Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" by John William Law takes a look at Joan Crawford’s career after the death of her husband, Pepsi-Cola executive Alfred Steele. Crawford jumped at the opportunity to restart her career with the movie "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane". Crawford needed the money to pay off her many debts. I suspect Crawford will always be remembered for the book written in 1977, by her adopted daughter Christina, “Mommie Dearest.” Law offers a fair look at Crawford’s life. It is obvious he is a fan of her as an actress but also willing to accept that there is at least some truth to Christina’s accusations. It is always to be remembered that there are two sides to every story and that each person has their own perspective or agenda. Law points out that Crawford, like all of us, was human with faults. She grew up in a low income family. Joan longed for a father figure, prominence and affluence.

Law has intermingled photographs throughout the text. They add much to the text. I’d forgotten what an attractive woman she was. She always had a strong look about her, sort of a challenging look that said just try me; I’ll eat you for dinner. "What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" is well-organized. I loved the quotes that are scattered throughout the book. Joan speaks with a quick wit. I enjoyed learning more about this great actress.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Grigory Rasputin was a spiritual advisor to Russia’s last Tsar and Tsarina, and has been vilified because history is written by those in power instead of the common man. And even though I know nothing about this subject, I do see the truths of what the author is revealing to the readers about the real life of Grigory Efimovitch Rasputin. Delin Colon seriously researched the testimonies of lots of those who knew this man to write about the details of what he accomplished throughout his life. Colon writes about how he aided the poor, helped those who were sick, tried hard to avoid war and its needless cost of lives, as well as other things he did to help those he came in contact with. Grigory Rasputin was born around 1870 and he was assassinated, or better said, brutally murdered in 1916.

In “Raspuntin and the Jews,” Delin Colon gives a vivid account of the life of a man who wasn’t in power or well educated, but who was very intelligent, religious, and obviously had a heart for helping people. He seemed like a person that everyone would want to know, but that was not the case. Many believed differently. If you enjoy history, and especially Russian history, this is a book you will want to have on your reading list. You won’t find details of what those in power thought of him. What you will find is what those who knew him, even his enemies, thought about his life and the way he used much of his life to help others. I encourage you to grab a copy of this book and try it for yourself.

Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite

Grab a box of Kleenex before you start to read “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven” by Celeste N. Bowers because it is so beautifully moving that you are going to cry. Don’t even try to pretend you are too strong to cry – it is going to happen when you read this book.

Christina Bowers was a remarkable little girl. Her mom has included some adorable photos of little Christina that reflect a smile that would light up a room and an abundant happiness. Christina left this world at age 10 but showed a wisdom and heart beyond her years during her treatment for cancer by asking God to use her for His glory instead of asking God “Why me?” As her mom says, this book isn’t about cancer or even only about Christina – it is about allowing the Lord to work through our lives to bring others closer to Him for His glory. Wow! Bowers has written this book in a series of “packages” that she wishes she could deliver to Christina in Heaven. She uses these letters to tell her daughter how much she was a blessing on Earth and how much her family loves her. The letters don’t take us through a sad battle with cancer but rather depict a very special child and her relationship with her mom, dad, and brother.

It is such an uplifting story and beautifully written by a loving mother who desires to spread God’s message of love. There is so much inspiration in “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven” that you’re going to feel blessed and changed after you have finished it.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Alfred Hitchcock was an icon in the movie business. Few will not recognize his silhouette. Alfred Hitchcock The Icon Years by John William Law is a look at Hitchcock as a film maker. I can name several of Hitchcock's movies by memory. The Birds was my all time favorite, while Psycho was the film that set him apart. North by Northwest, The Rear Window, Dial M For Murder, and Vertigo were in my opinion classics.

One of the facts that Law mentions was Hitchcock's proclivity for blondes; most of his movies, if not all, starred cool blondes. Kathrine Hepburn was not a blond, and Hitchcock was hoping he could get her to change her hair color for No Bail For The Judge. His anger at Hepburn is also discussed; he had already invested $200,000 of his own money in a film in which she promised to star. She was uncomfortable with the rape scene in the movie and declined the role. The movie was never made. Law does share a bit about Hitch's temper. Silence was the kiss of death.

After the success of Psycho, Hitchcock decided to make The Birds. Law shares where the idea came from and the difficulties in creating the film. Hitchcock discovered Tippi Hedren on a TV commercial. I found it fascinating to read how the film was made. Poor Tippi was tied to birds and had birds thrown at her in almost every scene.

Too often authors attempt to write a biography about someone by getting into their head. John William Law presents a fascinating look at Hitchcock without trying to analyze him. Law offers the information the fans of Hitchcock want to read. I do have a small criticism. This book was not properly edited. It is a fantastic book and deserved a good editor. The cover of the book has a picture of Hitch with Janet Leigh's mouth superimposed over his. It is the ideal cover for this book. I very much enjoyed this book. Law does a perfect job in presenting Hitchcock in a way that was entertaining and informative. It is obvious Law spent much time in research. I highly recommend this book for content.

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Donnie Foster is born into an abusive and unstructured home, in which his mother works and is unavailable; his stepfather neglects and brutalizes the children in his care. Much of the first part of the book details the abusive family episodes; this may be difficult reading for persons drawn to memoirs.

In general, the book details the ongoing maladaptive decisions of a young boy as he grows into an angry and sociopathic teen and adult. Donnie Foster appears to have some sense of right and wrong. And yet, he is unable to contain his angry need to lash out at and take from others that he feels are more fortunate. When faced with offers of help, Donnie initially accepts the good intentions of others and then turns around and violates those willing to assist him. He turns to alcohol and drugs to void the internal pain he feels. He preys on others, leading to ongoing and multiple themes of the victim becoming the perpetrator.

On many occasions, Donnie Foster turns to God and he vows to live a clean and God-fearing life in return for deliverance from punishment. He repeatedly violates his own promises to God which are generally made when under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Time and time again, Donnie is given another chance, only to reject them and then wonder why Satan has so tempted him.

It is only when Donnie is held accountable, in a personal relationship, that he begins to realize he may be out of chances. Like many sociopaths, he begins to "burn out" in midlife and he enters treatment only to relapse again. Finally, given an ultimatum, he begins to clean up his act.

If a story can be called "classic," "The Donnie Foster Story" is a classic story of interweaving childhood abuse, drug influences, and sociopathic behavior. The reader is left wondering whether Donnie Foster will continue to walk a straight and narrow line.

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

The setting is 1938, Austria. Fear swelled throughout Europe as the darkness of Nazism spread. Fredl and Lizzi were a successful young Catholic couple. He was a jeweler and she was a dressmaker. They did not welcome Hitler’s rule and knew they must leave Austria. They made the dangerous journey to France. Fredl was captured by Nazi followers and sent to a labor camp. Lizzi eluded capture and searched for her beloved husband. Numerous times Fredl was arrested; his health was poorand he wrestled with death.

To this day, I cannot understand why people followed a monster like Hitler. How could good people stand back and let the atrocities happen. I cried a lot reading Lizzi & Fredl. We need to be reminded of the terror, the cruelty, the torture and the deaths. We must never let this happen again.

Dr. William B. Stanford shares his parent’s poignant story with readers. Mr. Stanford reminds readers of the atrocities Hitler rained upon Europe. This is also a tribute to the courageous people willing to die to help and hide others.