Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Some Love for "Down at the Golden Coin"

Windy City Reviews has just reviewed Kim Strickland's novel "Down at the Golden Coin", which came out on Eckhartz Press last year.

Here's an excerpt...

"Strickland beautifully weaves a story that shows the ability we have to change our lives and ultimately find that elusive happiness. She brings together powerful words and concepts of self-responsibility, passion, faith in oneself and universal experiences to demonstrate how we can write our own happy ending."


Of course, "Down at the Golden Coin" is available at Eckhartz Press.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Some More Love for Cheeseland

Earlier this year Eckhartz Press released Randy Richardson's excellent novel, "Cheeseland". We thought so much of it, we nominated it for several "best of the year" book competitions.

But of course, we're biased. We published it. Don't believe us. Here's what some unbiased readers have been saying and writing about Cheeseland. It's the #1 ranked coming of age novel at GoodReads thanks to comments like this...

"This is a fun coming-of-age novel with one of those archetypal "bad influence" friends from your adolescence. I really enjoyed this book. The protagonist is even-keeled Daniel McAllister, a guy who grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Chicago and then went on to better things. His best friend as an adolescent was Lance Parker -- one of those great, universal characters. We ALL had a Lance in our lives...the "bad influence" kid your parents didn't want around. Or maybe YOU were "Lance" when you were growing up...the guy who always had the crazy, irresponsible idea to do something you shouldn't do (in this case, go on a road trip to Wisconsin instead of going to your high school graduation ceremony). Somehow, we're never quite able to say "no" to the Lances in our lives, and in Cheeseland, Randy Richardson shows how that plays out over a lifetime. There are serious undertones to this novel, including some dark secrets that haunt Daniel and Lance from adolescence into adulthood. But there is also a lot of humor, especially on the aforementioned road trip, which hit close to home. I was a bit of a "Lance" in my day, and I remember all too well how a spur-of-the-moment idea like a road trip can lead to lots of fun -- and lots of trouble. You get both in Cheeseland. Bottom line: this is a very well written coming-of-age novel. Highly recommended.
---Mike O'Mary, author of "Wise Men and Other Stories" (5 stars out of 5)

"Being a Chicago native myself I loved all the Chicago references in this fine coming-of-age novel. From easy access to Pabst Blue Ribbon beer just over the Wisconsin border, where the drinking age was lower, to a rock concert in the heart of the Kettle Moraine, to mindless midnight runs up and down I-94 between the south suburb of Dolton (where people are known as „dolts“) to the airport – I almost felt this was my story! These were my songs. The main characters are bound by blood by a series of events that happened in high school, and the story is a kind of exorcism of their past, spanning three decades. The author sprinkles plenty of surprises in the story, so that I really did not know what was coming next at any juncture. I especially loved the character of Buck, a voice of reason and sanity for boys just trying to survive their childhood. If you liked Larry McMurtry’s The Last Picture Show, you’ll love Cheeseland, Chicago’s answer to that Texas classic. Highly recommended!"
---Frederick Brooke (5 stars out of 5)

"Cheeseland is a refreshing, entertaining, and profound bro-mance about choices one makes because of an unforgiving past... Without giving too much away, the ending plays out like a Shakespearean tragedy. It was the only way this kind of story could end both in fiction and in real life. The setting was a big hit with me. As a Chicagoan, I knew the highways, places, towns, and other details Mr. Richardson used. Especially liked his mention of Alpine Valley-many warm and hazy memories from my adolescence. I cannot help but compare Mr. Richardson’s work to Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes and Dennis Lehane’s Mystic River. A five star drama!"
---Dina Rae (5 stars out of 5)

Some More Love for The Balding Handbook

Pat Colander from SHORE Magazine writes the following on her blog today...

"And Perfect Last-Minute Gifts: For the man who has everything but hair, Eckhartz Press is featuring David Stern's The Balding Handbook: The 5 stages of grieving for your hair. As Publisher Rick Kaempfer says, the book will “bring you back into the light. Of course, you'll need sunscreen when you get there, but the few extra bucks you shell out to the Hawaiian Tropic people is a trifle when you consider the incredible life that awaits you after reading this book. Whether you are a fellow sufferer, or just a mean person that wants to give this book as a gag gift to that baldy you know (“Tee hee, Get it? You're bald!”), “The Balding Handbook is for you.”


Here are a few reviews on GoodReads...

"Stern's book takes the Five Stages of Grieving and applies to hair loss. As a fully actualized bald man, Stern offers advise and insights to his balding brothers. So funny. So funny. So funny. I received this book in the mail and read it the same day. My neighbors must think they are living next to a lunatic as I laughed loud and hard at every chapter."
--Brent Petersen (5 stars out of 5)

"I was given this book by my brother and had no intention of reading it. The next thing I knew I had read the entire book in a few hours. This really is a funny and smart read. Pleasantly surprised."
--Sly (5 stars out of 5)

"This book has given me the will to live. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
--Curly (5 stars out of 5)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Some Love for "Down at the Golden Coin"

Eckhartz Press author Kim Strickland gets some love from across the pond, a British book review site had this to say about "Down at the Golden Coin"...

This book is funny, serious, enlightening, and thought provoking. It is a story told of a young woman who is struggling with numerous problems in her life, and who meets her messiah Violet, with blue streaked hair and a nose stud, at just the right moment in a launderette.

It is easy to relate to the main character Annie, who has heard all the self help, spiritual guidance stuff before, read ‘The Secret’, and lots more, and still her life is falling to bits. She is taken through some past life experiences and even jumps ahead to a possible future for a while, which eventually starts to make sense to her about what she has to learn about positive thought and all kinds of forgiveness.

The book is written in a simple straight forward style and is a very comfortable read, albeit, with hints of telepathy and small miracles. There is a small cast of characters in the story but everyone is well drawn and is essential. There are some laugh out loud one liners, i.e. when Xavier’s dad asks to borrow some fabric softener, Annie thinks-

‘If I’d overheard what we were talking about, I’d have turned around and walked away. Taken my chances with static cling.’ Very funny in context.

The ending of the book is a nice twist and leaves you with a satisfied feeling and a smile on your face. If this book doesn’t change your life for the future it might just make you think carefully about how to deal more positively with the present.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Randy Richardson: A Review, An Interview, An Event


There he is, Randy Richardson reading page 24 of the Sept./Oct. issue of Conversations Magazine, Cyrus Webb's review of "Cheeseland". Cyrus writes, "Delivered with skill and captivating from beginning to end, "Cheeseland" reminds us of the preciousness of life and the importance of making the most of each and every day." Nice.

Here's an interview with Randy at Dina Raye's Write Stuff.

And if you'd like to meet Randy, he'll be here this coming Sunday: "This month the incomparable Rose Metal Press partners with Sunday Salon Chicago. They’ll be featuring two of their authors, Aaron Teel and Kyle Minor. Chicago writers Randy Richardson and Paul Jones fill out the bill. Please join us in the super-cool back room at Black Rock. You'll have fun and go home happy, we guarantee it! 8-9:30pm, Black Rock Pub & Kitchen, 3614 N Damen Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60618"

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Some love for "Down at the Golden Coin"

The blog Chick Lit Plus reviewed "Down at the Golden Coin" and gave it four stars.

You can read the entire review at Chick Lit Plus, but here's an excerpt...

"Down at The Golden Coin by Kim Strickland was not at all what I expected when I first started reading it. In my opinion, the name gives it quite the spin and I can’t help but to think of it being about an adventure of some type. Well, don’t be fooled like me … this book is more along the lines of a self-help book and about improving your overall outlook on life. Now, don’t run away just yet. It isn’t your typical self help book- this book is filled with wit and humor and it makes you really ponder the life that you are living. Kim does a fabulous job of making you think and making you see things in a different light. Overall, a great read and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a little pick me up."

Monday, May 21, 2012

The VVA reviews "The Living Wills"

In the May/June issue of the Vietnam Veterans of America magazine ("Veteran"), esteemed Vietnam writer and veteran Marc Leepson reviewed "The Living Wills". Rick and Brendan are thrilled to get the seal of approval from this great organization. The headline of the review was: "Good-Hearted Veteran Cast Populates "The Living Wills". The review is not available on-line yet (when it is, we'll post a link), but in the meantime, here is an excerpt...


Two author novels are rare. The main reason: Writing fiction is such an intimate, personal business that it's extremely difficult for two people to come up with one literary vision, not to mention implement it. So you have to give credit to Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan, the two authors of "The Living Wills" (Eckhartz Press, 336 pp, $15.95 paper), a fast-reading novel set in Chicago in 2005, for coming up with a creditable work of fiction. Kaempfer is a Chicago writer and Sullivan is an improv artist in the City of Big Shoulders.

How did the two men put the book together? "We improvised the story lines together using (Sullivan's) techniques," Kaempfer explained, "before sitting down to plot it out and write the chapters of the book--it was a completely collaborative process." The authors "didn't set out to write a Vietnam book," Kaempfer said, "but when we improvised, it simply emerged."

How did the collaboration turn out? Not badly. The dialogue-heavy story hums along rapidly. It's a multi-character affair, centering on veteran Henry Stankiewicz and his late-in-life effort to make amends with his upwardly mobile lawyer son. It's not an easy task, as young Peter is extremely bitter about having suffered from an absent father for most of his childhood while the elder Stankiewicz struggled with postwar emotional and physical issues.

Several interwoven subplots include one involving a depressed middle-aged corporate type and another centering on a group of Henry's bowling buddies. There's also Peter's struggles with his work situation in a big law firm and his relationship with his girlfriend, who happens to be a lawyer at the firm. The main plot deals with something that happened to Henry in Vietnam, and the continuing fallout from that traumatic event in his life and in the lives of a group of his war buddies.

Henry and the other Vietnam veteran characters in the book are good-hearted men who have (to one degree or another) overcome their war-related emotional and physical problems. Henry holds down a blue-collar job, is happily married to a good woman, and has a positive mental outlook. One of his buddies still struggles with alcohol; another is a well-adjusted family man. In other words, the authors have come up with a cast of realistic, non-sensationalized Vietnam veterans living out their lives in the early 21st century--no Nam vet stereotypes here...

The Living Wills is a more-than decent novel filled with sympathetically drawn Vietnam veteran characters. That in itself is worth the price of admission.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Review: "The Living Wills"



Many thanks to Megan Renehan, who just reviewed the Eckhartz Press release "The Living Wills" for Windy City Reviews. Her review is not yet available on-line, but we'll provide a link to it as soon as it is. In the meantime, you can read a portion of it here on the Eckhartz Press blog...




The Living Wills by Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer
Reviewed by Megan Renehan, Windy City Reviews

In The Living Wills, Sullivan and Kaempfer tell a story of interconnected lives and the consequences of split-second decisions. The novel follows five main characters: a parking garage attendant, a barista, a toilet salesman, a lawyer, and a corporate executive, ultimately connecting their lives in deep and unexpected ways. The story is structured in short chapters alternating between the main characters' points of view. Rich with emotion and local detail, The Living Wills is a story that stayed with me long after I had closed the book.

In the preface, the authors note the novel's structure is influenced by the Harold, an improvisational theater form created by Del Close. While the novel does not exactly follow the form, the interwoven stories lend themselves to the influence of improv. Sullivan and Kaempfer set themselves up for a challenge by telling the stories of five main characters each through a different point of view, but each of the story lines is unique, all the characters are clearly drawn, and there is no confusion for the reader. Short chapters advance the plot quickly and keep the reader engaged.

What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness. Sullivan and Kaempfer navigate issues of love, loss, and family dynamics with a care that is crucial to the success of the novel. The straightforward, unadorned prose does no work to convey the depth of emotion in the novel; that job is reserved solely for the characters, and they carry the load well. Though each of the characters trend slightly towards the stereotypical, the reader is able to accept them as individuals thanks to Sullivan and Kaempfer's well-placed personal details. Delmar, the toilet salesman, is a salesman to his core, and his application of sales principles to his romantic relationship is at once comic and endearing. Similarly, the scenes in the parking garage with the executive and the attendant are injected with emotion when we learn that “Reed went through the usual charade of offering a smoke to Henry, who always pretended to consider it before declining.” These details elevate the novel from cliché to something much deeper and more satisfying for the reader...

On the whole, The Living Wills was a pleasure to read for Sullivan and Kaempfer's deft characterization and effective structural choices. The rich details about Chicago only add to the novel's appeal, and I find myself thinking of Henry, Reed, and Delmar when I pass Waveland Bowl or a parking area on lower Wacker Drive.



LATE UPDATE: The full review is here at Windy City Reviews

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

We've been getting a lot of e-mails lately from people that have just finished reading "The Living Wills". Here are a few highlights...

LMR writes: "I just finished reading Living Wills and I absolutely loved it! I could barely put it down - read it in less than 48 hours - lol. I'm a pretty avid reader and I have to tell you that this one of the best stories I have ever read and the telling of it is simply superb. It somewhat reminded me of The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Alboms, which I liked, but yours is a better story, better read and I enjoyed it so much more. If Albom can achieve bestseller status with his, there is no reason you can't with this. LW is definitely now one of my favorite books and I will be highly recommending it! Can't wait for your next book to come out. Congratulations on a fine piece of work."

SM writes: "Read your book in less than a week. I couldn't put it down. It was tremendously entertaining...although you did make me cry."

LW writes: "I loved the story! I enjoyed the fact that the story took place in Chicago, the characters were everday people that you could relate to, and best of all, the story made me both laugh and cry."

The book currently is rated 5 stars on Amazon, 5 stars on Barnes & Noble, and 4.25 stars on GoodReads (with more than 30 ratings).

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Release Date!

The post office is busy shipping out the pre-orders of "Down at the Golden Coin" today.

Meanwhile, a very nice review of the book was posted on Karyn Bowman's blog "Notes from Rumbly Cottage".

A highlight: "It was bright, introspective, unfailingly honest. Sarcasm is spoken well here. I am the type of person who reads for beautiful descriptive sentences. There is this one… “Like no other man I’ve known, Jake reeks of success.“ It tells me everything I need to know about this guy, at least what he looks like – his confidence, his swagger. I also look for characters to remain true to their basic personality traits. When a messiah comes along to give you a message, I wonder how any of us would act but I knew Annie was being real. She was scared but intrigued, as much as she said she wanted real answers the truth of her life frightened her. More importantly, I never felt that Annie, Violet or the other characters acted unlike themselves. They stayed true to themselves, stayed true to their codes which can be really hard when the writer is fighting for a happy ending. The book was worth my time, a worthwhile read. If Kim tells me she has another book coming out, you can bet I am in line waiting for my copy."

Get your copy of the book today! It's just one click away.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

The pre-orders are coming in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th, the official release date of the book.

Kirkus Reviews has read Kim's book, and they posted their very positive review on-line. You can read the full review here. This is our favorite part...

"Strickland, in her second novel, effectively combines the earnestness of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life with the didactic voice of The Secret. With its timely, relatable story peppered liberally with pop-culture references and religious conviction, Strickland’s novel should strike a chord with readers who will relate to Annie’s struggles and search for a happier future. A lesson in faith and the power of positive thinking, all nestled within a satisfying story."


"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of Benjamin Harrison, a president that is not related to Beatle George in any way.)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

The pre-orders are starting to come in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th.

A few select people have gotten their lucky paws on a galley of the book, and this is what they told us about "Down at the Golden Coin"...

“Down at the Golden Coin” couldn’t be more timely or original, with the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel. Prepare to set your brain to “spin cycle.”
-–Paige Wiser, Windy City Live ABC-7

Kim Strickland has done it again! Profound spiritual insight, intimate personal truths, humanity and divinity—woven together and delivered in a deceptively simple, engaging story—touching our hearts, opening our minds and moving our spirits! Absolutely Brilliant! A Golden Coin!
-–Linda Howe, author of "How to Read the Akashic Records" and "Healing Through the Akashic Records"

Strickland, in her second novel, effectively combines the earnestness of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life with the didactic voice of The Secret...A lesson in faith and the power of positive thinking, all nestled within a satisfying story.
--Kirkus Reviews


"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of one-term President James K. Polk, a man immortalized in song by the band They Might Be Giants).

Thursday, February 9, 2012

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

These first two were from amazon, where the e-book is available. It now has 5 ratings and an average of 5 stars out of 5...

Do not over think your decision to read this book - make the modest investment and read it now! It will not disappoint you; it will delight you on several fronts. I could go on about the many benefits of reading this book (highly entertaining, wildly thought provoking, blah, blah, blah) but that would take precious time away from you actually clicking the "buy" button and sinking your teeth into this fabulous read. What are you waiting for? Go, now, press the button! Seriously.
--Cheryl Joy

The engaging characters captured my interest immediately, as did the plot. I love books that have seemingly unrelated storylines that keep you wondering how they will intersect. The characters and their lives were very real. One of the best qualities of the novel is the attention that the authors give to the everyday details that seem unimportant, such as the familiarity of your favorite coffee shop or those quirky neighbors we all have. At times comedic, at times heartbreaking, the story kept me interested from the first page to the last. Of course, being a Chicagoan, I appreciated all the local references. I would love to see another novel by these authors!
--Sarah Diaz

This one was from GoodReads, where there are now 19 ratings, and an average score of 4.95 out of 5

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. The story of its creation--two authors alternating the writing of chapters of a book with multiple themes which ultimately converge--is interesting, but the book was so engaging that I couldn't stop until I knew how it all ended. In practice, this meant that my original intention to read about the first fifty pages or so went out the window and I read the entire thing on a Saturday. Very clever, and additional fun for Chicagoans with the many local references. Unusual book, unusually good!
--Marty Berg

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"




We've literally received hundreds of responses from people who have read and enjoyed "The Living Wills". Here are a few of them...





"I heard you on WGN Sunday morning and decided to check out "The Living Wills". I recently received a Kindle Fire as a gift, found your book on Amazon at the right price and bought it. I just finished reading it! BRAVO! I loved it. What an interesting story. I grew up in Chicago and its nice to read a book and find familiar street names and places. I loved the way the characters were introduced, the story lines and how you tied everything up in a great big bow to finish it off. I laughed and cried. It was definitely a page turner. Looking forward to your next title. You guys must have a special bond and an ability to focus on each others talents to come up with a winner. Again, congratulations on a great book and making it an enjoyable read."
--Valentina

"I downloaded a copy of the book on my e-reader (NOOK), and I just finished reading it. This is one of the best books I read in an awfully long time. I lived 1/2 block from Waveland Bowling Alley. I bowled in 4 leagues every week for about 3 years and traveled that neighborhood for 11 years. It brought back so many memories, people I bowled with, things that happen after bowling, having coffee in their coffee shop, etc. You did a great job in taking us around the northwest side of the city via the various street names. The way the individual stories came together and, of course, the last chapter. My only regret is that I bought it as an e-book and therefore can't get it autographed."
--John S.

"I absolutely loved this book! I enjoyed everything about it - the characters, the storylines, and how it all fits together in the end. It took a few chapters for me to really get into it, and then I didn't want to put it down. I cried when I finished it, but mostly because it was over. The story illustrates how connected our lives really are to so many other people, and in ways that we may not even realize. I read Rick Kaempfer's first novel, "$everance", and I liked that one too, but this one was even better! I would love to see more books from this team of authors - keep it up, guys!!"
--Chocoholic mom

""The Living Wills" is a wonderful story of the meaning of family and friendship in life. This book especially strikes a chord if you're from Chicago, but I would think that any reader would identify with at least one of the main characters, their problems, joys and relationships. Highly recommended!"
--Dina S.

"I am an avid reader across many genre. I enjoy taking diverse ideas and rubbing them together to see how I might surprise myself and learn something new, feel something different. The Living Wills is a terrific story that does the same thing between its covers. I laughed, I cried, I thought deeply, and I have taken action based on the wonderful and realistic story. This is a magnificent book for adults and particularly those of us who are into the second half of our lives or who know someone who is. It gives new insights into how to measure the meaning of one's life - whether in its entirety or just two seconds."
--Gil H.

"I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters, the storylines, and especially how the stories all came together at the end. I also laughed and cried, and was sad when I finished the book. I would love to read more books by these two authors. Keep writing, guys!!!"
--Carol R.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"




Thanks to everyone who is posting their reviews of "The Living Wills" on GoodReads and Facebook. Here are a few more...






"What a great book by Sullivan and Kaempfer. Although I was born a Chicago native, I haven't lived there since 1979. The book brought back memories of my younger days and the characters reminded me of people I grew up with. The writing is both funny and moving, a great combination. As I neared the end of the book, I would only read 3 or 4 short chapters each night. I wanted to stretch out the ending for as long as I could. The way in which the characters' lives unexpectedly interconnect catches the reader off guard and provides a number of "Oh my gosh!" moments. This book was very skillfully written. The Living Wills is one of the best books I've read in quite a while, right up there with Mitch Albom's stories. I look forward to the next book."
--Francis A.

"I really was surprised at how magical the characters came together as the story unfolded. There were some very touching moments, too. And, a good laugh sprinkled in, of course. Don't take this the wrong way, but reading your book reminded me of one of my favorite movies "Love Actually." Multiple characters and plot lines come together and entertained me from start to finish. Thanks and congratulations! I hope you will continue to explore this unique and rewarding collaboration for all of your new and old fans. Cheers!"
--Jeff H.

"This book was a fun ride from start to finish. The authors introduce a bunch of characters connected to a bowling team at the beginning of the novel and you follow each individual's story in the early going, but hang on. As the book progresses, be prepared to be surprised as the plot moves forward and the characters start to link up. I adored all the references to my favorite city, Chicago, and had several laugh out loud moments, along with a few tearful ones. For a fast, fun read, I heartily recommend The Living Wills!"
--Kim S.

"After the first couple of chapters, I was a little unsure of where this was all going and what it was all about, but I was soon caught up with all of the characters, their lives, and how they were connected to each other. By the end. I had laughed out loud, several times, and cried, several times, and thoroughly enjoyed the book."
--Michael K.

"I could not put this book down, what a Great Read! Each chapter kept you wanting the next. Tell your Family and Friends to read this book they will thank you for it! I can't wait for their next book!"
--Nick C.

Our overall rating at GoodReads is 4.92 out of 5. We'll take it. If you've read the book and enjoyed it, please post your reviews at GoodReads or Facebook too (on the Eckhartz Press page). We know the e-book hasn't been out long, but any reviews at the B&N, Sony, or Apple sites that are selling "The Living Wills" would also be greatly appreciated!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Pat Colander Reviews "The Living Wills"

We're very appreciative of Shore Magazine's Associate Publisher and Editor Pat Colander's review of "The Living Wills". She named the book one of her favorite holiday gifts this year.

"If the data that suggests people are reading more now that e-readers and tablets have come along, I am living proof. Read any good books lately? I sure have. Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan's The Living Wills, a saga of life, death, fractured relationships,lies and families. If you don't think people can keep big secrets for many years, you are about to meet some pretty complex characters. I loved this book despite how sentimental I am. It doesn't end happily for everyone; but it does for some of the characters --- just like in real life."

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

We knew that "The Living Wills" was going over pretty well because of the sales figures. Not only did we essentially sell out our entire first run of the book in only three weeks, we couldn't help but notice the large number of people that bought it, and then went back on our website to buy additional copies of the book to give out to friends. (That's always a good sign)

We've also been keeping track of the comments on the site GoodReads. Here are a few of the comments posted on the page, all of them giving "The Living Wills" five stars...

"It's a page-turner with enough comedy, mystery, romance, and emotion to appeal to all audiences and at the end left me begging for the next book. To make me completely identify with every character, regardless of age, gender, or belief system is a feat that only talented writers can stage. The Chicago references brought about a familiarity that heightened my love for the story. Bring on the next one!"
--Stacy S.

"Great Read! I liked the way the characters' story lines were intertwined. It was poignant, yet with humor. (I laughed, I cried!) It was also well crafted, and the authors did a good job of not telegraphing where they were going next. I was able to follow the story where it led me, with a few surprises along the way."
--Doug

"'The Living Wills' is out and we should shout from the Chicago rooftops what a great story(stories) this is! I couldn't put it down. The characters and their stories are so true to life. A great book from 2 very talented authors! Don't miss this one."
--Linda J.

Is it still available? Why yes of course it is.

Where is the best place to get this five star book? Right here.