After She's Gone (Paperback)

by Bill Hartzell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A fresh writing style offering humor, emotion, and exceptional character development, emphasizing the reality of every-day life. -- Phil Isard - Editor, Psychic Assembly Books

A touching contemporary fiction dealing with strong topics. Very relatable and realistic for the reading audience. -- Elizabeth vonRentzell - Editor, iUniverse Publishing

Your emotions will effervesce as the passions that thrill love lift you high, let you fall, and arise anew. -- Josh Michaels - Producer, WGAL-FM

Product Description
This novel illustrates the difficulties associated with initiating relationships after the loss of a long-time spouse. Bill is slow and clumsy in his approach to the social scene until he meets Lannie, a beautiful social worker. As she quickly crumbles the brick wall of solitude that surrounds Bill, his insecurity escalates with the entry of Elena, an attractive divorcee. The two women have Bill twisting and turning with confusion, while he assesses his pre-determined specifications for accepting the reality of falling in love. His hesitation becomes a tragic waste of time, and this driving force behind the novel is something each reader will be able to relate with from their own experiences.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Showcase Press (October 9, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595125840
• ISBN-13: 978-0595125845
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,973,940 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After She's Gone, June 7, 2001

By	donna daniels (Lawndale - Philadelphia, Pa) - See all my reviews

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I was drawn right in to the story, August 6, 2001

By	Holly Murphy "francosdream" (Ft. Washington, PA) - See all my reviews

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.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a romantic story!, March 12, 2001

By	Busy Mom (Ohio) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This story about a man who suddenly loses his beloved wife after being married for years only to rediscovered life and love is wonderfully written. Make sure you keep a kleenex handy as it is sad and uplifting. You will relate to the main character, Bill, as he stumbles through the dark days of grieving. He goes out into the dating world again ~~ unsure of what to expect ~~ everyone can relate to that regardless of how they loses their spouse. Also, he describes his characters ~~ Lannie and Elena ~~ as well as the others ~~ with vivid descriptions. You feel that you are there in the room eavesdropping on their conversations.

Bill does find love again and this time learns a meaningful lesson that each day is precious. You can never recapture a lost moment ~~ but you can live tomorrow with the vow of making sure nothing gets unappreciated or taking a chance to live.

I found this book to be really interesting since it was a man that wrote such a romantic book. He captures the emotions and dreams very vividly. While reading it, you feel that you are Bill torn between wanting to fall in love again and wanting to stay in love with his lovely wife that died unexpectedly. It is a man who lives an average life ~~ battling cancer at the same time ~~ and finding his way to light.

I recommend this book to everyone ~~ once you get into it, you cannot put it down. You find yourself cheering Bill on as well as sympathizing with his sorrows. It is a book that will make you stop and think ~~ I shouldn't be taking anything or anyone for granted because it may not be here tomorrow. This book is about taking chances with life ~~ living it to the fullest. And a book like that is a perfect addition to everyone's personal library!