The Cherished Memories Series
So many have asked about this series and how much of it is ‘true’. My answer is always somewhere between 70-80%. Some events I smoothed over, others I left the raw realism, and others I made up out of thin air. ;)
All my life, I’d heard my mother, Louise, tell such fascinating stories about her childhood and young adulthood in the 1930’s – and about my handsome dark-haired, dark-eyed father, beginning with stories about his heroics during the famous 1937 Flood. She used to always say that so much had happened to her in her life, somebody should write a book about it. So...I did!
I took Mom’s memories (and by the way, she was 89 when I began writing the first book, Once in a While, and her memory and sense of humor were simply amazing as she related the goings on back then), and fashioned them into a historical fiction romance novel. She supplied hundreds of details as the process went on. Once in a While begins in 1937 and goes to midway of 1941.
But there was just so much good stuff, it wouldn’t all fit in one book! So – The Bold Venture continued their story. Taking up at the end of the first book, The Bold Venture (which is what my father—Vic—called his dream of owning his own business) showcases their wedding, many adventures on their road of life, starting a family, and finally, Vic realizing his dream.
Still, there was more story to be told. After much urging from readers and fans, I began work on the last installment to the series – Almost as Much. It takes up a year later and focuses on the pitfalls and joys of life with Vic working seven days a week to keep his dream afloat. All kinds of things happen, like robberies, freak accidents, and fights, but in the end – the incredible love of Vic and Louise remained.
If you’d like to watch a video of an interview our local paper, The Courier Journal, did on us, click here:
I created a Pinterest page with tons of pics relating to the first book, click here:
So many have asked about this series and how much of it is ‘true’. My answer is always somewhere between 70-80%. Some events I smoothed over, others I left the raw realism, and others I made up out of thin air. ;)
All my life, I’d heard my mother, Louise, tell such fascinating stories about her childhood and young adulthood in the 1930’s – and about my handsome dark-haired, dark-eyed father, beginning with stories about his heroics during the famous 1937 Flood. She used to always say that so much had happened to her in her life, somebody should write a book about it. So...I did!
I took Mom’s memories (and by the way, she was 89 when I began writing the first book, Once in a While, and her memory and sense of humor were simply amazing as she related the goings on back then), and fashioned them into a historical fiction romance novel. She supplied hundreds of details as the process went on. Once in a While begins in 1937 and goes to midway of 1941.
But there was just so much good stuff, it wouldn’t all fit in one book! So – The Bold Venture continued their story. Taking up at the end of the first book, The Bold Venture (which is what my father—Vic—called his dream of owning his own business) showcases their wedding, many adventures on their road of life, starting a family, and finally, Vic realizing his dream.
Still, there was more story to be told. After much urging from readers and fans, I began work on the last installment to the series – Almost as Much. It takes up a year later and focuses on the pitfalls and joys of life with Vic working seven days a week to keep his dream afloat. All kinds of things happen, like robberies, freak accidents, and fights, but in the end – the incredible love of Vic and Louise remained.
If you’d like to watch a video of an interview our local paper, The Courier Journal, did on us, click here:
I created a Pinterest page with tons of pics relating to the first book, click here:
The series is more enjoyable if the books are read in order
Linda Ellen Books
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?
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The much anticipated sequel to the 2014 Lyra Independent Fiction Contest Romance Category Winner ONCE IN A WHILE... Now it’s 1941... The sweethearts, Vic Matthews and Louise Hoskins, are finally back together after their heartrending years apart - but problems loom that threaten to wreck their plans. Steadfast, they are determined that their love will reign triumphant. Vic vows that he will do whatever it takes to provide a home for Louise and her son, but that resolution causes problems of its own when he makes a decision that could prove ruinous for everyone concerned. Follow the valiant couple as they weather every disappointment and setback with courage and integrity – even in the midst of a world at war. Once they marry and start their life together, will it be happy ever after? And will the big break he longs, prays, and works toward ever come? Heartfelt, romantic, humorous, and awash in delightful moments, The Bold Venture captures the power of true love and the mystique of what has been called the “Greatest Generation.”
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The long-awaited final installment of the series that began with the 2014 Lyra Independent Fiction Contest Romance Category Winner, Once in a While. It’s now 1955... Vic and Louise Matthews are living his Bold Venture and raising their family. Together with Louise’s son Tommy and their own two boys, along with Louise’s mother, Lilly, they have settled into a comfortable life. With Vic working seven days a week to make his dream a success, they have realized Almost as Much happiness as they had hoped for, but Louise unexpectedly finds herself becoming frustrated and dissatisfied. As problems between them grow, each one steadfastly searches for answers. Finally, in desperation, Louise makes a decision that sets in motion an event that will change the dynamic of their lives forever. Follow this hard-working couple as they weather accidents, robberies, and misunderstandings – as well as joys, triumphs, and answered prayers. Will that magnificent love that began on a dark rainy night in 1937 truly prevail? And will the event that Louise longs for become a reality? Heartfelt, delightful, riveting, and at times comical, Almost as Much is an inspirational tale awash in historical references, while thoroughly portraying the reality of a family striving to live the American dream in Louisville in the 1950’s.
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