Just Once: A Novel [J0273]

2023 HCDJ in nice clean condition. 1941, Bloomington, Indiana. Irvel Ellis is too focused on her secret to take much notice in the war raging overseas. She's dating Sam but in love with his brother, Hank. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, their lives are turned upside down overnight, Sam is drafted; Hank wants to enlist, but Sam insists he stay home and take up the battle on the home front. While Sam fights in Europe, an undeniable chemistry builds between Irvel and Hank but neither would dare cross that line. When a devastating telegram comes, Hank enlists the next day and has just two weeks until he ships out. Years later, Hank and Irvel make a series of VHS tapes for her to play as she sinks into Alzheimer's, determined to keep some of her memories alive.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "It happens during World War II. Two brothers love the same girl, but the girl only truly loves the one brother. Has happy and sad parts to it. I recommend this book."; "I couldn't put it down! Such a powerful story of love and faith in the face of war. While the story is fictional it represents so many true stories of courage that took place during WWII, and good triumphing over evil."; "I've come to appreciate stories about the women who stepped up during wartime and that often went unseen and unrecognized. These women sacrificed so much. I'm glad stories like this are finally shining a light on their strength and bravery. They deserved to be remembered and honored."