Probes in rich depth a story about living life to the fullest

 All profits going to help save dog’s lives.

Life Lessons, October 6, 2014

By

Arletta Dawdy “reader and writer”

This review is from: His Name was Ben (Kindle Edition)

Inspired by real characters, Paulette Mahurin’s HIS NAME WAS BEN probes in rich depth a story about living life to the fullest. Many books are out in the world that tell of patients, friends and family dealing with their own or another’s journey with cancer. The exceptionally tender, fact-filled and emotionally laden difference here is the intense dissection of fear, love, hope and endurance.

Sara’s condition improves with experimental drug treatment after her double mastectomy. Much slower to heal than the cancer is her negative self-image as it battles with the desire for love, sex and a caring relationship. Stealing a peek as Ben fills out a questionnaire at their oncologist’s office, she is attracted to him and takes note of his telephone number. Egged on by her friend Ellen, she finally calls him and sets a date…but when an accident keeps her from him, he figures she is a flake. After all, why would she be any different than his past experiences? The tall exceptionally good-looking man, she later learns, has pancreatic cancer, one of the most hopeless of cancers.

Ben and Sara literally grope toward a fulfilling relationship as they deal with their illnesses, toxic family histories and their developing trust and love. Mahurin’s writing is sharp as the surgeon’s scalpel cutting into the dynamics of childhood trauma. As Sara and Ben assist each other to deal with their pasts, their love intensifies and matures. Healing occurs on multiple levels, even in the face of Ben’s deteriorating physical condition. Mahurin has an enormous talent for exploring character development as the reader finds in the unfolding of layer after layer of individual growth and change. Sara’s dog Tazzie and her friend Ellen, a nurse as is Sara, have been her only support until Ben’s entry into her life. By the story’s end, their mutual support system swells and multiplies in numbers, understanding and love. Sara and Ben give the fortunate reader lessons in living.

Paulette Mahurin’s compassion is shown throughout her writing but also in her “real” life. Proceeds from her writing go to assist in animal rescue, obviously an issue close to her heart.

Realistic and Inspiring, October 6, 2014

By

Melanie P. Smith | Author

Verified Purchase(What’s this?)

This review is from: His Name was Ben (Kindle Edition)

“His Name was Ben” is a true love story. It follows the lives of two cancer patients. Sara has given up on life until she receives word from her oncologist that she has been accepted into a treatment program that has promise. She is hesitant to hope, but trusts the encouragement of her doctor. The day she receives her first treatment, she meets a man. Ben is also a cancer patient and has little hope for recovery, but is determined to beat his disease against all odds. Both patients enter the same treatment program with drastically different results.
The story follows this pair as they deal with overwhelming family obstacles. Neither one trusts easily because of their past life experiences. As they push themselves to accept unfamiliar emotions, learn to trust and let go of fear, Ben and Sara find a deep, healing love that is rare. It is a great reminder that it’s never too late to find that special someone.
Mahurin does an excellent job of drawing her reader into this story. The characters are realistic and beautifully flawed. The story, although tragic and emotional, is powerful and inspiring. I would recommend this book to others and thank Paulette Mahurin for writing such a thought provoking and poignant story.

 

Life is Precious, October 7, 2014

By

Amazon Customer “Lauren Alumbaugh”

This review is from: His Name was Ben (Kindle Edition)

Amazing story about a woman who has cancer and is trying to find the balance of life. while at the doctors office she meets Ben he turns her world upside down. This is an emotionally gripping story about a couple that overcomes many obstacles and also has to face reality. Great read that reminds us how precious life is.

Watching a Rose Bud Open, November 2, 2014

By

Amazon Customer “Cricket15”

This review is from: His Name was Ben (Kindle Edition)

Reading “His Name Was Ben” by Paulette Mahurin was like peeling back the layers of an onion or perhaps watching a rose bud slowly turn into an open rose. Sort of a bitter/sweet read, mixed emotions, joy and sorrow. Perhaps saying more than that would make the read be less enjoyable for you. It is a book that will leave you thinking for a while, a story that puts you in the shoes of someone with the illness of cancer. Although I was grateful the author did not use my Savior’s name in vain much, it is in there, influencing my review on the book. Over all it was a good read and I know I have a different perspective on cancer, life itself, and gratitude for the little things in life.