Touched by Angels is going to be a difficult novel to review because I have to admit that the writing is not anything worth jumping up and down over. The plot was just plain predictable. As there was romance involved in each of the individual stories -- and romance, by definition, must end happily, as well as tidily wrapped-up -- this was to be expected. I know about romance guidelines from many years spent hanging out with romance writers and it doesn't bother me, provided a little romance is what I'm in the mood to read.The storyline is wrapped around three silly angels: Shirley, Goodness and Mercy. Known to be troublemakers, the archangel Gabriel has assigned each to deal with simple prayer requests. But, the angels have their eyes on a tougher case that Gabriel warns them is far too complex for their limited angelic skills. The angels actually don't appear as often as I expected them to, but I enjoyed their occasional antics.
Regardless of its transparent, interwoven plotlines, Touched by Angels was the right book at the right time, for me. Will I enjoy another book by this author? I have no way of knowing. In general, I read slowly and savor words. A book that isn't worth marking up with post-its is not, in general, usually going to end up a favorite. But, it was uplifting and fun, and I even shed a few tears. I thought my time was well spent. There was only one small annoyance: about 4 different characters *and* the narrator used the expression, "first off". A little editing might have been nice, for the sake of removing that bit of repetition. Otherwise, it was a quick and very fun read, so I'm giving the book a high rating.
4/5
This will be a real whopper of a weekend, again, due to school activities and probably will not post, again, till Monday. So, I'll leave you with three great moments from my day:
1. While standing outside, enjoying the brisk air and sunny skies that have moved in, I heard the neighborhood hawk three times and saw him (or her) twice. What a glorious sight a hawk in flight is! Now, if it would just come a little closer!! I had my camera with me, but the hawk was a bit too far away. I should add that I also spotted a woodpecker, watched a squirrel drop from the neighbor's oak tree and bustle around, listened to our mockingbird making a ruckus, and played with a neighbor's cat.
2. Watching as our cat Spooky suddenly became preoccupied with batting a ballpoint pen across the floor was a hoot.
3. The UPS man brought me a big box of goodies. I'd completely forgotten that one of the online book groups I'm in is doing a Halloween exchange, since my secret pal already received the box I mailed. I was particularly thrilled, of course, to see the box included a book: The Ghosts of Cape May. And, I loved the little bookmark magnets. And, the candle and bookplates and . . . wowee, it was like Christmas!
Currently reading: No Plot? No Problem by Chris Baty (the NaNoWriMo guy)
Hoping to get back to, soon: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Bookfool trying to warm up after dressing inappropriately for a very cold football game.
Sometimes I just fine Debbie Macomber to be a little bit of cozy predictability. I enjoy her Cedar Cove series and the Knitting books (Shop on Blossom Street and A Good Yarn). I usually like to read hers to follow up and decompress after heavier or darker books.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about balance, isn't it?
Exactly, Suzi.
ReplyDeleteI like your choice of words: "cozy predictability". That's a perfect description. The Once and Future King was starting to weigh me down a bit, so I actually needed a break in the middle - that's a first, although I often read several different genres at once and that provides a bit of reading balance to keep overload at bay.
I've heard about the knitting books, but I'm not sure about Cedar Cove. Is that the newer series with addresses in the titles?
Hi Bookfool ~ I do agree that you have to be in the right mindset to enjoy her style. The right timing was not had for the two I read. :)
ReplyDeleteI love watching nature. We have a chipmunk that scurries around on our deck that I watch all the time. I understand your enjoyment.
Joy,
ReplyDeleteLike every other genre, reading romance can be a matter of taste and/or timing. I have friends who read nothing but romance and I don't think less of them because of their choice. I just can't fathom limiting myself to one genre because I crave variety. It could be Macomber is just not for you and that's fine. To each his own. The fact that you gave her more than one chance to entertain you speaks well of you, IMHO.
Yes the Cedar Cove Series is the Address titles. They go in order of the first number in the address. 16 Lighthouse Road is the first one.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Bookfool, I don't think I could limit myself to one genre either. Debbie Macomber is a new name for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzi,
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look into that series. :)
Booklogged,
A new author is always worth a try, IMHO!
A lot of romance writers are that way, but sometimes I'm just in the mood for a no-brainer feel-good book.
ReplyDeleteWow, the box of goodies sounds AMAZING! Fun mail is the best. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela,
ReplyDeleteThat's the wonderful thing about romance - it's always an upper. I don't read a lot of it, but there are excellent romance writers and so-so or awful romance writers, just like there are in every other genre. Sometimes I'm willing to overlook so-so- writing for the upper. I can do without awful, though. LOL
Andi,
It's sooo fun to get a box of goodies like that. I've decided I need to come up with one to give away on my blog. Whatcha think? Christmas or Thanksgiving? Christmas stuff is already out, so I'm leaning that direction. BTW, I was glad to see you peek into B-A-W, although I forgot to say so!!! :)