Once In A Lifetime

Once in a Lifetime

Inspired by a True Story

Danielle Nicole Bienvenu

Once in a Lifetime

By: Danielle Nicole Bienvenu

Copyright 2011 Danielle Nicole Bienvenu

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

ISBN: ISBN: 9781452415185

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Sarah’s Secret

Sarah's Secret is just one example of Danielle Nicole Bienvenu's brilliance. A triumphant journey that will move you to believe.

-Jeff Rivera, Author of Forever My Lady

***** An incredible story by a wonderful author. I will be purchasing more from her.

-Rosa Croley, Reader, 5 Stars

Changing Stripes

***** Changing Stripes may be a short story but the impact found within these pages is very strong. It draws you in from the first sentences and leaves you thinking long after the last word. It is sad that racism is still going strong and I commend Danielle for writing about its effects so eloquently… Touching and opens your eyes. Original in a way everyone can understand and appreciate. An eloquently written short story that makes you continue to think long after the cover has been closed. Definitely a must read…

-Danielle Shaver, Reader, 5 Stars

He’s Mental, That’s Why!

***** This is a lovely story surrounding the relationship between a couple of teens who live in a quiet town. They both have aspirations for the future, but time interferes and the reader hopes for the best outcome. I would say this book is ideal for the mid-late teenage group although it has to be said that I am much older and I still loved it. I couldn’t wait to see how it ended!

-Harri Romney, Author of Clunky Monkey, 5 Stars

My Brother’s Keeper

A very enjoyable novella with a strong moral message.

-Marble City Publishing, Ruby Barnes, Author of Peril

***** Another astonishing story from Danielle Nicole Bienvenu. It grabs you from the first page and holds you tight until the very end. I was drawn into the emotions of the characters and felt what they felt. If you’re looking for a story that will have you thinking, this one is for you.

-Danielle Shaver, Reader, 5 Stars

Roberts, Dana; 21.

**** A very interesting story and Bienvenu did a very good job of showing Dana’s confusion and angst. A nice read.

-Ey Wade, Author of Beads on A String & The Fishing Trip, 4 Stars

**** A young woman tries to reconstruct her former life after an accident leaves her with amnesia. This short story keeps you guessing up to the O’Henry twist at the end. A quick, easy read… Good imagination and a talent for storytelling.

-J.C. Allen, Author of the Chronicles of Time Series, 4 Stars

Running from My Shadow

***** Running from My Shadow is very well written… The story line is captivating, and the details paint a vivid image. I could almost believe that I was living the story while reading it. It is a truly heartbreaking story of true love, loss, and faith in God. I could not put it down. I was almost sad to finish it. A truly amazing novel from an amazing author.

-Vince Hancock Gongora, Reader, 5 Stars

*****The book was very good… Keeps you going to find out more. Good job… Keep up the good work, girl.

-Melody McCarron, Reader, 5 Stars

The Gilded Mirror

*****This is a sweet fairytale story about Anne, an English girl who is cast aside when her father remarries. She is eventually forced to become a maid to earn her keep and ends up serving a cruel lord who can’t keep his hands to himself. Her employer’s neighbor, Viscount Alexander Ashwood, befriends her and they eventually find love.

-Kate Worth, Author of The Promise, 5 Stars

**** This is a sweet little romance story. Set after WWI the heroine is a sweet thing thrust into a job. Her sweet memories and longing for Austria fit well into the tale.

-Lisa Williamson, Author, 4 Stars

The Life of Virginia Wargenheimer

*****This amusing short story lets us have a peek into the life of teenaged Virginia Wargenheimer. As every teenager, she’s going through that particularly awkward stage as best she can; she’s the middle child, sandwiched between two male brothers who seem musically inclined (which she isn’t), required to sell Girl Scout Cookies she doesn’t want and her parents are absolutely clueless on how to deal with her. How clueless? They even set her up for a blind date with Bobby Molaboni (gulp)! However, Virginia is somewhat special (she calls herself weird… but aren’t we all?) and decides to do all within her means to thwart this oncoming episode. She has a masterful plan to become her opposite self…and then everything, as in the best laid plans of mice and men, goes belly up. It has a very funny and ironic, (yet too abrupt!) conclusion. Highly recommended for an enjoyable and quick read.

-Edwin Stark, Author of The Karaoke Duo Vs The Karaoke Zombies, 5 Stars

*****I really do like the author’s style. This is the third book that I have read. Lovely story!

-Harri Romney, Author of a Dog Called Dog, 5 Stars

The Right Kind of Perfect

***** Tessa is fifteen years old, and her problems really begin for her one day when she attends the local church. Firstly, she is publicly accused (by a neighbor) of killing a bird, and then her pride is wounded further when she is forced to sing a solo against her will…On that day things seem to go from bad to worse. Generally, I don’t laugh easily, but I did actually find myself giggling quite often, while reading this story. I really hoped that things would turn out okay for Tessa in the end. I’d certainly recommend this story for the teenage market. Really good story.

-Harri Romney, Author of Pirate Prim n’ Proper, 5 Stars

The Coat of Arms of Danielle Bienvenu may not be reproduced without permission. May be punishable by fine or when in Europe, imprisonment.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The List

Chapter 2: You Could Have Been Killed, Kate!

Chapter 3: And Then… There was Bear Creek

Chapter 4: Well Hello, Miss Michigan

Chapter 5: Coming Home

Chapter 6: Beer Rings

Chapter 7: Can You Blame Me for Loving You?

Chapter 8: The Shiver

Chapter 9: Ah, Insinuations

Chapter 10: The Truth Must Come Out Sometime

Chapter 11: When the Rain Pours

Chapter 12: Cologne Lingers

Chapter 13: The Ticket

Chapter 14: Duty Calls

Chapter 15: Life Goes On

Chapter 16: Kindred Spirits

Author’s Note

Connect with Danielle

Other Books

Because you only fall in love the first time once in a lifetime.

I would like to thank God for His hand working in my life and the publication of this story.

And to You Know Who, no, this story is not about you.

Chapter 1: The List

Come on, Kate. Spill.

Kate Bryans lowered her coffee mug and met her best friend, Larissa Myers’ eyes. It was typical for the two to exchange tid-bits of their everyday lives at Ho’s Diner on 5th. So typical in fact, that they had been doing it for nine years.

Where’s the list?

Kate placed her mug on the table and smoothed the infamous napkin. What list?

Kate, Larissa scolded, You turn twenty-nine next month and might I remind you you’ve broken how many poor hearts in your entire existence?

I didn’t think you were actually serious! Kate despaired while pulling a thin sweater over her smooth skin.

You bet your bottom dollar I’m serious. When Larissa had proposed the idea months in advance, it had never occurred to Kate perhaps Larissa was earnest in her suggestion. Kate, how many?

Kate Bryans shifted in the narrow booth at Ho’s, which she’d grown too accustomed to. She sighed and moved her eyes toward the apple pie resting on the counter. Thirty-one.

Larissa shook her head. All that was missing was the clicking of Larissa’s tongue. "Thirty-one men. Thirty-one men,