"Angels Unaware"
By Rachel J. Good

Synopsis:

Sometimes God sends angels into our lives…

Chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to make friends. At least, Mark Daniels thinks they are. He hopes to forget his painful past and start over in new neighborhood. Everyone is warm and welcoming—everyone that is, but the dragon lady next door. She rebuffs all overtures of friendship and declines Mark’s invitations to church.

Jasmine Avery doesn’t trust men, especially not handsome ones who come bearing gifts. She’s been badly hurt and has walled herself off from love. Reluctantly, she agrees to attend church with Mark on Easter Sunday, not realizing how it will change her life and her future. But soon after she discovers the secret to a happy life, her whole world turns upside-down. Will these unexpected changes prove Mark can’t be trusted either? Or can she and Mark overcome their past heartbreaks to forge a new life together?

My Thoughts:

Rachel Good is quickly earning a place on my list of authors to watch. Having enjoyed the two books in her previous series, "Sisters and Friends", I was sure that I was going to have another pleasant read. This first book, a novella, in her new series, "Hope Chapels" was certainly no disappointment. This story clearly exhibited a Christian theme from its title to its characters.

The characters were realistic and well described. I had no problems identifying with Jasmine and her many challenges in life. Her sense of helplessness and no hope for the future gained immediate empathy. For one to live such a lonely life immersed in the darkness of a fearful existence is a situation that any of us could experience in our rocky path of life. Mark exhibits a Christian neighbor who cares deeply for others. Not only is he a Christian in name, but is not afraid to extend and share his beliefs in the way of a helping hand. He also has experienced heartbreak and has some healing of his own to deal with. Both characters are struggling with past hurts . Can a relationship develop even though it seems as if life is against them?? Rachel Good does an excellent job of presenting Christian values in this fictional tale.

The plot moves very quickly, at times, a bit too fast. Due to being a novella, there was a lot of ground to cover and I think many details were left to our imagination. Not a bad thing, but I did wish to have a longer time to ponder as I enjoyed the changing in the relationship of the characters and the process as they encountered unexpected bumps in the road .

The theme of faith and forgiveness shone through the tale of two young people, both needy of something greater than themselves.

An enjoyable read!!

This book was received as a gift. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

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About the Author:

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness.She is also the author of the Sisters & Friends Amish series and the Amish Quilts Coloring Book. A former teacher and librarian, she has more than 2300 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pen names. Rachel also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. She loves reading (of course!), traveling, and spending time with her five children and three grandchildren.

Guest Post from Rachel J. Good

One of the important lessons in ANGELS UNAWARE is looking beyond the surface, seeing with new eyes. In the story, Mark has many opportunities to do this. When he first approaches Jasmine with a plate of chocolate chip cookies, she’s unwelcoming and prickly:

The door opened a crack. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Mark turned. The woman’s narrowed eyes and belligerent stance made him quake. He took a step back. “I…um…here…” He held out the plate of cookies.

“What’s that?”

Mark took a deep breath and regained his composure. He smiled and started his usual spiel. “Hi, I’m Mark Daniels, and I just moved into the neighborhood—”

“I know.” She didn’t sound too pleased. “That’s not what I asked. What’s that in your hands?”

“Oh, these? I baked chocolate chip cookies and thought I’d share some with you.”

“Do you know what sugar does to your system?” she demanded. “I never touch sugar.”

That explained why she was so thin. So much for cookies then. Mark wracked his brain for another offering. “A meal perhaps? I make great spaghetti and meatballs.”

She drew back. “A meat eater? It figures.”

Oh, terrific. Mark cringed at the acid in her tone. He’d just offered a meat dish to a vegetarian. So much for his diplomacy mission.

After a start like that, many people would have given up. But Mark feels led to share God’s love with this neighbor, and he tries again and again. Eventually he discovers she’s hiding some deep personal pain. His persistence brings unexpected rewards to both of them.

I wanted to write this story because we usually avoid people who criticize us or hurt our feelings. Yet, often those who are unkind are actually aching inside. And they need God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, because only God can heal their pain and suffering.

After God touches Jasmine’s heart, Mark can see her softer, kinder side. And she’s proof of that saying, “An angel resides in every heart.”

Could your grouchy neighbor or critical boss be an angel in disguise? Maybe these annoying people have been sent into our lives to help build our character or to teach us a lesson. The Bible warns us to be hospitable to everyone, because we never know when we’ll come upon an angel “unawares.”

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2 KJV

Each person you meet has been sent into your life for a reason. Sometimes these angels come into our lives in unlikely disguises. We don’t always realize their purpose until much later. Looking back, though, we can see God’s hand in the encounters.

Other times, we discover – like Mark did – that we’re supposed to be angels to those who are unkind to us. We may be the only ones who have ever touched their lives with God’s light.

Who in your life needs God’s love? Can you be an angel to that person?