What do you think?
Rate this book
Vernon Moore
One Part Angel
The residents of Ebb, Nebraska, could use another miracle. The last time they needed one, their salvation came in the form of a mysterious, well-dressed traveling salesman named Vernon Moore. Though he turned the town around in six days, now Ebb is right back in the soup, and plucky Wilma Porter–owner of the Come Again Bed and Breakfast–is praying for a return visit from the famous Mr. Moore.
Wilma’s prayers are answered, but not everyone is happy to see Vernon again. Clem Tucker, the richest man in town, is cooking up a business deal that could have dire consequences for Ebb–and he doesn’t like Vernon’s meddling. Nor does the recently arrived Reverend Gault, whose Divine Temple of the Everlasting God Almighty may have something to do with the town’s current troubles. Vernon aims to set them straight, even if it means putting himself and others in danger. But it’s Loretta Parson who needs his strange brand of magic the most–and in the end, Vernon just might need her even more . . . if he’s going to save the little town of Ebb.
Wilma’s prayers are answered, but not everyone is happy to see Vernon again. Clem Tucker, the richest man in town, is cooking up a business deal that could have dire consequences for Ebb–and he doesn’t like Vernon’s meddling. Nor does the recently arrived Reverend Gault, whose Divine Temple of the Everlasting God Almighty may have something to do with the town’s current troubles. Vernon aims to set them straight, even if it means putting himself and others in danger. But it’s Loretta Parson who needs his strange brand of magic the most–and in the end, Vernon just might need her even more . . . if he’s going to save the little town of Ebb.
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 24, 2024
This book is just as incomprehensible to me as the first one (In the Land of Second Chances) was, possibly more so. In many ways this book is little more than a retread of In the Land... except the "sermonettes" are slightly different. Instead of hope and faith, we have the difference between smart and stupid, and strong and weak. But the reasoning is the same: Let me prove to you why it makes more sense, from a rational perspective, to behave a smart way, as defined by the author, of course.
It's clear, from the title, if nothing else, that we're supposed to believe that Vernon Moore is something close to an angel. Maybe that's why the entire town accepts him into their lives and treats him as their long-lost best friend. I found it entirely unbelievable though. Yes, it's a small, friendly town, and yes, he's a nice guy, but that's about it. And yet, the entire town comes to believe that he's the only answer to all their troubles. So much for that old-fashioned mid-west belief in self-reliance!
Fortunately for them, though, he does return, and does manage to solve all their problems, while at the same time maintaining his secret identity and denying that he had anything at all to do with getting things fixed. Humble to an extreme, and way past the extreme, if you asked me.
I had just one other problem with this book, and it grated on me so much that I feel like I have to mention it:
It's possible that Shaffner has never heard a teenage boy speak, even when he was one. He has his 16-year-old male character talking like a California valley girl who's been dropped into southeast Nebraska.
In short, this book bothered me on many levels and in ways that I can't fully explain. I'm only going to read the third book because I've already agreed to do so, but I hope some questions are answered there, because I'm certainly not going to read a fourth book (if there is one).
It's clear, from the title, if nothing else, that we're supposed to believe that Vernon Moore is something close to an angel. Maybe that's why the entire town accepts him into their lives and treats him as their long-lost best friend. I found it entirely unbelievable though. Yes, it's a small, friendly town, and yes, he's a nice guy, but that's about it. And yet, the entire town comes to believe that he's the only answer to all their troubles. So much for that old-fashioned mid-west belief in self-reliance!
Fortunately for them, though, he does return, and does manage to solve all their problems, while at the same time maintaining his secret identity and denying that he had anything at all to do with getting things fixed. Humble to an extreme, and way past the extreme, if you asked me.
I had just one other problem with this book, and it grated on me so much that I feel like I have to mention it:
It's possible that Shaffner has never heard a teenage boy speak, even when he was one. He has his 16-year-old male character talking like a California valley girl who's been dropped into southeast Nebraska.
In short, this book bothered me on many levels and in ways that I can't fully explain. I'm only going to read the third book because I've already agreed to do so, but I hope some questions are answered there, because I'm certainly not going to read a fourth book (if there is one).
August 7, 2022
I read In the Land of Second Chances years ago and didn't realize there were two more in the series. I had grabbed book three and started reading....hmm this feels familiar...and had to order One Part Angel before I read the conclusion.
And speaking of conclusion this book felt more lecturing and I wasn't as much a fan as I was of the first. On to #3!
And speaking of conclusion this book felt more lecturing and I wasn't as much a fan as I was of the first. On to #3!
October 15, 2019
Fantastic book kept me reading all night could not put it down till I finished it & my room mate was NOT happy because I had a flash light going from lights out till breakfast time.
July 6, 2020
Love this series. Onto the third and final one ……
November 22, 2021
Love this way this book made me think.
November 30, 2023
Very enjoyable but strange.
February 26, 2008
This book is just as incomprehensible to me as the first one (In the Land of Second Chances) was, possibly more so. In many ways this book is little more than a retread of In the Land... except the "sermonettes" are slightly different. Instead of hope and faith, we have the difference between smart and stupid, and strong and weak. But the reasoning is the same: Let me prove to you why it makes more sense, from a rational perspective, to behave a smart way, as defined by the author, of course.
It's clear, from the title, if nothing else, that we're supposed to believe that Vernon Moore is something close to an angel. Maybe that's why the entire town accepts him into their lives and treats him as their long-lost best friend. I found it entirely unbelievable though. Yes, it's a small, friendly town, and yes, he's a nice guy, but that's about it. And yet, the entire town comes to believe that he's the only answer to all their troubles. So much for that old-fashioned mid-west belief in self-reliance!
Fortunately for them, though, he does return, and does manage to solve all their problems, while at the same time maintaining his secret identity and denying that he had anything at all to do with getting things fixed. Humble to an extreme, and way past the extreme, if you asked me.
I had just one other problem with this book, and it grated on me so much that I feel like I have to mention it:
It's possible that Shaffner has never heard a teenage boy speak, even when he was one. He has his 16-year-old male character talking like a California valley girl who's been dropped into southeast Nebraska.
In short, this book bothered me on many levels and in ways that I can't fully explain. I'm only going to read the third book because I've already agreed to do so, but I hope some questions are answered there, because I'm certainly not going to read a fourth book (if there is one).
It's clear, from the title, if nothing else, that we're supposed to believe that Vernon Moore is something close to an angel. Maybe that's why the entire town accepts him into their lives and treats him as their long-lost best friend. I found it entirely unbelievable though. Yes, it's a small, friendly town, and yes, he's a nice guy, but that's about it. And yet, the entire town comes to believe that he's the only answer to all their troubles. So much for that old-fashioned mid-west belief in self-reliance!
Fortunately for them, though, he does return, and does manage to solve all their problems, while at the same time maintaining his secret identity and denying that he had anything at all to do with getting things fixed. Humble to an extreme, and way past the extreme, if you asked me.
I had just one other problem with this book, and it grated on me so much that I feel like I have to mention it:
It's possible that Shaffner has never heard a teenage boy speak, even when he was one. He has his 16-year-old male character talking like a California valley girl who's been dropped into southeast Nebraska.
In short, this book bothered me on many levels and in ways that I can't fully explain. I'm only going to read the third book because I've already agreed to do so, but I hope some questions are answered there, because I'm certainly not going to read a fourth book (if there is one).
March 26, 2008
I loved the relationship between the young character in jail and the main character. The questions he asked the young man, beginning with, 'Is it better to be smart or stupid?" and "How would you say you are doing so far?" made the book worth finishing. It may be that the rest of the book didn't really hold my interest since it wasn't the first in the series, but I am glad my friend, Susie, lent it to me.
August 9, 2012
Charming spiritual fable that poses these questions...Is is better to be smart or stupid---strong or weak? Hmmm...You could debate the ansswers aaround the kitchen table and have an interesting discussion.
August 1, 2008
Loved this trilogy. I would suggest reading them in order.
August 14, 2008
Interesting theology.
September 24, 2008
George brings back the characters we loved, and this time price is way too high for the ladies club to lose. Loved how author writes making the story lines funny and easy to read.
November 1, 2008
Excellent read. Still warm, funny,and makes you think. Wonderfull series.
June 1, 2009
Second of the series. If you like a quick read with an uplifting message, read this series.
June 19, 2009
This is a continuation of his first book ... In The Land of Second Chances. Very insightful how Mr. Moore solves the problems of the town. And in less than a week!! Very good read.
August 17, 2010
Sequel to "The Land of Second Chances" is another tale of spiritual mystery and humor in a town run by women, but saved by a man. Go figure.
January 19, 2012
Good spiritual fiction.Uplifting, cute, philosophical and spiritual read.. it was just what i needed to help me cope with things going on in my life at the time i read it.
January 18, 2014
This was a delightful book with fun characters and moral lessons.
January 27, 2016
A man (angel?) tries to help a young boy in jail. His methods are sometimes thought =provoking. But I feel I was missing some things because I did not read the prequel.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews