If you have never read one of Angela's 112 books, you are in for a treat. Angela is truly a master at spinning a story that will capture your heart and your mind from the moment you begin reading. She manages to make me smile on one page and shed a tear on another. But beyond that, she makes me THINK. I wrestle with some of the issues she presents in her books at least as much as any non-fiction book I've ever read.
I don't know of many authors who can set a series in a family funeral home without it being morbidly macabre. Angela manages to make it realistic without being repulsive, delightful without being disrespectful, and credible rather than cliched. Infused throughout are messages of faith, trust, unconditional love, and forgiveness that strip away the facade of our "Sunday Smiles" and delve right into the heart of the matter.
Here's the summary of the book from the back cover:
Jennifer Graham--mother, student, and embalmer's apprentice--could use a friend. She finds one in McLane Larson, a newcomer to Mt. Dora, and is delighted to learn that the young woman is expecting a baby. While McLane's soldier-husband serves overseas, Jen promises to support McLane and then learns that her tie to this woman goes far deeper than friendship. When a difference of opinion threatens their relationship, Jennifer discovers weaknesses in her own character . . . and a faith far stronger than she had imagined.
While I absolutely loved and recommend reading the first book, you don't have to read it to enjoy She Always Wore Red. A third book, She's In A Better Place, will complete this trilogy; Angela is in the process of revising it now.
You can read more about Angela here and on her blog. This week on her blog she's been telling us about the process of writing this book. Getting the inside story has been the icing on the cake!
Happy reading!
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9 comments:
Well . . . your review makes me about as happy as a mastiff with two tails . . . and that's a whole lotta happy! ;-) Thanks so much for the very generous review, Linda! And it's always a pleasure to swap comments with you!
Angie
Linda,
Thanks for the review. I am always looking for good fiction reviews. Do you think her books are appropriate for my 16year old daughter too?
Blessings, Joanne
Thank you for posting about this series, Linda. Doesn't She Look Natural? was the first book I've read by Angela, but it certainly won't be the last! I loved everything about this book - the small-town setting, premise, humor, characters. And yes, it is very appropriate for a 16-year-old in my opinion. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Whoo hoo! More books to purchase!!!
There is nothing "inappropriate" in her books for a 16-year-old. They just have some very challenging things to think about. It depends on how sheltered the teen is. They are definitely written from a Christian perspective, but they do address tough issues of our world. It could be a great springboard for discussion, however.
Some people like idealistic Christian scenarios in their books. Angela has real-life scenarios that she addresses from a Christian worldview. The believers often go through a struggle in the book as their faith is challenged. Just as we all do in real life. And sometimes, in the books as in life, the non-believers end up "getting it" before the "Christians". Just like in the Bible with the "sinners" and the Pharisees.
I have never read one of her books. Thanks for the great review.
I have been busy lately, and I have missed you!
Don't you just LOVE a good, solid Christian fiction book?! Thank you for sharing. I'm putting it on my list to read. I've just discovered Terri Blackstock. I'm currently reading her series, Cape Refuge. I'm on the third book in (no lie) 4th week. Again, thank you for sharing your author. :)
Sounds great...thanks for sharing this!☺
I've read and enjoyed many of Angela's novels--thanks for the review!
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