing about… from the deep empathy you can't help but feel towards the protagonists and their tribulations.
This is an absolute must-read, whether you read it in one stretch, or, like me, need to pause to catch your breath and dry your tears. Being a highly realistic stories lover, I found even more than what I bargained for in this one. The author says it is 40% true story, and 60% fiction, but to me, it fell 100% true, the situations and the characters so well defined, so well depicted, the sentiments so heartfelt.
All in all, this is one heck of a poignant novel, but still with enough love and hope, to close it with a smile, a sigh of relief, and a strong impatient feeling to know what happens next to the heroes. And not only her style is gripping, but it is also the living proof that one can still write stories that command attention and praise without resorting to profanity and overblown voyeurism.
I could have easily written the same glowing reviews this novel has already received, but of all the praising formulas I can think of, all sound like understatement.
There are so many things in Linda's debut novel worthy of applause I don't know where to begin. From her storytelling ability to the highly vivid rendition of a time and place a gal like me, French, and relatively quite young, knew virtually nothing about… from the deep empathy you can't help but feel towards the protagonists and their tribulations.
This is an absolute must-read, whether you read it in one stretch, or, like me, need to pause to catch your breath and dry your tears. Being a highly realistic stories lover, I found even more than what I bargained for in this one. The author says it is 40% true story, and 60% fiction, but to me, it fell 100% true, the situations and the characters so well defined, so well depicted, the sentiments so heartfelt.
All in all, this is one heck of a poignant novel, but still with enough love and hope, to close it with a smile, a sigh of relief, and a strong impatient feeling to know what happens next to the heroes. And not only her style is gripping, but it is also the living proof that one can still write stories that command attention and praise without resorting to profanity and overblown voyeurism.
January 21, 2015
The first book in an ongoing saga takes you on an emotional journey into the past. Based on the true story of the author's parents, we meet a cast of compelling characters coming together during a natural disaster. The Great Flood of 1937 was a very real event and devastating to the area.
Our first volume carries us through the storm and out of the Great Depression, stopping along the way at major historic places in both Louisville, KY and Indiana.
As someone who grew up in a surrounding county, the meticulous research of both the time period and the city of Louisville itself blew me away. Dancing on the Idlewild and mentions of the Colgate clock were personal favorites.
I recommend this to anyone looking for non-explicit romance, a historical novel, or people from Louisville, people new to Louisville, or anyone wanting to take a stroll down, (someone else's), memory lane. This debut novel holds nothing back- life, and love, is complex, not everything always goes the way you want it to, and Linda Ellen stays true to that fact.
And hey, anytime someone goes to pick up their blind date in a hearse, I'm pretty much on board.
Our first volume carries us through the storm and out of the Great Depression, stopping along the way at major historic places in both Louisville, KY and Indiana.
As someone who grew up in a surrounding county, the meticulous research of both the time period and the city of Louisville itself blew me away. Dancing on the Idlewild and mentions of the Colgate clock were personal favorites.
I recommend this to anyone looking for non-explicit romance, a historical novel, or people from Louisville, people new to Louisville, or anyone wanting to take a stroll down, (someone else's), memory lane. This debut novel holds nothing back- life, and love, is complex, not everything always goes the way you want it to, and Linda Ellen stays true to that fact.
And hey, anytime someone goes to pick up their blind date in a hearse, I'm pretty much on board.
December 17, 2014
Set against the turmoil of the Great Depression and the CCC, hard luck Vic Matthews meets the girl of his dreams...only she's holding a secret that blows everything sky high. If it's not the weird weather and flood of the century interfering...it's major miscommunication and self-sacrifice for the family that keeps these lovers apart. But it's a sweet reunion that actually leads to more family revelation and more surprises.
Second chances and a lot of love make this intriguing and touching family story of a contemporary grandma's reminiscing over her past life and love after a move come to life. The author's recreation and fictionalization of her parent's drama brings reality to the story almost like an autobiography. For those who love Americana, Vic and Louise's choices, opportunities, hardships and triumphs set in Louisville, will be a delight. Well documented historically with unforgettable characters and dialog true to the era. I have to knock off some points due to some need for editing, but otherwise, I recommend the book to those who enjoy reading about this period in history...along with some adventure and romance.
Second chances and a lot of love make this intriguing and touching family story of a contemporary grandma's reminiscing over her past life and love after a move come to life. The author's recreation and fictionalization of her parent's drama brings reality to the story almost like an autobiography. For those who love Americana, Vic and Louise's choices, opportunities, hardships and triumphs set in Louisville, will be a delight. Well documented historically with unforgettable characters and dialog true to the era. I have to knock off some points due to some need for editing, but otherwise, I recommend the book to those who enjoy reading about this period in history...along with some adventure and romance.
February 11, 2017
Once in a While
A wonderful book. Love Louise and Vic' s story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
A wonderful book. Love Louise and Vic' s story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 20, 2014
This book was a nice change of pace. A heartwarming (true) love story, it had everything you could hope for in a book. Romance, suspense, heartbreak, and above all, true love. Beautifully written, Linda Ellen's debut novel is a sure bet!
October 10, 2016
Once in a While
This is a very interesting and likeable book with engaging characters. The flood in their city was heart wrenching and caused such anxiety . Good book for ages 15 and up.
This is a very interesting and likeable book with engaging characters. The flood in their city was heart wrenching and caused such anxiety . Good book for ages 15 and up.
February 1, 2017
I really liked this book! I decided to read the first chapter and if I wasn't into it to forget it. I came back every night to see what was going on with Louise and Vic. Helped me understand my parent's era better. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 1, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What a great read. This book was a great mix of history and romance that will pull you in and keep you reading. Great job to Linda Ellen on her debut novel.
January 5, 2017
Love affair
If you like the Notebook, you must read this. A story of love, loss, scandal, lies, natural disaster, financial hardship.
If you like the Notebook, you must read this. A story of love, loss, scandal, lies, natural disaster, financial hardship.
January 6, 2017
The love of my life.
I chose five stars because this was before I was born and I remember my parents being very poor as children. The account is very real. Great book#
I chose five stars because this was before I was born and I remember my parents being very poor as children. The account is very real. Great book#
January 12, 2017
A compelling read
Loved the story of love lost and love found. Interesting to read a story set in the Depression era as I was not born then but studied about it in history.
Loved the story of love lost and love found. Interesting to read a story set in the Depression era as I was not born then but studied about it in history.
January 29, 2017
Great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a cliff hanger at times and I couldn't put it down. So glad I found this book. Can't wait to read the next part of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a cliff hanger at times and I couldn't put it down. So glad I found this book. Can't wait to read the next part of the story.
January 11, 2015
Beautiful, Historical love story!
November 3, 2017
This is the story of how the author’s parents met.
It was quite interesting to read about Vic Matthews and Louise Hoskins… and it teaches us all that honesty is always the best way. Lies cannot be hid away forever–and can have terrible consequences!
The story begins in the present time, but soon Louise takes the reader into her past, to a time when she was a young girl. I have no idea how much of the story is real and how much is embellishment, but it makes for a very interesting story. Poor Louise goes through so much difficulty until she is finally re-united with her true love.
if your interest is peaked, pick up a copy of Once In a While and read the adventures of Vic and Louise. Then read the rest of the series, too.
Happy Reading!
February 3, 2020
This is a long book that didn’t quite measure up to the hype. It was slow paced and I didn’t really get the sense of the catastrophe of the flood. There was a lot left unsaid but on the other hand there was a lot of frivolity of a first romance which was nice.
It is set just after the great depression when it was hard for people to find work, adequate living accommodation and then the great flood devastated lives even more.
One lie led to a few months of mainly innocent deceit and how a group of friends tried to help each other out when others needed it.
(Shame about the spelling mistakes).
It is set just after the great depression when it was hard for people to find work, adequate living accommodation and then the great flood devastated lives even more.
One lie led to a few months of mainly innocent deceit and how a group of friends tried to help each other out when others needed it.
(Shame about the spelling mistakes).
February 8, 2018
3 star
Mostly good. Some issues getting into it initially but it quickly improved. History feels real. . . . . .
Mostly good. Some issues getting into it initially but it quickly improved. History feels real. . . . . .
August 29, 2018
The beginning of this book was really good, but it became so boring.
August 30, 2021
I loved this book. Well written, great plot, the characters have a lot of depth to them, and I'm a big fan of the time period it was written in as well.
January 18, 2017
blah didn't finish
February 23, 2017
Once in a While is a very interesting read. Overall it is well-written (could have been better edited for grammatical structure and usage) and clearly plotted. Compelling character development drives the success of this novel.
August 2, 2016
This is a sweet, passionate, olde timey (1940) love story. It plays along at the pace of the olde south, meandering thru snippet after snippet of 2 lives, that once in a while meet up. Linda has also incorporated a retelling of history and the great flood in L'ville in that time period. You can almost see the waters rise and fall as the chapters go on about young love and the Depression and all that goes with it. Additionally, unlike most books you might pick up these days, it stays very clear in the G realm. Other than some heavy kissing, there's not a lot of sex. Sure there's love, and babies, and desires and dreams, but nothing untoward. I enjoyed reading all the history and seeing two people go thru trials and tribulations, but have one nagging issue, and that's probably due to my age, it went very slow for me. Sure there's action and story on every page, but it just felt as it was plodding along like a horse drawn carriage ride in the park. Perhaps that is a good thing for some.
October 10, 2016
Vic and Louise met a long time ago, just before the Great Flood; winter of 1937. He was a down-on-his-luck 21 year old young man looking for a break. She was the 15 year old middle child of a large close knit family. They find and fall for each other by chance. Louise, however, failed to reveal her age, among other things. Afraid that her white lies were turning into a mountain of trouble. Sure enough, her deception and other misunderstandings tore them apart. Bringing them through this would take a miracle.
This descriptive account of the Depression Era flood and folks is blended with romance, heartbreak and hope. A lovely story.
This descriptive account of the Depression Era flood and folks is blended with romance, heartbreak and hope. A lovely story.
August 4, 2016
In my opinion this is better than The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. If you liked the Notebook, please read this book. Love is very complicated, and this book is extraordinary! I love it so much that I plan on buying the actual physical copy, and add it to my book collection! I only own the ebook for now. I can't wait to read Bold Venture! Highly recommended to all!
A romance that shows true love can conquer anything!
A romance that shows true love can conquer anything!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews