Maxwell's Smile

by Michele Hauf

More Than Words: Bestselling authors & Real-life heroines

We all have the power to effect change - we just need to find the strength to harness it. With every good deed done, and helping hand offered, we are making the world a better place. The dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have changed many lives for the better, through their compassionate hearts and unshakable commitment. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have written stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

In this book, Michele Hauf honors the work of the Barta sisters - Berni, Romi, Lexi and Marni Barta - and the not-for-profit organization that they founded, Kid Flicks.

We hope More Than Words inspires you look inside your heart and to get in touch with the heroine inside of you.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Michele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.

France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.

Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.

--From the author's website bio

Reviews

[LaFleurBleue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the charity that was highlighted in this book and the way it was integrated in the general story-line.
However I did not care much for the characters or the story. The 9-yo kid never seemed real to me. The mother was very difficult to like, I felt that she did not care enough of the emotional well-being of her kid, only forbidding him from doing some things (watching TV and films) and never pushing him outside of his comfort zone, even if it could be for his own good. The poor kid never played outside, never did any physical activity and did not have any friend. And she did not even consider that might be a problem! The hero, on the other hand, just seemed too good to be true.
I'll probably check thoroughly any other book from this author who did not convince me.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella from the Harlequin series highlighting different real life charities was an easy enjoyable read. Rachel is a single mother, her son Maxwell is a snarky little professor type. Sam is the local handyman who gets involved with them while Maxwell is in the hospital. (Where are all the nurses??) The charity has to do with donating DVD's to children's wards and they organize a local donation drive together. I liked this a lot. If I had to have a gripe it would be the mother who told her son that he's not allowed to watch any movies and doesn't seem to be encouraging any physical activity, contact with friends or anything that could be fun, until Sam gets in their life.

[Deanna Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book.

I love reading short stories. This book was so touching. I cried through most of it. It was so touching.

[Bin Blogs Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I didn't dislike this story but it was just okay. I didn't feel like I connected with the characters. Maybe it was just too short.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good sweet and tender book. Another great touching read in the Harlequin More Than Words imprint. It's touching and inspiring at what children can do just because they believe. I liked how author showed that and how she made the reference that we, as adults, stop believing and doing because we're told/taught so many times that we can't. Reading these books always make me want to jump up and do something good, even if I don't know where or how to begin. I loved the characters and the situations that were brought to life and this made me think about others and how many things there are that can be done simply be looking on the internet and getting a little help from others, no matter how small or large. This is inspiring and reminds me that there is still good in the world and we should slow down, "linger", and pay it forward. Enjoy!

[Gigi Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today I didn't feel like starting a book that would take a day or two to read, so I chose this novella that was offered along with six other freebie novellas last week by Harlequin More Than Words. Through Harlequin More Than Words, each year they celebrate women who make extraordinary differences in the lives of others, and Harlequin donates $15,000 each to their chosen causes.
Harlequin authors, created fictional stories inspired by these women and the charities they support. This novel was a touching story written by Michele Hauf. It was a light fun book to read with enough light "G" rated romance to make it interesting. This book is part of my Nook Library, and since I enjoyed reading it I awarded it 3***

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was free from Barnes and Noble when I downloaded it to my Nook library. It is the second in 2012 Harlequin's More than Words series.
The heroines honored by this book are Berni, Romi, Lexi and Marni Barta who founded Kid Flicks, a not-for-profit organization that collects and donates new and gently used kids' DVDs to children's hospitals and pediatric departments across the U.S.
It is a quick and enjoyable read. It makes you consider donating some DVDs.
I recommend it for all readers.

[Harlequin Books]

Currently available for FREE! Go Here!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK book, but the first few pages are just unbelievable. Why didn't any of the nurses get him out of the room. Pediatric wards would have more security. After that, pretty good story line, but love the idea of highlighting charities.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I read by Michele Hauf. The storyline was okay. What interested me the most was the organization they talked about in the story. I am really starting to like these types of Harlequin books.

[Hildegart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm liking these stories that are somewhat based on real people. It makes you step back and look at ways you can help or even to just realize there are people out there like the ones inspiring these book.

[Terrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, clean novella. Maxwell, a 9-year-old not-so-normal kid plays match maker for his mother and holds a great charity project--collecting movies for donation to hospitals so the sick kids can have something to entertain them.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell's Smile

Loved the story about what coming to trust and finding true love is about when you've raised a child alone. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a great story. Thanks Michele

[KK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet, quick read.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short story. I really liked the intro about Kids Flicks, and makes for a good idea for a school or church fundraiser.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful short story. They are based on real life Heroines. The site www.harlequinmorethanwords.com has many more of these short stories.

[Bethenia Dixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah

[Poonam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute short love story.I like it right from start to finish.I like the characters Maxwell,Sam Jones and Rachel McHenry.Like the story plotlines too.

[Debbie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Short but really sweet. It was about real life and things that happen in real life.

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

I like this book. It's romantic, it tell you how we can help sick kids in the hospital. It a Must Read.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

What a sweet read. Also loved how it shed light on the great charity this story is informally focused around

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story and a tribute to a worthy charity

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this short story was a feel good one. It really made you think as you were reading it.

[Jo Notary]

harlequin/silhouette, 74pgs