Splinters is the incredible true-story of Barbara Howell. An abandoned woman who faced her fears, endured her pain and overcame daunting obstacles to become successful in a man’s profession. This lady didn’t set out to prove anything. Her only goal was to pay her debts and survive.

Despite personal tragedies, professional mishaps, and overwhelming odds she became a success.  The back-breaking labor of handling raw lumber didn’t stop her.  Pushing and pulling heavy machinery didn’t stop her. Being incapable of driving a 58 foot rig all over the United States loaded with hardwood display cases, didn’t stop her.  She kept on trucking.

She, along with her daughter and two granddaughters, birthed Southern Ladies Showcases by sweat, guts and tears. This successful business takes its rightful place in what was once, strictly a man’s profession.

Southern Ladies Showcases proudly has products in homes, businesses and museums across America and around the world.  Barbara’s commitment to succeed, her courage and undefeated attitude will be an inspiration as you read this story of struggle and ultimate victory.

Cabinet Maker +FDM Magazine headquartered in the North East, United States, released a review of Splinters: The Pain, The Passion, The Point in their September 2009 issue. The magazine is targeted towards cabinet makers and others in the woodworking industry.

Naturally, reviewing Splinters was a perfect fit for the publication. The entire magazine is available here. Or you can read the review written by Editor-in-Chief, William Sampson, below:

Barbara Howell's book, will be one of the featured books in an upcoming release from Harper Collins Publishing, "The NEW Big Book of Layouts" scheduled to hit stores in May of 2010.

"Splinters" was selected based on the cover design and interior layout design of the 160 pg, full color book that has pictures weaving throughout the layout—making it more reader friendly and setting the bar for designers everywhere.   

The book boasts great layouts are the beginning of all effective visual communication. This 384 page book will showcase only the best layouts in a variety of disciplines, including publication design (books and magazines) to print design (menus, brochures, posters) and more.

"The NEW Big Book of Layouts" is the second installment in the "Layouts" series. The original Big Book of Layouts came out in 2006, and then in paperback in 2009. This sequel will hit stores in May 2010, will be available everywhere books are sold in the United States and in 20 countries world wide.

Collins Design, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, specializes in design related book - everything from Manga to interior design to graphic design.