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Angel of Mercy #2

Angel of Hope

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When Heather Barlow returns from Africa, the joy she felt during her missionary trip fades.  She's still suffering from unresolved grief over the death of her friend Ian, and now that she's back home in the United States, she feels directionless.  And while Heather has changed a great deal, her family has not.  She is discouraged to see that her sister, Amber, seems no more mature than when Heather left, her parents no less involved with a medical practice that caters to the wealthy.

Heather's sense of purpose is renewed when she persuades her mother to travel with her back to Uganda to try to save the baby she rescued on her mission trip.  But when Heather becomes ill and cannot undertake the journey, Amber agrees to go in her place.  Now Amber must emerge from her sister's shadow to grapple with the age-old question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

226 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

16 people are currently reading
598 people want to read

About the author

Lurlene McDaniel

138 books2,730 followers
Lurlene McDaniel (born c. 1948) is an author who has written over 50 young adult books. She is well known for writing about characters struggling with chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and organ failure.


Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/aut...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc

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5 stars
736 (47%)
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418 (26%)
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321 (20%)
2 stars
61 (3%)
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18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Chloe (Always Booked).
3,169 reviews122 followers
May 17, 2020
3.5 stars. I read this as a part of the Journey of Hope anthology by Lurlene McDaniel. This was a really sweet book you can read in a sitting. I liked it more than the first one because you're already attached to the characters and know the setting. I thought Amber was a little flat as a character but overall it was a very enjoyable story.

SPOILERS AHEAD:
Heather and her mom are planning to go back to Africa to help with the kids Heather met on her first trip over. However, one night Amber, her somewhat shallow little sister, walks in on her in the bathroom throwing up blood. She gets taken to the ER and theres a lot of fear and unknown. Amber decides to go in her place because they think Heather just has a bad case of the flu so she and the mom go. They travel to Africa and meet the same people Heather had met before. Amber starts a relationship with the friend that was there and the mom does surgery on the little girl with the cleft palette. Then the mom goes elsewhere to do more surgeries and Amber goes to Rwanda with the boy (I'm forgetting his name) for a wedding. They end up getting shot at and they have to walk back to Uganda. It's an extreme bonding time. They get back and the mom comes back and says they have to go home because Heather's in critical condition. They get home and Heather has Hepatitis C and she dies!! The boy comes to Miami and surprises Amber on his way home and they make a plan to be together. I thought the grief over Heather was minimized quite a bit under the guise of extreme faith in her being in a better place, etc. I think you can have both, but in this story it seems like its black or white-- faith or grief.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,298 reviews
February 16, 2018
A novel that inspired me when I was a young child and is also still expiring me today. Mission work, spreading the love of Jesus, is something that can be difficult and even dangerous; however, no matter what comes against you, you must remember who's word you stand upon.
Profile Image for Mary Bronson.
1,556 reviews85 followers
March 25, 2017
I loved reading this book. The plot and characters are very well written. This story is very touching, heartwarming, and at some parts heartbreaking. It is a great book of young love and self-finding. Great, great read.
Profile Image for Angel (Bradford) Tweed.
53 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2024
So sad to see this story end. Great read I really enjoyed it. The author really makes you feel like a part of the story.
10 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2018
I read the book Angel of Hope by Lurlene Mcdaniel. This book is really interesting and the main character is Amber Barlow. Amber Barlow is an ordinary girl who goes to parties and is in high school. Her sister however, is another story. Heather went to Uganda for a missionary trip and when she came back she acted different. When Heather was planning for another trip to Uganda, she go sick and couldn't go. Amber decided to tack her place where she met a guy named Boyce and they fell in love. Boyce's good friends, Patrick and Ruth, just got engaged and they were going back to Ruth's old village to get married. While they were there, bad people raided the village but Ruth, Patrick, Rosemary, and Amber made it out. Back at home, Heather was getting sicker so Amber and her mom flew home. Heather passed away a couple days later but Amber did something she never thought she would do, go back to Uganda. This book was so good and I really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this book but I didn't understand the beginning very much. I disliked not knowing what she did when she was in Uganda at the end. I liked how Boyce and Amber still talked after Uganda. I also liked how Amber's dad didn't tell Heather about how Amber went missing in Uganda. This book is really interesting and I really enjoyed it.

This book is recommended for teenagers because of some of the topics but other than that anyone could like it. This book would be great for teenagers going through grief. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of her books
Profile Image for Stephanie Jachymek.
206 reviews
June 9, 2018
Better than the first one. Still not thrilled.
Amber was a more interesting character than her sister. I liked all the characters in this one more, actually.
But... Why did they go North while in Sudan to get back to Uganda? That's not how geography works.
Profile Image for Courtney.
14 reviews
January 18, 2017
title fits this book well. love the mystery that carries on throughout the whole book. you think you have figured it out but then there is a twist
Profile Image for Samantha.
519 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2020
An entitled teenage girl changes her outlook on life after visiting Africa.
Profile Image for Tonia Christle.
Author 10 books9 followers
February 25, 2021
Too much white saviorism - because any is too much - and this was just...WAY too much. Not to mention nobody had an ounce of medical privacy anywhere.
Profile Image for Hil.
112 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2022
This has to be my favorite of all her books with the sequel as my next choice
Profile Image for Kayla Cunningham.
Author 2 books330 followers
July 3, 2023
A Heartfelt Tale of Love and Resilience: "Angel of Hope" by Lurlene McDaniel

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

"Angel of Hope" by Lurlene McDaniel is a touching and emotional story that explores the themes of love, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. With its compelling characters, heartfelt narrative, and a message of strength and compassion, this book offers a heartfelt reading experience.

The story follows Emily, a compassionate and determined young woman who dedicates her life to caring for others as a nurse. Set against the backdrop of a hospital, the book explores Emily's journey as she navigates her own personal challenges while providing comfort and support to patients in need. Along the way, she encounters unexpected love and finds the courage to face her own fears.

Lurlene McDaniel's writing style is sincere and compassionate, capturing the emotions and struggles of her characters with authenticity. Her descriptions of the hospital environment and the medical situations add depth and realism to the story, making readers feel immersed in the world of healthcare and the complexities of human relationships.

The characters in "Angel of Hope" are well-developed and relatable. Emily's determination, empathy, and dedication to her patients make her a compelling protagonist. The supporting cast, including other medical professionals and patients, adds layers of depth and provides different perspectives on the challenges of life and the healing power of love.

The book's exploration of love, both romantic and platonic, is a central theme that resonates throughout the story. McDaniel skillfully portrays the complexities of relationships and the impact they have on personal growth and emotional healing. The romance in the book is tender and heartfelt, showcasing the transformative power of love in the face of life's obstacles.

One of the strengths of "Angel of Hope" is its ability to tackle sensitive and emotional topics with empathy and grace. The book addresses themes such as loss, grief, and finding hope in difficult circumstances. It shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding support and solace in the darkest of times.

While the book offers a touching and emotional narrative, some readers may find certain plot developments to be predictable or formulaic, particularly if they are familiar with the author's writing style and the genre conventions of medical dramas.

In conclusion, "Angel of Hope" is a heartfelt and inspiring tale that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of love, resilience, and the healing power of compassion. Lurlene McDaniel's compassionate storytelling and memorable characters make this book a recommended choice for fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction. If you're looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of the strength of the human spirit, "Angel of Hope" is worth exploring.

Note: Reading experiences may vary, but if you're seeking a heartfelt and emotionally engaging story that celebrates love, resilience, and the power of compassion, "Angel of Hope" is a book that will leave you with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the strength of the human spirit. Dive into this poignant and uplifting tale and let it touch your heart.






Profile Image for Frank.
471 reviews16 followers
May 21, 2012
This book combines two novels both linked and both equally good. These two novels are different than some of McDaniel's other popular books. Yet they are books everyone should read. But don't expect miracles and perfect endings. McDaniel doesn't write like that. She writes about real world stuff and that includes people who die, even if you want a miracle.

The first novel is about a High School graduate who takes 6 months off to go to Africa and help a people who know nothing about life in the Free World only hunger and want. She finds herself with a native child who dies in her arms. She finds love. She finds God in the lives of the missionaries she works with at the hospital. And she finds adventure like she never dreamed of. I had mixed emotions on the ending. A sort of double ending one with tears and one with joy. But she was changed forever.

The second novel picks up where the first left off. Much difficulty in getting her sister and parents to understand what she had been through and her need to help back in Africa, especially a little baby she has rescued from death. Finally her mother ( a surgeon) agrees to go back with her for 6 weeks to help the child surgically and many others. But just before they leave Heather gets sick and her sister takes her place. And so her sister takes up the experience of helping these people who need help so badly and has her own adventures and love experience. She meets friends of her sisters and makes her own. Again the ending is a tough ending sort of bitter sweet. It was not exactly the way I would have wanted it to end but it is a very Lurlene McDaniel type ending.

These books are both page turners. They both have their share of excitement and suspense. They both have strong issues of third world countries and violence and war. They also both have a very strong flavor of faith in God and the need of that faith for not only the natives but those who have come to serve them. McDaniel really brings the characters to life and you will find yourself becoming closely connected with them; thinking of them as fiends. And you will also feel the pain of real life situations where people really do die, even the heroes.These two novels will change your life just by reading them.
Profile Image for Rachel.
37 reviews
December 10, 2009
Bleh. I know that's an immature way to start a book review, but that's honestly how I felt when I finished reading this book.

It starts off with an interesting enough premise: Heather wants to go on a charity mission to Africa.
Then the story gets taken over by her adolescent sister Amber.
Then Amber's boyfriend dumps her.
Then Amber has a teenage life crisis.
Then Heather gets sick and can't go on the trip.
Then Amber goes in Heather's place and meets a new hot guy.
Then the village Amber's staying in gets attacked by rebels.
Then Amber finds out that Heather is sick with an incurable strain of hepatitis, goes home, and watches her sister die . . . while separated from the new boy.

The initial idea of doing charity work interested me, but by the end of the book, that interest had been completely washed out by all of the other goings-on. In this case, exaggerrated appeals to emotion overwrote a sensible narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
30 reviews
December 6, 2010
This novel follows the story of two sister Heather and Amber. Heather who has just returned from a humanitarian aid trip to Africa watched her first love die in Africa but is still eager to return and help others. Amber is resentful that her relationship with Heather has changed since she returned. Heather convinces her mother to return on a trip to Africa with her but when Heather becomes extremely ill and can't make the trip superficial Amber offers to take her place on the trip. Amber meets her first love in Africa and ends up on a thrilling adventure of survival with her new boy and their friends when they are driven out of dangerous Rwanda. After going missing for several days Amber and friends make it back to the farm where they work just in time for Amber to fly home and say goodbye to dying Heather. I would recommend this book to young sappy adolescent girls.
Profile Image for Karen.
155 reviews
January 21, 2014
Angel of Hope picks up where Angel of Mercy leaves. Heather Barlow is back at home, but so worried about baby Alice. She wants to go back to Uganda and take her plastic surgeon mother with her to fix Alice's cleft palate. Heather gets sick, so her little sister Amber takes her place. Amber passes on the last part of her senior year take Heather's place. Amber goes to Africa to stay for six weeks and lives with Heather's host family. She is, at first, not as enchanted with Africa as Heather, but Amber learns that Africa is beautiful, and dangerous. She volunteers in the child center, and makes new "Rafikis" which means friends in Swahili.


This was a well written book. As with most her books, the author takes on the tough subject of young people facing insurmountable odds. She doesn't sugar coat illness. This book focused more on Amber growing up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ezra.
54 reviews
December 16, 2007
Angel of Hope by Lurlene McDaniel

This book is about a girl who goes to Africa as a subsitiution for her sister. She goes on this trip expecting a boring experience but throughout the story interesting things happens to her. She gets chased by burgulars, falls in love, and learns so many different things about herself. She(Amber) goes through many complications while her sister is dying back in Miami but she has to learn to go on for the children of Uganda. How will she do all of this by herself? Find out by reading the book Angel of Hope. I gave this book a four because I think that it was excellent but in a way was corny for those who do exactly believe in the power of god. But I advise people to read this anyway because you can find out things about yourself and people in general.
36 reviews
April 8, 2008
Angel of Hope was about how Amber went of Africa to help her sister because her sister want to go back to Africa to the people there was she was diagnosed that she was too sick to go. During the six week stay in Africa, Amber had learned and been through the reason why her sister want to return to Africa.
What I learned from this book is that Amber had found her dream or goal for her life. She also realized that life wasn't something that she took for granted, it is something that she have to treat it previously. But overall, the book was a bit boring to me even I am a fan of Lurlene McDaniel's books.
Profile Image for Areeba.
40 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2011
Angel of Hope is one of those books which help us explore the stories of all those beside us who are facing the hardships for real. Like many of us teenagers, Amber is confused about her future and life! She's a high-class girl and gets almost everything she wants but when her older sister can't return to Africa to the missionary trip, Amber takes her place, leading her to find a new way of living annd first time in life, she realizes who she really is.

Lurlene McDanial covers the most emotional issues in her book which also make the readers realize that there is a world outside the suburbs of town! I recommend this book to teenagers as well as well young-adults!
Profile Image for Breann.
40 reviews
November 14, 2011
A great quickie that anyone (but perhaps more girls) can appreciate, especially over dull weekends, or lonely evenings....

I really enjoyed this book because it combined several different elements into one, attention-keeping story: travel, adventure, romance, and sadly, illness. The main character goes to Africa in place of her sister, somewhat unwillingly at first, and ends up falling in love with those she serves there and learns that life is about more than dating the most popular guy at school and having a closet full of the most fashionable clothing. Her transformation is admirable, just as is the book! :)
Profile Image for Meadow Frisbie.
446 reviews19 followers
April 5, 2011
This book was shockingly good! Way better then expected.

Heather is home from her life changing trip in Uganda.....and wants to go back again.
After her parents agree, she gets sick and can't go but gets her self-consumed sister to agree
to go in her place. What Amber experienced in Uganda....from helping sick, to running for her life...will change the way she thinks forever.

The ending was very unexpected....not often when one of the main characters you learn to love dies....it was amazing...definitally recomended!!!
Profile Image for Liz Hokanson.
182 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2011
The storyline of this novel was unbelievable to me. I get that people change when they go have the adventure of their life, but this novel was almost to cliche for me. In the end, everything was too perfect. No one goes on a religious trip to Africa begrudgingly and within the first day has a complete change of attitude. Sorry. Not real. Also, the writing was too sappy for me. When the characters talked to each other, they didn't sound real. They were too formal and fancy to be family. I didn't like this book.
Profile Image for Brittany Durrant.
29 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2013
Heather came back from Uganda and she's been miserable ever since. Her spirits rose when her friend back from the mission trip asks her to come back to Uganda with her. She invites her mom to come to perform surgery on the baby she rescued. A few weeks before they were to go to Uganda Heather gets really sick and now Amber takes her place.
I thought this book was really good. It was really well written, and it's pretty easy to read.
I would recommend this to middle school and up because it's not that long and it's pretty easy to read.
Profile Image for Marie Danielle.
237 reviews
August 19, 2014
Absolutely loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Theme: It is impossible to be certain about things.

Theme: People from other cultures are really very much like us.

Theme: People are afraid of change but things always change.

Theme: When in love, one must suffer.

Theme: Growing up is a challenge for everyone.

Theme: Accepting a challenge leads to positive results.

Theme: Actions speak louder than words.

Theme: The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.

Theme: Our duty is to be useful, not according to our desires, but according to our powers.
Profile Image for Briana.
271 reviews249 followers
December 16, 2009
Review:
This was a great follow up to Angel of Mercy. The first time I read it, I didn't realize it was a sequel to another book. So I read it again after reading Angel of Mercy.

That being said, I think this book went by too quick. Lurlene McDaniel should have made both Angel of Hope and Angel of Mercy longer. They are both inspirational book with a nice storyline and great characters. I would love to read another book continuing Amber's story.
34 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2010
If I were to pick a genre I would probably call this a romance or a coming of age.
The story revolves around two sisters Amber and Heather. Heather is dying (no surprise there) and has desires to return to Africa to help people. Instead, Amber takes her place when Heather is too sick and learns to become a more full person like her ailing sister.
McDaniels writes sweet stories that are kind of boring and predictable (you can predict death in every book). It was just okay to me.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
56 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2011
As the sequel to Angel of Mercy, it is a good continuation of the first story, but is also a good departure from the first (you know, instead of a mirror image with detail changes). I like the transformation of the main character from where she is first introduced. I would recommend this book, though it wouldn't make as much sense without reading the first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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