Never Too Late Review by Melinda Hills

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Review Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed By Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite

It is ‘never too late’ to make up for past mistakes and that is exactly what drives Harold J. Fischel’s novel by the same title. High school sweethearts Clint and Sharleen went their separate ways after graduation, but a class reunion brings them back together in an unexpected way. Clint is tapped out on financing for his restaurant, partially due to medical expenses for his wife, Jada. Sharleen has married a Mafia boss and has plenty of money at her disposal so she secretly backs a new loan for Clint. Jealousy and old-world mentality put both Clint and Sharleen in harm’s way, so they flee to the safety of the reservation where Sharleen was brought up. Together, they establish a restaurant in Bermuda where they encounter a number of different people who have special needs of their own. Clint and Sharleen try to help everyone, even when it puts them in danger. Can their love see them through or will the hardships of the world ruin their chance at love?

Never Too Late is an exciting story about hope, forgiveness and second chances. Harold J. Fischel presents a variety of social problems through the actions of the outstanding characters and demonstrates that love and understanding can go a long way in making the world a better place. Vivid descriptions of places and people, as well as exciting action and thought provoking dialogue, keep you turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. Never Too Late is an entertaining and engrossing story that makes you alternately hold your breath and cheer as Clint and Sharleen navigate the issues that plague them.

Never Too Late Review By Cheryl E. Rodriguwz

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Review Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed By Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers’ Favorite

Never Too Late by Harold J. Fischel is an action packed romantic drama.  Frederick High’s class reunion begins a chain reaction in the lives of the once golden couple, Sharleen and Clint. They were high school sweethearts, but their romance ends soon after high school. Clint leaves to play baseball for the Dodgers and Sharleen heads for Hollywood to become a star. Clint gets injured, moves home, and takes over the family restaurant. Believe it or not, Clint has married Jada, Sharleen’s childhood best friend. Meanwhile, Sharleen becomes the wife of a Mafia boss, Giovanni Fuentes. Sharleen’s husband is a jealous, domineering man; he keeps Sharleen well protected and on a tight leash. However, Sharleen is a good hearted woman, who is always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. When Clint’s life begins to unravel financially, Sharleen secretly secures a loan for him. This begins a series of events that unites Sharleen, Clint and Jada into a three-stranded cord that is not easily broken. Sharleen believes that fate has brought them together. “Never too late” becomes a driving force to guide them.

Harold J. Fischel’s Never Too Late proves the bonds of friendship, family and love. But hold on, it is not your normal romantic tale. It is fast paced; the short chapters keep the action moving, resulting in a captivating read. Anything and everything is thrown into the melting pot of conflict in this narrative – drug addiction, racial discrimination, cancer, Mafia hits and international sex trafficking. Characters are multiracial and Fischel highlights and portrays their different heritages throughout the story. The characters range from the self-righteous Italian mob to the traditional and numinous ways of Native American Indians. The heroine is strong, charitable and a romantic at heart, but believes that she has bad luck. The hero is masculine, yet at times vulnerable. These traits make the couple magnets for the down and out, causing their lives to intersect with many. However, the supporting cast of characters propels the action. The plot is a blend of romantic love and vendettas, benevolence and hatred, fear and faith, hope and despair.

With such a vast cast of characters, I believe that some of the lasting traumatic effects they endured were minimized, especially regarding the recovery from being a victim of sex trafficking and witnessing the brutality of violence. There was many characters to keep up with, in this instance, I believe focus on less characters would have made a more enjoyable read. Nonetheless, the happy ever after ending, is a contributing factor the romance genre.

Never Too Late Review By Julia Schemmer

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Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed By Julia Schemmer for Readers’ Favorite

A rekindled love is a beautiful thing, but what happens when your lover has already found someone else? For the characters of Never Too Late by author Harold J. Fischel, this is exactly what occurs. Meet Clint and Sharleen, two star- crossed lovers whose different ambitions forced them to part to their own separate galaxies. When they are destined to cross paths again, this time it’s a bit more complicated. Both are married; Sharleen to a mafia boss and Clint to her best friend. Can you say awkward? When trouble strikes for Sharleen, it’ll take unfathomable courage and the help of her friends to get her through. Will Sharleen come out victorious and survive the odds, or has her time come? An inspiring tale of bravery, resiliency, and adventure; you do not want to miss out on this read!

My favorite books are not only the books that will leave me reading at 1 a.m. because I’m hopelessly drawn in, but ones that bring attention to pressing social issues. Luckily for me, Never Too Late by Harold J. Fischel fits both descriptions. Not only is the book a romance and an adventurous tale, but Fischel uses the power of his words to draw attention to issues that are commonly ignored, such as human trafficking and the existence of mafias. Through this book, I gained a new perspective on these issues due to his relatable characters that put a mental image on the issue. This book was truly a treasure to read, and I give it my highest recommendation.

Never Too Late Review By Anne-Marie Reynolds

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Review Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewed By Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite

Never Too Late by Harold J Fischel tells a story of loves past and future. Sharleen and Clint used to be high school sweethearts, but one day his career on the field is destroyed by a shattered arm. By the time he recovers, Sharleen has moved on, and gone to Hollywood to become a starlet. Years later, they meet again at a school reunion. Both are now married, Clint to her best friend from high school and Sharleen to a notorious Mafia boss. Clint’s business is failing, heading for bankruptcy, and his wife is sick. Can Sharleen help out on both counts? She has a strong connection to the Mafia that protects her, especially when she is arrested and locked up. But that connection cannot secure her bail. Her stepson, Freddy, steps in to help and is joined by Sharleen’s cousins to help her escape from where she is being held prisoner. Join Sharleen on her adventures through life as we learn that no matter what life throws at you, it really is never too late to find what was meant for you.

Never Too Late by Harold J Fischel isn’t quite the story you think it is going to be. It isn’t as simple as meeting up after many years and falling in love all over again; life isn’t that easy. Through all the to-ing and fro-ing, the arrests, the terror of being held at knife point, Sharleen still has so much to give and give she does. The underlying message here is that it isn’t too late to find true love and happiness, and Mr Fischel has demonstrated that perfectly in this novel. The storyline itself was well thought out and written in such a way that I read it in one sitting. A good book and well worth the time it took to read it.

Anthony Review By Jack Magnus

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Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

Anthony is a coming of age story written by Harold J. Fischel. Anthony is the child of Lieutenant General Bruce Walker and his mistress, Yuni. When Walker dies in an accident, he acknowledges Anthony as his son and provides for him and his mother. Yuni’s medical bills quickly erode that inheritance, however, and she is forced to declare bankruptcy and move into a NYC Housing Authority project. When we first meet Anthony, he’s trying desperately to persuade his mother to let him bring Zorbo, his dog, with them to the new apartment where dogs are not allowed. One of the movers who knows the manager of the building intercedes, and Anthony is allowed to keep his best friend. The new neighborhood is challenging for the young boy, but new friends, caring adults and the efforts of the coach at the YMCA make the transition a lot easier.

Harold J. Fischel’s coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Anthony’s life is turned upside down by his mother’s illness, but the adults he comes in contact with as he grows up help make his life story a triumphant one. Yuni’s friend, Aunt Rita, is a marvelous character as are Kay and her parents. Anthony’s progression from a withdrawn, small and chubby kid into a confident, caring and ethical young man is wonderful to watch. Fischel’s writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.

Anthony Review By Melinda Hills

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Reviewed By Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite

Mr. Fischel;
I truly enjoyed the book and felt that it told a terrific story. You portrayed Anthony’s younger years with warmth and compassion and provided him with many opportunities to rise above his circumstances. As he grew up and began the relationship with Rita, it was portrayed naturally and innocently in its own way and, again, provided opportunity for Anthony to grow, mature and understand himself. I really appreciate the way you allow Anthony to restrain himself in so many different situations and not ‘go with the flow’ – do what everyone else is doing because of peer pressure. It is also important later in the story as his daughter is intimidated by her fear of how others will react to her, so Anthony’s experiences are a good background from which he can provide understanding and guidance.

The characters are realistic but I feel that they may be a bit too good. Jamal and Anthony are great friends and race is never an issue. Kay’s parents are attractive, wealthy and very nice. At least Kay is more natural in that she never will forgive Sue Ellen. Even Anthony is easily convinced to return to school after his mother’s death and after Rita is tried and convicted – he quickly accepts the guidance of others. This creates a rather shallow feeling about the characters although each of the scenes provides a worthwhile example or lesson even though they are wrapped up nicely before the next situation arises.

My main concern is that so much of the end of the story deals with Jackie and her ‘coming out’. All of a sudden the story is no longer about Anthony – he happily accepted his daughter and went on his merry way while she continues to deal with her feelings and acceptance from her grandparents.

As you can see from the other ratings, I found the book to be very good overall, especially for young adults, but the ending needs to finish Anthony’s story.

Anthony Review By Mamta Madhavan

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Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful story of sadness, tragedy and hope. Anthony is the secret love child of a famous US General Bruce Walker and his mistress, Yuni. When Bruce Walker dies in a plane crash, though he has left a considerable amount of money in his will for his mistress and his son, the court rules against her and Yuni is forced to move into a tiny apartment in New York. Anthony becomes an easy target for the bullies who make his life miserable inside and outside the school, while Yuni is battling cancer. But things change for him slowly after an attack on him which makes him fight back. He grows to become tall and physically fit like his father. But as situations improve, another tragedy strikes. Now this time will Anthony be able to get through it?

The story evokes poignant feelings and it is wonderfully narrated. All the characters have important roles that have been portrayed well. Anthony’s growing up and leaving behind a troubled childhood, to finally becoming a responsible husband and father has been developed well. His leaving behind the stigma of being an illegitimate son and then holding down an important job position is true to the times and resonates well with readers. The language is simple as it targets young adults. The story line is fascinating, which will make it difficult for readers to put the book down. On the whole, it is a very interesting book.

Anthony Review By Lorena Sanqui

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Reviewed By Lorena Sanqui for Readers’ Favorite

Anthony lost his dad to an accident at a young age, and then lost his mom, Yuni, to cancer when he was in high school. Yuni’s best friend, Rita, took Anthony in and treated him like her own son until Rita’s urges got the better of her and she entered into a sexual relationship with Anthony. Anthony was a willing participant, but being a minor and Rita’s ward didn’t go down well with the police and they sent Rita to jail. Now Anthony is back in college and he’s having issues with getting into relationships. Luckily for him, Kay Goodman loves him very much and will not give up on him. Will Anthony and Kay get together and have a happy ending in Anthony by Harold J. Fischel.

Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony, but it didn’t seem to follow one plot line. There were lots of smaller stories crammed in the book, although they all revolved around Anthony. It was okay but everything happened too fast; there was conflict after conflict so that it felt like there was no real climax and the ending seemed abrupt. On the other hand, I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. Aunt Rita was a really nice person who just made some mistakes. Kay was persistent and supportive in all that Anthony does. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.

Anthony Review By Katelyn Hensel

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Reviewed By Katelyn Hensel for Readers’ Favorite

Harold J. Fischel’s book Anthony is as meaningful as it is simple. A simple story, with a normal plot, but the depth and the meaning within is so much moreIt’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.

Anthony Review By Marilou George

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Quote from review by Marilou George

The Author’s writing style is direct and filled with emotional drama which will keep you invested in the story. The characters are well defined and lend to the realistic feel of the story in a way that is relatable to the reader. Life is full of ups and downs, but it is the way we handle the difficult situations as well as the good ones that define us as people and build character.

I feel that the crucial message in this story is to persevere no matter what the obstacle, and to believe in yourself and your ability to confront the situation and bring about a positive conclusion.  This is a very captivating story that will compel you to examine your own life and the decisions you have made, good or bad.