Way down south on Marigny Street in the heart of New Orleans, the land of Catholic intercessions, purgatory, and supernatural superstitions, young Evangeline Chenier dreams of a radiant boy who saves her from a storm. She takes the dream seriously – in her family, dreams are sometimes more than dreams. Sometimes they foretell the future. Sometimes they create it.
Years later, Eva is no longer the same wistful girl but a hardened woman who no longer believes in dreams. Losing faith in her gift, she becomes lost in a nightmare of emotion, mourning her son, separating from her husband, and stewing in a dead-end job. And then fate brings her an unlikely surprise: one of the most famous movie stars in the world, Gabriel Roberts.
Caught by something in his eyes, Eva agrees to show him the real Big Easy on his last night in New Orleans—an evening that turns into four dreamy days spent recapturing lost faith and discovering a love neither expected. Realizing Gabriel is the boy from her childhood dream, Eva must leave everything behind—her husband, her family, her history, and the beautiful city she calls home—and gamble it all for the dream that has saved her on MARIGNY STREET.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her passion for writing began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightning bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn’t stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.
When she’s not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently resides in Texas (where everything really is bigger) with her husband, daughter, and their three peculiar dogs, Boudreaux, Tabasco, and Vanna Loo (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).
For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie’s website: www.annierosewelch.com
Back a few months ago I was asked if I would beta read a story, and I agreed. Possibly one of the best decisions I had made in a while. What I got was the almost final version of a yet unpublished novel, and I was transported. My initial words from my notes to the then unpublished author were "Your writing is lyrical and poetic, and the rhythm of the words fits beautifully into that patois that is so New Orleans, with the tempo of the music in the streets always playing in the background." Not a thing has changed.
This is a story that sings the particular otherworldly song that is the melange of New Orleans, with a character in Eva that is particularly well developed and easy to like. Gabriel is a breath of otherworldly fresh air, tangible in his emotional connection to Eva. New Orleans becomes a character to fall in love with as well: you will walk the streets with Eva and feel the city through her eyes, incorporating her memories. Places, not unlike people, can come alive, and Welch manages to make the city sing for the reader in a way that is is tangible.
This is the first of a proposed 5 book series that will visit often with Eva and Gabriel, some more fantasy than reality, but all that I have read (there have been three so far) utilize Welch's lovely ability to weave a story that both transports and entertains.
I purchased a copy of the book for my personal library. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
“He had a pirate smile, the kind that you’d mortgage your house for; just to be able to afford the gold teeth in his mouth.”
“I waved my arms like helicopter propellers. My hips began to do the hula hoop… The crowd was now staring at me as I dominated the dance floor. His eyes went from cautious to shocked as I abandoned the helicopter hula for the running man and a pathetic attempt at the Roger Rabbit.”
“‘If you think about things more than you should, sometimes what you have is ruined because you over-think the things that can’t possibly be real. This’ – he touched my heart and then his ‘-is real. Let’s not ruin it by thinking. Let’s just be.’”
“The kiss was slow, warm, and tasted better than any food I had ever put in my mouth.”
My Review:
I am struggling to gather my opinion on this book, I loved it and a few times I laughed aloud and had to stop reading to wipe my eyes. I reveled in Ms. Welch’s humor and word play. The plot was enjoyable though admittedly outside of my typical fare, as I seldom read religious or paranormal material and this story had elements of both, but oddly those elements were not what bothered me. While I adored the first 75% of the book, I grew increasingly restless and frustrated with the main character and her dithering and angst, and just wanted to give her a slap to the back of the head. But the ending… the ending left me totally conflicted. While it was somewhat of a happy ending, it wasn’t the one I was hoping for. However, I must humbly bow down in reverence to Ms. Welch – she held my attention and has mad skills. More than anything else, I have an overwhelming desire to take a trip to New Orleans and ride a streetcar.
This isn't exactly "New Adult," but I felt the need to read it anyway. I have a problem reading books when I can't pronounce the title or the name of a character. I stumble over the name in the book every time I come to it in a sentence. So, not wanting to spend the whole book stumbling, I sent an email to the author and asked her, just how do you pronounce "Marigny?" She very graciously replied that the "G" is silent and it's a bit like Melanie only with an "r." Think Mare-a-nee. (I hope I got that right, Annie.)
I love dreams. I believe dreams give us answers all the time, as well as show us solutions to every day problems. Heck, many authors get their book ideas from dreams. So, I was very interested in reading this one. I loved Annie's lyrical writing. She wrote it like she would say it, I imagine. The book was a bit slow in places, but I stuck with it. I desperately wanted to know what happened to Gabriel and Eva.
I'm not going to go into too much detail -- because I don't want to spoil it for you. But the book broke my heart. Not because I didn't like it, but because I did like it so much. I loved the characters and their story was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. You have to read it to find out why!
The second book in the Saving Angels series is: Red Dirt Road. Watch for the review tomorrow!
Wow.. This story was sooooo different. I have been so fortunate to read such original stories lately... This story was just whimsical and deep and heart wrenching but hopeful at the same time... Evangeline and gabriel. What an amazing Luv story.... I for one really believe in destiny, and I Luv how destiny played in this Luv story... And I can not wait for the second book!!!
I really enjoyed this story...the entire journey until the end. Therefore, I will not be reading the sequel. I loved how it all had some meaning, but the way it ended and the way it will move forward is not for me.
I really enjoyed this one. It's completely fade to black, which is such a bummer because the passion between these two of amazing. Their romance is a whirlwind affair, and the ending to this does not end on an HEA. In fact book 2 of this series is a completely different couple, and you have to wait until either book 3 or 4 to get this couples HEA, which I don't plan to immediately do.
Where to start and what to say? Marigny Street was so unexpected in the best possible way.
Evangeline Chenier is barely functioning on a day to day basis as she's burdened with her past. Grieving the death of her son and feeling suffocated, rather than gaining comfort from her closest loved ones, she escapes through her dreams and a boy she sees within her subconscious. Believing that one day she will meet her angel.
Gabriel Roberts has Hollywood eating out of his hands but the young Irish actor is far from content within the vacuous world he works in; yearning for a simpler life where creating and playing music would be his focus.
The connection, magnetism and chemistry between Eva and Gabriel is palpable. Against the backdrop of New Orleans, Eva comes alive again. Seizing the chance to show this young Irishman her personal view of the city she can't believe her luck that he shares her passion for jazz. In turn, Gabriel relishes his hard fought freedom and soaks up Eva's carefree enthusiasm as he discovers a life he'd rather live with a woman like no other he's ever known. Soul mates. Their time together is short and the ending unexpected, but somehow leaves you with a feeling of hope and serenity.
This is the first book I've read by this author and completely blown away by this beautiful narrative. Normally, I shy away from anything vaguely relating to angels, but here I am completely charmed. Ms White really “sold” New Orleans to me as she described this enchanting southern city where dreams and superstitions are embedded in its culture making it a perfect backdrop for this wonderful, uplifting and thought provoking story.
5 stars
***arc generously received in exchange for an honest review***
I read this book September 19th Marigny Street by Annie Rose Welch I had the opportunity to read this book for a honest Opinion And Boy what a surprise I got, I've never read or heard of Author Annie Rose Welch before I just stepped back into the world of the Unknown and was looking for books to take me out of this world and to find out this book was a series and You can get them already I thought I was reading a New release, I'm so excited to have this chance to dive into the unknown with this Author as my first leap and Now I'm ready and willing to float along on the journey this Author will provide for me.
Marigny street was a book full of dreams and I really enjoyed this book to the end. This book was a bat with my emotions It had me happy then to bounce me back sad again but to me these books that play with your true emotions hold special places as in one level you connect with the characters and the writing more.
I love how it's a story that has you captivated to find out if dreams do come true.
The characters were written beautifully and there connection was what pulled me in and I just fell in love with them. It's a great book and I could give so much away but I won't, I'm really happy I've found myself a new author which is great. The Emotional pull I got was thrilling and I love every feeling
This book left that everlasting feeling for awhile after I finished and I still feel like I'm drifting through a Dream.
I recommend this to all. Always go into a book with a open mind because the surprises will just leave there presence on your soul. I give this book a dreamy 4 stars.
I’ll be honest, there are a lot of themes in Marigny Street that aren’t typically my cup of tea. It deals with loss, angelic beings, and ooey gooey romance. All of these things are a far cry from what I usually enjoy, but something about Marigny’s cover made me want to give it a shot.
I’m glad I did! There was one chapter that I really connected with for reasons that I wouldn’t discuss even if they weren’t spoilers, and I think this set the precedent for my enjoyment of the rest of the novel. It hit home and I was able to connect to the story.
Another thing is the writing. Welch’s writing has a delicate, poetic edge, while still capturing the scene very well. It made me feel as if I was transported into another place. There were times when I would put down the book and look around me and it literally took me a few seconds to realize where I actually was. Despite how often you hear people rave about the place, I'd never had the urge to actually visit New Orleans until I was reading Marigny Street.
If I had anything remotely negative to say about Marigny Street, it would probably lie in the romance, or Gabriel in particular. It was just a bit sappy, and he was just a bit too good to be true. But as I said before, ooey gooey isn’t usually my thing, so I don’t see this being an issue for people who are into sappy (for lack of a better word) romance.
Despite the hint of supernatural and the gooey romance, something about Marigny Street still felt honest and just…pure. I would recommend it!
Dreams do amazing things. Sometimes they give us escape, sometimes they give us clues, and other times they leave us baffled. I was given a copy of Marigny Street to review and I must say I was very surprised. I did not know what to expect as this is a new to me author. I am very pleased to now be a fan. I will say that this book kept me captivated and the writing keeps you ‘in the book.’ You will feel like you are walking through a dream yourself, even though it can be a touch dark. You will feel as if you are in New Orleans with how vivid this book is. I feel for Eva. She struggles to realize that her dreaming means something and even though it is hard on her it is important. She lost the faith she had I herself and her dreams when she was young. Tragic events tend to do that. She has important decisions to make and they are not always easy on her. Lucky for her Gabriel shows up. I absolutely love him!! Now you get to take one helluva adventure with them. Love is a hard thing. I am giving this book 5 stars as it kept me completely enthralled. It is always hard to write a review and not give too much away but you have to do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK! You will not regret it. I am looking forward to taking a weekend off and reading more by this author. Thank you very much Annie Welsh!! I am so excited to start the next book. You have quite a talent for writing!!!
Marigny Street has left me speechless and emotionally spent. I had a hard time getting into Marigny Street at first, but then it gripped me and just WOULD NOT let me go. I suspect the book will stay with me for a long time to come; it was incredibly poignant and thought provoking.
Both characters were complex, believable, and not so different from people I know in real life. I loved Gabriel almost immediately but struggled a little with Eva and her grief, maybe because it hit somewhat close to home. Eva was broken from the loss of her son, just going through the motions of life, and Gabriel was an actor not entirely comfortable with his fame. To say it was love at first sight would make light of their relationship; you'll have to read for yourself to understand what I mean. (The Disney song "Once Upon a Dream" comes to mind.)
Marigny Street was incredibly, vividly descriptive. I've never been to New Orleans, but I could see, hear, smell, and taste everything so clearly that I feel as though I have been. Annie Rose Welch has a gift for making you feel like you are truly there with the characters.
This was the first book I've read by Annie Rose Welch, and I was truly touched by it. I am looking forward to diving into the second book of the Saving Angels series right away, and I've already followed the author on both Facebook and Amazon. (Yeah, it was that good.)
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans and this books took me there. It was an emotional journey with beautiful words. I was provided with an ARC for an honest review, however purchased several books as gifts.
Eva has been living in a four year void. Her baby was stillborn as her life became. Her marriage is in a separation, no arguing no living just existing. She has a job by the good grace of an understanding boss who is close to the end of his patience. Her family is afraid and stifles her with their concern.
Then Gabriel comes to her rescue as she becomes dizzy on the steps of the courthouse. A movie star idol, younger man who talks her into seeing him after he makes sure she is okay. Their time together is a wonder of visiting the real insiders New Orleans with all the places no tourist would see.
Their time together is a reawakening for Eva, and a visit back into the real world for Gabriel. This is a story that took my tears and showed me dreams and special people. The words were often poetry in their beauty. While the ending is not a simple one, or maybe the one I wanted it is a fitting end. This is an unforgettable book I hope many will buy and enjoy. Ms Welch is a talented author who deserves an audience.
Where do I begin with this review? Lord I have so many things going through my mind. I loved how this story started out with Evangeline having dreams about a boy who saves her from a storm. She is a firm believer in these dreams. Her family has a gift and she believes in it. But as time goes on life takes its toll on Evangeline and she starts to doubt her gift.
Evangeline is married and had a son. She lost her son and now she is in the process of divorcing her husband. Life has made her hard and she is just living her life day to day. She is not sure whether she is coming or going but she knows she needs a change soon or else life will destroy her. Then fate intervenes and sends Evangeline her dream boy.
Gabriel Roberts is a famous movie star that has come to New Orleans for a visit. When Evangeline bumps into Gabriel she decides to show him around New Orleans and what was supposed to be a one day adventure turns into a few days for Gabriel and Evangeline. In these few days Evangeline and Gabriel get close and realize they want to be together. Fate has thrown them together and when Evangeline realizes Gabriel is her dream boy and her dream has come true she will have to decide whether or not to stay or leave and move on to her new life the one she has always dreamed about.
Eva (Evangeline) dreams, she has dreamt her whole life and she hasn’t always liked it. M re (grandma) tells her not to be afraid, her dreams are special and the good ones can come true. Eva doesn’t like it when her dead aunt visits her dreams, but when she meets a young boy “her angel” who saves her, her dreams suddenly aren’t so bad. She and her “angel” are meant to be together if only they could find each other.
This book was very interesting but I had a hard time getting in to it at first because I wasn’t sure what was going on. Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love everything is perfect. Pretty straight forward and much like other love stories I’ve read, but something just didn’t seem right to me and I couldn’t put my finger on it. These two characters are good together and their love story is amazing, emotional and beautiful but something kept bothering me. Finally at the end it all fell into place and I am so glad I read it. I cannot wait to read Red Dirt Road, I’m hoping it picks up where Marigny Street left off. Oh and there is a bonus, at the end of Marigny Street there is more of Eva’s story with the prequel Brighten Place.
(The author gave me a copy of this book for an honest review)... OMG! I have found another new-to-me favorite author! ... This 5 star must read was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching! ... It grabbed my attention from the get go & held me hostage throughout the whole book! ... It made me happy yet sad at times playing tag with my emotions:o ... I loved the characters & the rich descriptions of New Orleans that made me wish I was there with them! ...There were times I even cried which is very rare for me when reading :o ... So hurry & get your copy now :) ... I'm sure you will be so moved by this story like I was, that you will want to tell the world, like I plan on doing :)...
OH, and one more thing :) My Mama taught me that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!! ... I don't believe in giving less than 3 stars even if I hate a book or it wasn't my thing, so do NOT pay attention to the only ONE star review, coz her interpretation is not even close to being accurate!
When I received a copy of Marigny Street, I was a little apprehensive at first as the blurb didn’t sound like anything I had read before so although intrigued I wasn’t sure whether I would like the story or not…how wrong could I be!
Evangeline Chenier, is suffering her own nightmare of emotions day in day out swallowed up in grief after losing her son, separated from her husband, and stuck in a dead end job going nowhere she feels she is stuck on a merry go round with no hope of ever getting off. And then fate throws in a helping hand and brings her an unlikely surprise, in the form of the most famous movie star in the word Gabriel Roberts.
A unique story that I was instantly drawn in to, a raw gripping emotive read that I could personally connect with on so many levels. At times the writing was so descriptive I actually felt like I was in New Orleans. I was enchanted by Eva and Gabriel’s journey and it was one that left me fascinated…and wanting more!
Would definitely recommend. Will definitely be reading book 2.
Evangeline is a disenchanted 30-something women who's life has been one big spiral down hill. She was once a free spirited girl who believed in the magic of the world and lived every moment with gusto.
Just another Friday at work and the usual pressures of paperwork to sort and deliver. Evangeline finds herself worn out and collapses from a severe sugar low. A knight in shining armor, Hollywood movie star, Gabriel Roberts, comes to her rescue. It is from this point that Eva's life takes a 180 degree turn and the adventure of her life is about to begin.
The connection between Eva and Gabriel slowly forces Eva to rethink her life path and embrace the free spirit she once was. Change is inevitable. Is Eva ready for it?
A gorgeous story with equally gorgeous characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. This is one book in a series and I can tell you I am keen to read more!
This book enchanted me from the quotes at the beginning. It is honestly a beautiful story.
It pulls you in to a really quite magical place, yes, it's incredibly soppy (for my tastes) but it's undeniably beautiful.
I just felt though, WHAT?! When it ended at 81%!! There was a huge twist, that I don't want to reveal but then it sort of just ended. What happens to them next?! It meant that I was kind of dismayed when the preview for the next book was for a entirely different story and cast
Anyway, the storytelling was fantastic and now I really want to visit New Orleans!! I loved Eva's insecurities. It makes a nice change to the usual gorgeous, perfect lead female who thinks she's average.
I recommend this, just be prepared to screech "noooooo!!" Multiple times when you finish it!!
I beta'd this book. I beta'd this story and loved it. It gripped me on a number of levels. One is because I was a woman who experienced a loss of a child. Though my loss wasn't as extreme as Eva's, it was still painful and the hurt and thoughts were very powerful. That's the other thing about Eva. She was real. All the characters were real. The weather was real. New Orleans was a character herself. The story was alive to me. It was as if I lived the story as I read. There was a very surprising twist that wasn't expected and still has me reeling. The story still sticks with me to this day. Mrs. Welch has a talent. A true knack for symbolism and prose. I not only look forward to seeing her work in the future but I have no doubts that she will be setting new standards in this genre. You will not be sorry for picking this up. This review is also found on my site and Amazon.
Dios este libro no me gusto nada. Normalmente estos libros suelo acabarlos en dos días y con este dure 3 semanas, de verdad no entiendo por qué tiene tan buen puntaje me aburrí hasta decir basta, llevaba más de mitad del libro y seguía sin comprender los personajes, describo este libro como aburrido.
Gives great descriptions that you can put yourself in the book. Shows that there is always hope, don't dwell on the negative, try to look to the future. Can really relate to the story!
Marigny Street is a beautifully written book about love, life, loss, dreams, soul mates and magical encounters that include a touch of God, angels and faith. It's unlike any other book I've read. As the reader you never quite know what is real and what is not. It takes you on a weekend journey in the life of Evangeline Chenier, a woman who is hanging on to sanity and existence by a thread.
When Evangeline meets Hollywood heart throb Gabriel Roberts by accident she finds herself caught up in a weekend of experiences which are completely out of character for her. Gabriel is at once familiar to her though they've never met, or have they? Is Gabriel actually the boy of her dreams?
The character development in this book is itself magical. Eva and Gabriel are well defined even though you find yourself questioning if one may be an angel in disguise. The lessor characters in the book also come to life. Then you have the city of New Orleans which is a defining character itself.
The storyline of the book draws you in and never lets you go. It entwines the past, present and possible future and not knowing if things are real or a dream or a series of magical events keeps you turning pages so you can find out.
I really loved this book. I'm not normally a romance reader but this book is hard to define and though there is romance it's so much more than that. I would call this women's fiction rather than romance. I highly recommend this book because it addresses so many of life's issues in a way that makes you feel them and understand them. It's truely a book you experience rather than just read. I know I'll be reading the rest of this series because the first book was so deliciously entrancing.
Evangeline Chenier is more dead than alive after the loss of her newborn son. When she meets handsome actor Gabriel Roberts who is in New Orleans filming his latest movie, she has no idea of where this chance meeting will lead her. Gabriel reminds her so much of the boy she dreamed about so many years ago that it's uncanny. And, Eva comes from a long line of those who believe in the power of dreams.
This was a beautifully written book that you should savor for the lovely descriptions created by the author. She has truly captured the feel of New Orleans and you can almost feel the heat and humidity as you follow along with the characters to see the sights.
The book is full of emotion and I found myself rereading certain passages just to see if I was reading it right. I know that I will probably reread this book often in the future if only to get the full impact of the lovely prose.
Eve is barely exsisting , a job she dislikes, and separated from her husband. The emotions are deep, as well as the lost of a son, she seemed like one, just trying to survive. With her husband, he misses being home,his wife, and it’s killing him. For these two the emotions and scars are hurting them. She has a gift, of her dreams, will that help with decisions. The ending was unusual, she had made a decision. Different then what I thought how it would end.
She had a dream while she was going but in the end after a hard life she has lost her faith. Then a star comes for a tour of the city she finds he was from her dreams. Now she needs to take a chance. Will she go with him? What will happen? See what she will do
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Definitely different. It is mix of live and dreams, Like magic of New Orleans, that you may question reality. Eva and Gabriel story is interesting and engaging. I did enjoy reading
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a unique wonderful book. I really enjoyed how the author describes love in a unique way. I loved the details and descriptions that she describes so well. I liked the main characters and the plot. It is a great book!