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The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
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Was Gabe Angelino, the mysterious truck driver in Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2, really an angel, as Willow Green believes? Or was he simply a good man, determined to help a stranger in need? Find out, as author Marcia Meara reveals the truth in the first Riverbend spinoff novella, The Emissary.
An angel’s work is never done—that’s part of the gig. But angels hadn’t be ...more
An angel’s work is never done—that’s part of the gig. But angels hadn’t be ...more
Kindle Edition, 105 pages
Published
September 25th 2017
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Start your review of The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
I loved this book. And I've enjoyed all books I've read by Marcia Meara. Marcia has a knack for building interesting characters who capture our emotions. Although I've yet to read the Riverbend series this book could definitely be read as a standalone. And if you enjoy reading heartwarming stories about angels then this book won't disappoint.
The story has an interesting concept where Jake becomes an emissary - an assistant to the angel Azreal. This is a new concept where the angels have come up ...more
The story has an interesting concept where Jake becomes an emissary - an assistant to the angel Azreal. This is a new concept where the angels have come up ...more
Oh, how I’d like to think this was true! To be reborn as a guardian angel (well, almost), with the remit of stepping in before things go too horrendously wrong, and saving people from their own self-inflicted ghastly futures. If only…
I’ve not yet read the book from which this novella evolved, but I sure will. The wonderful humour that shines through, especially with the banter between Jake and Azrael, brought more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. There is also the opposite end of the spectrum, ...more
I’ve not yet read the book from which this novella evolved, but I sure will. The wonderful humour that shines through, especially with the banter between Jake and Azrael, brought more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. There is also the opposite end of the spectrum, ...more
The Emissary
4.5*
I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it as a quick and enticing read as the first part of a trilogy of novellas that are later going to come together as a whole book.
I’ve given this book 4* because it sets the scene and characters and by the end of it that human perception that Marcia uses to such great effect is already in place but not, as yet, in the depth of her full-length novels. This novella packs a powerful punch and, despite its brevity, is still one of the best ...more
4.5*
I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it as a quick and enticing read as the first part of a trilogy of novellas that are later going to come together as a whole book.
I’ve given this book 4* because it sets the scene and characters and by the end of it that human perception that Marcia uses to such great effect is already in place but not, as yet, in the depth of her full-length novels. This novella packs a powerful punch and, despite its brevity, is still one of the best ...more
Disclaimer: Marcia is a friend of mine.
As a spinoff, I wouldn't recommend reading this before the Riverbend books, unless you don't mind plot spoilers. If you read Finding Hunter, and wondered what was up with the mysterious Gabe Angelino, this book will answer all your questions.
This is a perfect read for this time of year--cozy, magical, and even set in winter. Jake Daughtry, AKA Gabe Angelino, died--and then the angel Azrael put him to work helping lost souls. There's liable to be some issues ...more
As a spinoff, I wouldn't recommend reading this before the Riverbend books, unless you don't mind plot spoilers. If you read Finding Hunter, and wondered what was up with the mysterious Gabe Angelino, this book will answer all your questions.
This is a perfect read for this time of year--cozy, magical, and even set in winter. Jake Daughtry, AKA Gabe Angelino, died--and then the angel Azrael put him to work helping lost souls. There's liable to be some issues ...more
This book is so ridiculously entertaining, I couldn't put it down. It plays on ALL the emotions---humor (in spades), sadness, heartfelt joy, anger, frustration, and a wonderful ending. WOW! The author knows how to tell a phenomenal tale and craft a good story. This is a relatively short read, but it's a rich read with fully developed characters and plot lines. I especially loved the relationship (and witty dialogue) between Jake and angel Azrael.
After experiencing death, Jake is sent to Earth as ...more
After experiencing death, Jake is sent to Earth as ...more
The Emissary is a spin-off novella from the Riverbend romantic mystery series.
Jake is a big-rig lorry driver travelling the roads between Florida and Georgia. Recently he picked up Hunter Painter, and saved him from an attempt to take his own life. He then returned Hunter to his family who had never given up hope that, one day, he would come home.
But Jake is in trouble with ‘the boss’. He’s made some rookie mistakes, but the training was sparse and hurried; who can blame him? He’s given a second ...more
Jake is a big-rig lorry driver travelling the roads between Florida and Georgia. Recently he picked up Hunter Painter, and saved him from an attempt to take his own life. He then returned Hunter to his family who had never given up hope that, one day, he would come home.
But Jake is in trouble with ‘the boss’. He’s made some rookie mistakes, but the training was sparse and hurried; who can blame him? He’s given a second ...more
This paranormal novella has an angel and a new being an emissary, or Jake. With the world so over-populated Jake was recruited after his death to come back down to earth and help. I have not read “Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2”, but it didn’t matter because I was quickly pulled in and understood the situation. I loved the tension between Jake and Azrael at first, and then the humor. Jake is still very human with his reactions, while having some extra gifts. I felt an array of emotions as I re
...more
This was an entertaining novella which can be a stand alone book. I did not read the Riverbend Series and still enjoyed this story. There are a myriad of emotions that are displayed in this tale about a man, Jake, who becomes an emissary to the angel, Azrael. He is enlisted to aid Azrael in helping humans who are troubled and in need.
Marcia Meara has created well-defined characters who draw the reader in as they feel pain, angst, happiness, or sorrow. This is a creative piece that makes the read ...more
Marcia Meara has created well-defined characters who draw the reader in as they feel pain, angst, happiness, or sorrow. This is a creative piece that makes the read ...more
This was a very sweet read. A nice balance of suspense, charm and angels. If you're looking for a quick read for an uplifting inspiration this is a good one (with the exception of one or two scenes that are quite graphic). I felt I should put that little warning in.
...more
A delightful little book. The writing is clear and to the point with excellent dialogue that pulls you into the story. The characters are real and you care about them. I love the idea of a sort of angel, or angel's helper, who drives a semi. Very clever. There is enough action to keep the story moving along. I'm pleased there are more books in the series.
...more
4.5*
We were introduced briefly to Gabe Angelino, otherwise known as Jake, when he appeared in Hunter Painter’s life at just the right moment. Willow Green wasn’t far off the mark, thinking he was an angel. But Azrael, Jake’s boss, isn’t too pleased with his, Jake’s, interactions with Hunter and Willow.
Jake can’t understand Azrael’s problem, when all he did was stop someone in a desperate situation from doing something terrible. And okay, he didn’t wipe Hunter’s memory of him. So what? Still, Azr ...more
We were introduced briefly to Gabe Angelino, otherwise known as Jake, when he appeared in Hunter Painter’s life at just the right moment. Willow Green wasn’t far off the mark, thinking he was an angel. But Azrael, Jake’s boss, isn’t too pleased with his, Jake’s, interactions with Hunter and Willow.
Jake can’t understand Azrael’s problem, when all he did was stop someone in a desperate situation from doing something terrible. And okay, he didn’t wipe Hunter’s memory of him. So what? Still, Azr ...more
The Emissary by Marcia Meara
If there is an angel in a story, I’m all over it. Suppose you add in a big diesel rig and a road story. I pay attention to it. If you talk about life after death and then have some situations where a dead guy can help those living have a better experience, I’m writing reviews for it. I guess that just about explains why I’m writing this review. You see, I won this book in a contest and did not expect to like it. First off, I find most novellas to be short on character ...more
If there is an angel in a story, I’m all over it. Suppose you add in a big diesel rig and a road story. I pay attention to it. If you talk about life after death and then have some situations where a dead guy can help those living have a better experience, I’m writing reviews for it. I guess that just about explains why I’m writing this review. You see, I won this book in a contest and did not expect to like it. First off, I find most novellas to be short on character ...more
I usually read giant tomes so I was skeptical about whether I could immerse myself in a novella. I'm not religious, so I was leery about a book concerned with the work of angels. My skepticism was unwarranted on both counts. This is a thoroughly engaging, heartfelt story that drew me in from the start. Meara's portrayal of the main character Jake is relatable and believable. He's quick-witted, full of self-doubt and determination, and naturally gifted with plenty of kindness. And he's dead.
Jake ...more
Jake ...more
I won this book, along with the other two in The Emissary series, from an online competition. As I've read other books by this author, I was eager to read these. And I'm so glad I bumped this novella up my to-be-read list. It is a short but thoroughly enjoyable read, and I'll be reading the next two as soon as I can.
The writer brings you all the emotions you could ask for in a book: humour (lots of laugh-out-loud momemts), sadness, despair, grief, determination, hope, etc.
I loved the two main ...more
The writer brings you all the emotions you could ask for in a book: humour (lots of laugh-out-loud momemts), sadness, despair, grief, determination, hope, etc.
I loved the two main ...more
Despite not having read the Riverbend series (yet), I was not at all disadvantaged going into Marcia Meara's spinoff series, starting with The Emissary. Following the journey of recently passed over, almost-an-angel protagonist, Jake (who I understand played his hand a little too openly in the Riverbend series, managing to come close to revealing his true Divine nature), The Emissary wends through themes of redemption and salvation, as it explores the notions of free will, choice, and temptation
...more
I knew this story was a spin-off from Marcia Mearer’s successful Riverbend romantic mystery series, and although I had read Marcia’s work before, I hadn’t read Finding Hunter, the book that prompted this story. However, the description and cover hooked my curiosity immediately and I knew it would be a good read. I was not to be disappointed.
Considering The Emissary is a novella, it doesn’t feel like it, as the story seems to grow as you read it and is the kind of story that could run for a long ...more
Considering The Emissary is a novella, it doesn’t feel like it, as the story seems to grow as you read it and is the kind of story that could run for a long ...more
This is a well-written, entertaining novella. The author gives one of the characters from her Riverbend series his own story. And it’s a fun one.
Gabe is an ordinary fellow who gets caught up in a plan to recruit some newly-deceased humans to help the overwhelmed angels. There’s some amusing dialogue between “boss” angel, Azrael, and sarcastic-yet-nice-guy, Gabe. The story takes readers along for the ride (literally) with this truck-driving angel-helper. No heavy-handed religion here. Just a swe ...more
Gabe is an ordinary fellow who gets caught up in a plan to recruit some newly-deceased humans to help the overwhelmed angels. There’s some amusing dialogue between “boss” angel, Azrael, and sarcastic-yet-nice-guy, Gabe. The story takes readers along for the ride (literally) with this truck-driving angel-helper. No heavy-handed religion here. Just a swe ...more
As usual, did not disappoint!
I have read all of Marcia’s novels, and was a bit disappointed to see a “novella”. But I was not disappointed. As usual, the story grabs your interest right from the beginning, and before you know it, you have finished the book! Sadly!
This in an interesting story about Jake who has drowned saving someone who has fallen in the water. He becomes an emissary for the angel Azrael, and continues to do good. He befriends a young man, Dodger, and you will have to read the ...more
I have read all of Marcia’s novels, and was a bit disappointed to see a “novella”. But I was not disappointed. As usual, the story grabs your interest right from the beginning, and before you know it, you have finished the book! Sadly!
This in an interesting story about Jake who has drowned saving someone who has fallen in the water. He becomes an emissary for the angel Azrael, and continues to do good. He befriends a young man, Dodger, and you will have to read the ...more
This is in the wrong genre categories. It should be spiritual or motivational. If it was, I wouldn't have read it because I don't like preaching. I like a story with a main character who is involved in the story for a deep personal reason to fight on through to achieve something at the end.
I also don't like head-hopping. Annoys me to flit from one mind to another within a scene. Oh, scenes? They have a purpose, a shape, a function, not just a few words of preaching.
Disappointed. ...more
I also don't like head-hopping. Annoys me to flit from one mind to another within a scene. Oh, scenes? They have a purpose, a shape, a function, not just a few words of preaching.
Disappointed. ...more
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Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years and four big cats.
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to he ...more
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to he ...more
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