Entertaining Angels

Entertaining Angels #1

by Emerald Barnes

Madison Andrews can’t face her reflection in the mirror. All she sees is a big, fat nobody. Yet, deep inside she longs for something more, something that’s not skin deep.Along comes Zach, the new guy in high school. He’s smoking hot and totally out of her league. She somehow catches his eye, and he makes her feel beautiful for once. But just as she gets close to Zach, her nerdy best friend, Chase, won’t let Madison doubt her true beauty, no matter how many meals she skips.Dark forces are at work, darker than the lies and mocking from her peers, stopping her from amounting to her full potential. With her newfound Christian faith, can Madison find true happiness in her own skin amidst the battle of angels and demons?

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Christian

212 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Emerald Barnes resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She’s an auntie, a youth leader, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number One in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor.

​She’s also addicted to tv and binge-watching shows, and she has a thing for superheroes.

Reviews

[Precarious Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books that tackle the issue of spiritual warfare, but I especially loved this one. Mads was alive and real and jumped off the page! Her character is so strong, she needed strong characters to balance her, and Barnes certainly provided that in the characters of Chase and Zach. I was so impressed by the way Barnes handled the difficult issue of weight in a high school girl. The story flew along at a great pace, carrying me through Madison's emotions and all the action without dwelling on any one point too long. Barnes is an author to be watching in years to come--I can't wait to see what she puts out next!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

*need to get the new cover and re-read this one, GREAT story! 2015* I won this from Emerald, Author Extraordinaire, and SOOOOOO excited to get the newly made paperback copy, an EXCELLENT birthday present too!! Originally reviewed July 2014 and looking forward to reading again :) This book is so very special to me!

*re read AUGUST-SEPT 2015* ANOTHER FIVE STARS, Madison's dad is one of my fave characters in this story. Love how protective he is of his little girl :) Really enjoyed Madison's journey and how she comes to know Christ and how that changes her mindset, gives her the strength to love herself and see herself differently. I even learned about my own beauty re-reading this treasure and it sooo blessed me! Highly recommend this book and so happy I have the new cover and it was signed by the author with a gorgeous purple bookmarker***


Dedication from the book-
To all the girls in the world:
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
Don’t let the world tell you otherwise.


My Comments
Wow, oh wow, how I WISH this book had been available when I was in high school. However, I’m utterly grateful to have read it at this point in my adulthood as well. This story had my full attention from the beginning and I just had to know what happened to Madison “Mads.” She’s not your typical teenager, but she suffers way too much emotionally from low self-esteem no matter how many times her best friend, Chase, tells her how amazing she is. That’s not surprising though because sometimes an outsider’s perspective can help tremendously.

Enter Zach Taylor, the new kid in school and instantly noticed because he’s a hunk. Madison hasn’t even spoken to him, but she immediately wishes she could catch the attention of a guy like that and believing this to be impossible she starts feeling low again. So when he seeks her out and pursues her friendship, no one is more surprised than she is at his sudden interest in her. It’s just too good to be true! Instead of allowing herself to hope, she ignores the guy and even convinces herself that it’s some cruel joke for him to like her. Little does she know the incredible plan God has for her.

Before I even read the story, I noticed the dedication of the book and felt like this story was for me (LOVED the dedication). I never believed myself to be pretty or knew my worth in high school so when I heard about this book, I knew it was for me. Any other girls reading this review ever dealt with low self-esteem? We ALL have and I truly believe this book will have a huge impact on the females who pick this up. It DEFINITELY affected me deeply!

Even though Madison is WAY too hard on herself and MOST of the time (even when not being mocked or laughed at) it’s in her head that something is wrong with her. She also makes the mistake of comparing herself to ALL the girls around her including her mom, which convinces her further of being inadequate. She annoyed me a few times in the book about lies she believed and misunderstandings with Chase. But again, I’ve been guilty of the same issues.

Despite this book being a Christian YA book, I didn’t see it as preachy at all. Madison has no idea how much God loves her and once she discovers this reality, it changes everything she knows. Her heart is already incredible, but she is a slave to thoughts of ugliness and unworthiness. When a person doesn’t understand God’s love for them, this can be a problem. No matter how much you’re told how beautiful you are, it’s a revelation that must come from God or you’ll never believe it/never understand the truth of it/start to doubt it.

It was really cool how the author implemented that doubting God, feeling ugly, feeling worthless, and even depression from those thoughts are part of spiritual warfare. No matter what others say, only what God says should be important and focused on. Everyone relates to peer pressure and wanting to fit in, but knowing who you are in Christ is the best way to knowing joy and being free from negative comments from others (even a certain little brother who was just spiteful throughout the book).

It was sooooo easy to hate Ashley’s character in this book, but we do learn why she’s so cruel and it makes sense. Zach is also not who he seems to be, but I really enjoyed his character. Some of the dialogue from Zach had my eyes go wide more than once.

I was able to figure out what was going on from the beginning, but it made the story no less exciting for me as I waited for Madison to overcome her torment. I also enjoyed how she got a job at a coffee place and her boss was an enhancement to the story.

Barnes writes spiritual warfare in such a tangible way, I considered her as talented as Frank Peretti (one of my fave Christian authors and a genius at writing spiritual warfare in fiction). I thought that God went through so much trouble to get His message across to Madison and to break through to her, I just couldn’t believe what it took for her to understand. However, God pursues EACH of us this way and He definitely has spent years working on my heart to understand the same message. He loves us, He fights for us, He’s relentless to make us understand who He is, He will never stop, and He’s determined to show us our worth because even though He’s already make the ultimate sacrifice, He still goes out of His way to show us how beautiful we are to Him.

Madison finally learns this crucial lesson and it changes her in magical ways. I connected with this story and it was much deeper than I anticipated. I hurt with Madison, I wanted to stand with her against lies and cruelty, I was happy for her, and I rejoiced for her when she overcame! What a great book, a definite jewel that shines for God and His beautiful creation……US!! :)

At the end of the story there are two bonus short stories that I simply loved on top of this great book!! One is from Zach’s perspective and one is from Chase’s perspective, brilliantly done and very special.

I want to thank the author from the bottom of my heart for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review, but books like this one make it easy to do so. The opinions expressed are my own.

[†Reviews of a FearStreetZombie† · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 28, 2018 review:
I won't change my rate or original review because it wouldn't be fair to the author....but for personal reasons..... My thoughts have completely changed.

I hope this doesn't discourage people from reading this book, I recommend you read it honestly. It's inspirational. Just due to personal reasons, my thoughts have changed.


ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Good Lord in heaven! This book was heart stopping! Pure perfection loooove! When it comes to Christian books, to be perfectly honest, I'm hard to please. But Emerald Barnes knocked it out the ballpark! Oh my goodness! I'm really trying to calm down from fangirling my head off, buuut it doesn't seem to be working. I feel like pulling a Kool-aid Man and running through a wall. Haha. God has truly blessed Emerald Barnes with a epic writing talent.
This book reached me on SO MANY levels. I laughed, I cried.. I cried some more. I smiled through it all though because it just reached my heart and talked to me. It was like she lived my life and put it down in this book. I fully 100% recommend this book to literally everyone. Whether you're Christian or not, for the simple fact, everyone should see the message in this story. Everyone deserves to know they are beautiful. If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat.

[Jacqueline McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don't normally read Young Adult fiction, I ordered this one primarily because it was rereleased by my publisher, Vox Dei, and I wanted to see what one of their physical books looked like. Additionally, the plot sounded interesting and beyond the norm for a work of this genre.

I was surprised to find I couldn't put it down. The heroine's transformation from worried, depressed, self-isolated teenager with eating disorder tendencies to Christ follower was nothing short of astounding. I had already read a review mentioning supernatural character(s) within the book, and I figured out pretty quickly which character that was. That did nothing to detract from my overall enjoyment of Mads' story. Short stories at the end from the viewpoint of two other characters in the book during pivotal scenes within the main story were like icing on the cake.

No matter what your age, if you love good, uplifting Christian fiction you will enjoy this well-written book by Emerald Barnes. Can't wait for your next one, Emerald.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison Andrews is 16, and a self-confessed nobody in Mississippi. Except for her best friend, Chase Sanders, everyone either ignores or teases Madison for her weight. When they arrive to school on the first day, the big news everyone is talking about is Zach Taylor, from Ohio. He’s tall, dark, handsome and WAY out of Madison’s league, or so she thinks.
While Madison beats herself up inside, she hides her body in loose, shapeless clothing. She uses coping mechanisms like starving herself and adopting more self-deprication than should be legal. A terrible treatment at a party brings more attention to Madison—including the attention of Zach. Asked out on a date, Madison changes her dress and wants to be perfect for Zach—and ends up in the hospital by the end of the evening, due to her starving ‘solution.’
Is happiness and thinness ever in the cards for Madison?

I really enjoyed the book by Emerald Barnes. I think it’s a perfect YA book for someone with body image issues. Or someone who is looking for a story about people who don’t necessarily fit into society’s norms and that those people can still be touched by Grace. As someone who had experienced a little bit of bullying at Madison’s age, I wanted to grab my phone and give her a call, letting her know that things would get better for her.

Barnes’ writing is honest. Very honest. And I really enjoyed reading this and then it’s followup novella, Before we Say I Do, especially so I could find out more about Madison’s future.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful story about what faith can do for you. Madison is the kid that many of us were in high school, not the popular one. But she has something going for her, her best friend Chase, who believes in her and loves her for who she is, not what society says she should be.

Enter Zach, a new kid in this smaller town and he seems the potential in Madison as well. He works with Chase to help her realize that she is worthy of love and that her bully, Ashley, is not worth the time.

I thought this was an engaging story and at times I wanted to shake Madison for putting herself down as much as she did...but that is what built up the story to how it ended. I liked that the author wasn't afraid to put her book out there with religious overtones. It added so much to the story and that it is ok to have faith, believe in God and share that faith with others.

[Christine Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

High school is hard enough without looking really different from everyone. Madison is a teen who is heavier than her classmates, and despite the encouragement and compliments from her best friend Chase, she can’t see the beautiful girl that she is.

This is an excellent book for the YA audience because everyone can relate to listening to the voice inside which refuses to let us embrace who we are. It seems to be easier to listen to those who see the faults we see in ourselves instead of listening to those who love us and see our beauty inside and out.

I would recommend Entertaining Angels as a graceful stepping stone to self-acceptance and self-love.

[Sylvia Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this story and I could relate to the main character and not feeling like you are ever good enough. This story is beautiful and so profound. I could really connect with Madison Andrews. I also loved how Emerald Barnes incorporates Madison's Faith. This is one beautifully written story which makes you feel so many emotions. I loved all the characters and I could not put this book down.

[Michael Mardel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining angels by Barnes is a feel-good YA story. But first the protagonist, Mads, has to experience the angst of being criticised by the popular girls, in particular, the antagonist, Ashley who is also a cheer leader. Mads wants to hide from the world because she is chubby. She tries dieting and starving herself to the point of being hospitalised. Towards the end we are given the reason Ashley is mean to Mads and
Zach's mission. A great book for those not feeling the love of school.

[Emily M · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a new shelf, and it's the stuff my teen is reading on hoopla that I haven't previewed. This was awful. The heroine is fat, and despite being a size 22, her best friend (a hot boy) and her parents tell her she isn't fat and act like she should just be fine with herself. She's bullied by the head cheerleader at school who turns out to be demon possessed. Thank goodness her guardian angel comes to earth as a hot boy to help nudge her to going to hot best friend's church, where people are slain in the spirit and God tells her directly that He loves her. Throughout the book, every page is filled with self loathing comments about her weight. People tell her to eat, but no one offers a healthy alternative or encourages her to exercise. When she and the hot best friend start dating at the end of the book, she's comfortable eating pizza with him instead of starving herself.

It concerns me that my daughter who is not a bean pole like her sisters read this book. There's a huge difference between a 50th percentile teen girl wearing a size 6 and a teen girl who is a size 22, but I fear that my daughter could have internalized some of the self loathing comments about her body. The "Christian" elements seem to be that the author is charismatic, but I don't want my kids thinking that life is easier for Christians. The way weight is handled is dangerous. Someone who is a size 22 at this age should be concerned about her health, especially since the rest of her family is described as thin. I want to check on this girl's thyroid and get her walking with her mom or friends to make sure her heart is healthy and there are no underlying health issues. And not every teen girl with self esteem is going to have a hot boy fall for her.

I'm going to have to deconstruct so much of this story with my daughter to make sure we address all of the bad messages. Sigh. Hoopla is full of great classics and kids' audiobooks, but there's so much of this type of junk on even the "safe kids' section" that I think I need to take it off the devices we use for kid audiobooks.

[Rachel Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book through a request for suggestions on my FB page, and I'm glad the author suggested it to me. This is a story every young girl should read for Madison struggles with accepting herself for who she is. Her self-esteem is at an all time low, and it takes two special people to guide her to the God who made her. She discovers that she is "fearfully and wonderfully made" by a loving Creator. And while she still struggles with the doubts, by the end of the story you can feel Madison starting to accept that she doesn't have to change who she is to be who she is supposed to be.

I've seen the reviews that said this story was a bit repetitious, but when someone is struggling with self-esteem, their flaws are all they can think about. It's a refrain inside their head they can't shut off, and Emerald did a wonderful job portraying Madison's desperate desire to fit in and her discovery of the beauty within.

[Annie Twitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I wanted to enjoy this, I found the concepts confusing and unhelpful for where I'm at.

Characterization was pretty good, plot moved well, and if you read the shorts at the end, some of the stuff in the middle makes more sense.

Was a little bothered by the way the teenage boys were portrayed, they weren't very boyish.

[SparksofEmber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes is a tough book to categorize but I think calling it a spiritual-warfare-romance about covers it. I was expecting a clear-cut Christian YA romance so the spiritual-warfare aspect was an interesting surprise. My first thought after reading the above blurb was that Zach was playing some kind of mean trick on Madison. But once you start reading, it takes all of two seconds to combine the Entertaining Angels title with the fact that Zach runs around saying things like “your body is a temple of the Lord’s” and I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to say Chase’s concerns regarding Zach are unfounded.

Despite being nearly 20 years older than Madison, I didn’t have much trouble identifying with her. Body-image is an insidious battle and something many girls struggle with off and on. I’ve never connected body-image with spiritual warfare before but it makes perfect sense and I appreciated the concept. Satan will latch on to anything to undermine or prevent our walk with Christ; weight can definitely be one of them. But regarding the rest of the spiritual warfare in the book I have mixed feelings.

I was raised Southern Baptist and while I know speaking in tongues is biblical, I am seriously skeptical about tongues being used without an interpreter; not to mention other, more pentacostal practices like being “slain in the spirit”. So when the book took a sharp veer into that territory I was caught off guard. That being said, I think the subject was handled fairly vaguely – mentioned in passing and then not really discussed again. Frankly, so was Madison’s salvation – rather than being preached at the reader, it’s glossed into a hazy experience and never defined as such. It’s easy to overlook or debate theological differences in secular fantasy but I find myself more critical of books that are out-and-out Christian.

The romance was sweet and one of those “everyone knows what’s going on except the two involved” situations. But while clean, I don’t think they had the best habits regarding avoiding temptations. There’s a lot of hanging out alone in each other’s rooms, etc. Zach points this out once but it was never really followed up on. (Though my lasting thought after finishing the book is they were probably never tempted to go to far when they knew there was an invisible angelic presence always hanging around that just might pop out and say hi! lol)

Lastly, while a nice story, I never really bought the reasoning behind Zach appearing in the first place. Had he not come along, would things really have gone differently? Not to mention I don’t agree with the belief of personal guardian angels. And his actions toward her when she though he was a normal boy who might like her were awfully familiar and misleading – a lot of hugging, hand-holding, forehead kisses – which I felt were rather inappropriate when they were not in a relationship and very misleading when he had no intention to be. Not to mention Madison’s fixation with desiring to kiss him for the first half of the book…

So, overall, this was a simple spiritial-warfare/body-image story with cute romance aspects. I think it’s a good read for showing the spiritual side of the struggle and something most girls can relate to, but only if one is comfortable with more pentacostal Christianity. (And I’ve already got a close friend clamoring to read it after previewing this review. ;)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a very religious minded person even though I grew up baptist I seemed to let my beliefs fade or change due to too many questions and not enough answers. I for that reason do not usually review books with religious back round however, I made an exception to Entertaining Angels as it was more that just a book about religious beliefs. I am so glad I did. This story hit me like a bullet straight to the heart. I don't believe I have ever been so moved by any book as I have been by Entertaining Angels. As the character Madison jumped off of the page and put me in her place. I was Madison growing up. I was that girl who was so insecure about her looks and worried that I was to fat or wasn't pretty enough or smart enough. I didn't fit in with the popular kids and I never thought I could attract the attention of any boys. So see I knew Madison's story I lived it. I cried for her every time she got hurt, I wanted to save her from it (that was the mom in me), and I wanted to encourage her to find her voice and to take a stand, but really what I wanted more than anything was for her to see how beautiful she truly is. I was so happy to see that Mads as she was affectionately called by her best friend Chase had someone in her corner. So as I right this review I want you to know that this is a very powerful story about a girl who was so much more than the words on the pages she is very real for me and several young girls today. If I could give this book to every young girl who doubted herself or felt out of place I would. For this book would show them that they are not alone and that they are beautiful no matter there size. Emerald Barnes took these words and showed the world her soul I believe and for that I am truly grateful because she helped me set that young girl inside of me who never felt good enough free. I believe this to be one of the hardest reviews I have ever written just because it truly bared my heart and soul right in front of me and asked me what I was going to do with it. I set it free. Free to feel sad for the girl who missed out, happy to just be me, and forgiving of those who don't understand. I will tell you that this story is an emotional journey that leads to a discovery that Madison didn't see coming! Thank you Emerald Barnes for my journey of discovering me. Your words were beautiful and loving and ones that I won't soon forget!

[Heather Huffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining Angels is unique in many ways: the storyline, the point of view, the characters. There were so many things about this book I absolutely loved. There were a few dialogue patches that could have been smoothed out and a few spots where the pacing stumbled a bit or the main character got a little too caught in her own head and drove me crazy, but I loved her - and the book - nonetheless.

So often, when we’re sad, our focus does turn so heavily on ourselves that we forget the world around us. I think that’s what I was seeing in Madison ("Mads"). I wanted to shake her sometimes, to wake her up to the love all around her. Maybe it’s because my son just buried a friend because we were unable to break through the friend’s inward focus to show him how loved he was, but that aspect of Mads really hit me.

This book is definitely for Christians - and that’s part of why I love it. I’m passionate about the need for Christians to have good fiction that’s outside the norm. This fit the bill - I would love to see more books like it out there! I’m not sure a non-Christian would get as much out of it because they might get distracted by the spiritual aspects, though the resounding message throughout the novel is one every human being needs to hear: You’re not a mistake. You are loved.

The Christians surrounding Madison were awesome - they truly followed God’s prompting to reach Madison in her time of need. There were times when Madison was praying that I got goosebumps. And I love that the author explored some of the reasons behind the bullying Mads experienced. Too often, we Christians want to skim over what we’re really up against. By ignoring the topic, we hamper our ability to fight the battles before us.

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining Angels, by Emerald Barnes, is the inspiring story of a young woman who overcomes her insecurity. Madison begins the story as an overweight, depressed teenager, but her best friend Chase and the hot new boy at school, Zack, help her fight her insecurity with encouraging words and prayers. Ultimately, God’s truth about His creations’ beauty wins. Yet, the story twists and turns—which boy will she choose, what will the horrible Ashley do next, and what does the title have to do with the story?

I loved the story. It was sweet, a little predictable, but I have read few books that were not predictable in some way. The story was more made to encourage the readers than to be original. I was glad that Jesus Christ was the one who gave Madison self-worth, not herself, her friends, or her popularity (or rather, lack of popularity).

One thing I would comment on is that Christianity does not appear to be clearly defined in this book. From the experience Madison had in the church, one might assume that having a special feeling and hearing encouraging words in your head during the worship service automatically makes you a Christian. That is not in the Bible I have read and memorized. It says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31)”… “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1Cor 15:3-4).” I just thought I should comment on that. I hope no one is offended.

Aside from that, I think it is a lovely book and I hope some young women out there will be encouraged by it.

[Lydia Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes 4 out of 5 stars.

Like most of us, Madison Andrews doesn’t like what she sees when she looks in the mirror. In spite of assurances from her best friend, she remains convinced no one else likes what they see when they look at her, either. Even with the heavy subject matter, Entertaining Angels is nevertheless a sweet, inspiring read.

I’ve been overweight (and teased and/or poked at about it) since I was a little girl, so I get Madison. I loved seeing a character so real about her view of herself. I identified as she put on weight: “Could they tell that I’d put on some weight? Gosh. I hoped not, but how could they not? I was huge.” I identified as she longed to be noticed: “I glanced at Zach again and wondered what it would be like to be loved, or at least liked by a man like him. But hot guys didn’t want me.” And I identified as God pursued her, and she found ways to avoid Him.

In a few instances, certain characters responded to Madison being antagonized by insulting the antagonist’s body type and actions. I fully expected those characters to come to the conclusion that their comments equally as damaging as what was being said about Madison, but they never did, and that was a little disappointing.

Overall, however, I think many women (young and old) will identify with Madison and her story. The message that we are beautiful and we are loved as we are is powerful and much-needed.

[Danielle Shipley]

My feelings on this novel were a bit mixed. The prose and storytelling struck me as repetitive and obvious, reminiscent of a play in which the actors aren’t sure what to do with themselves while delivering their heavy-handed lines, so they perform a lot of the same motions over and over. Beyond that, though, the story had a good heart, doing a fair job of portraying a young person in a spiritual battle on a field of self-doubts.

It was pleasing to see the number of people in Madison’s life who not only genuinely cared about her, but strove to support and embolden her, in painful contrast to others – even members of her own family – who either stood hard against her or simply proved ineffectual allies. And I appreciated that the story kept going beyond a certain game-changing moment, rather than leave it there and thereby suggest that everything would be easy-breezy ever after. Life, as I’ve experienced it, doesn’t work that way, so I was glad the author didn’t try to paint things in that light.

For anyone who needs to be reminded – or perhaps hear for the first time – just what they’re worth in the eyes of those that matter, "Entertaining Angels" is a book worth looking over.

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

[Matthew II · Rating 5 out of 5]

I added this book to my reading list back in April, 2015. I promised Emerald that I would carve out the time but I knew it would take awhile. As a mater of course I have a lot of material to read for business on a daily basis and YA Fiction usually isn't among the pileup. When I finally got a break and started it I wasn't disappointed. I found it captivating, drawing me in with a desire to absorb the story without interruption. My only regret was being forced to pause as business called. Emerald Barns has the knack of not just bringing characters to life but creating believable life that comes off the page. I felt as though I was back in High School in small town Mississippi. Each chapter builds intensity, creating a need to get to the next. The plot is engaging and addresses some serious issues but still manages to do so in an entertaining way. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a screen version didn't show up on Lifetime... yeah, it's that good.

[Pauline Creeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Words are a powerful thing. They can help or hurt...even more than sticks and stones at times. But the worst kind of words that hurt are the ones we repeat to ourselves. If we keep telling ourselves negative thoughts about how we're not good enough or pretty enough or whatever, sooner or later we believe them so hard no one can tell us differently.

Teenagers have it the worst. Because they are just developing into a separate entity from their parents and learning independence, they are in the midst of determining who they are. In Entertaining Angels, Maddie is an overweight teen. She has told herself that she is not pretty enough or thin enough to be worthy of anyone. Her defeatist self talk has caused her to go about as low as she can. This story is her journey of self discovery that will leave the reader inspired while still having a few surprises through the story.

[Melissa Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared for the emotional way this story would hit me. I have felt every emotion that Madison displays in this story. Her lack of self esteem, and how others saw her true beauty hit me like a brick in the face! Emerald Barnes has done an amazing job of bringing Madison's story to life. I loved watching Madison discover who she is in Christ, while allowing those who really love her to finally get close! I appreciated the way the relationship between Madison and Chase developed, and I was cheering at the end! It was really hard to put this book down, because I NEEDED to find out how Madison would change by the end of the story. Loved the book and cannot wait to read more by Emerald!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, it is wonderful and has an awesome message. Chase is truly wonderful; he could really see Madison, not her outward appearance, but her heart .What could be more wonderful than falling in love with your best friend.

Loved it when Madison's boss told her that she has a voice. My husband is always say that " you are a voice in this world don't be afraid to use it"

Yes, this book is geared towards a younger audience, but I'm in my 40's and I felt that I could relate to Madison and what she was going through. Great book, I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Madison Andrews and her close friend Chase. Madison seems to be having a religious battle going on with her, and who will win out? Chase and Zach are determined that Madison win her battle!



What I liked:



Oh my god everything I liked the characters of Zach and Chase. I love how they both care about her, and show her what she needs to know, and that some people aren't fat, just beautiful curvy women. I enjoyed the journey Madison had to go on to learn more about herself and Chase. And I loved the ending it was great!

[Kristin Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book had an interesting concept, and I could definitely relate to a lot of Madison's thoughts, as I often felt the same way as a teenager. The only thing I will add is that there was some passionate kissing. I don't personally find that to be a problem, but I know that some mothers aren't comfortable with their teens reading those kinds of scenes in a book. There wasn't anything inappropriate in my opinion. Thank you Emerald Barnes for displaying God's purposeful creation in making His children beautiful.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh! I started this book in the morning and have just not been able to put it down. The emotions & angst Madison is dealing with are wonderfully captured by Emerald Barnes - you feel as if you are inside her head. An ending that took me totally by surprise - was wonderful though.
This is a Christian-based story, so if you are dead against this genre this is not the book for you. If on the otherhand you are feeling overwhelmed by your situation and feel your self esteem slipping, this is the book for you.
(I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review)

[Gay Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitious

Too much of the same details over and over. Mad tells us how fat she until it becomes redundant. The author hints that Mads tries anorexia, but the author doesn't develop the idea. She missed a point by not stressing the danger of it. Zach, the angel, is a fascinating creature, but since Chase thinks Zach is human, why would he allow Zach to hang with him and Mads?

[Kimberly Vanderbloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for young women. I think it is great to put body images in the spotlight and know that you are beautiful just the way you are. I am not a religious person so I found it hard to connect to some of the parts but it didn't ruin the story or the message. I really enjoyed this book.