Reader Reviews

           The Truth About Townsend Volume I: 1860-1940
                    "Transforming the Northwoods"

My husband and I are with the Oconto County Genealogical Society and our current project is documenting the schools of the county.  We bought your book, “The Truth About Townsend” and I have to say, it was excellent reading.  I felt like you were talking to me through the pages.  You certainly gathered a wealth of information.  What a treasure for generations to come.
Connie Jacobs
Oconto Falls, WI

My wife bought your book at the Homecoming and Reunion you sponsored in Townsend. I started reading it and had to force myself to put it down. Thank you so much for writing this!
Dick Hahn
Archibald Lake, Townsend

Our entire family really enjoyed reading your book. Our family has been in Townsend forever and we so appreciate what you have done to preserve our heritage. Thank you!
Midge and Byron Fenn

We just wanted to drop you a note to say how much we enjoyed your books "My Mother Kept a Scrapbook" and "Townsend Volume 1".   Our daughter, Haley,  and I have read the first mentioned, Karl and I  have read "Townsend" and he is next to read 'My Mother...".  We are so anxious for volume two of Townsend.  Being new to Townsend, it is such interesting reading.  Your writing is wonderful and we look forward to more!
Patti & Karl Mueller

I just read your book about Townsend. I couldn't put it down. Such great history and information! You captured every detail. Enjoyed the pictures as well. I also bought a copy for my mother. She was delighted and couldn't put it down either. My mother and father have had their cottage in Townsend for 41 years--we rarely missed a weekend to come up north when we were children. Now we have a place on Reservoir Pond. We have seen a lot of change but there is no place like Townsend! That is why your book has really shed some light on what it was like years ago (how the lakes were made, the logging, the history of the church)...you seemed to capture it all. I am so looking forward to reading Volume II.

Patti Premo
(Whispering Pines)
Hartland, Wisconsin

I found your book today while I was shopping for a gift for my niece. It always amazes me how the right things come to you when you need them, if you pay attention. I really needed your book today, and I sat down and read it cover to cover. I am truly inspired by what you have written. Thanks for sharing your journey with me. It will be of such help to anyone who is stricken and and all those who will go through this dreadful disease with them.
Linda, Green Bay

Breastless brought back memories of my daughter's three year battle with cancer. She died in 2002, leaving behind a husband and five children. I am a 33 year survivor, and your book also reminded me of own struggle. I was very fortunate and thanful that I did not have to go through treatment before or after my mastectomy. As you shared in your book, my doctor was very compassionate. In those days I stayed in the hospital for a week, and was fitted for a prosthesis before I went home. Many people would not have known I had the surgery as I looked the same as before. Anita, your story is an inspiration to all...thank you for sharing it!
Esther (another cancer survivor)

Anita's honesty, spunk and no-holds-barred revelations make this book a quick, insighful read. Anita proves breast cancer is not just an issue for women; it's a family issue. A must-read for women and the men who love them.
John Maino
Radio/Television Personality and Author

Breastless But Still Breathing is an amazing testimonial to the fact that having cancer can bring a renewed sense of faith, hope, strength, and stronger bonds with family and friends. Anita's book proves there is a silver lining: something wonderful can come from a horrible experience. As a cancer survivor myself, I cannot thank her enough for saying what I truly believe: we must not look back, only forward, and our mission is to help others truly understand.
Marti Spittell Ziegelbauer
Marti Spittell Ziegelbauer Foundation for Reproductive Health

An endearing story. Readers will connect with Anita on what it's like to live with a breast cancer diagnosis. Her honesty, humor, determination, and zest for life will surely touch your heart. Thank  you for sharing your story and offering hope to those affected with breast cancer.
Kathy Miller
Ribbon of Hope Foundation

I cannot tell you how much this book meant to me. I HATE that it's a true story, but thank you, Anita, for writing it. I know it will help countless others cope with the beast called breast cancer. You are one HELL of a courageous woman!
Patti Beske
Cancer Care-Giver

My Mother Kept a Scrapbook

Stories of POWs always captivate me, and this one did a fine job alternating back and forth between real letters and a story. The writing was clear and it made me feel like I was sitting listening to my grandfather tell a story after dinner. The plainspoken tone is powerful and the blunt honesty of the portrayal refreshing. Fine work...I only wish it were longer!
Writer's Digest

*****VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED reading and a welcome contribution to ther growing library of
World War II memoirs. A personal and dramatic story, preserved for present and future generations with the help of Kathleen Marie Marsh.
Midwest Book Reviews June 2005

I was a POW in WWII and Gerhard Johnson's experiences are almost a duplication of mine. I'm 87 now. I was in the 36th Division 3BN Hqs Company; 143rd Infantry. I was captured in the first wave landing at Salerno 9/9/43, when the Germans counter-attacked at Alta Villa. Rode a boxcar up though Brenner Pass, Stalag 7A, Mooseberg, then Stalag IIB Hammerstein, starved and cold and mistreated. Twenty of us were put in an Arbeitskommabndo for farmwork. Red Cross packages saved our lives. The Germans stole all the cigarettes, powdered coffee and chocolate, but we survived. I made the long march in January 1945; snow, no food, strafing from planes. We were huddled in a barn when we heard small arms fire as Patton's Armored swept in May 3rd and rescued us. I had frostbite and scurvy, but never saw a doctor or received medical care for the entire 19 months I was a POW. My family asked me for years to write down my story, but I never did. Gerhard Johnson did and I relived every word. Thank you for publishing it.
G Lee Toole, Newtown Square, PA

When we got our copy of "Scrapbook," I did a quick read as I do with most books and put it on the shelf along with all the other books waiting for a good reading. For some reason it jumped off the shelf and in my laptop case to take along on vacation. What a good thing. I spent an afternoon reading it from cover to cover and could hardly put it down. GREAT JOB!!! I believe that you did a wonderful effort in putting a human face on the horrors of war.
John Brantmeier, Appleton, WI

Gerhard's book is a fabulous read--kudos to him! Here is one appreciative reader/veteran prodigy who found the voice of his experience and humor inspiring. I especially like his side comments such as: "I was also issued the standard 45 Colt sidearm for up-close and personal fighting I foolishly thought I'd never see." A frank and true testament to youthful immortality...and "No kevlar, no solar flashlight, no GPS, no cell phone, no Game Boy..." Brilliant! Thank you, Kathleen, for helping to get this story out there. It does make one appreciate the life/freedom these brave heroes granted us.
Sandy Peppler, Toronto, Ontario

This book is a call to action for the WWII Veterans to record their experiences for themselves, their families, and posterity. Mr.Gerhard Johnson: Thank you for your willingness to share, and so poignantly, with Kathleen Marsh and the world, your wrenching experiences. God bless you and your dear, motivated mother.
Posted on the 36th Division Association Website Message Board by Thriver on 09/10/05
    URL: p081.ezboard.com/ftexasmilitaryforcesmuseum36thinfantrydivision

This book is phenomenal. It should be required reading for all high school students!
Korean War Veteran
Manitowoc, WI

I opened the book and thought, what did I get myself into? I hate war stories! Three hours and a half-box of tissues later I finished the book because I couldn't put it down. This is a fantastic story and proves war is hell no matter what side you are on.
Lillian Williamson
Lakewood, WI

Kathie did an excellent job of relating my husband's experiences. There are many things in the book even I did not know about as Gerhard never talked about them until now.
Elaine Johnson, Wausau

This is a must-read story!  Kathleen truly captured Gerhard's "voice."
Kristin Stankewicz, Hull, England

Scrapbook is an excellent must-read. It details the trials and tribulations of POWs and their will to survive while maintaining thoughts of home and family.
Joseph P. O'Donnell
Ex POW-Stalag Luft IV
Robbinsville, New Jersey

I really enjoyed "Scrapbook." This is an incredible story. Congratulations on telling Gerhard's story, especially the part about the Shoe Leather Express, which is sadly missing in WWII historical acccounts.
Bryon Van Fleet
The Texas Bookstore

I am at a loss for words as to thank you for writing this wonderful book. The cover is just beautiful and the telling of Gerhard's story is written so truthfully. You are a very great author! This book is a must-read for POWs, veterans and all students of history.
Johnnie Carr
Bastrop, TX
WWII Ex-Pow

SUNRISE SUNSET

A tale of friendship forged by life's hardships, both physical and psychological, Sunrise Sunset is an eye-catching, good-looking book. It is well-written with a five star plot. Ellie and Janelle are dynamic, fully-drawn characters. Though most novels have a single protagonist, this has two of them and the reader ultimately winds up rooting for them both.
Writer's Digest

Victoria Rogstad
DePere, Wisconsin

I finally got time to read Sunrise, Sunset and I thought it was really great. I also wanted to let you know people are coming into the bookstore asking for your book. I find that very exciting!
Jane Sprangers, Owner of Book Worm Bookshop
Appleton, Wisconsin

I ordinarily would not pick up a book probably intended for women. HOWEVER, I really have to say I enjoyed the book, especially the second half. I must also admit it made me teary-eyed at the end.
Richard Fisher
Townsend, WI

I am unable to get out of my mind your wonderful book Sunrise Sunset. My wife has Alzheimers and I thank you for writing so compassionately about this terrible disease. You are great writers and you really know how to touch one's heart.
Johnnie Carr
Bastrop, TX
(Husband of Alzheimer's Patient)

Kathie--I have just finished reading Sunrise Sunset. I really enjoyed it. The story just confirmed my thinking that teaching brings more important things to life than money; realizing what you have done to help young people is so much more important than the almighty dollar. Congratulations to you and Heather in this work of love!
Bev Stock
Casa Grande, AZ

Heather Sprangers, one of the two authors was kind enough to come and talk with our group about her book Sunrise, Sunset which she co-wrote with her friend and former teacher, Kathleen Marie Marsh. We had a wonderful time with Heather and really learned a lot about their friendship, how they decided to co-author the book, and their struggles to have it published. It was especially great fun to be able to ask questions and to find out which parts/characters of the book were based on fact and which were pure fiction. Thank you, Heather--you and Kathleen are an inspiration. Bravo! Your efforts have produced a memorable and touching story about two women, their problems, and the strength drawn from their friendship. We learn that people are not always as strong or as weak as they may seem; and even in the tragedy wrought by Alzheimer's, one can find strength of spirit and opportunity to laugh. Sunrise, Sunset serves to remind us all how precious time is whether we are saying goodbye to someone we love or anticipating long-awaited birth. The highs and lows experienced by the families and friends in this story mirror what many have experienced and offer promise to us all. Thank you for spending time with our group--it was greatly appreciated and will long be remembered.
Peg DeLapp Shawano, WI 

I thank you both for writing Sunrise Sunset. It was like "therapy" for me since I am dealing with infertility issues and your treatment of them is so real. The book made me feel as if I'm not alone.
Kim B.

I really enjoyed Sunrise Sunset. It was so close to home. I empathized with the teaching and union references as well as the cross-generational friendship and dealing with elderly parents.The "donuts in the dryer" made me laugh and cry at the same time!
Cheryl
Brillion Elementary Schools Librarian

Wow! Your book is wonderful. With the right publicity, it could definitely be a bestseller!
Bev Grey, Grandma's Healthy Kids Club
Indianapolis, Indiana - Visit Bev on the web at:http://www.grandmashealthykidsclub.com