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Weeping Angels
Four years ago, Frankie Rios walked away from her best friend and big sister, Iris. To Frankie, Iris died the day that she last rejected Frankie’s attempts at getting Iris alcohol and drug treatment. Rather than accept grief for her beloved sister’s loss, Frankie turned to her music. A renowned cellist, Frankie has managed to ignore the pain and suffering of losing the person she loved most in this world. With Iris out of her mind and out of her life, Frankie was able to move on…or so she thought. Until Iris really died.
Topher went to war in 2001 only to return two years later damaged and broken. Unable to reconcile the war vet with the boy he used to be, Topher gave up on life. When Iris Rios, his long-lost childhood best friend, dies from liver failure at thirty-two years-old, Topher is forced to confront his past. He must decide whether he deserves to heal. He must decide whether he will take that first step and then take another until he can recover what he lost: himself.
Weeping Angels is a story of grief carried and grief ignored. It’s about learning to love and moving on. Mourning someone once is hard enough, but mourning someone twice is unimaginably harder.
Topher went to war in 2001 only to return two years later damaged and broken. Unable to reconcile the war vet with the boy he used to be, Topher gave up on life. When Iris Rios, his long-lost childhood best friend, dies from liver failure at thirty-two years-old, Topher is forced to confront his past. He must decide whether he deserves to heal. He must decide whether he will take that first step and then take another until he can recover what he lost: himself.
Weeping Angels is a story of grief carried and grief ignored. It’s about learning to love and moving on. Mourning someone once is hard enough, but mourning someone twice is unimaginably harder.
ebook
First published June 27, 2014
About the author
Cristy Rey
7 books87 followersCristy Rey is the author of the urban fantasy Incarnate series. She also writes and publishes unconventional romantic women’s fiction. She’d say she writes the books Jane Austen would have written if Jane had been a riot grrrl. Cristy lives in South Florida where she spends most of her days in a library and most of her nights surrounded by cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 8, 2014
I have just finished reading this awesome story.
I just had to email the author to let her know just how much I enjoyed this book. I help out on a lot of blog tours as I love helping authors to advertise their books, and my little bit might just help, who knows, but I try :) so often get books offered for reading and reviewing but I select mostly not to read as I have a pretty hefty pile. I am so glad I offered to read this and review it. I am a bit fussy yes in what I accept to read and I am so glad that I saw this one.
I have 270 books this year so far and this one made 271. I can honestly say this one will stick with me.
We have Frankie. She is a musician. She's has an older sister, and another sister. One of the sisters has a dependency on alcohol and drugs. She sees this destroying her sister and four years ago choose to turn her back on her, only now, four years later, she gets a call from her older sister to say that the sister has now died from an OD. As much as she tries to make it feel and sound like she dealt with it four years ago you see and feel through the pages Frankie's hurt, emotions and yes.....her guilt.
When they were young they had a friend, his name was Topher [who now wants to be known as Chris] but to Frankie, he will always be Topher.
They come face to face at a funeral, the funeral of Frankie's sister and Topher's friend, excpet Topher has been in the war and he had a terrible thing happen which affects his memory among other things.
This is a story of grief, regrets, emotions, blame, guilt, and equal to that, do they both deserve to heal? Can they heal?
It was beautifully written, it flowed so right, from one section to the other.
It was told from Topher's POV and then Frankie's, I don't usually like books like that which give sections of POV'S it normally annoys me as it seems repitative and a waste of time, but Cristy Rey had it perfectly balanced.
I loved it, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I just had to email the author to let her know just how much I enjoyed this book. I help out on a lot of blog tours as I love helping authors to advertise their books, and my little bit might just help, who knows, but I try :) so often get books offered for reading and reviewing but I select mostly not to read as I have a pretty hefty pile. I am so glad I offered to read this and review it. I am a bit fussy yes in what I accept to read and I am so glad that I saw this one.
I have 270 books this year so far and this one made 271. I can honestly say this one will stick with me.
We have Frankie. She is a musician. She's has an older sister, and another sister. One of the sisters has a dependency on alcohol and drugs. She sees this destroying her sister and four years ago choose to turn her back on her, only now, four years later, she gets a call from her older sister to say that the sister has now died from an OD. As much as she tries to make it feel and sound like she dealt with it four years ago you see and feel through the pages Frankie's hurt, emotions and yes.....her guilt.
When they were young they had a friend, his name was Topher [who now wants to be known as Chris] but to Frankie, he will always be Topher.
They come face to face at a funeral, the funeral of Frankie's sister and Topher's friend, excpet Topher has been in the war and he had a terrible thing happen which affects his memory among other things.
This is a story of grief, regrets, emotions, blame, guilt, and equal to that, do they both deserve to heal? Can they heal?
It was beautifully written, it flowed so right, from one section to the other.
It was told from Topher's POV and then Frankie's, I don't usually like books like that which give sections of POV'S it normally annoys me as it seems repitative and a waste of time, but Cristy Rey had it perfectly balanced.
I loved it, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 15, 2014
Oh wow. This is a stunningly beautiful and emotional story. The author literally pulled my heart to pieces while I was reading this.
Frankie and Topher are the two main characters. They are both totally broken lost souls. They have both suffered so much pain. Told by both points of view I felt as if I was there and going through their pain with them. Can these two help each other to heal??
Great praise to the author for writing such a brilliant story about love and loss. I was literally gripped and read this in one sitting.
I highly recommend this read.
Frankie and Topher are the two main characters. They are both totally broken lost souls. They have both suffered so much pain. Told by both points of view I felt as if I was there and going through their pain with them. Can these two help each other to heal??
Great praise to the author for writing such a brilliant story about love and loss. I was literally gripped and read this in one sitting.
I highly recommend this read.
July 25, 2014
On the surface, Weeping Angels is a not book that I would have chosen for myself. I’m not a big fan of sad books. I’m mean. I don’t do feelings if I can help it. But Cristy won me over. First, in person, with her personality and the friends she keeps. Then, I read Taking Back Sunday and fell in like. (And I am stalking her diligently for the next Incarnate series book.) It was realizing she is my sister from another mister through conversations in movie quotes and a mutual fondness for Skeletor that sent me straight to love.
SO, then she wrote this book. Weeping Angels. And of course I HAD to read it because not only is she a cool chick that I want to make my BFF, but above all- Cristy can write. She makes the English language her bitch and gives her readers one hell of a ride. Weeping Angels was a beautiful- no, STUNNING- piece of literature. The words and characters are so well done. I was sucked in right from the first 3%. I highlighted the heck out of this book. And I cried. Rivers. It wasn’t pretty. But Weeping Angels is.
But don’t think it’s just a big cry fest. OH NO. This book is about so much more than the synopsis leads you to believe. I laughed. I swooned. I swore. I pleaded. I cried.(And the sex made me squirm. It was hot.) I enjoyed every last beautiful word. I felt every bit of the grief and love that pours out of this book. And you should too. I promise you it is worth it. “If Topher can feel it, then I can feel it.”
Read more reviews @ http://www.rawbooksonline.com
SO, then she wrote this book. Weeping Angels. And of course I HAD to read it because not only is she a cool chick that I want to make my BFF, but above all- Cristy can write. She makes the English language her bitch and gives her readers one hell of a ride. Weeping Angels was a beautiful- no, STUNNING- piece of literature. The words and characters are so well done. I was sucked in right from the first 3%. I highlighted the heck out of this book. And I cried. Rivers. It wasn’t pretty. But Weeping Angels is.
But don’t think it’s just a big cry fest. OH NO. This book is about so much more than the synopsis leads you to believe. I laughed. I swooned. I swore. I pleaded. I cried.(And the sex made me squirm. It was hot.) I enjoyed every last beautiful word. I felt every bit of the grief and love that pours out of this book. And you should too. I promise you it is worth it. “If Topher can feel it, then I can feel it.”
Read more reviews @ http://www.rawbooksonline.com
July 8, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Weeping Angels is a standalone contemporary romance novel.
Frankie's sister just died from liver failure. When she flies home for the funeral it's something she's dreading not because her sister's dead but because she has to face the family and friends that killed her. Four years ago she walked out on her sister when she wouldn't do an intervention for her alcohol problem. To Frankie that's the day her sister died. All she wants is to get in and get out what she doesn't expect to find is Topher. Topher was her sister's best friend before he joined the military. Topher is dealing with his own haunted past and trying to live with himself and his injuries. He can't remember what it was like all those years before the military. His short term memory is scrambled but he's determined to move on. When Topher and Frankie cross paths they don't expect the understanding and comfort they find in each other. Their relationship starts off with forgetting and pain but can blossom into something more if they can find a way to open up to each other and let go of what haunts them.
This was a beautiful story of pain and sorrow. Two different people with haunted pasts help each other move on and become better. I enjoyed the story. The characters were real and emotional. Frankie was a strong independent woman trying to hold her life together but on the inside she was a fragile lost girl. Topher is a tough military man who is struggling to find who he is and who he was. Both characters experience a profound loss that brings them together. It was a nice story but it lacked the wow factor for me. I was hoping for more depth on their relationship and love. I was hoping for more action but it was purely a romantic story.
Weeping Angels is a standalone contemporary romance novel.
Frankie's sister just died from liver failure. When she flies home for the funeral it's something she's dreading not because her sister's dead but because she has to face the family and friends that killed her. Four years ago she walked out on her sister when she wouldn't do an intervention for her alcohol problem. To Frankie that's the day her sister died. All she wants is to get in and get out what she doesn't expect to find is Topher. Topher was her sister's best friend before he joined the military. Topher is dealing with his own haunted past and trying to live with himself and his injuries. He can't remember what it was like all those years before the military. His short term memory is scrambled but he's determined to move on. When Topher and Frankie cross paths they don't expect the understanding and comfort they find in each other. Their relationship starts off with forgetting and pain but can blossom into something more if they can find a way to open up to each other and let go of what haunts them.
This was a beautiful story of pain and sorrow. Two different people with haunted pasts help each other move on and become better. I enjoyed the story. The characters were real and emotional. Frankie was a strong independent woman trying to hold her life together but on the inside she was a fragile lost girl. Topher is a tough military man who is struggling to find who he is and who he was. Both characters experience a profound loss that brings them together. It was a nice story but it lacked the wow factor for me. I was hoping for more depth on their relationship and love. I was hoping for more action but it was purely a romantic story.
July 21, 2014
Weeping Angels is exactly what the title means...it's a story of deep sadness to the point of ultimate despair. I enjoyed this book so much! This is the second book that I've read of Cristy's and while I didn't like this as much as her previous work, this was a very different story than what I normally read.
The story revolves around Frankie and Topher. Frankie's sister, Iris, dies from an overdose and she's in complete guilt over leaving her behind. Frankie becomes lost, depressed, and even experiences a little safe hatred. This book broke me in so many ways. I felt so much for Frankie and thought, "Damn, poor girl needs a break."
Then there's Topher. He was Iris' best friend growing up and he enters the military and experiences horrors one should never experience. Topher's story affected me more than Frankie's, only because I was also in the military, and I know how it can change a person.
This is a story about two broken souls lost in the darkness of the world who find a way back to the light, with the help of each other. It was beautifully written and the plot was well conceived. Kudos to Cristy for another good book!!
The story revolves around Frankie and Topher. Frankie's sister, Iris, dies from an overdose and she's in complete guilt over leaving her behind. Frankie becomes lost, depressed, and even experiences a little safe hatred. This book broke me in so many ways. I felt so much for Frankie and thought, "Damn, poor girl needs a break."
Then there's Topher. He was Iris' best friend growing up and he enters the military and experiences horrors one should never experience. Topher's story affected me more than Frankie's, only because I was also in the military, and I know how it can change a person.
This is a story about two broken souls lost in the darkness of the world who find a way back to the light, with the help of each other. It was beautifully written and the plot was well conceived. Kudos to Cristy for another good book!!
September 20, 2014
What happens when two damaged souls run into a brick wall and are drawn back to their past because of unexpected circumstances?
This story captured my interest from the first page. I was totally drawn to the two main characters because I could really feel their pain.
Frankie loves her music and has made a career out of it, but also uses it as a weapon to protect herself from her past and the family she tries to forget.
Topher aka Chris went to war as a boy but came back as a broken man. After coming back with bad memory loss to cope, he does the only thing he knows. He shuts down.
The story is so strong and emotional. These two really do show you how tough they are, The author really shows you how the characters deal with their pain in a real way.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the switching POV'S it kept the book flowing well, all the characters were really well written and I can not wait to see what
Cristy Rey brings out next...
I highly recommend this book.
This story captured my interest from the first page. I was totally drawn to the two main characters because I could really feel their pain.
Frankie loves her music and has made a career out of it, but also uses it as a weapon to protect herself from her past and the family she tries to forget.
Topher aka Chris went to war as a boy but came back as a broken man. After coming back with bad memory loss to cope, he does the only thing he knows. He shuts down.
The story is so strong and emotional. These two really do show you how tough they are, The author really shows you how the characters deal with their pain in a real way.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the switching POV'S it kept the book flowing well, all the characters were really well written and I can not wait to see what
Cristy Rey brings out next...
I highly recommend this book.
July 11, 2014
Frankie is lost. Her sister died 4 years ago. But now she has died for real and Frankie needs to go to her funeral. But how will she handle being with her family who she blames for her death. They just blew it off and never ever acknowledged that Iris had a problem. Frankie tried, really tried, but with no help from Iris she gives up.
Going to the funeral is the last thing that Topher can handle or even wants to do. He does not remember what it was like with Iris, even though they were a "thing".
Somehow, Frankie has Topher pulling her back to him, to breath, to love and learning how to place the blame where it should have always gone.
This is a great story and so down to earth with feelings and reality.
Loved it and want more and more.
Going to the funeral is the last thing that Topher can handle or even wants to do. He does not remember what it was like with Iris, even though they were a "thing".
Somehow, Frankie has Topher pulling her back to him, to breath, to love and learning how to place the blame where it should have always gone.
This is a great story and so down to earth with feelings and reality.
Loved it and want more and more.
July 20, 2014
Are you looking for a story to send your emotions all over the place? A story where you want to jump right in and hug these characters and cry with them? Have you ever loved someone so much, you had to let them go? Frankie and Topher are two lost people searching for hope, acceptance and validation...
I had the honor if being a beta reader for this book and I have to give Cristy a
standing ovation for making me want to read this book over and over. I'm not one to read a book more than once, but I could not wait to get my hands on the final copy...mostly because I was thinking, she better not change anything about my characters. I was in tears several times each time I read the book (I've read it at least 3 times!). My heart ached for Frankie and Topher every time. A definite must read!
I had the honor if being a beta reader for this book and I have to give Cristy a
standing ovation for making me want to read this book over and over. I'm not one to read a book more than once, but I could not wait to get my hands on the final copy...mostly because I was thinking, she better not change anything about my characters. I was in tears several times each time I read the book (I've read it at least 3 times!). My heart ached for Frankie and Topher every time. A definite must read!
August 8, 2014
** BETH'S 4 STAR REVIEW **
Weeping Angels is a story of friendship, of love between two sisters, of heartache and of a love that brings two people who were once barely friends to be that one thing that helps heals the brokenness of the other. When Frankie and Topher come together, they come together out their grief for the loss of someone they loved, Iris, but what they find is a love, love for one another and being loved back. It’s a love that over times heals them and breaks them free from their guilt and anguish they have inflicted upon themselves.
Many years ago Frankie walked away from her sister Iris after years of watching her sister live in darkness and have her life slowly self destruct as she continually turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. Frances cared very deeply for her older sister but no matter how hard she tried she could never save her, never get her the help she needed and had to walk away. Now four years, even though her sister has been dead to her all these years, she gets the call that Iris has finally died from liver failure and must now come home for the funeral.
Topher was Iris’ best friend growing up, they drank together, they partied together until one day things changed and Topher went off to war. Although Topher came back hurt, damaged and horribly broken with injuries including a brain injury that caused him to not remember a lot he came back a completely new person, one that was broken. Topher went off to war and came home as Chris.
Both of these character have been dealing with their past demons for a very long time. They just can’t seem to shake them but also struggle to let the walls down and open up to each other. Many years ago they didn’t really know or care for each other very much but when they meet at Iris’ funeral, they end up comforting each other and realize they actually understand a lot about each other. They see the darkness and sadness in each other eyes. They see that the other is broken and want to help fix it, but can they truly be fixed and shed the guilt they have carried all these year so that they can come together to love one another and be loved.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, with a roller coaster of emotions. I found it a bit slow to get into, but I will say that it did need that back story and build up to get to the point of pulling you in. I just wish I could have pulled me in sooner, but once it picked up later on, it really kept my interest. Also there were some very emotional parts in this story that I really could feel the anguish and grief but I found myself wanting more for a few parts, the full emption wasn’t completely there. I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book. This was my first book by this author and have to say the writing was well done and I will definitely be checking out future books by her for sure.
*received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Weeping Angels is a story of friendship, of love between two sisters, of heartache and of a love that brings two people who were once barely friends to be that one thing that helps heals the brokenness of the other. When Frankie and Topher come together, they come together out their grief for the loss of someone they loved, Iris, but what they find is a love, love for one another and being loved back. It’s a love that over times heals them and breaks them free from their guilt and anguish they have inflicted upon themselves.
Many years ago Frankie walked away from her sister Iris after years of watching her sister live in darkness and have her life slowly self destruct as she continually turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. Frances cared very deeply for her older sister but no matter how hard she tried she could never save her, never get her the help she needed and had to walk away. Now four years, even though her sister has been dead to her all these years, she gets the call that Iris has finally died from liver failure and must now come home for the funeral.
Topher was Iris’ best friend growing up, they drank together, they partied together until one day things changed and Topher went off to war. Although Topher came back hurt, damaged and horribly broken with injuries including a brain injury that caused him to not remember a lot he came back a completely new person, one that was broken. Topher went off to war and came home as Chris.
Both of these character have been dealing with their past demons for a very long time. They just can’t seem to shake them but also struggle to let the walls down and open up to each other. Many years ago they didn’t really know or care for each other very much but when they meet at Iris’ funeral, they end up comforting each other and realize they actually understand a lot about each other. They see the darkness and sadness in each other eyes. They see that the other is broken and want to help fix it, but can they truly be fixed and shed the guilt they have carried all these year so that they can come together to love one another and be loved.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, with a roller coaster of emotions. I found it a bit slow to get into, but I will say that it did need that back story and build up to get to the point of pulling you in. I just wish I could have pulled me in sooner, but once it picked up later on, it really kept my interest. Also there were some very emotional parts in this story that I really could feel the anguish and grief but I found myself wanting more for a few parts, the full emption wasn’t completely there. I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book. This was my first book by this author and have to say the writing was well done and I will definitely be checking out future books by her for sure.
*received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 1, 2014
Weeping Angels is a story of friendship, of love between two sisters, of heartache and of a love that brings two people who were once barely friends to be that one thing that helps heals the brokenness of the other. When Frankie and Topher come together, they come together out their grief for the loss of someone they loved, Iris, but what they find is a love, love for one another and being loved back. It’s a love that over times heals them and breaks them free from their guilt and anguish they have inflicted upon themselves.
Many years ago Frankie walked away from her sister Iris after years of watching her sister live in darkness and have her life slowly self destruct as she continually turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. Frances cared very deeply for her older sister but no matter how hard she tried she could never save her, never get her the help she needed and had to walk away. Now four years, even though her sister has been dead to her all these years, she gets the call that Iris has finally died from liver failure and must now come home for the funeral.
Topher was Iris’ best friend growing up, they drank together, they partied together until one day things changed and Topher went off to war. Although Topher came back hurt, damaged and horribly broken with injuries including a brain injury that caused him to not remember a lot he came back a completely new person, one that was broken. Topher went off to war and came home as Chris.
Both of these character have been dealing with their past demons for a very long time. They just can’t seem to shake them but also struggle to let the walls down and open up to each other. Many years ago they didn’t really know or care for each other very much but when they meet at Iris’ funeral, they end up comforting each other and realize they actually understand a lot about each other. They see the darkness and sadness in each other eyes. They see that the other is broken and want to help fix it, but can they truly be fixed and shed the guilt they have carried all these year so that they can come together to love one another and be loved.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, with a roller coaster of emotions. I found it a bit slow to get into, but I will say that it did need that back story and build up to get to the point of pulling you in. I just wish I could have pulled me in sooner, but once it picked up later on, it really kept my interest. Also there were some very emotional parts in this story that I really could feel the anguish and grief but I found myself wanting more for a few parts, the full emotion wasn’t completely there. I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book. This was my first book by this author and have to say the writing was well done and I will definitely be checking out future books by her for sure.
*received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Many years ago Frankie walked away from her sister Iris after years of watching her sister live in darkness and have her life slowly self destruct as she continually turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. Frances cared very deeply for her older sister but no matter how hard she tried she could never save her, never get her the help she needed and had to walk away. Now four years, even though her sister has been dead to her all these years, she gets the call that Iris has finally died from liver failure and must now come home for the funeral.
Topher was Iris’ best friend growing up, they drank together, they partied together until one day things changed and Topher went off to war. Although Topher came back hurt, damaged and horribly broken with injuries including a brain injury that caused him to not remember a lot he came back a completely new person, one that was broken. Topher went off to war and came home as Chris.
Both of these character have been dealing with their past demons for a very long time. They just can’t seem to shake them but also struggle to let the walls down and open up to each other. Many years ago they didn’t really know or care for each other very much but when they meet at Iris’ funeral, they end up comforting each other and realize they actually understand a lot about each other. They see the darkness and sadness in each other eyes. They see that the other is broken and want to help fix it, but can they truly be fixed and shed the guilt they have carried all these year so that they can come together to love one another and be loved.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, with a roller coaster of emotions. I found it a bit slow to get into, but I will say that it did need that back story and build up to get to the point of pulling you in. I just wish I could have pulled me in sooner, but once it picked up later on, it really kept my interest. Also there were some very emotional parts in this story that I really could feel the anguish and grief but I found myself wanting more for a few parts, the full emotion wasn’t completely there. I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book. This was my first book by this author and have to say the writing was well done and I will definitely be checking out future books by her for sure.
*received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 1, 2014
Summary of the book:
“Four years ago, Frankie Rios walked away from her best friend and big sister, Iris. To Frankie, Iris died the day that she last rejected Frankie’s attempts at getting Iris alcohol and drug treatment. Rather than accept grief for her beloved sister’s loss, Frankie turned to her music. A renowned cellist, Frankie has managed to ignore the pain and suffering of losing the person she loved most in this world. With Iris out of her mind and out of her life, Frankie was able to move on…or so she thought. Until Iris really did die.”
My Review
There were two main characters in the story; Frankie Irises sister and Topher Irises childhood best friend. I found these characters very real, and raw with emotion. I could identify with the emotions that both of these characters were feeling. I too have lost a sibling like Frankie all though mine was to cancer not addiction, I also lost the love of my life first to his addiction and then to his suicide that took him from me forever.
The book is written in two POV’s I, myself like it this way (as long as it is done right). I like to see how the different characters describe what is happening and how it affects them. I do not look at it as duplicating a scene like most readers do. Cristy does and awesome job of writing out the two POV’s!
I found the plot of the story believable and so close to home for me this was a hard book for me to get through due to how much it felt like my life. I have still not come to terms with the losses and I struggle with them constantly. I am hoping that I can learn something from the characters and use it to help me move forward. I need to follow Cristy’s advice and learn to love myself again and let others in to love me.
My favorite part of the book would have to be seeing Frankie and Topher come together and help one another heal. Both are broken and shattered from different reasons but find a common ground to help in the healing process. Together they make sense and recognize what each other needs; to be loved for whom they are, faults and all. I really can’t say that there was anything I did not like except maybe the feeling it made me feel, but isn’t that what a story is suppose to do?
I think I experienced every emotion we know while reading this book. Despair, anger, loss, depression, love and happiness. Pretty much in that exact order with happiness finishing it off like icing on a cake.
I recommend this book to anyone who has felt loss this book helps put things into perspective and gives you some coping skills. I feel it can help in the healing process of loosing someone you love or maybe even to help you help someone else.
I have read another book by Cristy, Taking Back Sunday that I really loved. He two are totally different types of books. And she still nailed it and wrote something great again with Weeping Angles. I love her writing style and look forward to reading more from her.
“Four years ago, Frankie Rios walked away from her best friend and big sister, Iris. To Frankie, Iris died the day that she last rejected Frankie’s attempts at getting Iris alcohol and drug treatment. Rather than accept grief for her beloved sister’s loss, Frankie turned to her music. A renowned cellist, Frankie has managed to ignore the pain and suffering of losing the person she loved most in this world. With Iris out of her mind and out of her life, Frankie was able to move on…or so she thought. Until Iris really did die.”
My Review
There were two main characters in the story; Frankie Irises sister and Topher Irises childhood best friend. I found these characters very real, and raw with emotion. I could identify with the emotions that both of these characters were feeling. I too have lost a sibling like Frankie all though mine was to cancer not addiction, I also lost the love of my life first to his addiction and then to his suicide that took him from me forever.
The book is written in two POV’s I, myself like it this way (as long as it is done right). I like to see how the different characters describe what is happening and how it affects them. I do not look at it as duplicating a scene like most readers do. Cristy does and awesome job of writing out the two POV’s!
I found the plot of the story believable and so close to home for me this was a hard book for me to get through due to how much it felt like my life. I have still not come to terms with the losses and I struggle with them constantly. I am hoping that I can learn something from the characters and use it to help me move forward. I need to follow Cristy’s advice and learn to love myself again and let others in to love me.
My favorite part of the book would have to be seeing Frankie and Topher come together and help one another heal. Both are broken and shattered from different reasons but find a common ground to help in the healing process. Together they make sense and recognize what each other needs; to be loved for whom they are, faults and all. I really can’t say that there was anything I did not like except maybe the feeling it made me feel, but isn’t that what a story is suppose to do?
I think I experienced every emotion we know while reading this book. Despair, anger, loss, depression, love and happiness. Pretty much in that exact order with happiness finishing it off like icing on a cake.
I recommend this book to anyone who has felt loss this book helps put things into perspective and gives you some coping skills. I feel it can help in the healing process of loosing someone you love or maybe even to help you help someone else.
I have read another book by Cristy, Taking Back Sunday that I really loved. He two are totally different types of books. And she still nailed it and wrote something great again with Weeping Angles. I love her writing style and look forward to reading more from her.
July 21, 2014
Broken: not functioning properly; out of working order.
In Weeping Angels we meet two people who deal differently with their broken pieces.
They compartmentalize the feelings and move forward while never healing. Out of sight…out of mind. This would be Frankie.
“I can’t deal with that. I stopped dealing with it four years ago……….the day I told Iris that she was dead to me, the day she died to me.”
Or like some, they live every day with the constant memory, or the lack of, to be a constant reminder of the fragmented scraps of a person they once were. Accepting the pain and turning into anger. This would be Topher.
“It’s the same feeling as lying bandaged and broken and recognizing the death of my future.”
When one tragedy brings these two together, they realize they are shattered pieces trying to find understanding and acceptance. However, they in some ways refuse to heal, but for a short while they find the comfort in each other. They deny themselves anything more than that.
“She smiles something so pure that my frozen heart breaks. I hear it crack and another watershed of tears crashes on us. This isn’t what I wanted to happen. It is and it isn’t”
“When you love something you let it go.” Yes, that quote, the one that thousands have spewed to make it sound like letting someone go is the right thing to do. The one that breaks hearts everywhere. BUT yes, it also has the power to heal. It takes finding and letting go to bring these to out of just existing to living.
“This emotion is irrepressible. A tsunami has crashed upon my devastation and has swept up the debris of my broken city.”
Cristy Rey writes you into the deep devastation of these two. You feel the despair and you feel the anger. You experience their ignorance of believing their coping mechanisms are working. Then amidst all of the depression a light begins to grow. It shines on them separately and we watch the co-dependency start to take a hike. This story is really beautiful. I can’t turn my words into a masterpiece to do justice to this book. Just know this story is very real although it is mostly fiction. For those who worry about reading an emotionally strong book, this ends with acceptance. It ends in a good place. Don’t miss out on Topher and Frankie’s story.
5 -beautifully mending stars.
In Weeping Angels we meet two people who deal differently with their broken pieces.
They compartmentalize the feelings and move forward while never healing. Out of sight…out of mind. This would be Frankie.
“I can’t deal with that. I stopped dealing with it four years ago……….the day I told Iris that she was dead to me, the day she died to me.”
Or like some, they live every day with the constant memory, or the lack of, to be a constant reminder of the fragmented scraps of a person they once were. Accepting the pain and turning into anger. This would be Topher.
“It’s the same feeling as lying bandaged and broken and recognizing the death of my future.”
When one tragedy brings these two together, they realize they are shattered pieces trying to find understanding and acceptance. However, they in some ways refuse to heal, but for a short while they find the comfort in each other. They deny themselves anything more than that.
“She smiles something so pure that my frozen heart breaks. I hear it crack and another watershed of tears crashes on us. This isn’t what I wanted to happen. It is and it isn’t”
“When you love something you let it go.” Yes, that quote, the one that thousands have spewed to make it sound like letting someone go is the right thing to do. The one that breaks hearts everywhere. BUT yes, it also has the power to heal. It takes finding and letting go to bring these to out of just existing to living.
“This emotion is irrepressible. A tsunami has crashed upon my devastation and has swept up the debris of my broken city.”
Cristy Rey writes you into the deep devastation of these two. You feel the despair and you feel the anger. You experience their ignorance of believing their coping mechanisms are working. Then amidst all of the depression a light begins to grow. It shines on them separately and we watch the co-dependency start to take a hike. This story is really beautiful. I can’t turn my words into a masterpiece to do justice to this book. Just know this story is very real although it is mostly fiction. For those who worry about reading an emotionally strong book, this ends with acceptance. It ends in a good place. Don’t miss out on Topher and Frankie’s story.
5 -beautifully mending stars.
July 28, 2014
Weeping Angels tells the tale of two spiritually broken people. Frances has watched her older sister Iris self destruct her entire life. Frankie tries to help break the cycle of alcoholism and drug abuse that Iris has become accustomed to her entire life. When she fails, all she can do is walk away and let fate decide what happens to her wayward sister. While away, Frankie pours her heart and soul into her music to cope with the sadness in pain. But, when Iris actually passes away, Frankie can't fight the darkness of her family's past alone.
Topher grew up with Frankie's family. He was Iris' best friend growing up. He parties along side her until he enlists in the army. After returning home from the war a physically and mentally broken man, he gives up in himself and his old life. Iris' death affects him more than any death he witnessed in combat. His demons come back to haunt him when he attends her funeral, but an unlikely person has also entered his life. He has to make the decision on whether or not he's capable of loving someone as broken as he is and allow himself to heal.
Weeping Angels is a beautiful story of loss and redemption. Both of these characters while having suffered different versions of combat are shattered souls. Their daily lives consist of using their jobs as coping mechanisms to push away the darkness from their lives momentarily. Never before has a novel affected me as Weeping Angels. I feel as if I was suffering along with Frankie and Topher experiencing every single emotion that came along with their story. I can truly say that Weeping Angels will forever stick with me as one of the most emotional yet beautiful tales of loss and love I've ever read.
http://saintsandsinnersbooks.wordpres...
Topher grew up with Frankie's family. He was Iris' best friend growing up. He parties along side her until he enlists in the army. After returning home from the war a physically and mentally broken man, he gives up in himself and his old life. Iris' death affects him more than any death he witnessed in combat. His demons come back to haunt him when he attends her funeral, but an unlikely person has also entered his life. He has to make the decision on whether or not he's capable of loving someone as broken as he is and allow himself to heal.
Weeping Angels is a beautiful story of loss and redemption. Both of these characters while having suffered different versions of combat are shattered souls. Their daily lives consist of using their jobs as coping mechanisms to push away the darkness from their lives momentarily. Never before has a novel affected me as Weeping Angels. I feel as if I was suffering along with Frankie and Topher experiencing every single emotion that came along with their story. I can truly say that Weeping Angels will forever stick with me as one of the most emotional yet beautiful tales of loss and love I've ever read.
http://saintsandsinnersbooks.wordpres...
July 25, 2014
Compelling. That's the first word that came to mind as I started to read this book. I found myself drawn into the story from the first chapter, and the opening paragraphs. That's how quickly this novel sucked me in. It's not just that aspect that grabbed my attention, but the characters as well, and I found that I wanted to read more about both Frankie and Topher/Chris.
Both of them have situations and difficulties that they're dealing with in their lives. Frankie's sister Iris has just died from liver failure and Topher's struggle is a result of combat in Afganistan, suffering from traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Childhood friends, they reconnect at Iris' funeral. Their relationship at first is mostly physical, but in time it grows into something a lot deeper. That's the aspect of the book that I liked the best – the relationship that forms between Frankie and Chris after all the years when their respective lives separated them.
But more than that, each one of them needed the other in different ways, and they were able to find some measure of healing from the other person's presence in their lives. What I really liked about the book as well is that the chapters are told from either Frankie or Chris' perspective. As a result, I really got to know what they were thinking, and found myself feeling what they were feeling at different points, including Frankie's frustration at her parents. It's completely understandable though, because they were enablers to Iris' alcoholism and other family members just seemed to be indifferent.
Definitely recommend this book. I give it 5/5 platypires.
Both of them have situations and difficulties that they're dealing with in their lives. Frankie's sister Iris has just died from liver failure and Topher's struggle is a result of combat in Afganistan, suffering from traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Childhood friends, they reconnect at Iris' funeral. Their relationship at first is mostly physical, but in time it grows into something a lot deeper. That's the aspect of the book that I liked the best – the relationship that forms between Frankie and Chris after all the years when their respective lives separated them.
But more than that, each one of them needed the other in different ways, and they were able to find some measure of healing from the other person's presence in their lives. What I really liked about the book as well is that the chapters are told from either Frankie or Chris' perspective. As a result, I really got to know what they were thinking, and found myself feeling what they were feeling at different points, including Frankie's frustration at her parents. It's completely understandable though, because they were enablers to Iris' alcoholism and other family members just seemed to be indifferent.
Definitely recommend this book. I give it 5/5 platypires.
July 25, 2014
I will warn you that you will need tissues when reading this book. But beyond that this was an amazing read about grief, despair, guilt and the power of love. Frankie is left alone when her sister Iris dies of an overdose. Growing up, Iris had a best friend named Topher, who has just returned from a war that has fundamentally changed him. Both Frankie and Topher are haunted by the tragedies that they have witnessed. They are shells of the people they used to be. Both are suffering from guilt, anger, and pain. Topher and Frankie are drawn to each other and find that maybe they are exactly what the other needs to heal. This book is outstanding. The writing had me reduced to a blubbering mess. At times I wondered how much was too much. As the reader you feel such sympathy for Topher and Frankie and all the pain that they are suffering. The author puts us right inside their heads where we experience all the feelings with the characters. I loved the fact that this was written in alternating POV’s. That helped me understand so much more about Frankie and Topher. This book is an ode to the fragility and the strength of the human spirit. A stunning and flawless read. If you love powerful, emotional reads then this is the perfect book for you.
5 OUT OF 5
5 OUT OF 5
July 22, 2014
This book was a deep and truly sad type of uplifting love story. I fell in love with Topher from the moment he is introduced to the story. I understood Frankie's grief but it took me some time to love her, maybe because I recognized my self in her from also having lost some one I felt I turned my back on. Together they male my heart swoon. Together they make sense in the fact that they recognized what each of them truly needed in the life that had been given. They simply needed to be loved for all their faults and all of their misgivings they need each other. A beautiful story that I gobbled up in 1 day! Topher and Frankie will bring a sorrow that will brighten your day because after all we always need a good cry.
I hope we get more of Frankie and Topher. I want to see what more the future has for this incredible couple!
I hope we get more of Frankie and Topher. I want to see what more the future has for this incredible couple!
August 28, 2014
This book is raw, emotional, and hard to handle sometimes. It deals with death, anger, and denial. Topher and Frankie come together to deal with the death if Iris. Topher also has PTSD that has ripped his life apart. Each baby step toward healing is a step toward each other.
This is a gripping story that everyone can learn from. We all have our Iris that we mourn. Christy Rey has put the words on paper so we can heal. Be sure to read this book. You won't be sorry.
*** I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
Reviewed by Laura
This is a gripping story that everyone can learn from. We all have our Iris that we mourn. Christy Rey has put the words on paper so we can heal. Be sure to read this book. You won't be sorry.
*** I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
Reviewed by Laura
July 31, 2014
This book is raw, emotional, and hard to handle sometimes. It deals with death, anger, and denial. Topher and Frankie come together to deal with the death if Iris. Topher also has PTSD that has ripped his life apart. Each baby step toward healing is a step toward each other.
This is a gripping story that everyone can learn from.We all have our Iris that we mourn. Christy Rey has put the words on paper so we can heal. Be sure to read this book. You won't be sorry.
*** I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
This is a gripping story that everyone can learn from.We all have our Iris that we mourn. Christy Rey has put the words on paper so we can heal. Be sure to read this book. You won't be sorry.
*** I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
Read
July 25, 2018I wrote this so I'm not going to rate it *but* I do want to encourage you to rate and leave your reviews. This is a simple book about love, loss, sisterhood, and identity. It's a tale as old as time, with a new twist. Unconventional as all my other love stories, I wanted this one to speak to you, as a reader and as a human being. I want your heart strings plucked. And I hope I succeed in doing that.
July 25, 2014
*ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Amazing story of loss, love and forgiveness! This story line is well written from an amazing author. Cristy Rey has so much talent and her books show it! I don't believe in spoilers, so I will not tell you about this book and ruin it for you! But I will tell you, you don't want to miss out on this read! If you haven't yet, go get your copy! AMAZING story!
Amazing story of loss, love and forgiveness! This story line is well written from an amazing author. Cristy Rey has so much talent and her books show it! I don't believe in spoilers, so I will not tell you about this book and ruin it for you! But I will tell you, you don't want to miss out on this read! If you haven't yet, go get your copy! AMAZING story!
August 7, 2014
this book is a Roller coaster of emotional Hi's and lows.. Frankie has just lost her sister Iris due to liver failure from being an alcoholic.. And Tropher has been to war and come back with a brain injury.. They are both suffering through their pain, but together maybe they can make it past the pain...
It is a story of Love, loss, and the journey through it..
It is a story of Love, loss, and the journey through it..
August 5, 2014
FANTASTIC STORYLINE BOTH BROKEN WITH HURT IN THERE LIVES HELP HEAL EACH OTHER. HAVE TO SAY WAS NOT EXPECTING TO LIKE IT AS MUCH AS I DID YOU ARE PULLED IN FROM THE FIRST PAGE RIGHT THROUGH TO THE END. GREAT JOB
July 14, 2014
Weeping Angels is a story about sisters and families, but it is also about finding yourself and letting go of the past and creating a future. Frankie returns home for the funeral of her sister Iris who died in her early thirties from liver failure. Frankie had tried to get Iris help years before but Iris has refused and Frankie cut off all contact with Iris so when she does pass away Frankie does not expect to be upset by it, her sister has been gone for years, but when the emotions finally hit her she finds solace from Iris's child hood pal Topher who now calls himself Chris. Topher has had his share of bad times, he want to war and came home with a severe head injury and memory problems, but he seems to remember Frankie just fine. Together they navigate Frankie's grief and Topher's challenges and both are better for it. I loved the interaction between Frankie and Topher. They are great characters on their own, but together as you might expect they create something even better.
July 2, 2014
I need to really sit down and process this one. it was so up and down emotionally. Full review to come
September 5, 2022
Weeping Angels is exactly what the title means...it's a story of deep sadness to the point of ultimate despair. I enjoyed this book so much! This is the second book that I've read of Cristy's and while I didn't like this as much as her previous work, this was a very different story than what I normally read.
The story revolves around Frankie and Topher. Frankie's sister, Iris, dies from an overdose and she's in complete guilt over leaving her behind. Frankie becomes lost, depressed, and even experiences a little safe hatred. This book broke me in so many ways. I felt so much for Frankie and thought, "Damn, poor girl needs a break."
Then there's Topher. He was Iris' best friend growing up and he enters the military and experiences horrors one should never experience. Topher's story affected me more than Frankie's, only because I was also in the military, and I know how it can change a person.
This is a story about two broken souls lost in the darkness of the world who find a way back to the light, with the help of each other. It was beautifully written and the plot was well conceived. Kudos to Cristy for another good book!!
The story revolves around Frankie and Topher. Frankie's sister, Iris, dies from an overdose and she's in complete guilt over leaving her behind. Frankie becomes lost, depressed, and even experiences a little safe hatred. This book broke me in so many ways. I felt so much for Frankie and thought, "Damn, poor girl needs a break."
Then there's Topher. He was Iris' best friend growing up and he enters the military and experiences horrors one should never experience. Topher's story affected me more than Frankie's, only because I was also in the military, and I know how it can change a person.
This is a story about two broken souls lost in the darkness of the world who find a way back to the light, with the help of each other. It was beautifully written and the plot was well conceived. Kudos to Cristy for another good book!!
August 4, 2015
If i had to describe this in one word it would be powerful. Despite the fact that i didn't especially enjoy this read it touched me deeply and emotionally and i even shed tears. That's why this book is getting a higher rating than i'd normally give-making me emotional over a book i love is easy, making me cry for characters i don't particularly like is pretty talented. So this sort of runs along the lines of the two broken people fitting their jagged edges together to form a complete picture. Unfortunately these two, for me, just didn't fit together well enough to pull the theme together. Frankie struggles with the loss of her sister and Topher suffers from PTSD, a TBI and amnesia. Frankie as a character was totally solid. Though i didn't always like her everything about her rang true to her character. Topher on the other hand didn't. Most people who suffer from depression want to get better they just don't know how or don't have the push needed. He had love, he had the ability to go to therapy, he seemed to want to be better. But he made 0 effort to. I'm not saying that never happens but i tend to think its the minority and it makes for a less appealing character. Second, I'm not entirely sure you can suffer from PTSD if you don't have the emotional memory of the traumatic event which he didn't seem to have. Lastly, while this is a common mistake, her portrayal of amnesia is wholly inaccurate. Though it isn't termed amnesia he has retrograde amnesia which is when you forget what happened before your brain injury. What she constantly talks about is "short term memory loss." The problem with this is short term memory lasts only a matter of seconds so what she described would not help for short term memory loss (A) and (B) it's also descriptive of anterograde amnesia which is forgetting things after the incident. Amnesias can occur at the same time but its rare and generally people with both can't function on their own. But moving past me finally using my psych degree. The fact that topher for most of this book refused to make any concessions to be with the heroine or even show he cared despite his proclaimed love for her. That's my second problem with the romance-they say i love you very fast. It is pretty awkward since they really didn't know each other despite having grown up together and they were really only having grief sex. Their emotions didn't really ring true, though i believed that they loved each other i didn't buy that they were in love. The sex scenes were more emotional than sexy and they were honestly a little violent in a bad way. Nothing that wasn't consensual but it was still a little disturbing. The writing was overall fine but there were awkward sentences and missing words.
Bottom line: if you want a story that will rip your heart out and pulverize your emotions check this out. if you want a believable romance look elsewhere
Bottom line: if you want a story that will rip your heart out and pulverize your emotions check this out. if you want a believable romance look elsewhere
April 9, 2015
Told in three parts, on the surface this is a story about a funeral, a life senselessly lost far too soon. It is about family dysfunction and denial and how we each see life in ways we can bear to view it. Humans tend to deny what they feel they have no control over.
The story is told through the viewpoints of two people who used to be acquaintances but were pretty much strangers. Eventually they turn to each other when they realize that no one has more in common at this time of grief than the two of them. Will this common bond create a friendship or some sort of relationship?
The writing is gritty and intense. It will make you feel in ways a book has never made you feel before. I found myself reexamining both my close relationships and those that are strained.
Parts two and three continue with Christopher and Francis trying to figure out life.
How does one move forward when life has changed? They talk and try to support each other, but the big, important issues still seem off limits.
With baby steps, is healing possible?
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour.
It is not my (or anyone's) typical read.
There are adult situations described.
It will make you think and feel.
The story is told through the viewpoints of two people who used to be acquaintances but were pretty much strangers. Eventually they turn to each other when they realize that no one has more in common at this time of grief than the two of them. Will this common bond create a friendship or some sort of relationship?
The writing is gritty and intense. It will make you feel in ways a book has never made you feel before. I found myself reexamining both my close relationships and those that are strained.
Parts two and three continue with Christopher and Francis trying to figure out life.
How does one move forward when life has changed? They talk and try to support each other, but the big, important issues still seem off limits.
With baby steps, is healing possible?
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour.
It is not my (or anyone's) typical read.
There are adult situations described.
It will make you think and feel.
March 13, 2016
Depressing...
The characters are relatable especially to people who have lost siblings, have wounded warriors in their family, family members lost to or battling addictions! TBI - is a very difficult subject and this just grazed the surface. I felt the main characters instant relationship was discomforting as it seemed very co dependent! Healing is difficult and having someone support you through it is invaluable. Hinging your healing and choices on another person who is also struggling makes it more difficult. If you "become the other person or feel what they feel" you don't have the reliability of perspective!
The characters are relatable especially to people who have lost siblings, have wounded warriors in their family, family members lost to or battling addictions! TBI - is a very difficult subject and this just grazed the surface. I felt the main characters instant relationship was discomforting as it seemed very co dependent! Healing is difficult and having someone support you through it is invaluable. Hinging your healing and choices on another person who is also struggling makes it more difficult. If you "become the other person or feel what they feel" you don't have the reliability of perspective!
March 17, 2016
Beautiful story!
What a heartbreakingly, beautiful story. This author really hit the nail on the head with the angst, the love, and all the drama! I can't wait to read more of her work .
What a heartbreakingly, beautiful story. This author really hit the nail on the head with the angst, the love, and all the drama! I can't wait to read more of her work .
March 17, 2016
Moving..
Very touching and moving story about death and forgiveness and how your life can be changed by healing and forgiving yourself.
Very touching and moving story about death and forgiveness and how your life can be changed by healing and forgiving yourself.
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