Forget Me Not Life Stories Testimonials
An invaluable book
"Working with Kate was amazing. She showed us examples of books that she had already completed and was very clear on the processes that needed to be completed to get the book underway to proof and then final copy. This is an invaluable book with so much of not only Mum’s life story but has included much of her family’s history too, including her children’s. All of the stories of her life will not be forgotten now and are there for the next generation.
The feedback we’ve received from those that have read it, is that it is an “absolutely incredible effort, really beautifully put together and very interesting”, and “I have finished reading the book. Loved every moment of it. What an interesting life Fay has had.”
Ann Russell - Faye's daughter
My Footprint - Fay Crail
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Enjoying the outcome
Sharing my life story has been a good experience and I enjoyed the process. My family appears to be enjoying the outcome. I had an excellent relationship with Kate, who was honest and conscientious. The only negative is the book’s size and weight – but that is entirely my fault!
From Boarding to Boardroom - Graham Cooney
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Patient and understanding
Sharing our life story with family has given us peace of mind and we’re extremely pleased we did it. Kate was so patient and understanding throughout the process and we recommend her excellent service to anyone.
Dean’s Dynasty - By Pat and Derek Dean
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Personal contact was invaluable
Testimonial by Steve Ensor: Samantha provided excellent service during the compilation of our book and the amount of personal contact was invaluable while working on the project. The biggest benefit to me is to have Tirau Earthmover’s complete history recorded for future generations and to be enjoyed by past staff.
For Hire or Reward, An Ensor Family Company History - Tirau Earthmovers Ltd
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Tremendous personal satisfaction
Samantha was a breath of fresh air, made what I thought was a huge job into an enjoyable year of putting my memories into book form. The project gave me tremendous personal satisfaction and brought back memories of my youth, friends, trips, family days and how I kept food on the table. Money received from the sale of my book locally in Otorohanga was donated towards the building of a new dementia centre called The Homestead at the Beattie Home, and to the Otorohanga Charitable Trust. Readers who I did not know got in touch because my book connected with their earlier lives and memories in the King Country. The last available signed copy was auctioned and proceeds donated to the Otorohanga Charitable Trust.Newspaper article Credit: King Country News
There’s Only One Way to Go in Your Eighties - John Oliver
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
"An appreciation of the simplicity and openness of my book"
Contact with Samantha has been excellent at all times. Samantha is positive and keeps things moving. Family members were unaware of many of the things I had done in my life. They appreciate the simplicity and openness of my book.
The final putting together of the book far surpassed my expectations.
Take Every Opportunity - Pat Lowry
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
My life stories will live on!
My life stories will live on thanks to the excellent service from Forget Me Not Life Stories. Kate was very relaxed, professional, and easy to be with and I’m very happy with my book. When I gave my granddaughter her copy, she stayed up late to read it and cried!
Monika Marr from Matatā - Monika Barker
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Attentiveness a real pleasure
Choosing Samantha Cutler, with her attentiveness, to help write my story, has been a real pleasure. The writing was important to me and designer Melanie’s choice and flair with presentation has made the book collectable and a perfect gift. People who have already received my book are very complimentary.
Say it with Flowers, Flowers Fun and Friendship - Eileen Beach Kelly
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Community Spirit
Resthaven's celebration of 50 years in the Cambridge community.
From Community Spirit - Resthaven
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Whangamata Bach
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Frank and Ann Overwater on their life stories. A couple of years later, Frank approached me to help him produce another book. The second book celebrated thirty-six years of owning a family bach in Whangamata. Using a combination of photos and pages from visitor books, the story is told about how Frank built the first bach in 1986, the children, and then grandchildren who passed through, and the friends and family members who treasured their visits to Whangamata.
Life Story writer: Samantha Cutler
Sound advice and encouragement
"Kate was always helpful and professional. She gave sound advice and encouragement when it was needed. I believe we developed a good understanding of what I was trying and wanting to record in the book. It has taken me a long time and many, many hours but I am pleased I have done it. I believe my family will all find it interesting and learn a lot from it. I am delighted with the layout and how the photographs have been presented."
Memories from Yesterday - Bruce MacDougall
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
In Retrospect
Kate McCarthy is very professional in all aspects of bringing together a book.
She is a good listener, while giving confidence and urging the progression along i.e. requesting homework and research between meetings. The co-ordination and timing with the design company and then the printing company was exemplary.
Kate’s patience and diplomacy throughout the eighteen months it took to complete made the process enjoyable.
I have no hesitancy in recommending Kate.
In Retrospect - Diane Comber
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy
Testimonial:
Bright Sunlight, Dark Shadow
A book written to not only detail her story - but to help others.
Judy Hale, a 78-year-old Cambridge grandmother lost her senses of sight, smell, and taste 32 years ago and with the help of Samantha Cutler of Forget Me Not Life Stories captured the journey of facing the future without sight.
Wanting to help others, Judy will donate proceeds of her book to Blind and Low Vision NZ and specifically its Guide Dog Services.
"Samantha Cutler, you have done an excellent job piecing together Judy's Story. I also love the format that it’s printed in, ideal for those of us with failing vision. I am proud to call Judy and Utah my 'friends'." - Sue Collier, Chairperson for Cambridge Blind & Vision Impaired Support Group
Love what you do
Barbara Wilson, a weaver and spinner, has written 'From Tragedy to Success' with the help of Forget Me Not Life Stories, telling a personal story of great tragedy and loss, and how she managed to overcome it and rebuild her life.
"When I was first introduced to Kate McCarthy I knew I was going to enjoy working with her in all aspects of the book. Now that it is printed with fantastic feedback, I would recommend Forget Me Not Life Stories to anyone."
From Tragedy to Success - Barbara Wilson
Life Story writer: Kate McCarthy