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The Emissary 3: Love Hurts
The archangel Azrael created his emissaries to help mortals avoid choices that would doom them for eternity. He hadn't planned on the youngest member of the team falling in love with one. In Marcia Meara's final installment of her Emissary Trilogy, a Riverbend spinoff series of novellas, we find our heroes facing a new problem, and it's all because Dodger died before having a chance to learn what love was all about. His request that Azrael help him correct that situation causes a multitude of problems no one could have foreseen. Except the angel, himself. Azrael's emissary program was growing daily, but it still met with stubborn opposition from many on the Council of Angels. Dodger's request to be allowed to experience what falling in love was all about didn't help matters, but Azrael thought the boy was onto something. He agreed emissaries who'd shared a loving relationship during their mortal lives would have a deeper understanding of human emotions and motivations, thus enhancing the skills needed to do their jobs. With that in mind, Azrael gave Dodger one chance to search for true love. He then laid down a daunting set of stringent rules and guidelines that could not be broken under any circumstances lest dire happenings occur. But while the angel sincerely hoped Dodger would find a way to make this endeavor work, he feared an avalanche of unintended consequences could be in store for his youngest emissary. Sometimes even angels hate to be right. Will Azrael ever tire of popping up behind Jake just to see his first emissary fall out of his chair in shock? Will sharp-eyed motel owners ever notice a big red-and-white semi mysteriously appearing and disappearing from their parking lots overnight? And will Dodger be able to track down the mystery girl who caught his eye two weeks earlier to see if she's really The One? To find the answers to these and other angelic or emissarial questions, come along on one last adventure with Jake, Dodger, and that ginormous, glowy-eyed archangel, Azrael. They're waiting for you!
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2020
1 person is currently reading
2 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 17, 2020
This is book 3 in Meara's Emissary series where Jake and Dodger run into a new situation while doing their jobs as emissaries - Dodger learns hard what love is all about, how amazing it can feel, and how it can hurt.
In their duties as emissaries, hired by the angel Azrael, Jake and Dodger continue to help humans they come across who are on the brink of either committing crimes or close to taking their own lives by helping them see the errors in their ways. They are the voice of reason and saviors. They were sent to earth instead of heaven after their own human deaths and chosen for the new emissary program by the angel Azrael. Immortal now in their old human forms.
Along with taking human form, Jake and Dodger are also cognizant of human emotion and in this novella, the younger, Dodger has his heartstrings pulled when he falls in love with librarian Juliet. But love isn't always grand, especially when Juliet is mortal and Dodger is no longer, and when Dodger realizes he cannot lead a fulfilling life with his new love because of the two worlds they live in. He is faced with making painful human decisions as he struggles with the decision to tell Juliet his dilemma or keeping silent about who he really is.
Dodger has never known such love in his past life so all the new wonderful feelings he's experiencing are also his problem as he must figure out how to live in love with a mortal. Azrael keeps a tight watch on his two emissaries and pops in from time to time to both applaud and catch his two new emissaries when they make mistakes.
With lots of good life lessons and empathetic characters, Love Hurts is a wonderful read that will touch on all your emotions.
In their duties as emissaries, hired by the angel Azrael, Jake and Dodger continue to help humans they come across who are on the brink of either committing crimes or close to taking their own lives by helping them see the errors in their ways. They are the voice of reason and saviors. They were sent to earth instead of heaven after their own human deaths and chosen for the new emissary program by the angel Azrael. Immortal now in their old human forms.
Along with taking human form, Jake and Dodger are also cognizant of human emotion and in this novella, the younger, Dodger has his heartstrings pulled when he falls in love with librarian Juliet. But love isn't always grand, especially when Juliet is mortal and Dodger is no longer, and when Dodger realizes he cannot lead a fulfilling life with his new love because of the two worlds they live in. He is faced with making painful human decisions as he struggles with the decision to tell Juliet his dilemma or keeping silent about who he really is.
Dodger has never known such love in his past life so all the new wonderful feelings he's experiencing are also his problem as he must figure out how to live in love with a mortal. Azrael keeps a tight watch on his two emissaries and pops in from time to time to both applaud and catch his two new emissaries when they make mistakes.
With lots of good life lessons and empathetic characters, Love Hurts is a wonderful read that will touch on all your emotions.
September 14, 2020
In The Emissary 3: Love Hurts, author Marcia Meara returns to the world of Jake, Dodger, and Azrael—two emissaries and an angel whose job is to keep humans from making poor life choices. Azrael is in charge (or “Boss” as Jake calls him, to the non-amusement of Azrael) with Jake and Dodger working as his emissaries. Jake and Dodger have physical bodies, but they have previously passed from this life—which becomes a problem when Dodger falls for Juliet, a girl he sees at the library.
Azrael is willing to give Dodger a chance to explore his feelings and develop a relationship with Juliet, but the complications far surpass those of a normal couple, especially given Dodger is unable to share with Juliet who he really is or what he does.
As in past Emissary novellas, the story abounds with warmth and humor. I never tire of Azrael suddenly appearing and giving Jake a jolt. There is plenty of banter between angel and emissaries, but also plenty of near-parental type guidance and sternness from Azrael. That big angel has a huge soft spot for his recruits!
The story is polished with spot-on dialogue and emotions that tug on heart strings but ultimately leave the reader with a feel-good finish. This is a beautiful story, and a beautiful wrap to an enchanting series!
Azrael is willing to give Dodger a chance to explore his feelings and develop a relationship with Juliet, but the complications far surpass those of a normal couple, especially given Dodger is unable to share with Juliet who he really is or what he does.
As in past Emissary novellas, the story abounds with warmth and humor. I never tire of Azrael suddenly appearing and giving Jake a jolt. There is plenty of banter between angel and emissaries, but also plenty of near-parental type guidance and sternness from Azrael. That big angel has a huge soft spot for his recruits!
The story is polished with spot-on dialogue and emotions that tug on heart strings but ultimately leave the reader with a feel-good finish. This is a beautiful story, and a beautiful wrap to an enchanting series!
November 10, 2020
In Love Hurts we catch up with Jake and Dodger, both of whom have been given a second chance at life as emissaries for the Archangel Azrael. Azrael is in the process of building an army of emissaries to assist the angels in their quest to help troubled souls, despite the continued opposition from some of the members of the Council of Angels.
Jake was Azrael’s first recruit after he drowned saving someone’s life, closely followed by Dodger, whose young life ended abruptly in a deserted alley in Atlanta. To outside appearances they looked as they always had, but now were immortal and endowed with special powers. Much to Dodger’s disappointment, his mortal life came to an end without him having ever felt loved or found that special person. It was something he would dearly love to experience. He knew Jake loved him as a father and those feelings were reciprocated, but being in love was a whole different thing.
Although Azrael wasn’t really familiar with the needs of humans he let himself be persuaded to give Dodger the chance to find what he’s looking for, but only if he follows the rules and guidelines laid down which must not be broken under any circumstances. Azrael knew, however, that this would be far from plain sailing.
'Azrael—who freely admitted his concept of emissaries to the angels was so new, he had to make up the rules as he went along—understood the boy’s fervent desire. After all, one of the things that would allow his emissaries to excel at their jobs was that they, unlike angels, had lived their lives as mortals. They had a perspective on all aspects of being human that angels did not, which Azrael believed would make a vast difference in how they related to the very people they were trying to help.'
Jake and Dodger, although getting more proficient, are still on a learning curve, as is Azrael, but all are adjusting and their relationships are growing ever stronger. However, that doesn’t stop Azrael appearing mischievously and in spectacular fashion, when Jake especially least expects it. Lessons, some harder than others, are learned on all sides as Dodger sets about trying to fulfil his ambition.
I’ve enjoyed this trilogy very much, with the mixture of light hearted, fun moments as well as more serious ones. Marcia Meara’s natural, easy writing style is very evident and the emotional content is strongly felt as always. Well drawn, empathetic and engaging characters round everything off nicely.
Jake was Azrael’s first recruit after he drowned saving someone’s life, closely followed by Dodger, whose young life ended abruptly in a deserted alley in Atlanta. To outside appearances they looked as they always had, but now were immortal and endowed with special powers. Much to Dodger’s disappointment, his mortal life came to an end without him having ever felt loved or found that special person. It was something he would dearly love to experience. He knew Jake loved him as a father and those feelings were reciprocated, but being in love was a whole different thing.
Although Azrael wasn’t really familiar with the needs of humans he let himself be persuaded to give Dodger the chance to find what he’s looking for, but only if he follows the rules and guidelines laid down which must not be broken under any circumstances. Azrael knew, however, that this would be far from plain sailing.
'Azrael—who freely admitted his concept of emissaries to the angels was so new, he had to make up the rules as he went along—understood the boy’s fervent desire. After all, one of the things that would allow his emissaries to excel at their jobs was that they, unlike angels, had lived their lives as mortals. They had a perspective on all aspects of being human that angels did not, which Azrael believed would make a vast difference in how they related to the very people they were trying to help.'
Jake and Dodger, although getting more proficient, are still on a learning curve, as is Azrael, but all are adjusting and their relationships are growing ever stronger. However, that doesn’t stop Azrael appearing mischievously and in spectacular fashion, when Jake especially least expects it. Lessons, some harder than others, are learned on all sides as Dodger sets about trying to fulfil his ambition.
I’ve enjoyed this trilogy very much, with the mixture of light hearted, fun moments as well as more serious ones. Marcia Meara’s natural, easy writing style is very evident and the emotional content is strongly felt as always. Well drawn, empathetic and engaging characters round everything off nicely.
October 7, 2020
As founder members of the Archangel Azreal’s Emissary programme, Jake and Dodger have a job to do, steering errant humans away from making poor decisions, and potentially giving them a fresh chance at a good life. There’s just one hiccup on the horizon – Dodger died (and was resurrected as an Emissary) before he’d had the chance to fall in love. After negotiation with Azrael, he now has the chance to do so, but on no account is he permitted to tell the object of his adoration, Juliette, what he is, or what he does at work. Can a relationship survive such a level of secrecy?
Juliette is a wonderfully strong character, and while it seems a little odd that she can take Dodger’s admitted inability to share his work life with her, Meara somehow gets around that using the strength of the two young people’s love. This is a love story, wound around by the gentle paranormal shenanigans that occur wherever the Emissaries go. Adjacent to the core thread, we are treated to a greater understanding of Azrael’s position amongst his fellow angels, and how he is unimpressed by the positions his Emissaries put him in, rather too often this time around, as a result of the grand experiment in love. This is, of course, accomplished by the author with her signature humour, and her compassion for the human condition.
The conclusion, much though I would like it to be otherwise, is the most logical way for the story to be wrapped up, both for this chapter, and for the conclusion of this 3-part story. And while Meara states she has no plans to revisit these characters, one can always hope she will change her mind.
Juliette is a wonderfully strong character, and while it seems a little odd that she can take Dodger’s admitted inability to share his work life with her, Meara somehow gets around that using the strength of the two young people’s love. This is a love story, wound around by the gentle paranormal shenanigans that occur wherever the Emissaries go. Adjacent to the core thread, we are treated to a greater understanding of Azrael’s position amongst his fellow angels, and how he is unimpressed by the positions his Emissaries put him in, rather too often this time around, as a result of the grand experiment in love. This is, of course, accomplished by the author with her signature humour, and her compassion for the human condition.
The conclusion, much though I would like it to be otherwise, is the most logical way for the story to be wrapped up, both for this chapter, and for the conclusion of this 3-part story. And while Meara states she has no plans to revisit these characters, one can always hope she will change her mind.
October 19, 2020
I’ve enjoyed the story of Azrael the Archangel, who needs help and brings in two emissaries, Jake and Dodger. I was excited to see how the story concluded, but sad to see it end. Jake and Dodger have a sweet father and son relationship as they help others. Dodger sees a woman and immediately falls in love with her. Can he find her again, and will he be allowed to explore his feelings? That alone kept me reading way past my bedtime. I love how Dodger explored his place now in the world throughout the book. Then there are Azrael’s sudden arrivals that always made me chuckle, plus I loved the humor between Jake and Dodger. Azrael’s presence is intimidating to the two men, but you can see the archangel’s heart underneath. I highly recommend this story.
October 2, 2020
I came into this trilogy with this book, which was the wrap-up and now I am compelled to go back and read the first two. The theme of this part of the story is a young man's urge to find and know true love. Jake and Dodge are the two main characters and Dodge falls head-over-heels in love with Juliet. But everything is complicated by the emissary work Jake and Dodge are put on earth to do. Archangel Azrael is the head of the emissary program and keeps a close eye on all of his workers. The way he popped in and out brought a touch of humor to the story. But the one scene that stands out in my mind is when Jake and Dodge were on a mountain and watched Azrael descend with his huge white wings and shining radiance. In my mind, I could see this clearly and it took my breath away. Another favorite scene was the intervention that took place between Dodge and a young lady on that same mountain who was resigned to ending her life. The lessons, the growth, and the maturing that took place through this segment of the story were fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to going back now and reading the beginning of this series.
October 5, 2020
Bravo!!
I love the way Marcia tells a story. Her writing is so in-depth and vivid that you feel you're right there along with her characters. I love that there's always a serious and a funny side to each of them including Azerial the big hunkin archangel of this series
I love the way Marcia tells a story. Her writing is so in-depth and vivid that you feel you're right there along with her characters. I love that there's always a serious and a funny side to each of them including Azerial the big hunkin archangel of this series
November 3, 2020
I really wondered how Meara was going to wrap up this series. At the end of book 2, Dodger receives permission from the Archangel Azrael to experience a loving relationship with a girl. But I just couldn’t imagine how it would work between a human and an immortal emissary of the angels. Well, silly me for being skeptical. The author pulls it off beautifully, though not at all how I expected. I was a teary mess.
This is a wonderful series with characters that I completely empathized with. They’re supremely human, emotional, and kind-hearted. Even scary old Azrael is enjoyable as he loosens up a little. Though there are problems to be overcome in the story, the main conflict centers on the challenge I posed above. The ending is brave, believable, and emotionally stunning.
The writing is tight, and the editing is flawless. The books in the Emissary series aren’t long, so they make for quick satisfying reads. I’d definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the series. A wonderful trilogy for readers who enjoy feel-good stories.
This is a wonderful series with characters that I completely empathized with. They’re supremely human, emotional, and kind-hearted. Even scary old Azrael is enjoyable as he loosens up a little. Though there are problems to be overcome in the story, the main conflict centers on the challenge I posed above. The ending is brave, believable, and emotionally stunning.
The writing is tight, and the editing is flawless. The books in the Emissary series aren’t long, so they make for quick satisfying reads. I’d definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the series. A wonderful trilogy for readers who enjoy feel-good stories.
April 17, 2024
"The Emissary 3: Love Hurts" transports readers to the world of Jake, Dodger, and Azrael, where adventure, struggles, and love are intertwined. Azrael, as an emissary and angel tasked with guiding humans away from poor life choices, leads the charge, accompanied by Jake and Dodger.
Meara skillfully balances warmth and humor throughout the story, from Azrael's unexpected appearances to the banter between angels and emissaries. Despite the lighthearted moments, Azrael's near-parental guidance lends depth and sincerity to the story. The editing is flawless, resulting in a smooth reading experience that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
"The Emissary 3: Love Hurts" is a delightful and feel-good read, with brief but satisfying forays into the supernatural realm. Meara's storytelling abilities shine, making this book a captivating read.
Meara skillfully balances warmth and humor throughout the story, from Azrael's unexpected appearances to the banter between angels and emissaries. Despite the lighthearted moments, Azrael's near-parental guidance lends depth and sincerity to the story. The editing is flawless, resulting in a smooth reading experience that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
"The Emissary 3: Love Hurts" is a delightful and feel-good read, with brief but satisfying forays into the supernatural realm. Meara's storytelling abilities shine, making this book a captivating read.
May 7, 2021
The long-awaited third and final book in the Emissary series was worth the wait. Jake, Dodger, and Azrael are back at it, saving folks from doing things they will regret. Jake and Dodger have become very good at it, that is until Dodger falls in love. He did have permission from Azrael but it came with a ton of rules. Can Dodger pull this off without breaking the rules and ruining everything? I have come to love these characters, especially Azrael, the Archangel who loves to make dramatic appearances. The scenes are well written and the story is full of emotions. with many laughs and a few tears. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, although I will miss these three guys.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews