Angels at Sunset

by Tom Mach

A historically accurate novel about a woman named Jessica who, in 1920, recalls a time when she fought alongside women such as Susan B. Anthony for their rights. It depicts an earlier time when, after witnessing the 1871 Chicago Fire, she is jailed for picketing the White House 46 years later. Now she unaware that that a revengeful man is following her, intent on murdering her and her family.

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Tom Mach wrote three successful historical novels, Sissy!, All Parts Together, and Angels at Sunset (his most recent work). In 2011 Sissy! and All Parts Together were listed by the Kansas State Library as worthy to be included among the 150 best Kansas books (which would include authors such as Truman Capote and Laura Ingalls Wilder). Sissy! won the J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award while All Parts Together was a Best Books Award Finalist. Angels at Sunset received 5-star reviews and was also a Finalist for the International Book Award. On March, 2012, the state of Kansas issued a proclamation honoring Mr. Mach for his help in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 1912 passage of Kansas Suffrage by proclaiming 2012 in honor of his book and officially calling it the “Kansas Angels at Sunset Centennial.”

His poetry collection, The Uni Verse, won the Nelson Poetry Book Award, while Sissy! won the J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award. Mr. Mach has written numerous other books as well--including a collection of short stories entitled Stories to Enjoy.

Tom was a former copywriter, editor of two magazines, conducted writing workshops in Ohio, California, and Kansas, and taught writing at KU’s Continuing Education Program. In addition to numerous articles he has authored in national and regional publications, he was past president with the California Writers Club and the Kansas Authors Club. He won the Jack London Award in California and a Service Award with the Kansas Authors Club. He currently resides with his wife in Lawrence, Kansas—where he is also involved in volunteer work to help children with their writing skills.

His website is www.TomMach.com

Reviews

[Dalyn Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels at Sunset is a beautifully told, historically rich novel that brings to life the fierce courage of women who fought tirelessly for their rights. Tom Mach masterfully intertwines Jessica’s personal journey spanning from the devastation of the 1871 Chicago Fire to her fearless participation in the women’s suffrage movement with suspense, danger, and emotional depth. The blend of historical accuracy, powerful storytelling, and a looming threat from a vengeful pursuer keeps the narrative gripping and heartfelt. This is an inspiring tribute to the women who shaped history and a compelling story of resilience, bravery, and justice.

[Tammy Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads Giveaways. A historical tale about a woman who lived through many changes in our history.

[Susie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review of Tom Mach's historical novel, "Angels at Sunset"
Reviewed by Susie James
"Angels at Sunset" is the second book I won the right to preview courtesy the "Goodreads" giveaways, and I would recommend it to anyone who would be interested in the culture and history of our United States. I'm a Southerner; let's get that straight -- but my eye for other points of view isn't frozen shut! Mach's book follows two others featuring some of the same characters, starting with "Sissy!", who's one of two very friendly spirit-characters in "Angels at Sunset", and continuing with "All Parts Together". Mach puts it all into reader-friendly perspective with his third novel.
Jessica Radford's involvement with any number of issues during her long (fictional) life totes the reader right along, as she tweaks her own memory of these involvements during the course of the telling. Her daughter, Emma, has written a manuscript of her mother's colorful career, from the Civil War times to anti-slavery efforts, and weaving in the fight for women's rights, which has culminated at long last with the passage of the 19th amendment to the U. S. Constitution in 1920. During Jessica's trip back to Kansas to live with Emma; Emma's husband; and their adopted daughter, the elderly woman reads the manuscript and relives many of her life's experiences. There are the current events, too, which Mach twines meaningfully.
One "Yankee" viewpoint I've enjoyed reading over the years is that created by Owen Parry in his series about the Welsh-born man who comes to the Northeastern United States in the years before the Civil War -- and who becomes a detective during the Civil War. While I'd say "Angels at Sunset" isn't like one of Parry's textured novels, it's refreshingly told and clearly written to take the reader through so many historical events it's amazing.
The idea that one flesh and blood woman, Jessica, could have seen and known so much and lived to tell the tale through her writer-daughter, is mind-boggling, but that's Mach's prerogative! The reader thanks him for his expertise -- and for the advice he penned in the front of my copy of "Angels at Sunset": "Read Hebrews 12:2". I did so as I neared the end of this excellent historical novel. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Mach's resolution of the twisted stories of Jessica, Nellie, Mitzi, Emma, Otto, Devin, Michael, Tinker, the Lightfoots is satisfying, indeed. Only -- well, use "spirits", not "angels" in tying up all the dangling storylines and the tears.

[Linda Betz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels at Sunset, by Tom Mach will take you back to a time when strong, courageous women fought to change history—to pave the way for us to enjoy the same rights as men. Many of these women also fought to abolish slavery.

The fictional tale of Jessica Radford Chandler, a suffragist, along with flawless, real historic characters and details are intricately woven into a story that kept me reading until the very last word.

Angels at Sunset will thrill you with mystery, suspense, danger and struggle from beginning to end.

Tom Mach takes, what might seem to some dull history, and transforms it into a brilliant story that keeps the reader turning pages and wanting more. Believe me when I say there was nothing dull or boring about the Women’s Suffrage movement.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read, but especially to every woman who has ever stepped into a voting booth and cast her vote and every girl who waits for that day to come; for every woman who has had the privilege and right to own property and apply for credit; for every girl and woman who enjoys the same rights men.

As women, we still struggle for equality, and we’ve yet to see a woman as president of the United States of America, but the women you’ll read about in Angels at Sunset, set the example and paid a price for us to continue the fight for equality for all human beings.

I absolutely must read Tom Mach’s other books; I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 9/2/13
Received my copy and hope to start soon. Have 2 others plus current read in front. 9/9/13
Started 9/15/13
Finished 9/15/13

Jessica is a suffragette and has been since she was young. Now it is the 1920's, the 19th amendment has passed, and she has voted for the first time. Her daughter Emma is writing a biography on Jessica's life and together with Emma's husband Francesco and daughter Anne, they are taking a trip visiting places from Jessica's past. This trip and reading the biography is forcing Jessica to relive her life.


I didn't realize this was book 3 of a series when I started it. You don't need to read the first 2 to enjoy this book. I loved the depiction of the frustration and anger at the injustice of the system regarding women voting, holding property, etc. It was interesting to see the parallels with the anti slavery movement. I hadn't thought of it the same way before. It was a quick engaging read.

[Tom Mach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel will come as a plasant surprise to readers because it not only depicts accurately the historical events of the women's suffrage movement but it also tells a heart-wrenching story of forgiveness and compassion. The novel begins in 1920 in Gettysburg, PA where Jessica Radford awaits the arrival of her daugher Emma, her son-in-law Francesco, and her granddaughter Anne to take her (Jessica) to Lawrence, KS. Along the way, Jessica recalls her involvement in the suffrage movement, working alongside such suffragists as Susan B Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul. She also recalls the tragic Chicago Fire of 1871 in which costs the life of her other daughter, Mitzi. Jessica blames Devin, a black man who had eloped with Mitzi, for her daughter's death. Not wanting to say more because it would spoil the surprise, I would heartily recommend this book to anyone--even if they are not intrigued by the suffragist movement--because the story itself has a universal theme of love.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent account of the fictional life of Jessica Radford, the third book in a trilogy, as an activist in the movement for Women's vote. This third book also fills in the story of Jessica's earlier life through the Civil War and beyond. I enjoyed the information and was able to "suspend my disbelief" in order to accept the unlikelihood of Jessica's travels as she crossed paths with historical figures. I just enjoyed the tale and learned about the history.
The author uses many flashbacks which can be a bit daunting.
Definitely a recommended read!

[Haley Whitehall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first two books in this series which took place during the Civil War...I just couldn't get into this one as well. I hadn't expected book three to take place in the early 1900s. The reader was updated on all the characters' lives through letters and memories but I guess because the Independence movement doesn't interest me as much as the Civil War it was a slower read.

The research was top notch as was the first two. I recommend it to any one who likes this period in history, and I highly recommend you read the first two books in the series first.

[Syvannah Tewes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. As I saw it put elsewhere a free book does not equal a five star review.

Angels at sunset was a good read. Historically accurate, emotionally touching, nice believable characters.
However, I didn't like it. I enjoyed reading it yes, but it's not a book I will feel compelled to read and re-read. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first two but I didn't. Nor do I feel any need to. I do not hate the book, it's just not my thing.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent account of the fictional life of Jessica , as an activist in the movement for Women's right to vote. Tells story of Jessica's earlier life through the Civil War and more. I enjoyed her struggles and life in Gettysburg Pa. I enjoyed the way the author use of flashbacks enhance the novel. This was a book from the author thru GOODREADS.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. Wonderful story about Women's Suffrage from the Civil War to the 1920s. What our foremothers went through to get us today the right to vote. I am sure they are heartbroken to see how few of us vote.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from goodreads first choice and I was ecstatic I already love historical fiction and this book was excellently written. I enjoyed the characters very much. This was defiantly a good book and very enjoyable!

[Laney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Angels at Sunset through a Goodreads giveaway! This book had an intriguing story line woven with loads of factual information about the suffragette movement in America. It was definitely an informative read with a topic that is still of concern today.

[Maria-Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really great novel about the struggle of women in the early 1920s. A novel every historical fiction lover should read. Received as an ARC copy.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I learned much about the history & trials women endured for my many freedoms.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads.I learned a lot of history by reading this book. Good book.

[Doris Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This. Is. A. Good. Book