Angel's Den

by Jamie Carie

In 1808, when Emma meets and marries Eric Montclaire (the famed “most handsome man west of the Appalachians”), this young daughter of prominent St. Louis citizens believes a fairy tale has just begun. Instead, her husband’s angelic looks quickly prove only to mask a monstrous soul all too capable of possessive emotions and physical abuse. Praying for mercy, she is devastated when Eric insists on her joining his yearlong group expedition to the Pacific Ocean, following the trail Lewis and Clark blazed just a few years earlier. By the time cartographer Luke Bowen realizes Emma’s plight, it’s too late to easily untangle what has become an epic web of lies, theft, murder, courtroom drama, and a deep longing for love. Only God can show them the way out.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2010

About the author

Born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana, Jamie is a preacher’s daughter. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch. The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad spent a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes.

And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

Piles of poems, short stories, skits and song lyrics later, Jamie grew up and married. When her eldest son turned five she decided to try her hand at novels. Eight years and lots of rejection letters later, Snow Angel was published and won ForeWord Magazine’s Romance Book of the Year, a USA Book News “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA® Awards Best First Book finalist. In 2010 Wind Dancer was a finalist in the Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana. It was the beginning of her dream career.

With seven books currently in circulation and her first three book series coming in 2012, Jamie has made an impressive contribution to the inspirational, historical romance genre featuring heroines who are fierce in their beliefs and love. Romantic Times exclaimed, "Carie is a welcome new voice in the inspirational fiction market." And, "Carie writes with her heart on every page of her books." Jamie has a passion for history and believes in the power of love stories. She lives with her husband and three boys in Indianapolis, Indiana.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

Books:

Snow Angel
The Duchess and the Dragon
Wind Dancer
Love's First Light
Angel's Den
Pirate of my Heart
The Snowflake (a Christmas novella)

Coming in 2012:
The Forgotten Castles Series (A continuous series to be read in order)
The Guardian Duke
The Forgiven Duke
A Duke's Promise

Contacting Jamie:

Jamie's website - http://www.jamiecarie.com
Jamie's blog - http://jamiecarie.com/blog
Jamie's Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/jamie.carie
Jamie's Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/jamiecarie

Jamie's email: jamie@jamiecarie(dot)com

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angel’s Den was such an interesting book. It is full of historic sites and details from along the trail that Lewis and Clark once traveled, as well as a storyline that kept me glued to the book till the very end. There is just so much wrapped up in this story!

At it’s most basic, this is a tale of warning. Emma enters into marriage with Eric Montclaire without realizing the kind of man he truly is. It is a tale of his abuse toward her and the way in which he attempts to control everything she says and does. But another important reminder from Angel’s Den concerns the importance of relationships. Eric grew into the cruel and manipulative man that he was because of his father’s cruel abuse of his own family. In the same way, Luke Bowen, another major character in the book, is a strong and godly man because of the spiritual influence that his parents provided for him. Luke attempts to help Emma learn more about God’s love for her, in order to give her hope for the future. And he finds a mentor in Judge Littleton. This man is able to help Luke look deeper into his feelings for Emma. She needs Luke and his help, but he must not forget that she is married to another, even if that man is a monster to her.

Something that I really enjoyed was the adventure in this story. It was a very exciting read. Eric Montclaire truly believes he is above all others and can get away with anything. And he seems to! Time and time again, he triumphs. When things seem to have gotten as low as they possibly could, I just had to keep reading to find out if his evil plans would truly flourish. There were some surprises along the way that I didn’t see coming and that was fun as well. All in all, an enjoyable story.

I would like to express my thanks to B&H Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Ashley]

When I first saw Angel’s Den, I was like, Jamie Carie who? I had never heard of her or any of her work. But now I’m defintly a fan. The Angel’s Den starts out with a fairy tale wedding, but quickly turns in to a horrifying nightmare. Emma Daring’s married the best lookin’ man west of the Mississippi, but Eric Montclair’s not what he appears. Now, stuck in a love-less and abusive marriage, Eric forces Emma to travel west with him, in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Who will come to Emma’s rescue when someone is murdered and everything points to her? I liked how the story starts, giving the reader a blind look on what happened before we’re introduced to Emma and Eric, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery. It seems like Eric can’t be outwitted. He anticipates everything. So Emma takes drastic measures in an attempt to get away from him and his constant abuse. But when Luke Bowen foils her plans, he involves himself more then he wanted. From that night forward, Luke and Emma grow close, but the affection between them doesn’t go unnoticed. Eric is enraged, but keeps his feeling hidden until he can deal with Emma…alone. Luke is the quintacentral knight in shining armor with a love for God, despite all he has been through and tries to rescue Emma but, instead gets them both accused of murder. As the plot thickens so does the tension. And with that, the dangers increases for both Emma and Luke till, it seems not even the truth will set them free. And an unexpected twist towards the end makes the Angel’s Den one of my new favorite books. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance, with a little suspense and deep spiritual truths, that will has you thinking about them long after you’ve finished the book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

Set in 1808 in Saint Louis and along the path and trails of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Angels den opens with us meeting Emma, the daughter of prominent parents, an only child. A bit spoiled, but a lovely young woman. Her wedding is her dream come true, at least that is what she thinks. However after the wedding, she realizes that the man she thought she loved and the man she married are worlds apart.

Eric Monclaire, famed and acclaimed as the most handsome man west of the Appalachians, is not all that meets the eye. A cruel, dishonest, and conniving man, he abuses his new wife. Forces himself upon her and forces her to go on a yearlong expedition to the Pacific Ocean.

A trip fraught with danger from all sides, Emma is locked in her cabin, abused by her husband and driven to the edge and back. Seeing a honored and respected judge die in her arms, drives Emma to realize only she can save herself. Seizing the opportunity, she grabs the judge's gun and shoots her husband, and then flees. On the run Emma is determined not to trust anyone, even the nice young cartographer, who has helped her so many times and who has come with her.

Follow this exciting novel through the pages, find out what happens to Eric, Emma and the whole expedition. A truly exciting and wonderfully written book, Jamie Carie has brought us in Angel's Den. 332 pages $14.99 US. Release date February 1, 2009. Available at your favorite book store, where B&H Books are sold.

Disclaimer, no payment was received for this review, only compensation was the book, sent from the publisher or publicist which was used to write the review

[Christina (Reading Extensively) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a moving and nail-biting novel. At times I had to stop reading because it was so painful to read about Emma's suffering. In spite of all she goes through, Emma emerges as a strong young woman. Luke is a multifaceted hero and he also has struggles to deal with, such as realizing that it is God who will save Emma, not himself. Throughout the novel there are people who see what is happening to Emma and some like Luke want to help her but they don't know how. Judge Littleton who is investingating a murder comes across their traveling expedition and he brings comfort and wisdom to both Luke and Emma.

The themes of father/child relationship echoes throughout the novel. Luke's relationship with his dad and his fear of disappointing him by choosing not to be a farmer, Emma's close relationship to her father, Eric's relationship to his father and its influence on his life, and the relationship between John Sumner and his "fallen" daughter Maggie all play an important part in the story and the journey of the characters.

The resolution of the novel took me by surprise. Once again Jamie Carie has delivered a touching story of redemption and faith. Angel's Den is a story you won't soon forget.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not find one error in this book, not one single flaw. It was written so precise. With a clear objective in mind.
Angels Den was the story of Emma, a woman abused by her husband. It was a story of redemption, how God can take even the most evil of circumstances and turn it around for Good.
Eric Emma's husband. He had the face of an Angel but underneath lurked pure evil. A man who wrestled with his own failed childhood.
Luke a man like david. After God's heart. Kind, and loving. A protector and provider, Taking care of his mother and sisters after his father dies.

Those three characters could have held the story up alone, the secondary characters were just as interesting and well written.
Jamie Carie did a tremondous job of making you feel the pain of Emma, Feel the hatred the sadness and rage of Eric, and the strength of Luke.

So looking foward to more of her books.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year was 1808.

Emma Daring was getting ready to walk down the aisle and marry, dashing Eric Montclaire. Emma realized that Eric didn’t really love her; he just loved the image of having a wife in order to trick people that he was a respectable man.

Luke Bowen receives a letter from Eric offering him a job, accompanying Eric and Emma on a trek as they plan to follow in Lewis and Clark’s foot steps. Due to Luke’s great talent as a cartographer, he would make a nice addition. Luke can’t pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity, despite his father’s disapproval. When Luke discovers what type of man, Eric really is, can he save Emma before it is too late?

Angel’s Den is the second book, I have read by Jamie Carie. Just like the last book, I enjoyed it. I read it in one sitting. Mrs. Carie evenly balances the gospel of the Bible in her stories. I instantly felt a dislike for Eric. He is a monster. I felt sorry for Emma. It was nice to see that she grew stronger and keep her faith through the whole ordeal. Luke Bowen was Emma’s guardian angel. This book had both good characters and an even better story line. I want more Jamie Carie.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma marries Eric, a handsome man with an evil soul. She, of course, doesn't realize his dark side until they are married. Eric plans an expedition to follow the route of Lewis and Clark and establish trading posts along the way. He hires Luke, a cartographer who had traveled briefly with Lewis and Clark, to be the cartographer of this expedition. At the last minute, Eric insists that Emma accompany the group. What follows is murder, abuse, disaster, a love triangle, forgiveness, and a surprise ending.

Two peeves which contributed to the three star rating: 1) at Emma and Eric's wedding they light a unity candle--the year is supposed to be 1808--a few minutes of internet research on several sites puts the origin of the unity candle in the last 30 to 50 years 2) the book's epilogue ends with the main characters telling each other what has happened in the last seven years--as if they didn't already know.

This book was borrowed from the Allen County, KY public library.

[Dixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma marries the most beautiful groom in St Louis, only to have him beat & rape her throughout the time she is married to him. Eric makes her go along on his barge, along the Lewis & Clark trail to set up trading posts. Luckily for Emma, young Luke is there to save the day! OK...it's a historical "romance". I was hoping for more history about the Lewis & Clark trail. I'll have to find a different book for that!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really didn't think I would like this book. Turns our - it was awesome! I enjoyed the characters - even the worst one. Jamie did a great job making him despicable... He was awful and i totally believed it! Thanks for another great book - kept clean. Now, don't be alarmed - he is awful - so if you don't like spousal abuse, don't read. =)

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rough in parts, and a key plot point felt a little too contrived. I also felt as though the epilogue could have easily been another couple of chapters due to the amount of information given to the reader.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected thriller from beginning to end!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the Missouri Territory in 1808, Emma Daring marries the man of her dreams, Eric Montclair. Eric is a handsome and successful businessman who has offered Emma her a fairytale life. Like all fairy tales, there lurks a dark and sinister character, who to Emma's mortification, ends up being her most handsome husband, Eric. Emma's only hope of a better life is the upcoming expedition that her husband has arranged, as no man takes woman on an such a trip. Or so Emma thought....

On Friday night, when I crawled into bed with this book, I had all intentions of only reading a chapter or two before going to sleep. I was exhausted and had an early morning ahead of me on Saturday. Almost 150 pages later, I reluctantly tucked "Angel's Den" away. As soon as everything was done on Saturday, I grabbed a cup of coffee and off I went to my favorite reading spot, where I sat reading until I finished the book. Yes, it was that captivating. Full of suspense and with a surprise twist I never saw coming, there was just no way to put it down!

"Angel's Den" was my first exposure to Jamie Carie's work. With four books before this, I wondered how I had missed such a brilliant author. All of Jamie's characters were so real and so true to character. My favorite character was the main character, Emma. I adored her. She was sweet and innocent, and such a testament to finding hope and strength through the power of God's Word, when things seemed their darkest. Her coming from a point of hopelessness and darkness to finding hope and believing, should be a lesson for all of us.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could, I would give this book 3.5 stars. The story was interesting and had a good balance of drama and mystery. But I got so frustrated with a few very obvious historical errors. A multiple-round handgun is used several times in the book shooting her husband & still having use of the gun, as well as when Luke goes out hunting and kills multiple animals which is rather amazing since the were only invented 10 years after the time period of the book. I rather doubt that they would be very commonplace :)
The history of spousal abuse is as long as time itself. Legally Emma had limited to no options to leave her husband. I found it so hard to read and wished there was something that SOMEONE would do. In the end, marriage could only be dissolved through death or possibly adultery.
It was different to read a book where the heroine is married to the "bad guy." And the author certainly made his bad by the end. (killing his father on the eve of his execution)
Another thing I found gruesome (though historically accurate) was the hanging. Can you imagine a whole town gathering around to watch someone hang?!? Especially your spouse or loved one

[Diane Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Startling Romantic Adventure…..

Set in post Lewis and Clark America, Jamie Carr creates an intriguing story of “Beauty and the Beast” in reverse. Deception is the key ingredient and its effects are used with stunning success.

Evil is portrayed in its most deceiving form. When truth becomes apparent, innocence is stolen, shattered, and broken. Faith, strength and courage rise to the occasion but who will prevail in the end?

The writing was excellent. Stimulating the imagination with vivid pictures, bold characters and striking dialogue.

A great read for a cold winter’s night.

[justablondemoment · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find this book to be anything breathtaking but, it was a good novel that kept me entertained. Slightly on the simplistic side, as with most christian fiction, it was not hard to figure out what was to come. Author did a good job of showing domestic violence and the webs that are strung and how victims get caught in them. I'm not sorry I took the time to read it, but, I'm equally not sure if I would read more by this author.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Lewis-and-Clark era Christian, historical romance. I like this author, and I like that the book was a clean read, especially given the storyline in which a married woman in an abusive relationship falls in love with another man--but tries to honor God's laws. I agree with other reviewers that the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. And while I generally like epilogues, this one felt a little contrived.

[Whitney Ostrander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just WOW!!. It was so hard for me to put this book down it was so good!! I love it when I can get lost in a book and not know that there is another world out there than what is in my hands! I am going to have to buy this book hands down! I look forward to reading many more books by Jamie Carie!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this one today. It's a christian love story that could have been so much more, but was still a very good book. It has a really good story lined, I just wish the characters had been developed more so we felt like we knew them better. Some of the story lines seemed a little rushed, but none the less, a good, quick read.

[Audrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really amazing that a Christian author could have such a sweet romance like Angel's Den! I was expecting to have biblical references slammed at me throughout the whole book, but even a non-believer can enjoy this story! The bittersweet romance, redemption and hope are all themes and idealogy everyone can get along with.

[Deborah Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! My review is here, http://deborahsreaditlist.blogspot.com/

Such a great job of creating the bad guy, I hated him instantly, but then there was this little part of me that kept waiting for him to be redeemed.

[Margaret Chind]

*Thanks to Julie Gwinn of B&H for providing a copy for review*.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I could not put this book down. It is a good love story with some court room drama. I think this has been one of my favorites by her with Snow Angel a close second.

[Nanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because of the Lewis and Clark piece - which turns out to be a tiny part of the story. The storyline kind of went on and on, but did have some exciting elements.

[Hulah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kept me interested. I kinda felt the whole timeframe of the story happen too fast. The 'trial' at the end was my favorite part.

[Athena · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay romance, you might enjoy it if you like God to be one of the main characters in your romances.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book. Had a crazy ending and didn't see that coming.

I never read anything by this author before but am lookign forward to reading other books by her.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel's Den was Jamie Carie's best so far! I don't think I've ever been so moved by any story as I was by this one. Fantastic!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that kept my attention from the beginning to the end. I totally enjoyed this book. It was a story about a girl who was in an abusive marriage, and her struggles to get away.

[Highland-dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though some of the plot was a little hard to believe. It was well-written and had a nice romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Mariah Burden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing mix of adventure & romance!! Finished it before I could put it down! Overall a awesome read!