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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Did I Expect Angels?

by Kathryn Maughan

When I received this book in the mail, I looked at the cover for a long time and had all sorts of different thoughts and questions - Someone was mad, angry, depressed, hopeless when they scribbled over that angel; Why the head and eyes?; Is the fact that the angel is playing music pertinent?; It looks like a Christmas ornament, will that be meaningful to the story? You get the idea. Anyway, I love when a cover is that engaging. I always hope the book with a great cover will live up to it.

Did I Expect Angels? did live up to the cover. The story moves from the present to the past and from one point of view to another of the two protagonists. Sounds a bit confusing, but Maughan did an expert job of telling their stories and keeping my mind unjumbled.

On several occasions Jennifer has met Henry who is the greeter at the local Discount Store. Henry came to the United States from Costa Rica and appreciates that Jennifer will talk to him briefly in Spanish. That's all there is between these two until one fateful night when Henry becomes a bit intrusive. Jennifer tries to give him the brush-off, but is unsuccessful. That's all I'm going to tell you about the plot. I didn't know that much starting out.

I also didn't know that I was going to be pulled into Henry and Jennifer's lives like I was. Even though I have not personally experienced either of their personal trials, I felt so in tune with some of their feelings. I think Maughan has a strong skill as a writer and I look forward to reading all of her future books.

5 comments:

Stephanie said...

It really is a beautiful cover. I'm a sucker for a great cover! Sounds like a great book. I'll have to keep my eyes open for this one!

Bookfool said...

That sounds wonderful. I'll have to give your drawing concept some thought. I have an angel story, but it has very little to do with me, apart from possibly saving my life (I didn't see the angel, myself).

Booklogged said...

Stephanie, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you do read this book.

Bookfool, you sparked my curiosity.

Framed said...

The cover is very interesting especially after reading your comments on it. I so often just take things on face value. It sounds like a great book.

Anonymous said...

After seeing the cover I wondered if the book liked up to it. But after your review, I'll think seriously about reading this one. Thanks.