Angel

by Laura Lee

2nd Edition

Since the loss of his lively, charming wife to cancer six years ago, minister Paul Tobit has been operating on autopilot, performing his religious duties by rote. Everything changes the day he enters the church lobby and encounters a radiant, luminous being lit from behind, breathtakingly beautiful and glowing with life. An angel. For a moment Paul is so moved by his vision that he is tempted to fall on his knees and pray.

Even after he regains his focus and realizes he simply met a flesh-and-blood young man, Paul cannot shake his sense of awe and wonder. He feels an instant and overwhelming attraction for the young man, which puzzles him even as it fills his thoughts and fires his feelings. Paul has no doubt that God has spoken to him through this vision, and Paul must determine what God is calling him to do.

Thus begins a journey that will inspire Paul’s ministry but put him at odds with his church as he is forced to examine his deeply held beliefs and assumptions about himself, his community, and the nature of love.

First Edition published by Itineris Press, 2011.

Genres: M M Romance, Fiction, Religion, Christian, Queer, LGBT, Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2011

About the author

Laura Lee is the author of 22 books. In addition to a large catalog of humorous reference titles such as The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation and Don't Screw It Up, she has written one children's book, A Child's Introduction to Ballet, two novels, Angel and Identity Theft, and Oscar's Ghost, which deals with conflicts between members of Oscar Wilde's circle over his legacy after the playwright's death and Wilde Nights & Robber Barons, the story of a member of Wilde's circle who went on to be part of an international band of confidence tricksters who used false titles of nobility.

The San Francisco Chronicle has said of her work: "Lee's dry, humorous tone makes her a charming companion... She has a penchant for wordplay that is irresistible."

Lee brings to her writing a unique background which includes work as a professional mime, improvisational comic, and radio announcer. After a three-year stint as a part-time touring public relations director for a Russian ballet company, Lee has returned to her native
Michigan where she divides her time between writing and producing ballet educational tours with her partner a Russian ballet dancer and director.

Reviews

[LenaLena · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a Book-with-a-Message. The Message has to do with homosexuality and Christianity and it is dealt with thoughtfully. That part of the book is interesting, absolutely. But the Message is so loud it starts drowning out the characters, who become pawns in service of the Message. If you want to read a thoughtful treatise on homosexuality and the church in the form of a novel, a parable so to say, this is your book. If you're looking for a love story set within the church, this isn't it. But it starts out that way, which may lure a lot of people in that aren't going to be happy with how it plays out.

You start the book already knowing Paul is going to lose his ministry somehow. Don't start yelling at me, this is not much of a spoiler, everybody figures this out right after the prologue. I don't know why the author chooses to start the book with this giant spoiler. Maybe it's to introduce all the mountain lore that starts each chapter. Maybe it's because all love stories in Literature-with-a-Capital-L must have tragedy and foreshadowing. I personally don't much care for stories with the Sword of Doom looming over the character's head from start to finish. When this loss comes closer and closer it made me go please-don't-fuck-things-up-with-Ian-please-don't-fuck-things-up-with-Ian-please-don't-fuck-things-up-with-Ian-please-don't-fuck-things-up-with-Ian, because that was the best we could still hope for at that point.

Things get fucked up with Ian. There is no HEA or HFN. So yes, as a parable it is really good, as m/m it sure is depressing. I don't like having to make peace with the will of God to be able to stomach the ending. I would have given it another star or two if there had been a reunion with Ian.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

****This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review****


What a shame it would be to stay away because you were afraid it would end. What a shame it would be to miss so much beauty.... touching words to finish a stunning book.


Laura Lee, has written a book that will challenge your thoughts on homosexuality within the Christian religion. It is based around Paul, a 42 year old widow that lost his wife 6 years ago to cancer. Since then he has lived a shell of a life and although he is a minister in a church he really feels no inspiration to live.


Ian is a 24 year old very troubled young man, he is an alcoholic who struggles with the belief that he is unlovable and unworthy of time because he is gay.


Paul comes across Ian, who is on his way to his AA meeting, and mistakes him for an angel, a sign from god. This moment is a life changer for Paul who sets out to save Ian because he is drawn to him. He struggles with his new feelings for this young man, especially trying to reconcile his feelings with the views of the church. A secret relationship follows to which these two really form what they both feel is a”blessed union of souls”, no matter what anyone else thinks.


He sat with his head down, letting the emotions wash over him in waves of anger, sadness, shame, and fear. He was the same person he had always been. How could one choice make him seem suddenly different to the world?


I don't want to give this story away. I want you to read it, because it is worthy of people experiencing it with an open mind and ready to see it for themselves without my views on what happens. I will say that this was a highly emotional book for me and affected me very deeply. I loved how easy it was to read for something that had such a real and meaningful message within. I loved how it dealt with the very relevant issues within its pages. I loved how the relationship between the couple seemed like a real relationship with the normal ups and downs but also the underlying tension of the very real problems they faced. You will feel a multitude of things, rage, indignant, righteous, sad, validated, happy, deep sorrow... I felt all of these things. To me that is a sign of a great book, to have been moved and provoked into thought. I will leave you with another quote from this book, because it made me smile and I think it outlines these two characters and their relationship perfectly. Once again, please read, it is a great book that will stay with me for a while.
Ian unwrapped one of the fortune cookies and cracked it open. “‘Everything has beauty’,” he read, “‘but not everyone sees it.’” He shrugged and set the slip of paper down next to the used chopsticks. “What does yours say?” Paul cracked open his cookie. He read the fortune to himself and chuckled at its appropriateness. “Well?” Ian asked. “What’s it say?” “‘Never regret anything that made you smile.”

[Jeff Erno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Tobit is a widowed, middle-aged minister of a mainstream denomination who is still coping with some personal grief issues after his wife dies from cancer. One day a beautiful young stranger shows up at the church, and Paul thinks that he may be an angel. Come to find out, the visitor is twenty-four year old Ian, a troubled alcoholic who is attending an AA meeting.

Eventually Paul and Ian connect, and Paul reaches out to help the young man. Ian goes into an alcohol rehab clinic, and afterward moves in with Paul at the parsonage. When Paul learns that Ian is gay, he has to confront his own prejudice and face the feelings that he is beginning to have for his house guest. A romance ensues, and the couple are then faced with the challenge of keeping their relationship secret lest an unforgiving and judgmental congregation find out the truth and expel them.

The beauty of this story is that it is unconventional in every way. It tackles several controversial themes including intergenerational relationships, homosexuality within religion, and the fluidity of sexual orientation. Initially Paul does not consider himself gay or even bisexual. I was impressed by the manner in which he discovered that love is love, and when this blessing occurs within one’s life, it truly is a gift from God.

There is no easy way to present a story about sexual orientation and religion. It seems no matter how the issue is broached, there will be someone who complains that the prose is “too preachy”. The novel did have a message, and if the reader allows her/himself to simply be swept away by the romance and by the intense emotion, the theme resonates. I was moved to tears throughout the story, and it reminded me of Brokeback Mountain. This is not to say that it is a light or easy read. It is heartbreaking actually, but very poignant.

Ian is my favorite character. He is so flawed and yet so beautiful. He’s cute and charming and self-effacing. I understood how Paul fell in love with him. I think I fell in love with Ian myself. I also understood the agony that Paul endured, trying to reconcile his own personal reality with the only profession he had ever known (and loved).

Of course, the villain in the story is homophobia, and it’s truly ugly. This aspect alone makes the book an emotional challenge.

This is an amazing debut novel—well written and edited, inspiring, uplifting, and thought-provoking. I don’t hesitate to recommend it highly. I would caution mm readers that the theme is quite deep and there are no graphic, intimate scenes. There also is not the typical HEA ending you’d expect to find in a classic romance novel.

Angel is a powerful story, one of the best reads I’ve enjoyed this year.

[Pavarti Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Angel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a love story.  Written with the depth and insight of  The Prisoner's Wife by asha bandele or Written on the Body by Jeannette Winterson, Angel is a surprising piece of literature.

Each chapter is begun with a quote.  Sometimes it is theological text, sometimes from the bible, sometimes it is the musings of the author.  Regardless, the connection of the quotes is the theme of the mountain as a sacred space.  It's interesting that the story itself has nothing to do with a mountain, but the emotional path the characters are on is much like the experience of climbing the summit of a great peak.  The climb is exhilarating, the expectations great, but the way down is often the hardest and more important part of the journey.

Written in third person, Lee's main character Paul is consistent and beautifully depicted.  He is the minister of a small Christian Church.  He is struggling with the meaning and beauty of life.  Since his wife's death, his inspiration and meaning has been lost.  It is not until one day, upon seeing a man who enters the Narthex, searching for an AA meeting, that Paul's imagination is re-kindled.

Having lived a predictible life, Paul is overwhelmed by his sudden attraction and obsession with the man he meets.  Throughout the book Paul struggles with his identity.  I'm not like him he thinks to himself when confronted with a gay man her refers to as "swishy".  Definitions of sexuality, identity, faith and love are explored deeply and intimately throughout the book.

Personally I adored this section of the book.  Especially the lines: "Bisexual" was the obvious (and least absurd) choice, but it didn't feel right to him either.  Paul had always associated that word with people who wanted to play around and experiment with sex.  To his mind, it lacked commitment and serious intent." Ahhh yes, I've heard that before!

Although Angel is listed under Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, GBLT Erotica, General Erotica and Religion & Spirituality Romance, as well as Contemporary Romance. I think it's really Literary Ficiton.  I would even agree with the Religion & Spirituality Romance category, but to gall it Erotica in anyway is just inaccurate.  While the two men who fall in love do have sex, it is not detailed for the reader.  This is a general frustration of mine.  Just because they're gay doesn't mean it's Erotica!  This isn't the author's doing, but either the publisher or the people who read it.  I just don't get it.

Angel is an exploration of faith, an exploration of the nature of love, and forces the reader to think about the difference between private and public identity.  I have to admit, this one made me cry a number of times.  The raw emotions, the lyrical writing and the unadulterated adoration Paul felt for Ian was overwhelming at times.

Things that struck me was the relationship between Mary and Stuart, small incidental characters whose lives mirrored in many ways the issues gay couples face.  What is the label for your "special friend".  How is that enough?  What are your rights?  How is the mourning one goes through as part of an unofficial couple different from when a married person looses a spouse?

Angel is a book that needs to be read a few times.  It should be essential reading for Gender Studies and Seminary in dealing with issues of Sexuality. It's deep, it's thoughtful, its beautiful and evocative.  Angel challenges the reader to look at themselves, their lives and re-examine their preconceived notions.

Most of all though Angel is a love story.  And you should read it.

Later this week I'll be having Laura Lee on my blog to give an interview and do a small giveaway.  I hope you'll check it out and pick up a copy of Angel.  If you have any questions for her, send them my way and I'll make sure to pass them on.

[ѦѺ™ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the wind calls, You know, That somewhere in the mountains, It has found the answers that you were looking for. The pull of the horizon overcomes the inertia of reason... And you just have to go. - Vikram Oberoi


Paul Tobit is a minister and a widower. losing his wife Sara to cancer left a deep void in his life. he goes through the motions of existing until the day he sees an angel and falls in love.
author Laura Lee's novel deals with an intergenerational relationship that is complicated by one man's calling and his new found sexuality.
profound, thought-provoking, emotional, literary and at times philosophical, this book takes a look into how society and structured religion view homosexuality. it also raises questions about how people perceive faith, spirituality, intimacy and love.
to these, the author gives no definite answers nor does she take sides. she simply tells Paul and Ian's story and leaves it to the reader to decide. one thing is sure though. Paul and Ian's relationship will generate a gamut of emotions.
another thing that is striking and which i find beautiful is the author's liberal references to mountains as each chapter unfolds. these structures of earth and stone somehow provide a metaphor for Paul and Ian's experiences - individually and as a couple - in their search for love, meaning and acceptance.
naturalist and author John Muir wrote that the mountains were calling him and he must go to them. Ian heeded the call. Paul felt and heard the same call within his heart and so he went to find his own. when he did, Paul found out that he was finally home.


Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy from the author. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Lichen Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a really unique read in the M/M category, this is well worth your time. Ms. Lee has shown enormous courage in addressing controversial subject matter with reverence, respect and compassion. She has taken a brave turn away from your run of the mill M/M romance, and given the reader a story that will make a lasting impression.

The book reads quickly. As a writer, I removed one star for some shaky structure; there are places where a scene or pivotal point would have had more impact or been more successful if executed differently; the author seems to have some trouble with point of view. But what structural issues there are from a technical standpoint (and this is her first novel, from a background writing non-fiction) are easily compensated for by the strength of characterization, and her ability to paint a mood and atmosphere.

I want to comment that this is one book - in a genre overwhelmed with unbelievable May/December romances - that made me believe the relationship despite the age difference. Nicely done on that account.

The reader is constantly challenged to question the status quo of many of society's stances. As is true with the best books, you will go away from this one enriched.

[Kitty West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read author Laura Lee's book "Angel" slowly and reflectively. It's subject matter touches on so many human issues, one in particular that drew me into the book being a deep insight into addiction, it behavior and it's effect upon the addicted person and others in it's presence. Age, choices, spirituality....all addressed so beautifully in this book, something that each one of us finds ourselves dealing with throughout life. I consider this to be a greatly worthwhile read and highly recommend it to anyone. Laura Lee

[Trin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet, thoughtful, lovely -- this is not a traditional romance, and even though that was what I came in expecting, I found this singular little book refreshing. The characters are well-drawn: much of the romance centers on these two men -- Paul, a grieving minister, and Ian, a recovering alcoholic -- having playful debates on the phone, and I both enjoyed and believed these discussions. This book has an unusual realism, which extends to the lack of a traditional happy ending, but I was sucked utterly into its world.

I wish Lee would write more novels: there is so much in this one that is unexpected and enchanting.

[Sarika Patkotwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

*NOTE: Author Laura Lee provided us (The Readdicts) with a copy of her book, Angel. We thank Laura for the book!

When I read the Free Kindle Sample for Angel, I knew this was a book that I had to read, and author Laura Lee very kindly provided me a copy of it even though I took a long time to get back to her.
Although I tend and try to stay away from religion-based books, Angel became an exception and from the beginning to the middle until the end, I was just so absorbed in it and I'm more than glad that I read it. It is a story that is going to stay with me for a very long time simply because of it's depth and the contemplation that comes along with it.
Angel takes up the issue of Christianity and homosexuality in a contemporary and spiritual and not at all imposing way.
Paul Tobit is the Minister in a church, a place that he holds very dear since that is where he himself was taught to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Extremely depressed after losing his lovely wife, Sara, due to cancer, he finds his life to have became monotonous, until there comes a time when an unusual, straight-laced and utterly graceful being walks into the Church.
Attendant of the Church's Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, blessed with glorious looks, been through a troubled past, Ian is immediately the focus of the Church staff because of his unbelievable beauty. For Paul, Ian is a being sent to him by God... a miracle, an angel.
Paul and Ian share an absolutely splendid relationship. I liked reading about how they met, what went into making their relationship into what it became. Their attraction towards each other was view-able and hard to miss.
24 year old Ian was exceptional. He questioned the teachings of the Church. His comebacks and retorts were really clever. I loved how dedicated he was to Paul and how he was willing to try and change only for Paul. Ian was open and free about his sexuality and that was one the most significant trait that he possessed.
Paul was an extremely kind and helpful man. There were times when I was irritated with him for not giving his relationship with Ian all the respect that it deserved. It is understandable that, being the Minister of the Church and having to maintain a clean and proper image, if not for himself than for the regular religious devotees of the Church; but that didn't mean he could just deny and neglect the importance of Ian in his life in public.
The end of Paul and Ian's story was delicate, pure, realistic and totally perfect.
Author Laura Lee's writing is poetic and has a subtle flow. Angel is an absolutely impressive work of literature that opened my mind and made me think about how, even though religion teaches us to love, it comes with it's set of complications. I am not the most appropriate person to preach or even talk about religion, but I can say that Angel takes on a sensitive issue with elegance. A few excerpts from famous works and information on Mount Rainier (where Paul later works as a tourist guide/bus driver) were very enlightening to read.
Angel is a distinct novel that is truly splendid. In no way does the book criticize the Church or it's teachings, it simply looks at something emotional and personal with an open yet oddly narrow perspective. I know I haven't exactly praised this brilliant work the way it deserves to be praised, and that's because the book has left me stunned and speechless and it is difficult to describe it's beauty. All I say is thatAngel is an enlightening, and completely opulent piece of work. Laura Lee's writing is truly charming and captivating.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I began reading this book, I had no idea what I was delving into. There is nothing from the synopsis that I was given that hinted at the fact that this book had a positive homosexual theme. I am not new to reading homosexually-themed books--it is the second I have read. But I have to say that this book was much more forceful and descriptive in the homosexual theme, and I found it more disturbing in content. I do have to say that I feel the book masquerades as a "Christian" book, but it is not too far into the book before you realize that the message is much different. This book's message is basically that one can be a committed Christian and a homosexual at the same time. That goes contrary to my beliefs, and it did make it a difficult read. I could never endorse this book for this reason, but I will keep my personal beliefs out of the general review of this book. I just want the reader to know where I stand before I begin the review since this is a sensitive topic. And understand that I did not say I am anti-gay or anything like that. To be perfectly honest, I have come in contact with gays who are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in this world. And I do agree that no matter one's sexual orientation, one should have the freedom to attend church and anywhere he or she would like to go.

My favorite part of this book was Mt. Rainier. I live in Washington state--not far from that glorious mountain, as a matter of fact. All I have to do is go outside my door and walk to the street, and I will see this breathtaking mountain--as long as no clouds are in the way.

I think the fact that Paul takes an active interest in the soul and well-being of Ian is absolutely wonderful. I love that fact because after all, that is what a Christian should do--especially a pastor. I do not agree with letting a non-Christian be on staff at a church, even if it is custodian. I also don't agree with the deception that Paul practices in order to keep his job. When Paul became a minister, he knew what he was doing. He knew what was expected of him in his professional and personal life. It would have made no difference what questionable behavior he was participating in--deception is wrong. It was no long ago that our church had to remove our senior pastor due to his separating from his wife and refusing to be reconciled. I see no difference between this issue and a teacher having a mutual dating relationship with a student. Teachers don't get to do that--no matter how attractive the student is. Pastors don't get to fool around, and if they choose to, they need to be the one to make the decision to leave the church or change their behavior.

I will say that the book presents a compelling argument. There are direct quotes from the Bible, and it is a thorough examination of one side of the issue. I prefer a balanced look when it comes to issues like this, but I fewl instead that there were judgmental and prejudicial views. It would have been nice for Paul to have gotten some good counseling from other Christian ministers--especially in the beginning. But it seems to me like Paul was rather isolated, either by choice or by decree. I really don't know. Even though it may not have changed the outcome, having good Christian counseling on the other side of the issue would have made me feel like this book was trying to examine the issue on both sides rather than just one. Oh, and one additional caution--there is some profanity and sex scenes (though not too graphic). I can say that the writing style is quite conversational, and one can read this very quickly.

I will leave it up to you if you wish to read this book. Oh, and one additional thing. I don't mind comments on this review, but please, let's not attack each other.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://owltellyouaboutit.com/2012/03/07/angel/

I’ll admit I went into this only because I found the idea of a male minister falling in love with another man intriguing. I wanted to see how the author dealt with it. I didn’t let myself worry too much about expectations or anything like that. I have to say, it worked pretty well. The whole thing was a pleasant experience. It also kind of helped that I was corresponding with Laura while I was reading the book. You’ll get to see that chat a later.

Now, in case you’re thinking “uhhh… that book looks/sounds a little provacative,” let me assure you: it’s not. Well, I guess it sort of is, but it’s not some raumchy book about guys having sex. It’s thoughtful and intellectual. It’s much more about identity and love. The messages that I took from it really spoke to me and isn’t that something you want from a book? I love fun, light-hearted reads as much as the next person, but there’s just something about a book that really speaks to me. All the fun, easy books and exciting thrillers can never really measure up to them.

In Angel, Paul is dealing with a few things. The moment he sees Ian, his life turns upside down. Everything he thought he knew about himself is suddenly shifting. He soon finds himself in a plce that he never expected, in love with another man, and a much younger one. The book not only follows their relationship through its ups and downs, but, more importantly follows Paul’s journey to finding himself. Ian’s presence in his life forces him to take a look at what he believes and values. I also thought Laura Lee did a terrific job of writing their relationship. It really displayed love in all its beautiful imperfection. It wasn’t all butterflies and sunshine and happiness and I really appreciated that. There was jealousy and insecurity and arguments. Love is messy, but wonderful and this book really demonstrated that.

I loved Paul from the beginning. His faith is true and steadfast, but not fanatical. There are several theological discussions between him and Ian, and a lot of those really made me think. I think I’ve known people my whole life that look at things the way Paul does, but I’ve never heard anyone voice it quite like he does. It was nice to read something that has Christian undertones, but doesn’t force them down the reader’s throat. I understand Ian’s initial feelings about church. It’s easy to look at fanatics and be put off by all of it, but Paul approaches faith in such a way that really brings out the message of love and understanding, rather than ostracizing people.

I found Paul’s struggles with his church community sad, but very realistic. Unfortunately, the reaction of the his church to Paul’s relationship is more likely to happen than not, especially down here in the bible belt. At first, I was truly saddened by that part of the book. Once I began thinking about it, I realized how appropriate it was. People choose churches for different reasons and not everyone who goes to the same church believe exactly the same way. It can be really difficult to please everyone.

I highly recommend this book. It was beautiful and its depth really blew me away. A little later today I’ll be posting an interview with the author. You should check that out, as well. She had some very insightful things to say.

This book was provided by the author for review. I did not receive any payment in exchange for the review nor was I obligated to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Tahlia Newland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then I come across a novel that leaves me feeling that my life has been enriched by reading it. This beautifully written work is one of those rare beauties. Author Laura Lee has taken the subject of the nature of love, placed it in the context of homosexuality and Christian ministry and come up with something that is sensitive, beautiful, thought-provoking and deeply moving.

The most brilliant thing about this book is that the love between Ian and Paul has a purity and beauty to it, and that Paul, as a deeply spiritual man, sees this love as a gift from a magnanimous God. Ian truly is his angel, just as Paul is an angel for Ian. It is clearly a beneficial relationship for both men and nothing like the sordid kind of relationship many people envisage when they think of love between men. I was very impressed with the feeling of deep love the author evoked in the innocent & sometimes playful scenes between the two men, and also with the superb pacing that kept me reading while yet never wanting it to end.

Every character in this book is skilfully drawn, but the main characters are particularly complex and richly written. Ian is delightfully innocent despite his tardy life to date. He accepts his homosexuality and alcoholism without shame, and his open-minded questioning forces Paul to reconsider his beliefs and assumptions in a very deep way. Paul is not a homosexual, he simply happens to fall in love with a man in a society that labels things in black and white. We think that you’re either with us, or you’re with them, but reality isn’t as simplistic as that.

What is most important, the quality of the love, or the sex of the lover? Is love made impure by homosexual relations? Does the nature of one’s sexuality decrease the validity of love? How is it to live a love that cannot be celebrated in society in the same way as that of a man and a woman? Do labels define us? These are the kind of questions that this book arouses, as well as the obvious theological questions about the stand of the church towards homosexuals.

If you shy away from the subject matter because you’re a little homophobic, or even if you find the idea of gay love distasteful, then you should read this.

Angel is the best kind of Indie fiction, brave, expertly written and perfectly finished. 5 stars.

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angel by Laura Lee

I really enjoyed this novel, Laura’s writing flows extremely well, the character descriptions and plot are easy to read and her words make you sit back and think. This is a male/male romance novel but I will say not a typical romance novel and the ending is not what I expected.

This is a story about a man who has lost his wife 6 years ago and suddenly finds himself attracted to another male. Oh before I forget to mention he is a Minister of his church and believes that his Church and religion is his calling. This story isn’t just about two men in a relationship this is a story of Christianity and one’s beliefs and dives into acceptance of yourself even when your church or people tell you something is wrong. It touches you and makes you think about acceptance.

Ian and Paul start off with a friendship and they help each other out with their own individual problems and how when you fall in love with a person it’s not always about sex or orientation sometimes is just about falling in love with that individual person.

This is a well written novel, I found myself very caught up in this story waiting to see what was going to happen and how Paul was going to reconcile his religion and his love of another man.

This is must read book, and I recommend anyone and everyone to sit down and pick up a copy of Angel. Don’t get me wrong though this is a male/male romance novel (which by the way is still one of my favorite genres) and there is some sexual content, but everyone should take a chance and read it.

I have rated it a 4 star rating for the story and for Laura Lee’s writing.

[Craig Bergland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel is an extremely insightful look into the life of its main character, Paul Tobit, a forty-two year old widowed pastor who meets and falls in love with a young man. While this book will certainly appeal to the LGBT reader, it raises issues that not only include that community but transcend them as well. Some of the most compelling issues for me are: What is the relationship between love and sexuality? How does the person I love impact my own sense of identity and vocation, whatever that vocation might be? How conditional is the love a church community has for its pastor? When Paul thinks that he, "was the same person he had always been. How could one choice make him seen suddenly different to the world?" he summarizes, for me, in a single thought the great issue America currently struggles with around inclusion of all people in to the full life not only of the Church but also of society.

This novel is an important work and contribution to the discussion not only around issues of sexual orientation, but also the truth that Christians can be some of the most unloving and un-Christian people we encounter in life. As a pastor myself, I appreciated Laura Lee's insight into the world of church politics and the destructive force and power of gossip and rumor not just in the Church but in all corners of society.

Angel will make you think about what you believe, regardless of your position on human sexuality, and about how you behave. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried while reading this book - you will, too!

[Ayanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

...What. WHAT???

Nononononono that can't be the end. THAT CAN'T BE THE END. O_O

Oh, my God. I. Just. What. I.

Damn. Just damn.


This is one of those books that leave me speechless. I just...
Okay. *mental shake.

This has an ambiguous kind of HFN?-ish ending. It's deeply spiritual and beautiful, chaotic at times and peaceful at others, but such is life. The ending is bittersweet and very open for interpretation. I can't decide/figure out if it's more bitter or more sweet. It's definitely both in, again, a "such is life" sort of way. The happy and the sad, the painful and the wonderful all together. To some, the ending may be a non-ending. It all comes down to interpretation, I guess.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book, yet touching too. I'm really glad to have found this book, it's an amazing combination of elements that I like, that ordinarily wouldn't be found in one book. Paul deals with big questions about religion and spirituality as he finds himself developing a relationship with Ian, that challenges everything he thought he beleived and knew about himself.
Although I wished a happier conclusion for Paul, there was always a sense throughout the book that his Angel had come into his life for a purpose. Even though I personally would have wished for a different ending, it did feel realistic and I still appreciate the story.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely engaged by this story of a male minister who falls in love with a young male who attends an AA meeting at his church. The plot seemed far-fetched to me at first - but the author has made it completely believable. It wrestled with important spiritual issues; how do you define "relationship"? What can one know bout a relationship from the outside? What is Love? Sexuality and the church. etc.etc. I was always trying to figure out what would happen next -- and I usually had it wrong! By the end, I was crying! A tender portrayal of a very complicated love. Very readable! I highly recommend it!

[Laura Lee]

It was fascinating to hear an actor voicing characters I had written. I enjoyed hearing Shea Taylor's take on them and the different nuances he brought out. I have always wanted to have an audiobook made of one of my books. I am pleased with the result.

[Demi (Breaking Bookshelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review can also be found at Breaking Bookshelves
PDF copy from NetGalley.

I dived into this novel expecting, and sort of knowing deep inside, that it would not have a happily-ever-after. However, I often have that mindset when going into any book that deals with MxM relationships. Now I can’t say I’ve read many of these types of novels, in fact I think this is my first, but I have read countless fanfics and mangas about it. One thing I find in common with a lot of them is the amount of angst and tragedy in the story, especially toward the ending. Of course, there are those few exceptions that have a happily-ever-after and, for that, I am glad. It keeps me sane in some ways. It shows the many endings and beginnings of a life.

It intrigued me how the author would deal with this sensitive topic of religion and orientation. I was sure it would be melancholy, a “parable” as one other reviewer had mentioned. But I also had some inkling of expectation, a slight hope, that there was something happy about it as well and that the message is not as loud as some people say. Therefore, going into the book, I was eager.

However, before we get into that, a little summary of Angel. What’s it all about?

Paul is a forty-something-year-old minister. He does his job day-to-day, unawares and sometimes unconcerned for the community that surrounded him. He does things as a routine, bored and lifeless. However, that is not because he hates being a minister, in fact, he loves it. He refers to it as his “calling.” The reason is far from hatred, it began with his wife’s death. Because ever since his wife, Sara, died of cancer six years ago, he is unable to find inspiration in life. There is no spark, no liveliness. All of that faded away with Sara’s death. He pleads in front of her grave one day for God to send him some sort of stimulus, a motivation to make life worth paying attention to, and to bring him back down to earth and away from the clouds.

What he does not expect is that God would send his muse in the shape of a man, a young, twenty-four-year-old man who turns his completely stable life upside down. This man, Ian, is bold and unafraid, blunt and unknowingly provocative. He is beautiful and wily. And, he makes Paul question everything he has ever believed.

This is not a Romance (with a capital ‘R’). It is not HEA or HFN. It does not give you the satisfaction of being happy because you know how it will all play out. No, in fact it does the opposite. You dread that you know what will happen, that there’s a big shadow ready to swallow up the characters at any moment. You know this the instant you finish reading the prologue and Paul tells you that he “used” to be a minister. Either that, or you think that maybe, just maybe, he quit being a minister because he wanted to be with the person the blurb was talking about…maybe he sacrificed his “calling” to be with the person he truly loved. And maybe that can carry you on to read the rest of the book.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it is. Paul and Ian go through the motions that any relationship goes through, whether romantic or not. They are happy, sad, pissed off, every colour on the spectrum of emotion. It is made harder by the fact that they are both male and live in a predominantly Christian community. What are they supposed to do? What is their inevitable outcome?

There rises a great many questions in the book, many of which we ask ourselves every day. It deals with insecurities everyone in a relationship has, not just males. It asks us to look deep inside and question what we believe, just as Paul did. Question things we’ve done wrong, things we’ve blindly believed because we were told so by someone older, “wiser.” The novel forces us to face someone who knows what he wants, knows what will make him happy, but is unable to push away the uncertainty and fear that comes with being in a relationship that is frowned upon by some in society. It puts into perspective things some of us have always thought and demands us to “prove it,” to show why it is considered “truth.”

I can see the message, but it is not loud to me. In fact, the author did not intend for a message at all. If she did start out the way, then it has developed into something else. Her characters have driven to a different place. For me, the message takes a backseat to what makes Paul and Ian’s relationship so beautiful, so sweet, and at the same time so frustrating. It is their idiosyncrasies, their past (however trite), and their shortcomings. They are not perfect…they are tangible and authentic.

I don’t really know how to describe what it was like reading this book. There was just a lot of frustration but also a particular giddiness. Lee writes with a sense of humour (like with her line “As ridiculous as all that sexual groping and pumping and flopping around might seem, it is the closest thing to divine union we have on this earth”), but also with a deep and profound knowing, a questioning and reflection. It is beautiful and somewhat poetic, filled with symbols and metaphors. I loved the reading experience, the sheer believability of the characters, the people’s flaws, everything. This book was a page-turner. There were some mistakes here and there, but I can ignore them because of how much I fell in love with the characters and this story. Call me a sucker, I don’t care, I love bittersweet endings. I cried for Pete’s sake!

There are so many quotable things in this novel that I would love to list down, words and phrases, whole passages and sentences, but right now it will only make this review longer than it has to be. So I’ll leave you with the last few sentences in the novel, something so true and so simple, “Maybe everyone should live in the shadow of a volcano. Maybe everyone does. What a shame it would be to stay away because you were afraid it would end. What a shame it would be to miss so much beauty.”

[Lynn Arbor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Tobit is a man overwhelmed by beauty. When the novel begins, he’s a tour bus driver on Mount Rainier in Washington. The beauty of the mountain is not without danger (the typical dangers of mountains). The flocks of tourists who get on his bus were always in a good mood. He sees the mountain as evidence of the hand of God.

The opening chapter is the perfect analogy for this book. Perfect. Clever. Beautifully done.

Next we go back in time, to when Paul Tobit was a minister. One day an angel is standing in the doorway of his church. He’s stunned by the angel’s beauty—God’s hand at work. Then he realizes that the angel is actually a young man, with long hair, backlighted by the sun coming in the door.

There is a love story here; a story of risk, a story of kindness, and a story of beauty.

There is a lot of religion in this book. I’m devout atheist, but as I was reading the theology made sense, and was a vital part of the conflict of the story.

[Blair Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the second m/m that I have ever read. The first one was revolting. This one touched my emotions and my sense of "what would Jesus do." Every person has a story. What I took away from this offering is that as a Christian, we should strive to help a person's situation become better, not make it worse.

[Evelyn Erb Bognar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting novel about a romance between two men, one whom is a Christian minister. The characters were well developed. The relationship between the characters was authentic and real. I felt the ending was a little rushed and sudden. Overall, I enjoyed it.

[G.M Cantave · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.9 stars

[ß · Rating 4 out of 5]

I died a little more on the inside.

[Cryselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very beginning, Laura Lee warns you that this is not a standard romance. More literary and philosophical than most, pausing frequently to consider the ramifications of mountains as the high places of God, Angel tracks the spiritual and sexual journeys of a minister and a recovering alcoholic. No longer attached to a church, Paul Tobit gives us a glimpse of what is to come in the very prologue, where his small cabin at the base of Mount Rainier contains everything he needs, but that list does not contain Ian.

We meet Paul six years into his widowhood – he lost Sara, his wife, during their mid-thirties, and has been going through the motions since. Never the life of the party, Paul needed Sara's ebullience to effectively do his work. He loved her deeply and sincerely, and is genuinely startled to discover that he's intensely attracted to an "angel" that he sees in the church.

The angel is Ian Finnerty, a beautiful young man trying to leave his self-destructive path, come to the church for an AA meeting. Caught in the light, his ethereal appearance enchants Paul, who is truly shocked to find Ian is male. They embark on what is initially a mentor/protégé relationship that quickly becomes more, though how much more, they dare not disclose to the congregation. This sect holds to conflicting attitudes toward homosexuality – gays are to be welcomed into the community, but may not officiate; that's "inconsistent with Christian teaching."

The story is not precisely "gay for you" or even "out for you," but probably the most genuine expression of "love the specific person" I've read. Paul struggles with the categories, not thinking of himself as gay or bi, or even actually heterosexual. He's never questioned his desires before, apparently since he never needed to, fantasies being only fantasies. By book's end, he hasn't quite come to any conclusion but that he cannot stay in the ministry. Ian's more straightforward; he's definitely gay and the church he grew up in rejects him completely for it.

The men are very complementary, each teaching the other some important lessons. Paul helps Ian find his way to sobriety and back to God. Ian teaches Paul about love, questioning authority, and living fully. Ian's characterization was a little unusual in that he's spent most of his youth and early adulthood self-medicating away from reality with the booze, but now lives a very full and self aware life, without much consideration of why he turned to alcohol or what function it served for him.

The church and Paul's deceased wife are never far away from Paul and Ian; "Saint Sara" is almost more oppressive than centuries of dogma. Ian feels that she's on a pedestal, being a woman and dead, and that he can't compete. Paul can't quite shake his anger that Ian had a life before him, with sex that might or might not have been meaningful. Neither is quite secure in believing in his place in the other man's life, and then there's the church, that 800 lb disapproving gorilla.

The story is told in a distant third person, nearly omniscient viewpoint, separating reader and protagonists. The omniscience isn't quite complete, since it dips infrequently into Ian's head, more often telling us Paul's thoughts, memories, and backstory. The invisible narrator (it does not "feel" like Paul's mind) pauses often to muse on the nature of friendship, relationships, communities, other people's life stories, and more, before returning to the action at hand. The few times the story truly showed us their growth, such as the "decorate-the-Christmas tree" scene, came as a great narrative relief. The effect is very literary and a little dry, reminding us that the primary romance is between Paul and religion. Perhaps Ian's greatest gift to Paul is reminding him that God, religion, and the church are not one and the same.

Approach Angel as a literary quest and questioning of Christian attitudes to homosexuality and love, not as a romance, and it will be a more satisfying read; the story and Ian raise some extremely good points.

[Alex Stargazer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura Lee’s Angel is a rather unusual book. It intermixes a love story between two men with theology and religious imagery—a combination that typically does not end well. The short of it is that Lee successfully interweaves the two, but that other failures let the book down.

This review will be unusually brief, by my standards in any case, but you can blame it on my efforts in writing. In any case: this review is not about me.

Instead, allow me to introduce to you some aspects of the book. Lee opens her gambit when Paul, the minister, has a vision: he sees an angel, a radiant being, and a woman. But the person he mistakes for an angel is in fact a man—his name being Ian.

I must say I was somewhat surprised by this. Numerous possible explanations were available—but the author never provided a clear explanation. How Paul came to love Ian (and how he suddenly became gay) was left open to ambiguity. As a plot device, it was successful in piquing my interest; but somehow it left me a little disappointed. A case of too many unanswered questions, if you will.

In any case, there are some strong elements to this book. Paul and Ian’s relationship was sweetly done: genuine, touching, at times fraught, and at others erotic. Their personalities are different in so many regards—Paul is much older than Ian, he is a minister where Ian is an alcoholic—and yet they seemed to be well suited to one another. A case of yin and yang, perhaps, or more simply: a case where mutual love can eclipse otherwise impassable differences.

Plot-wise, well, Angel is your typical romance novel. The only real source of tension was with the church (and anyone could have seen that coming a mile away). This is not to say that the plot was poorly executed, or dull; but nor did it hold me on the edge of my seat, so to speak.

As for Lee’s writing style, I would describe it as fluent, competent, and at times evocative. She is certainly a capable wordsmith: her mountain imagery was particularly well executed. Nonetheless, she is not up to the awesome power of the likes of Stephen King. But then, maybe I ought not judge too harshly.

Overall, I found Angel to be an enjoyable read—for the most part. The two protagonists had a strange relationship, a mixture of unexpected love and expected hardship. The characterisation was competent—though not mind-blowing. I enjoyed the literary themes, and the plot succeeded in not boring me.

I was somewhat disappointed by the ending, I admit, but I do understand why Lee wanted to finish it as she did.

On the whole Angel is a readable book, but not one that kept me up at night.

Rating: 3/5

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also post on Book Reviews & More by Kathy.

Laura Lee’s Angel is a thought provoking faith-based male/male romance. It is a realistic and emotional story that is quite compelling and full of emotions. It will challenge the reader to contemplate how many religions handle the subject of homosexuality in both their clergy and their congregation. It will also raise questions about how your own personal beliefs fit in with your church’s stance and teachings.

In the aftermath of his beloved wife’s death, Paul Tobin’s passion for his ministry has waned and he is basically going through the motions as he performs his religious duties. But his chance meeting with the much younger Ian Finnerty proves to be life altering in many ways. Ian is an alcoholic gay man whose life is dramatically different from Paul’s. Ian has no faith and he drinks his way from one night stand to another. In helping Ian conquer his addiction to alcohol, Paul finds the inspiration he has lost. But it is his attraction to Ian that brings the most changes to his life. Paul must reconcile his newfound sexuality with his own lifelong beliefs as well as those of his church and his congregation.

Angel is a very contemplative and spiritual novel. It is a little slow moving in the beginning, but it gains momentum once Ian and Paul begin their relationship. There is an emotional intimacy between Paul and Ian that initially brings the two men together and their transition from friends to lovers is unhurried. While Angel is a romance, it is not an erotic romance, and their sex scenes are not graphic.

Ian and Paul’s theological discussions are quite detailed and informative. It is through these talks that Paul finds a renewed zeal for his ministry and Ian gains a better understanding of religion. Paul is often at odds with his own convictions and he struggles with his emerging sexual attraction and love for Ian.

Angel by Laura Lee is an insightful view into the intricacies of religion and homosexuality. This beautifully written and moving work of literary fiction challenges the reader to examine what it means to be a Christian.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

[Lindsey ( United By Books Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul lost his wife six years ago to cancer and since then he finds himself just going through the motions of the day. Nothing makes him feel as alive as he did when she was alive. Then one day upon visiting her grave he asked, for a sign. Anything to give him some direction in his life. Upon returning to the church to carry on with his ministerial duties he gazes upon what he thinks is a beautiful Angel. Only to realize this Angel is a male with beautiful angelic features. After that one sighting Paul finds himself drawn to this Angel known as Ian a young man who was there for AA hoping to get his drinking problem under control. Paul finds himself constantly thinking, hoping, and having a few fantasies about Ian. Soon Paul winds up helping Ian out. After a while they both give in to their attraction, the fantasy and become a couple.

Everybody has those certain books they dread reading. It can be because they are scared it won't live up to what they hope or maybe it's not their genre . Some will look at the blurb of this book and just pass it by because it may make them uncomfortable. Heck, I'm very open minded about M/M books . I find some hot but even this one made me feel a twinge of uneasiness to read it. Why, because it mixed in another controversial issue and that is religion. I have to give it up to Lee for taking a risk with two very controversial issues and writing a well written book. I went in to it even though I was a bit hesitant at first, with an open mind and found myself really enjoying how the characters each progressed and felt out their feelings. Though, she teases the readers with hooking up she doesn't go into full blown descriptions. It will makes you think about your own opinions,thoughts as well as beliefs. I know it did for me. I also think I progressed in my thoughts after reading this book. One of the joys about being a reviewer is you read books you normally wouldn't and you find there are some you may really enjoy. Angel is definitely worth the read and I wouldn't pass it up just because the blurb may make you hesitate. I believe there was this book is meant to show us lessons to be learned. Lee has created a provocative and sure to be controversial read. I enjoyed having my hesitation turned around into a reading enjoyment.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conflict starter that will cause many people to pause, think and react. Some will be negative and will not look twice at this book, others will maybe give it a second thought, even read the book and turn away and others will be confronted with their believes, forced to see.
I loved the fact that she used Mountain Rainier as a focal point and comparison to the two main characters in the book. I wanted to know if this mountain which she referred to often really exist and found beautiful pictures of it.
We have Paul Tobit, minister and lost soul that went through the motion of life without really experiencing it. When his angel appears one day in front of him while in church he thought he had a vision. A vision so clear that he knew it was from God. No questions asked. He just believed. The fact that the angel was a real live person in the form of Ian Finnerty, an alcohol addict and gay did not threw him for a loop.
He accepted this young man in his life and loved him with out question or doubt. He experienced life once again, he had a reason to stand up and do the work he loved. Serving God and his community. He reached out and helped the young man back on his feet, the interaction between the two was a natural process, not forced or coerced by the author.
The story line was flawlessly written, keeping a steady pace as the relationship unfolds into a passionate romance. The two characters personas cleverly orchestrated so that you could see them in your minds eye, caring for them and at times wishing you could help them. But as the story progressed you knew that the end result will be painful. Hearts will be broken and believes will be shattered.
But just as the mountain, that is rock solid Paul's faith in God will be unwavered without bitterness or heart ache and he will embrace a new life. Even if they knew they sat on a live volcano it did not stop Paul to follow his heart because he knew God was still in control.
The book was written with great compassion, the author's dry wit seeping through the pages and held your attention till the last page. A book I can recommend to people that do not mind to be challenged seeing the beauty of the mountain rather wondering when the volcano will erupt.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

While presenting a beautiful and enticing story to read, the author also forces you to re-evaluate and examine everything, as you get to see Paul and his journey of discovery. Paul is forced to examine his beliefs after realizing that the angelic man who he stumbled upon in the narthex was occupying his head and his heart in a way nothing had before. Contrasting what he now feels and knows, against the proclamations of his church, and the disapproval of his congregation; one crisis in Paul’s life is being replaced with another that will adjust his entire view on the world forevermore.

To simply label this book Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, GBLT Erotica, General Erotica and Religion & Spirituality Romance, as well as Contemporary Romance does not acknowledge the emotional impact of the story, nor do the writer justice. It truly is literary fiction, with multiple influences, great impact and a message for love being present in many ways, and from many sources.

This is not a GBLT erotic novel – the sex is not detailed, and although there is a love between two men, the more graphic and impactful scenes are brought by the poetic writing and descriptions of the emotional intimacy achieved between the two characters. However, it seems to be a need of publishers and readers to narrowly define genres, and most books with M/M intimate relationships seem to carry this marker.

What emerges is a surprisingly complex novel, able to incite discussion and evoke thought. The placement of excerpts, some theological others from historic texts but all focusing on mountains: their meaning and religious significance as the story progresses, subtly indicate the content and impact of each chapter as the story progresses to reach an inevitable climax.

I was provided a copy of the book by the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.