Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Marla Martenson, noted author of "Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker", returns with "Hearts on the Line: The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels". This delightful further look into her life and lifestyle is highly readable and often quite humorous as the author refers to a certain type of client as "Uncle Fester". As the book begins, Marla works as a matchmaker for the Los Angeles dating service called Exclusive Personal Search of Beverly Hills and must always look totally great on the job. The men who come to Double D, as Marla calls her agency, always want a trophy wife. And all too frequently the women who are their clients are gold diggers, or GDGD as Marla calls them. Some of the men are SFBRG, or short fat bald rich guys. In spite of these differences, Marla does her best to find what the clients want for a partner. The boss at Exclusive Personal search is Gary, who is difficult and demanding with his staff and may be taking money on the side to provide clients with a sexual partner. Marla is deeply happy with her husband Adolfo even though they would love to move from their apartment to a home, but can she stand working for Gary?

"Hearts on the Line: The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels" is a memoir for everyone to read. Marla Martenson tells of Exclusive Personal Search's clients and describes them in detail without being nasty. For instance, one of the clients named Brittany is beautiful, high-maintenance and what Marla calls a GDGD. The characters of all Marla's contacts are well-delineated and totally believable, although sometimes exasperating as they complain about the matches Marla has made for them. The affirmations at the end of each chapter will make the reader laugh or sigh in agreement. "Hearts on the Line" is one great read!

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite

Heny Winkler is an actor, director, author, photographer and fly-fisherman. His latest book is a conversational memoir that relates his love for fly-fishing with his life and career. Henry discovered fly-fishing late in life, but it has brought him immense peace and satisfaction. Each year he counts down the days to his seven day retreat on the river, casting a tight line, catching trout, meticulously recording their length and weight in his journal, taking their photo, and then releasing them with a grateful smile.

Henry also discusses his struggles in school with dyslexia, from which he created the popular "Hank Zipzer" series of children's books about a dyslexic 4th grader. Henry's passion for fly-fishing is only exceeded by his love for his family and photography. Peppered throughout his book are his photos of family, fish, Montana and a number of other subjects.

"I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" is a very entertaining read that provides a look at the real Henry Winkler and the passions in his life: family, photography and fly-fishing. I loved this book and truly enjoyed Henry's conversational writing style. I highly recommend "I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" to fans of photography, fishing, memoirs, and of course, Henry Winkler.

Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite

"Translucent Facts: Cutting Board & Roses" is a memoir about falling in love all over again, at the age of eighty! Three women agree that they never want to marry again, but lo and behold, the author of the book surprisingly finds companionship with a new unexpected widower who recently lost his wife. It is a wonderful story of friendship, companionship, and a little romance that blossoms between two different, contrasting people that fill their old age with comfort and many adventures that take them all over the place in his van. It is a wonderful love story that will surely enchant readers worldwide and debunk many myths about aging.

Barbara M. Sutryn mastered the art of nostalgia and poignant memories in this fantastic memoir detailing her two year friendship with her unexpected friend. Her story breathes new life into retired age – when you think you have adapted to being alone, and then comes along a partner that fills your days with joy, love, and companionship. The whole story unfolds in such a simple, natural way between these two older people that the emotions it invokes are tender, warm, and sweet. The heartfelt friendship that is developed is so cute that it produced warm feelings in my heart. The author has a subtle humor that is interwoven in her writing that is deeply amusing and wonderfully enchanting. I was utterly captivated and whisked along their road to companionship and friendship. It felt like falling in love all over again and gave me great hope that there may be unexpected surprises in my distant future when I will be in my eighties. A truly splendid gift to have read this beautifully written story that has warmed my heart for days.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Betty Ward always made Christmas enchanted, merry and entertaining for her daughter, author, Elaine C. Pereira. Elaine was notorious for snooping under the tree, so Betty came up with a game; she would place clues on the name tag, hinting at what was inside. Then one year the author noticed that her mother had started to grumble and ramble. She also noticed that her mother had packed too much underwear and dirty clothing. It was obvious that her mother was struggling with things she had done easily for years. Betty Ward had dementia. “I Will Never Forget” was written by Betty Ward’s daughter. In this book she shares the struggles of watching her mother sink into the depths of dementia. The author honestly discusses discovering her mother’s illness and the slow onset of symptoms.

Losing a loved one is painful but watching a loved one slowly deteriorating into only a shadow of their former self is torture. Having had that experience myself I can empathize with the author. Elaine C. Pereira learned as I did that the best way to deal with any form of dementia is to keep a sense of humor and count your blessings daily. The author had no one to share the burden of caring for her mother with, except for the help of her husband and children. Caring for a person with dementia involves finances, medical treatments and housing arrangements. It is also to be remembered that the patient may be frightened for they know something has changed but they are not always sure what. There is also the matter of the patient not wanting to let go of control and fearing losing control. This is an excellent memoir that will be cherished by family members and one that offers hope to other caretakers.

Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite

"Seeing Red: A Woman’s Quest for Truth, Power, and the Sacred" is a moving memoir of Lone Mørch’s journey to self discovery, freedom, self love, and the power that everyone has within them. Lone is from Denmark, but she makes her home in many other parts of the world like Nepal. Love finds her in California with Gerry, an American, as both of them embark on a group trip to Mount Kailas in Tibet where Lone is group leader. Lone struggles with her inner self throughout the story as her relationship with Gerry unravels. She will embark on a spiritual journey that teaches her to listen to her inner voice and self; and not to be guided by external influences.

Author Lone Mørch is a powerful writer that imbues total honesty in her writing that is moving and inspiring to read. Sometimes, the reader may not even like Lone the person and her struggles, but they are willing to follow her journey anyways. As the story progresses and Lone finds some inner confidence and strength, the readers cheer for her and want her to succeed at all costs. Her style of writing is sensitive with beautiful metaphors, analogies, and language. Some of her sentences and word choice were truly beautiful. Her voice and writing resonates with the feminine in all of us and her journey is also the journey of all women around the world. She is a leader to be admired and applauded as she introduces a series of how to go on a sacred journey at the end of the book to help other women tap into their sacred self and to unleash their personal power. This may be new age-y for some women who are not ready to begin their own journey to self love, but this is the type of book that will be waiting for them when they are ready.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

“G’day Y’all: Whimsical Wanderings and Wonderings From Kentucky to Australia” is written by Rob Roy Herzog. I was thrilled to receive a copy of this book for review. Like the author I grew up in small town Hawesville, Kentucky. The author, Rob Roy, takes readers on a journey back to a gentler place at a time when people were not afraid to let their children play in their neighbor's yard, or let their dogs run free, and everyone knew everyone else’s name. Hawesville, KY, and Chicago, IL, began building in the same year; what seemed like a race to see who would finish building first was quickly won by Hawesviile, for Chicago has never stopped building and growing where Hawesville chose to stay small. The author had wanderlust in his blood thanks to the local librarian, Maureen Richardson; she encouraged the local youth to stretch their wings and discover what lay beyond the boundaries of Hawesviile. Rob Roy’s desire to see the world led him to join the Navy. When he was in Townsville, AU, he met the love of his life, Daphne. I suspect she had a lot to do with his settling in Australia.

The first part of this book focuses on Rob Roy’s memories of growing up in Kentucky while the last half’s focus is on life after joining the service. The author has good sense of humor; the proof is in the pranks he liked to play. Rob Roy’s style is conversational; I felt as if we were sitting in his garden partaking a cup of tea as he shared his stories with me. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to others from this author.

Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite

A closed insane asylum lies quietly rotting in the bleak North-Atlantic sun. Yet, it seems that some of its residents, both children and adult, are still inside. The Pennhurst Asylum is one of America's most haunted residences. Its history is dark and traumatic, with most of the patients suffering painful abuse and mistreatment at the hands of the staff. Tamera Lawrence brings us into this dark world to experience this haunting past and wonder about the present residents in her book Ghosts of Mayflower. With enough facts, stories, and insights to turn even the toughest critic white with fear, this is a ghost story that is truly worthy of the name.

You can tell that Tamera Lawrence spent a lot of time researching this project. The history and attention to detail is impeccable and very informative. The description of each haunting is wonderful and eerie. You feel as if you are really there, and that at any second something is going to jump out and grab you. The mysterious and scary nature of the stories have a deeper impact, knowing that this is no work of fiction, and that these experiences or many like them have been shared by real people. Any fan of ghost hunting and the like will be thrilled by this haunting book. It's up to you if you believe in the captivating stories within, or if you know that the dead stay buried. Either way, Ghosts of Mayflower is a fun read for anyone who enjoys ghost stories

Reviewed by Janet Jensen for Readers' Favorite

Brilliant, eccentric, and charming are just a few words that begin to describe Romanian immigrant and educator Dr. Edward Theodoru,Ph. D., otherwise known as Ed, the man author Marie Marley calls her best friend and the love of her life. "Ed and I were lovers and lived together for three years...then we broke up but became inseparable friends," she writes. "Life Partners. Soul mates."

"Ed was a true Renaissance man, as were many Europeans of his generation, but he stood out among them because his memory was phenomenal. It was his most distinguishing feature. He'd remember everything he read, heard, or saw. It was that simple. We’d typically refer to such people as 'walking encyclopedias,' but Ed was more. Far more. Ed was a walking library...But all that would fade into darkness when Alzheimer's overtook him. I was grateful at least that he didn't suffer. As it turned out he never knew he'd lost anything."

Come Back Early Today chronicles Ed's gradual descent into dementia, accompanied by Marie's denial and growing agony as she tries to assist him in everyday matters, which become far more serious, demanding and long-term as his condition worsens. Eventually she convinces him to move to a care facility where he is treated with compassion and skill by the exceptional professionals on staff.

Chapter One begins: "A Rude Awakening" and we are plunged immediately into Ed’s increasingly erratic behavior; This time he’s been driving on the wrong side of the road. Eventually he will forget what a kitchen is.

Ed’s behavior patterns will resonate with any one of the fifteen million Americans who are providing care to an individual whose mind is being slowly eroded by the insidious progression of Alzheimer’s. The toll this disease takes on loved ones is incalculable: physical and mental health, employment and finances are all affected. Fortunately, Ed had the means to cover his care, and a devoted friend who saw that he received it. Many Americans lack the resources needed to deal with this cruel disease, and it’s a problem that is only increasing with longer life expectancy.

"Come Back Early Today" is a truly moving account of love and loyalty, and it also provides highly insightful information for caregivers. I recommend this book as a lovely memoir, and also as a guide for anyone dealing with this cruel disease. Above all, it is a tribute to a remarkable and unforgettable man, who still knew and expressed joy even on the last day of his life.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Author Linda Campanella's mother, Nancy, was diagnosed with stage four small-cell cancer that had spread to her brain in September of 2008. This was horrible news for Nancy's four children, Linda, Paula, Claudia and Eric as well as her husband of over fifty years, Eckart, a doctor who headed the radiology department at Baystate Medical Center near where they lived in Connecticut. Nancy and Eckart had been in love since they met in the 1950's and Nancy had a loving and close bond with her children and grandchildren. But Linda Campanella shares with the reader how she, her father and her siblings were determined to make their mother's last months of life a joy. They decided that they would give her love and support and not be afraid of crying and showing her how much they loved her as she had always loved them. And through the months of chemotherapy, radiation, hospice and dealing with Nancy's gradual physical decline into a coma and then death a year and a day after her diagnosis, her family gathers around her, celebrating her life and love.

This is a brilliantly written testimonial to a family's great loss of the wife and mother. That Linda Campanella, her father, and her siblings were able to surround Nancy with love, that they gave dignity in small things such as their "happy hour" times and dressing up her hospital bed in the living room, and shared the knowledge that they would miss her so very much and would always love her makes this book a must read for everyone. The first-rate formatting with a table of contents, index, and poetry to share, makes "When all that's left of me is love" a book that should be on library and church offices everywhere. Grief counselors should have copies to give away plentifully. "When all that's left of me is love" offers a unique and healing viewpoint of how to deal with the loss of a loved one.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

As a child, and growing up, Katherine Mayfield suffered in a way that children should never suffer, yet it happens repeatedly to so many. My heart ached for Katherine as I read the different accounts throughout the book about how her mom treated her, not physical abuse, but truly mental abuse. This was a family of three living in a very lonely household, where not even an I Love You or a hug was ever given. With vivid details about her journey to emotional healing, Ms. Mayfield gives her readers help in situations similar to hers. In her book, Katherine gives many references that will make it easier for readers to get the help they need. I highly admire Katherine Mayfield for her courage in writing her story, and wanting to help others.

“The Box of Daughter” is not what I call an easy read. Sometimes it is very difficult to read the details of what the author had to endure growing up with her parents. She doesn’t leave out details, but pretty much tells it as it is, being vividly honest about her feelings and how she was treated. However I was pleased when she talked about her aunt Mae and uncle John, because that was one place Katherine seem to find love and peace. “The Box of Daughter” would be a wonderful book for anyone who suffered any kind of abusive or difficult childhood. The author's journey to healing can be used in a lot of different situations, and the most important thing is reading from someone who knows what they are talking about, and Katherine Mayfield’s story is truly one that can be trusted and respected.