Reviewed by Samantha F. for Readers' Favorite

This book was about the authors time spent rescuing pets in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina left the area devastated and many owners were unable to return to their pets. O'Toole, along with other animal rescuers, travels about the area, breaking into homes and saving animals from death. She chronicles her trials and tribulations, the sadness, heartbreak, and destruction she witnesses. Telling photos are also used to help explain what was seen. A deep understanding is shared by the author, as well as a willingness to learn from mistakes and prior judgments.

I thought this book was well written, clear, and descriptive, without making me want to put the book down because it is so heartbreakingly sad. She keeps this in check nicely, by using facts and telling her story in a matter-of-fact way. It is still sad and devastating, but the author clearly made an effort to convey the story and identify the problems that were had in the Gulf so that they will not be mistakes made again in the future.

I think many people will be interested in reading this book. In fact, 3 people who saw me reading it asked to borrow it. Many people are curious about the Hurricane Katrina tragedy, and this is an all-too untold side of the story, and a chilling account. Animal lovers will also be interested and will enjoy the read.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Whatever happened to the beautiful beautician? This is a true story about the disappearance of a beautiful young beautician on February 10, 1979. Theresa Ferrara led a fast, exciting life. Was it this kind of life that led to her disappearance? Her oldest niece, Maria Stewart, was there when it happened. Stewart tells us all the details of that time. She has even included all the original newspaper clippings.

There are so many unanswered questions. The media has linked Theresa to the Mafia's legendary Lufthansa Heist. She was supposedly an informant for the FBI. Were the remains that were found really Theresa's as the authorities claimed? Stewart examines everything in her quest for the truth...police and court records, newspaper articles, psychics, interviews and new technology in DNA forensics. What she discovers is not what she expected. Her beloved aunt had a life she never knew.

I thought that the writing in this book was a little on the amateur side but I was really hooked on this story. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I was totally caught up in the life of Theresa and her family. I can't imagine being in Maria Stewart's shoes. How do you deal with what they went through? This is a great true crime book. I don't think you'll be able to put it down, either, till the end.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

After I read Lori’s Song I had to think about it before I could write a review. Lori was abused by her biological parents. She was molested and raped by her adopted brother. Her mother was neglectful and cruel. At 15 years old she escaped her home life by marrying. The marriage was short lived. Next she joined the military and became pregnant by the recruiter. The military didn’t work well for her either.

In 1993 she met Mohammad Foroozandeh. After graduating from nursing school the couple married. In 1998 they moved to Iran. Adjusting to Iranian life was difficult. She soon learned that women had no rights.

Lori shares much about the culture and living arrangements. She tells of cockroaches, toilets, showers and shopping.

Mohammad changed while they were in Iran. That was when the beatings started. After 9/11 Mohammad told her they were going to leave Iran. They went to a bus station where they were arrested. She and others were taken to a POW camp. There were repeated beatings and rapes . I cannot describe the atrocities she lived through . Eventually she escaped . She came back to the states with nothing.
This story has a happy ending. Lori is married to a man that loves her and that’s good to her. She has a relationship with her son.

This book should serve as a wakeup call to Americans. Women have no rights in many countries. Think carefully before you commit yourself to a man from another country especially the Middle East. However it is not the only country that has honor killings.

I noticed the first part of this book needed some editing to make it flow smoothly. However, I was quickly caught up in Lori’s story. Lori’s Song is a raw emotional account. I wish Lori success. This is a must read.