Here are reviews from early readers of WESTHAMPTON:
New York Times bestselling author of action adventure and suspense novels Nelson DeMille has written, “I’ve read Mansfield’s wonderful book, WESTHAMPTON: Golden Days and Memories for a Lifetime, which is a beautifully written and deeply-felt memoir of a time and place that is both familiar and other-worldly. The strength of this book is not only the idyllic setting and the historic winds of change that ruffle the pages, but the people who populate this unique and special piece of America. Chuck Mansfield demonstrates the old writing adage that, ‘If the writer is having fun, the reader will be having fun.’ And clearly Mr. Mansfield was having fun remembering the times and people who live on in these pages. This is really a great accomplishment. I, too, love Westhampton and this brought back good memories.”
Reviewer Lucine Marous has written, “Once again Mansfield has succeeded in entertaining his readers, this time by introducing the setting of his family members and friends at leisure in Westhampton Beach as far back as the years during World War II. His description of the innate kindness of the servants at Cedar Beach House when he was a youngster portrays a lifestyle that readers will surely appreciate. Additionally, to learn something of the times ‘then, now and in between’ chez Mansfield is to understand why his experience there holds such an important place in his life. His recollections make for delightful reading, both for those who know the area and for those who haven’t yet visited there. Postscript: The cover painting should win attention from all—somehow, the notion of the
movement of water lifts the human spirit.”
Conservative writer Sylvia Thompson has emailed, “It is a wonderful experience for me to get a glimpse of someone else’s life, when that life is so different from my own. And Mansfield’s is such an ‘all-American’ life. It’s uplifting to see what a strong faith and a solid patriotism can do for families. Catholic tradition had a lot to do with America’s strength. Mansfield’s family and friends are proof of that. I grew up Protestant, but had lots of childhood Catholic friends, and was in awe of priests and nuns (the way they dressed commanded respect). Mansfield has
presented a truly missed time-gone-by for all of us, wherever in this great nation we grew up.”
Dr. Dennis C. Golden, President Emeritus of Fontbonne University, a Vietnam-era Marine Corps captain and an author, has penned, “If you want to read a truly wonderful book about life, laughter and true love of person and place, read WESTHAMPTON. Accomplished author Chuck Mansfield blends time and place with family, friends, freedom and faith via his unabashed love of Westhampton, Long Island, N.Y. This book will bring light and laughter to your life. Do take the opportunity to read it.”
Please turn over.
Of the book, author, former coach and retired law firm administrator Thomas P. Kiley, Jr. has written, “It is beautifully organized and honed, equally, interesting to a Mansfieldophile and to the general reader.”
Dr. N. Rama Krishna has written that “Mansfield is indeed a highly accomplished author with a rather distinguished lifetime experience in the financial services industry.”
Former Marine Corps combat helicopter pilot and Vietnam War veteran Bain D. Slack has written, “Chuck Mansfield has written a wonderful memoir about a beautiful place where he and his wife, Mame, have made their home for several decades. I was privileged and very honored to receive an invitation for me and my wife, Christina, to attend the annual ‘Gathering’ in 2015, so I have seen the home and the whole area that Chuck describes in the book. It is indeed very beautiful and their home is very gracious, and the towns are very quaint, colorful and nice. But, to me, even more beautiful than the place are the people described in this book: the Mansfields’ large family, composed of talented, energetic successful people. Their large circle of lifelong friends is composed of people who work hard to educate themselves, and prepare for a successful, prosperous career, and strive to live the American Dream. But one thing sets these kinds of people apart from the vast majority of the American public: These people volunteer to join the United States armed forces, fight and kill the enemies of this country all across the world, and make it possible for the American people to have ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’”
