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Last Chance Angel
A poignant, bittersweet story of friendship and family
When Jess is knocked off her bicycle she finds herself at the gates of Heaven early – before her actual death date. Striking a deal with Darren, the angel of death on duty, she is allowed to return to earth to visit her friends and family, in invisible form, for five days.
But saying goodbye is harder than Jess ever imagined, as she learns new things about her friends and family. And, when Darren offers Jess a last chance at life, she is faced with an impossible dilemma.
When Jess is knocked off her bicycle she finds herself at the gates of Heaven early – before her actual death date. Striking a deal with Darren, the angel of death on duty, she is allowed to return to earth to visit her friends and family, in invisible form, for five days.
But saying goodbye is harder than Jess ever imagined, as she learns new things about her friends and family. And, when Darren offers Jess a last chance at life, she is faced with an impossible dilemma.
367 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
29 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gutteridge
17 books42 followersAlex Gutteridge is the author of 12 children’s books. Her work includes humorous young fiction, stories for reluctant readers and YA novels. Her book Oven Chips for Tea was broadcast on the radio and her 2013 novel, Last Chance Angel, was short-listed for eight awards including the Romantic Novelists’ Book Award in the young adult category. She has had two picture books published in South Korea and her latest YA novel, No Going Back, published by Templar Books was commended at the Sheffield Book Awards and won the Northamptonshire Children's Choice Book Award.
Alex was born and brought up in Leicestershire where she still lives. An only child she spent a lot of time making up stories inside her head and sometimes getting into trouble for that! Her first book was based on an old Leicestershire legend about a highwayman and his wife and nearly all of Alex's books have been submitted as unsolicited manuscripts.
Alex is currently working on another YA novel and has just completed some young fiction and an adult romance.
Alex occasionally blogs about her writing inspirations at alexgutteridge.blogspot.co.uk
You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
Alex was born and brought up in Leicestershire where she still lives. An only child she spent a lot of time making up stories inside her head and sometimes getting into trouble for that! Her first book was based on an old Leicestershire legend about a highwayman and his wife and nearly all of Alex's books have been submitted as unsolicited manuscripts.
Alex is currently working on another YA novel and has just completed some young fiction and an adult romance.
Alex occasionally blogs about her writing inspirations at alexgutteridge.blogspot.co.uk
You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 14, 2020
2.5 - Not bad, easy read, cute and all, but I think I was too old for this.
June 4, 2013
For book reviews and more, please visit my book blog, The Book Stop
I’m sorry to say, I really disliked Last Chance Angel. In my opinion, it was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I know this review may sound harsh, but I’m only expressing my true feelings for this novel and unfortunately, those feelings are negative. There was nothing I liked about Last Chance Angel. I’ve been holding off writing this review for quite a while, because it’s hard for me to explain my dislikes, so excuse me if this is not the best review you’ve read of mine. Anyway, I’ll just get to the point and tell you exactly why this novel wasn’t for me.
To start with, I thought the story line was utterly pointless because I never really felt connected to it at all. I wasn’t intrigued by it and had to force myself to read on at times. I just found it boring, and there were no surprises to keep me interested in the story at all. It was very predictable right from the first page. And the whole point of reading book is to escape into another world and have a unique experience. Well, I felt like we just learned all about Jess and her friends, while the problem of Jess being ‘dead’ was predictably fixed! It took me around two weeks to read this novel, off and on, and it never usually takes me that long to read a novel. I had to take a break from it, and I have no idea how I finished it! The last few days of reading are a bit blurry, all I remember is that I didn’t enjoy the ending either.
Now lets move on to the characters. Or shall we? Do we need to hear what I have to say about them, because I’m sure all of already know. I really disliked the characters. Yup, no surprise there. I felt that Jess was whiny and silly because she was given many, many hints that she could actually live, but she just dismissed them and continued to moan about how she couldn’t live every time she remembered a good time in her life. This was very repetitive, and it got quite annoying. I couldn’t relate to her at all, or any of the characters for that matter. I really didn’t connect with any of the character’s relationships, and just, ugh…And it was very depressing. This is a YA novel, where is the hope?
The writing is the most important of a novel for me and I didn’t like the writing in Last Chance Angel. It was boring, and choppy, and didn’t let the story flow. I had hopes at the beginning the writing might pick up, as it usually does in books, but no, it didn’t. I was very disappointed because the writing is the base of everything in a novel. I also felt that the story was stretched out too long, and that made Last Chance Angel quite a dull read for me.
So, overall, I wouldn’t recommend this novel to anyone. I thought it would be a cute, hopeful novel, but I was really disappointed with it. It’s terrible when you have to write a negative review, but I guess that’s just the way it goes. I didn’t display any quotes in my review of Last Chance Angel, because there were no lines in the book that I felt like quoting. If you do pick this book up and decide to read it, I hope you have better luck with it than me.
I’m sorry to say, I really disliked Last Chance Angel. In my opinion, it was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I know this review may sound harsh, but I’m only expressing my true feelings for this novel and unfortunately, those feelings are negative. There was nothing I liked about Last Chance Angel. I’ve been holding off writing this review for quite a while, because it’s hard for me to explain my dislikes, so excuse me if this is not the best review you’ve read of mine. Anyway, I’ll just get to the point and tell you exactly why this novel wasn’t for me.
To start with, I thought the story line was utterly pointless because I never really felt connected to it at all. I wasn’t intrigued by it and had to force myself to read on at times. I just found it boring, and there were no surprises to keep me interested in the story at all. It was very predictable right from the first page. And the whole point of reading book is to escape into another world and have a unique experience. Well, I felt like we just learned all about Jess and her friends, while the problem of Jess being ‘dead’ was predictably fixed! It took me around two weeks to read this novel, off and on, and it never usually takes me that long to read a novel. I had to take a break from it, and I have no idea how I finished it! The last few days of reading are a bit blurry, all I remember is that I didn’t enjoy the ending either.
Now lets move on to the characters. Or shall we? Do we need to hear what I have to say about them, because I’m sure all of already know. I really disliked the characters. Yup, no surprise there. I felt that Jess was whiny and silly because she was given many, many hints that she could actually live, but she just dismissed them and continued to moan about how she couldn’t live every time she remembered a good time in her life. This was very repetitive, and it got quite annoying. I couldn’t relate to her at all, or any of the characters for that matter. I really didn’t connect with any of the character’s relationships, and just, ugh…And it was very depressing. This is a YA novel, where is the hope?
The writing is the most important of a novel for me and I didn’t like the writing in Last Chance Angel. It was boring, and choppy, and didn’t let the story flow. I had hopes at the beginning the writing might pick up, as it usually does in books, but no, it didn’t. I was very disappointed because the writing is the base of everything in a novel. I also felt that the story was stretched out too long, and that made Last Chance Angel quite a dull read for me.
So, overall, I wouldn’t recommend this novel to anyone. I thought it would be a cute, hopeful novel, but I was really disappointed with it. It’s terrible when you have to write a negative review, but I guess that’s just the way it goes. I didn’t display any quotes in my review of Last Chance Angel, because there were no lines in the book that I felt like quoting. If you do pick this book up and decide to read it, I hope you have better luck with it than me.
April 17, 2015
I could relate this so much (apart from the being dead-isn part) and it was AMAZING!!! This will be going into my top 25 books which is amazingly high as I've probably read over a thousand!!! That is a lot of books!
January 13, 2024
This book was actually really good for a book directed towards children!
Firstly, the shorter chapters made it so much easier to read because it feels quicker paced and, even though there's a few longer, they aren't much longer so still make it quick.
Secondly, this book actually makes you feel something. It makes you think about your life and everything you take for granted.
Additionally, the writing was pretty excellent for a younger audience book so that's impressive compared to other books - even some young adult books!
Overall, I reccomend you give this a go instead of overlooking it for it's audience because it's a lovely, wholesome, short read 📚
Firstly, the shorter chapters made it so much easier to read because it feels quicker paced and, even though there's a few longer, they aren't much longer so still make it quick.
Secondly, this book actually makes you feel something. It makes you think about your life and everything you take for granted.
Additionally, the writing was pretty excellent for a younger audience book so that's impressive compared to other books - even some young adult books!
Overall, I reccomend you give this a go instead of overlooking it for it's audience because it's a lovely, wholesome, short read 📚
May 15, 2022
was a decent book not sure why it took me so long to read tbh
April 19, 2022
I picked this up entirely by chance in the bus stop library so had no idea what to expect! It was easy to read and only took me two sittings. Initially the plot seems odd and it takes a few chapters to get your head around what is happening.
I wasn’t drawn to the main character (Jess) at first, however she quickly becomes this extraordinary young lady who you witness changing. She evolves, begins to realise the value her life has and the positive impact she could have on her family and friends.
It is a powerful and fascinating journey of self discovery through tragic circumstances that Jess finds out about herself and her loved ones. I’m not giving anything away, however there are some powerful messages in here about family, friends, pets and life!
Ensure you have a box of tissues handy for the last part, I sobbed openly!
I wasn’t drawn to the main character (Jess) at first, however she quickly becomes this extraordinary young lady who you witness changing. She evolves, begins to realise the value her life has and the positive impact she could have on her family and friends.
It is a powerful and fascinating journey of self discovery through tragic circumstances that Jess finds out about herself and her loved ones. I’m not giving anything away, however there are some powerful messages in here about family, friends, pets and life!
Ensure you have a box of tissues handy for the last part, I sobbed openly!
March 15, 2018
Lovely story, review may follow
August 8, 2025
C'était un beau livre avec une lecon de vie. La grande complicité entre Daniel et Jessica m'a beaucoup touchée et Daniel l'a prouvez en enlevant Jessica de la liste et sans lui elle serait morte...
October 24, 2015
When I first heard about Last Chance Angel I was like “aww” it sounds cute, which it is but it’s also a really nice story about a girl growing up and learning to understand her friends and family.
When Darren aka Angel of Death accidently calls Jess to heaven a few days early she gets a second chance, compensation for the mistake so to say. It’s the opportunity to go back and make sure her friends are ok. Deal made Jess returns, invisible to outside world and begins her journey.
Over the course of the book Jess learns a lot about her family and friends. The different ways her clique deal with the aftermath of Jess’s accident makes for interesting reading but what I really loved was the times Jess broke the rules and saw her family.
Nice sounds a boring way to describe Last Change Angel but it’s really not. It’s a well written book with a good protagonist and great character development. I was just happy reading it.
Alex Gutteridge has written an emotional yet not draining story about grief, love and forgiveness.
When Darren aka Angel of Death accidently calls Jess to heaven a few days early she gets a second chance, compensation for the mistake so to say. It’s the opportunity to go back and make sure her friends are ok. Deal made Jess returns, invisible to outside world and begins her journey.
Over the course of the book Jess learns a lot about her family and friends. The different ways her clique deal with the aftermath of Jess’s accident makes for interesting reading but what I really loved was the times Jess broke the rules and saw her family.
Nice sounds a boring way to describe Last Change Angel but it’s really not. It’s a well written book with a good protagonist and great character development. I was just happy reading it.
Alex Gutteridge has written an emotional yet not draining story about grief, love and forgiveness.
June 30, 2013
This was a great story about friendship, and appreciating life.
Jess has been told her time is up, but not for a couple of days, so whilst in real life she is in a coma, she has decided to visit her friends to say a last goodbye quietly. However, she is not allowed to see her family.
Along the way she uncovers some hidden truths, and realises that life is too important.
I really liked this book as there was humour involved, and it was a very light easy read. I definitely recommend.
Full review: http://kitkat1242.blogspot.co.uk/2013...
Jess has been told her time is up, but not for a couple of days, so whilst in real life she is in a coma, she has decided to visit her friends to say a last goodbye quietly. However, she is not allowed to see her family.
Along the way she uncovers some hidden truths, and realises that life is too important.
I really liked this book as there was humour involved, and it was a very light easy read. I definitely recommend.
Full review: http://kitkat1242.blogspot.co.uk/2013...
April 4, 2015
Not for me
February 20, 2023
Jess tiene la oportunidad de ver a sus amigos y a su familia pero ellos no se darán cuenta, ya que ella está en un coma por un accidente y por un error, casi muere dos días antes, pero Darren le da cinco días para ver a sus amigos. Ella se da cuenta de la importancia de la familia, de sus amistades y de cómo hay cosas que no se ven a simple vista porque hay veces que vivimos la vida muy rápido. Pero, la gente tiene esperanzas en qué ella despierte, ella, no tantas y al final tendrá que tomar una decisión sobre su futuro, su vida o su muerte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2018
I thought the plot line of the book sounded familiar when I first saw it, but it took me a while to realize what it reminded me of. The plot is almost identical to that of the 1978 movie Heaven Can Wait. In both stories the main character is in a biking accident, are taken to heaven early, and come back to earth. The only difference is what they do on earth. I don’t know if the possible plagiarism was a mistake or not, but I’m honestly disappointed. It was okay though.
August 3, 2020
I really love this book. This novel made me cried a lot and think of my father who passed away. This book taught me to show the love for the people we cherish until we can. To do all the things we need to do and all the things we love to do before it's too late. I would really recommend this book for a light reading.
May 7, 2022
A good book for young teens! It’s cute and fluffy, despite its main theme being death there’s nothing ultra sad or disturbing. The writing is good, it’s fast paced and makes you want to keep reading. There is some witty comedy as well as deep, thoughtful bits too. Overall, a nice book with a positive message.
Recommended for: ages 12+
Recommended for: ages 12+
November 10, 2017
this book was really different to what i have read before and i really, really enjoyed it. The book is emotional at times but it is one of the books which you don't want to put down. i definitely recommend it!
September 27, 2021
It was decent , but not my favorite thing. Maybe if I would've read this three years ago, I would've love it. The message is good , but not powerful enough from my point of view. Nothing we haven't seen before.
June 9, 2017
This is a decent, sweet story but ultimately it's far from anything special. I've read other books of this sort (most notably The Lovely Bones) which are far superior, but a cute book nonetheless.
January 29, 2018
really i love this book. this book send to you to the world of jess, and know how to do to you dont lose the passion for the book
March 14, 2018
Not as deep and touching as you might think from the summary but neither especially good or bad.
August 12, 2021
jessica had an accident and the heaven give a chance to back to real world and visit their best friend...
the friendship and betrayal found during the visit
i loved this book
the friendship and betrayal found during the visit
i loved this book
December 15, 2021
Muy bonito, me gusto que mostrara la importancia de la familia y de las amistades.
January 24, 2022
It's very nice, a little cheesy, but I did become emotional by the end. That's all I can say.
March 12, 2022
11+ obviously
February 16, 2023
Pero qué libro más bonito 🥺 y lleno de enseñanzas preciosas
June 6, 2023
Lo leí cuando tenía 10 años, so... Ni bueno ni malo.
September 11, 2023
Not for me man. It was cute and all but super predictable and unnecessarily long
October 28, 2024
4/5
Es un libro bello, no tenía muchas expectativas y aunque tiene una escritura muy sencillo, tiene un mensaje muy lindo.
Es un libro bello, no tenía muchas expectativas y aunque tiene una escritura muy sencillo, tiene un mensaje muy lindo.
December 27, 2024
Ay no voy a dañar mi ilusión preadolescente por qué recuerdo haber amado este libro con todo mi corazón y leerlo sin parar!! Así que si (4 estrellas)
July 1, 2023
I felt intrigued when reading this book, I picked it up as the blurb sold me, however after MANY chapters in, I wasn't that connected to any of the characters nor the story, I found myself thinking is this going to go anywhere or? it really didn't... I think this book's conclusion would've greatly elevated the entire book HAD Jess, the MC actually died... morbid but i think i'm right...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews