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Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage: A Memoir of Lasting Love Through Triumphs, Tribulations, and Togetherness
"A moving narrative as much a love story as it is a testament to family, faith, and perseverance."
- The International Review of Books
Through the lens of time, this memoir unfolds as a tender reflection on love, resilience, and faith.
It follows a young American sailor who married his high school sweetheart in 1951 and together built a life—navigating the joys of parenthood, the heartbreak of their children’s divorces, and the trials of major illness. Anchored by unwavering devotion to each other and their community, they weather life’s storms with faith as their guide, never losing sight of the vows they exchanged so many years before.
This story will resonate deeply with readers who cherish narratives of enduring love, those nostalgic for mid-century Americana, and anyone who finds inspiration in commitment, family, and the quiet heroism of ordinary lives.
Buy today and enjoy the read, or click on the book cover to open AMAZON'S "Read Sample" FEATURE to learn more!
- The International Review of Books
Through the lens of time, this memoir unfolds as a tender reflection on love, resilience, and faith.
It follows a young American sailor who married his high school sweetheart in 1951 and together built a life—navigating the joys of parenthood, the heartbreak of their children’s divorces, and the trials of major illness. Anchored by unwavering devotion to each other and their community, they weather life’s storms with faith as their guide, never losing sight of the vows they exchanged so many years before.
This story will resonate deeply with readers who cherish narratives of enduring love, those nostalgic for mid-century Americana, and anyone who finds inspiration in commitment, family, and the quiet heroism of ordinary lives.
Buy today and enjoy the read, or click on the book cover to open AMAZON'S "Read Sample" FEATURE to learn more!
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2025
About the author
Don Hughes
2 books9 followersDon Hughes was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, before moving at an early age to a Chicago suburb called Lake Zurich. After graduating high school, he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Illinois, followed by a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
He began working on political campaigns in Illinois right after college, starting out as a volunteer by walking precincts, stuffing
envelopes, and attending fundraisers.
Eventually he worked his way up to paid staff jobs on the Senator Charles Percy reelection campaign in 1978 and the George H.W. Bush campaign for president in 1980. The highlight of his political career was being elected at age twenty-seven to the Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners.
Following graduation from the Kennedy School, Don focused on shaping public policy in the areas of health care, insurance, behavioral health, and Medicaid at the state level until retiring in 2020. He served as deputy director for policy and health care policy advisor for Governor Jan Brewer, overseeing a staff of ten policy advisors. He was responsible for reforming the behavioral health system, expanding Medicaid, innovating health care and improving insurance practices.
In 2017, Don found his true calling volunteering at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control West Shelter as an adoption counselor. In 2018 alone, he helped more than 275 dogs and eighteen cats find their forever homes.
In 2023, Don published his first memoir, The Mutt for Me A Beautiful Transformation from Project Dog to Man’s Best Friend. It’s a touching story of how adopting Barbie the dog everyone at the Shelter had given up wound up saving them both. You can find out more about their journey at https://donhughesauthor.com
He began working on political campaigns in Illinois right after college, starting out as a volunteer by walking precincts, stuffing
envelopes, and attending fundraisers.
Eventually he worked his way up to paid staff jobs on the Senator Charles Percy reelection campaign in 1978 and the George H.W. Bush campaign for president in 1980. The highlight of his political career was being elected at age twenty-seven to the Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners.
Following graduation from the Kennedy School, Don focused on shaping public policy in the areas of health care, insurance, behavioral health, and Medicaid at the state level until retiring in 2020. He served as deputy director for policy and health care policy advisor for Governor Jan Brewer, overseeing a staff of ten policy advisors. He was responsible for reforming the behavioral health system, expanding Medicaid, innovating health care and improving insurance practices.
In 2017, Don found his true calling volunteering at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control West Shelter as an adoption counselor. In 2018 alone, he helped more than 275 dogs and eighteen cats find their forever homes.
In 2023, Don published his first memoir, The Mutt for Me A Beautiful Transformation from Project Dog to Man’s Best Friend. It’s a touching story of how adopting Barbie the dog everyone at the Shelter had given up wound up saving them both. You can find out more about their journey at https://donhughesauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 27, 2025
In these days of quickie divorces, the old values of wedding vows often seem to be absent. So what a joy it was to read Don's uplifting memoir about his parents marriage. Literally until death do us part, and in sickness and in health, this chronicles the lives of two wonderful and Christian people who not only did their best for their family, but who gave assistance to many thousands of people through their charitable works. Told in their son Don's words, from diaries his father had kept for many years, and from family memories, this is a real feel good book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a recommended read. I felt much happier about life and the world in general, knowing that there are such wonderful people around us.
October 6, 2025
This was such an enjoyable read! I loved the anecdotes that the author shared from his parents’ conversations and experiences. And I found the enduring love between the Ernie and Lois particularly endearing.
My favourite quote: We’ll face it together, just like we always have.
This was a poignantly written memoir depicting a love everlasting, a rare find, and sensitively written by the author with the entries from his dad’s journal.
My favourite quote: We’ll face it together, just like we always have.
This was a poignantly written memoir depicting a love everlasting, a rare find, and sensitively written by the author with the entries from his dad’s journal.
October 19, 2025
A heartfelt story
I like books that connect readers with their feelings and let their minds go back to special moments in life. That's what “Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage” does along these pages. The story revolves around a young American sailor who married his high school sweetheart and together they built a home with children. What is admirable about this book is that their love remains intact throughout the years and despite life’s complicated situations.
It’s a resilient and emotional story that shows readers the importance of love, companionship and faith in any relationship. I really admire those long-lasting couples that have their problems but still they bet on love. It’s a touching story that I highly recommend.
I like books that connect readers with their feelings and let their minds go back to special moments in life. That's what “Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage” does along these pages. The story revolves around a young American sailor who married his high school sweetheart and together they built a home with children. What is admirable about this book is that their love remains intact throughout the years and despite life’s complicated situations.
It’s a resilient and emotional story that shows readers the importance of love, companionship and faith in any relationship. I really admire those long-lasting couples that have their problems but still they bet on love. It’s a touching story that I highly recommend.
October 16, 2025
Who doesn't love a love story? In "Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage", author Hughes explores his parents' lives and relationship over their 66 years of marriage. Like all marriages and relationships, his parents have endured crises, illnesses, and many blessings. After his brother found his father's journal telling their story, Don decided to capture it in a book. This discovery was the impetus for telling his parents' beautiful story.
What I liked most about this book is that Don tells his parents' story with profound respect and great sensitivity. I imagine it must have been difficult to write at times, yet every page is so well thought out and written. Certainly, a great story to enjoy and never stop getting excited about.
What I liked most about this book is that Don tells his parents' story with profound respect and great sensitivity. I imagine it must have been difficult to write at times, yet every page is so well thought out and written. Certainly, a great story to enjoy and never stop getting excited about.
October 10, 2025
The natural and engaging style of Hughes' narrative lends itself perfectly to this tender and personal portrayal of his parents long marriage. There are ups, there are downs; there are dramas and there are humorous interludes; there is joy and there is grief. All is overlaid by the sense of enduring love, in all its splendid kaleidoscope of facets bringing the reader into the lives of two people who, whatever life threw at them, never forgot that love really is all we need in this endlessly troubled and often taxing world we find ourselves living in and that faith is the thread that binds that cloth firm.
October 17, 2025
A heartwarming memoir!
This is one of the most meaningful and emotional memoirs I have ever read.
I have always admired my parents’ marriage, and being able to read how Don Hughes pays tribute to his own parents and talks about their marriage was truly inspiring and admirable.
The way he tells every event, how he speaks about their example, and what they have lived through over the years makes the reader feel part of the story, as if they were there too.
It is a very enjoyable book that you can read in a pleasant way, but also one that helps you understand and learn about life in marriage, sharing experiences with your partner.
This is one of the most meaningful and emotional memoirs I have ever read.
I have always admired my parents’ marriage, and being able to read how Don Hughes pays tribute to his own parents and talks about their marriage was truly inspiring and admirable.
The way he tells every event, how he speaks about their example, and what they have lived through over the years makes the reader feel part of the story, as if they were there too.
It is a very enjoyable book that you can read in a pleasant way, but also one that helps you understand and learn about life in marriage, sharing experiences with your partner.
July 19, 2026
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage: A Memoir of Lasting Love Through Triumphs, Tribulations, and Togetherness
Author: Don Hughes
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
10 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
6 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
10 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 69
I picked this up thinking it would simply be a story about a long marriage, but it turned into so much more. I found myself completely absorbed in Ernest and Lois's lives, especially the chapter about the devastating tornado that destroyed their home. The way they leaned on each other, their neighbours and their faith without feeling sorry for themselves was genuinely inspiring.
The journal entries scattered throughout the book were a lovely touch because they let Ernest speak for himself. If I had one criticism, it's that some of the family history is quite detailed and occasionally slowed the pace. Still, by the final page I felt as though I'd spent time with old friends. A wonderful memoir.
Male, 58
What impressed me most was that this never felt like a polished fairy tale. Don Hughes doesn't hide the difficult moments—financial worries, career uncertainty, family heartbreak and illness all play their part—but through it all his parents simply kept moving forward together.
There were a few sections where I thought the descriptions could have been a little shorter, but that's a very small complaint. The authenticity shines through on every page, and I particularly enjoyed Ernest's journal excerpts.
Female, 47
I'm not usually a memoir reader, but this one completely won me over.
The chapters covering Ernest's move from welding into management really surprised me. They showed just how much courage it takes to reinvent yourself later in life, and I loved how Lois quietly encouraged him every step of the way. Equally memorable was the tornado chapter—it was genuinely tense, and knowing it really happened made it even more emotional.
My only reservation is that there are so many names and family events that I occasionally had to remind myself who everyone was. That said, once I'd settled into the rhythm of the book, I didn't want to leave this family behind. It's a warm, sincere memoir that celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things simply by loving one another.
Male, 73
This reminded me of stories my own parents used to tell about growing up in America during the 1950s and 60s. The writing is straightforward and heartfelt, and the marriage at the centre of the story never feels unrealistic because the author includes the setbacks as well as the happy memories.
It's perhaps a little longer than it needed to be in places, but I came away admiring Ernest and Lois enormously. Their devotion to each other is something rarely written about so honestly these days.
Female, 63
One thing I really appreciated was that Don Hughes lets the little moments matter. It's not just the major life events that stay with you, but birthdays spent at the ballpark, worries over paying the mortgage, career changes, retirement conversations and simple family dinners. Those scenes made the memoir feel wonderfully real.
I especially loved reading Ernest's journals because they added another layer to the story. They revealed his doubts, hopes and determination in a way that made him feel like someone I'd actually known.
If I could change anything, I'd tighten a handful of chapters where the narrative becomes quite detailed with dates and family history. But honestly, that's a minor quibble. This is one of those books that quietly reminds you what commitment really looks like, and I found it both comforting and inspiring.
Male, 55
There's something refreshingly genuine about this memoir. Don Hughes never tries to make his parents seem perfect—they simply keep choosing each other through every stage of life. The rebuilding after the tornado, Ernest's changing career, Lois finding work at the school, and the later reflections on retirement all felt completely believable because they're told with such honesty.
I did feel the pacing dipped occasionally during some of the historical detail, but the emotional payoff was worth it. By the end I realised I wasn't just reading about a sixty-six-year marriage—I was reading about resilience, faith and the quiet strength that keeps a family together. A thoroughly enjoyable and moving read.
To Sum It Up:
‘A heartwarming memoir celebrating the enduring power of love, faith, family, and the quiet resilience that carries a marriage through sixty-six remarkable years.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage: A Memoir of Lasting Love Through Triumphs, Tribulations, and Togetherness
Author: Don Hughes
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
10 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
6 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
10 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 69
I picked this up thinking it would simply be a story about a long marriage, but it turned into so much more. I found myself completely absorbed in Ernest and Lois's lives, especially the chapter about the devastating tornado that destroyed their home. The way they leaned on each other, their neighbours and their faith without feeling sorry for themselves was genuinely inspiring.
The journal entries scattered throughout the book were a lovely touch because they let Ernest speak for himself. If I had one criticism, it's that some of the family history is quite detailed and occasionally slowed the pace. Still, by the final page I felt as though I'd spent time with old friends. A wonderful memoir.
Male, 58
What impressed me most was that this never felt like a polished fairy tale. Don Hughes doesn't hide the difficult moments—financial worries, career uncertainty, family heartbreak and illness all play their part—but through it all his parents simply kept moving forward together.
There were a few sections where I thought the descriptions could have been a little shorter, but that's a very small complaint. The authenticity shines through on every page, and I particularly enjoyed Ernest's journal excerpts.
Female, 47
I'm not usually a memoir reader, but this one completely won me over.
The chapters covering Ernest's move from welding into management really surprised me. They showed just how much courage it takes to reinvent yourself later in life, and I loved how Lois quietly encouraged him every step of the way. Equally memorable was the tornado chapter—it was genuinely tense, and knowing it really happened made it even more emotional.
My only reservation is that there are so many names and family events that I occasionally had to remind myself who everyone was. That said, once I'd settled into the rhythm of the book, I didn't want to leave this family behind. It's a warm, sincere memoir that celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things simply by loving one another.
Male, 73
This reminded me of stories my own parents used to tell about growing up in America during the 1950s and 60s. The writing is straightforward and heartfelt, and the marriage at the centre of the story never feels unrealistic because the author includes the setbacks as well as the happy memories.
It's perhaps a little longer than it needed to be in places, but I came away admiring Ernest and Lois enormously. Their devotion to each other is something rarely written about so honestly these days.
Female, 63
One thing I really appreciated was that Don Hughes lets the little moments matter. It's not just the major life events that stay with you, but birthdays spent at the ballpark, worries over paying the mortgage, career changes, retirement conversations and simple family dinners. Those scenes made the memoir feel wonderfully real.
I especially loved reading Ernest's journals because they added another layer to the story. They revealed his doubts, hopes and determination in a way that made him feel like someone I'd actually known.
If I could change anything, I'd tighten a handful of chapters where the narrative becomes quite detailed with dates and family history. But honestly, that's a minor quibble. This is one of those books that quietly reminds you what commitment really looks like, and I found it both comforting and inspiring.
Male, 55
There's something refreshingly genuine about this memoir. Don Hughes never tries to make his parents seem perfect—they simply keep choosing each other through every stage of life. The rebuilding after the tornado, Ernest's changing career, Lois finding work at the school, and the later reflections on retirement all felt completely believable because they're told with such honesty.
I did feel the pacing dipped occasionally during some of the historical detail, but the emotional payoff was worth it. By the end I realised I wasn't just reading about a sixty-six-year marriage—I was reading about resilience, faith and the quiet strength that keeps a family together. A thoroughly enjoyable and moving read.
To Sum It Up:
‘A heartwarming memoir celebrating the enduring power of love, faith, family, and the quiet resilience that carries a marriage through sixty-six remarkable years.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 6, 2025
A Testament to Love and Faithfulness.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful memoir, and it held my attention throughout. The 66-year marriage of Ernest and Lois captures the very essence of the cycle of life from its beginning to its end, revealing profound truths about love, resilience, and life-force.
I love how the story is often told through dialogue, and records so faithfully precious family memories brought alive through conversation, food and family gatherings.
But amid the joys, the tension rises as Ernest and Lois navigate some difficult situations - and particularly some serious health issues - my goodness, I felt it all!
Throughout the decades of their marriage, the joys, fears, and sorrows they face are common to all classes, cultures and continents. But above all, their marriage is the very embodiment of faith, hope and love, “and the greatest of these is love.” Highly recommended reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful memoir, and it held my attention throughout. The 66-year marriage of Ernest and Lois captures the very essence of the cycle of life from its beginning to its end, revealing profound truths about love, resilience, and life-force.
I love how the story is often told through dialogue, and records so faithfully precious family memories brought alive through conversation, food and family gatherings.
But amid the joys, the tension rises as Ernest and Lois navigate some difficult situations - and particularly some serious health issues - my goodness, I felt it all!
Throughout the decades of their marriage, the joys, fears, and sorrows they face are common to all classes, cultures and continents. But above all, their marriage is the very embodiment of faith, hope and love, “and the greatest of these is love.” Highly recommended reading.
April 9, 2026
A beautifully written memoir told through the lens of a son who sought to share his father’s and mother’s legacy with the world.
From start to finish this book will captivate you as Don Hughes parents lived an extraordinary life devoted to God, family, and servitude. No matter what they encountered throughout their sixty years of marriage one of many statements rang true “As long as we are together we have everything we need.” There are many miracles surrounding their lives, one being that his mother beat mantle cell lymphoma which is a cancer that has no cure. Don’s father through his journals spoke to the power of prayer being the driving force that that not only brought forth healing to Lois, but was also the main factor of a life lived guided by God through faith.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who are looking for spiritual guidance, purpose and inspiration.
It’s an unforgettable story and a fabulous read!
From start to finish this book will captivate you as Don Hughes parents lived an extraordinary life devoted to God, family, and servitude. No matter what they encountered throughout their sixty years of marriage one of many statements rang true “As long as we are together we have everything we need.” There are many miracles surrounding their lives, one being that his mother beat mantle cell lymphoma which is a cancer that has no cure. Don’s father through his journals spoke to the power of prayer being the driving force that that not only brought forth healing to Lois, but was also the main factor of a life lived guided by God through faith.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who are looking for spiritual guidance, purpose and inspiration.
It’s an unforgettable story and a fabulous read!
October 16, 2025
Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage by Don Hughes is a touching and inspiring family memoir that explores the author’s life, marriage and family troubles in a sensitive and entertaining way. Don Hughes details his life from being in the US navy to marrying his childhood sweetheart, discovering the joys and troubles of having kids, the challenges of illness, and more. I liked the vivid personalities the author paints and appreciate the love and dedication he and his wife have throughout their difficulties.
This memoir is a good choice for those who enjoy stories of love, faith, and perseverance. I am giving this biography a well-deserved five out of five stars.
This memoir is a good choice for those who enjoy stories of love, faith, and perseverance. I am giving this biography a well-deserved five out of five stars.
February 26, 2026
Yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving Don Hughes book "Anatomy of a Sixty-Six Year Marriage" in the mail. I was so surprised and I promptly began reading this treasure. My husband (who passed last year) and myself had been married over 70 years. This book brought back to me so many similar times. Don Hughes has written a book from his Dad's journals and it shows his parents legacy of love for family, their faith and all the community service. I loved the story of the "shoebox Christmas gifts for children" and the numerous others. I highly recommend this and will give it five stars. I THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT. I have posted a review on amazon and wlm as well.
July 7, 2026
Fantastic Read!
I've read many biographies and memoirs. This one is one of the most memorable. A story like this one is rare in today's society. So refreshing!
I've read many biographies and memoirs. This one is one of the most memorable. A story like this one is rare in today's society. So refreshing!
October 6, 2025
This book is a moving and intimate account of the life and marriage of the author’s parents. Drawn from his father’s diaries, personal memories and family conversations, Don Hughes has produced a touching story of the love and devotion his parents gave each other from the day they married until ‘death did them part’, most of which is written from their perspective. Such loyalty and commitment through thick and thin is rare these days, so theirs was an especially beautiful relationship. This is a wonderful tribute and a unique biography of two courageous and remarkable people.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews