Angel

Mar 23, 2012 Lichen Craig rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a really unique read in the M/M category, this is well worth your time. Ms. Lee has shown enormous courage in addressing controversial subject matter with reverence, respect and compassion. She has taken a brave turn away from your run of the mill M/M romance, and given the reader a story that will make a lasting impression.

The book reads quickly. As a writer, I removed one star for some shaky structure; there are places where a scene or pivotal point would have had more i...more

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Sep 27, 2011 LenaLena rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, observations

This is a Book-with-a-Message. The Message has to do with homosexuality and Christianity and it is dealt with thoughtfully. That part of the book is interesting, absolutely. But the Message is so loud it starts drowning out the characters, who become pawns in service of the Message. If you want to read a thoughtful treatise on homosexuality and the church in the form of a novel, a parable so to say, this is your book. If you're looking for a love story set within the church, this isn't it. But i...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review is also post on Book Reviews & More by Kathy.

Laura Lee’s Angel is a thought provoking faith-based male/male romance. It is a realistic and emotional story that is quite compelling and full of emotions. It will challenge the reader to contemplate how many religions handle the subject of homosexuality in both their clergy and their congregation. It will also raise questions about how your own personal beliefs fit in with your church’s stance and teachings.

In the aftermath of his be...more This review is also post on Book Reviews & More by Kathy.

Laura Lee’s Angel is a thought provoking faith-based male/male romance. It is a realistic and emotional story that is quite compelling and full of emotions. It will challenge the reader to contemplate how many religions handle the subject of homosexuality in both their clergy and their congregation. It will also raise questions about how your own personal beliefs fit in with your church’s stance and teachings.

In the aftermath of his beloved wife’s death, Paul Tobin’s passion for his ministry has waned and he is basically going through the motions as he performs his religious duties. But his chance meeting with the much younger Ian Finnerty proves to be life altering in many ways. Ian is an alcoholic gay man whose life is dramatically different from Paul’s. Ian has no faith and he drinks his way from one night stand to another. In helping Ian conquer his addiction to alcohol, Paul finds the inspiration he has lost. But it is his attraction to Ian that brings the most changes to his life. Paul must reconcile his newfound sexuality with his own lifelong beliefs as well as those of his church and his congregation.

Angel is a very contemplative and spiritual novel. It is a little slow moving in the beginning, but it gains momentum once Ian and Paul begin their relationship. There is an emotional intimacy between Paul and Ian that initially brings the two men together and their transition from friends to lovers is unhurried. While Angel is a romance, it is not an erotic romance, and their sex scenes are not graphic.

Ian and Paul’s theological discussions are quite detailed and informative. It is through these talks that Paul finds a renewed zeal for his ministry and Ian gains a better understanding of religion. Paul is often at odds with his own convictions and he struggles with his emerging sexual attraction and love for Ian.

Angel by Laura Lee is an insightful view into the intricacies of religion and homosexuality. This beautifully written and moving work of literary fiction challenges the reader to examine what it means to be a Christian.

I received a complimentary copy for review.(less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Ravina Andrea Kurian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Here's yet another overdue review. Overdue only because my reading pile got way too high and I didn't want to rush the review for such a stunning story. There's a slight flurry of controversy when it hits you that this book is about two men who are falling in love. Then, comes the rush of the scandal as you realise that one of these men is a priest.

This is exactly where the author works her magic. Forget what your personal sentiments are to this issue. You will soon be sucked into the story of t...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Ruby Weatherford rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club-review

Book Club Review - Angel

1. Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?
I didn't feel forced. I think the story flowed very well and pulled the reader along. Although, many sections of this book made me feel sad.

2. How realistic was the characterization? Did the actions of the characters seem plausible?
The characters were plausible and realistic. In some ways, this is a topic that is taboo or people refuse to acknowledge it. The writer did an an extremel...more

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Dec 13, 2012 James Noel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club-read

1. Did the book description match the contents of the story?

To me, the book flowed with the description. Authors cannot describe everything in the description. If they did they would give away the whole story and Laura Lee did a fantastic job in unfolding each character and element of the story.

2. How did you feel about the opening / ending sequences of the book?

The opening and ending of the book coincides. Paul is working as a tour guide on Mount Rainier. Towards the end, the reader also reflec...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Sarika Patkotwar rated it 4 of 5 stars

*NOTE: Author Laura Lee provided us (The Readdicts) with a copy of her book, Angel. We thank Laura for the book!

When I read the Free Kindle Sample for Angel, I knew this was a book that I had to read, and author Laura Lee very kindly provided me a copy of it even though I took a long time to get back to her.
Although I tend and try to stay away from religion-based books, Angel became an exception and from the beginning to the middle until the end, I was just so absorbed in it and I'm more than...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Amelia Stewart rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like the love story.

I like how the author merged being a Christian and having homosexual thoughts.

I liked how Paul seemed forceful when necessary but allowed others control when needed to keep the peace.

Even though she is not a main character I favor Sara. She is something that readers will wonder about and it allows us to create her to fit any image.

My favorite location was Paul sitting on the ground next to Sara’s grave talking with her. To this reader if feels like he is refusing to let go....more

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Nov 09, 2012 Tahlia Newland rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fiction

Every now and then I come across a novel that leaves me feeling that my life has been enriched by reading it. This beautifully written work is one of those rare beauties. Author Laura Lee has taken the subject of the nature of love, placed it in the context of homosexuality and Christian ministry and come up with something that is sensitive, beautiful, thought-provoking and deeply moving.

The most brilliant thing about this book is that the love between Ian and Paul has a purity and beauty to it,...more Every now and then I come across a novel that leaves me feeling that my life has been enriched by reading it. This beautifully written work is one of those rare beauties. Author Laura Lee has taken the subject of the nature of love, placed it in the context of homosexuality and Christian ministry and come up with something that is sensitive, beautiful, thought-provoking and deeply moving.

The most brilliant thing about this book is that the love between Ian and Paul has a purity and beauty to it, and that Paul, as a deeply spiritual man, sees this love as a gift from a magnanimous God. Ian truly is his angel, just as Paul is an angel for Ian. It is clearly a beneficial relationship for both men and nothing like the sordid kind of relationship many people envisage when they think of love between men. I was very impressed with the feeling of deep love the author evoked in the innocent & sometimes playful scenes between the two men, and also with the superb pacing that kept me reading while yet never wanting it to end.

Every character in this book is skilfully drawn, but the main characters are particularly complex and richly written. Ian is delightfully innocent despite his tardy life to date. He accepts his homosexuality and alcoholism without shame, and his open-minded questioning forces Paul to reconsider his beliefs and assumptions in a very deep way. Paul is not a homosexual, he simply happens to fall in love with a man in a society that labels things in black and white. We think that you’re either with us, or you’re with them, but reality isn’t as simplistic as that.

What is most important, the quality of the love, or the sex of the lover? Is love made impure by homosexual relations? Does the nature of one’s sexuality decrease the validity of love? How is it to live a love that cannot be celebrated in society in the same way as that of a man and a woman? Do labels define us? These are the kind of questions that this book arouses, as well as the obvious theological questions about the stand of the church towards homosexuals.

If you shy away from the subject matter because you’re a little homophobic, or even if you find the idea of gay love distasteful, then you should read this.

Angel is the best kind of Indie fiction, brave, expertly written and perfectly finished. 5 stars.
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Oct 29, 2012 Wando Wande rated it 3 of 5 stars

(I was given a free copy in exchange for a non-biased review)

A forty-two year old minister, Paul Tobit, is bereaved of his wife Sally. He is kind, gentle, overall likable and sympathetic. He crosses paths with twenty-four year old Ian, a gay man with a drinking problem. And so unfolds redemption, love, romance, add in opprobrium from his church family and religious issues. I think you can already guess what happens. And it ends exactly the way you think it will. The prologue hints it strongly.

I...more (I was given a free copy in exchange for a non-biased review)

A forty-two year old minister, Paul Tobit, is bereaved of his wife Sally. He is kind, gentle, overall likable and sympathetic. He crosses paths with twenty-four year old Ian, a gay man with a drinking problem. And so unfolds redemption, love, romance, add in opprobrium from his church family and religious issues. I think you can already guess what happens. And it ends exactly the way you think it will. The prologue hints it strongly.

I was strongly drawn to the spiritual, contemplative tone of the prologue. And the relationship between Paul and Ian is for the most part sweet and life-affirming. The book dealt with Paul coming to grips with his desire in a realistic way. However, the book misses the mark in a few ways for me.

The book strives to balance a contemplative tone with its discourses on spirituality and a simple love story. I didn’t think the balancing worked too well, as I thought the romance was too simply and too plainly executed.

The dialogues on religion and homosexuality, I found, to be cliched. For those familiar with gay literature, these dialogues are a dime a dozen. For those not familiar with gay literature, it might come off as preachy.

The more damning problem with the book was the pacing. After the relationship’s consummation, which happens halfway the story, the book dragged from then on. I dreaded reading the cutesy couple moments and relationship gushiness because the sad ending was like a sword of Damocles over my neck. I had to force my way through to the end.

When the book was unabashedly literary, I enjoyed it. I liked the constant use of the mountain metaphor. I enjoyed the theological digressions, for example Paul’s thoughts on the Eucharist were very interesting. The opening paragraphs on spirituality were also very enjoyable.

That said, I would urge you to give the book a try. It’s a quick, easy, fairly comfortable read. I would rate this a solid three stars.
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Oct 27, 2012 Gaele rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: independent-reviw, review-reads

While presenting a beautiful and enticing story to read, the author also forces you to re-evaluate and examine everything, as you get to see Paul and his journey of discovery. Paul is forced to examine his beliefs after realizing that the angelic man who he stumbled upon in the narthex was occupying his head and his heart in a way nothing had before. Contrasting what he now feels and knows, against the proclamations of his church, and the disapproval of his congregation; one crisis in Paul’s lif...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books

When I began reading this book, I had no idea what I was delving into. There is nothing from the synopsis that I was given that hinted at the fact that this book had a positive homosexual theme. I am not new to reading homosexually-themed books--it is the second I have read. But I have to say that this book was much more forceful and descriptive in the homosexual theme, and I found it more disturbing in content. I do have to say that I feel the book masquerades as a "Christian" book, but it is n...more When I began reading this book, I had no idea what I was delving into. There is nothing from the synopsis that I was given that hinted at the fact that this book had a positive homosexual theme. I am not new to reading homosexually-themed books--it is the second I have read. But I have to say that this book was much more forceful and descriptive in the homosexual theme, and I found it more disturbing in content. I do have to say that I feel the book masquerades as a "Christian" book, but it is not too far into the book before you realize that the message is much different. This book's message is basically that one can be a committed Christian and a homosexual at the same time. That goes contrary to my beliefs, and it did make it a difficult read. I could never endorse this book for this reason, but I will keep my personal beliefs out of the general review of this book. I just want the reader to know where I stand before I begin the review since this is a sensitive topic. And understand that I did not say I am anti-gay or anything like that. To be perfectly honest, I have come in contact with gays who are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in this world. And I do agree that no matter one's sexual orientation, one should have the freedom to attend church and anywhere he or she would like to go.

My favorite part of this book was Mt. Rainier. I live in Washington state--not far from that glorious mountain, as a matter of fact. All I have to do is go outside my door and walk to the street, and I will see this breathtaking mountain--as long as no clouds are in the way.

I think the fact that Paul takes an active interest in the soul and well-being of Ian is absolutely wonderful. I love that fact because after all, that is what a Christian should do--especially a pastor. I do not agree with letting a non-Christian be on staff at a church, even if it is custodian. I also don't agree with the deception that Paul practices in order to keep his job. When Paul became a minister, he knew what he was doing. He knew what was expected of him in his professional and personal life. It would have made no difference what questionable behavior he was participating in--deception is wrong. It was no long ago that our church had to remove our senior pastor due to his separating from his wife and refusing to be reconciled. I see no difference between this issue and a teacher having a mutual dating relationship with a student. Teachers don't get to do that--no matter how attractive the student is. Pastors don't get to fool around, and if they choose to, they need to be the one to make the decision to leave the church or change their behavior.

I will say that the book presents a compelling argument. There are direct quotes from the Bible, and it is a thorough examination of one side of the issue. I prefer a balanced look when it comes to issues like this, but I fewl instead that there were judgmental and prejudicial views. It would have been nice for Paul to have gotten some good counseling from other Christian ministers--especially in the beginning. But it seems to me like Paul was rather isolated, either by choice or by decree. I really don't know. Even though it may not have changed the outcome, having good Christian counseling on the other side of the issue would have made me feel like this book was trying to examine the issue on both sides rather than just one. Oh, and one additional caution--there is some profanity and sex scenes (though not too graphic). I can say that the writing style is quite conversational, and one can read this very quickly.

I will leave it up to you if you wish to read this book. Oh, and one additional thing. I don't mind comments on this review, but please, let's not attack each other.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.(less)

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Oct 14, 2012 Maureen's Book Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Angel is about a man who basically lost his way and doesn't know what to do after his wife had died of cancer. He's a minister in church and very active in his religion and loves it. He says it's his calling. When his wife died, his zest for life died along with her. When he's in the church lobby and his muse comes to him in the form of a young 24 year old man who he first believes to be an angel.

This is such a though provoking novel about sexual orientation tied tightly with religion. It's so p...more

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May 05, 2012 Pavarti Tyler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, for-review, religiousfiction

Disclaimer:I received a copy of Angel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a love story. Written with the depth and insight of The Prisoner's Wife byasha bandele or Written on the Body by Jeannette Winterson, Angel is a surprising piece of literature.

Each chapter is begun with a quote. Sometimes it is theological text, sometimes from the bible, sometimes it is the musings of the author. Regardless, the connection of the quotes is the theme of the mountain as a sacred space. It's interesting...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Lee Harmon rated it 4 of 5 stars

An uncomfortable page-turner. I’m glad I read it, but glad to be finished. Not that the book is distasteful; it was just a foreign and unsettling topic for me. But that’s why I asked Lee for a review copy.

Lee’s protagonist is a middle-age minister who has lost his wife, and suddenly finds himself attracted to a young man, despite the church’s disapproval. They find it necessary to hide their friendship, which is both demeaning and spiritually draining. Shipwreck seems inevitable.

Lee writes with...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Bishop Bergland rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: novel, spirituality, christianity

Angel is an extremely insightful look into the life of its main character, Paul Tobit, a forty-two year old widowed pastor who meets and falls in love with a young man. While this book will certainly appeal to the LGBT reader, it raises issues that not only include that community but transcend them as well. Some of the most compelling issues for me are: What is the relationship between love and sexuality? How does the person I love impact my own sense of identity and vocation, whatever that voca...more

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Nov 24, 2012 aobibliophile™ rated it 5 of 5 stars

When the wind calls, You know, That somewhere in the mountains, It has found the answers that you were looking for. The pull of the horizon overcomes the inertia of reason... And you just have to go. - Vikram Oberoi

Paul Tobit is a minister and a widower. losing his wife Sara to cancer left a deep void in his life. he goes through the motions of existing until the day he sees an angel and falls in love.
author Laura Lee's novel deals with an intergenerational relationship that is complicated by o...more When the wind calls, You know, That somewhere in the mountains, It has found the answers that you were looking for. The pull of the horizon overcomes the inertia of reason... And you just have to go. - Vikram Oberoi

Paul Tobit is a minister and a widower. losing his wife Sara to cancer left a deep void in his life. he goes through the motions of existing until the day he sees an angel and falls in love.
author Laura Lee's novel deals with an intergenerational relationship that is complicated by one man's calling and his new found sexuality.
profound, thought-provoking, emotional, literary and at times philosophical, this book takes a look into how society and structured religion view homosexuality. it also raises questions about how people perceive faith, spirituality, intimacy and love.
to these, the author gives no definite answers nor does she take sides. she simply tells Paul and Ian's story and leaves it to the reader to decide. one thing is sure though. Paul and Ian's relationship will generate a gamut of emotions.
another thing that is striking and which i find beautiful is the author's liberal references to mountains as each chapter unfolds. these structures of earth and stone somehow provide a metaphor for Paul and Ian's experiences - individually and as a couple - in their search for love, meaning and acceptance.
naturalist and author John Muir wrote that the mountains were calling him and he must go to them. Ian heeded the call. Paul felt and heard the same call within his heart and so he went to find his own. when he did, Paul found out that he was finally home.

Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy from the author. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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Oct 23, 2012 Lindsey ( United By Books Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Paul lost his wife six years ago to cancer and since then he finds himself just going through the motions of the day. Nothing makes him feel as alive as he did when she was alive. Then one day upon visiting her grave he asked, for a sign. Anything to give him some direction in his life. Upon returning to the church to carry on with his ministerial duties he gazes upon what he thinks is a beautiful Angel. Only to realize this Angel is a male with beautiful angelic features. After that one sightin...more Paul lost his wife six years ago to cancer and since then he finds himself just going through the motions of the day. Nothing makes him feel as alive as he did when she was alive. Then one day upon visiting her grave he asked, for a sign. Anything to give him some direction in his life. Upon returning to the church to carry on with his ministerial duties he gazes upon what he thinks is a beautiful Angel. Only to realize this Angel is a male with beautiful angelic features. After that one sighting Paul finds himself drawn to this Angel known as Ian a young man who was there for AA hoping to get his drinking problem under control. Paul finds himself constantly thinking, hoping, and having a few fantasies about Ian. Soon Paul winds up helping Ian out. After a while they both give in to their attraction, the fantasy and become a couple.

Everybody has those certain books they dread reading. It can be because they are scared it won't live up to what they hope or maybe it's not their genre . Some will look at the blurb of this book and just pass it by because it may make them uncomfortable. Heck, I'm very open minded about M/M books . I find some hot but even this one made me feel a twinge of uneasiness to read it. Why, because it mixed in another controversial issue and that is religion. I have to give it up to Lee for taking a risk with two very controversial issues and writing a well written book. I went in to it even though I was a bit hesitant at first, with an open mind and found myself really enjoying how the characters each progressed and felt out their feelings. Though, she teases the readers with hooking up she doesn't go into full blown descriptions. It will makes you think about your own opinions,thoughts as well as beliefs. I know it did for me. I also think I progressed in my thoughts after reading this book. One of the joys about being a reviewer is you read books you normally wouldn't and you find there are some you may really enjoy. Angel is definitely worth the read and I wouldn't pass it up just because the blurb may make you hesitate. I believe there was this book is meant to show us lessons to be learned. Lee has created a provocative and sure to be controversial read. I enjoyed having my hesitation turned around into a reading enjoyment. (less)

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Apr 05, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, glbt, m-m-romance, religion

If you ask one man why he climbed a mountain, he may simply answer, “Because it was there.” Ask another man why he climbed the same mountain, however, and he may tell you that it was a spiritual journey, a personal challenge, an ascension toward heaven that, as he reached the summit of that mountain, made him feel as though he might reach out and touch the face of his God.

Laura Lee’s Angel is a bit like a journey up a mountain, at once daunting yet supremely beautiful. It is the story of a man w...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-relationship, great-characters, gay-romance, beautfiul-read

****This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review****

What a shame it would be to stay away because you were afraid it would end. What a shame it would be to miss so much beauty.... touching words to finish a stunning book.

Laura Lee, has written a book that will challenge your thoughts on homosexuality within the Christian religion. It is based around Paul, a 42 year old widow that lost his wife 6 years ago to cancer. Since then he has lived a shell of a life and althou...more ****This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review****

What a shame it would be to stay away because you were afraid it would end. What a shame it would be to miss so much beauty.... touching words to finish a stunning book.

Laura Lee, has written a book that will challenge your thoughts on homosexuality within the Christian religion. It is based around Paul, a 42 year old widow that lost his wife 6 years ago to cancer. Since then he has lived a shell of a life and although he is a minister in a church he really feels no inspiration to live.

Ian is a 24 year old very troubled young man, he is an alcoholic who struggles with the belief that he is unlovable and unworthy of time because he is gay.

Paul comes across Ian, who is on his way to his AA meeting, and mistakes him for an angel, a sign from god. This moment is a life changer for Paul who sets out to save Ian because he is drawn to him. He struggles with his new feelings for this young man, especially trying to reconcile his feelings with the views of the church. A secret relationship follows to which these two really form what they both feel is a”blessed union of souls”, no matter what anyone else thinks.

He sat with his head down, letting the emotions wash over him in waves of anger, sadness, shame, and fear. He was the same person he had always been. How could one choice make him seem suddenly different to the world?

I don't want to give this story away. I want you to read it, because it is worthy of people experiencing it with an open mind and ready to see it for themselves without my views on what happens. I will say that this was a highly emotional book for me and affected me very deeply. I loved how easy it was to read for something that had such a real and meaningful message within. I loved how it dealt with the very relevant issues within its pages. I loved how the relationship between the couple seemed like a real relationship with the normal ups and downs but also the underlying tension of the very real problems they faced. You will feel a multitude of things, rage, indignant, righteous, sad, validated, happy, deep sorrow... I felt all of these things. To me that is a sign of a great book, to have been moved and provoked into thought. I will leave you with another quote from this book, because it made me smile and I think it outlines these two characters and their relationship perfectly. Once again, please read, it is a great book that will stay with me for a while.
Ian unwrapped one of the fortune cookies and cracked it open. “‘Everything has beauty’,” he read, “‘but not everyone sees it.’” He shrugged and set the slip of paper down next to the used chopsticks. “What does yours say?” Paul cracked open his cookie. He read the fortune to himself and chuckled at its appropriateness. “Well?” Ian asked. “What’s it say?” “‘Never regret anything that made you smile.”(less)

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Nov 24, 2012 Ashley Pomykala rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a story about passion, impurity in the religious sense, as well as the beauty that can come from anywhere. Most people reading the description will instantly believe that he is describing a beautiful woman. It is easy to mistake because the author mentions his late wife, but I love that she did not disclose on the description that he is describing another man because that made it even more special.

The book was beautifully written and I believe that the characters are interesting and she...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Brandy Jeffus rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the most intense books I've read in awhile. This is not an average love story in the least bit and just a warning, if you are not a fan of reading LGBT then I won't recommend this to you.

If you aren't bothered by that subject then you will love Laura Lee's tale of a man who is just trying to find who he is and deal with an expectant love and sticking by his faith.

Paul was a lovely character and very in depth and REAL. I love real characters, those who you feel may easily be someon...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Ayanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, non-pulpy, favorites, evocative-or-edifying

...What. WHAT???

Nononononono that can't be the end. THAT CAN'T BE THE END. O_O

Oh, my God. I. Just. What. I.

Damn. Just damn.

This is one of those books that leave me speechless. I just...
Okay. *mental shake.

This has an ambiguous kind of HFN?-ish ending. It's deeply spiritual and beautiful, chaotic at times and peaceful at others, but such is life. The ending is bittersweet and very open for interpretation. I can't decide/figure out if it's more bitter or more sweet. It's definitely both in, again...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Laura Ashlee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, favorites, adult, fiction, lgbtq, realistic, standalones, drug-and-alcohol-use, religion

http://owltellyouaboutit.com/2012/03/07/angel/

I’ll admit I went into this only because I found the idea of a male minister falling in love with another man intriguing. I wanted to see how the author dealt with it. I didn’t let myself worry too much about expectations or anything like that. I have to say, it worked pretty well. The whole thing was a pleasant experience. It also kind of helped that I was corresponding with Laura while I was reading the book. You’ll get to see that chat a later.

Now...more http://owltellyouaboutit.com/2012/03/07/angel/

I’ll admit I went into this only because I found the idea of a male minister falling in love with another man intriguing. I wanted to see how the author dealt with it. I didn’t let myself worry too much about expectations or anything like that. I have to say, it worked pretty well. The whole thing was a pleasant experience. It also kind of helped that I was corresponding with Laura while I was reading the book. You’ll get to see that chat a later.

Now, in case you’re thinking “uhhh… that book looks/sounds a little provacative,” let me assure you: it’s not. Well, I guess it sort of is, but it’s not some raumchy book about guys having sex. It’s thoughtful and intellectual. It’s much more about identity and love. The messages that I took from it really spoke to me and isn’t that something you want from a book? I love fun, light-hearted reads as much as the next person, but there’s just something about a book that really speaks to me. All the fun, easy books and exciting thrillers can never really measure up to them.

In Angel, Paul is dealing with a few things. The moment he sees Ian, his life turns upside down. Everything he thought he knew about himself is suddenly shifting. He soon finds himself in a plce that he never expected, in love with another man, and a much younger one. The book not only follows their relationship through its ups and downs, but, more importantly follows Paul’s journey to finding himself. Ian’s presence in his life forces him to take a look at what he believes and values. I also thought Laura Lee did a terrific job of writing their relationship. It really displayed love in all its beautiful imperfection. It wasn’t all butterflies and sunshine and happiness and I really appreciated that. There was jealousy and insecurity and arguments. Love is messy, but wonderful and this book really demonstrated that.

I loved Paul from the beginning. His faith is true and steadfast, but not fanatical. There are several theological discussions between him and Ian, and a lot of those really made me think. I think I’ve known people my whole life that look at things the way Paul does, but I’ve never heard anyone voice it quite like he does. It was nice to read something that has Christian undertones, but doesn’t force them down the reader’s throat. I understand Ian’s initial feelings about church. It’s easy to look at fanatics and be put off by all of it, but Paul approaches faith in such a way that really brings out the message of love and understanding, rather than ostracizing people.

I found Paul’s struggles with his church community sad, but very realistic. Unfortunately, the reaction of the his church to Paul’s relationship is more likely to happen than not, especially down here in the bible belt. At first, I was truly saddened by that part of the book. Once I began thinking about it, I realized how appropriate it was. People choose churches for different reasons and not everyone who goes to the same church believe exactly the same way. It can be really difficult to please everyone.

I highly recommend this book. It was beautiful and its depth really blew me away. A little later today I’ll be posting an interview with the author. You should check that out, as well. She had some very insightful things to say.

This book was provided by the author for review. I did not receive any payment in exchange for the review nor was I obligated to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. (less)

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Dec 08, 2011 Cryselle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dreamspinner, m-m, social-commentary

From the very beginning, Laura Lee warns you that this is not a standard romance. More literary and philosophical than most, pausing frequently to consider the ramifications of mountains as the high places of God, Angel tracks the spiritual and sexual journeys of a minister and a recovering alcoholic. No longer attached to a church, Paul Tobit gives us a glimpse of what is to come in the very prologue, where his small cabin at the base of Mount Rainier contains everything he needs, but that list...more From the very beginning, Laura Lee warns you that this is not a standard romance. More literary and philosophical than most, pausing frequently to consider the ramifications of mountains as the high places of God, Angel tracks the spiritual and sexual journeys of a minister and a recovering alcoholic. No longer attached to a church, Paul Tobit gives us a glimpse of what is to come in the very prologue, where his small cabin at the base of Mount Rainier contains everything he needs, but that list does not contain Ian.

We meet Paul six years into his widowhood – he lost Sara, his wife, during their mid-thirties, and has been going through the motions since. Never the life of the party, Paul needed Sara's ebullience to effectively do his work. He loved her deeply and sincerely, and is genuinely startled to discover that he's intensely attracted to an "angel" that he sees in the church.

The angel is Ian Finnerty, a beautiful young man trying to leave his self-destructive path, come to the church for an AA meeting. Caught in the light, his ethereal appearance enchants Paul, who is truly shocked to find Ian is male. They embark on what is initially a mentor/protégé relationship that quickly becomes more, though how much more, they dare not disclose to the congregation. This sect holds to conflicting attitudes toward homosexuality – gays are to be welcomed into the community, but may not officiate; that's "inconsistent with Christian teaching."

The story is not precisely "gay for you" or even "out for you," but probably the most genuine expression of "love the specific person" I've read. Paul struggles with the categories, not thinking of himself as gay or bi, or even actually heterosexual. He's never questioned his desires before, apparently since he never needed to, fantasies being only fantasies. By book's end, he hasn't quite come to any conclusion but that he cannot stay in the ministry. Ian's more straightforward; he's definitely gay and the church he grew up in rejects him completely for it.

The men are very complementary, each teaching the other some important lessons. Paul helps Ian find his way to sobriety and back to God. Ian teaches Paul about love, questioning authority, and living fully. Ian's characterization was a little unusual in that he's spent most of his youth and early adulthood self-medicating away from reality with the booze, but now lives a very full and self aware life, without much consideration of why he turned to alcohol or what function it served for him.

The church and Paul's deceased wife are never far away from Paul and Ian; "Saint Sara" is almost more oppressive than centuries of dogma. Ian feels that she's on a pedestal, being a woman and dead, and that he can't compete. Paul can't quite shake his anger that Ian had a life before him, with sex that might or might not have been meaningful. Neither is quite secure in believing in his place in the other man's life, and then there's the church, that 800 lb disapproving gorilla.

The story is told in a distant third person, nearly omniscient viewpoint, separating reader and protagonists. The omniscience isn't quite complete, since it dips infrequently into Ian's head, more often telling us Paul's thoughts, memories, and backstory. The invisible narrator (it does not "feel" like Paul's mind) pauses often to muse on the nature of friendship, relationships, communities, other people's life stories, and more, before returning to the action at hand. The few times the story truly showed us their growth, such as the "decorate-the-Christmas tree" scene, came as a great narrative relief. The effect is very literary and a little dry, reminding us that the primary romance is between Paul and religion. Perhaps Ian's greatest gift to Paul is reminding him that God, religion, and the church are not one and the same.

Approach Angel as a literary quest and questioning of Christian attitudes to homosexuality and love, not as a romance, and it will be a more satisfying read; the story and Ian raise some extremely good points.(less)

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Oct 08, 2011 Demi (Breaking Bookshelves) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, favourites, reviewed, digital-read

Review can also be found at Breaking Bookshelves
PDF copy from NetGalley.

I dived into this novel expecting, and sort of knowing deep inside, that it would not have a happily-ever-after. However, I often have that mindset when going into any book that deals with MxM relationships. Now I can’t say I’ve read many of these types of novels, in fact I think this is my first, but I have read countless fanfics and mangas about it. One thing I find in common with a lot of them is the amount of angst and t...more

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Apr 15, 2013 MaryAnn Koopmann rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book brings to light the many miracles in our lives that people believe just happen. Most people think of these incidents as unusual or odd but rarely realize that we all have angels with us to help guide us in our everyday lives.

The author did a wonderful job of writing a beautiful story of two men falling in love. It was well written and the story line was excellent. I am looking forward to reading other books from this author.

The situations in which these characters meet are pretty uniq...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting book. It is not a book I would have chosen to read. I am glad I read it.
It is a love story. Love is love! Remember that. Love is always a gift to be treasured.

This is a very well written story about personal discovery. Paul's discovery of who he is, and the meaning of love. It is a story of conflict, tolerance, and relationships.

If you are not offended by gay relationships, I urge you to read this book. It is well written, it is not merely a male/male erotica story. It is...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

A thought provoking book, yet touching too. I'm really glad to have found this book, it's an amazing combination of elements that I like, that ordinarily wouldn't be found in one book. Paul deals with big questions about religion and spirituality as he finds himself developing a relationship with Ian, that challenges everything he thought he beleived and knew about himself.
Although I wished a happier conclusion for Paul, there was always a sense throughout the book that his Angel had come into...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Tana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Angel by Laura Lee

I really enjoyed this novel, Laura’s writing flows extremely well, the character descriptions and plot are easy to read and her words make you sit back and think. This is a male/male romance novel but I will say not a typical romance novel and the ending is not what I expected.

This is a story about a man who has lost his wife 6 years ago and suddenly finds himself attracted to another male. Oh before I forget to mention he is a Minister of his church and believes that his Churc...more

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