Gabriel, The Training of an Angel

by Diane Rosier Miles

Looking back on his youth from a heaven unconstrained by time, the angel Gabriel writes his memoir to recount his early spiritual formation on Earth with the Hanson family. Sent in 2015 by the Trinity to the Philadelphia suburbs as a guardian for a grieving boy, Gabriel, himself, grows up through both tragic and lighthearted experiences with mortals before traveling back through the ages to announce Christ's birth. Appearing first as a babysitter named Debbie, Gabriel arrives on Earth to help with five-year-old Jon's birthday party. During the celebration, tragedy strikes. Gabriel wings straight back to heaven for guidance and returns to Earth as elderly, homeless Dave Kryzinsky to fulfill his mission-- an assignment that includes defeating the resident fallen spirit, Mourning.

What does Gabriel learn from family life?

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2017

About the author

Diane Rosier Miles was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2009 by Ancient Paths for her short story “Lament.” Around that time, Diane’s writing also appeared in A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women from Adams Media, and in The Secret Place published by Judson Press.

Diane's short story “Sundowner” was published in Litbreak in 2016. Soon after, Diane authored the novella Gabriel, The Training of an Angel and a collection of short stories entitled Gathered at a Bitter Cup. More recently, Diane’s essays have been included in anthologies that accompany artwork displayed by Studio B Fine Art Gallery.

Diane’s latest work is Blood for Sail, a contemporary social issues novel forthcoming in 2022 from the indie imprint Dove in the Wild Wood, which Diane formed primarily to produce her own creative writing. The first chapter of Blood for Sail was excerpted in The Write Launch in 2021.

Diane lives in suburban Philadelphia.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Gabriel, The Training of An Angel in one sitting. I thought it was wonderful to present Gabriel so comfortable talking with the Trinity. We each need to speak so confidently in our daily prayer life. From the start, I thought the description of the Philadelphia train station was so authentic that you felt you were right there smelling the pastries baking and the hustle and bustle of the commuters. It was amusing to picture Gabriel’s entrance into the year 2015 with all the awkwardness of a young teenager. I was very moved by the heart wrenching story of the death of a young child. I grieved with the Hanson family in the tragic loss of their Hannah. The author’s reminder that the human form is only temporary reminds us that God will call us home one day too. Dave was especially portrayed as such a gentle soul, full of wisdom. It made me think that as we go through God’s training, that we all start out so immature in our understanding and devoutness. Over time, our understanding grows too. I reflected that we are all angels in training with the promise of heavenly rewards. We never know what mission God will have us serve. The description of the Hanson’s back yard was very graphic as the Angel of Mourning destroyed all growth and tranquility. It was so sad that the very place that Hannah died was covered up in utter despair. The author helped you to feel great empathy in the prolonged grief and hopelessness of the family. I was moved to tears when Jonathon wanted so desperately to plant seeds throughout the back yard and grow a new sissy. The spunk of the little dachshund Trixie was so loving and protective. We all need a Trixie in our lives! The author has made a terrific contribution to a ‘cubbyhole in heaven’s library’. I find it a very comforting thought that we all have an angel, or two, watching over us. The repeated reference to baking and pastries is evidence that the author’s personality was peeking through her writings. I hope my angel loves chocolate covered donuts, just like me.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gabriel, The Training of an Angel begins right at the creation of Gabriel. Through the eyes of the new angel, we get a unique perspective on heaven and an angel's relationships with Jesus, the Holy Spirit and other angels. But before Gabriel can be the angle that we all know, he must first undergo training... on Earth. He is assigned to be the guardian angel for the youngest member of the Hanson family, a young boy named Jonathan. During this assignment, tragedy strikes the family and it is up to Gabriel to keep a watchful eye on the little boy.

This book is full of lighthearted moments that either give you a little chuckle or just an all-around warm feeling inside. Gabriel, being new to both heaven and earth, is especially amusing as he feels his way through both realms. It was interesting experience as a reader to observe an angel, with direct communication to the Holy Spirit, yet at the same time really doesn't know much and is learning as he goes.

I found my enjoyment growing more and more as I kept reading. This is an excellent,lighthearted, spiritually based novella and I am thankful to Diane Rosier Miles for allowing me the opportunity to read her work.