Reviews

"A wonderful story about a family within a family and the true meaning of honor and loyalty."

“This book shines a light on a time and place that played pivotal roles in the development of what is now the Philadelphia – South jersey mob. Long before Angelo Bruno and Nicky Scarfo gave the “family” an identity, Camden, New Jersey and the goodfellas who lived and worked there defined the local branch of the American Mafia. Good Luck Ray. You have a wonderful story about a family within a family and the true meaning of honor and loyalty.”

«•» George Anastasia

Critically acclaimed and widely read author of many books including “The Goodfella Tapes”, “Blood and Honor,” “Mob Father,” “Mob Files” and “The Last Gangster.”

Philadelphia, PA

"More Like Brothers grabbed me from the first page."

"When I read a book or a screenplay, if it doesn't 'grab' me in the first twenty pages, I don't read any further. This may be harsh but it's the truth. I produce movies and in the course of one year I have at least 200 books and screenplays submitted to me. It is imperative I go with my gut instincts. The book, "More Like Brothers" grabbed me from the first page an d didn't let go until I finished it. It captured a time and place with its vivid descriptions that transported me into a bygone era. The two protagonists, Manny and Frankie, have a bond that is at the core of this story and it has us rooting for them against the evil elements of the 'Organization'. These two young guys are certainly not without their shortcomings, but their commitment to family and each other makes us forgive their trespasses. I found myself hoping that they somehow could survive this terrible web they are caught in. For a book to involve me like this is refreshing. I salute the writer Raymond Lombard for a job well done."

«•» Leo Rossi

Eastman - Rossi Productions

Los Angeles, CA

"Ray Lombard is possessed with a literary artistry in describing gangster life and the brutal penalties that are exacted to meet the 'Outfits' goals."

"In his unique style it brings back the halcyon days of organized crime. One would think in his mode of description he were part of wearing the brimmed hat, the facial grimaces of brutality, and the commission of crime itself that leaps off the pages of his book, one could say the author, Ray Lombard literally lived the doings of the criminal organization as it was called the 'Outfit.'

«•» Salvatore J. Avena

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Camden, N.J.

"Ray Lombard's first book; More Like Brothers, captures the essence of what it was like to be a stranger in a new land during the early nineteenth century. Though many stories have been told about immigration, More Like Brothers is so much more; an empathetic work in which Lombard's hand seems to be eerily guided by his Uncle Manny, the main character. Based on the true story of Lombard's grandparents, aunts and uncles, the reader is treated to an engrossing tale of a family and of their sacrifices, struggles, loves, heartaches and tragedies. Perhaps because the characters are real, perhaps because of my own Italian roots, or perhaps becauseof the fantastic imagery found throughout, I was quickly drawn into the story from the first page. Lombard's ancestors made their home in Camden, NJ, thus recognizable places abound for everyone familiar with the South Jersey area, and the familial characters will leave you up at night, trying to figure out what could have been... An "A+" read!"

«•» Linda M.

English Professor

New Jersey

"It was my pleasure to read an advance copy of Mr. Lombard's book More Like Brothers. This book is about an Italian family who entered the United States in the early part of the last century. It is at once an excellent read and a compelling tale of a family whose vision of the American dream is strikingly changed by the lure of easy money in organized crime. I recommend this book without hesitation as it is both startling and gripping to its dramatic conclusion."

«•» David M.