HILLARI'S HEAD SYNOPSIS
Paralegal Kristina Orris has moved to San Diego seeking a new life--a normal life. She is burdened by the memory of Hillari, a sister with an oversized head and disfigured face. Home-schooled by a protective single father, Kristina herself had a vexing speech impediment and rarely left the house while growing up. But after her dad died, she knew she couldn’t stay. Kristina dreamed of being a lawyer. Pursuing such a goal might prove painful for any cloistered, mumbling orphan; but it would be impossible yoked to Hillari. At 18, Kristina abandoned her home, her past – and Hillari.
Now, eight years later, Kristina meets attorney Gideon “Duck” Ducker, “the single homeliest man she had ever laid eyes on.” But she instantly bonds with the warm, self-effacing lawyer. Kristina takes a paralegal job at Duck’s law firm, where the two are thrown into the most tumultuous and fascinating case of their lives. Everything is coming together nicely for Kristina. Only one thing prevents her from becoming the confident, fulfilled woman she longs to be: the swelling burden of guilt and shame over her past. But is it too late to redeem herself?
Alternately touching, humorous and heart wrenching, Hillari’s Head is about family, intimacy, resilience and, ultimately, acceptance. With its intriguing characters and elements of comedy and tragedy, Hillari's Head will appeal to fans of Nora Ephron (Heartburn) and John Irving (A Prayer For Owen Meany).
Now, eight years later, Kristina meets attorney Gideon “Duck” Ducker, “the single homeliest man she had ever laid eyes on.” But she instantly bonds with the warm, self-effacing lawyer. Kristina takes a paralegal job at Duck’s law firm, where the two are thrown into the most tumultuous and fascinating case of their lives. Everything is coming together nicely for Kristina. Only one thing prevents her from becoming the confident, fulfilled woman she longs to be: the swelling burden of guilt and shame over her past. But is it too late to redeem herself?
Alternately touching, humorous and heart wrenching, Hillari’s Head is about family, intimacy, resilience and, ultimately, acceptance. With its intriguing characters and elements of comedy and tragedy, Hillari's Head will appeal to fans of Nora Ephron (Heartburn) and John Irving (A Prayer For Owen Meany).
REVIEWS
"This book will pull you in, again and again.
It's a keeper you will read more than once."
✮✮✮✮✮
I was attracted to this book by the title, but I read only one page before falling in love with the author's sense of humor. He will keep you laughing at his wit, until you run across the real angst his characters suffer. I have rarely seen such well-developed people with real reasons for the flaws in their character.
This book will pull you in, again ... and again, each time finding some nuance that deepens the character, or explains his/her actions. It's a keeper, one of those books that you will read more than once. It will sit on the shelf, waiting until a remembered phrase comes back that draws you into the story again.
His heroine, Kristina, is a beautiful woman with a secret. His hero, Gideon "Duck" Ducker, makes his homeliness a tool in his professional life of lawyer. You have to ask why a beautiful woman would be attracted to him. The answer lies in the finely written pages of this book. Do yourself a favor. Buy it and prepare for an long, enjoyable evening reading Hillari's Head.
I've published with Harlequin and I know how much effort it takes to write even a mediocre book. Mr. Stutler has made the effort to write a very good book. Or maybe he's one of those talented writers such as Stephen King or James Patterson who seem to drip literary ink from their fingers. It falls onto the paper with little effort and great good taste to become a book, full of real people and real problems.
Hazel White aka JADE TAYLOR
Author, Wild Cat and the Marine
Amazon.com
It's a keeper you will read more than once."
✮✮✮✮✮
I was attracted to this book by the title, but I read only one page before falling in love with the author's sense of humor. He will keep you laughing at his wit, until you run across the real angst his characters suffer. I have rarely seen such well-developed people with real reasons for the flaws in their character.
This book will pull you in, again ... and again, each time finding some nuance that deepens the character, or explains his/her actions. It's a keeper, one of those books that you will read more than once. It will sit on the shelf, waiting until a remembered phrase comes back that draws you into the story again.
His heroine, Kristina, is a beautiful woman with a secret. His hero, Gideon "Duck" Ducker, makes his homeliness a tool in his professional life of lawyer. You have to ask why a beautiful woman would be attracted to him. The answer lies in the finely written pages of this book. Do yourself a favor. Buy it and prepare for an long, enjoyable evening reading Hillari's Head.
I've published with Harlequin and I know how much effort it takes to write even a mediocre book. Mr. Stutler has made the effort to write a very good book. Or maybe he's one of those talented writers such as Stephen King or James Patterson who seem to drip literary ink from their fingers. It falls onto the paper with little effort and great good taste to become a book, full of real people and real problems.
Hazel White aka JADE TAYLOR
Author, Wild Cat and the Marine
Amazon.com
"Just wonderful!"
✮✮✮✮✮
A dead-honest look at a time of life that's as heartbreaking as it is ridiculous. The story is so entertaining that you don't notice how good the writing is. Some scenes are laugh-out-loud funny, but weirdly moving, too, in a sly, sentimental way that sneaks up on you.
This book is highly enjoyable, fast-paced, and hard to put down. Tim Stutler's way with storytelling is unique and entertaining. You have to love a book that can have you laughing out loud one moment and crying the next. It is an amazing book, a quick read and just wonderful!
MaryAnn Koopmann
Goodreads.com
Florence, WI
✮✮✮✮✮
A dead-honest look at a time of life that's as heartbreaking as it is ridiculous. The story is so entertaining that you don't notice how good the writing is. Some scenes are laugh-out-loud funny, but weirdly moving, too, in a sly, sentimental way that sneaks up on you.
This book is highly enjoyable, fast-paced, and hard to put down. Tim Stutler's way with storytelling is unique and entertaining. You have to love a book that can have you laughing out loud one moment and crying the next. It is an amazing book, a quick read and just wonderful!
MaryAnn Koopmann
Goodreads.com
Florence, WI
"Intriguing and compelling"
✮✮✮✮✮
I would recommend this book and have selected it for my book club as I think it will be fodder for great discussion. The characters are intriguing and compelling. I found myself trying to guess the ending and trying to read faster to find the answers to questions I pondered while reading each chapter. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the complex way the story unfolded. It was a fast read and hard to put down.
Mary Jorgensen
Huntington Beach, California
Amazon.com
✮✮✮✮✮
I would recommend this book and have selected it for my book club as I think it will be fodder for great discussion. The characters are intriguing and compelling. I found myself trying to guess the ending and trying to read faster to find the answers to questions I pondered while reading each chapter. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the complex way the story unfolded. It was a fast read and hard to put down.
Mary Jorgensen
Huntington Beach, California
Amazon.com
"Sensational, quirky, unique and thought provoking"
✮✮✮✮✮
I couldn't set this book down. Oh, I tried to do laundry...I tried to load the dishwasher and I even tried working outside and painting, but two posts don't take a lot of time to paint and one can't really brag about them as an accomplishment, can they? I kept getting drawn back.
Characters seem to leap off the page and pull you inside the book with their tale. Kristina, the main character, is unsure enough to be anyone and yet, she is willing to jump in and try things. To me, this made her real, as she doesn't really seem to let anything hold her back...except, perhaps, her past. Duck is so loveable that you can't help but forget what he looks like until it gets mentioned in the book. His personality and intelligence keeps the reader intrigued with him.
There are courtroom scenes in this book, but I found them the best part of court room drama and much of the thrill is not only in discovering evidence but in the courtroom interrogations and antics.
The plot was unique and I think I had pretty much figured out the climax when I was hit with another one. Sneaky! I didn't see that one coming...be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions in this novel and even some laugh out loud moments.
I don't want to ruin this book for anyone, as I enjoyed it so much. This one screams awards and a movie deal to me.
Sensational, quirky, unique and thought provoking. Add this book to your reading list!
Sharlene Munday
Alberta, Canada
Goodreads.com
Characters seem to leap off the page and pull you inside the book with their tale. Kristina, the main character, is unsure enough to be anyone and yet, she is willing to jump in and try things. To me, this made her real, as she doesn't really seem to let anything hold her back...except, perhaps, her past. Duck is so loveable that you can't help but forget what he looks like until it gets mentioned in the book. His personality and intelligence keeps the reader intrigued with him.
There are courtroom scenes in this book, but I found them the best part of court room drama and much of the thrill is not only in discovering evidence but in the courtroom interrogations and antics.
The plot was unique and I think I had pretty much figured out the climax when I was hit with another one. Sneaky! I didn't see that one coming...be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions in this novel and even some laugh out loud moments.
I don't want to ruin this book for anyone, as I enjoyed it so much. This one screams awards and a movie deal to me.
Sensational, quirky, unique and thought provoking. Add this book to your reading list!
Sharlene Munday
Alberta, Canada
Goodreads.com
"So funny in places that I actually snorted!"
✮✮✮✮✮
This is an amazing novel. I love reading drama, as well as tragedy and comedy. Tim Stutler skillfully meshes these forms together. Hillari's Head not only moved me but - and I'm a little embarrassed to admit this - is so funny in places that I actually snorted! The humor ranges from subtle irony to wicked wit to sly satire to absurdity. This author has a nice comedic touch. But Hillari's Head is not a comedy or farce. It is fundamentally a touching drama. Also the humor is not randomly thrown into the story, but actually advances the plot. And it is some plot! The book has elements of women's fiction, a legal thriller, and even a romance novel. Plus it is so well written that I was absorbed from the peculiar beginning to the startling ending. The chapter endings appeared designed to compel the reader to finish "just one more chapter" before bed. I just couldn't put it down.
I sat and reflected on the story after finishing it, not just to savor it, but to look for major flaws. Sorry author that's just something I do. I don't want to give away any spoilers and will just say that I was disappointed by a major turn of events in the story. I understand why it had to happen but that didn't make it any easier. I also think Hillari's Head could easily have been fifty to a hundred pages longer, mostly because I hated seeing it end, but I really loved this book overall.
M. Antrobos
Smashwords.com
✮✮✮✮✮
This is an amazing novel. I love reading drama, as well as tragedy and comedy. Tim Stutler skillfully meshes these forms together. Hillari's Head not only moved me but - and I'm a little embarrassed to admit this - is so funny in places that I actually snorted! The humor ranges from subtle irony to wicked wit to sly satire to absurdity. This author has a nice comedic touch. But Hillari's Head is not a comedy or farce. It is fundamentally a touching drama. Also the humor is not randomly thrown into the story, but actually advances the plot. And it is some plot! The book has elements of women's fiction, a legal thriller, and even a romance novel. Plus it is so well written that I was absorbed from the peculiar beginning to the startling ending. The chapter endings appeared designed to compel the reader to finish "just one more chapter" before bed. I just couldn't put it down.
I sat and reflected on the story after finishing it, not just to savor it, but to look for major flaws. Sorry author that's just something I do. I don't want to give away any spoilers and will just say that I was disappointed by a major turn of events in the story. I understand why it had to happen but that didn't make it any easier. I also think Hillari's Head could easily have been fifty to a hundred pages longer, mostly because I hated seeing it end, but I really loved this book overall.
M. Antrobos
Smashwords.com
"Stutler is a masterful storyteller."
✮✮✮✮✮
I loved this book. As I first sat down to read it, I wondered where a book that begins "Hillari's head was huge", would take me. It was a wonderful journey. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Tim Stutler is a masterful storyteller. I was instantly invested in each of these characters and was hooked by "Judgment Day" (you will smile and nod your head when you get to that part in the book). Each chapter leaves you asking, "what now?" Good luck trying to put it down. It's one of those rare books I'd like to read again, but I'm too busy reading the author's first book, "Dead Hand Control". I'm having trouble putting that one down as well.
Mary Dilts
Amazon.com
✮✮✮✮✮
I loved this book. As I first sat down to read it, I wondered where a book that begins "Hillari's head was huge", would take me. It was a wonderful journey. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Tim Stutler is a masterful storyteller. I was instantly invested in each of these characters and was hooked by "Judgment Day" (you will smile and nod your head when you get to that part in the book). Each chapter leaves you asking, "what now?" Good luck trying to put it down. It's one of those rare books I'd like to read again, but I'm too busy reading the author's first book, "Dead Hand Control". I'm having trouble putting that one down as well.
Mary Dilts
Amazon.com
"This is definitely a 5 star book that you must read!"
✮✮✮✮✮
I am a huge Law & Order junkie and have been since the original L&O started in the 1990s! So I was really looking forward to reading this book. I love stories that have characters who overcome something in their life, are easy to read, cause a "say what" moment, and have characters that make you both laugh and cry. And to top it off, if I come across a book that has ALL of that PLUS has a Law & Order feel to it, then I'm hooked. And that is what Hillari's Head did!
Tim Stutler did a great job writing this book! Hillari's Head is easy to read, hard to put down, is funny and touches your heart!
There will be no spoilers in my review because you really need to read this book! Instead I will talk about the characters. The first character you are introduced to is Kristina. What Kristina goes through as a young child and young adult is heart breaking. After she moves to California, she becomes intrigued with one of her neighbors. The author does a great job describing this neighbor! As you read the story, you can easily picture Judge Monday! You are then introduced to Gideon "Duck" Ducker, a friend of Judge Monday's.
As you read this story, you can easily picture the characters, and will feel like you get to know them. What I really appreciated about this book is that it was about lawyers, the practice of law, and WRITTEN by a lawyer.
Hillari's Head is a great book that talks about acceptance, embracing your past, moving on with your life, and love.
This is definitely a 5 star ***** book that you must read!
Momma Frugal's Book Reviews
✮✮✮✮✮
I am a huge Law & Order junkie and have been since the original L&O started in the 1990s! So I was really looking forward to reading this book. I love stories that have characters who overcome something in their life, are easy to read, cause a "say what" moment, and have characters that make you both laugh and cry. And to top it off, if I come across a book that has ALL of that PLUS has a Law & Order feel to it, then I'm hooked. And that is what Hillari's Head did!
Tim Stutler did a great job writing this book! Hillari's Head is easy to read, hard to put down, is funny and touches your heart!
There will be no spoilers in my review because you really need to read this book! Instead I will talk about the characters. The first character you are introduced to is Kristina. What Kristina goes through as a young child and young adult is heart breaking. After she moves to California, she becomes intrigued with one of her neighbors. The author does a great job describing this neighbor! As you read the story, you can easily picture Judge Monday! You are then introduced to Gideon "Duck" Ducker, a friend of Judge Monday's.
As you read this story, you can easily picture the characters, and will feel like you get to know them. What I really appreciated about this book is that it was about lawyers, the practice of law, and WRITTEN by a lawyer.
Hillari's Head is a great book that talks about acceptance, embracing your past, moving on with your life, and love.
This is definitely a 5 star ***** book that you must read!
Momma Frugal's Book Reviews
"Quick-witted, intelligent humor"
✮✮✮✮✮
Great book to curl up with if you're in the mood to get lost in a world of interesting characters in a fast-paced story with a generous dose of intrigue. Fans of quick-witted, intelligent humor will find this author particularly satisfying.
Joan C.
Amazon.com
✮✮✮✮✮
Great book to curl up with if you're in the mood to get lost in a world of interesting characters in a fast-paced story with a generous dose of intrigue. Fans of quick-witted, intelligent humor will find this author particularly satisfying.
Joan C.
Amazon.com
"This book is an absolute gem."
✮✮✮✮
This is not a book that I would normally read. I was worried that I might find it boring and struggle to read it, but this book is an absolute gem. There are plenty of books out there that suck you in with over-the-top drama, suspense, action, or even sex, but this book didn't need any of those things. You know that an author is pretty amazing when they can write a book this simple and you just cannot put it down. Given the time, I could have read this book in one sitting. It is just that good.
The characters are very well written and you can't help but attach to them. They are so real, as are their struggles. This isn't your typical boy-meets-girl type of book. It is a story of struggle and learning to overcome the obstacles in life. Kristina's story is heartbreaking. Gideon "Duck" Ducker is my favorite person in this book. Despite being described as "homely" and "plain", he is an extremely vibrant person. You can't help but love him.
Now, I'm not big on books with lawyer/courtroom type themes. In this book, however, it is one of the things that really caught my attention. My favorite scene in this book was in the courtroom and I especially loved the closing argument.
This book made me laugh and cry. It is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is one of those books that anyone could read and love. I very much enjoyed it and hope that Tim Stutler continues to author more great books. He has definitely made a fan out of me.
Charlotte
Charlotte's Tangled Web of Books
✮✮✮✮
This is not a book that I would normally read. I was worried that I might find it boring and struggle to read it, but this book is an absolute gem. There are plenty of books out there that suck you in with over-the-top drama, suspense, action, or even sex, but this book didn't need any of those things. You know that an author is pretty amazing when they can write a book this simple and you just cannot put it down. Given the time, I could have read this book in one sitting. It is just that good.
The characters are very well written and you can't help but attach to them. They are so real, as are their struggles. This isn't your typical boy-meets-girl type of book. It is a story of struggle and learning to overcome the obstacles in life. Kristina's story is heartbreaking. Gideon "Duck" Ducker is my favorite person in this book. Despite being described as "homely" and "plain", he is an extremely vibrant person. You can't help but love him.
Now, I'm not big on books with lawyer/courtroom type themes. In this book, however, it is one of the things that really caught my attention. My favorite scene in this book was in the courtroom and I especially loved the closing argument.
This book made me laugh and cry. It is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is one of those books that anyone could read and love. I very much enjoyed it and hope that Tim Stutler continues to author more great books. He has definitely made a fan out of me.
Charlotte
Charlotte's Tangled Web of Books
"The surprise ending will make you gasp"
✮✮✮✮✮
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hillari's Head. You get a combination of drama, mystery, humor, romance, education and psychology all skillfully woven together to tell a very compelling story. The characters are interesting and well developed. The pieces of the puzzle sometimes seem to be scattered all over the floor, but the author very cunningly weaves everything together in the final chapters.
It is a "legal" thriller, but Tim Stutler does an outstanding job of explaining every concept so that the reader never gets lost in the details. This book gains momentum as the story develops and the last few chapters are enthralling. The surprise ending will make you gasp. I highly recommend this book!
Don Ake
Amazon.com
✮✮✮✮✮
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hillari's Head. You get a combination of drama, mystery, humor, romance, education and psychology all skillfully woven together to tell a very compelling story. The characters are interesting and well developed. The pieces of the puzzle sometimes seem to be scattered all over the floor, but the author very cunningly weaves everything together in the final chapters.
It is a "legal" thriller, but Tim Stutler does an outstanding job of explaining every concept so that the reader never gets lost in the details. This book gains momentum as the story develops and the last few chapters are enthralling. The surprise ending will make you gasp. I highly recommend this book!
Don Ake
Amazon.com
"An Amazing Book"
✮✮✮✮✮
Hillari's Head by Tim Stutler was an amazing book, I found it very hard to put down. The Characters seemed so real, I enjoyed reading about the struggles and triumphs of Kristina, Duck and Judgment day. This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I am very glad that she did.
Lina
Amazon.com
"WOW"
✮✮✮✮
This was one of those books I couldn't put down (and read in less than a day). Not only were the characters likeable, there were 3 different stand out events that made me think "WOW."
There were times that the book almost seemed like two different books. On one hand you have Kristina's (the main character) story. Then there is the legal drama part of the story, which was very exciting.
I was not expecting the ending at all (and part of me was angry about it); it stirred my emotions. Overall Hillari's Head was a fantastic read.
Kate Hearn
Goodreads.com
Ontario, Canada
✮✮✮✮
This was one of those books I couldn't put down (and read in less than a day). Not only were the characters likeable, there were 3 different stand out events that made me think "WOW."
There were times that the book almost seemed like two different books. On one hand you have Kristina's (the main character) story. Then there is the legal drama part of the story, which was very exciting.
I was not expecting the ending at all (and part of me was angry about it); it stirred my emotions. Overall Hillari's Head was a fantastic read.
Kate Hearn
Goodreads.com
Ontario, Canada
"Intriguing, suspenseful, horrifying, poignant, and ultimately inspirational."
✮✮✮✮✮
Hillari's Head is truly a great read! This novel contains fascinating characters that are immediately likeable and completely relatable. With humanity and humor, Tim Stutler weaves a story that is intriguing, suspenseful, horrifying, poignant, and ultimately inspirational. This novel is about having enough courage and self-esteem to change the circumstances of your life - and it is about having the courage to love yourself enough to love someone else. Hillari's Head is a brilliant journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of love. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for a great novel!
Carlos
Amazon.com
✮✮✮✮✮
Hillari's Head is truly a great read! This novel contains fascinating characters that are immediately likeable and completely relatable. With humanity and humor, Tim Stutler weaves a story that is intriguing, suspenseful, horrifying, poignant, and ultimately inspirational. This novel is about having enough courage and self-esteem to change the circumstances of your life - and it is about having the courage to love yourself enough to love someone else. Hillari's Head is a brilliant journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of love. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for a great novel!
Carlos
Amazon.com
"Tightly-woven yet remarkably smooth storytelling"
✮✮✮✮✮
A tour de force of tightly-woven yet remarkably smooth storytelling. This is a story of seemingly common lives turned adventurous by the sudden, complementing demands of love and courage. Hillari's Head is drama, humor, suspense, romance, mystery and adventure all in refreshingly tasteful proportions, each characteristic enhancing the others all the way to that brilliant wish-you'd-spotted-it kind of conclusion that only skilled authors deliver. And whichever flavor of narrative brings you to the table, Stutler serves the entire banquet with no course out of place. You'll see no clichéd story arcs, no tired gimmicks, no amateurish self-admiration bleeding from the subtext -- this novel is written for the reader, inspiring and enriching, not just entertaining.
Will Parker
Goodreads.com
Santa Clara, CA
✮✮✮✮✮
A tour de force of tightly-woven yet remarkably smooth storytelling. This is a story of seemingly common lives turned adventurous by the sudden, complementing demands of love and courage. Hillari's Head is drama, humor, suspense, romance, mystery and adventure all in refreshingly tasteful proportions, each characteristic enhancing the others all the way to that brilliant wish-you'd-spotted-it kind of conclusion that only skilled authors deliver. And whichever flavor of narrative brings you to the table, Stutler serves the entire banquet with no course out of place. You'll see no clichéd story arcs, no tired gimmicks, no amateurish self-admiration bleeding from the subtext -- this novel is written for the reader, inspiring and enriching, not just entertaining.
Will Parker
Goodreads.com
Santa Clara, CA
"The writing was superb ... the story line so original ... the ending brilliant."
✮✮✮✮
I'm really not sure what I expected after reading the synopsis for this book; it's not like anything I've read before and when I read the words paralegals and attorneys, it brought to mind shows like Suits and Law and Order. I was a little apprehensive because courtroom drama isn't really my thing. But to my delight, Hillari's Head was nothing like those shows. I really enjoyed reading it.
Hillari's Head is about Kristina, a paralegal starting her new life. She's certain she is over her traumatic past, the death of her father and leaving behind her sister Hillari, who suffers from Oligodontia -- where six or more teeth fail to develop -- and an oversized head. But when the memory of Hillari starts to haunt Kristina, she has to learn that "You can't escape the past, until you accept what has passed."
I absolutely adore that quote.
The writing was superb. The author did a great job with Kristina's character; she felt very real and I really liked her. I'm always surprised when a male author creates such a realistic female character that I really connect with. Stutler must have done some research on female protagonists because Kristina was expertly developed. The story line was so original. I loved the twists and didn't see the end coming at all. Hillari's Head was a real page turner; I couldn't put it down until the very end.
I actually think I'm going to read this book again in a couple of years. It was really touching and will stay with me for a while. I thought the ending was brilliant: I like the fact the author forwent the typical route for the book's closing. It made the book more original and memorable to me.
Hillari's Head is a highly enjoyable read I won't easily forget. I really recommend it for anyone who loves a good original story line.
Scout Paige
All We Have is Stories
✮✮✮✮
I'm really not sure what I expected after reading the synopsis for this book; it's not like anything I've read before and when I read the words paralegals and attorneys, it brought to mind shows like Suits and Law and Order. I was a little apprehensive because courtroom drama isn't really my thing. But to my delight, Hillari's Head was nothing like those shows. I really enjoyed reading it.
Hillari's Head is about Kristina, a paralegal starting her new life. She's certain she is over her traumatic past, the death of her father and leaving behind her sister Hillari, who suffers from Oligodontia -- where six or more teeth fail to develop -- and an oversized head. But when the memory of Hillari starts to haunt Kristina, she has to learn that "You can't escape the past, until you accept what has passed."
I absolutely adore that quote.
The writing was superb. The author did a great job with Kristina's character; she felt very real and I really liked her. I'm always surprised when a male author creates such a realistic female character that I really connect with. Stutler must have done some research on female protagonists because Kristina was expertly developed. The story line was so original. I loved the twists and didn't see the end coming at all. Hillari's Head was a real page turner; I couldn't put it down until the very end.
I actually think I'm going to read this book again in a couple of years. It was really touching and will stay with me for a while. I thought the ending was brilliant: I like the fact the author forwent the typical route for the book's closing. It made the book more original and memorable to me.
Hillari's Head is a highly enjoyable read I won't easily forget. I really recommend it for anyone who loves a good original story line.
Scout Paige
All We Have is Stories
"Amazing ... I was totally engrossed from the beginning."
✮✮✮✮
✮✮✮✮
The author kindly sent me a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I feel so lucky and thankful to Tim for giving me the chance to read this amazing novel. I was totally engrossed from the beginning. Kristina is an intriguing character and I felt a connection to her early on in the novel. I loved how you slowly learned more about Hillari through the blog posts. Everything felt so honest in this book, and the trial within the book is equally exciting.
I look forward to reading more novels by this author.
Kirsty
Goodreads.com
Derby, United Kingdom
I look forward to reading more novels by this author.
Kirsty
Goodreads.com
Derby, United Kingdom
"Rips the reader with infectious humor"
✮✮✮✮✮
Tim Stutler brings a renaissance perspective to the pages of Hillari’s Head, treating the reader to a panoply of scenes ranging from bicycling, tea parties and e-dating to formal balls – and much more. After introducing the main characters, the story advances as a legal drama, offering the reader a glimpse into the world of high-stakes employment litigation through the eyes of a beautiful but vulnerable woman. From that vantage, the reader witnesses the talents of a litigator at the peak of his power. And he encounters sinister plotters whose nefarious machinations provide grist for a rich plot.
Although the story turns at times onto the blazed path of a legal thriller, it is much more; in many ways, it is a psychodrama of self-discovery. It is also a story of romance and courage. Stutler employs the legal drama as a crucible, testing and changing his characters – particularly the beautiful young protagonist.
Tim Stutler clearly loves to write. At times his book rips the reader with infectious humor. At other moments, it challenges the reader with intricate legal sequences. Through it all, the twisting plot of Hillari’s Head compels the reader to keep turning the pages. At the end, he is surprised – surprised at the welling of his own deepest emotions.
Todd
Goodreads.com
Honolulu, Hawaii
✮✮✮✮✮
Tim Stutler brings a renaissance perspective to the pages of Hillari’s Head, treating the reader to a panoply of scenes ranging from bicycling, tea parties and e-dating to formal balls – and much more. After introducing the main characters, the story advances as a legal drama, offering the reader a glimpse into the world of high-stakes employment litigation through the eyes of a beautiful but vulnerable woman. From that vantage, the reader witnesses the talents of a litigator at the peak of his power. And he encounters sinister plotters whose nefarious machinations provide grist for a rich plot.
Although the story turns at times onto the blazed path of a legal thriller, it is much more; in many ways, it is a psychodrama of self-discovery. It is also a story of romance and courage. Stutler employs the legal drama as a crucible, testing and changing his characters – particularly the beautiful young protagonist.
Tim Stutler clearly loves to write. At times his book rips the reader with infectious humor. At other moments, it challenges the reader with intricate legal sequences. Through it all, the twisting plot of Hillari’s Head compels the reader to keep turning the pages. At the end, he is surprised – surprised at the welling of his own deepest emotions.
Todd
Goodreads.com
Honolulu, Hawaii
"Hilarious ... I wish it was longer."
✮✮✮✮✮
Hillari's head is a great read. The "judgement day" was hilarious and the ending unexpected. You'll find yourself laughing and crying when reading this book. I wish it was longer since I was engrossed with the book. Tim Stutler did not disappoint. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Malucci
Amazon.com
"May coerce you to finish in a single sitting"
✮✮✮✮✮
Hillari's Head is a literary piece that takes a step back from the traditional recipe of law novels and provides a side-view look into the profession from the eyes of a fresh-off-the-train paralegal. Stutler provides a nice (and humorous!) balance between the intricacies of Hillari's day-to-day life in the office with a contrasting (and quite entertaining) shadow of her personal life and the secrets she keeps buried within. Hillari's Head is a pleasant read that may coerce you to finish in a single sitting, and leaves the reader to think deeply about their own interactions with both themselves as well as the ones they love.
Brent
Goodreads.com
Santa Clara, CA
✮✮✮✮✮
Hillari's Head is a literary piece that takes a step back from the traditional recipe of law novels and provides a side-view look into the profession from the eyes of a fresh-off-the-train paralegal. Stutler provides a nice (and humorous!) balance between the intricacies of Hillari's day-to-day life in the office with a contrasting (and quite entertaining) shadow of her personal life and the secrets she keeps buried within. Hillari's Head is a pleasant read that may coerce you to finish in a single sitting, and leaves the reader to think deeply about their own interactions with both themselves as well as the ones they love.
Brent
Goodreads.com
Santa Clara, CA
"A deliciously delightful read ... an intensively captivating journey"
✮✮✮✮✮
This is a deliciously delightful read, with subtle shifts between humor and seriousness. I have laughed; I have cried; I have been torn between laughter and tears; and these are only snippets of reactions from an explosive rainbow of emotions elicited throughout the entire novel.
Tim Stutler provides exceedingly thoughtful insights into the female mind, and takes us through an intensively captivating journey. He has carefully crafted a unique story that has never been told before: a story about the life of, the prejudices against, and the challenges overcome by a woman--a woman with a large head.
Joanne Jao
Goodreads.com
Bloomington, IN
✮✮✮✮✮
This is a deliciously delightful read, with subtle shifts between humor and seriousness. I have laughed; I have cried; I have been torn between laughter and tears; and these are only snippets of reactions from an explosive rainbow of emotions elicited throughout the entire novel.
Tim Stutler provides exceedingly thoughtful insights into the female mind, and takes us through an intensively captivating journey. He has carefully crafted a unique story that has never been told before: a story about the life of, the prejudices against, and the challenges overcome by a woman--a woman with a large head.
Joanne Jao
Goodreads.com
Bloomington, IN
"The sharpest wit I've read since I don't know when. Perfectly timed"
✮✮✮✮✮
"You can't escape the past, until you accept what has passed." That one quote from the book just about sums it up.
First, let me say that right off the bat this author had me laughing. And I don't mean the typical chuckle over a cute comment you might find in a book. I mean the sharpest wit I've read since I don't know when. Perfectly timed, think about it, wit. True laughter bubbles out.
I will not give away the story-line but will say that it's a book about acceptance ... of others, and more importantly, of yourself. The characters are so realistic that you are drawn in ... you FEEL their sadness, their hopes, and the dawning of love. Seldom do I sit in my recliner and gasp, laugh, and get tears while I read.... I did with this book, Hillari's Head.
HOWEVER, the book ended too shockingly soon. I kept putting it down to delay finishing it! The timing of the ending was fine; it was ME that didn't want it to end. And I will warn you. If the end doesn't bring tears to your eyes then you are just not human.
I hope this author never stops writing....
Linda Eells
Goodreads.com
Arlington, TN
✮✮✮✮✮
"You can't escape the past, until you accept what has passed." That one quote from the book just about sums it up.
First, let me say that right off the bat this author had me laughing. And I don't mean the typical chuckle over a cute comment you might find in a book. I mean the sharpest wit I've read since I don't know when. Perfectly timed, think about it, wit. True laughter bubbles out.
I will not give away the story-line but will say that it's a book about acceptance ... of others, and more importantly, of yourself. The characters are so realistic that you are drawn in ... you FEEL their sadness, their hopes, and the dawning of love. Seldom do I sit in my recliner and gasp, laugh, and get tears while I read.... I did with this book, Hillari's Head.
HOWEVER, the book ended too shockingly soon. I kept putting it down to delay finishing it! The timing of the ending was fine; it was ME that didn't want it to end. And I will warn you. If the end doesn't bring tears to your eyes then you are just not human.
I hope this author never stops writing....
Linda Eells
Goodreads.com
Arlington, TN
"Well written, superb characters ... very well done"
✮✮✮✮✮
I am still reeling from the ending of this book. Well written, superb characters.... I did NOT expect the ending, and the way the story line played out was surprising and very well done. I will be looking for more from Tim Stutler. It is refreshing to read a story that does not focus solely on the surface beauty but the internal.
Teresa Seavey
Goodreads.com
Windham, ME
✮✮✮✮✮
I am still reeling from the ending of this book. Well written, superb characters.... I did NOT expect the ending, and the way the story line played out was surprising and very well done. I will be looking for more from Tim Stutler. It is refreshing to read a story that does not focus solely on the surface beauty but the internal.
Teresa Seavey
Goodreads.com
Windham, ME
"This novel will touch your heart and make it's mark!"ill touch your
✮✮✮✮
Have you ever stared at someone...that didn't look normal? Shame on you! After you finish reading this book you will think twice about doing this, or have a greater appreciation for what this person deals with.
This novel is about sadness and tragedy growing up, and what it's like not to fit in...to be different. This novel will touch your heart and make it's mark!
Sue Leonhardt
Goodreads.com
Ontario, Canada
✮✮✮✮
Have you ever stared at someone...that didn't look normal? Shame on you! After you finish reading this book you will think twice about doing this, or have a greater appreciation for what this person deals with.
This novel is about sadness and tragedy growing up, and what it's like not to fit in...to be different. This novel will touch your heart and make it's mark!
Sue Leonhardt
Goodreads.com
Ontario, Canada
"Grips the reader and doesn't let go"
✮✮✮✮✮
I really enjoyed this book! It's a psychological mystery and legal thriller that grips the reader and doesn't let go as it pulls you into the hero's mind. This book had me hooked by the end of the first chapter. Author Tim Stutler takes the reader on an extraordinary journey from the hero's secret past through a tumultuous ride to a thrilling ending. The writer weaves his story using humor, a tight narrative and good story-telling. This is a book that I definitely will want to read again.
M.L. Kenney
Amazon.com
✮✮✮✮✮
I really enjoyed this book! It's a psychological mystery and legal thriller that grips the reader and doesn't let go as it pulls you into the hero's mind. This book had me hooked by the end of the first chapter. Author Tim Stutler takes the reader on an extraordinary journey from the hero's secret past through a tumultuous ride to a thrilling ending. The writer weaves his story using humor, a tight narrative and good story-telling. This is a book that I definitely will want to read again.
M.L. Kenney
Amazon.com
"The author built a wonderfully layered plot ...
If we're truly lucky, it won't be his last!"
✮✮✮✮✮
What a surprising read! I expected a Law and Order-ish novel with a slight twist. What Stutler delivered was not only that but an amazingly romantic love story with a crazy ending.
Each character had great depth and the author built a wonderfully layered plot that I've not read before. I can't believe this is only the second work by Stutler. If we're truly lucky, it won't be his last!
Jennifer Dilks
Goodreads.com
Amherst, VA
If we're truly lucky, it won't be his last!"
✮✮✮✮✮
What a surprising read! I expected a Law and Order-ish novel with a slight twist. What Stutler delivered was not only that but an amazingly romantic love story with a crazy ending.
Each character had great depth and the author built a wonderfully layered plot that I've not read before. I can't believe this is only the second work by Stutler. If we're truly lucky, it won't be his last!
Jennifer Dilks
Goodreads.com
Amherst, VA
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book."
✮✮✮✮✮
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the cover to the last page. Having to deal with something from our past before we can move on in some area of our life would apply to most of us , I would say.
Fiz Johnston
Goodreads.com
Perth, Australia
✮✮✮✮✮
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the cover to the last page. Having to deal with something from our past before we can move on in some area of our life would apply to most of us , I would say.
Fiz Johnston
Goodreads.com
Perth, Australia
"Engrossing ... Highly recommended"
✮✮✮✮✮
This is a very strong second novel from the author. The novel mixes a coming-of-age story, a new beginning, a romance, and legal intrigue. The greatest strength of the novel is the author’s writing. The author employs a smooth style that communicates the story with great clarity. As a result, the novel is an engrossing read and easily finished in only a few sittings. The characters are likable, and there are several interesting twists and turns along the way to the story’s conclusion. Highly recommended.
S. Chu "Cammy-D"
Amazon.com
San Diego, California
S. Chu "Cammy-D"
Amazon.com
San Diego, California
"Explosive, powerful and heartbreaking.
Five Gold Cups of Herbal Tea"
✮✮✮✮✮
The author brilliantly takes us into the courtroom.... But, there is so much more to this story. Before all is said and done and the final deposition is taken something happens that will change the dynamics of everyone’s lives. An ending so explosive, powerful and heartbreaking you just won’t see it coming.
Fran Lewis
Just Reviews
New York, NY
Five Gold Cups of Herbal Tea"
✮✮✮✮✮
The author brilliantly takes us into the courtroom.... But, there is so much more to this story. Before all is said and done and the final deposition is taken something happens that will change the dynamics of everyone’s lives. An ending so explosive, powerful and heartbreaking you just won’t see it coming.
Fran Lewis
Just Reviews
New York, NY
"Full of surprises."
✮✮✮✮✮
This book was full of surprises. I loved and truly enjoyed!
La Vonne
Goodreads.com
Philadelphia, PA
✮✮✮✮✮
This book was full of surprises. I loved and truly enjoyed!
La Vonne
Goodreads.com
Philadelphia, PA
"Unique and touching"
✮✮✮✮✮
This is n unique and touching story about the bond between sisters and impediments that they both share. One sister leaves another in order to get on with her life. There is some shame and humility involved with humor as well. I enjoyed it and would read other novels by Tim Stutler.
Julie McGregor
Goodreads.com
✮✮✮✮✮
This is n unique and touching story about the bond between sisters and impediments that they both share. One sister leaves another in order to get on with her life. There is some shame and humility involved with humor as well. I enjoyed it and would read other novels by Tim Stutler.
Julie McGregor
Goodreads.com
"Fascinating and entertaining"
✮✮✮✮✮
This is an engrossing story that delves into the human psyche, but with a great sense of humor. Stutler takes sensitive subject matter and creates a work that is fascinating and entertaining. I look forward to reading other novels he has written!
Daryl Turner
Goodreads.com
Conifer, CO
✮✮✮✮✮
This is an engrossing story that delves into the human psyche, but with a great sense of humor. Stutler takes sensitive subject matter and creates a work that is fascinating and entertaining. I look forward to reading other novels he has written!
Daryl Turner
Goodreads.com
Conifer, CO
For more reviews, go to Goodreads.com and Amazon.com.
Get your copy of Hillari's Head from:
-- Amazon.com (http://amzn.to/1aY4D25)
-- Barnesandnoble.com (http://bit.ly/11w42lm)
-- Smashwords.com (http://bit.ly/1cqKrYr)
-- Your favorite booksellers
-- Barnesandnoble.com (http://bit.ly/11w42lm)
-- Smashwords.com (http://bit.ly/1cqKrYr)
-- Your favorite booksellers