I began this blog as a preview for the memoir/biography of Samuel Lloyd Haynes. A remarkable man, brimming with many talents, strengths, and a unique perspective on life. Perhaps a place to invite you to glimpse an extraordinary soul over a cup of tea.
Over time, our blog has spotlighted talented authors, reviewed books, and enjoyed chatting with extraordinary people like you through this brilliant technology that removes the distant miles.
To all of you who’ve graciously taken a moment to write a review for me on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. Thank you so very much. I wish I had room to showcase them all! xoxo
THE LLOYD HAYNES STORY REVIEWS:
More than a 5⭐️ Read
I read your book twice. There’re so many new & interesting insights that, for me, twice was required. CAUGHT UP IN THE SPELL, your book is a gift to all who read, & the millions who’ve been told they can’t succeed.
—Blanche Grant
TODAYS’ MOCKINGBIRD!
A book to cherish, a history to recall, a journey to stardom that will leave the reader forever changed. Beautiful, moving, and wonderfully told by my dear friend Carolyn Haynes.
—Simon Thompson
BEWITCHED REVIEWS:
- Much more than “Bewitched”
Carolyn Haynes, the author, spent countless hours with Sol Saks as his personal assistant which means she got to have a great inside look of both his personal and professional life. She writes with such love and respect for Mr. Saks and gives great details of his childhood up through his death. Being a huge fan of “Bewitched” myself, I was pleasantly surprised at some new things I learned of the beloved series. Definitely get this book if you love biographies.
—David Pierce
- Utterly Bewitching
‘Hello, I’m Carolyn Haynes, I’m calling about your ad for a part time assistant.’ So begins the reason for Carolyn Haynes writing this memoir of a man who introduced himself as ‘Sol Saks, a writer,’ –-a modest understatement that seems typical of the man himself. The son of Polish immigrants, Sol rose to the dizzy heights of Hollywood, where he wrote prolifically, screenplays, radio and television series. Who can forget his name on Bewitched? The man was a class act. So is Carolyn Haynes. In writing this memoir, recalling so many of their conversations about the stars he knew, the ones he worked with, the studio machine, his parents’ pasts, she weaves a tapestry of a Hollywood era that has gone, paints a picture of local places still in people’s hearts and pulls off the incredible trick of not getting in the way of the narrative while interlacing details of her own life. I thoroughly recommend this engaging. beautifully written book.
—Shehanne Moore
- Rich in Detail, Sensitively Written
From a searing account of his parents’ immigration from war-torn, 19th-century Poland to richly told stories of Saks’ collaborators (a catalog of 20th-century comedy stalwarts) to the nuts and bolts of putting Bewitched together, this tribute to the life of Sol Saks is suffused with love and well, stardust…
—Daphne O’Neal
- The Inspiring Story of Sol Saks
This inspiring story of Sol Saks offers many pearls of wisdom from a man who worked his way up in the television industry. From Sol’s humble upbringing by Jewish parents to his Hollywood success, the comic genius held firm to his down-to-earth and empathetic roots that influenced his writing throughout his life. Ms. Haynes captures this brilliance on each page. Her beautiful prose brings to life his love for his wife, Anne, and the beauty of his secret garden. Her in-depth details honor the memory of an amazing Hollywood legend.
—Sallie Moffitt
- The Mind Behind Bewitched
I grew up watching – and loving – the television show Bewitched, like many others around the world. By writing Bewitched: Secrets from Comedy Genius Sol Saks, Carolyn Haynes not only gave me a front row seat to behind the scenes of this fabulous show but also offered insight into its creator’s world as well as a new perspective. A great read!
—Noosha Ravaghi
CAROLYN HAYNES-AUTHOR OF ADDICTIVE BOOKS 