After She's Gone

Rating:
Summary: Fine Effort by a New Writer
Review: A friend convinced me to give this book a try, and I really thought it would be a textbook romance. With a male author, I decided to give it a read, and must admit I was pleasantly surprised. Mr. Hartzell's simplified use of language is quite refreshing, effecitvely matches the character(s), and draws the reader inward. I cannot issue 5 stars since there are some format problems, and a few typos that are quite common with small presses, but the writing quality and story development are as good as any, and merit attention to the author's second work.

Rating:
Summary: I was drawn right in to the story
Review: I anticipated a romance novel, but the book was quite different. I found myself drawn right into the story, and overall, I enjoyed the read. I often look for new authors, and many of them are with smaller publishers. There are some typographical errors, but not a glaring number. Also, a few pages were printed incorrectly, but not to the point I couldn't read the content. Those problems reflect the publisher so I cannot be as harsh as some reviewers, but I have to say that I can't give 5 stars for these very reasons. I would enjoy reading more of this authors work.

Rating:
Summary: Quite different than I expected
Review: I bought this book on a friends recommendation since the author is a home town boy. I thought it was going to be a typical romance novel, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more like privately viewing a friends life. I couldn't tell what was real and what was fiction, and the music references were outstanding. They sure made me thing back to certain events. In fact, I went out looking for some of the songs mentioned in the book. The style of writing made it an easy read, even though it's a sad story. But then again, that's life. Keep at it Bill!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed...
Review: I enjoyed this author's first book very much. While it's not your typeical "once-upon-a-time" fiction with pages of action and sex, it is a realistic look at the average/blue-collar person's life.

It's an emotional roller coaster ride that had me reflecting about situations in my own life. The wirting is brisk and easy to read, done with common language in a strong, clear tone.

Some reviews here seem very off base, and I too would enjoy this book as a big-screen film. I'm looking forward to Bill's next work!

Rating:
Summary: Terribly written
Review: I settled in to this book for a vacation read- and tossed it after reading only 9 pages. This book is pathetically edited. I am admittedly a "nut" on spelling errors .. but there are numerous spelling and grammatical errors in the first 9 pages. What editor would overlook spelling God without caps? (see page one .. refers to God and then "he" ) ...


Rating:
Summary: After She's Gone
Review: I tried to find something, anything to like about this book but, I just couldn't. I just found my self disliking the male protagonist more and more with each page I read. I couldn't even muster up an ounce of compassion for him because he had lost his wife. This book should have been titled "No Wonder She's Gone".

Rating:
Summary: Really bad first attempt at a book
Review: I was really disappointed in this book. It was the most poorly edited book and poorly written book I've ever read. An editor let this man get away with using a misspelled word to exclaim insight. Instead of saying "Voila" they actually printed it as "Wallah." Aargghh! Hurt my eyes to read it. The conversational style was very elementary and, well, dorky. Not cute, not fresh, dorky. I never did figure out what the main purpose or theme of the book was - was it his anguish over his wife's death, his fight against cancer, or teaching us all about the printing business? I think I'll throw this one away!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put this book down.
Review: Right from the start this story pulled me in. I found the characters to be deeply developed and very interesting. For a first time author he has created some people that would be great to see on the big screen. I started to read it late at night and the next thing i knew the sun was coming up. I can't wait to read this author's second book. Thank you Mr. Hartzell for a great book.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Touching Contemporary Story
Review: Some of the earlier reviews posted here prompted me to give this book a try. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and despite a few typos, I found this to be an enjoyable read. I'm not one to offer reviews, but I see that some people are looking for a masterpiece of literature. I thought this was a fine effort by a first-time author, and he certainly hasn't copied any other writer's style. So it's a touching contemporary story that's easy to relate to, and the author's wording allows for believeable character development. All grammar comments aside, I'm keeping this one.

Rating:
Summary: After She's Gone
Review: This book I could not put down, I read it in 3 days.Last time I ever read a book that fast was when Love Story came out. That we know was a very long time ago.It's refreshing to see a new author be able to capture the many varied emotions in this book. The author wrote so realistically that you felt you were going thru everything he was step by step.His condition is so heart wrenching but he never dwells on Oh Pity Me! Eventhough, I felt like it it was me I don't think I could go on. I would just curl up and want to die. But, mot Bill. He kept going and to top it all off he had to also deal with the death of his wife, his soul mate and all the memories they shared. They had a beautiful love that alot of people never experience and then later to open his heart again to Lannie to again lose another love. It amazed me that a man could write so beautifully about love and life. Bill hit every emotion in me. I felt his pain and sadness, chuckled about his various experiences and cried. Boy did I cry! This is definitely a book that you need to keep the tissues close by. It makes you think about your life and to realize we have to cherish every moment for you never know when things will end. I can't wait till his next book comes out.This is an author whos going places. Please Bill, tell us we will see more of your work.