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The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
In Marcia Meara's second installment of The Emissary Trilogy, a Riverbend spinoff series of novellas, we find our three heroes at it again. Beautiful new places, exciting new adventures, and a whole assortment of new problems await them, bringing tears, laughter, and an extraordinary amount of love along with them.
They’re back!
Jake and Dodger, the first (and so far, only) Emissaries to the Angels, are on the road again.
They’re looking for mortals about to take a wrong turn. You know the ones—the kid thinking about stealing from a corner market or the man planning to lie about a coworker and destroy her career. Yeah, them. People on the brink of making a mistake that could send them down that wrong road and jeopardize their mortal souls.
Of course, there are rules by which the emissaries must play, and the archangel Azrael stands ready to enforce them. First and foremost, a person’s free will must never be compromised. Emissaries are allowed to use only the smallest of mental nudges. Thankfully, a whispered suggestion here or images of a better course of action there is usually all it takes. The potential mugger walks on by. The thief drops the wallet back into the unattended purse. But whether the results are obvious or not, Jake and Dodger are fully committed to making a positive difference, even as they struggle with issues of their own.
Will Dodger get over losing his chance to learn what true love is all about? Will Jake survive the grueling angelic equivalent of Boot Camp? Will Azrael ever finish the Official Emissarial Guidebook—including the chapter titled Do Not Even Think About It?
One thing’s for sure—Jake’s and Dodger’s strengths are growing daily, as they help more and more people make better choices. But is the price for so much power higher than they’re willing to pay?
They’re back!
Jake and Dodger, the first (and so far, only) Emissaries to the Angels, are on the road again.
They’re looking for mortals about to take a wrong turn. You know the ones—the kid thinking about stealing from a corner market or the man planning to lie about a coworker and destroy her career. Yeah, them. People on the brink of making a mistake that could send them down that wrong road and jeopardize their mortal souls.
Of course, there are rules by which the emissaries must play, and the archangel Azrael stands ready to enforce them. First and foremost, a person’s free will must never be compromised. Emissaries are allowed to use only the smallest of mental nudges. Thankfully, a whispered suggestion here or images of a better course of action there is usually all it takes. The potential mugger walks on by. The thief drops the wallet back into the unattended purse. But whether the results are obvious or not, Jake and Dodger are fully committed to making a positive difference, even as they struggle with issues of their own.
Will Dodger get over losing his chance to learn what true love is all about? Will Jake survive the grueling angelic equivalent of Boot Camp? Will Azrael ever finish the Official Emissarial Guidebook—including the chapter titled Do Not Even Think About It?
One thing’s for sure—Jake’s and Dodger’s strengths are growing daily, as they help more and more people make better choices. But is the price for so much power higher than they’re willing to pay?
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2018
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Meara
14 books58 followersMarcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years and four big cats.
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she's good with that.
Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it's never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?
CONTACT MARCIA HERE:
The Write Stuff: http://marciamearawrites.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara...
Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara
Twitter: @marciameara
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marciameara/
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MARCIA'S BOOKS:
Wake-Robin Ridge
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
Swamp Ghosts: A Riverbend Novel
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3
The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3: Love Hurts
The Emissary Trilogy
Summer Magic: Poems of Life & Love
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she's good with that.
Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it's never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?
CONTACT MARCIA HERE:
The Write Stuff: http://marciamearawrites.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara...
Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara
Twitter: @marciameara
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marciameara/
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MARCIA'S BOOKS:
Wake-Robin Ridge
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
Swamp Ghosts: A Riverbend Novel
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3
The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3: Love Hurts
The Emissary Trilogy
Summer Magic: Poems of Life & Love
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 26, 2018
4.5*
Jake and his protégé, Dodger are learning more about being Emissaries—and about each other. Jake is saddened at Dodger’s confession that he has never felt loved and not only that, he’s also missed the chance of knowing what it’s like to fall in love. Dodger was a very troubled young man when Jake helped him and took him on. It ended in tears, literally on Jake’s part, but the Archangel Azrael granted Dodger’s wish and brought him back to partner Jake in their emissarial work. The two have formed a close bond and work well together.
Azrael seems to have mellowed slightly since we first met him, although he still has a pretty scary temper at times. He’s on a learning curve too, never having had such close communications with humans and so is unfamiliar with their emotional needs. He does his best to help when needed, even as it frustrates him on occasion.
Jake and Dodger find out just how hard a task master Azrael can be as they learn to harness and control their increasing power under the angel’s unrelenting tutoring.
The characters continue to develop and the bond, which becomes more like a father/son relationship, between Jake and Dodger strengthens. Dodger is learning to manage his feelings of insecurity now he knows how much Jake and Azrael care for him. This story is mostly about relationships although the two emissaries do get to use their persuasive influence even if it’s not all plain sailing. They have to get to grips with the knowledge they can’t save everyone and free will must never be jeopardized.
A well written, entertaining story with empathetic, well fleshed out characters.
Jake and his protégé, Dodger are learning more about being Emissaries—and about each other. Jake is saddened at Dodger’s confession that he has never felt loved and not only that, he’s also missed the chance of knowing what it’s like to fall in love. Dodger was a very troubled young man when Jake helped him and took him on. It ended in tears, literally on Jake’s part, but the Archangel Azrael granted Dodger’s wish and brought him back to partner Jake in their emissarial work. The two have formed a close bond and work well together.
Azrael seems to have mellowed slightly since we first met him, although he still has a pretty scary temper at times. He’s on a learning curve too, never having had such close communications with humans and so is unfamiliar with their emotional needs. He does his best to help when needed, even as it frustrates him on occasion.
Jake and Dodger find out just how hard a task master Azrael can be as they learn to harness and control their increasing power under the angel’s unrelenting tutoring.
The characters continue to develop and the bond, which becomes more like a father/son relationship, between Jake and Dodger strengthens. Dodger is learning to manage his feelings of insecurity now he knows how much Jake and Azrael care for him. This story is mostly about relationships although the two emissaries do get to use their persuasive influence even if it’s not all plain sailing. They have to get to grips with the knowledge they can’t save everyone and free will must never be jeopardized.
A well written, entertaining story with empathetic, well fleshed out characters.
November 16, 2018
Jake and Dodger return for more adventures, looking for mortals to nudge away from making those wrong choices that ruin lives. They, and Azrael, are making up the rules as they go along, which leads to complications, as does Dodger’s realisation that having died so young, there are some things he’s missed out on.
This novella follows on directly from The Emissary, and you’ll need to read that first to grasp quite what is going on. As I’ve come to expect from this author, the writing is impeccable, the dialogue superb and often marvellously witty, the characters deeply engaging, and the exploration of human nature by turn, tragic and uplifting. Jake and Dodger have much to learn, and this book takes them a long way along that road in a very satisfying manner.
This does read as the middle of a book (which I believe it will be, once all three parts are released), and as such, I missed the driving force of an urgent plot, meaning I read it at a leisurely pace, rather than an obsessive one. The scenario at the start is not resolved, although the end of the book promises it might be in the next instalment, which I very much look forward to reading.
I highly recommend these books to anyone with an open mind for the supernatural. Don’t expect kick-ass action, but do read them if you enjoy stories of human nature and drama, with entertaining characters.
This novella follows on directly from The Emissary, and you’ll need to read that first to grasp quite what is going on. As I’ve come to expect from this author, the writing is impeccable, the dialogue superb and often marvellously witty, the characters deeply engaging, and the exploration of human nature by turn, tragic and uplifting. Jake and Dodger have much to learn, and this book takes them a long way along that road in a very satisfying manner.
This does read as the middle of a book (which I believe it will be, once all three parts are released), and as such, I missed the driving force of an urgent plot, meaning I read it at a leisurely pace, rather than an obsessive one. The scenario at the start is not resolved, although the end of the book promises it might be in the next instalment, which I very much look forward to reading.
I highly recommend these books to anyone with an open mind for the supernatural. Don’t expect kick-ass action, but do read them if you enjoy stories of human nature and drama, with entertaining characters.
October 27, 2018
This urban fantasy is a delightful and heartwarming read that combines paranormal elements with the bonds of friendship, loyalty and family. Jake and Dodger are “emissaries” who have been recruited by the Angel Azrael to intercede on Earth when someone is about to do something, well…catastrophic, terrible or dumb. Jake and Dodger have certain rules to follow as they’ve died, yet physically remain on Earth, and can still suffer pain, just not death. They’ve already been there/done that. Now they get to travel around in a big semi rig and help others.
What makes this series (I highly recommend the first Emissary novella if you’ve haven’t already read it) so engaging is the emotional elements the author layers in her plot. Jake and Dodger are on the learning curve this time around, getting accustomed to their powers (under Azrael’s tutelage) while still learning about each other and how they fit into the world. The latter is a particularly rough spot for Dodger given the age at which he died.
As usual for a Marci Meara story there is angst and hardship, but also plenty of triumph and heartwarming moments that result in misty-eyed reading. The bond between Jake and Dodger is wonderfully portrayed, the writing is polished, and the story flows beautifully. All three of these characters, Azrael included, will capture your heart. I love seeing the Archangel tread the line between his extraordinary power, humanity, and his attachment to his emissaries. A fabulous tale!
What makes this series (I highly recommend the first Emissary novella if you’ve haven’t already read it) so engaging is the emotional elements the author layers in her plot. Jake and Dodger are on the learning curve this time around, getting accustomed to their powers (under Azrael’s tutelage) while still learning about each other and how they fit into the world. The latter is a particularly rough spot for Dodger given the age at which he died.
As usual for a Marci Meara story there is angst and hardship, but also plenty of triumph and heartwarming moments that result in misty-eyed reading. The bond between Jake and Dodger is wonderfully portrayed, the writing is polished, and the story flows beautifully. All three of these characters, Azrael included, will capture your heart. I love seeing the Archangel tread the line between his extraordinary power, humanity, and his attachment to his emissaries. A fabulous tale!
December 5, 2018
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
I read this novella straight after finishing the first of the ‘Emissary’ trilogy. It picks up, naturally, from where the other one leaves off and sweeps you along in a tale that captivates and touches your heart in so many ways. It can be read as a standalone but I really recommend that you begin with the first book because it’s a delight in itself and gives you an early insight into the two main characters – Jake and Dodger.
In this tale, the two work together to try to make the world a better place but they have their own issues to deal with, too. Dodger, in particular, has one problem that forms a core part of the book, and, without wishing to give away any spoilers, Marcia handles his worry with a superb touch that lends insight and gravitas to his situation without offending any sensibilities.
This tale blends love, fear, rage and loss and heightens them with a sense of humour that sparkles along, adding a light touch where it’s needed and softening the hurt and pain that confront the emissaries.
Marcia always deals brilliantly and sympathetically with the impact of situations that carry unexpected burdens, letting the reader appreciate through the thought processes and emotional whirlpools of her characters their understandable reactions. Her carefully crafted words flow with an ease that carries you forwards and makes you identify with the three-dimensional people she’s crafted.
If you loved Rabbit or Hunter then you’ll love Jake and Dodger, too, and recognise some of yourself in them. That is why the books have such an impact; we understand how they feel because Marcia has tapped into our own feelings and connected us.
I’m now waiting for the third book and will order it just as soon as it is available.
I read this novella straight after finishing the first of the ‘Emissary’ trilogy. It picks up, naturally, from where the other one leaves off and sweeps you along in a tale that captivates and touches your heart in so many ways. It can be read as a standalone but I really recommend that you begin with the first book because it’s a delight in itself and gives you an early insight into the two main characters – Jake and Dodger.
In this tale, the two work together to try to make the world a better place but they have their own issues to deal with, too. Dodger, in particular, has one problem that forms a core part of the book, and, without wishing to give away any spoilers, Marcia handles his worry with a superb touch that lends insight and gravitas to his situation without offending any sensibilities.
This tale blends love, fear, rage and loss and heightens them with a sense of humour that sparkles along, adding a light touch where it’s needed and softening the hurt and pain that confront the emissaries.
Marcia always deals brilliantly and sympathetically with the impact of situations that carry unexpected burdens, letting the reader appreciate through the thought processes and emotional whirlpools of her characters their understandable reactions. Her carefully crafted words flow with an ease that carries you forwards and makes you identify with the three-dimensional people she’s crafted.
If you loved Rabbit or Hunter then you’ll love Jake and Dodger, too, and recognise some of yourself in them. That is why the books have such an impact; we understand how they feel because Marcia has tapped into our own feelings and connected us.
I’m now waiting for the third book and will order it just as soon as it is available.
December 11, 2018
This is the second novella in the series with the Emissaries, Jake and Dodger, working for Archangel Azrael. There’s the same depth and humor in this heartfelt tale that I enjoyed in “The Emissary”. I loved the developing relationship between Jake and Dodger as they work to save people from themselves. Dodger’s regret adds a new layer to this story. I can’t wait to see how that works out…and how Azrael plays into that. This is a perfect Christmas read, but would be great any time of the year. There was an amazing ending and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. If you haven’t read the first novella--you should--then you can fully enjoy this highly recommended sequel!
October 25, 2019
Delightful writing as two Angel helpers continue to set the world right
I love these books as they are a fun read. The writing style is delightful, the story flows easily and the characters we fell in love with in the first book, continue to develop nicely. The dialogue is totally believable, contemporary and natural. The archangel is an awesome character. The relationship between Jack and Dodger, well established in the first book, continues to grow and deepen. I love how humour is woven in as these two Angel helpers hit the road and tackle some pretty difficult situations. Some very touching moments as well. The writer uses her knowledge of the landscape and wildlife of Florida to paint a vivid picture. And using appropriate song titles for chapter headings is brilliant. I look forward to the third book in this trilogy. Will Dodger find love at last?
I love these books as they are a fun read. The writing style is delightful, the story flows easily and the characters we fell in love with in the first book, continue to develop nicely. The dialogue is totally believable, contemporary and natural. The archangel is an awesome character. The relationship between Jack and Dodger, well established in the first book, continues to grow and deepen. I love how humour is woven in as these two Angel helpers hit the road and tackle some pretty difficult situations. Some very touching moments as well. The writer uses her knowledge of the landscape and wildlife of Florida to paint a vivid picture. And using appropriate song titles for chapter headings is brilliant. I look forward to the third book in this trilogy. Will Dodger find love at last?
December 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Book 1 where we were introduced to Jake who is chosen by the Archangel Azreal to become an emissary to go back to earth and help people in need as well as help to steer them in the right direction. We also met Dodger, a younger man who was also taken under the angel's wings to be groomed as Jake's assistant emissary.
This story follows the relationship that blooms between Jake and Dodger as they continue doing their good deeds while still in training by Azrael on how to become fully experienced new angel assistants. It's a beautiful story about goodness, and heartwarming to read as Jake becomes father-like to Dodger as time passes, filling the void for both with love and compassion for one another, especially Dodger who never knew love from his own father when he was alive.
Meara does a wonderful job with all three of these characters, engaging us into the story and filling our hearts with compassion for these same characters. Even as emissaries, Jake and Dodger live as humans and can still feel pain, despite the fact they can't die again.
This is a novella so I recommend reading Book 1 to familiarize you with the characters, you won't be disappointed.
This story follows the relationship that blooms between Jake and Dodger as they continue doing their good deeds while still in training by Azrael on how to become fully experienced new angel assistants. It's a beautiful story about goodness, and heartwarming to read as Jake becomes father-like to Dodger as time passes, filling the void for both with love and compassion for one another, especially Dodger who never knew love from his own father when he was alive.
Meara does a wonderful job with all three of these characters, engaging us into the story and filling our hearts with compassion for these same characters. Even as emissaries, Jake and Dodger live as humans and can still feel pain, despite the fact they can't die again.
This is a novella so I recommend reading Book 1 to familiarize you with the characters, you won't be disappointed.
November 2, 2018
Not all sweetness and light this time, as Azrael gets serious about equipping both Jake and Dodger for their job of helping souls in trouble.
I loved the chapter about the training session, and how Dodger and Jake reacted to the new strong-arm tactics.
I loved everything about this book just as I did the first in the series.
The way Dodger tries to cope with his insecurities, and Jake’s capable and patient attitude. Azrael had me laughing, he tried hard not to lose it as he struggled to get his point across to these very different personalities.
You never really imagine an angel getting cranky, now do you?
The missing element between Jake and Dodger, always a possible father-son relationship, really gets going in this book. I found it beautifully written and very emotional as I never got to know my own father.
Altogether though, I thought they made a great team as they travel around the country, helping us mortals keep on the straight and narrow.
A subtle reminder that some of us in this world can’t be helped, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to know someone cares enough to try!
I loved the chapter about the training session, and how Dodger and Jake reacted to the new strong-arm tactics.
I loved everything about this book just as I did the first in the series.
The way Dodger tries to cope with his insecurities, and Jake’s capable and patient attitude. Azrael had me laughing, he tried hard not to lose it as he struggled to get his point across to these very different personalities.
You never really imagine an angel getting cranky, now do you?
The missing element between Jake and Dodger, always a possible father-son relationship, really gets going in this book. I found it beautifully written and very emotional as I never got to know my own father.
Altogether though, I thought they made a great team as they travel around the country, helping us mortals keep on the straight and narrow.
A subtle reminder that some of us in this world can’t be helped, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to know someone cares enough to try!
August 10, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in the series and looked forward to this sequel. The story picks up where book one left off and moves deeper into the growing father-son bond between Jake and Dodger. The focus is on the meaningful relationships of life, what was lost as a result of death and ultimately gained. Emissary 2 moves at a gentler pace with less action than in the first book. The characters are consistent with rich emotional lives, and it was interesting to see them developed further, particularly Dodger and the angel Azrael. The story could end here, but there’s a nice set up for a continuation into book three.
August 19, 2023
Another angelic tale from Marcia Meara. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in The Emissary series and look forward to reading the third, and final, one.
As with the first novella, this is well-written and entertaining. The first focused on Jake, who gets “called” to help the slightly frazzled, overwhelmed angels and carry out a plan to recruit some more newly-deceased humans to become emissaries. Enter Dodger. This second book takes us a bit deeper into Dodger’s life (and afterlife) which gives us a glimpse into what his existence on earth was really like.
It also focuses on the relationship between these two friends while they save some souls who may be headed in the wrong direction. An emotional read at times when the relationship becomes more family than friends and Dodger realizes how much he is cared for. It was wonderful to get back into Jake’s world and see what he and Dodger were getting up to. It was good to see “Boss” angel Azrael again, too.
Recommended for fans of this author’s Riverbend series or anyone wanting a quick read with great dialogue and interesting, well-developed characters.
As with the first novella, this is well-written and entertaining. The first focused on Jake, who gets “called” to help the slightly frazzled, overwhelmed angels and carry out a plan to recruit some more newly-deceased humans to become emissaries. Enter Dodger. This second book takes us a bit deeper into Dodger’s life (and afterlife) which gives us a glimpse into what his existence on earth was really like.
It also focuses on the relationship between these two friends while they save some souls who may be headed in the wrong direction. An emotional read at times when the relationship becomes more family than friends and Dodger realizes how much he is cared for. It was wonderful to get back into Jake’s world and see what he and Dodger were getting up to. It was good to see “Boss” angel Azrael again, too.
Recommended for fans of this author’s Riverbend series or anyone wanting a quick read with great dialogue and interesting, well-developed characters.
October 27, 2020
This series captured me from the beginning chapters of book one. I love the idea of emissaries, of those selected upon death to work with angels in saving humans from themselves. This second book continues the saga through Jake and Dodger. As these novices learn and grow into their roles, we learn as well – about life and love, about all that is really important. Meara’s writing is impeccable, and her heartwarming approach left me wanting more. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews