Once In A While by Linda Ellen- A Review

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 be sure to grab the second and third books, Bold Venture and Almost As Much!

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.
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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. 

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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.

** Keep up with Linda on her website: http://lindaellenbooks.weebly.com/ **