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The Angelic Letters #3
Angel of Thanksgiving
This may be the single most moving book you will read this year--or in your life time. Henry and Julean couldn't be happier. With a new baby, a new home and Henry's new job, everything is turning out perfectly for the young couple. Or is it? No matter what he does, Henry can't seem to shake the memory of Jenny from his mind or the love he still feels for her from his heart. Little does he know, his wife is all-too-aware of Henry's hidden thoughts and feelings for his first love. Meanwhile, Father Engelmann, who has returned from seminary school and is creating a sensation as the new parish priest with his powerful life lessons, seems to be caught in the middle when both Henry and Julean confess to him about Jenny. What can be done? And will Jenny finally give in to James' persistent proposals realizing that once married, the chance that she would ever reunite with Henry would be gone forever? Spanning two decades, Angel of Thanksgiving takes the reader on an incredible journey of faith, hope and love. As we see Henry and Jenny's lives unfolding separately and so far apart, will destiny bring them together again? Timeless Biblical themes as surrendering to God's will, forgiveness, and unconditional love are beautifully portrayed through unforgettable, real-life characters in this compelling, hard to put down novel. Angel of Thanksgiving will surely move readers to tears and laughter; inspire, touch and delight them as deeply as the first two bestselling books in the "Angelic Letters Series," Pewter Angels and Another Angel of Love... if not more!
578 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
21 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Henry K. Ripplinger
12 books40 followersHenry Ripplinger is an award winning, best¬selling author of Pewter Angels, Another Angel of Love, Angel of Thanksgiving, The Angelic Occurrence, Angel Promises Fulfilled, The House Where Angels Dwell and The Heart of an Angel, in the seven book series “The Angelic Letters.” The overwhelming response by readers to Henry’s novels gives testimony to Henry’s gifts as an author to write books that touch human hearts and offer direction to their lives.
Henry’s empathetic abilities, combined with his lifelong experience and eclectic career as an educator, guidance counselor, professional artist and businessman, prepared him to craft this inspirational, spirit-filled love story and indirectly realize his aspirations of writing a self-development book.
Henry is also one of Canada’s foremost prairie artists. His work is on display at private and corporate collections across Canada, most notably in Saskatchewan, his home province, and can be seen in the critically acclaimed book, If You’re Not from the Prairie which he illustrated.
As both author and artist, Henry communicates from the heart, painting pictures with words that are vivid and real. Readers can feel and visualize every aspect of their own lives intertwined with the lives of his beloved characters.
Henry resides with his wife in the panoramic valley setting of Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their four children, two boys and two girls are married and raising families of their own.
E-mail Henry at: henry@henryripplinger.com or visit the web-site: www.henryripplinger.com for more information on Henry’s work and art. He would love to hear from you!
Henry’s empathetic abilities, combined with his lifelong experience and eclectic career as an educator, guidance counselor, professional artist and businessman, prepared him to craft this inspirational, spirit-filled love story and indirectly realize his aspirations of writing a self-development book.
Henry is also one of Canada’s foremost prairie artists. His work is on display at private and corporate collections across Canada, most notably in Saskatchewan, his home province, and can be seen in the critically acclaimed book, If You’re Not from the Prairie which he illustrated.
As both author and artist, Henry communicates from the heart, painting pictures with words that are vivid and real. Readers can feel and visualize every aspect of their own lives intertwined with the lives of his beloved characters.
Henry resides with his wife in the panoramic valley setting of Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their four children, two boys and two girls are married and raising families of their own.
E-mail Henry at: henry@henryripplinger.com or visit the web-site: www.henryripplinger.com for more information on Henry’s work and art. He would love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 7, 2017
This book was disappointing, as is this series. I won't be reading any more. Two Reasons Why a) The Writing b) the supposedly Christian message.
a) The storyline really drags, is poorly plotted, and seriously needs an editor. For instance, seriously -- who is interested in pages and pages about the play-by-play of the 1966 Grey Cup? Yawn... Or pages and pages of a sermon by Fr. Engelmann, much of which is just scriptural verses? Much of the book seems like click-bait -- you just keep pressing the button on your Kindle to continue to another page and another and another until you get some actual action.
b) As a Christian, I am also quite disturbed by the messages this ostensibly Christian book sells:
1) It really bothers me that the whole series is based on a teenage summer crush which is totally blown out of proportion. What's more, it causes the teen heroes, Hank and Jenny, to sin for the rest of their lives. The purportedly Christian Hank ends up committing adultery in his heart for most of his marriage to another woman, though he prays daily and goes to confession and claims to be such a great Christian. Rape victim Jenny ends up in an abusive marriage, and is estranged from her children -- but is presented as a blessed martyr for her suffering. Her Christianity is rather "New-Agey" with its relationship to nature and angels.
2) Almost all of the plot in these novels is caused by sinful actions, not by any Christian virtues. For instance, Jenny is raped, Henry and Jenny are kept apart by Jenny's alcoholic father and lying mother, etc. Throughout the book lies and secrets prevail, not the truth... Christ thus does not seem victorious in these books; rather, the Father of Lies wins almost every time. The whole book seems to be a cautionary manual on how continue to sin all life long.
3) As a woman, the portrayal of woman -- as long-suffering victims -- really bothers me. Jenny seems to receive her halo because of all the abuse she valiantly suffers, be it rape, an abusive husband, giving her child for adoption, being estranged from her second son...etc Similarly, Julean (Henry's wife and mother of his four kids) puts up with Hank's adultery all her life, and instead of confronting him, constantly suggests that polygamy might solve their problems...
By contrast, Hank the main male in these books succeeds in all he does, though is constantly sinning in his heart and is fundamentally a coward. But no -- he is a great teacher, then a great counselor, then a great painter, then he successfully builds houses etc. Most importantly he is a great husband and father though it's obvious to the reader he is in love with another woman. Ugh -- it's just really annoying that he never suffers in the way that the female characters do! On the contrary he causes much of their suffering because he is not man enough to be honest or brave like a good Christian should be.
Anyways, I really wanted this series to be better, so I kept reading. But I am stopping now, because a) the storyline just drags on and b) the Christian messages are suspect.
a) The storyline really drags, is poorly plotted, and seriously needs an editor. For instance, seriously -- who is interested in pages and pages about the play-by-play of the 1966 Grey Cup? Yawn... Or pages and pages of a sermon by Fr. Engelmann, much of which is just scriptural verses? Much of the book seems like click-bait -- you just keep pressing the button on your Kindle to continue to another page and another and another until you get some actual action.
b) As a Christian, I am also quite disturbed by the messages this ostensibly Christian book sells:
1) It really bothers me that the whole series is based on a teenage summer crush which is totally blown out of proportion. What's more, it causes the teen heroes, Hank and Jenny, to sin for the rest of their lives. The purportedly Christian Hank ends up committing adultery in his heart for most of his marriage to another woman, though he prays daily and goes to confession and claims to be such a great Christian. Rape victim Jenny ends up in an abusive marriage, and is estranged from her children -- but is presented as a blessed martyr for her suffering. Her Christianity is rather "New-Agey" with its relationship to nature and angels.
2) Almost all of the plot in these novels is caused by sinful actions, not by any Christian virtues. For instance, Jenny is raped, Henry and Jenny are kept apart by Jenny's alcoholic father and lying mother, etc. Throughout the book lies and secrets prevail, not the truth... Christ thus does not seem victorious in these books; rather, the Father of Lies wins almost every time. The whole book seems to be a cautionary manual on how continue to sin all life long.
3) As a woman, the portrayal of woman -- as long-suffering victims -- really bothers me. Jenny seems to receive her halo because of all the abuse she valiantly suffers, be it rape, an abusive husband, giving her child for adoption, being estranged from her second son...etc Similarly, Julean (Henry's wife and mother of his four kids) puts up with Hank's adultery all her life, and instead of confronting him, constantly suggests that polygamy might solve their problems...
By contrast, Hank the main male in these books succeeds in all he does, though is constantly sinning in his heart and is fundamentally a coward. But no -- he is a great teacher, then a great counselor, then a great painter, then he successfully builds houses etc. Most importantly he is a great husband and father though it's obvious to the reader he is in love with another woman. Ugh -- it's just really annoying that he never suffers in the way that the female characters do! On the contrary he causes much of their suffering because he is not man enough to be honest or brave like a good Christian should be.
Anyways, I really wanted this series to be better, so I kept reading. But I am stopping now, because a) the storyline just drags on and b) the Christian messages are suspect.
Read
November 1, 2012Great book! Because this is a series, one is left 'wanting more'. Can't wait for the next!
April 24, 2013
This book was very heartfelt, moving, and makes me want more. It was well written and has taught me valuable lessons to learn every day of my life.
February 15, 2021
I enjoyed this book much more than the second book.
May 31, 2025
The whole series is phenomenal. I couldn’t wait to get the second book third book, loved them all
Read
October 15, 2025Years have gone by, Henry and Julean have gotten married and trying to finish up college while starting a family. Mr. Eaglemann is back , loving priesthood all the more and still giving wise counsel to Henry and now to Julean.
Henry keeps having nightmares about Jenny around the same date year after year, July 6th, some times it gets stronger and other times they seem to pass. With the new baby on its way, he is dreaming less and he credits it to getting up early to meditate and pray for the new baby’s safety. What he does not know but the reader does is July 6th was when Jenny had her baby girl years ago.
” Julean, that’s incredible…” Henry was almost at a loss for words. What happened to Julean was describing was nearly identical to what had happened to him when he had spotted the peter angel for Jenny. But what Julean said next ran goosebumps up and down his spine for it was exactly what had happened to him.
“Yes, but when I went into the store, I was told the ornament was only on display and not for sale. Just then, the manager appeared so I asked him very nicely if I could purchase the pewter angel as a gift for my dear husband and he said yes! Once I paid him for it and left, I wanted to thank the Salvation Army Santa– after all , if it hadn’t been for him jingling the bells in front of the Eaton’s display window I never would have noticed the angel in the first place- but when I got out to the street, the Santa was gone and nowhere to be seen…”. Wow!
I loved Jenny’s description to Chloe about dying when her mom died.——-“Well Chloe, in a similar way , that is what has happened to your mom and will happen to all of us. She too was born of an egg that started in her mother’s womb and then she was born. She lived her life over many years, growing in body and spirit. And then she came to the end of her life. The moment she died on the outside, a miracle happened on the inside. The spirit that was in her body while she was alive, left her body and emerged as a beautiful, free spirit like an angel in God’s kingdom called heaven.” What a beautiful description of dying and what a perfect way to say it to a young child.
Jenny didn’t listen to her own forewarnings that James was a rough man who wouldn’t treat her right and got married to him in a quick wedding -that should have been a huge sign he just wanted to control everything and rush things. He never did stop controlling Jenny from the way she spoke to the hired hands down to the way she was raising her own son. Right after his birth, he made her feel inadequate in the way she couldn’t feed him right away and the hired hands helped her get her son to herself and away from her husband to feed,care, and love on him.
The more you hear about James the more you want to protect Jenny from him and tell Jenny to run- run far,far away from James with her baby. It doesn’t matter if its hundreds of years ago or today, once abusive they are almost always abusive and tough to get out of the situation and that is sad.
The minute Henry picked up Eddy and Eddy started talking about his girlfriend and the sister of hers who is a cook, I started getting chills thinking would this connection link Henry to Jenny some day?
Jenny and James are no longer a couple in any sense but a marriage license and their son soon starts to despise her when he sees her being kissed on the check by the neighborhood book shop owner and she is in a stand still when she see’s J.J. ‘s face exactly like his father’s features. He stops seeing her and taking her calls making her feel even more alone and rejected and misses Henry even more.
The person Julian saves that wintry day in the car becomes the same guy who took part in raping Jenny all those years ago and when things take a turn for the worse, the family loses Julian and once again Henry feels ripped away from his beloved, and angry all over again to the same guy for destroying the woman he loved. You see the battle Henry has within himself and the talks Father Eaglemann has with him about his two loves and the life Julian and Henry shared, the loss her and Jenny as well.
" But it was the last thing Julean had in her hands before she died. It was what she loved so much and I wanted to feel that love and touch through the rosary.I thought it might be difficult to remove the rosary as it was threaded in and out of her fingers. Would I even be able to remove it? but when I touched her hand there was no stiffness or coldness. Her hand was warm and soft and so tender and pliable, Father, like she was alive. Her fingers opened easily,it was as if she was handing it to me...it was her last gift to me...her gift of love and faith".
The book grips you at the end until you have to read faster and leaves you with a cliff hanger about the girl his oldest son brings home and you have to race out to get the next book to find out what happens
Henry keeps having nightmares about Jenny around the same date year after year, July 6th, some times it gets stronger and other times they seem to pass. With the new baby on its way, he is dreaming less and he credits it to getting up early to meditate and pray for the new baby’s safety. What he does not know but the reader does is July 6th was when Jenny had her baby girl years ago.
” Julean, that’s incredible…” Henry was almost at a loss for words. What happened to Julean was describing was nearly identical to what had happened to him when he had spotted the peter angel for Jenny. But what Julean said next ran goosebumps up and down his spine for it was exactly what had happened to him.
“Yes, but when I went into the store, I was told the ornament was only on display and not for sale. Just then, the manager appeared so I asked him very nicely if I could purchase the pewter angel as a gift for my dear husband and he said yes! Once I paid him for it and left, I wanted to thank the Salvation Army Santa– after all , if it hadn’t been for him jingling the bells in front of the Eaton’s display window I never would have noticed the angel in the first place- but when I got out to the street, the Santa was gone and nowhere to be seen…”. Wow!
I loved Jenny’s description to Chloe about dying when her mom died.——-“Well Chloe, in a similar way , that is what has happened to your mom and will happen to all of us. She too was born of an egg that started in her mother’s womb and then she was born. She lived her life over many years, growing in body and spirit. And then she came to the end of her life. The moment she died on the outside, a miracle happened on the inside. The spirit that was in her body while she was alive, left her body and emerged as a beautiful, free spirit like an angel in God’s kingdom called heaven.” What a beautiful description of dying and what a perfect way to say it to a young child.
Jenny didn’t listen to her own forewarnings that James was a rough man who wouldn’t treat her right and got married to him in a quick wedding -that should have been a huge sign he just wanted to control everything and rush things. He never did stop controlling Jenny from the way she spoke to the hired hands down to the way she was raising her own son. Right after his birth, he made her feel inadequate in the way she couldn’t feed him right away and the hired hands helped her get her son to herself and away from her husband to feed,care, and love on him.
The more you hear about James the more you want to protect Jenny from him and tell Jenny to run- run far,far away from James with her baby. It doesn’t matter if its hundreds of years ago or today, once abusive they are almost always abusive and tough to get out of the situation and that is sad.
The minute Henry picked up Eddy and Eddy started talking about his girlfriend and the sister of hers who is a cook, I started getting chills thinking would this connection link Henry to Jenny some day?
Jenny and James are no longer a couple in any sense but a marriage license and their son soon starts to despise her when he sees her being kissed on the check by the neighborhood book shop owner and she is in a stand still when she see’s J.J. ‘s face exactly like his father’s features. He stops seeing her and taking her calls making her feel even more alone and rejected and misses Henry even more.
The person Julian saves that wintry day in the car becomes the same guy who took part in raping Jenny all those years ago and when things take a turn for the worse, the family loses Julian and once again Henry feels ripped away from his beloved, and angry all over again to the same guy for destroying the woman he loved. You see the battle Henry has within himself and the talks Father Eaglemann has with him about his two loves and the life Julian and Henry shared, the loss her and Jenny as well.
" But it was the last thing Julean had in her hands before she died. It was what she loved so much and I wanted to feel that love and touch through the rosary.I thought it might be difficult to remove the rosary as it was threaded in and out of her fingers. Would I even be able to remove it? but when I touched her hand there was no stiffness or coldness. Her hand was warm and soft and so tender and pliable, Father, like she was alive. Her fingers opened easily,it was as if she was handing it to me...it was her last gift to me...her gift of love and faith".
The book grips you at the end until you have to read faster and leaves you with a cliff hanger about the girl his oldest son brings home and you have to race out to get the next book to find out what happens
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2017
Excellent Reading
October 17, 2014
Henry and Julean couldn't be happier. With a new baby, a new home and Henry's new job, everything is turning out perfectly for the young couple. Or is it? No matter what he does, Henry can't seem to shake the memory of Jenny from his mind or the love he still feels for her from his heart. Little does he know, his wife is all-too-aware of Henry's hidden thoughts and feelings for his first love. Meanwhile, Father Engelmann, who has returned from seminary school and is creating a sensation as the new parish priest with his powerful life lessons, seems to be caught in the middle when both Henry and Julean confess to him about Jenny. What can be done? And will Jenny finally give in to James' persistent proposals realizing that once married, the chance that she would ever reunite with Henry would be gone forever? Spanning two decades, Angel of Thanksgiving takes the reader on an incredible journey of faith, hope and love. As we see Henry and Jenny's lives unfolding separately and so far apart, will destiny bring them together again? Timeless Biblical themes as surrendering to God's will, forgiveness, and unconditional love are beautifully portrayed through unforgettable, real-life characters in this compelling, hard to put down novel. Angel of Thanksgiving will surely move readers to tears and laughter; inspire, touch and delight them.
September 13, 2016
A whirlwind of emotions, progress and disappointment all wrapped up in another beautiful package. The continuation of Henry and Jenny's story of love, heartbreak and separation while they grow and learn to live their own lives with the hope they will meet again.
Spanning over a greater time frame than the first two books of the series, Henry closed the gaps beautifully and seamlessly to ensure it was easy to follow. I was having a hard time putting the book down to get anything done as each chapter ended remarkably.
Religion has always been a constant in my life and seeing it written in this manner certainly reintroduces how much strength it can provide.
I'm eager to read the next one and have my fingers crossed all that needs to happen will do so soon!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
Spanning over a greater time frame than the first two books of the series, Henry closed the gaps beautifully and seamlessly to ensure it was easy to follow. I was having a hard time putting the book down to get anything done as each chapter ended remarkably.
Religion has always been a constant in my life and seeing it written in this manner certainly reintroduces how much strength it can provide.
I'm eager to read the next one and have my fingers crossed all that needs to happen will do so soon!
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland
August 17, 2013
The continuing story of Henry. I loved the characters Julean and Jenny. How each deals with her personal trials is remarkable and inspirational. The cliffhanger ending left you wanting more. Many lessons here which one should remember! I loved it and am looking at the next book wondering if I should read it now or save for a time when I need inspiration again!?
Many quotes for my reading journal!
Many quotes for my reading journal!
September 8, 2014
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was exciting to see the progression of the characters and of course the lessons are always a good reminder of how we should live life. It is incredible to actually see what can happen when we try to take life into our own hands, try to demand the outcome of a situation.....how many lives can be affected, how many different paths and possibilities that our decisions can have a direct impact on. Looking forward to book #4!
Read
June 20, 2013the ending was pleasantly done and i can't wait for the next three. I had all of my books signed by Henry and that was the biggest highlight of my reading so far i have never had a book personally signed and met the author. It put a whole new perspective on reading. I loved the experience and hope to see Henry again when i buy the next three.
November 24, 2014
This book was very very good. I think it's the best of the series so far. there is a lot of things happening in this book which will make you cry, smile, and even laugh. there were many times that it was so intense, I just couldn't stop reading. I found this book not as preachy as the others and full of very profound life lessons; many I could relate to. I can't wait to read the next book.
January 17, 2015
Great continuation of the love story between Jenny and Henry.....Found this third book to be very interesting and enjoyable to follow.....only one complaint...that was when Julean talks about Henry having a second wife....little to obsessive about that issue in my opinion...other than that..good read.
March 31, 2014
I love the story line of this series of books; however, it seems to be dragging on quite a bit. Still a worthwhile and interesting read though. I plan on reading the remaining two books because I need to know what happens to the characters.
July 31, 2012
This one is the best of the three so far. The plot is more interesting - even if it is unbelievable. Still a nice story though and I will see the series through.
October 3, 2012
3rd in the series and it left me wanting more....much more.
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March 6, 2013not relly liking the way it ended as i don't think the adoptive parents would keep the birth name
February 13, 2013
Truthfully I just skimmed it. I bought it for my mom and wanted to know the general plot.
July 23, 2014
cliffhanger at the end! Must get book 4now. I am officially addicted.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews