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Angel in Aisle 3: The True Story of a Mysterious Vagrant, a Convicted Bank Executive, and the Unlikely Friendship That Saved Both Their Lives
In the tradition of An Invisible Thread and Same Kind of Different as Me , Angel in Aisle 3 is the “heartwrenching yet hopeful” ( Publishers Weekly ) true story of an unlikely friendship that began with a chance meeting in a grocery store between a bank executive bound for prison and an elderly stranger.
When Kevin West resigned from his job as vice president of a bank after making fraudulent loans, he spent the time before his trial managing a family-owned, small grocery store in Ironton, Ohio. Dealing with serious marriage problems and with a prison sentence almost certainly in his future, Kevin was overcome with remorse and without a scrap of hope. It was at his lowest moment that Kevin called out to a power beyond himself for help, and God answered his prayer in the form of an elderly vagrant named Don. What began as a chance meeting between two individuals whose lives seemed headed for certain ruin turns into an unlikely friendship that saved them both.
It was this friendship that helped Kevin thrive in prison, restore his failed marriage, and gave Don a chance at a new life that went beyond anyone’s imagination. Moving and awe-inspiring, this story of a pure friendship sheds light on the redemption and hope that can grow out of relationships based in faith.
When Kevin West resigned from his job as vice president of a bank after making fraudulent loans, he spent the time before his trial managing a family-owned, small grocery store in Ironton, Ohio. Dealing with serious marriage problems and with a prison sentence almost certainly in his future, Kevin was overcome with remorse and without a scrap of hope. It was at his lowest moment that Kevin called out to a power beyond himself for help, and God answered his prayer in the form of an elderly vagrant named Don. What began as a chance meeting between two individuals whose lives seemed headed for certain ruin turns into an unlikely friendship that saved them both.
It was this friendship that helped Kevin thrive in prison, restore his failed marriage, and gave Don a chance at a new life that went beyond anyone’s imagination. Moving and awe-inspiring, this story of a pure friendship sheds light on the redemption and hope that can grow out of relationships based in faith.
239 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
10 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
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Kevin West
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There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 15, 2017
My thanks to NetGalley and Howard Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This wasn't a bad book. I really did enjoy when Don was front and center and when his wisdom was being shared. I also enjoyed the little bit that was shown of the prisoners. I wish we could have had more of those parts and less of the former bank exec and his wife repeating the same whining over and over again. Yes, what they were going through was not easy and yes, the complaining is true to life and yes, they did learn and grow from the experience, but it was tiring to read the same whining with nothing seemingly being done to work towards answers.
I also would have liked to see more of the author's ministry after his stint at paying his debt to society. The ending came much to quickly. We went from wallowing a lot to finally prison, then skipped quickly through that, to a little about what happened when he got home to the end. I would have loved to hear more about his interactions with the other felons, if he stayed in touch with them, did he start a prison ministry closer to home? Those are questions I would have loved to had answered.
So, while an interesting book, the first 40-50% maybe more, was kind of annoying. Don was amazing and the prisoners were also amazing. Three solid stars. A good book to show how those who are high can fall low and then can work to redress wrongs and get back out of the hole they dug for themselves. On the inspiring side.
This wasn't a bad book. I really did enjoy when Don was front and center and when his wisdom was being shared. I also enjoyed the little bit that was shown of the prisoners. I wish we could have had more of those parts and less of the former bank exec and his wife repeating the same whining over and over again. Yes, what they were going through was not easy and yes, the complaining is true to life and yes, they did learn and grow from the experience, but it was tiring to read the same whining with nothing seemingly being done to work towards answers.
I also would have liked to see more of the author's ministry after his stint at paying his debt to society. The ending came much to quickly. We went from wallowing a lot to finally prison, then skipped quickly through that, to a little about what happened when he got home to the end. I would have loved to hear more about his interactions with the other felons, if he stayed in touch with them, did he start a prison ministry closer to home? Those are questions I would have loved to had answered.
So, while an interesting book, the first 40-50% maybe more, was kind of annoying. Don was amazing and the prisoners were also amazing. Three solid stars. A good book to show how those who are high can fall low and then can work to redress wrongs and get back out of the hole they dug for themselves. On the inspiring side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
This book shows how God works in our lives in ways that we least expect it and can direct us to where we need to be if we are open and willing to listen to his messengers.
In this book, Kevin West, is a disgraced banker who knows he was wrong and is willing to take his punishment. He has a loving family (wife Leesa, daughters Lindsey and Lauren as well as wonderful parents, sister and cousins) who support him unconditionally. When Kevin leaves the bank he buys a small corner store to help his family survive and not lose the life they are accustomed to. One day, a man walks into his store. He is dirty, smelly, hairy, walks with a limp and has few teeth. Kevin does not judge him but asks him how he can help him. When Don sees Kevin's bible on the counter he comments about what a great book it is and how it talks about Jesus from Genesis to Revelations. Kevin asks what he means and so begins a friendship that changes both their lives. Kevin eventually ends up in prison and runs several bible studies. He becomes a leader and when he is released 4 months early, the men are happy for him, but unhappy for themselves. This was an unexpected story that I really enjoyed and it reaffirmed by faith and belief in God.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, Kevin West, is a disgraced banker who knows he was wrong and is willing to take his punishment. He has a loving family (wife Leesa, daughters Lindsey and Lauren as well as wonderful parents, sister and cousins) who support him unconditionally. When Kevin leaves the bank he buys a small corner store to help his family survive and not lose the life they are accustomed to. One day, a man walks into his store. He is dirty, smelly, hairy, walks with a limp and has few teeth. Kevin does not judge him but asks him how he can help him. When Don sees Kevin's bible on the counter he comments about what a great book it is and how it talks about Jesus from Genesis to Revelations. Kevin asks what he means and so begins a friendship that changes both their lives. Kevin eventually ends up in prison and runs several bible studies. He becomes a leader and when he is released 4 months early, the men are happy for him, but unhappy for themselves. This was an unexpected story that I really enjoyed and it reaffirmed by faith and belief in God.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2015
I love it when you read such a great book you simply can't wait to share it with others! That is just what I found in Kevin West's book, Angel in Aisle 3, based on his true life encounter with a mysterious vagrant named Don and their unlikely friendship that saved both of their lives. This book almost reads like the War Room, but isn't based around the premise of prayer as it is about trusting God with the things in your life, you can't always change and really have no control over.
When Kevin realized that in order to get ahead in his life, he would have to compromise on the very job he was hired to do, one would think you would make the right choice and quit or simply to avoid making decisions that could cost you more than just your job. But that is not what Kevin did when some potential business investments allowed him to make some money on the side, he chose that path, only to realize later what it would cost him when he considered what he had done. Immediately he resigned from the bank he was working at but even worse was having to confess what he had done to his wife and how that might put him behind bars if the company decided to indict him.
Thankfully he had invested in a small building that allowed him the ability to manage and run a small market to provide a meager income for his family while he waited out what his company would decide to do with him. During those longs days, he encountered a man who appeared to be homeless or at least living out of his car, when he would ask Kevin to loan him enough credit to make it through til he got paid so he could get some groceries to last a few days. But what Don offered him in return was worth more than Kevin could ever repay back as he gained trust in a man that most felt was an angel sent by God into Kevin's life just when he needed it the most. Don taught Kevin how to learn to trust God in the very situation he found himself in and in doing so, God would work it all out for the good of Kevin and his family. At first it became a stretch but the longer they encountered one another the more Kevin became a better man despite the wrong choices he had made earlier in his career. Kevin was about to see how God can orchestrate a positive change when he was willing to surrender it all to Him.
I received Angel in Aisle 3 by Kevin West compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion. This is such an incredible inspirational story of hope, redemption and revival in these two mens lives and how they are forever changed in incredible ways. I saw so much truth to what Don had to share with Kevin even in all my time in studying the Bible I had never considered some of the things he shared before, but now it has created a new hunger in me for learning more about Jesus in every book in the Bible. It all points to Him. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
When Kevin realized that in order to get ahead in his life, he would have to compromise on the very job he was hired to do, one would think you would make the right choice and quit or simply to avoid making decisions that could cost you more than just your job. But that is not what Kevin did when some potential business investments allowed him to make some money on the side, he chose that path, only to realize later what it would cost him when he considered what he had done. Immediately he resigned from the bank he was working at but even worse was having to confess what he had done to his wife and how that might put him behind bars if the company decided to indict him.
Thankfully he had invested in a small building that allowed him the ability to manage and run a small market to provide a meager income for his family while he waited out what his company would decide to do with him. During those longs days, he encountered a man who appeared to be homeless or at least living out of his car, when he would ask Kevin to loan him enough credit to make it through til he got paid so he could get some groceries to last a few days. But what Don offered him in return was worth more than Kevin could ever repay back as he gained trust in a man that most felt was an angel sent by God into Kevin's life just when he needed it the most. Don taught Kevin how to learn to trust God in the very situation he found himself in and in doing so, God would work it all out for the good of Kevin and his family. At first it became a stretch but the longer they encountered one another the more Kevin became a better man despite the wrong choices he had made earlier in his career. Kevin was about to see how God can orchestrate a positive change when he was willing to surrender it all to Him.
I received Angel in Aisle 3 by Kevin West compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion. This is such an incredible inspirational story of hope, redemption and revival in these two mens lives and how they are forever changed in incredible ways. I saw so much truth to what Don had to share with Kevin even in all my time in studying the Bible I had never considered some of the things he shared before, but now it has created a new hunger in me for learning more about Jesus in every book in the Bible. It all points to Him. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
October 27, 2015
Straightforward and heartfelt story about the author dealing with the after effects of white collar crime. The vagrant reminds me of a former trash man, who could share more in five heartfelt minutes, than most sermons. This trash man now works with the homeless and drug addicts in our downtown area. What stood out to me was that we may connect, learn and develop friendships with seemingly unlikely people, but still most churches continue to separate into peer groups. This book also stated, repeatedly, how much the old man and children enjoyed each other. Book received through goodreads, thank you.
June 23, 2018
Amazing. A 'must read' book. Beautifully written. I enjoyed it thoroughly and highly recommend it to everyone.
June 19, 2017
A true story of failure and redemption. Where life and faith collide.
I won an advanced uncorrected proof copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am donating it to a senior assisted living facility.
I won an advanced uncorrected proof copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am donating it to a senior assisted living facility.
October 30, 2015
The first day Kevin West saw the shabbily dressed stranger enter his grocery store, he had know idea this man would change his life. This book is a well written account of that unlikely friendship.
West had been a successful vice president of a bank when, in 1998, he resigned, having made fraudulent loans. He had drifted far from his faith and his pursuit of success had driven him to illegal banking practices. Waiting for his indictment and trial, he spent the time managing the small grocery store he had bought in Ironton, Ohio, as an investment. At a low ebb, he cried out to God. The answer came in the form of an elderly and unkempt man named Don.
This is a fascinating story of an unlikely friendship, one that changed both of the men. There are many lessons to learn from this book. A major one is how we look at other people. Many of us would have written Don off as a homeless panhandler, never thinking God might have something for us to learn from him. We are taught that there is value in every person and each one of them has a story.
I was impressed with the biblical teaching included within the development of the story. Don has a surprising insight into Scripture and an amazing amount of spiritual wisdom. We learn a lesson on brokenness and honesty. We read about our trying to project the image we think others want of us. We see the difference between intellectually accepting forgiveness and actually living out that forgiveness emotionally.
The story is a lesson on God's plan for our lives. Kevin had to experience the pain and hurt his actions caused in those he loved the most. He also had to realize that God's path for him included prison as part of his growth journey. Yet, because of his interaction with Don and his desire to deepen his faith, Kevin prospered in prison where God used him mightily. His marriage was preserved and strengthened and he received the support of friends and relatives.
I recommend this story as a good one showing how God may use the very unusual to influence our lives. Who would have thought that a man smelling of uncleanness and dressed in tattered clothes would be the one to spiritually mentor an ex-bank vice-president? It is a good reminder to be open to those around us and see them as God does.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
West had been a successful vice president of a bank when, in 1998, he resigned, having made fraudulent loans. He had drifted far from his faith and his pursuit of success had driven him to illegal banking practices. Waiting for his indictment and trial, he spent the time managing the small grocery store he had bought in Ironton, Ohio, as an investment. At a low ebb, he cried out to God. The answer came in the form of an elderly and unkempt man named Don.
This is a fascinating story of an unlikely friendship, one that changed both of the men. There are many lessons to learn from this book. A major one is how we look at other people. Many of us would have written Don off as a homeless panhandler, never thinking God might have something for us to learn from him. We are taught that there is value in every person and each one of them has a story.
I was impressed with the biblical teaching included within the development of the story. Don has a surprising insight into Scripture and an amazing amount of spiritual wisdom. We learn a lesson on brokenness and honesty. We read about our trying to project the image we think others want of us. We see the difference between intellectually accepting forgiveness and actually living out that forgiveness emotionally.
The story is a lesson on God's plan for our lives. Kevin had to experience the pain and hurt his actions caused in those he loved the most. He also had to realize that God's path for him included prison as part of his growth journey. Yet, because of his interaction with Don and his desire to deepen his faith, Kevin prospered in prison where God used him mightily. His marriage was preserved and strengthened and he received the support of friends and relatives.
I recommend this story as a good one showing how God may use the very unusual to influence our lives. Who would have thought that a man smelling of uncleanness and dressed in tattered clothes would be the one to spiritually mentor an ex-bank vice-president? It is a good reminder to be open to those around us and see them as God does.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
June 4, 2017
You've heard that old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" - that holds so true with this book (in more ways than one!). It is amazing how two different people can change each other's lives so much. An uplifting story. I enjoyed it greatly.
January 14, 2017
An inspirational story that has you wanting to be able to talk to Kevin West; well really you want to talk to Don but you will understand why I say Kevin West when you read. This book isn't action that gets you wanting to turn the pages with such enthusiasm that you can't set it down. It's more of a relaxing read that gets you hungry for more knowledge. It gets you looking at things differently. It also drives a few very important message home; forgiveness, love, and God's grace. I just happened to walk by and saw this book; not really in an area I look at books. I picked this one up because the cover interested me and as I read the back I felt a little interested. I put it back but then I went back to it and I am glad that I did. It's a great read for anyone on their spiritual journey. It will help inspire you. It's also a great read for anyone who just wants some love and positivity in their reading material. Great read!
June 13, 2016
Inspiring book that hits you in the gut and heart. The author, resigned from his executive banking position after being involved in a fraudulent work situation, begins to seek answers, and wants to turn his life around, meets a elderly vagrant man who reeks, and drives a beaten down old car, but meets him in scripture and changes the author's life. I listened to this book narrated by Gary Galone, and it was an "I have to finish this book" situation, it was that good. Plan to have your heart touched and your life moved into new directions.
February 5, 2021
This was definitely a page turner for me. A mysterious, smelly, and articulate sage was an enigma I had to learn more of. Was he an angel? Hmmm....I guess you'll have to read to find out.
The writing is bare bones, it lays out the story, but it doesn't go beyond that. Which is fine, though I felt it needed a bit more oomph, at times. There's also a lot of dialogue, which can be hard to capture without feeling contrived. However, it's still an interesting story, with a positive, uplifting message, and a good read.
The writing is bare bones, it lays out the story, but it doesn't go beyond that. Which is fine, though I felt it needed a bit more oomph, at times. There's also a lot of dialogue, which can be hard to capture without feeling contrived. However, it's still an interesting story, with a positive, uplifting message, and a good read.
February 5, 2016
I don't usually review books but I cannot keep my opinion to myself. This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. This book is amazing! It is very powerful and thought provoking. There were times when i couldn't believe what was going on, and then times where I could clearly see God's hand in the process. This book altered my walk with Jesus Christ and I firmly believe that whoever reads it will also be changed.
January 25, 2017
A good story about how a deep and loving (and unlikely) friendship inspired one man to change his life in significant ways. Kevin West was facing legal consequences for his misdeeds at his bank job and was about to make several wrong decisions about family relationships. However, after meeting Don, Kevin's life began to change as he let Don's words about the message in the Bible transform him.
November 5, 2015
Angel in Aisle 3 is a beautiful true story of unlikely friendship. I found the story to be quite inspiring and full of faith.
I thought the book to be great and thought-provoking.
Highly recommend!
Five stars.
I received this book from Howard Books in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
I thought the book to be great and thought-provoking.
Highly recommend!
Five stars.
I received this book from Howard Books in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
June 8, 2016
Everyone should read this book if not for the purity of Kevin's story, at least to broaden their view of biblical interpretation and learn how to trust completely. It was certainly one of the best books I have ever read.
August 25, 2019
Life changing book great inspirational read which made me want to thirst like never before in reading, studying, & meditating on God's word. I highly recommend this book. ...a friend recommended me to read this book she was right it was definitely a page turner.
March 1, 2017
It good book it god work different areas of life he alway their with you and if you do and good thing and or bad thing he will help you get though it and if ask his ho
Help he sent some body help you angel still be Ali's then angry work god will angel back it done more
Help he sent some body help you angel still be Ali's then angry work god will angel back it done more
February 25, 2016
It really is hard to express how awesome this book is in a few words, so I suggest you read it for yourself! Life changing!!!!
December 16, 2015
This book is from a local author. Who found God in an unlikely place. It is an easy read!
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
January 13, 2016
Enjoyed reading this true store - an example of God's love, forgiveness, mercy and grace.
April 3, 2016
Great read
Very inspiring reading. Reminds one that things happen for a reason. Even when it seems really bad, there is always "a silver lining".
Very inspiring reading. Reminds one that things happen for a reason. Even when it seems really bad, there is always "a silver lining".
August 2, 2016
Sweet but slow paced.
August 27, 2016
Based on a true story about a banker in Ashland KY. A lot of scripture brought out in the book
January 11, 2017
Good book, simple book. Quick read. I would recommend if you like reading spiritual journeys of others.
March 12, 2017
An inspiring story of how people with different lives can help restore the faith of one another. Angels among us.
June 29, 2017
I love if you believe I. God and angel
May 18, 2023
This book was special on so many levels. Kevin was a former bank executive who made fraudulent loans and faced a potential jail sentence. While waiting for his trial, he managed a small grocery store. There, he met a dirty vagrant who ended up becoming his best friend. Despite his unkempt dress and poor hygiene, Don had so much wisdom to impart. The men's friendship had a deep impact on both of their lives. Kevin learned that even though he had repented of his sin, he had to accept God's love and forgiveness. He also knew that his sin affected his family, and they all had to suffer the consequences. Even though he had sinned, God was completely in control, and Kevin and his family learned to trust His guidance. Don also benefited from their friendship. He got himself cleaned up and became more self-confident. He also made many deep friendships, especially with children and other seniors in the community. When Kevin ended up in prison, he quickly realized that God had placed him there for a reason. The other inmates needed someone to minister to them. The Bible Study group that he joined soon flourished, and a revival took over the prison. I was very much impressed with this book. It is a clear indication that God can use anyone and any situation to serve His purposes even when we sin. When we repent, God will bless us.
October 28, 2020
I really liked this book -- good in its own right -- but I also think I needed it and its truths at this time in my life. It talks of faith and friends and family. The importance of having a mentor and Christian friends around you in times of good and times of trials. It delves into the importance of the Word of God and how to meditate in the scriptures as well as how to find peace and rest in God and wait for his bountiful grace and blessings. It's about forgiveness and redemption and finding God's path for our lives.
Summary: Kevin West made a mistake, A BIG MISTAKE, that cost him his job and may cost him his house and his family. But instead of continuing down a destructive path, Kevin meets Don which is the title's ANGEL IN AISLE 3. Don looks like a vagrant that has wandered into the small town grocery store that Kevin owns...but quickly Kevin becomes aware that this unlikely scholar knows more about God's word than anyone else he has ever encountered. At their first meeting Don notices Kevin's Bible on the counter and asks if he can share a passage with him. The passage is last verse of Genesis 3 and why God placed the flaming sword at the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were turned out of the Garden. We all think we know why, but read it for yourself...out loud...and the true answer reveals itself...or at least it did when Don explained it (p14-15)
(Brian) devoured the Word of God not as a scholar seeking head knowledge but as a child yearning to know his Father. (p202-203)
Summary: Kevin West made a mistake, A BIG MISTAKE, that cost him his job and may cost him his house and his family. But instead of continuing down a destructive path, Kevin meets Don which is the title's ANGEL IN AISLE 3. Don looks like a vagrant that has wandered into the small town grocery store that Kevin owns...but quickly Kevin becomes aware that this unlikely scholar knows more about God's word than anyone else he has ever encountered. At their first meeting Don notices Kevin's Bible on the counter and asks if he can share a passage with him. The passage is last verse of Genesis 3 and why God placed the flaming sword at the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were turned out of the Garden. We all think we know why, but read it for yourself...out loud...and the true answer reveals itself...or at least it did when Don explained it (p14-15)
(Brian) devoured the Word of God not as a scholar seeking head knowledge but as a child yearning to know his Father. (p202-203)
October 1, 2018
A disheveled man came into Kevin West's life at a pivotal moment enabling Kevin to take a good look at his life and turn it around. Kevin committed a white collar crime as VP of his bank and suffered the heavy consequences from that. The two year relationship between he and Don was the catalyst for both of their renewed commitments to themselves, their families and friends, and to their Lord Jesus Christ. The story was told in a no-holds barred way and with revelations along the way of how lives changed, how things may develop in a way one would not want but come out to serve a good purpose in the end.
June 22, 2025
Book #43 of 2025. This was a beautiful true story of convicted bank executive and a vagrant who form a beautiful friendship. This vagrant that no one gave any attention to who had a beautiful relationship with Jesus and a deep knowledge of Scripture that he shared with the convicted bank executive during his lowest point in life. How God used both of these men and their life and story to glorify Him. To help each other. It was so neat to see God working in their lives. It also convicted me to spend more time in my scriptures, my physical Bible not just my Bible app and let God teach me and learn the living Word of God. Highly recommend. If you want to be encouraged read this book. 5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews