GOD is Watching the Apples Book Reviews
Readers are sharing their thoughts—explore our book reviews below!
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite – 5 Stars
God is Watching the Apples by John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that chronicles the intertwined lives of the Salerno and Tooker families, focusing on their struggles, faith, community service, and the profound impact of small acts of kindness. The book conveys a key message: despite life’s inevitable challenges, faith, love, and community support can help us rise above adversity and find purpose in serving others. Through personal stories of grief, triumph, and unwavering faith, the authors demonstrate that God’s watchful presence can be felt in everyday moments, guiding and sustaining us through trials. Readers will find fascinating and heartwarming anecdotes from the authors’ lives in this book. God is Watching the Apples is a book I needed to read. In a world characterized by selfishness, the authors demonstrate that service has the power to unite us and heal and strengthen us. The book explores many themes: family, faith, perseverance, community engagement, and business ethics. It vividly recounts the history of Tops Marketplace, a family-owned grocery store founded on principles of generosity and service, illustrating how a small business can become a community pillar. Personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on faith will inspire readers. Anecdotes related to Kids Fest initiatives and support for local charities are beautiful lessons on giving and service. The detailed stories of overcoming hardships—fire, illness, personal loss—offer valuable insights into maintaining a positive outlook rooted in faith. John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli communicate their faith, and I enjoyed the wisdom in their book and how it shows readers that God is always present, even when everything seems bleak.
Reviewed by Cherubimaris Casino for Readers’ Favorite – 5 Stars
God is Watching the Apples is a memoir written by John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli. It captures the history of Tops Marketplace in Plantsville, Connecticut. This history is divided into four parts. Through these parts—John, Betsy, Tops, and The Fire—it traces the store’s 1951 founding by George and Julia Tops, John’s path from ice cream truck driver to owner, and Betsy’s rise from teenage waitress to co-owner. The narrative intertwines their personal stories—marked by grit, grief, and faith—with the store’s role as a community anchor. From John’s devastating loss of his wife Nancylee to a drunk driver to the 2019 fire that leveled Tops, the book illustrates resilience, culminating in a community-driven rebuild. The title’s metaphor, drawn from a boy’s cafeteria sign, emphasizes the theme that God watches over us, even in doubt. Reading this book felt like sitting with John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli, hearing their raw, faith-fueled stories. Their grit—giving 10% of profits to charity despite near bankruptcy—moved me deeply, as did John’s heartbreak over Nancylee’s loss, which brought tears. The storytelling captures their warmth. The image of Betsy spotting a flower amid the rubble, signaling hope, lingers with me. God is Watching the Apples is a book that laughs, cries, and inspires, reminding us of God’s quiet presence. As a believer and faith-based therapist, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a moving tale of faith, community, and perseverance. I believe readers will find a light of hope for tough times.
Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers’ Favorite – 5 Stars
God Is Watching the Apples by John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli tells the true story of Tops Marketplace, a small-town grocery store in Plantsville, Connecticut, and the people behind it. The book begins with John Salerno’s memories of growing up in a tight-knit Italian-American family in the Bronx, where early experiences with generosity and hardship shaped his life. Eventually, John and his wife Nancylee take over the store with co-owner Betsy Tooker, who also shares her story of overcoming personal struggles and finding purpose through work and faith. The book walks readers through their journey—from building the store, raising families, and enduring personal losses, to surviving a devastating fire in 2019 that burned the market to the ground. What makes this story special is how much Tops became part of the community, not just a business. Through highs and lows, their faith, friendship, and a deep commitment to others kept them going. It’s a heartfelt story about resilience, purpose, and the power of doing good. The writing is honest and emotional, with a warm tone that makes the story feel personal and real. The book moves at a steady pace, blending childhood memories, local history, and community stories with strong themes of faith, grief, and service. The individuals—John, Betsy, their families, and coworkers — come to life through personal stories that feel genuine and heartfelt. The message is clear: success isn’t just about money, but about connection and care. God Is Watching the Apples is touching, inspiring, and a true tribute to small-town spirit and enduring hope.