Over twenty years ago I mentioned to my life-long friend, Dee, whose legal name is Carolyn Fittere, that I was going to write a book about our deep, abiding and supportive friendship. However, as time went by, we each became busy with our individual careers and our story was put aside.

Then a life-threatening wake-up call altered my path in 1996. After recovering from breast cancer surgery and learning about alternative healing methods, I again felt the desire to write a book to help others in their battles against disease.
In 2000 I went on a personal quest to discover some of the blank spots in my heritage. After my discoveries I knew that I could no longer delay writing the book that had been brewing in the back of my mind for over twenty years so I began putting pen to paper.

Through the years when I give tourists and wedding reception guests tours of my historic home and museum many of them as questions:

How old is the house?

Who built the house?

How long have you owned the house?

When did you start your business?

Why are there frogs everywhere?

Since there is never enough time to give complete in-depth replies to those curious individuals, I decided that all those inquiring minds deserved more information. My answers make up an important and integral part of the following story.

However, little did I know that two more life altering events would take place before I could finish my manuscript.

For seven years I have attempted to answer all of the questions asked of me.

Finally, is the amazing story of my father, Dr. Albert Broel-Plater, and my own story of the House of Broel  is finished – I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as I have enjoyed living it.

“Bonnie Broel’s life story reads like a novel with cinematic overtones. Think Scarlett O’Hara meets Dr. Zhivago meets Lucy and Ethal. Bonnie’s personality is reflected in every word and her story of endurance and triumph is an inspiration.”
Judy Bethea, Historian

“The House of Broel story begins with Dr. Albert Broel-Plater’s birth in what was part of the Russian Empire and brings us to his fascinating tale of frog farming. Then the story follows his daughter’s life as she goes on an incredible journey from frogs to fashion. More than a memoir, her story details her meteoric rise in the bridal fashion industry, and is a fascinating first-hand account of a truly unique New Orleans couture icon. My favorite passages include Bonnie’s colorful accounts of her beloved New Orleans as it was when she was coming of age in the 1950’s.”
Jerry Embree, Band Leader, Musician

“House of Broel is the story of a woman who, contrary to the popular trend, does no belabor her victimization but instead tells a compelling story of how she conquered insurmountable odds and came out a winner by embracing her challenges with endurance, faith, 0patience and courage – proving that the human spirit cannot fail.”
Maria Shaw, Talk Show Host, Astrologer to the Stars and Author

“Even after working closely with this savvy bridal industry dynamo since the early 1980’s and becoming a best friend, it was not until the revelation of her “inside story” could I truly appreciate this high spirited, triumphant woman who refused to accept defeat. Her unforgettable life’s story told – her life’s dream being fulfilled.”
Cheryl Welliver, Bridal Show Producer, Videographer, Welliver Productions

“Reading House of Broel takes you on a journey of discovery through the wonderful eyes of Bonnie Broel. The book is both riveting and captivating as it leads you through her unique life. It creates a desire within you to visit her museum in order for her words to come to life.”
René J. L. Fransen, Landscape Architect LLC

“Bonnie’s story is bigger than life and reflects how she does things expansively always creating beauty wherever she goes. It describes how the challenging choices she makes help make her dreams a reality. I’ve been a bystander to the majority of her life and her writing was a surprise to me. As much as I thought I knew about her it makes me admire her as a human being more than ever.”
Carolyn (Dee) Fittere, ChFC, CLU

Dear Ms. Broel,
I met you on June 7th at the House of Broel. We talked briefly and you ignited in me a wish to know more about your life, about you; so I bought your book and read it all and really loved it. Thank you for shareing your journey with me. I feel as though I've gotten to know you and have become a beneficiary of the wisdom you've given so freely; but not only wisdom about success, survival, spirituality, healing, and tremendous love and enjoyment of life ~ but also of knowledge of history, your personal history, New Orleans history (this was to date the best insight I've gotten on Katrina), and a history of the House of Broel. I do feel enriched by your gift. Thank you and all best wishes to you and the House of Broel; continued success, health and happiness today, tomorrow, forever.
Yours, Rasma Rozite - Appleton, Wisconsin

Dear Ms. Broel,
I visited your Doll House Museum with other ladies on June 9th. I found it very interesting. Another lady and myself purchased your book, House of Broel, The Inside Story. I read it within a few days and thought it was just wonderful. It was so intriguing that I told many people about it.l You are one heck of a lady!! I was so happy to have read your book and want to thank you for writing it.
Most Sincerely, Barbara Mehrtens