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Wonders Never Cease: A Novel
From award-winning author Tim Downs comes this warmhearted story of mistaken identity and unlikely redemption that will have you both laughing and looking at life from a higher perspective.
It’s a brilliant plan, if Kemp McAvoy says so himself—and Kemp never hesitates to point out his own brilliance. Kemp is a night nurse for a beautiful but aging movie star in a medically induced coma. And with the help of her agent and a struggling young publisher, he’s concocted a can’t-fail scheme that will make them all rich.
Olivia Hayden is about to receive a heavenly visitor—an angel with a message for all humankind. All it takes is a blinding light and little adjustment of her meds, and when she awakes she'll think it was real—and they'll have an instant bestselling book.
The scheme seems foolproof. All they have to do for it to work is be good angels and stay out of trouble. But Kemp McAvoy has never been good at staying out of trouble—and he doesn’t realize there may be out-of-this-world consequences for impersonating an angel.
Welcome to Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where traffic never stops, people never sleep, and wonders never cease.
Stand-alone novelBook 75,000 wordsAlso by Tim PlagueMaker, Head Game, First the Dead
It’s a brilliant plan, if Kemp McAvoy says so himself—and Kemp never hesitates to point out his own brilliance. Kemp is a night nurse for a beautiful but aging movie star in a medically induced coma. And with the help of her agent and a struggling young publisher, he’s concocted a can’t-fail scheme that will make them all rich.
Olivia Hayden is about to receive a heavenly visitor—an angel with a message for all humankind. All it takes is a blinding light and little adjustment of her meds, and when she awakes she'll think it was real—and they'll have an instant bestselling book.
The scheme seems foolproof. All they have to do for it to work is be good angels and stay out of trouble. But Kemp McAvoy has never been good at staying out of trouble—and he doesn’t realize there may be out-of-this-world consequences for impersonating an angel.
Welcome to Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where traffic never stops, people never sleep, and wonders never cease.
Stand-alone novelBook 75,000 wordsAlso by Tim PlagueMaker, Head Game, First the Dead
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Tim Downs
47 books271 followersTim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate (Calvin & Hobbes, Doonesbury, The Far Side) from 1980 to 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred daily newspapers worldwide. Tim has written seven mystery/suspense novels: Shoofly Pie, Chop Shop, PlagueMaker, Head Game, First the Dead, Less than Dead, and Ends of the Earth. PlagueMaker was awarded the Christy Award for the best CBA mystery/suspense novel of 2006, and Less than Dead was a finalist for the 2009 Christian Book Award in suspense fiction. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy. They have three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 30, 2019
Well, that was unusual. You don’t often read a story told from the antagonist’s perspective.
The antagonist in question is Kemp McAvoy, an utter scumbag who schemes to manufacture an angelic experience by manipulating a famous actress who’s in an induced coma. Yep. And then he plans to turn her “angelic visit” into a bestselling book. Ick.
WHAT I LOVED
-Like I said, it’s interesting to read from the bad guy’s POV. He’s incredibly entitled and pathetic... but still interesting.
-Don’t worry, there were good people to cheer for instead. Especially Leah, a little girl who claims to *actually* see angels, and Emmett, the kindly hospital janitor.
-This book didn’t draw any hard and fast conclusions, but rather, it encourages us to consider whether we’re WILLING to believe something outside our normal paradigm.
-Tim Downs has a great sense of humor and pacing!
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
-Can’t really think of anything, honestly. It wasn’t my FAVORITE Tim Downs book, but it was still good. Easy to read.
CONCLUSION
It’s an intriguing spin on the typical angel novels out there—and it doesn’t hurt that there’s a fair bit of humor sprinkled throughout. I quite enjoyed it! 4.5 stars.
The antagonist in question is Kemp McAvoy, an utter scumbag who schemes to manufacture an angelic experience by manipulating a famous actress who’s in an induced coma. Yep. And then he plans to turn her “angelic visit” into a bestselling book. Ick.
WHAT I LOVED
-Like I said, it’s interesting to read from the bad guy’s POV. He’s incredibly entitled and pathetic... but still interesting.
-Don’t worry, there were good people to cheer for instead. Especially Leah, a little girl who claims to *actually* see angels, and Emmett, the kindly hospital janitor.
-This book didn’t draw any hard and fast conclusions, but rather, it encourages us to consider whether we’re WILLING to believe something outside our normal paradigm.
-Tim Downs has a great sense of humor and pacing!
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
-Can’t really think of anything, honestly. It wasn’t my FAVORITE Tim Downs book, but it was still good. Easy to read.
CONCLUSION
It’s an intriguing spin on the typical angel novels out there—and it doesn’t hurt that there’s a fair bit of humor sprinkled throughout. I quite enjoyed it! 4.5 stars.
September 9, 2025
An excellent story on the zaniness of a self-assured genius narcissist and the humble people around him... my favorite being the custodian Emmett. I have to hand it to Tim for knowing how to write a truly spiteful villain who doesn't want to accept how reality is. I also give kudos to Tim for knowing how to write deadpan hilarity!
May 8, 2010
This is the first novel I've read by Downs. It's praised as "a warm-hearted story of mistaken identity and unlikely redemption". I wouldn't classify this story as warm-hearted, and I struggle to find the redemption.
The main characters are a lazy narcissist, a co-dependent single mom, and a six year-old who sees angels. Then add the child's teacher and school counselor, both non-believers in a Christian school, a self-center movie star, her greedy agent, a dishonest book editor, and a loan shark. The only genuine character is the janitor, who eventually turns to extortion to get his way.
I found the story a bit depressing - it starts with lies and ends with lies. Instead of forgiveness and redemption, there's retribution and manipulation.
The author attempts to touch on the issue of faith, commenting that there needs to be "a willingness to believe". While that concept sounds nice, a willingness to believe in angels doesn't redeem one's soul. It's the belief in and acceptance of Jesus Christ that redeems.
The story is well-written, but it left me disappointed. The characters all continue on in their troubled ways, not learning lessons or repenting of their wrong decisions, but finally getting what they deserve. I found this story to be less about redemption and more about consequences - you reap what you sow.
The main characters are a lazy narcissist, a co-dependent single mom, and a six year-old who sees angels. Then add the child's teacher and school counselor, both non-believers in a Christian school, a self-center movie star, her greedy agent, a dishonest book editor, and a loan shark. The only genuine character is the janitor, who eventually turns to extortion to get his way.
I found the story a bit depressing - it starts with lies and ends with lies. Instead of forgiveness and redemption, there's retribution and manipulation.
The author attempts to touch on the issue of faith, commenting that there needs to be "a willingness to believe". While that concept sounds nice, a willingness to believe in angels doesn't redeem one's soul. It's the belief in and acceptance of Jesus Christ that redeems.
The story is well-written, but it left me disappointed. The characters all continue on in their troubled ways, not learning lessons or repenting of their wrong decisions, but finally getting what they deserve. I found this story to be less about redemption and more about consequences - you reap what you sow.
February 20, 2018
This book was a cute, comedic, quick read. I really hated the character Kemp and had a hard time finding redeeming qualities about him, but the other characters were lovable. Not my favorite book, but definitely a fun one!
May 14, 2024
I surely do wish Tim Downs would quit horsing around and just get back to writing. While I didn't love this one quite as much as his Bug Man series, still, the story on this is compelling. It kind of annoyed me that the heroine was living with her boyfriend, who you're going to love to hate, but it is a true picture of life in America. This is an older book so some references are a bit dated, but the story is compelling and the ending makes you smile.
May 15, 2025
4.5
1st off Kemp is a jerk. Didn’t like him-arrogant and self-centered. Natalie certainly could do better than him. His checkered past as ‘Bobby’ finally caught up to him. Emmett, person of wisdom, puts a chink in Kemps chain of deception. Natalie has enough to deal with her daughters ‘angel sightings’ and the school concerns let alone dealing with Kemp and his secret ‘project’.
1st off Kemp is a jerk. Didn’t like him-arrogant and self-centered. Natalie certainly could do better than him. His checkered past as ‘Bobby’ finally caught up to him. Emmett, person of wisdom, puts a chink in Kemps chain of deception. Natalie has enough to deal with her daughters ‘angel sightings’ and the school concerns let alone dealing with Kemp and his secret ‘project’.
May 23, 2024
kinda felt like was left hanging it was like the author hit the page limit so wrapped everything up to get it finished Have read some of his others and they were different, quirky this could have been too nut missed the mark
July 9, 2017
Outstanding book
This kept me up late for several nights. I found it similar to some of Kristen Heitzmann's books. A touch of the supernatural. Highly recommended.
This kept me up late for several nights. I found it similar to some of Kristen Heitzmann's books. A touch of the supernatural. Highly recommended.
December 5, 2017
I hated the main character, but then....you're supposed to! This was a really cool book. I'm not going to say too much. Spoilers and all. Just fun.
April 21, 2020
Just good clean fiction. I love Tim Downs and can't wait to read more from him.
August 5, 2024
Absolutely Great!
What a story! This is the best fiction I've read in a long time, and I've read some really good ones.
What a story! This is the best fiction I've read in a long time, and I've read some really good ones.
February 25, 2025
Satisfying ending but pure chaos to get there 4/5
June 20, 2010
Original review here: http://onemorepage.tinamats.com/wonde...
I invest a lot of emotions when I read a book. I am very particular with characters, and strong characters always make a mark in me, even if the plot is typical. Most of the books I marked as favorite are books that leave me both sad and satisfied at the end, books that I felt that the characters were not only people inside a book, but people who have become my friends.
When I saw Wonders Never Cease up for grabs at Book Sneeze, I grabbed it because I thought this is one of the books where I would find friends. I figure, it’s a book about impersonating an angel, and there’s got to be a lot of hilarious moments here, and redemptive moments as well. The blurb alone sounds like a movie, and it seems like a heartwarming read.
I really wanted to like this book. I really, really wanted to. But somehow, as I read, I find myself feeling very, very annoyed at the sheer ridiculousness of the characters. Kemp McAvoy is a nurse with an MD, and he’s always been dissatisfied with his life. Natalie Pelton, Kemp’s girlfriend, is struggling to make the ends meet while raising her daughter Leah, who suddenly sees angels. Kemp shows no care over Natalie’s concerns, and instead chooses to focus on how Lattes with God, a book he found in the nurses’ break room can be so popular when he feels it’s full of crap. When he meets the comatose Olivia Hayden, he gets an idea to impersonate an angel and tell Olivia to write a book that will be published and be even bigger book than Lattes with God. This brings in a lot of complications because Kemp can’t stop only thinking about himself, and pretty soon there’s a sort of mafia-like guy in the deal (with a name that sounds even more mafia-like: Tino Gambitto), a janitor, a neurologist who suddenly disappears, not to mention a teacher who’s attracted to Natalie, and a school counselor who doesn’t believe in God.
I never felt any connection to any character in the story, not even the “good guys” and the underdogs. I could give a bit of credit to the plot, but characters who I couldn’t like or relate to just made it blah, for me. I wanted to know: where were Natalie’s parents? Why is Kemp so stubborn? Is it only because of family? I felt that none of the characters were given enough depth just so the story can move. I couldn’t figure out who the real protagonist here was — is it Leah? Is it Natalie? I’m pretty sure it isn’t Kemp.
Faith issues were poorly dealt with, too. I thought there would be a redemption scene at the end, but there was sadly none. Some characters discussed the kid’s visions of angels, and the idea of being willing to believe, but it felt weak, almost forced. I have a feeling none of the characters there were really even believers, not even Natalie, or Emmet the janitor. Furthermore, the repercussions of Kemp’s actions didn’t seem like it happened because it was simply wrong, but because he just wasn’t smart enough and he’s too greedy.
The ending would have been heartwarming, if the money given to Natalie and Leah were not taken from extortion. I mean, seriously, the end doesn’t justify the means. Just because you’re giving money to help someone doesn’t excuse the reasons how you got it. Even if Kemp and his partners deserved to be conned, I don’t think it was an excuse to extort money from them, by wanting in in the operation and threatening them. I feel this sets a poor example to the readers. This is supposed to be Christian fiction, right? Or maybe I’m mistaken?
I really, really wanted to like this book. I swear, I really did. But in the end, whatever wonder this book wanted to give just didn’t reach me. I give props to the plot with potential, but everything else just just felt short. Maybe this would have been better if it was made into a movie.
I invest a lot of emotions when I read a book. I am very particular with characters, and strong characters always make a mark in me, even if the plot is typical. Most of the books I marked as favorite are books that leave me both sad and satisfied at the end, books that I felt that the characters were not only people inside a book, but people who have become my friends.
When I saw Wonders Never Cease up for grabs at Book Sneeze, I grabbed it because I thought this is one of the books where I would find friends. I figure, it’s a book about impersonating an angel, and there’s got to be a lot of hilarious moments here, and redemptive moments as well. The blurb alone sounds like a movie, and it seems like a heartwarming read.
I really wanted to like this book. I really, really wanted to. But somehow, as I read, I find myself feeling very, very annoyed at the sheer ridiculousness of the characters. Kemp McAvoy is a nurse with an MD, and he’s always been dissatisfied with his life. Natalie Pelton, Kemp’s girlfriend, is struggling to make the ends meet while raising her daughter Leah, who suddenly sees angels. Kemp shows no care over Natalie’s concerns, and instead chooses to focus on how Lattes with God, a book he found in the nurses’ break room can be so popular when he feels it’s full of crap. When he meets the comatose Olivia Hayden, he gets an idea to impersonate an angel and tell Olivia to write a book that will be published and be even bigger book than Lattes with God. This brings in a lot of complications because Kemp can’t stop only thinking about himself, and pretty soon there’s a sort of mafia-like guy in the deal (with a name that sounds even more mafia-like: Tino Gambitto), a janitor, a neurologist who suddenly disappears, not to mention a teacher who’s attracted to Natalie, and a school counselor who doesn’t believe in God.
I never felt any connection to any character in the story, not even the “good guys” and the underdogs. I could give a bit of credit to the plot, but characters who I couldn’t like or relate to just made it blah, for me. I wanted to know: where were Natalie’s parents? Why is Kemp so stubborn? Is it only because of family? I felt that none of the characters were given enough depth just so the story can move. I couldn’t figure out who the real protagonist here was — is it Leah? Is it Natalie? I’m pretty sure it isn’t Kemp.
Faith issues were poorly dealt with, too. I thought there would be a redemption scene at the end, but there was sadly none. Some characters discussed the kid’s visions of angels, and the idea of being willing to believe, but it felt weak, almost forced. I have a feeling none of the characters there were really even believers, not even Natalie, or Emmet the janitor. Furthermore, the repercussions of Kemp’s actions didn’t seem like it happened because it was simply wrong, but because he just wasn’t smart enough and he’s too greedy.
The ending would have been heartwarming, if the money given to Natalie and Leah were not taken from extortion. I mean, seriously, the end doesn’t justify the means. Just because you’re giving money to help someone doesn’t excuse the reasons how you got it. Even if Kemp and his partners deserved to be conned, I don’t think it was an excuse to extort money from them, by wanting in in the operation and threatening them. I feel this sets a poor example to the readers. This is supposed to be Christian fiction, right? Or maybe I’m mistaken?
I really, really wanted to like this book. I swear, I really did. But in the end, whatever wonder this book wanted to give just didn’t reach me. I give props to the plot with potential, but everything else just just felt short. Maybe this would have been better if it was made into a movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 28, 2017This book is amazing I finished it and it is amazing I love how the angel and lead and the teacher is teaching people things in life ( even though the teacher is supposed to be teaching something) but I don't think that Natalie needs to be dating a rude person like Mr. Kemp and I don't think that Leah has to be there to hear everything that they talk about and I am sorry Leah that your childhood was like that..
June 2, 2013
Olivia Hayden is an aging actress who refuses to be type cast. She wants to keep doing her famous roles as a beautiful twenty-something. But when her agent sets her up for a meeting with a writing looking for an "alcoholic, fiftish mom", Olivia sees red. She races down the highway in her car at super speeds, and it doesn't end well. She finds herself in the trauma ward at UCLA Hospital.
Kemp McAvoy believes he deserves more, of everything. He was kicked out of his residency on his third year, so he had to resort to nursing to pay the bills. His dad want's him to earn a living, but Kemp has always looked for a short cut to get what he wants. When he finds himself the nurse for the famous celebrity Liv Hayden, Kemp cooks up a scheme to get rich.
Natalie is also a nurse at the hospital and is Kemp's girlfriend. She has a daughter named Leah who is a bright and imaginative child who loves to tell stories. But lately she keeps talking about seeing angels. The school things Leah may have a medical condition, but Natalie refuses to believe it. Kemp, though, jumps on the idea for his scheme.
He'll bring Liv slightly out of her healing induced coma and act like an angel, just so he can get Liv to write a book and he could make millions. But he needs a partner, and a publisher, and Liv's agent on board to make it all work. But what he doesn't count on is the work of the Almighty and his own messengers to throw a kink in his plans.
Wonders Never Cease is a well-told story with many messages of moral, kindness, and love. I read it in one sitting, I was so entranced with the story. There are a few twists that keep the story moving quickly. The characters are likable, or in the case of Kemp, quite deplorable. I felt compassion, humor, disgust, and hope as I read Wonders Never Cease and I am going to recommend it to many of my friends. Fantastic!
Kemp McAvoy believes he deserves more, of everything. He was kicked out of his residency on his third year, so he had to resort to nursing to pay the bills. His dad want's him to earn a living, but Kemp has always looked for a short cut to get what he wants. When he finds himself the nurse for the famous celebrity Liv Hayden, Kemp cooks up a scheme to get rich.
Natalie is also a nurse at the hospital and is Kemp's girlfriend. She has a daughter named Leah who is a bright and imaginative child who loves to tell stories. But lately she keeps talking about seeing angels. The school things Leah may have a medical condition, but Natalie refuses to believe it. Kemp, though, jumps on the idea for his scheme.
He'll bring Liv slightly out of her healing induced coma and act like an angel, just so he can get Liv to write a book and he could make millions. But he needs a partner, and a publisher, and Liv's agent on board to make it all work. But what he doesn't count on is the work of the Almighty and his own messengers to throw a kink in his plans.
Wonders Never Cease is a well-told story with many messages of moral, kindness, and love. I read it in one sitting, I was so entranced with the story. There are a few twists that keep the story moving quickly. The characters are likable, or in the case of Kemp, quite deplorable. I felt compassion, humor, disgust, and hope as I read Wonders Never Cease and I am going to recommend it to many of my friends. Fantastic!
February 20, 2017
Not as good as the Bugman series, but pretty gripping.
April 30, 2010
My Review of : Wonders Never Cease by: Tim Downs
Tim Downs writes a light-hearted, at times laugh-out-loud story with Wonders Never Cease. When Kemp McAvoy, a despicable n’er-do-well comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme to impersonate an angel to a has-been actress, Olivia Hayden, the author weaves a tightly knit plot together that has a fairly predictable ending. Threaded into the story is a tender portrayal of a single Mom, Natalie, trying to raise her six year old daughter, Leah without any help from her selfish, live in boyfriend, Kemp. When Leah tells people she can see angels only the kind-hearted janitor at the hospital where Natalie and Kemp work seems to believe her far-fetched stories.
I enjoyed Wonders Never Cease although I pretty much had the ending figured out by the fifteenth chapter. If the book has a draw back, that is the most glaring one: its predictable ending. That said, there were still some comical twists in the plot that captivated my attention enough to want to read to the end of the book. The villains are portrayed as buffoons for the most part and the manner in which they all get their comeuppance is applaudable. The author made sure any “violence” was mostly implied so the book is definitely family friendly. I couldn’t help but think the story would make a great Family Channel movie. Overall, I enjoyed reading Wonders Never Cease. It was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
(I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Tim Downs writes a light-hearted, at times laugh-out-loud story with Wonders Never Cease. When Kemp McAvoy, a despicable n’er-do-well comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme to impersonate an angel to a has-been actress, Olivia Hayden, the author weaves a tightly knit plot together that has a fairly predictable ending. Threaded into the story is a tender portrayal of a single Mom, Natalie, trying to raise her six year old daughter, Leah without any help from her selfish, live in boyfriend, Kemp. When Leah tells people she can see angels only the kind-hearted janitor at the hospital where Natalie and Kemp work seems to believe her far-fetched stories.
I enjoyed Wonders Never Cease although I pretty much had the ending figured out by the fifteenth chapter. If the book has a draw back, that is the most glaring one: its predictable ending. That said, there were still some comical twists in the plot that captivated my attention enough to want to read to the end of the book. The villains are portrayed as buffoons for the most part and the manner in which they all get their comeuppance is applaudable. The author made sure any “violence” was mostly implied so the book is definitely family friendly. I couldn’t help but think the story would make a great Family Channel movie. Overall, I enjoyed reading Wonders Never Cease. It was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
(I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
April 21, 2010
When famed actress Olivia Hayden ends up in intensive care after a car accident, her nurse, Kemp McAvoy, seizes the opportunity to exploit the comatose star for his own personal gain. But while he's playing angel to the infirm celebrity, his girlfriend's daughter, Leah Pelton, claims she truly does see divine spirits. As the novel intensifies, the manipulation of one manufactured mystery becomes mired in criminal missteps; meanwhile, the other, possibly hallucinatory one, proves more difficult to refute. While Downs attempts to maintain the edge of a crime novel in this energetic drama, McAvoy's loutish nature, foiled by Pelton's endearing sincerity, makes for overly simplified characters in a sometimes stilted narrative. Nevertheless, fans of his previous books may find it refreshing to read this author's fast-paced novel set not in the South but in the greedy world of Hollywood.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
NOW MY TAKE ON "Wonders Never Cease"
I found this book to be addicting and I LOVE THAT in a book~! If a book does not catch me right away I am done, so if your like me and the book HAS to catch your attention right away this is a book for you. Olivia Hayden the character in the book is about to receive a visitor but the way she See's him is as an angel, Kemp McAvoy. Kemp decides to play along with it and adjust her meds so she really thinks she is being visited by an angel. She awakes thinking she really saw an angel, and that it was real but no one believes her.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
NOW MY TAKE ON "Wonders Never Cease"
I found this book to be addicting and I LOVE THAT in a book~! If a book does not catch me right away I am done, so if your like me and the book HAS to catch your attention right away this is a book for you. Olivia Hayden the character in the book is about to receive a visitor but the way she See's him is as an angel, Kemp McAvoy. Kemp decides to play along with it and adjust her meds so she really thinks she is being visited by an angel. She awakes thinking she really saw an angel, and that it was real but no one believes her.
May 30, 2010
Is there any such animal as a non-mystery Christian cozy beach read? If there is then WONDERS NEVER CEASE by Tim Downs would fit nicely into this category. Rather than give you a chronological account of this story, let me instead try to convey the general flavor of the book. At the heart of the story is a precocious six year old girl named Leah who insists she sees angels, much to the chagrin of the adults in her life. In addition we have the aging movie star, her agent, an opportunistic publisher, an arrogant nurse and an array of ludicrous situations featuring greedy adults, colossal egos, and a supposedly foolproof get rich quick scheme.
Reading this book I felt a twinge of nostalgia for the old Damon Runyon stories…..the ones where the scumbag was a self inflated buffoon who thought that he was smarter than the average bear and the bad guy was more Sheldon Leonard as Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls than James Gandolfini’s racketeer Tony in The Sopranos.
Utilizing a couple of his characters Downs pushes his readers to question their beliefs and at least acknowledge the possibility of angels. Once we have taken that giant step, it becomes pretty comforting to think that we all have a constant invisible companion who is there to guide, protect and assist us as we motor down life’s highway.
Reading this book I felt a twinge of nostalgia for the old Damon Runyon stories…..the ones where the scumbag was a self inflated buffoon who thought that he was smarter than the average bear and the bad guy was more Sheldon Leonard as Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls than James Gandolfini’s racketeer Tony in The Sopranos.
Utilizing a couple of his characters Downs pushes his readers to question their beliefs and at least acknowledge the possibility of angels. Once we have taken that giant step, it becomes pretty comforting to think that we all have a constant invisible companion who is there to guide, protect and assist us as we motor down life’s highway.
April 23, 2010
This had pontential of becoming like an episode of Touched By An Angel. In other words - cheesy, and extremely so. But Wonders Never Cease doesn't fall into that category - EVER. It's a lighthearted read, but has a lot of depth where it counts - unlike the messages the "Angel" Kemp is giving to Liv Hayden.
The author, Tim Downs, is well known for his Suspense books (and even won a Christy for one!) But this isn't a Supense or Thriller, honestly i don't know what to call it! The best way i can think of describing it is as a medical mystery with a supernatural twist and a touch of Hollywood life, if that makes any sense at all!
This book is definitely a stretch in genres but he still proves himself to be just as great a writer in this book as he is in his suspense novels.
As many people have been saying about this book, it truly is one you can enjoy even if you don't like Christian Fiction. I'm looking forward to seeing more books of this genre from Tim Downs! :)
Thanks to booksneeze.com for sending me this book to review!
The author, Tim Downs, is well known for his Suspense books (and even won a Christy for one!) But this isn't a Supense or Thriller, honestly i don't know what to call it! The best way i can think of describing it is as a medical mystery with a supernatural twist and a touch of Hollywood life, if that makes any sense at all!
This book is definitely a stretch in genres but he still proves himself to be just as great a writer in this book as he is in his suspense novels.
As many people have been saying about this book, it truly is one you can enjoy even if you don't like Christian Fiction. I'm looking forward to seeing more books of this genre from Tim Downs! :)
Thanks to booksneeze.com for sending me this book to review!
April 25, 2010
I requested this book because it reminded me a little of Jodi Picoult's Keeping Faith, but the two are really different.
Natalie's daugher Leah keeps seeing angels (and, of course, nobody believes her). But Natalie's boyfriend Kemp* gets an idea--what if he engineers it so that movie star Olivia Hayden (who is in a medically-induced coma) thinks SHE sees an angel and writes a book about it? He gets a publisher and her agent in on it, and he figures he'll stand to make a ton of money.
Except it turns out that it's not a good idea to pretend to be an angel. (And it's an even worse idea when you're greedy and an idiot like Kemp is.)
This is definitely an interesting premise, and most of the characters are incredibly likable (except for Kemp and his partners in operation faux angel sighting.)
* = Kemp is a total ass. And that's one of the nicer things I could say about him.
Natalie's daugher Leah keeps seeing angels (and, of course, nobody believes her). But Natalie's boyfriend Kemp* gets an idea--what if he engineers it so that movie star Olivia Hayden (who is in a medically-induced coma) thinks SHE sees an angel and writes a book about it? He gets a publisher and her agent in on it, and he figures he'll stand to make a ton of money.
Except it turns out that it's not a good idea to pretend to be an angel. (And it's an even worse idea when you're greedy and an idiot like Kemp is.)
This is definitely an interesting premise, and most of the characters are incredibly likable (except for Kemp and his partners in operation faux angel sighting.)
* = Kemp is a total ass. And that's one of the nicer things I could say about him.
April 21, 2010
When I read the summary of Wonders Never Cease on Book Sneeze, I was intrigued. I couldn't put this book down! Each chapter flowed into the next, and every part was interesting (except when the criminal masterminds were talking about money...I am not a money person!).
This book would not have been as great if it wasn't for the constant humor and sarcasm. Many times I had to stop reading because I was laughing so hard!
Wonders Never Cease tackles a tough subject (are angels real?) and puts it in a modern context that we can relate to. Also, points for the uniqueness of the book. Kemp McAvoy is out to get money and he picks up a few money-snatchers on the way to dupe a celebrity...genius. I would definitely recommend this book.
This book would not have been as great if it wasn't for the constant humor and sarcasm. Many times I had to stop reading because I was laughing so hard!
Wonders Never Cease tackles a tough subject (are angels real?) and puts it in a modern context that we can relate to. Also, points for the uniqueness of the book. Kemp McAvoy is out to get money and he picks up a few money-snatchers on the way to dupe a celebrity...genius. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 9, 2010
This is one of those stories that is going to stick with me for a while. Even though it's fiction. Just the idea that seeing angels can lead people to believe what they do... there was once a time when I thought we were wrong not to believe in angels. At least with a christian upbringing that is what we are led to believe. So why not believe a child, so pure in heart, can see them. I think the idea is, well, heavenly.
The writer knew how to get the story out, and make you think about what was in it.
The other part of the story, is like the rest. Just a tale, with bad guys and bad ideas. Well put together though, because you get angry in parts where it's merited.
That is the making of a great read!
One for the recommendation list!
The writer knew how to get the story out, and make you think about what was in it.
The other part of the story, is like the rest. Just a tale, with bad guys and bad ideas. Well put together though, because you get angry in parts where it's merited.
That is the making of a great read!
One for the recommendation list!
October 2, 2011
In Wonders Never Cease, nurse (and egotist) Kemp McAvoy believes he’s found a perfect way to make a million dollars without having to work for the money. When a famous, if over-the-hill, movie star is injured in an automobile accident, Kemp is assigned to her care in ICU.
His money-making scheme involves the movie star’s agent and the publisher of a runaway bestseller called Lattes with God. His idea seems foolproof, but then surprises arise. Wonders Never Cease is written with Downs’ trademark humor, and at the same time it touches on some serious issues concerning our modern tendency to lean toward feel-good spirituality.
Wonders Never Cease is a quick read, and an enjoyable one. It’s a perfect choice for a relaxing weekend in the easy chair.
His money-making scheme involves the movie star’s agent and the publisher of a runaway bestseller called Lattes with God. His idea seems foolproof, but then surprises arise. Wonders Never Cease is written with Downs’ trademark humor, and at the same time it touches on some serious issues concerning our modern tendency to lean toward feel-good spirituality.
Wonders Never Cease is a quick read, and an enjoyable one. It’s a perfect choice for a relaxing weekend in the easy chair.
January 2, 2013
2.5 stars.
I only started this because I was trying to cull my too large, "probably won't ever get to" section of my tbr shelf of books. I successfully put a few books in the donate to goodwill or library box after testing the first few pages/ chapters. With this one I got to chapter three and was still interested and kind of entertained. It's a very light quick read, two hours later I had finished it. Hard to explain why really, there are few like-able characters, in fact they are pretty much all either spineless co dependent types or scumbags, there is very little character development, and the plot is quite ridiculous but I found it a cosy, escapist read. Probably in the same way watching a lifetime movie is, but once once in a while it's not a bad way to spend a few hours.
I only started this because I was trying to cull my too large, "probably won't ever get to" section of my tbr shelf of books. I successfully put a few books in the donate to goodwill or library box after testing the first few pages/ chapters. With this one I got to chapter three and was still interested and kind of entertained. It's a very light quick read, two hours later I had finished it. Hard to explain why really, there are few like-able characters, in fact they are pretty much all either spineless co dependent types or scumbags, there is very little character development, and the plot is quite ridiculous but I found it a cosy, escapist read. Probably in the same way watching a lifetime movie is, but once once in a while it's not a bad way to spend a few hours.
October 30, 2011
Perfect for lightweight, lighthearted reading on days you don't want to wrack your brain or mess around with emotions. With an easy pace and breezy writing style, it makes an amusing story, but with that being said, Wonders Never Cease does come across as undercooked, having no real meat to sink in. As the main character's fool-proof plan to get rich slowly becomes undone by his own foolish doing, I can't help but to feel that the plot (both the scheme and of the novel) unraveled too conveniently. Overall, it's a sweet heartwarming tale on morality but underneath all that warmth, there's a niggling feeling of being shortchanged.
September 17, 2012
It took me a few chapters to be sure I wanted to finish this book, but once I got hooked, it was a great ride. Inspirational, touching, surprising, and with an ending that Hollywood would adore, I highly recommend WONDERS NEVER CEASE. Downs almost hides his very capable hands as the plot seems to wend its way into places we don't like; but you'll come out grinning from this one, which I stayed up nearly all night to finish. (That, in itself, is a rave.) Bonus: There's no reason you can't give this to ANYONE on your gift list. There's no condemnation here for anyone who doesn't really, really deserve it. (That's a hint.)
February 26, 2016
I had been wanting to read this book because I really enjoyed Tim Down's bug man mystery series but didn't know if I would like this one as well so I had put off buying it. But when I found it for a dollar at Half Price Books it was the perfect opportunity to try it out. This book has an unusual cast of characters, a six-year old girl, a narcissistic male nurse, a loan shark, an actress in a coma, and an angel, just to name a few. This weird combination of characters actually work together to make an interesting though unusual plot. It was an enjoyable read. I still like the bug man series better but I really enjoyed this one too. I wish I could give it 3 1/2 stars.
July 17, 2016
"Wonders Never Cease" is a wonderful story. It was light-hearted, but also serious. It was about how God is involved in so many ways we don't know about or understand, and perhaps only the pure, innocent ones like Leah ever could. It was about faith and the willingness to believe, two things most people forgot about a long time ago. (I especially liked the ending, where it turns out Emmet was the angel helping Leah all along.) I would definitely read this book again, and I recommend it to everyone: it's a great story for all ages, even for others of different religions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2012
I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever disliked a character as much as I disliked Kemp. Holy cow I wanted to cut him with a dull spoon. Jeez. He's so full of himself and cocky and horrible and stupid. (I could go on.) One thing I didn't like about the novel was the beginning and end; Leah telling the story and ending with the epilogue didn't make too much sense to me. She was the one telling the main story, so I feel like it didn't really flow. However, my insides got all fuzzy when Emmentt gave the "Shhh" at the end of the novel. I knew it.
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