SKU: 21954550013

Hardwired 5x/1x Reversible Makeup Mirror, 3500K/5500K LEDs, Brushed Nickel - Kimball & Young

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Description

Hardwired 5x/1x Reversible Makeup Mirror, 3500K/5500K LEDs, Brushed Nickel - Kimball & YoungA Brushed Nickel finish in a makeup mirror possesses an elegant, sophisticated look. It is not "showy" yet it makes a statement of quiet luxury. Brushed Nickel works well in an upscale bathroom. This Hardwired LED lighted Vanity Mirror has two lighting options built in. One is 5,500k color temperature which means it's very close to daylight at noon on a blue sky day. The other is 3,500k, which is almost identical to ordinary indoor light bulbs. Both

A Brushed Nickel finish in a makeup mirror possesses an elegant, sophisticated look. It is not "showy" yet it makes a statement of quiet luxury. Brushed Nickel works well in an upscale bathroom.

This Hardwired LED-lighted Vanity Mirror has two lighting options built in. One is 5,500k color temperature- which means it's very close to daylight at noon on a blue-sky day. The other is 3,500k, which is almost identical to ordinary indoor light bulbs. Both color temperatures are equally as bright at 47 Lumens. The switch on this vanity mirror is a three position switch: 3,500k/Off/5,500k. There's a 6.5" viewing area in a 9" frame, extending up to 15.25" from the wall. The reversible make up mirror has 5x magnification on one side and reverses to 1x magnification (none) on the opposite side - both sides lighted. The LED illumination lasts "forever" while it runs cool, and barely uses any electricity. One of the best bathroom accessories to fit your bathroom decor in Brushed Nickel. 12
If you need a similar mirror but one-sided and thinner, look at this Kimball & Young 944 Series Makeup Mirror with Lights

7x Replacement Lens Upgrade kits are available. The kit is an original factory replacement and includes the 7x mirror and finish-matched surround - available in all six finishes. You can convert this mirror by replacing the 5x side, creating a 1x/7x mirror. You will need this series number to verify compatibility: 945-2.
Installation Instructions  
Features
  • Kimball & Young's quality 945 Series Hardwired Makeup Mirror is reversible from 5x to 1x (normal view) magnification and lighted with LEDs that use tiny bits of electricity and run cool, while they last "forever".
  • Bright 947-Lumen lighting around the perimeter of this LED makeup mirror is switchable from 5,500 degrees Kelvin ("blue-sky" white dalight) to 3,500 degrees Kelvin (regular light-bulb lighting). The 3-position switch on mounting plate switches 3,500k/Off/5,500k.
  • Dimensions: 6.5" Diameter viewing area in 9" Diameter x 2.2" frame. Base: 5.75" diameter x 1.88" Deep with switch. Retracted Size: 14" High x 12" Wide x 3.25" Deep. 6.83 lbs. Offset height from center of the mirror to center of mounting plate: 6". Maximum extension from wall: 15.25"
  • The 5x makeup mirror lens is not backed with aluminum, but is backed with pure silver, yielding a clear, crisp, bright mage. And the final touch of high quality in this wall mirror is shown by the on/off switch located on the mounting plate, eliminating the need and expense of a separate wall switch installation.
  • The steel frame and structure of the vanity mirror is triple plated - first with brass, then nickel, then the final finish plating of Brushed Nickel. UL listed. 3-Year manufacturer's warranty.
  • A 7x conversion kit is available as an accessory. (See below) The kit includes a 7x mirror and frame that allows you to easily convert the 5x side of the mirror to a 7x, so that the result is a 1x/7x reversible makeup mirror.
944 / 945 Series Comparison
Summary: Both 944 and 945 series are wall-mounted, hardwired makeup mirrors, with dual-color switchable LED lighting. The page you're on is for a 945 series mirror - corresponding to the images at right, below.

The 944 series is single-sided at 5x magnification. The viewing area is a little larger but the overall size is significantly smaller. The 945 series is reversible 5x to 1x, with a 7x conversion for the 5x side available. Although the mirror size is slightly smaller, the assembly overall is significantly larger.
Complete Specifications

945 Series Hardwired Makeup Mirrors

Magnification
5x/1x Reversible
7x Conversion Kit available

Lighting
50,000 Hour LEDs - Not Dimmable
Switch Control - 3,500k / Off / 5,500k
12 Watts
Incandescent equivalent - 120 Watts
947 Lumens
110-120 Volt (only) operation.

Extended Dimensions
Projection from Wall- 15"
Width - 11"
Height - 14.5"

Retracted Dimensions
Projection from Wall - 3.5"
Width - 12.5"
Height - 14.5"

Other
Glass Viewable Area 6.75" Diameter (within the frosted "halo").
Base Plate 5.75" Diameter
Main Round Section containing mirror glass on both sides: 2.75" Thick
Weight - 3.3 lbs.
Horizontal Mounting only - Base Plate screwed into wall.
Indoor use only.

Finishes
Polished Chrome
Polished Nickel
Brushed Nickel
Matte Black
Brushed Brass
Buyer's Guide

Mirror Buyer's Guide

Magnification: Don't make the mistake of automatically opting for the greatest magnification offered. Most people are surprised to find how strong that might be. Most cosmetic-counter mirrors have 3x or 5x magnification power, but our most popular magnification power is 5x.  Indeed if you have vision problems or you have particularly critical tasks to accomplish, then go for the higher magnification mirrors - we have some up to 15x magnification.  (To give you a basis of comparison, a jeweler's loop is 10x power.)


Factors other than the magnification itself affect the quality of the image you see.  The size of the mirror is an important factor.  When two mirrors with the same magnification are compared, the larger size mirror always wins - both for image clarity and freedom from distortion.

Tilt and Swivel: Every wall mounted mirror we carry both tilts and swivels.  Swivel is usually 360° or close to it.  Tilt is usually 15° up or down - sometimes more.   A double-arm wall-mounted mirror has more capability than a single-arm mirror because in addition to rotating at the mirror pivot, you can also rotate through 360° or almost, at the elbow.


Distortion: All magnification-mirrors distort the image.   If they didn't, they wouldn't magnify anything.  The reason for this is that the mirrors magnify by using bent glass to form a sort of lens which does the magnification.  The larger the magnification, the greater the bend in the glass and the greater the distortion.  The center portion of the mirror, at any magnification level, always has the least distortion.  In a larger mirror, the absolute size of the center section is relatively larger, and therefore the area of least distortion is larger.   This is the main reason a larger mirror is preferable.


Expensive Mirrors: All of our mirrors are high quality mirrors, usually better quality than those found in big-box stores; both for image and finish.  But some of our mirrors are dramatically more expensive than others. The reasons are manifold. The "expensive" mirrors have silver-backed glass forming the image, rather than aluminum-backed glass.   The larger mirror sizes of the more expensive mirrors are much more difficult to produce correctly but once you've seen the difference in the larger image it's hard to go back.   The plating on our Miroir Brot mirrors is thick and perfect, as is the finish itself - tiny imperfections are simply not present.  Lastly, the expensive-mirror frames themselves are solid brass or triple-plated steel and heavily built - as these mirrors are often used in hotels and need to be able to take abuse.


Fluorescent, Incandescent, or LED: The long and the short of this is that it's what you prefer that counts.  All of our fluorescent-lighted or LED mirrors are so noted.


Our mirrors use only color-corrected fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, which approximate daylight or indoor lighting - your choice in most cases. They do not have the green tinge of commercial indoor fluorescent lighting - which people find objectionable. (See full explanation below.) Even so, daylight is not always preferable. Light from incandescent lighting or "regular" light bulbs usually used indoors, is often preferred by many.


A feature of modern fluorescent lamps is that greatly reduced wattage produces light output perhaps four times the wattage consumed - and the lamps stay cool.   LED lamps consume even less electricity, stay cooler and last 50,000 hours on average.  That's 6 years of continuous usage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Lighting color is measured in degrees Kelvin. Running through the spectrum, the higher the Kelvin temperature, the closer to pure white light.  The light on bright sunny day with blue sky measures 5,600° Kelvin.   A very bright day with a cloud-covered sky weighs in at 6,000° Kelvin.  An incandescent (regular) bulb gives off light at approximately 3,200° Kelvin.  This is quite yellow, as evidenced by photographs taken by lamp-light.  But our eyes are used to the color and in most circumstances it looks normal if not pleasing.  By contrast, most fluorescent lighting is a color called "cool white" used because it is the cheapest color to produce. Cool-white is 4,600° Kelvin and definitely green. Any photo taken under cool-whites looks green to the viewer.  A color-corrected fluorescent used in our mirrors usually run between 5,000° and 5,400° Kelvin, and approximates blue-sky daylight.  The closer to daylight color the more expensive the bulb.  


So where does this leave us?   With the exception of cool-white fluorescent, most people find color-corrected fluorescent lamps and most LEDs agreeable, as they do regular incandescent lamps - it's purely a matter of preference.


Switch on Base: Putting a switch on the electrical cord is the cheapest way to include a switch. 99% of our makeup mirrors do not have a switch on the cord - but have a switch on the base or mounting plate of the mirror.


Hardwired Mirrors: Hardwired mirrors are intended to be installed by a licensed electrician and connected to the house wiring.   All of our hardwired mirrors are marked "HARDWIRED" on the website.   Also, all of our hardwired mirrors have a switch on the mirror itself, so your electrician need not install a separate switch.


Electrician's instructions

  • All of our hardwired mirrors have the switch on the base or on the mounting plate. No other switch is required. Also note that each of our hardwired mirrors tilts vertically and swings horizontally.
  • Install a 4" octagon box on a CGFI line, flush with the mounting surface at a height determined by the user. Remember, the center of the mirror is usually higher than the mounting plate center by somewhat more than half the diameter of the mirror frame.  The box should be capable of supporting 10 lbs. (The mirror doesn't weigh 10 lbs., but remember it may be on an arm as long as 20".)
  • NOTE: Hardwired mirrors, once connected electrically, are non-refundable.

Gifts: Makeup mirrors make excellent gifts.  18k Gold or Brass are the best finishes for use in rooms other than bathrooms, while most bathrooms have chrome fixtures, and chrome-framed mirrors should be at the top of the list.  Consider the situation at your recipient's home... their style and preferences, and whether or not they'd want a lighted or unlighted mirror; and if lighted and wall-mounted, whether it should be hard-wired or plug-in.


Bulk Commercial Orders, and Hotels: Let us know what you need, by contacting customer service.


Returns: In accordance with our Refund Policy most mirrors can be returned for a full merchandise refund provided they are returned according to our regular refund procedures.  Custom-made mirrors are non-refundable except for manufacturing defects - extremely rare.  Also non-refundable are hardwired mirrors that have been electrically connected.  A restocking fee of $10 is required for all mirrors with greater than 7x magnification.


Major Brands Only
At PMM we carry only better to best mirror brands.  These even the least expensive of our mirrors will exceed in quality, most of those found at "big-box stores."

99% of our makeup-mirrors are glass (i.e., not plastic) and those that are not are clearly specified.  Similarly 99% of our lighted mirrors have switches on the base or mounting plate - not on the cord.   Vanity-table mirrors all have padded, weighted bases.


  • Aptations makeup mirrors including Kimball & Young, First Impressions, Clear Mirror, and Mirror Image makeup mirrors are an upper mid-priced line of high-quality Makeup Mirrors and come with a 3-year Manufacturer's Warranty.  Finishes include Chrome, Gold, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, and Italian Bronze.  Magnifications run from 3x to 10x with many lighted, reversible, and hardwired mirrors as well as a many cool-running LED-lighted mirrors.
  • Jerdon Style makeup mirrors are a mid-priced line that compares favorably with most in this price range.  Exceptional values may be found in their quality mirrors.
  • Miroir Brot mirrors are made in Paris France and hold the world standard for supreme quality.  A Miroir Brot mirror is truly a luxury for those able to afford one.  Each Miroir Brot makeup mirror is shipped directly to your door from Paris.
  • Sharper Image mirrors have numerous clever and useful innovations in their line of high-tech makeup mirrors.
Magnification Guide

Makeup Mirror Magnification Comparison


These images are an approximation and may not be 100% accurate but they are useful as a basis for comparison. &nbspThe image you will actually see in the mirror is dependent upon several factors in addition to magnification power; including the size of the mirror, the viewing distance from mirror, and the quality of the lens.


Magnification Approximate
View
Viewing
Distance
Focal Length
3x Face, Hair, and Neck 10" - 13" 16"
5x Face and Some Hair or Some Neck 8" - 9" 11"-12"
7x Part of Face 5" - 6" 6" - 7"
10x Eyes and Nose 3" - 4" 3.5"
15x Eyes 2" 2"

There is no industry standard for specifying magnification power for makeup mirrors.  This opens the door to a high degree of subjectivity on the part of manufacturers when they describe the magnification power of their mirrors.  To ensure you're getting what you expect it is best to rely to the integrity of high quality makeup mirror manufacturers.


Don't make the mistake of opting for the highest magnification offered.  Most people are surprised to find how strong that might be.  Many find the 15x and greater mirrors much too strong and the viewing distance of approximately 2 inches, much too close for comfortable viewing.


For comparison purposes, most cosmetic-counter makeup mirrors have magnification powers between 3x and 7x.  Our most popular magnification power is 5x.  Indeed if you have vision problems or you have particularly critical tasks to accomplish, then you may want to opt for an extreme magnification makeup mirror. As an additional reference point: A jeweler's loop, used to inspect diamonds, is 10x power.


Factors other than the magnification affect the quality of the image you see.  The size of the makeup mirror is an important factor.  When two makeup mirrors are compared that both have the same magnification, glass quality, and silver-back quality, the larger size makeup mirror always wins - both for image clarity and freedom from distortion.  There is a simple reason for this.  Magnification is achieved by shaping the glass to a convex lens.  It is impossible to have zero distortion, but the center of the glass/mirror/lens is the point of least distortion.  The larger the mirror, the larger the center, and the less apparent distortion.


The quality of the glass and whether or not it's backed with pure silver or aluminum are two other important factors to consider.  And finally the quality of the material used for the frame and other metal parts is important if the mirror is to be used in a humid location such near a shower or bath.


3,500k vs. 5,500k

Color Temperature Comparison



Color Temperature is not Brightness Color temperature describes the color of the light.

The color temperature of any light bulb, including LEDs is measured in degrees Kelvin ("k").  The higher the color temperature, the closer the light is to pure white light at 10,000° K.  A blue sky sunny day at noon has a color temperature of about 5,500° K.  On a very bright cloud-covered day, the sky registers a color temperature closer to white, of about 6,500° K., while a "regular" incandescent light bulb has a color temperature of about 2,700° K.

The color temperature of the lighting in your mirror may affect the way you apply your makeup and then how it's viewed by others, in a real-life situation.  It's best, therefore, to choose a lighted makeup mirror with a color temperature to approximate your most frequent environment.

Many of our LED mirrors have their color temperature specified. And some makeup mirrors have adjustable or switchable color temperatures.  For those where color temperature is not specified a reasonable guide is this: For incandescent bulbs, a color temperature of around 3,000° K. is normal. LEDs with no color temperature specification often have color temperatures around 4,000° K. The chart at right can serve as a guide.


If you're planning for an outdoor day, the higher the color temperature the better. For evenings on the town, 2,700&deb; K. to 3,500° K. is best. For office environment lighting conditions, color temperatures around 4,500° K. provide the closest match.
Hotels

Partial List of Hotels with Aptations Brands Makeup Mirrors

  • Holland America Cruise Lines
  • Omni Hotels
  • Trump International Hotels
  • Fountainbleau Resort
  • The Wynn Hotel
  • Harrah's
  • Hotel Oceana
  • Marriott Hotels
  • W Hotels
  • Hyatt Regency
  • The Fairmount Hotels
  • Hard Rock Hotel - Las Vegas
  • Crown Plaza Hotel
  • Hilton Palmer House
  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
  • Terranea Resort
  • LaCosta Resort
  • The London Hotels
  • Kapalua Bay Ritz Carlton
  • Hotel del Coronado
  • Marriott's Grand Chateau

Hardwire Installation

Electrician's Hardwired Makeup Mirror Mounting Instructions

•  Hardwired mirrors should be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local codes.

•  We strongly recommended that installation only be done when the mirror itself is present, and the actual user is available, in order to set the most convenient mounting height.

•  Install a 4" octagon box on a GFCI line or on a line where a GFCI outlet is installed, or both.  The box should be flush with the mounting surface at a height determined by the user.  The box should be capable of supporting 15 lbs.  The mirror doesn't weigh 15 lbs., but remember it may be on an arm as long as 20".  Note that the center of the mirror is usually 1/2" to 6" higher than the mounting-plate center.   All of our hardwired makeup mirrors have the switch contained within the mirror mounting plate, mirror base, or mirror housing.  No other switch is required.  Also note that each of our single and double arm wall mirrors tilt vertically and swing horizontally.

•  Hardwired mirrors, once wired, are no longer eligible for refund.

Final Plating Finishes


Shipping Information
Most Aptations Brands products ship within 48 hours (2 business days). The majority of Aptations brands makeup mirrors ship via UPS or FedEx from Kansas City, Missouri or from Seattle, WA. Time in transit generally takes between 2-4 business days, but depends on the destination. Your total delivery time to receive your order is the lead time (approximately 2 business days + transit time).

Product lead time is subject to item availability. With 99% certainty, if an item is back-ordered, the item will be greyed-out or missing from the selection list. If an and item "sneaks through" and allows an order, even though the idem is on back-order, we sincerely apologize, and we will do our best to notify you promptly.

To request tracking information for an order already placed, please contact customer service.


Aptations Brands
What Sets Aptations Mirrors Apart?
Mirrors in the Aptations collections are usually reserved for elegant showrooms and display cases. The high quality and unbeatable clarity make these mirrors the best value for your money. Whether you need a mirror for applying make-up, shaving, or want to impress guests at your home, Aptations Mirrors stun with their brilliance and design. Superior quality and selection reasonable prices. Numerous exclusive innovations give you exceptional value in Mirror technology. And check our prices, always less than what you'd pay at a department store.

All mirrors in the Aptations collections mirrors go through a 4-step process to prevent pitting and tarnishing. - Step 1. The metal frame is cleaned in a neutralizing water bath. - Step 2. The metal is treated to a brass plating, then a pre-plating nickel bath. - Step 3. An acid-bath plating method is used to apply the chrome, gold, nickel, or other finish plating. - Step 4. Completion occurs with an application of an anti-tarnishing lacquer coating. All joints are either welded or reinforced and carefully machined to give you a mirror that won't turn into a "spinner" after a few months or even years of use. All glass lenses.

Bulbs are replaceable in incandescent and fluorescent models. Most lighted models, however, use LEDs that need no replacement. 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty - best in the industry. Magnifications of 1x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 7x, and 10x. Please bear in mind that most mirrors are 3x or 5x magnification. 7x is larger than most people are accustomed to and more than adequate for most purposes. The 7x and 10x magnification mirrors produce dramatically large magnifications. Many models reverse to regular view. Non-reversible mirrors have plated metal backs, not cheap plastic. Table-top and Vanity Stand Mirrors have weighted and padded bases. Wall Mirrors have concealed mounting hardware. Most wall makeup mirrors are available in hardwired models. Lighted Mirrors are all UL listed. Incandescent illumination models use 25-Watt bulbs. Fluorescent models use low-heat 20 and 22 Watt bulb for the equivalent of 75 to 90 watt illumination. LED illuminated mirrors usually come in two color temperatures - 3,500° K. for indoor lighting and 5,500° K. that closely approximates daylight. They are very bright, and consume tiny amounts of electricity. Shipping usually within 48 hours.


Warranty & Returns

 

Manufacturer's Warranty
Aptations Mirrors in all collections are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. All metal finishes and reflective materials are fully warranted for three years.

The life of the finish will be best cared for, especially in areas of high heat and moisture, by keeping all surfaces clean and dry. Cleaning should be done with a non-abrasive cleaner and soft polishing cloth.

The warranty does not cover damages resulting from an accident after purchase, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, or loss of parts. For lighted mirrors, this warranty does not cover the original light bulb beyond the normal lifetime of the bulb, or replacement bulbs. Replaceable bulbs (not LEDs) are easily replaceable and may be purchased at most local hardware stores or through Aptations directly.

Should your experience a product defect covered under the expressed warranty period, please contact our customer service department for prompt replacement of the defective item.

Returns & Exchanges

We understand that ordering online is different than purchasing a product in a store. Online, you are unable to touch, feel, and see the item "live and in person." Should you wish to return or exchange an item, simply contact us within 30 days of receipt. We will provide return instructions to ensure a prompt and accurate refund is issued.

Items must be returned in new, unused, and resalable condition with all original packaging intact. Returned items will be inspected prior to issuing credit. Return shipping costs will be deducted from refund for returns unless the mirror was received defective or damaged. Return shipping costs may be waived if exchanging for another item of same or greater value. Custom made products cannot be returned due to their uniqueness.

Free shipping applies only to merchandise shipped within the 48 contiguous United States.

If your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 5 business days of receipt of your order to ensure refund or exchange. We do not guarantee refund or exchange after 5 business days for items that may have been damaged in shipping due to requirements set forth by our shipping carriers.

Prop 65 Warning
Prop 65 Warning
Chromium hexavalent compounds.
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 21954550013

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4.3 ★★★★★
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Lisa W.
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Beautiful and Thought Provoking
Format: Kindle
This book: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I absolutely loved this book! I tried reading it about 2 months ago and couldn’t get into it after reading a few pages. Then my neighborhood book club picked it so I decided to try listening to it on audible. I was hooked immediately as the narrator had such a warm, calming voice that perfectly captured the heartwarming and sincere nature of the story. I was so invested in this book that I listened to it every moment I could whether it was while I was doing chores around the house or driving. Then when I couldn’t listen to it so as to not disturb others I had my face in my kindle just wanting more and more. THIS BOOK should be read by everyone as we all need a bit of Theo in our lives. Theo is a wound with a voice, a messenger from heaven, the epitome of kindness, and the friend that you didn’t know you needed. 😢❤️
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
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Arty
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
The end is only the beginning
Format: Kindle
Theo appears in a small fictional Georgia town named Golden. He’s a distinguished old man with a mysterious past. He’s a quiet observer; then he makes friends in a coffee house and there pursues a plan to personally gift every portrait drawing on the wall to the townsfolk simply pictured there. As an artist, I appreciated the detailed descriptions of each face, and then the invited dialogue with each person behind those drawings. The characters Theo gets to know are varied and storied. Of even more value to me was Theo’s visit to the studio of the originator of all the portraits. Layers start getting unpeeled in this tale. I started to highlight phrases when the motivation for doing the work got uncovered between them. There were times when I felt the main character was “too good” to be believable. I personally appreciated the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) references to Theo being a Christ figure. But remember that Jesus was the one who said “woe to you when all men speak well of you”. The Theo who is pictured in this book, and the reactions of most around him is maybe a little too syrupy? A friend who is in my book club felt herself being “manipulated” when reading this book. I ponder that. There was a plethora of reactions to Jesus too, but I don’t think any honest quester ever felt manipulated. He let them walk freely away. For me the significance of each face was the key theme, and each face held sorrow. There are some beautiful lines in the book around this. The ambitions: true and false in the “art world” also the business world resonated also. The Pastor’s words during a funeral at the end were valuable. And the little girl’s imagination (prompted by Theo) of all the musical notes flying on their wings into the chandeliers so that they can sing again later was a wonderful metaphor. There are some excellent passages in this book if you remain in it. As one grandmother said in this tale: “Baby, they’s justice and they’s mercy. If you not sure what to do and you gotta choose one or the other, I say always go the mercy way. If you make a mistake, make it for mercy. Bad mercy don’t hurt nearly like bad justice and always remember, the eye of God can see.”
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
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Megan
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
⭐️ A Beautifully Written Story That Stays With You ⭐️
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is one of those rare books that quietly settles into your heart and lingers long after the final page. The writing is intelligent, thoughtful, and beautifully crafted, with storytelling that feels both timeless and deeply human. The characters are wonderfully developed and feel incredibly real, but Theo himself is unforgettable. I found myself learning so much from him along the way about life, people, kindness, and perspective. Allen Levi has a gift for creating a world that feels warm, meaningful, and genuine. This was a truly lovely read, full of wisdom, heart, and beautiful prose. An easy five stars for me. 📚✨
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
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EarlyLight
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Savor Theo -A Heart & Soul Dish
*No spoilers in this review I found this book to be an unexpected banquet for my soul. I don’t read fiction very often, but as I read Theo of Golden, I realized I am hungry for what this story offers. Based on its swift and growing popularity, I believe the world is hungry for the gift of Theo of Golden. When speaking on his book, Mr. Levi shared a quote from David Brooks, “ To write a book about kindness does not make you kind. To read a book about kindness does not make you kind… but to buy a book about kindness, that makes you kind.” 😄 This humor & humility — a “don’t take yourself too seriously” a welcoming accessibility is in the author and this book. I love this spirit in the story —so much so, if I could hug this book any tighter— it would be behind me. (borrowing generously from Groucho Marx ) I started to do research on Allen Levi - who wrote this gift. He chose well, hundreds of little choices, keeping him close to beauty, kindness, meaningful relationships and community. His choices of early morning devotionals and prayer and regular visits to schools and coffee houses, to write songs instead of watch tv, all feeding the character of the author. I believe you cannot share beyond where you have traveled. He has traveled to deep places. A definite Ode to Joy prior to offering Theo was to write about the last 365 days of his brother’s life they shared after a cancer diagnosis entered. His brother’s early exit from here and entrance into heaven, I believe, prepared the way for one of the greatest fiction writings of our day. Allen Levi’s habits to avoid technology and be fully present with the people in his life bleeds beautifully onto the characters of Golden. The environment is one which doesn’t talk about technology or politics. Just people connections. He firsts introduces us, then beautifully befriends us to a better way and a place, accessible to us if we would choose to allow mindful relationships to develop. All this making the community of Golden a place to cherish. Ultimately I believe the gift is to see Golden could be grown in a hometown, a neighborhood, with all people… It’s a heart posture- a posture that Theo bestows on the town. In my ideal world, the author would meet another great songwriter, poet, storyteller: Ray Hughes. Ray is another gift to humanity, in creativity, intelligence, and accessing heaven on earth through words. I believe there would be a powerful explosion of hope, humor and generosity in their meeting, subsequent friendship & collaboration. I’m dreaming here, and lifting a prayer to the heavens- it would be awesome!! With a grateful heart, I highly recommend Theo of Golden. Humbly submitted, Dawn Holley Author, 22 Keys To Joy for the easily distracted
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2026
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mavo
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
A story of art, music and writing
Format: Kindle
Like the face of heaven. That’s how I see Theo, and I hope this will be a movie. “Theo of Golden” is the debut novel by Allen Levi. He was writing as a personal challenge and just doing some scenes. He began writing in 2019-2020. He had been a songwriter and lawyer. He has no connection to Portugal, which is mentioned in the book quite a bit and led me to try Port wine. This book will lead me to do a lot of things. Theo is a supremely interesting man! More on that other familiar interesting man in a later post. The book will make you want to look at the faces of people. Use a gaze that calms and loves. Be kind and generous. Greet people. Be less fearful and exchange stories. Be attentive. Love people up close. Invest in the art of living. Be beautiful, useful and pleasurable. All which I should be doing, but will now do for Lent. Theo listened with genuine interest, adoringly, encouraging and with gratitude. Newborns look for their mother’s face, a particular gaze that calms, loves and welcomes them. Someone they recognize, run to greet and someone to bond with. Levi signs the books “With thanks for the Theo in you.” He greets kids at a high school three days a week. He reads to second graders. He doesn’t mind being around people not like him. The coffee shop setting is a real place in Columbus, Ga. It’s called Fountain City Coffee. In picking bestowals of the sketches there, Theo looked for someone lost, weary, worried or troubled that the gift would encourage or help. I got to hear him in a Zoom. A group of women from Vermont who lost their daughters came to Georgia on a pilgrimage. He was a steward of clean rivers and water and said the river still flows after death. He went through a “walking season” in losing his daughter. In a book about knowing a person, it is mentioned that a bench is a good way to do this. 7 p.m. was Theo’s meeting time with the strangers for bestowals and ended up being the time of the funeral. He also mentioned “Think Little” by Wendell Berry. Do so and if everyone does, it spreads. Levi was born in 1956. His dad is 98. His mother passed and he lost his brother, whom he called a clone of Theo, at 55. His dad was a forester, explaining his interest in nature. Springtime is an end with a future, said Theo. One character named Tony runs the Verbivore book store and has the Penny Loafers out there because they haven’t spent a penny and they majored in loafing. Theo and Tony end up having Port together and he told Theo is Viet Nam stories. The Penny Loafers were better than a room full of Senators. They lie. Tony ends up being more of a believer of Jesus at the end because he wasn’t before Theo. James Ponder has no degrees hanging in his office. Note the “ponder” mentions throughout. He is a dispenser of advice, secret keeper and agent of calm. Secretary Mrs. Gidley was suspicious of Theo at first but comes around. Ponder was Theo’s landlord and mentioned the 18-inch railing and three flights of stairs before the 86 year old decided to live there. Kendrick reminds me of the custodian who won “America’s Got Talent,” who has an ill daughter Lamisha, who wants to be a physical therapist or artist in the end. Her education will be paid for by Theo as were some of her medical bills. Maria Menendez is the daughter of the “little man” who killed Theo’s wife and daughter in an accident. Maria had cancer. I don’t want to give away too much, but Theo decided to love Asher, the sketch artist, with two hearts. And there is much more to that. Simone wears a wardrobe that honors music on stage and guests who come to listen did the same. Cello intricacies became fascinating to me and I looked up some of the music mentioned. His bow was a gift from Theo. He played Fado for Theo at his concert. It ended up being a requiem with three characters, Kendrick and Basil, the busker. Simone’s parents were there and I wasn’t clear if Theo sprang for their trip. At the end, Basil studies to get a doctorate in American literature. Katherine is the reporter who respects Theo’s wishes while many people she interviews are praise seekers and applause junkies. He was a friend, not a headline. Ellen rides a bike and I’ll just call her different. He gave her a foldable handsaw, cordless sander, drill and wood burner to make feather boxes. I have made one because of this book. She had $1,600 to her name from selling them, but gave the money to the cello fund after she and Simone were assaulted and the perpetrator was never caught. Cleave is the poisonous guy—like a snake, hemlock, black widow or “words with no wisdom guy.” All but Cleve show community in sitting on the same row or pew. They all have sparks of hope. I loved this line: We walk all roads, long and winding. Road to ruin. Easy Street. Road less traveled. I’m so mad that my notes from Chapter 10-28 somehow disappeared. I may reread. This post would be longer. I probably have a dozen favorite books and just added this one.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2026

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