Voor Elise: Memories of the 'Lo

An infant abandoned at a convent in 1836 triumphs over adversity, giving rise to an inspiring lineage that spans generations and continents.

From Kessel-Lo, Belgium, to Lovelady, Texas, and back again, meet the descendants of the foundling christened Francis Nona as they overcome heartbreak, poverty, and deprivation through hard work, determination, and their love for one another. 

The life of Elise, Francis Nona’s granddaughter, takes center stage in this powerful narrative. Elise’s courageous lifelong journey to create her own joy through unfathomable hardship, as well as the many stories of her devoted siblings and children, demonstrates that the bonds of family across generations and vast distances, orphaning, and two world wars can be steadfast and indestructible.

Denise Keustermans is a born storyteller. The story captivates you from the first chapter to the last, the tension and narrative keeps you turning the pages.  

-Gilbert Verbinnen

Thoughtful, sweet, and melancholy, Keustermans and Sienkiewicz  deftly blend history and pathos throughout their nonfiction narrative of Elise – a well research, good read.

-Andrew Hiller, best-selling author