New book tells a true love story with roots in Lake City
A title for your summer reading list might just be “Finding the One: A 1960s Love Story” by Lisa Boatman. It’s a story with a local connection and a look back at the 1960s.
“In a time when love is often reduced to swipes and instant messages, author Lisa Boatman offers a refreshing reminder of what genuine connection looks like with the release of ‘Finding the One: A 1960s Love Story.’ Based on the real-life romance of Howard and Karen Boatman, the author’s parents from Minnesota, this intimate memoir takes readers back to the 1960s — a decade of hope, turbulence, and cultural change — to rediscover the meaning of lasting love,” states a news release.
“More than just a nostalgic retelling, ‘Finding the One’ reveals how two young people attending the University of Minnesota confronted personal struggles, embraced authenticity, and built a relationship that would stand the test of time. Through their journey, readers are reminded that ‘finding the one’ begins with first discovering ourselves.”
In other words, it’s a classic tale of country boy meets city girl; Howard Boatman grew up farming in the rural bluffs above Lake City. Historical establishments such as the A&W Root Beer Stand, Abraham Hardware, and the one-room schoolhouse in West Florence all make an appearance. On the other hand, Karen spent her childhood in Rockford, Ill., and their plans for the future looked very, very different. Needless to say, meeting each other rerouted this couple’s lives in ways they couldn’t imagine.
Their daughter, Lisa Boatman, has had many of her own plot twists over the years too, having found herself at one point or another dealing blackjack at Grand Casino Hinckley, owning a liquor store in Mississippi, and serving as a firefighter for Columbia Heights after returning to Minnesota. As of 2022, Boatman has begun her latest chapter as an English teacher, tour guide, and author in Lisbon, Portugal. “Finding the One: A 1960s Love Story” is her first published book.
“Growing up, I always loved hearing my parents’ love story — how they met, how they admired each other from afar, and how my father tracked down a Ford Model A with a rumble seat for their very first date. He was determined to make the evening memorable,” Boatman said.
“In early 2025, when it became clear I wouldn’t be able to travel home for their 60th wedding anniversary, I decided to do something meaningful, too — I started writing their love story. I kept the project completely secret. They had no idea.
“The original plan was to reveal the book at their anniversary party — but my parents opted for a quiet celebration instead. A close friend stopped by their house to do the reveal while I watched via video call from Lisbon. They captured the moment on video, too.”
Both Howard and Karen were beyond surprised and delighted with the gift, as well as honored that audiences are interested in reading their story.
As for what Boatman hopes readers will take away from this romance, she emphasizes the importance of genuine connection.
“Howard and Karen’s 1960s love story is both uniquely theirs and universally relatable — yet its lessons feel timeless. Lasting relationships are built on self-love, honesty, commitment, and a willingness to take a leap of faith. Without those qualities from both partners, any relationship will eventually struggle,” Boatman replied.
“Finding the One: A 1960s Love Story” is available now in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon. Anyone interested in more information can visit lisaboatman.com.