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The Angelic Letters #1
Pewter Angels
"Every once in a while a love story comes along that is nothing short of amazing and has a gifted storyteller backing it." Darlene Oakley--Acquisitions Editor, Lachesis Publishing
"A lifelong and avid reader, I have consumed thousands of novels. Never has one been more delicious than Pewter Angels, and for the first time in memory I could not resist a second helping. Indeed, I read it twice, each time more than satisfying."
Wendy Ward--Author and CEO, Davis-Ward Centre for People Excellence.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pewter Angels, book one of the Angelic Letters Series, begins the epic saga of life, love, angels and miracles. The story follows the lives of Henry Pederson and Jenny Sarsky from the moment they meet as two fifteen-year-olds in the summer of 1956, over a span of four decades and seven books. Falling in love instantly the moment their eyes meet, Henry and Jenny's dramatic bond is aided along the way by their guardian angels, creating a powerful spirit filled connection between them that withstands the test of time.
Mr. Engelmann, an endearing, wise and spirit filled mentor, comes into Henry’s life, providing him with powerful insights and valuable life lessons that carry strength, wisdom and hope. As so many readers have shared, we should all be so fortunate as to have someone like him in our lives. You will be compelled to live and breathe with the other characters too. They are so real that their sadness, tears and joys fly off the pages and become ever entrenched in your mind and heart.
The Angelic Letters Series becomes an experience readers will never forget. It is so much more than a captivating love story. It is deeply inspiring and glows with moments of tenderness, a story that’s difficult to put down – with an ending that surprises and satisfies beyond the reader’s most wishful imaginings, an ending only angels could bring about.
Come, join the family of characters. Once the book is open, the journey has begun. Pewter Angels will swell your heart; you will hug the pages to your chest with each reading!
Pewter Angels - Gold Medal Winner of both the Independent Publishers Book Award and Living Now Book Award. Pewter Angels was also listed in the Toronto Globe and Mail top ten bestselling books in Canada.
"A lifelong and avid reader, I have consumed thousands of novels. Never has one been more delicious than Pewter Angels, and for the first time in memory I could not resist a second helping. Indeed, I read it twice, each time more than satisfying."
Wendy Ward--Author and CEO, Davis-Ward Centre for People Excellence.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pewter Angels, book one of the Angelic Letters Series, begins the epic saga of life, love, angels and miracles. The story follows the lives of Henry Pederson and Jenny Sarsky from the moment they meet as two fifteen-year-olds in the summer of 1956, over a span of four decades and seven books. Falling in love instantly the moment their eyes meet, Henry and Jenny's dramatic bond is aided along the way by their guardian angels, creating a powerful spirit filled connection between them that withstands the test of time.
Mr. Engelmann, an endearing, wise and spirit filled mentor, comes into Henry’s life, providing him with powerful insights and valuable life lessons that carry strength, wisdom and hope. As so many readers have shared, we should all be so fortunate as to have someone like him in our lives. You will be compelled to live and breathe with the other characters too. They are so real that their sadness, tears and joys fly off the pages and become ever entrenched in your mind and heart.
The Angelic Letters Series becomes an experience readers will never forget. It is so much more than a captivating love story. It is deeply inspiring and glows with moments of tenderness, a story that’s difficult to put down – with an ending that surprises and satisfies beyond the reader’s most wishful imaginings, an ending only angels could bring about.
Come, join the family of characters. Once the book is open, the journey has begun. Pewter Angels will swell your heart; you will hug the pages to your chest with each reading!
Pewter Angels - Gold Medal Winner of both the Independent Publishers Book Award and Living Now Book Award. Pewter Angels was also listed in the Toronto Globe and Mail top ten bestselling books in Canada.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2010
28 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Henry K. Ripplinger
12 books40 followersHenry Ripplinger is an award winning, best¬selling author of Pewter Angels, Another Angel of Love, Angel of Thanksgiving, The Angelic Occurrence, Angel Promises Fulfilled, The House Where Angels Dwell and The Heart of an Angel, in the seven book series “The Angelic Letters.” The overwhelming response by readers to Henry’s novels gives testimony to Henry’s gifts as an author to write books that touch human hearts and offer direction to their lives.
Henry’s empathetic abilities, combined with his lifelong experience and eclectic career as an educator, guidance counselor, professional artist and businessman, prepared him to craft this inspirational, spirit-filled love story and indirectly realize his aspirations of writing a self-development book.
Henry is also one of Canada’s foremost prairie artists. His work is on display at private and corporate collections across Canada, most notably in Saskatchewan, his home province, and can be seen in the critically acclaimed book, If You’re Not from the Prairie which he illustrated.
As both author and artist, Henry communicates from the heart, painting pictures with words that are vivid and real. Readers can feel and visualize every aspect of their own lives intertwined with the lives of his beloved characters.
Henry resides with his wife in the panoramic valley setting of Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their four children, two boys and two girls are married and raising families of their own.
E-mail Henry at: henry@henryripplinger.com or visit the web-site: www.henryripplinger.com for more information on Henry’s work and art. He would love to hear from you!
Henry’s empathetic abilities, combined with his lifelong experience and eclectic career as an educator, guidance counselor, professional artist and businessman, prepared him to craft this inspirational, spirit-filled love story and indirectly realize his aspirations of writing a self-development book.
Henry is also one of Canada’s foremost prairie artists. His work is on display at private and corporate collections across Canada, most notably in Saskatchewan, his home province, and can be seen in the critically acclaimed book, If You’re Not from the Prairie which he illustrated.
As both author and artist, Henry communicates from the heart, painting pictures with words that are vivid and real. Readers can feel and visualize every aspect of their own lives intertwined with the lives of his beloved characters.
Henry resides with his wife in the panoramic valley setting of Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their four children, two boys and two girls are married and raising families of their own.
E-mail Henry at: henry@henryripplinger.com or visit the web-site: www.henryripplinger.com for more information on Henry’s work and art. He would love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 27, 2013
This was... a book.
I'm really struggling to think of how to describe it objectively. There's no denying the book has some appeal--several people I've talked to have said they liked it immensely. And it was interesting enough that I read through all 400 pages quickly, curious what would happen to the characters.
But...
SPOILERS:
Sometimes it felt as if the writer was learning his craft as he went along. The first part of the book was decidedly difficult to stomach. The romance was very contrived--"tacky" would be a good word for it--and seemed superficial. Henry was only drawn to Jenny because of her stunning good looks (which were over-the-top, movie-star, fairy-tale looks, apparently, drawing whistles from every breathing male within a two mile radius and prompting everyone to want to rape her), and their 2-month fling made way for a year of tedious longing that resulted in... Well, an absolute lack of closure. I understand that the book is the first in a series, but there was absolutely NO closure. The last chapter of the book was just like any other chapter. It's as if the publisher said, "I'm afraid this book is too long," and the author closed his eyes and picked a spot to separate it into another book.
The rape itself was very unrealistically executed. The wording of it was so awkward that one spent a fourth of the book trying to figure out if she was raped at all, which apparently Jenny couldn't figure out either until she was in her 4th month of pregnancy. The pregnancy almost seemed thrown into the book randomly, and was a confusing and unrealistic side-story. She had no sickness, was able to remain in school wearing "big sweaters" until--what, the 3rd trimester? Then ended the pregnancy with no stretch marks, football players cheering her on as she flaunted her trim figure in a cheerleading uniform a few short months later. The part about fainting so that she didn't know she was being raped (and the guy not actually being fully "in" her but still managing to get her pregnant, in spite of shallow penetration, extremely limited time due to being interrupted, and being incredibly drunk) was just so fantastical that I found myself expressing my amazement out loud.
There were many other story lines seemingly tossed in at random, almost as if the author kept trying to one-up himself. Jenny's mother doesn't approve of them! Jenny moves away! Rape! Pregnancy! Henry's father runs away with a coworker! Mr. What's-his-name's wife is sick! They're threatening to foreclose the store! Jenny's father is an alcoholic! Henry is trying to make friends with that Eddy guy! It was a whirlwind of subjects fighting for attention, when what we really wanted was to just get on with the Jenny and Henry story (which, as I mentioned, didn't happen at all in this book).
The mechanics of the book were a bit lacking too. Sometimes the book would randomly switch points of view and we would hear a paragraph from Henry's mother--and the book would suddenly call her "Mary," then go right back to referring to her as Henry's mom. And if I had a nickel for every time someone in that book blushed or got teary-eyed, I would probably have a good $20. I estimate that Henry blushed about 8 times in the first chapter alone. People in this book cry at the slightest provocation--Mr. What's-his-name cries because Henry organizes the stock room, for goodness' sakes.
And boy, was it preachy. That is the way my mother, who is a devout, conservative believer in her mid-60s, described it. She couldn't finish it. Mr. What's-his-name preached a small sermon every time he opened his mouth, and was so fatherly and wise and sickeningly pious that it made you tune him out most of the time.
However, I want to end on a positive note, because the author definitely has talent, and he has crafted a story that many people love. And despite how I feel about this book, I do find myself curious to find out how Henry and Jenny reunite and what Henry thinks of Jenny's pregnancy and subsequent adoption. I also liked that it was realistic about the physical temptations Henry and Jenny faced and how they had to work very hard to overcome them (something I think should be taught clearly and realistically to today's youth--expect temptation, and have a plan). I know that as a writer, you really put a piece of yourself out there, and so it's hard when someone comes along and criticizes your work. This book is local and probably has a somewhat small audience, so I'm cognizant that the author might be reading this review. I want to stress that while I personally found it lacking, the other people I know who have read it enjoyed it greatly. And really, you're allowed to enjoy whatever literature you want, and you shouldn't be ashamed--be it Twilight, Lord of the Rings, or the Pewter Angels series.
I'm really struggling to think of how to describe it objectively. There's no denying the book has some appeal--several people I've talked to have said they liked it immensely. And it was interesting enough that I read through all 400 pages quickly, curious what would happen to the characters.
But...
SPOILERS:
Sometimes it felt as if the writer was learning his craft as he went along. The first part of the book was decidedly difficult to stomach. The romance was very contrived--"tacky" would be a good word for it--and seemed superficial. Henry was only drawn to Jenny because of her stunning good looks (which were over-the-top, movie-star, fairy-tale looks, apparently, drawing whistles from every breathing male within a two mile radius and prompting everyone to want to rape her), and their 2-month fling made way for a year of tedious longing that resulted in... Well, an absolute lack of closure. I understand that the book is the first in a series, but there was absolutely NO closure. The last chapter of the book was just like any other chapter. It's as if the publisher said, "I'm afraid this book is too long," and the author closed his eyes and picked a spot to separate it into another book.
The rape itself was very unrealistically executed. The wording of it was so awkward that one spent a fourth of the book trying to figure out if she was raped at all, which apparently Jenny couldn't figure out either until she was in her 4th month of pregnancy. The pregnancy almost seemed thrown into the book randomly, and was a confusing and unrealistic side-story. She had no sickness, was able to remain in school wearing "big sweaters" until--what, the 3rd trimester? Then ended the pregnancy with no stretch marks, football players cheering her on as she flaunted her trim figure in a cheerleading uniform a few short months later. The part about fainting so that she didn't know she was being raped (and the guy not actually being fully "in" her but still managing to get her pregnant, in spite of shallow penetration, extremely limited time due to being interrupted, and being incredibly drunk) was just so fantastical that I found myself expressing my amazement out loud.
There were many other story lines seemingly tossed in at random, almost as if the author kept trying to one-up himself. Jenny's mother doesn't approve of them! Jenny moves away! Rape! Pregnancy! Henry's father runs away with a coworker! Mr. What's-his-name's wife is sick! They're threatening to foreclose the store! Jenny's father is an alcoholic! Henry is trying to make friends with that Eddy guy! It was a whirlwind of subjects fighting for attention, when what we really wanted was to just get on with the Jenny and Henry story (which, as I mentioned, didn't happen at all in this book).
The mechanics of the book were a bit lacking too. Sometimes the book would randomly switch points of view and we would hear a paragraph from Henry's mother--and the book would suddenly call her "Mary," then go right back to referring to her as Henry's mom. And if I had a nickel for every time someone in that book blushed or got teary-eyed, I would probably have a good $20. I estimate that Henry blushed about 8 times in the first chapter alone. People in this book cry at the slightest provocation--Mr. What's-his-name cries because Henry organizes the stock room, for goodness' sakes.
And boy, was it preachy. That is the way my mother, who is a devout, conservative believer in her mid-60s, described it. She couldn't finish it. Mr. What's-his-name preached a small sermon every time he opened his mouth, and was so fatherly and wise and sickeningly pious that it made you tune him out most of the time.
However, I want to end on a positive note, because the author definitely has talent, and he has crafted a story that many people love. And despite how I feel about this book, I do find myself curious to find out how Henry and Jenny reunite and what Henry thinks of Jenny's pregnancy and subsequent adoption. I also liked that it was realistic about the physical temptations Henry and Jenny faced and how they had to work very hard to overcome them (something I think should be taught clearly and realistically to today's youth--expect temptation, and have a plan). I know that as a writer, you really put a piece of yourself out there, and so it's hard when someone comes along and criticizes your work. This book is local and probably has a somewhat small audience, so I'm cognizant that the author might be reading this review. I want to stress that while I personally found it lacking, the other people I know who have read it enjoyed it greatly. And really, you're allowed to enjoy whatever literature you want, and you shouldn't be ashamed--be it Twilight, Lord of the Rings, or the Pewter Angels series.
September 16, 2013
Didnt finish it. Got it because author was at a signing at Costco. Shouldn't have. Poor, obvious, young adult writing and way too preachy. Very predictable and iver explained.
July 10, 2012
I would have given this boom 3.5 stars. It's a nice story-line but the writing wasn't the best. It got better as the book progressed though. I was intrigued enough to start book 2 right after.
October 3, 2012
I absolutely love this book and it is part of a 5 part series. I have read the 3 published so far and anxiously await the other 2.
May 20, 2017
The author was well intentioned, but I found the story juvenile and moralistic. I only persevered because someone I care about raved about the series.
January 2, 2014
Well, this book took me a long time to read. Probably a record. It was one of those books where I had starts and stops with it.
Henry and Jenny meet one summer and find this unbelievable connection to each other. Jenny's parents don't like the relationship and eventually pack up the family and move to Ontario. The rest of the book is Jenny and Henry longing to hear from each other through a series of letters that never reach one another via Jenny's parents.
There were many things that I liked about this novel, and yet there are many things that I didn't like....
Such as Jenny fainting when she is being raped, how she becomes pregnant because of said rape and how Jenny's parents behave in terms of the letters, Jenny surviving the pregnancy with few trace evidence of it happening. These things rubbed me the wrong way.
I liked the wisdom that Mr. Engelman offered throughout the book and Henry's talent at restoration.
Overall this book was ok but I have yet to decide if I wish to continue on with this somewhat fantastical novel...
Henry and Jenny meet one summer and find this unbelievable connection to each other. Jenny's parents don't like the relationship and eventually pack up the family and move to Ontario. The rest of the book is Jenny and Henry longing to hear from each other through a series of letters that never reach one another via Jenny's parents.
There were many things that I liked about this novel, and yet there are many things that I didn't like....
Such as Jenny fainting when she is being raped, how she becomes pregnant because of said rape and how Jenny's parents behave in terms of the letters, Jenny surviving the pregnancy with few trace evidence of it happening. These things rubbed me the wrong way.
I liked the wisdom that Mr. Engelman offered throughout the book and Henry's talent at restoration.
Overall this book was ok but I have yet to decide if I wish to continue on with this somewhat fantastical novel...
February 19, 2013
SPOILER: I don't usually read Christian fiction. This book caught my attention, especially in regards to the letters that never got mailed / delivered. This actually happened to my mother. Young and pregnant, boyfriend out of town working. She sent a letter and his parents intercepted and destroyed the letter. By the time he came back into the picture it was too late to stop the adoption. They got married and had 4 more.
November 8, 2012
loved this book it is the first time i ever met an author and it put a whole new perspective on the book
March 7, 2013
Tender hearted saga of young love, with a spiritual and values based themes running through it, enjoyable and easy read. Sorry to learn it is a series and I only have book one.
August 21, 2013
Fantastic series! I have read all 4 books available. If I could only live by Me. Engelman's words of wisdom everyday. Looking forward to the fifth book.
July 29, 2018
Did not finish—quit at page 120. Found the five book set, never read and signed by author at a church sale table. What a waste of ten dollars. Problems in the book: 1. Writing—in 120 pages I found no reason to continue. There is no hint of the plot, or tension, or any reason to continue.
2. A’s one reviewer put it—mawkish. 3. If you are going to use a neighbourhood, please DO YOUR RESEACH! I grew up in this area of Regina and though I am ten years younger than the main character it did not change that much. If you are going to use the name Balfour—it was called Balfour Tech and to this day it is three floors—I had Physics and Biology on the third floor. Winnipeg Street and Victoria Avenue are still busy streets but as a Kindergartener in 1957, I could cross both safely to go to Thomson Elementary School. As teenagers, they should know better than to dart into busy streets! And the walk from Broadway Theatre to Winnipeg and Victoria is about 20 minutes, maybe 30 minutes if you walked really slow. 4. If you are going to use 1956 as the starting point, please DO YOUR RESEARCH! The main character who is 15 years old and was upset that he was paid 10 dollars for three days work. Wow! His dad would have been very lucky to earn $40 per week—and this kid wants more! A movie in early 60’s was 35 cents and popcorn 10 cents—how much does this kid need for a date! And who goes to Jamaica in 1956??? This is a working class neighbourhood—no one went on a plane or to Jamaica.
I want to support prairie writers but there are so many others that deserve your reading time—books that are well researched and well written. Mr. Ripplinger should stick to his painting!
2. A’s one reviewer put it—mawkish. 3. If you are going to use a neighbourhood, please DO YOUR RESEACH! I grew up in this area of Regina and though I am ten years younger than the main character it did not change that much. If you are going to use the name Balfour—it was called Balfour Tech and to this day it is three floors—I had Physics and Biology on the third floor. Winnipeg Street and Victoria Avenue are still busy streets but as a Kindergartener in 1957, I could cross both safely to go to Thomson Elementary School. As teenagers, they should know better than to dart into busy streets! And the walk from Broadway Theatre to Winnipeg and Victoria is about 20 minutes, maybe 30 minutes if you walked really slow. 4. If you are going to use 1956 as the starting point, please DO YOUR RESEARCH! The main character who is 15 years old and was upset that he was paid 10 dollars for three days work. Wow! His dad would have been very lucky to earn $40 per week—and this kid wants more! A movie in early 60’s was 35 cents and popcorn 10 cents—how much does this kid need for a date! And who goes to Jamaica in 1956??? This is a working class neighbourhood—no one went on a plane or to Jamaica.
I want to support prairie writers but there are so many others that deserve your reading time—books that are well researched and well written. Mr. Ripplinger should stick to his painting!
July 1, 2019
I had no interest in this book when I first saw it on the shelves. The only reason I ended up buying it was because the author himself was there to sign it, and because a trusted friend of mine urged me to read the series. And now I understand why. This book is fictional, but it seems too real at times. Before I knew it I'd grown attached to the main character and his awkward (but relatable) coming-of-age story. This is a series which tackles important, deep issues while still managing to be fantastical and charming. Great read.
March 3, 2019
This is an excellent book. Read it years ago and reading again. I lost my kindle to some quick hands. (Was stolen)so had to wait to be able to afford another.
This is my second time reading this series and dreadfully awful how well meaning people can ruin something so special. There are six books to the series but this and the second are especially touching. I would say a must read for sure. It’s a Christian book but can be read and enjoyed by any denomination.
This is my second time reading this series and dreadfully awful how well meaning people can ruin something so special. There are six books to the series but this and the second are especially touching. I would say a must read for sure. It’s a Christian book but can be read and enjoyed by any denomination.
April 5, 2020
This would be a perfect book for a preteen girl, but for me, an adult it wasn’t a good fit. I found it to be very repetitive and slow moving. I did appreciate the surprises in the second half though. The author shares some good advice through his characters, if your patient enough to read through the long dialogues between Henry and his boss.
July 27, 2020
Such a great story! I am not super religious, so I was a wee bit skeptical going into this book, but I am so glad I read it! It has so many wonderful messages that apply to everyone's life! The characters are so easy to relate to, and I was emotionally invested right from the start. Really want to get the next books in the series, so I can find out what happens next! :D
September 2, 2025
I bought this series for my mother-in-law when the first book was released. When she passed my daughter put the books on her bookshelf. With nothing to read, I picked up the first book and started reading.
The story is so easy to read and so real. I had difficulty putting it down and sat to read every chance that I could. I was very thankful that I had the rest of the books when I finished.
The story is so easy to read and so real. I had difficulty putting it down and sat to read every chance that I could. I was very thankful that I had the rest of the books when I finished.
April 23, 2018
Quite a book. Henry really knows how to spin a tale and get you sucked into the story. He makes you feel what the characters are feeling, and at the end you must get the next book to find what happens.
October 4, 2017
Took a couple chapters but drew me in!
June 14, 2018
Very touching story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 24, 2018
I loved all 5 books in this series!
August 6, 2018
First in the series. A good read.
September 29, 2018
This book becomes a page turner after the first couple of chapters. It has many life lessons. Excellent book.
October 5, 2018
This book wasn't the best but good enough to finish. It was slow and religious with good advice. A couple of surprises. But I will continue this series to find out what happens to Henry and Jenny.
November 5, 2018
It was okay. I found parts charming and wholesome while other parts were cliched and simplistic. I really have no desire to read the rest of the series.
December 17, 2018
I read about the first half and skimmed the rest. Definitely won’t be reading the rest in the series.
January 5, 2019
Not as good as I thought it was going to be when I first began reading it.
June 6, 2019
3.5/5
September 6, 2019
Book one if series of 7
May 9, 2020
Started kind of slow, but picked up in the last half. Definitely worth reading.
June 9, 2020
I’ve tried so many times to try and get into these books but they’re just too pious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews