We are kept in suspense until the final few pages. And while the threat of death is always present, this is actually a positive, uplifting story

From time to time, I post reviews from my book, as a heartfelt thank you to all who have purchased, read, and taken the time to write a review. And, to everyone who has mentioned it to someone, blogged about it, or helped spread the word, again my heartfelt thank you. You’ve all contributed energy to help save a dog. Check #3 is going in the mail to Canine Adoption Rescue League: http://carldogs.org/

Compelling, moving story of love and life, November 19, 2014

By

Mike

This review is from: His Name was Ben (Paperback)

Sara, dying of cancer, meets Ben in the waiting room of her oncologist. They both have been accepted into a trial program for an advanced cancer treatment. They start to see each other and fall in love. As the story progresses, the shadow of death always hangs over Sara and Ben, and we hope they both will eventually survive, but worry that one or both of them will eventually succumb to their cancer. We are kept in suspense until the final few pages. And while the threat of death is always present, this is actually a positive, uplifting story.This is a very well written book. The characterizations are well done and believable. Sara is not just a young woman in the present: she comes to life also because of her memories of childhood and an earlier, failed marriage. A constant image in the book is of Sara’s frequent dream of a baby girl and an approaching man, who seems to be menacing and may be familiar to her. Ben’s character is also very well formed both in the present and in memories of his past, particularly of his parents. We become immersed in the world of Sara, Ben, Sara’s best friend Ella, and Sara’s dog Tazzie. I also loved the descriptions of the Southern California settings: the coast and the inland town of Ojai, where Sara lives. (I went to Google to see where and what kind of place Ojai is: a lovely town set in scenic valley, by the way.)This was a truly enjoyable and uplifting read. After awhile I was so captured by this story that I found it difficult to put the book down: I read the last third of the book in one sitting. I am impressed with this author and look forward to reading Paulette Mahurin’s earlier book, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap.Review by Mike, pen name Raymond Barrie

Exceptional Read!, November 27, 2014

By

Nicholette Campbell

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

The story of “His Name Was Ben” is one of the most heartfelt and beautifully written stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. The depth of character details was phenomenal. The way Mahurin describes the compassion, love, struggles, triumphant victories, heartache and loss between the two main characters, Sara and Ben, is something that will leave you breathless.
Unfortunately cancer is the contributing factor for Sara and Ben faithful meeting; it’s ultimately strength, shared family drama, hope and love, which keeps the pair joined, fighting for their lives together. A story of acceptance of one’s own personal doubts with their physical and emotional hardships, with a few twists and turns alone the way. “His Name Was Ben” is an exceptional read and I commend Mahurin’s brilliant and vivid version of the real story of Sara and Ben.
I look forward to reading more from this Author and wish her all the best with her future endeavors.

Redemption and Hope on Four Legs, November 20, 2014

By

LB Johnson

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

This is so much more than a book about two people, a love affair and a dog. This is a book about life, and all it throws our way, and how those events shape and mold us and how we grow and heal when such events are less than happy. I cried with the characters even as I cheered them on. This is a story about redemption and hope–and a wonderfully written testament to both.
LB Johnson – Author of The Book of Barkley

Fantastic Read!!!, November 23, 2014

By

Heather Hansen

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

His Name was Ben is an emotionally moving tale! Ben and Sara are infectious characters that play out two successful characters that have excelled in life, even when coming from two extremely dysfunctional homes. They face issues together, nurture one another, and face grim issues while entertaining the thought of metaphysics. I love the deep adoring love these two characters hold for one another, and how Tazzie, Sara’s dog, is right there in the story! Additionally, this heartwarming story provides a wealth of knowledge, historically and medically. Moreover, the story is extremely hard to put down. The reader becomes attached to the characters. One anxiously awaits what detail will unravel from page to page. One highly recommends His Name was Ben, as it is a brilliant story that provides a window of serious issues. Furthermore, it depicts two beautiful souls that fall madly in love, while admirably dealing with life’s tragedies.

Great love story!, November 24, 2014

By

Bill

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

I have just finished this book in very quick time as I didn’t want to stop reading. It is a story about a couple who meet while suffering from terminal cancer and are taking a last throw of the dice, by volunteering for a trial of a promising but unproven treatment. Sounds like a recipe for a tear jerker. Well I did shed a few tears but actually this is in fact a very uplifting story because though their time together was limited, they found a love that we can all only hope to experience.
The story is emotional but inspiring and heart warming. It is also beautifully written and the characters seem very real. Apart from Ben and Sara we have some other colourful characters, in particular their parents.
I liked that the author tackled the difficult subject of Sara having had a double mastectomy and no longer feeling like a woman until Ben shows her and all of us that we are not defined by our physical looks but our spirit.
A great book!

A Chance Encounter, November 24, 2014

By

p47dude

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

A most endearing story about two ill people and their chance encounter in life. Very well written.

All Amazon.com reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/His-Name-was-Paulette-Mahurin/dp/0692264698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411266674&sr=8-1&keywords=His+name+was+ben+by+paulette+mahurin

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