Title: Delivered by Angels
Series: Entertaining Angels
Author: Emerald Barnes
Release Date: 14th June 2016
BLURB from Goodreads
Determined to escape her abusive father and drunken mother, Lexi Johnson turns to the blade to numb her pain, but it isn’t enough to end her misery. She’s convinced that not even God could save her now.
Roxy Taylor is the new girl in town, and Lexi doesn’t trust her, especially when she teams up with DJ Tucker to try and break down the barriers that Lexi has put in place.
Little does Lexi know, there are greater forces battling for her life, and as Lexi begins to open up to both Roxy and DJ, she’ll see that she isn’t alone in this world.
In the heart-pounding sequel to Entertaining Angels, everyone’s favorite angel, Zach Taylor, is back, and he’s there to make sure that Madison and Chase Sanders are on the path that God has chosen for them, a path that could deliver Lexi from the demons who want her soul.
Roxy Taylor is the new girl in town, and Lexi doesn’t trust her, especially when she teams up with DJ Tucker to try and break down the barriers that Lexi has put in place.
Little does Lexi know, there are greater forces battling for her life, and as Lexi begins to open up to both Roxy and DJ, she’ll see that she isn’t alone in this world.
In the heart-pounding sequel to Entertaining Angels, everyone’s favorite angel, Zach Taylor, is back, and he’s there to make sure that Madison and Chase Sanders are on the path that God has chosen for them, a path that could deliver Lexi from the demons who want her soul.
PURCHASE LINKS
REVIEW
I honestly didn't realise I hadn't read this book! So once I found out this book was available I knew I had to read it. I was particularly looking forward to catching up with some of my favourite characters, such as Madison and Chase a young married couple, then I noticed the blurb says that Zach Taylor is back too in this book so that kind of made it a must read! I am fully aware that there will be references to Christianity and God within the book, and I know I say I don't read religious books but for this series I make an exception as it is well within the plot and doesn't make demands about the characters or authors thoughts on religion and how it should be fitted into your life.
The cover shows a girls face looking upwards towards an angel which fits well in the book as the angel on the cover is the guardian angel of the girl on the cover who I would say is Lexi. I love the halo above the word Angel on the cover. This cover would draw my attention and cerrtainly have me picking it up from a bookstore shelf to learn more about it.
So the new character we are introduced to is called Lexi, she is a teenager who is going through a lot for her age as well as the usual teen angst issues. Lexi is a verbal punch bag for her alcoholic mother and a literal one for her angry abusive father. Her father takes his frustrations over Lexi's mother always being drunk out on Lexi. Lexi mum just seems pleased that her husband is beating someone else other than her so does nothing to help her daughter. Lexi quite naturally feels upset and frustrated by her situation, which is why she regularly sneaks out of her home to a neighbours tree house with a towel and a blade to cut herself. The cutting sessions are increasing in frequency and in the amount of cutting she does. It's almost like a ceremony Lexi has to complete to release her emotions. Who can help Lexi break the vicious circle of self harm? Who can help sort out Lexi's home life?
The angel God sends to specifically help Lexi is a new angel to the series called Roxy. It is Roxy's first time "being a human again" to help someone. Previously she has supported people invisibly in her natural angel form. Zach has accompanied Roxy on this assignment both to help the fledgling human/angel as well as introducing her to the people she would be staying with, Chase and Madison. Zach is also looking forward to catching up with Madison and Chase and it turns out though they perhaps wouldn't admit it, they too may be in need of a little help from God and his angels.
Madison is now a counselor to a group of children who attend both group and individual sessions with her in the room of the parish church. She is doing what she loves helping teenager, though at the moment her position is an unpaid one. Chase is now the manager at a coffee shop and its his steady wage that they rely on. Their life is a fine balance and when suddenly two things maybe changing their world looks set to fall down around them. It is their faith that keeps them continuing as they have been trusting that any setbacks or differences to their lives are what are meant to be.
Delivered by Angel's combines quite a few genres such as the social issues or verbal and physical abuse, drinking, cheating, anger, anorexia along with more day to day issues and other situations that may arise during a marriage such as losing a job, marriage finances etc.
This book also deals with the death of one of the teens that attended Madison's groups, so it not only impacts the other teens and youngsters attending the group sessions but it also upsets Madison very much.
My favourite character from the new ones introduced in this book was Brandi, a young pre-teen anorexic that attends counseling sessions both the individual and group ones with Madison. Brandi is such a sweet, yet forthright character.
So I really don't want to say anymore than I have as you need to read the little clues and build up to the ending of the story. The book is written in chapters from varying points of view of the characters. There is a psalm at the very beginning of each chapter that somehow fits what happens in that chapter.
I honestly didn't realise I hadn't read this book! So once I found out this book was available I knew I had to read it. I was particularly looking forward to catching up with some of my favourite characters, such as Madison and Chase a young married couple, then I noticed the blurb says that Zach Taylor is back too in this book so that kind of made it a must read! I am fully aware that there will be references to Christianity and God within the book, and I know I say I don't read religious books but for this series I make an exception as it is well within the plot and doesn't make demands about the characters or authors thoughts on religion and how it should be fitted into your life.
The cover shows a girls face looking upwards towards an angel which fits well in the book as the angel on the cover is the guardian angel of the girl on the cover who I would say is Lexi. I love the halo above the word Angel on the cover. This cover would draw my attention and cerrtainly have me picking it up from a bookstore shelf to learn more about it.
So the new character we are introduced to is called Lexi, she is a teenager who is going through a lot for her age as well as the usual teen angst issues. Lexi is a verbal punch bag for her alcoholic mother and a literal one for her angry abusive father. Her father takes his frustrations over Lexi's mother always being drunk out on Lexi. Lexi mum just seems pleased that her husband is beating someone else other than her so does nothing to help her daughter. Lexi quite naturally feels upset and frustrated by her situation, which is why she regularly sneaks out of her home to a neighbours tree house with a towel and a blade to cut herself. The cutting sessions are increasing in frequency and in the amount of cutting she does. It's almost like a ceremony Lexi has to complete to release her emotions. Who can help Lexi break the vicious circle of self harm? Who can help sort out Lexi's home life?
The angel God sends to specifically help Lexi is a new angel to the series called Roxy. It is Roxy's first time "being a human again" to help someone. Previously she has supported people invisibly in her natural angel form. Zach has accompanied Roxy on this assignment both to help the fledgling human/angel as well as introducing her to the people she would be staying with, Chase and Madison. Zach is also looking forward to catching up with Madison and Chase and it turns out though they perhaps wouldn't admit it, they too may be in need of a little help from God and his angels.
Madison is now a counselor to a group of children who attend both group and individual sessions with her in the room of the parish church. She is doing what she loves helping teenager, though at the moment her position is an unpaid one. Chase is now the manager at a coffee shop and its his steady wage that they rely on. Their life is a fine balance and when suddenly two things maybe changing their world looks set to fall down around them. It is their faith that keeps them continuing as they have been trusting that any setbacks or differences to their lives are what are meant to be.
Delivered by Angel's combines quite a few genres such as the social issues or verbal and physical abuse, drinking, cheating, anger, anorexia along with more day to day issues and other situations that may arise during a marriage such as losing a job, marriage finances etc.
This book also deals with the death of one of the teens that attended Madison's groups, so it not only impacts the other teens and youngsters attending the group sessions but it also upsets Madison very much.
My favourite character from the new ones introduced in this book was Brandi, a young pre-teen anorexic that attends counseling sessions both the individual and group ones with Madison. Brandi is such a sweet, yet forthright character.
So I really don't want to say anymore than I have as you need to read the little clues and build up to the ending of the story. The book is written in chapters from varying points of view of the characters. There is a psalm at the very beginning of each chapter that somehow fits what happens in that chapter.
REVIEW - ENTERTAINING ANGELS
Title: Entertaining Angels
Author: Emerald Barnes
Release Date: 24th July 2014
BLURB from Goodreads
Madison Andrews can’t face her reflection in the mirror. All she sees is a big, fat nobody. Yet, deep inside she longs for something more, something that’s not skin deep.
Along comes Zach, the new guy in school. He’s smoking hot and totally out of her league. She somehow catches his eye, and he makes her feel beautiful for once. But just as she gets close to Zach, her nerdy best friend, Chase, won’t let Madison doubt her true beauty, no matter how many meals she skips.
Even as Madison begins to realize that she is more than what she thinks, darker forces are at work, darker than the lies and mocking from her peers, stopping her from amounting to her full potential. Can Madison find true happiness in her own skin?
Along comes Zach, the new guy in school. He’s smoking hot and totally out of her league. She somehow catches his eye, and he makes her feel beautiful for once. But just as she gets close to Zach, her nerdy best friend, Chase, won’t let Madison doubt her true beauty, no matter how many meals she skips.
Even as Madison begins to realize that she is more than what she thinks, darker forces are at work, darker than the lies and mocking from her peers, stopping her from amounting to her full potential. Can Madison find true happiness in her own skin?
PURCHASE LINKS
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed other books written by Emerald Barnes, so I was looking forward to this one, hoping it would be something like "Read Me Dead". I also enjoy emerald's writing style, so I guess this should be an easy, enjoyable read.
MY REVIEW
I downloaded this one from Amazon UK . The cover features a female, probably Madison from the book, looking quite happy, sitting in grass. There is also a male pictured, so that could be Chase or Zach.There is the usage of "white light" on the cover which I initially thought was to go with the "Angels" part of the book title. I like the way the halo is used over the "g" of the word angel, it brings a little cute touch to the cover which suggests "fun". Would the cover make me pick up the book in a bookstore? I think I'd pick it up and take a look at the blurb so yes.
First of all it does say in my review policy that I do not read heavily religious content/books, having said that I tend to break every one of my reading and reviewing rules for Emerald's books. I chose to buy this book and read it as I have read and loved two other books written by Emerald. I totally admit I don't go to church on a regular basis though if someone asked my religion I would say Church Of England probably without thinking about it. I tend to believe "God" is everywhere and you can pray/speak to him when and where you wish. I do also believe in the "afterlife" too. Now having said all that I did enjoy the plot of this book, hence the 4/5 stars on Goodreads. The main characters are Madisons or "Mads" to her friends who is on the larger side, who is unhappy with her body and image. (Come on ladies we've all thought this at some point in our lives), she puts herself down, regularly skips meal, to the point of not eating or drinking at all and ending up collapsing. You may presume that Mads doesn't have supportive friend & family, which is definitely not the case. Her parents but her new pretty clothes and so on but she is constantly picked on by her younger brother Connor who regularly call's her names such as "fatty", or drawing attention to her weight or what she is wearing and even making nasty comment when she is eating too. Mads parents do tell Connor off and on one occasion in the book take his phone from him. I do feel they should have told him off and perhaps punished him more especially when they realised how affected Mads was by it. Mads is also being bullied and picked on at school by what I can only describe as the "popular, built like a twig (you know what I mean ladies). This girl threatens Mads several times in the book that she will make Mads life hell and she really means it and does it too. Mads best friend Chase tries his best to support her, as does newcomer to the area Zach. Zach is both figuratively on a mission to support Mads when he see's her being picked on by the popular girl and her followers at school. As you read further into the book you realise that Zach truly has been sent on a mission.
This book is about growing up, the "coming of age and more independence" of Mads and there are positive messages throughout. Madison's parents also quite forcefully encourage her to get a job and start earning her own money. This book is set in America so some things easily translate over to us in the UK, whereas others may not be the same as they would be in the UK.
I can imagine this being read in junior school, Sunday schools and the like. It really does make you think. It certainly made me think of bullying I underwent both in childhood for being "different" to others and within my adult life from peers within a home and work situations. The book is religious, which normally puts me off a book. Each chapter begins with a bible verse, which I really found myself enjoying a lot. It was towards the end of the book, that it became more about going to church, accepting God into your life etc. Which I know some people will love, sadly I felt like the book became a little too pushy on the religious parts. At one point I felt that Chase, his mother and Zach were "badgering" or being overly forceful in suggesting Madison going to the church with them. I also know from reading the book that they all had her best interests at heart but it did come across a little aggressive.
There are also two bonus sections, the first is Zach's story, about his mission, who sent him, what he was thinking and feeling at different parts in the book. The other bonus section is told from Chase's point of view. I did enjoy both bonus stories though of course they were quite religious in content too.
So did I enjoy the book? I enjoyed the actual basis of the plot, and the "moral of the story" part. It was just a little too pushy with the religious content. I felt the over use of the religion kind of spoilt the book a little for me. Would I recommend the book? Yes, to younger YA readers, and for schools to help teach better tolerance of one another and use within an anti bullying campaign.
Would I like to read another book in this series? ie. about the same characters? I think I'd want to read more about Chase and Madison, but my "star rating" would still probably reflect the fact that I do not like overly religious themes/books. Would I read other titles by Emerald Barnes? I have read other titles by this author and always look out for new titles by her and I will continue to do so.
First of all it does say in my review policy that I do not read heavily religious content/books, having said that I tend to break every one of my reading and reviewing rules for Emerald's books. I chose to buy this book and read it as I have read and loved two other books written by Emerald. I totally admit I don't go to church on a regular basis though if someone asked my religion I would say Church Of England probably without thinking about it. I tend to believe "God" is everywhere and you can pray/speak to him when and where you wish. I do also believe in the "afterlife" too. Now having said all that I did enjoy the plot of this book, hence the 4/5 stars on Goodreads. The main characters are Madisons or "Mads" to her friends who is on the larger side, who is unhappy with her body and image. (Come on ladies we've all thought this at some point in our lives), she puts herself down, regularly skips meal, to the point of not eating or drinking at all and ending up collapsing. You may presume that Mads doesn't have supportive friend & family, which is definitely not the case. Her parents but her new pretty clothes and so on but she is constantly picked on by her younger brother Connor who regularly call's her names such as "fatty", or drawing attention to her weight or what she is wearing and even making nasty comment when she is eating too. Mads parents do tell Connor off and on one occasion in the book take his phone from him. I do feel they should have told him off and perhaps punished him more especially when they realised how affected Mads was by it. Mads is also being bullied and picked on at school by what I can only describe as the "popular, built like a twig (you know what I mean ladies). This girl threatens Mads several times in the book that she will make Mads life hell and she really means it and does it too. Mads best friend Chase tries his best to support her, as does newcomer to the area Zach. Zach is both figuratively on a mission to support Mads when he see's her being picked on by the popular girl and her followers at school. As you read further into the book you realise that Zach truly has been sent on a mission.
This book is about growing up, the "coming of age and more independence" of Mads and there are positive messages throughout. Madison's parents also quite forcefully encourage her to get a job and start earning her own money. This book is set in America so some things easily translate over to us in the UK, whereas others may not be the same as they would be in the UK.
I can imagine this being read in junior school, Sunday schools and the like. It really does make you think. It certainly made me think of bullying I underwent both in childhood for being "different" to others and within my adult life from peers within a home and work situations. The book is religious, which normally puts me off a book. Each chapter begins with a bible verse, which I really found myself enjoying a lot. It was towards the end of the book, that it became more about going to church, accepting God into your life etc. Which I know some people will love, sadly I felt like the book became a little too pushy on the religious parts. At one point I felt that Chase, his mother and Zach were "badgering" or being overly forceful in suggesting Madison going to the church with them. I also know from reading the book that they all had her best interests at heart but it did come across a little aggressive.
There are also two bonus sections, the first is Zach's story, about his mission, who sent him, what he was thinking and feeling at different parts in the book. The other bonus section is told from Chase's point of view. I did enjoy both bonus stories though of course they were quite religious in content too.
So did I enjoy the book? I enjoyed the actual basis of the plot, and the "moral of the story" part. It was just a little too pushy with the religious content. I felt the over use of the religion kind of spoilt the book a little for me. Would I recommend the book? Yes, to younger YA readers, and for schools to help teach better tolerance of one another and use within an anti bullying campaign.
Would I like to read another book in this series? ie. about the same characters? I think I'd want to read more about Chase and Madison, but my "star rating" would still probably reflect the fact that I do not like overly religious themes/books. Would I read other titles by Emerald Barnes? I have read other titles by this author and always look out for new titles by her and I will continue to do so.
REVIEW - BEFORE I SAY I DO
Title: Before We Say I Do
Series: Entertaining Angels
Author: Emerald Barnes
Release Date: 13th January 2015
BLURB from Goodreads
It’s been one year, and Chase Sanders and Madison Andrews are about to declare their love for one another in the most sacred of ways. Everything has been going perfectly, especially when an old friend returns to town to stand by Chase’s side on their big day. But is Zach there to see their union, or is he concealing the truth of why he’s actually back in town?
Chase has lived perfectly fine without his father around, but now that his father is divorcing again, he is seeking forgiveness. Chase can’t look at his father, let alone forgive him.
Before Chase and Mads can say “I Do,” Chase must first learn to let go of the past before the dark forces that haunt his nightmares come to life.
Chase has lived perfectly fine without his father around, but now that his father is divorcing again, he is seeking forgiveness. Chase can’t look at his father, let alone forgive him.
Before Chase and Mads can say “I Do,” Chase must first learn to let go of the past before the dark forces that haunt his nightmares come to life.
PURCHASE LINKS
iBooks
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I don't know how I had missed reading Entertaining Angels as I do seek out books by this author as I do enjoy her writing style. I actually bought an e-copy of Entertaining Angels to read first as this is a novella about the same characters. After reading Entertaining Angels I did want to know how the main characters were doing so I was looking forward to reading this novella. I know some will see my review of Entertaining Angels, saying about it being overly religious for my personal reading taste and wonder why I wanted to read this novella. . . the reason is that I love Emerald's writing style and her plots are so interesting and she draws you in, she is a thought provoking author. Emerald writes in a way that makes you feel part of the journey of the characters within the book. You feel invested in the characters, and attached to them. So I simply had to read this novella.
MY REVIEW
I answered a call from Emerald Barnes, asking for reviewers that could also do a release day blitz. The lovely author sent me a free e-copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review. The cover is. .. well I already loved the cover before I knew it was an actual real life wedding photograph! I love it, the clasped hands, the bride and groom at either side of the door keeping the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride prior to the wedding. The cover perfectly depicts a scene from within the book. Would this cover make me pick this book up from a book store shelf? Yes!
So this novella takes place a year after the story of Entertaining Angels. Mmmm forgive me for being vague but I am trying not to give away major spoilers if at all possible from the book or novella. We arrive on the scene of Chase and Madison's wedding day. Madison's mum is being the main wedding planner checking everything is running to time and plan. Chase's mum is a little more relaxed about the day. Chase and Madison are getting married in the church they have visited together for over a year now. Madison began visiting the church in Entertaining Angels. The young couple are so in love and totally sure in their love for one another. So it is a surprise and a little shock when Zach turns up at the church prior to the ceremony. Zach has been travelling since helping Chase and Madison find each other, and recognise their love for one another. Those of you who have read Entertaining Angels will know why it could worry Chase and Madison somewhat that Zach suddenly appears. Those who read book one will also know exactly why Zach is so special too. Chase is immediately worried that something is wrong or going to go wrong between himself and Madison. Zach reassures both Madison and Chase that they are both fine, that he returned to see them wed. However you could say Zach has an ulterior motive. Chase's father has been trying to reach out to his son for a while. Chase is still hurting a lot about the way his father abandoned him and his mother. His parents went on to divorce and his father literally dumped Chase and started a new family. His father is now divorcing his second wife and wants to make amends with Chase. Zach is here to try to encourage Chase to let go of his negative memories and thoughts around hi father so that it doesn't mar his happiness with Chase. Chase made the decision not to invite his father to his wedding so is understandably shocked and becomes angry when he see''s his father at the church. Chase has to do a lot of soul searching, he is desperate to speak to Madison but also knows how important the tradition of not seeing the bride before she walks down the aisle is to Madison's mother. The young couple end up holding hands around a door so they can speak to each other without seeing each other. Madison is really supportive whilst at the same time trying to help Chase see both sides of the whole "should I forgive my dad" argument. Madison also kind of tricks Chase into actually answering his own questions and doubts with the use of bible verses and proverbs which although I would state I don't really read religious books when it comes to Emerald Barnes and how her religious references really fit the plot of her book and her characters, and I do like to read.
So did I enjoy the novella? I honestly did yes. Hence the 5/5 stars on Goodreads! Would I recommend the novella? Yes, but please read Entertaining Angels Bk1 first! Would I want to read another book or novella in the Entertaining Angels Series? Yes please! I read the sneak peek of Entertaining Angels Bk2 novel which I also rarely do as I prefer to start a book fresh and read it when it's all available to read. I break so many of my usual reading and reviewing rules with Emerald Barnes titles! Would I want to read other titles by Emerald Barnes? Yesss! I SO want to read Bk3 and learn more about Lexi's story. Emerald's book are really thought provoking, she makes you look back on experiences you have had yourself and persuades you to look at them in a different way. Emerald's books leave you with a feeling of contentment and perhaps what I would describe as peace. After reading one of Emerald Barnes books I want to tell everyone to read them and shout out about them too!
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