Sampling of reviews for MIddy Brown's Journal I “AN APPOINTED TIME” _____________________________________________________________________

" I really, REALLY enjoyed this book.  It's definitely a "chick" book but an enlightened male wishing to understand women better would be hard-pressed to find a better "self-help" book mixed with an interesting mystery.  The story's housewife, turned beauty consultant and amateur sleuth, assists a dashing private eye and is written in the style of a personal journal.  Middy Brown takes us on her voyage of self-discovery and the poignancy of this book lies in its honesty regarding the all-to-often realities of modern marriage.  The journey starts with Madge Brown, a depressed housewife suffering the pangs of empty-nest syndrome, resulting from the growing independence of her children, and the non-communicative relationship with her career-oriented husband.  Deciding to find something to fill these voids in her life, she is swept into the world of door-to-door beauty consultants which initiates the transition of plain, boring Madge into the independent, fulfilled Middy.  I admit to a certain recently-held stereotypical distain for "Avon" ladies but Middy's insights have given me a new perspective and respect for them.  middy's new career leads her into a chance encounter with dashing P.I. Cal Cleere, who hires her as his part-time assistant and is the catalyst for her amateur sleuthing.  I cried, cursed, and laughed with Middy as her story carried me along.  I found myself saying, "You Go, Girl!" when she found her hidden strengths and natural abilities.  I cried heart-wrenching tears as she struggled to understand the motivations behind her domineering husband's actions and betrayal as he announced that he was leaving her to begin a "real" life.  I rejoiced and cheered her on as she persevered to reinvent herself even as the rest of her world seemed to be collapsing around her.  Middy's budding self-confidence and pride in her developing self-reliance are truly inspirational, as she navigates life's crisis with grace, and without giving up any of her new-found identity.  The story's mystery took second place in the narrative but I felt it was justified so that we could build an in-depth history for the future novels in the series.  A really great read for all of us married, middle-aged, amateur sleuths!"   www.theclue.net

_______________________________________________________

"Inspirational mysteries like AN APPOINTED TIME are uplifting and emotionally charged novels. By the end, the audience feels good and hopeful about themselves and their reading experience. This particular book is loaded with subplots that not only enhance the story line, but also sustains the reader’s attention throughout the book. M. Louise Smith has created a wonderful heroine regaining the spirit of her life even as she encourages fans to do likewise."  Harriet Klausner - BookBrowser (  - Amazon.com rating)

_______________________

Rib-Rickling Funny!   Julie Failla Earhart - St. Louis, Missouri

__________________

A real page-turner and a must read for women in the 40+ age group.  I appreciate the Christian beliefs of the writer and how she weaves those into the book through a character that actually prays as we do in real life.  Thank You!  M. Louise Smith has a real gift…her book drew me in from the first page.   Pam Shop - Windsor, Colorado

______________________

“An Appointed Time” is a book that is filled with mystery, international intrigue, danger, excitement, romance and heartache. It is also the story of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. And, It is the first of what this reviewer hopes are many more Middy Brown Stories.  Jo Rogers -MyShelf.com

____________________