A Gathering Of Angels

Dorsetville

by Katherine Valentine

In A Miracle for St. Cecilia?s, Katherine Valentine created a charming Connecticut town where ordinary people experience extraordinary things. Now in A Gathering of Angels the citizens of Dorsetville continue to discover the daily wonders of faith. While Father Flaherty toys with taking up kickboxing to trim his growing waistline, another town expansion proves more ominous: Barry Hornibrook, driven to build a riverfront hotel, turns to questionable sources for desperately needed money. But this is Dorsetville, where anything is possible?and by the time this beguiling tale is over, a tragic fire, a German shepherd, and an influx of dentists will all play a role in changing the community forever.

Full of delightful surprises, A Gathering of Angels proves to be another heart- warming tale of hope.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Catholic

275 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2003

Reviews

[Debbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might categorize A Gathering of Angels as a Catholic cozy. It is a sweet if predictable book. Although it isn't what I usually read I found the first half of the book very charming. Having grown up in a big city I am always fascinated by small towns. In this small town, nothing tragic happens. The residents are occasionally misguided but never intentionally bad. It puts forward an uncomplicated message: Be nice, be kind, help your friends and miracles will happen. It is a little cliche, but every once in a while it is a refreshing message.

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing is my first descriptor, unimaginative, and finally, a copy cat attempt at a becoming Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series. Valentine stoops to using the same names for her characters and the same audiobook narrator!

As a reader who appreciates a good wordsmith, I am first to congratulate the author that hooks me with their prose. This author appears to write her books using a thesaurus to add adjectives to her topic sentences. Once in awhile, I’ll give Valentine a pass but this is repeatedly her style.

Save your reading time for Father Tim, Medford and Jan Karon.

[Cissy Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Very heartwarming story...reminds us that there are usually no coincidences in life.. loved the many quirky characters...🦋 Can’t wait to read the 3rd book of the Dorsetville novels...”Grace Will Lead Me Home”🦋

[Margaret Hardie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series - about a small New England town, is just excellent. I highly recommend them. They are not swift moving. Just calm, funny, inspirational, and . . . just read them all.

[Cyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful series.

[Susy Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series that centers around a small New England town and the funny and somewhat relatable townspeople. Very heart-warming and faith building.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the right balance of home town support and quirky humor. Our favorite characters get themselves into more mischief while new characters add flavor to Dorsetville.

[Ctrcynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it!...The different story lines, the references to our Catholic faith, power of the rosary, and the quaint people of Dorsetville.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Audible.

[Nitrorockets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a nice little read. When I was browsing for books at my local library I came across this book. At first I wasn't sure if Id' like this book. I tend to stray from religious based fiction and since it is a sequel I was hesitant to read this out of sequence. I'm glad I decided to read this very enjoyable book. After reading the first chapter I found that I couldn't put it down. I love it when I find a book that creates that childhood excitement.

This book is about a group of nuns and the community they serve in a small Connecticut town called Dorsetville. In the first novel the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception were working on opening a retirement home for priests and nuns. This book focused on the finalization and opening of their retirement home. The author has created a small little community of people that are dynamic and likable. All throughout the story a series of small miracles linked to a simple blue rosary helped bring the community together. What a great fun book.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd in the Dorsetville series...
I purchased this 2nd in the series hoping it would fare better than its predecessor and it does, although the parts involving Denise and Marlene are puerile and the author goes overboard in it.

"A Gathering of Angels" pretty much continues but with something of a gap -- perhaps a few years -- in time since the ending of book one "A Miracle for St. Cecilias."

After a couple of mobsters threaten one of Dorsetville's own, they are involved in a hit-and-run of another one of Dorsetville's. Unbeknownst to them, the accident was witnessed by a newcomer.

Harry and Nellie are dating. She's been canceling dates and standing him up other times, causing him to become suspicious. Deputy Hill is getting on Sheriff Bromley's last nerve. Pranksters pull a prank with a snake. A fire is started. Long-needed maintenance is underway at St. Cecilia's.

The thread throughout this book is prayer beads.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Cecilia's has been given a reprieve by the opening of a home for retired Catholic priests and nuns. The nun who brought about the transformation has died while on a pilgramage to Yugoslavia. Her rosary starts making the rounds and a miracle happens to each of the people into whose possession it comes. It also doesn't hurt to have a guardian angel. More of the life of the community of Dorsetville.

[Susan Mallette · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered how to keep your faith when prayers go unanswered you will enjoy Gathering of Angels by Karen Valentine. Set in Dorsetville, a small New England town this sequel to A Miracle for St. Cecilia's, which I have not read, is sure to interest you. The quirky small town characters include Father James and his housekeeper Mrs. Norris who are entertaining enough to keep me reading. The novel is faith inspired fiction, which I love.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick spiritual-based read about individual blessings of a traveling rosary. The timing of this read couldn't have been better with the arrival of our daughter. I prayed the rosary last Wednesday (4/7) before our doctor appointment and 8 hours later I was at the hospital to begin the journey of motherhood. I recommend this read to anyone who needs a spiritual boost.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series I've read. I enjoyed it and there were some wonderful pieces of faith and miracles that inspired me. Some of the "drama" seemed forced and over the top though. I'm going to continue to read the series as my library has most of the five books (yeah!)

[Ngdecker]

It took me a while to really enjoy this book, as it seemed too light at first. As I read longer, it began to be more fun. There are so many characters that even by the end I didn't have some of them straight, but I did enjoy the story.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downhill from first in series. What happens after the first book in a series? The author runs out of steam? Out of ideas? The author introduces some really unconvincing characters: Molly the bag lady, and the two guys who pose as gangsters. No motivation to read #3.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the reviews I read on this book were pretty harsh, but I truly enjoyed it. The characters were likable and fun to get to know. I liked the fact that it was a story being told about the Catholic faith. Published in 2003, it does seem to be set in a simpler time and I like that!

[Karschtl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely couldn't get into the book and I think the religious topic is not my kind of thing at all.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there were half stars.... at times I liked the story and other times I really liked it.... so in reality, I'd like to give it 3.5 stars

[Sandra Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! I love this series. If you liked Mitford, you will love this.

[Stacy]

Read in 2007

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful and entertaining story. Especially when you listen to it on audio.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book - 3 stars
Narration by John McDonough - 5 stars

[Patty]

The angels in this book are everyday people doing what they can to help each other.

[Estelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fictitious novel can still inspire.

[Juliana Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more, I am moving to Dorsetville!

[Edwina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, heartwarming tale