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Heavenly Bodyguards - Trainee in Action

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How would you react if your death hits you out of nowhere, but you get assigned to become a guardian angel instead of being stuck in heaven? Joelle Anderson finds out quickly that neither her death nor assignment is a joke.

She is sent to Scotland and receives her first assignment as a guardian angel. Together with her trainer Josh, she is to protect Hannah - a twelve-year-old runaway orphan - and find a new family for her before Joelle's training year is over. Determined to succeed and defeat the evil angels that keep obstacles in her way, Joelle learns to listen to her feelings and use her powers properly. Unfortunately, finding the perfect family isn't as easy as it sounds. Can Joelle put all the pieces together to find a home for Hannah before her time is up? Read Heavenly Bodyguards - Trainee in Action and find out for yourself.

301 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2013

5 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Lange

31 books229 followers
A Worthy Love - a fairytale retellings collection is available here:
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0F6VVP4DB


Rebecca Lange is a devoted romantic at heart. Though she has explored a variety of genres throughout her writing journey, her deepest passion lies in historical fiction—particularly stories set in the 1800s American West and the Regency era.

A passionate advocate, Rebecca uses her stories to raise awareness of abuse, human trafficking, and the devastating impact of drug and alcohol addiction. These themes are not woven in for suspense alone, but as a reminder that such struggles are tragically real—and that victims are never to blame.

She is also a firm believer in women’s rights, inspired by the courageous women of the 1800s who fought to prove they were not the property of their husbands but their partners and equals. Rebecca upholds the conviction that violence has no place in relationships or marriage.

Originally from Germany, she was born and raised there before moving abroad in 2002 to serve a mission for her church in Scotland. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she now lives in Utah with her husband, their two sons (ages 18 and 20), and two lively Yorkie puppies.

Her writing motto is: Never Smut, Always Sizzling Kisses, Consistently Closed Door. Rebecca delights in weaving passion and tenderness into her stories, offering what she calls “sweet and diet spice” romance. Diet spice—what is that, you ask? It’s the thrill of longing gazes, passionate kisses, and close embraces that build anticipation without ever crossing into explicit territory. For her, the most powerful love stories are those that remain tasteful and teasing, proving that romance can be both heart-stirring and wholesome.

Rebecca has been crafting stories since her teenage years, always drawn to tales of love, resilience, and timeless emotion. She published her first work, a small cookbook, in February 2013. Since then, she has released a trilogy and continues to grow her author career, one heartfelt story at a time.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews88 followers
October 16, 2021
'We can only change things when we talk about it. We can only change things when we are willing to listen. We can only change things when we love others, even if we disagree.'
- Rebecca Lange


A heartwarming and uplifting Christian novel of the best kind.

It addresses many issues like loss, faith, love, trust and dishonesty, kidnapping, sexual harassment and abuse and yet, it does it in a way that somehow manages to impart a general feeling of hope. And not only that. It will also make you smile, chuckle and even laugh out loud, while keeping you at the edge of your seat wanting to see how it will all go down.

When Joelle finds herself confronted by two angels insisting her time has come, the only thing she can think of is that she can't just leave. Never mind that her body is broken on the asphalt and the white light is pulling at her. 'She was only 35 years old and had lots of stuff to do and finish. She wasn't ready to be dead.'

But dead is dead and the only thing easing Joelle's mind is that she'll get something useful to do. She'll get to be a Guardian Angel, go back to Earth and protect people. A job Joelle is looking forward to, especially since it implies getting a few cool angelic super powers. But first she'll have to pass through training and complete a first assignment, alongside her angel trainer Josh.
Her task seems quite daunting, since it involves a little girl who doesn't seem to want any help. 12 year old Hannah had lost her parents in a car crash but was refusing to stay in the orphanage, constantly running away.
It was now Joelle's job to protect Hannah from harm and find a suitable person to adopt her within a certain amount of time. With the help of Josh of course and yet, it will not be easy at all.

I loved Joelle from the very first minute. Her sass and spunk are fabulous, especially in her interaction with the other angels. And speaking of angels, these here are the kind you'd really love to meet. The interactions between them are priceless and had my lips quirk in a smile more often than not. And as far as Hannah is concerned, I swear I wanted to give her a big hug!

Fast paced, fun and thought provoking, this book is a treat for all of those in search of a heartwarming read.

All in all, Trainee in Action is a fascinating and uplifting light read with a solid dose of humour and a wonderful message. I read it in one sitting and am looking forward to the sequel.

Hugs and light everyone
and remember
'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.'
Profile Image for Lina.
203 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2022
After her death, sassy and independent Joelle (or, Jo) discovers the truth about angels: they are all around us. She, now an angel herself, is assigned to work with the attractive yet kind Josh, which is be a bit problematic because he has already mastered the ability to read minds, and Jo is easily embarrassed (around men) anyway. They are assigned to be the guardian angels of a 12 year-old orphan, Hannah, who has been in and out of foster homes since her parents died six months ago and has a habit of running away from the orphanages she’s assigned to. Can Jo and Josh keep Hannah safe from the evil angels and find her a family while not infringing on her agency?

Lange did an excellent job with this book. I loved the way she created an interesting story while also using correct doctrine. It kind of reminded me of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary version of Touched by an Angel (which I only vaguely remember; my mom loved it though). Mostly, though, I loved this book because I am studying to be a social worker, working specifically with the foster care system.
Profile Image for Shantel Brunton.
Author 8 books57 followers
May 14, 2021
Heavenly Bodyguards
This is an awesome book. It’s the third book I’ve read by the author and this one stands out to me.
I liked the introduction of a strong female character right off the bat. Joelle is excellent. She’s kind and brave and overall a good person.
And then boom she’s dead, but not really because she’s an angel.
I loved how she at first struggled to accept that she’s dead, but then she’s excited about being an angel. The powers angels have sound awesome. The author did a good job about explaining their various abilities.
The evil angels make for powerful antagonists.
It was really nice to read a fiction book about angels, and I wish there were more angel centred books. They make for such fascinating characters.
The plot definitely thickens as the book goes on.
Overall it’s a well written, thought provoking, and enjoyable book. I look forward to the other books in the series. I’m excited to see what Joelle will do with future assignments and how she will conquer challenges that come her way.
Profile Image for L. Hues.
Author 13 books37 followers
July 11, 2021
Uplifting and fast-paced Christian Drama Novel.

Jo has a fun personality, definitely not a what you’d expect from a guardian angel. The story was fast-paced and easy to read, while carrying some powerful themes about agency, trust, eternal perspective, and trusting in divine timing.
Christian literature isn’t usually my go-to even though I’m very religious, but this was a fun read for a Sunday afternoon.

Lange has built a nice afterworld layered with ours that includes rules and powers for angels, evil angels, and gives everyone, living and dead, purpose.
Profile Image for Tanya Dominique.
4 reviews
September 23, 2020
I have had a hard time finding books to keep the attention of my electronics obsessed teens. They read it in one day. It was very well written and a definite page turner. We look forward to reading the entire series.
8 reviews
February 16, 2021
Excellent read!
I have had a hard time finding books to keep the attention of my electronics obsessed teens. They read it in one day. It was very well written and a definite page turner. We look forward to reading the entire series.
Profile Image for Raven Blades.
Author 1 book16 followers
February 27, 2021
Joelle hooked me from the beginning. The author does a wonderful job of showing the loving innocence of Joelle becoming a bodyguard. Doesn't everyone want a guardian angel? If you want a heart warming novel about good versus evil, pick this one up!
3 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2020
Such a delightful concept! I loved the interactions between the angels. So real and enchanting!
9 reviews
February 13, 2021
This book was amazing! I loved the plot, the storytelling was phenomenal, and the playful sarcasm from the lead character throughout the book was refreshing. I have not read a book that was both clean and interesting in a long time, so this was a very nice find. I will definitely be buying more from Rebecca.
Profile Image for Bruce Spydar.
Author 11 books40 followers
September 15, 2020
I am an author and won this book in a competition. I don’t read much teen or YA fiction, and I also don’t believe in angels or an afterlife … but I am so glad I read this book. My wife loved it too.

The author has achieved a nice balance of moral messaging mixed together with an inventive plot, some lovely characters, a good dose of humour and a creative fantasy world of guardian angels.

Wonderful light reading with a strong moral message.
14 reviews
August 23, 2020
Interesting and different read

This book is a timely and great read for a YA audience. The concept of guardian angels and the direction taken by the author reminded me of Frank Peretti's Piercing the Darkness with regards to spiritual warfare. While I don't necessarily agree with everything theologically, as straight fiction, the book was fast paced and never lagged. The author made concepts readily accessible and easy to understand for YA audience, most notably how our choices have lasting consequences. I found the book both educational and entertaining, and one I'd feel safe letting my daughter read. Well done!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,459 reviews37 followers
June 5, 2018
Joelle is dead; but she is just beginning to find out her purpose. Joelle is hit by a vehicle while saving a child. When she dies, Joelle is welcomed into heaven and immediately told that she will be serving as a guardian angel. Joelle's trainer, Josh delivers Joelle to her first assignment, a twelve year old girl in Scotland named Hannah. Joelle's job is to give Hannah a helping hand as she navigates life in an orphanage. Joelle may also help Hannah get adopted into a loving home. However, as Joelle and Josh spend time with Hannah and a potential adoptive mother, Joelle learns of evil angels that may turn her plans awry.

This is a book aimed at the Young Adult crowd with a religious leaning. I could guess from the title that this book would involve religious figures, there was just a little too much religious ideology for me to really enjoy it. The author makes it known from the beginning that she is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and creates Joelle as a member of the Church also. Many tenants of the religion are placed throughout the book such as modesty and good overruling evil. As the author's first book, some of the writing was a little clunky and I felt there were some parts that were really not necessary for the plot, like an angel that constantly hit on Joelle and didn't seem to take no for an answer. Although the religious tones overwhelmed me a bit, I did enjoy the overall story. Joelle's personality was strong and she changed the way guardian angels were trained. I was compelled to find out how she was able to help Hannah and untangle the mess that has befallen her and her potential adopter, Ruth. The end was very exciting and suspenseful and carried me through. Although I may not be quite the right audience for this book, I do believe someone in the YA audience with a strong sense of spirituality would enjoy this book as well as the rest of the series.



This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherri Miller.
4 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2022
In todays times with a
our world full of chaos and confusion that we live in it
is so comforting and heartwarming to find good
clean and uplifting book. Heavenly Bodyguards
Trainee in Action is a great story of the forces of
good and evil I love the characters and their role they
played in this book. It definitely leaves you wanting
to read more.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,812 reviews
April 30, 2018
An interesting idea with a captivating situation
Profile Image for Kimmey Fitts.
Author 27 books15 followers
November 7, 2020
Angelic work of literature!

Rebecca Lange has come up with a brilliant idea with this piece of fiction. I love the main character Joelle. I truly can imagine being her and arriving in heaven, or a holding place for heaven, and not wanting to believe that I am dead. She writes her characters so beautifully believable. I get lost in the story and need to remind myself it is fiction. She has used the classic tone of good verses evil throughout, as Joelle is assigned as a guardian angel to help a young girl in an orphanage in Scotland through her life. You don't have to be a Latter-Day member to enjoy the story. It does have a sense of innocence about it. It is a great book for teens and young adults. Bravo Rebecca Lange!
Profile Image for Mellie Miller.
Author 15 books27 followers
June 27, 2023
Interesting read.

I love the concept of the story of seeing the world from a guardian angel's point of view. Looking forward to reading more from Rebecca!
Profile Image for Rebecca Lange.
Author 31 books229 followers
May 8, 2021
Joelle Anderson dies after getting hit by a truck for rescuing a toddler. She gets send to Scotland to be trained as a guardian angel. Together with her trainer, Josh, it is her job to keep a twelve-year-old orphan safe who keeps escaping so she won't end up in a family who doesn't want her anyway.

Jo not only has to learn to control her powers, but she also struggles to keep her temper in check because the evil angels know how to push every single button. Her training becomes a real challenge when she has to deal with difficult situations that really put her sense of fairness to the test. Fighting abuse, kidnapping, forgery, sexual harassment - is not an easy task especially since the evil forces are working against her. When a horrifiying situation pushes Jo over the edge, she discovers a power none of the other guardian angels seems to have.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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