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Heaven on Earth #1
It's a Wonderful Lie
He was sent to save her life, but ended up losing his heart, memories, and clothes.
Eden Credere should be in Barbados with her new husband. Instead, it was like she married Murphy and his law was ruining her life. She’d lost her dad, her job, her best friend, and her fiancé. After drowning her sorrows with rum and eggnog on Christmas Eve, she takes a tumble in a tree lot with a Douglas Fir, sending Eden over the edge.
Theliel has watched over Eden her entire life, from her first steps to her latest, where she took a dive in a tree lot. He’s always been there to save her, and this time should have been no different—until it was. As her guardian angel, he’s not supposed to be seen, but one corporeal slip-up later, and he’s got a lot of explaining to do.
As Theliel works to convince Eden why the world is a much better place with her in it, he finds himself the one falling, and it’s Eden who catches his heart. In a twist of fate, Theliel must not earn his wings, but his humanity by convincing Eden they’re meant to be together.
The only problem is neither of them remember who he is when he wakes up on Christmas morning in a snowbank with no memories and no clothes. With the magic of Christmas in the air, love in their hearts, a vision of yoga pants, and maybe a little help from their “friends”, all they have to do is believe.
Eden Credere should be in Barbados with her new husband. Instead, it was like she married Murphy and his law was ruining her life. She’d lost her dad, her job, her best friend, and her fiancé. After drowning her sorrows with rum and eggnog on Christmas Eve, she takes a tumble in a tree lot with a Douglas Fir, sending Eden over the edge.
Theliel has watched over Eden her entire life, from her first steps to her latest, where she took a dive in a tree lot. He’s always been there to save her, and this time should have been no different—until it was. As her guardian angel, he’s not supposed to be seen, but one corporeal slip-up later, and he’s got a lot of explaining to do.
As Theliel works to convince Eden why the world is a much better place with her in it, he finds himself the one falling, and it’s Eden who catches his heart. In a twist of fate, Theliel must not earn his wings, but his humanity by convincing Eden they’re meant to be together.
The only problem is neither of them remember who he is when he wakes up on Christmas morning in a snowbank with no memories and no clothes. With the magic of Christmas in the air, love in their hearts, a vision of yoga pants, and maybe a little help from their “friends”, all they have to do is believe.
254 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2021
10 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Wren Michaels
22 books445 followersWren Michaels hails from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where beer and cheese are their own food groups. But then a cowboy swept her off her feet and carried her away to Texas where she promptly lost all tolerance for snow and cold. They decided they’d make beautiful babies together and they got it right on the first try. Now Wren lives happily ever after in the real world and in the worlds of her making, where she creates book boyfriends for the masses to crave.
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March 6, 2022
"It's a Wonderful Lie" brilliantly spins off the classic holiday movie to provide a fresh and enchanting tale of love, forgiveness, and faith!
Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read
March 8, 2022A guardian angel fell so hard he lost his memories and clothes in a Jersey snowbank. In a twist of fate on Christmas Eve, he has a chance to earn humanity instead of wings, if he can find the girl he fell for—but all he has to go on is a pair of yoga pants. With the magic of Christmas in the air, love in their hearts, a vision of knee-length lycra, and maybe a little help from their "friends", all they have to do is believe.
Here's a little excerpt!
Swiping my tearstained face, I made my way over to the myriad of trees and tried to make a quick decision. I had to get out of there fast. I couldn’t “people” anymore today. I would either end up a blubbering mess under the blow-up lawn ornaments or in jail from high-fiving the heartless cashier right in the face who couldn’t fork over thirty cents to help a kid buy a Christmas wreath.
In my unstable mindset, I made the poor choice to go for the nine-foot Douglas fir. As I yanked the leaning tree from the fence, little did I know I held a death trap in the palm of my sticky hand. The laws of physics mocked my existence as the tree toppled over, taking my five-foot, six-inch frame with it.
It’s completely true how your life flashed before your eyes in those last seconds of mortality. Mine happened to be stuck on repeat of Grayson stuffing Suzie as I cursed his name in all six languages I spoke. If he hadn’t cheated on me, I’d be in Barbados as Mrs. Jilani, not splattered on the floor of Trees-R-Us as the jilted Eden Credere.
Instead of hitting the cold, snow-covered ground, something strong cradled the back of my head, radiating a warmth that caressed my skin and soothed what should have been my shattered bones. I would have sworn there were no customers around me as I hid my ever-blackening soul in the back forty of the tree lot. No one could have caught me that fast. Then again, one hundred pounds of Douglas fir swallowed my face, so my vantage point skewed a bit.
“Thank you, Lord,” I whispered on the breath that whooshed out of my lungs.
A melodic yet husky chuckle vibrated around me, filling me with the same warmth that held my head in some bubble of safety. Maybe I did hit the ground, and the warmth was a pool of my own blood. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities with as much rum and eggnog as I’d consumed earlier.
“Believe me, I am not the Lord.” A voice surrounded me, and heat tingled straight to my toes, as if his tone resonated just for my ears.
“Oh good, because if you were, I’d be really upset that I’m meeting him in yoga pants and no makeup.” Sometimes the things that came out of my mouth missed the sanity filter in my brain.
Another chuckle vibrated against me before it halted, followed by a sharp intake of air. “You heard that?”
With pine needles burrowing into my closed eyelids, I couldn’t be sure I was actually talking to another person and not just myself. “Heard what?”
“What I said. I didn’t mean for you to hear it.” Worry strained his words as he softened his voice.
“You didn’t exactly whisper it, and seeing as how you caught me like a ninja, you had to be nearby. Which reminds me, I still have a tree on my face. I don’t suppose you’d help get it off me? I’ll buy you a coffee or a beer or something.”
“I’m so sorry. Of course. I…I was caught off guard. Let me help you up,” he stammered.
“Well, I suppose anyone would be caught off guard while having to dive for some stranger being eaten by a tree. Unless you’re like a lumberjack and see that kind of thing all the time.” The spiked eggnog I’d had for breakfast now seemed like a really bad idea as the stupid tumbled out of my mouth in droves.
His harmonious chuckle returned and enveloped me again, like tiny ripples of pleasure bouncing off my body. I loved this man’s laugh, and I hadn’t even seen his face. In the span of thirty seconds, I’d developed some freaky fetish where all I wanted to do was have him laugh near me so I could swaddle in the warmth and happiness of his voice.
Shit, what the hell did I put in that eggnog? Was it expired?
“Hold still,” the mystery man said.
He eased me to the ground. Cold snow soaked the back of my head, my hair sucking it up like a slushy. I cursed the blasted New Jersey winters in three ancient tongues. I’d probably pay for that later, but as an archaeologist, I rarely got to use all the dead languages I studied. Now seemed like a good time.
The tree whisked away from my face, and I blinked my eyes open. The gasp that followed sucked in so much cold air, an erratic series of hiccups erupted. Another sign I was more than likely drunk—Thor hovered over me, or at least he could have passed for his twin brother. Thick blond locks of hair danced across his broad shoulders in the light breeze, framing his marble-smooth, chiseled face. The bluest eyes I’d ever seen sparkled like an ocean, and if I stared into them long enough, I was sure they’d take me to a whole other world. Those eyes looked hauntingly familiar. Where had I seen them before?
“You’ve got quite the naughty mouth, Eden,” he said, warming me with his voice and a smile that probably dropped a lot of panties. He slid his arms under my back and lifted me from the ground as if I weighed nothing. Boy, would he have a backache in the morning.
“How do you know my name? Have we met before?” I blinked again, reassuring myself I hadn’t passed out and that I was indeed alive, awake, and in Thor’s arms.
“Um, your driver’s license was on the ground. Must have fallen out when the tree landed on you.” He glanced away from my inquiring stare.
Hmm, plausible, since I had stuffed my debit card and license in my pocket instead of carrying a purse today. I only planned on getting a tree and going right back home. I dared not go anywhere else on Christmas Eve with all the crazies on the road.
I slipped my hand into my pocket and found both cards there. Did he put it back? Surely I would have felt it. But it had been a while since I’d had a man’s hand in my pants. Grayson and I stopped having sex about six months before the marriage that never happened. He wanted the wedding night to be special. Yeah, so special because he was basting the neighbor.
Wait, he said I had a naughty mouth, meaning this dude knew I cursed in a dead language. Or maybe he assumed it was cursing, since Aramaic and ancient Greek sounded a lot like my angry Italian mother.
Here's a little excerpt!
Swiping my tearstained face, I made my way over to the myriad of trees and tried to make a quick decision. I had to get out of there fast. I couldn’t “people” anymore today. I would either end up a blubbering mess under the blow-up lawn ornaments or in jail from high-fiving the heartless cashier right in the face who couldn’t fork over thirty cents to help a kid buy a Christmas wreath.
In my unstable mindset, I made the poor choice to go for the nine-foot Douglas fir. As I yanked the leaning tree from the fence, little did I know I held a death trap in the palm of my sticky hand. The laws of physics mocked my existence as the tree toppled over, taking my five-foot, six-inch frame with it.
It’s completely true how your life flashed before your eyes in those last seconds of mortality. Mine happened to be stuck on repeat of Grayson stuffing Suzie as I cursed his name in all six languages I spoke. If he hadn’t cheated on me, I’d be in Barbados as Mrs. Jilani, not splattered on the floor of Trees-R-Us as the jilted Eden Credere.
Instead of hitting the cold, snow-covered ground, something strong cradled the back of my head, radiating a warmth that caressed my skin and soothed what should have been my shattered bones. I would have sworn there were no customers around me as I hid my ever-blackening soul in the back forty of the tree lot. No one could have caught me that fast. Then again, one hundred pounds of Douglas fir swallowed my face, so my vantage point skewed a bit.
“Thank you, Lord,” I whispered on the breath that whooshed out of my lungs.
A melodic yet husky chuckle vibrated around me, filling me with the same warmth that held my head in some bubble of safety. Maybe I did hit the ground, and the warmth was a pool of my own blood. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities with as much rum and eggnog as I’d consumed earlier.
“Believe me, I am not the Lord.” A voice surrounded me, and heat tingled straight to my toes, as if his tone resonated just for my ears.
“Oh good, because if you were, I’d be really upset that I’m meeting him in yoga pants and no makeup.” Sometimes the things that came out of my mouth missed the sanity filter in my brain.
Another chuckle vibrated against me before it halted, followed by a sharp intake of air. “You heard that?”
With pine needles burrowing into my closed eyelids, I couldn’t be sure I was actually talking to another person and not just myself. “Heard what?”
“What I said. I didn’t mean for you to hear it.” Worry strained his words as he softened his voice.
“You didn’t exactly whisper it, and seeing as how you caught me like a ninja, you had to be nearby. Which reminds me, I still have a tree on my face. I don’t suppose you’d help get it off me? I’ll buy you a coffee or a beer or something.”
“I’m so sorry. Of course. I…I was caught off guard. Let me help you up,” he stammered.
“Well, I suppose anyone would be caught off guard while having to dive for some stranger being eaten by a tree. Unless you’re like a lumberjack and see that kind of thing all the time.” The spiked eggnog I’d had for breakfast now seemed like a really bad idea as the stupid tumbled out of my mouth in droves.
His harmonious chuckle returned and enveloped me again, like tiny ripples of pleasure bouncing off my body. I loved this man’s laugh, and I hadn’t even seen his face. In the span of thirty seconds, I’d developed some freaky fetish where all I wanted to do was have him laugh near me so I could swaddle in the warmth and happiness of his voice.
Shit, what the hell did I put in that eggnog? Was it expired?
“Hold still,” the mystery man said.
He eased me to the ground. Cold snow soaked the back of my head, my hair sucking it up like a slushy. I cursed the blasted New Jersey winters in three ancient tongues. I’d probably pay for that later, but as an archaeologist, I rarely got to use all the dead languages I studied. Now seemed like a good time.
The tree whisked away from my face, and I blinked my eyes open. The gasp that followed sucked in so much cold air, an erratic series of hiccups erupted. Another sign I was more than likely drunk—Thor hovered over me, or at least he could have passed for his twin brother. Thick blond locks of hair danced across his broad shoulders in the light breeze, framing his marble-smooth, chiseled face. The bluest eyes I’d ever seen sparkled like an ocean, and if I stared into them long enough, I was sure they’d take me to a whole other world. Those eyes looked hauntingly familiar. Where had I seen them before?
“You’ve got quite the naughty mouth, Eden,” he said, warming me with his voice and a smile that probably dropped a lot of panties. He slid his arms under my back and lifted me from the ground as if I weighed nothing. Boy, would he have a backache in the morning.
“How do you know my name? Have we met before?” I blinked again, reassuring myself I hadn’t passed out and that I was indeed alive, awake, and in Thor’s arms.
“Um, your driver’s license was on the ground. Must have fallen out when the tree landed on you.” He glanced away from my inquiring stare.
Hmm, plausible, since I had stuffed my debit card and license in my pocket instead of carrying a purse today. I only planned on getting a tree and going right back home. I dared not go anywhere else on Christmas Eve with all the crazies on the road.
I slipped my hand into my pocket and found both cards there. Did he put it back? Surely I would have felt it. But it had been a while since I’d had a man’s hand in my pants. Grayson and I stopped having sex about six months before the marriage that never happened. He wanted the wedding night to be special. Yeah, so special because he was basting the neighbor.
Wait, he said I had a naughty mouth, meaning this dude knew I cursed in a dead language. Or maybe he assumed it was cursing, since Aramaic and ancient Greek sounded a lot like my angry Italian mother.
December 5, 2021
It’s a Wonderful Lie, Book 1 of the Heaven on Earth Series by Wren Michaels is a heartwarming novel with a witty sense of humor that beautifully strikes both sweet and steamy romantic chords. I laughed out loud continuously throughout this story. You’ll be pulled in from the get-go to root for main characters, Eden and Theo, as they face very different struggles to rise from low points in their intertwined lives. The author’s messages of hope and optimism resonate throughout the story and deliver a fun and feel-good read perfect for the holidays.
December 7, 2021
I love a book that makes me laugh, feel warm and fuzzy and has me rooting for the characters to find their happy ever after. "It’s a Wonderful Lie” delivers all of these and so much more. I recommend you add this fast pace, fun, HEA - bit of Christmas Magic to your “TBR” list. I was given an ARC to read and I freely give my review of this book.
January 26, 2022
This was a sweet, inspirational romance, which is to say it was outside of my usual genres. I don’t normally like holiday books, either, but I was feeling impulsive and it was 99 cents.
I don’t have or watch the Hallmark Channel, but this is exactly the sort of thing I imagine they would play around the holidays, except maybe minus the sexy scenes.
I enjoyed the story, but I felt like it would have worked better in a setting before the days of social media, smartphones, texting, etc. Without giving anything away, it would have made certain aspects of the story more believable for me. As it was, I felt confused by some of the angst that was driven by things that could have easily been investigated with a bit of time on the internet and/or some phone calls. Or even by asking the right questions. The book is definitely better if you don’t overthink this stuff (as I’m inclined to do).
Overall, it was a nice, light story to read around Christmastime. Sort of like a palate cleanser for some of my darker reads.
I don’t have or watch the Hallmark Channel, but this is exactly the sort of thing I imagine they would play around the holidays, except maybe minus the sexy scenes.
I enjoyed the story, but I felt like it would have worked better in a setting before the days of social media, smartphones, texting, etc. Without giving anything away, it would have made certain aspects of the story more believable for me. As it was, I felt confused by some of the angst that was driven by things that could have easily been investigated with a bit of time on the internet and/or some phone calls. Or even by asking the right questions. The book is definitely better if you don’t overthink this stuff (as I’m inclined to do).
Overall, it was a nice, light story to read around Christmastime. Sort of like a palate cleanser for some of my darker reads.
December 10, 2021
It's A Wonderful Lie is an absolute gem of a holiday romance that delivers all of the goods wrapped in one delightful package. When Eden meets her guardian angel in a chance encounter, not knowing who or what he is, she deems him too good to be true. Their undeniable chemistry pushes the truth to the surface, and together they must reckon with the force of their feelings and the seemingly impossible circumstances that brought them together. A pure, optimistic story at its heart with plenty of heat and humor, Michaels's tale of angels on Earth and the heaven-sent power of love will warm your heart this holiday season.
Thanks to City Owl Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to City Owl Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 24, 2022
My first Wren Michaels read but I realized early in that it cannot be my last.
It’s a great read for the holiday season as it has an air of magic and imagination. At times, it reads as a fairy tale and is just utterly charming.
Technical stuff:
What caught my eye was the pretty cover … and the author’s complete enthusiasm about the release on social media compelled me to buy it. I buy lots of books and don’t get around to reading most of them (At last check, I owned over 30,000 so it’s just not possible.)
Editing:
Continuity is on point and I only recall reading 1-2 instances of poor grammar, if I had to guess, I’d say Michaels has a great production team.
The feels:
It didn’t exactly prompt real feels, again it felt like a fairy tale but there’s nothing wrong with this, as I did enjoy the ride and the super sweet concept. While I did predict all of it—I do that to everything so, that didn’t take anything away from the reading experience. It absolutely instills that holiday feel so if you’re having trouble ‘feeling’ the Christmas season, open this book.
It’s also pretty witty at times, so while being so sweet it could almost rot your teeth, it still manages to be funny. Overall: very well done.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Would make a great audiobook, and if avail in this format, I might even re-listen every year to put myself in the 🎄holiday mood.
Note:
It also packs some excellent messages …
“He suffers from depression, a disease that whispers a human’s worst fears in their mind. It snowballs and crushes them under the weight of falsehoods, destroying their self-worth and confidence. It destroyed his marriage. It was about to destroy him. Until you talked to him.”
“Even a bad past can be forgiven if you’re truly sorry.”
… and admirable writing:
Eden was paradise, and I didn’t want to leave.
It’s a great read for the holiday season as it has an air of magic and imagination. At times, it reads as a fairy tale and is just utterly charming.
Technical stuff:
What caught my eye was the pretty cover … and the author’s complete enthusiasm about the release on social media compelled me to buy it. I buy lots of books and don’t get around to reading most of them (At last check, I owned over 30,000 so it’s just not possible.)
Editing:
Continuity is on point and I only recall reading 1-2 instances of poor grammar, if I had to guess, I’d say Michaels has a great production team.
The feels:
It didn’t exactly prompt real feels, again it felt like a fairy tale but there’s nothing wrong with this, as I did enjoy the ride and the super sweet concept. While I did predict all of it—I do that to everything so, that didn’t take anything away from the reading experience. It absolutely instills that holiday feel so if you’re having trouble ‘feeling’ the Christmas season, open this book.
It’s also pretty witty at times, so while being so sweet it could almost rot your teeth, it still manages to be funny. Overall: very well done.
4 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Would make a great audiobook, and if avail in this format, I might even re-listen every year to put myself in the 🎄holiday mood.
Note:
It also packs some excellent messages …
“He suffers from depression, a disease that whispers a human’s worst fears in their mind. It snowballs and crushes them under the weight of falsehoods, destroying their self-worth and confidence. It destroyed his marriage. It was about to destroy him. Until you talked to him.”
“Even a bad past can be forgiven if you’re truly sorry.”
… and admirable writing:
Eden was paradise, and I didn’t want to leave.
April 4, 2022
This was such a very special read for me. Wren Michaels on the surface has written a Christmas holiday novella, but yet it is so much more and very applicable any time of the year. The message of this story holds true always good will conquer evil; love and soulmates always find each other. I don’t really want to provide any spoilers, however, Theo and Eden as the H and h are couple you root for the entire time. The flavor of this read has been compared to A Wonderful Life, but it is so much more and goes so far beyond that story. Wren Michaels adds angels to her storyline and without pushing too hard presents to the reader the existence of a power much higher than our own here on earth.
The characters are very well developed and are individuals you feel you know. Have to admit I really thought I saw the path this book was going in and then Wren took a turn that threw me off. I was so delighted by the surprise twists this book took. I firmly believed I knew how things would play out and I was certainly thrown off my game. Was thrilled that the author did this to me. Nothing better than a surprise twist.
I have never read anything by Wren Michaels but I certainly will seek her out now. This was a very cohesive story. Character development, even with secondary characters, was fantastic. Author wrote with such confidence regarding subject matter one almost thought she had experience this. Well done, standing ovation with loud applause. Give this a read, don’t hold off or be scared by the holiday reference this is a year round story with a HEA that will truly satisfy.
The characters are very well developed and are individuals you feel you know. Have to admit I really thought I saw the path this book was going in and then Wren took a turn that threw me off. I was so delighted by the surprise twists this book took. I firmly believed I knew how things would play out and I was certainly thrown off my game. Was thrilled that the author did this to me. Nothing better than a surprise twist.
I have never read anything by Wren Michaels but I certainly will seek her out now. This was a very cohesive story. Character development, even with secondary characters, was fantastic. Author wrote with such confidence regarding subject matter one almost thought she had experience this. Well done, standing ovation with loud applause. Give this a read, don’t hold off or be scared by the holiday reference this is a year round story with a HEA that will truly satisfy.
January 13, 2022
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIE is the first book in the Heaven on Earth series. I believe we will want to read these all and in the order of release.
While I have known of the author for quite a while, including as a character in Anne Conley’s Book B!tches Series, this is the first book I have had the privilege of reading from her. It is terrific.
I love the idea that true love will find its soulmate no matter what obstacles are given. Boy are there obstacles!
This is a beautiful Christmas romance with a heavy dose of steam added and a lot of fun. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, and praying. I love when a story can make me forget that it’s a story… to forget that it is a romance and of course it will all turn out right… instead I’m hoping and praying as if this were my life or my friend’s life. I love the feeling of true anticipation, happiness, fears, and love. That’s what this book made me feel.
This may have been my first book from Ms. Michaels, but I’m looking forward to reading much, much more from her, especially in this series.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIE
Series: Heaven on Earth #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Wren Michaels
While I have known of the author for quite a while, including as a character in Anne Conley’s Book B!tches Series, this is the first book I have had the privilege of reading from her. It is terrific.
I love the idea that true love will find its soulmate no matter what obstacles are given. Boy are there obstacles!
This is a beautiful Christmas romance with a heavy dose of steam added and a lot of fun. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, and praying. I love when a story can make me forget that it’s a story… to forget that it is a romance and of course it will all turn out right… instead I’m hoping and praying as if this were my life or my friend’s life. I love the feeling of true anticipation, happiness, fears, and love. That’s what this book made me feel.
This may have been my first book from Ms. Michaels, but I’m looking forward to reading much, much more from her, especially in this series.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIE
Series: Heaven on Earth #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Wren Michaels
December 9, 2021
5-stars seasonal reading!
Each of us can become an Angel for someone, not necessarily close and dear, but possibly for a stranger. How? Just lend a helping hand when someone needs it, talk, smile, cheer up. It will be free for us, but for another person it can be an invaluable treasure that will help him overcome difficulties and troubles.
It's NOT a Wonderful Lie! It's a wonderful book! Amazing, brilliant Christmas book! Wonderful love story! I loved it so much!
Eden and Theliel's story is full of ridiculous funny moments that made me laugh out loud, really I cried all my eyes out laughing. Unusual plot twists just glued my hands to the book, I admire the author's skill to make the story so amazing! The story is filled with magic, kindness and funny moments that create a Christmas atmosphere, an atmosphere of love, warmth, hope for a bright future and the belief that dreams always come true.
After reading the book, I have made a decision - to do something good and kind, like Eden, to help someone, or something like that.
As this is the first book of Heaven on Earth Series, so I can't wait to read the others of the series! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves light reading, Christmas and romance.
Thanks to Wren Michaels, City Owl Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Each of us can become an Angel for someone, not necessarily close and dear, but possibly for a stranger. How? Just lend a helping hand when someone needs it, talk, smile, cheer up. It will be free for us, but for another person it can be an invaluable treasure that will help him overcome difficulties and troubles.
It's NOT a Wonderful Lie! It's a wonderful book! Amazing, brilliant Christmas book! Wonderful love story! I loved it so much!
Eden and Theliel's story is full of ridiculous funny moments that made me laugh out loud, really I cried all my eyes out laughing. Unusual plot twists just glued my hands to the book, I admire the author's skill to make the story so amazing! The story is filled with magic, kindness and funny moments that create a Christmas atmosphere, an atmosphere of love, warmth, hope for a bright future and the belief that dreams always come true.
After reading the book, I have made a decision - to do something good and kind, like Eden, to help someone, or something like that.
As this is the first book of Heaven on Earth Series, so I can't wait to read the others of the series! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves light reading, Christmas and romance.
Thanks to Wren Michaels, City Owl Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
November 28, 2021
This book is damn-near perfect, a new Christmas classic!
I voraciously consumed this sweet, heart-rending story of Eden, a girl down on her luck, and her guardian angel Theliel, who falls so hard for her that he can't seem to stop becoming human around her. Their chemistry crackles on the page, and the other-worldly setup of guardian angels is just enough to understand how it works without becoming preachy or weird. Huzzah for sex-posivite celestial beings!!
This well-crafted story brought tears to my eyes every time Eden and Theliel are ripped apart and for all they must go through to find their happily ever after. Which made the book that much more rewarding- something you can easily read again and again.
If I had to say ONE thing it would be that I wish there were more details on the past connection between Eden and Theliel that we are told about but don't get to see. Which is a real shame, because then I probably would have finished this book in a puddle of my own Merry Christmas tears.
I need a movie of this. Now. Right now.
I voraciously consumed this sweet, heart-rending story of Eden, a girl down on her luck, and her guardian angel Theliel, who falls so hard for her that he can't seem to stop becoming human around her. Their chemistry crackles on the page, and the other-worldly setup of guardian angels is just enough to understand how it works without becoming preachy or weird. Huzzah for sex-posivite celestial beings!!
This well-crafted story brought tears to my eyes every time Eden and Theliel are ripped apart and for all they must go through to find their happily ever after. Which made the book that much more rewarding- something you can easily read again and again.
If I had to say ONE thing it would be that I wish there were more details on the past connection between Eden and Theliel that we are told about but don't get to see. Which is a real shame, because then I probably would have finished this book in a puddle of my own Merry Christmas tears.
I need a movie of this. Now. Right now.
December 4, 2021
A wonderful Christmassy read!
It's a Wonderful Lie is a heart-felt, quickly-paced story about a guardian angel that falls in love with his charge. It's sweet and hilarious at times and might just tug on your heart strings a bit.
Eden is down on her luck in love and Theo can't seem to keep out of his corporeal form when he's around her (ie, saving her from her own clumsy self usually) and that ends up creating a love story that spans the years with a perfect HEA! There's alternating pov chapters which looks further into Eden and Theo's feelings and actions through the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it's perfect for the holiday season! While not an incredibly deep book as far as character development or world building goes (I felt like there were a few things that just got lost in the plot), if you're looking for something that gives you all the warm, fuzzy feels I definitely recommend this one :)
Thank you City Owl Press via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review!
It's a Wonderful Lie is a heart-felt, quickly-paced story about a guardian angel that falls in love with his charge. It's sweet and hilarious at times and might just tug on your heart strings a bit.
Eden is down on her luck in love and Theo can't seem to keep out of his corporeal form when he's around her (ie, saving her from her own clumsy self usually) and that ends up creating a love story that spans the years with a perfect HEA! There's alternating pov chapters which looks further into Eden and Theo's feelings and actions through the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it's perfect for the holiday season! While not an incredibly deep book as far as character development or world building goes (I felt like there were a few things that just got lost in the plot), if you're looking for something that gives you all the warm, fuzzy feels I definitely recommend this one :)
Thank you City Owl Press via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review!
December 10, 2021
Cute and Adorable Story . . .
This story is about a guardian angel who falls in love with the woman under his care. Eden Credere is having a string of bad luck and upsetting events. In quick succession, she lost her dad, job, best friend, and her fiancé. Foolishly drinking too much on Christmas Eve, she went to a tree lot and tugged on a 9-foot Douglas fir tree which crashed down on her. Luckily Theliel was there to rescue her before she was badly hurt. He is not supposed to appear in his “body” where he will be seen, but when she cursed in 3 ancient languages, which he understood, he couldn’t stop from chuckling… and she heard him and saw him! He ends up falling for her and is given a choice to earn his humanity where he can share his life with her. Then something goes wrong.
Waking up in a pile of snow without memories nor clothing (brrrrr!!), this may not work out well. How will he ever find Eden when he can’t remember anything? Can the magic of Christmas bring everything to a happy ending? Or has his struggle been for nothing?
This story is about a guardian angel who falls in love with the woman under his care. Eden Credere is having a string of bad luck and upsetting events. In quick succession, she lost her dad, job, best friend, and her fiancé. Foolishly drinking too much on Christmas Eve, she went to a tree lot and tugged on a 9-foot Douglas fir tree which crashed down on her. Luckily Theliel was there to rescue her before she was badly hurt. He is not supposed to appear in his “body” where he will be seen, but when she cursed in 3 ancient languages, which he understood, he couldn’t stop from chuckling… and she heard him and saw him! He ends up falling for her and is given a choice to earn his humanity where he can share his life with her. Then something goes wrong.
Waking up in a pile of snow without memories nor clothing (brrrrr!!), this may not work out well. How will he ever find Eden when he can’t remember anything? Can the magic of Christmas bring everything to a happy ending? Or has his struggle been for nothing?
January 3, 2022
This is a heartwarming romance which is full of 'Christmas Cheer'. The two main characters were such lovely people that you really hoped that they'd end up together, in spite of the many obstacles in their way! It is a long book, though.
When the book begins, Eden is in a bad way. She has lost her job and her boyfriend cheated on her. As she struggles with a Christmas tree, she meets handsome, kind Theo, seemingly the answer to her dreams. The problem is that Theo is really an angel and he can't tell her. When he falls in love with Eden, he is told that he has to choose between staying in heaven, or becoming a human.
After Theo chooses to be a human, he appears to have amnesia, but he does keep having visions of a pretty, dark-haired, kind woman. Eden has always known that she has a guardian angel, and Theo is the image of him, but Theo is, apparently, engaged to the rather annoying Tera...
It all sounds extremely corny but Michaels manages to pull it off, and the story is sweet holiday reading.
I received this free ebook from City Owl Press in return for an honest review.
When the book begins, Eden is in a bad way. She has lost her job and her boyfriend cheated on her. As she struggles with a Christmas tree, she meets handsome, kind Theo, seemingly the answer to her dreams. The problem is that Theo is really an angel and he can't tell her. When he falls in love with Eden, he is told that he has to choose between staying in heaven, or becoming a human.
After Theo chooses to be a human, he appears to have amnesia, but he does keep having visions of a pretty, dark-haired, kind woman. Eden has always known that she has a guardian angel, and Theo is the image of him, but Theo is, apparently, engaged to the rather annoying Tera...
It all sounds extremely corny but Michaels manages to pull it off, and the story is sweet holiday reading.
I received this free ebook from City Owl Press in return for an honest review.
December 26, 2021
Wren Michaels first book, It’s a Wonderful Lie, in the Heaven on Earth series hooks you from the opening page. The story’s preternatural plot was engaging and captivates you with the journey that Theo and Eden took in their unfailing belief of their souls sharing one enduring love. Though their journey was fraught with what seemed as insurmountable obstacles, their souls continued to call to each other creating a warm in my heart at the journey’s conclusion.
Theo’s endearing manifestation was presented in an exceptionally captivating manner…his growth and transformation was mesmerizing. Eden’s frustrations and feelings of loss and defeat were palpable, oftentimes breaking my heart for her feelings of emptiness and loss of purpose.
There are a plethora of emotions that this story evokes, serving to only draw you through the pages and keep you invested in a HEA for Theo and Eden.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Theo’s endearing manifestation was presented in an exceptionally captivating manner…his growth and transformation was mesmerizing. Eden’s frustrations and feelings of loss and defeat were palpable, oftentimes breaking my heart for her feelings of emptiness and loss of purpose.
There are a plethora of emotions that this story evokes, serving to only draw you through the pages and keep you invested in a HEA for Theo and Eden.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
December 8, 2021
A perfect combination of sweet and spicy! It’s a Wonderful Lie is a heartwarming story set around the holidays that pulled me in right from the start. Theo is a guardian angel, falling in love with his charge. Eden is a generous soul looking to find her place in the world. Her string of bad luck might dampen her holiday spirit but Theo’s appearance on Earth turns that all around, and their story goes deeper than even they know. But their new love is interrupted, and together they need to overcome obstacles in order to find each other in the end, with themes like trusting in God’s plan running strongly throughout. Michaels has crafted a perfect romantic tale to enjoy in front of a roaring fire. These characters have heart and the story has the kind of spice I’d love to see in a Hallmark movie. A wonderful read to give readers those holiday warm fuzzies.
December 19, 2021
OVERALL RATING –5 stars
RECOMMENDED FOR: those that like what if, meant to be
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me.
BOOK:
- Contemporary fantasy romance
- 1st person alternating POV
Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
· Writing Quality: 5 stars
· Story ingredient: 5 stars
· Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars;
· Plot strength: 5 stars - a lot of imagination
· Steam Level: 4 stars - Some open door scenes, high on the romance but not too graphic
Notes/Opinion (personal):
I love a good what if story. I also wanted a fun holiday read that was pretty short and light on the drama. This was perfect. Theo and Eden were hilarious in her cynicism and his innocence and wonder.
I
RECOMMENDED FOR: those that like what if, meant to be
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me.
BOOK:
- Contemporary fantasy romance
- 1st person alternating POV
Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
· Writing Quality: 5 stars
· Story ingredient: 5 stars
· Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars;
· Plot strength: 5 stars - a lot of imagination
· Steam Level: 4 stars - Some open door scenes, high on the romance but not too graphic
Notes/Opinion (personal):
I love a good what if story. I also wanted a fun holiday read that was pretty short and light on the drama. This was perfect. Theo and Eden were hilarious in her cynicism and his innocence and wonder.
I
December 13, 2021
Guardian angel Theliel has been saving Eden from mishaps for quite a while. After the job, dad, best friend and fiance all disappear quickly from her life, she is at odds with what to do. When another incident occurs, this time in a christmas tree lot, she is surprised to see Theliel laughing at her. He is not supposed to see her, but because he does, he is given an ultimatum and chooses to stay with her. Waking up with no memory or clothes, in a snowbank, he tries to start over.
The characters are heartwarming and the storyline takes you in so many directions and feelings. Loved their chemistry and how they come together again. The ending was terrific.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are heartwarming and the storyline takes you in so many directions and feelings. Loved their chemistry and how they come together again. The ending was terrific.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2022
This was such a sweet story. I don’t normally enjoy holiday specific stories but I was able to get an ARC from City Owl Press. I love Wren Michaels already so this was easy to say yes to reviewing!
I love a good angel story especially when the angels are depicted as more human than we are sometimes. I love that it wasn’t preachy like some stories can be but to watch Theo fall for his charge was just so damn sweet. So if you want a feel good Christmas retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life then this is for you!
There isn’t a lot of character development but the story just draws you in! Thank you City Owl Press for the opportunity to read and review!!
I love a good angel story especially when the angels are depicted as more human than we are sometimes. I love that it wasn’t preachy like some stories can be but to watch Theo fall for his charge was just so damn sweet. So if you want a feel good Christmas retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life then this is for you!
There isn’t a lot of character development but the story just draws you in! Thank you City Owl Press for the opportunity to read and review!!
April 19, 2022
Theo is Eden’s guardian angel, only problem? He has developed feelings for her. Guardian angels are able to turn human for short amounts of time but if you wait too long, bad things could happen.
This book is PERFECTION. More of a Christmas type romcom where the guardian angel wants to become human. The spice level is lower but I absolutely adored this book. Also, I am not much for highlighting, but there were MULTIPLE special little reminders throughout the book that helped me personally in my own life. Finally, I just love Wren’s writing style- I could picture my own self speaking much like Eden did throughout the story. Definitely a 5 🌟 read !
This book is PERFECTION. More of a Christmas type romcom where the guardian angel wants to become human. The spice level is lower but I absolutely adored this book. Also, I am not much for highlighting, but there were MULTIPLE special little reminders throughout the book that helped me personally in my own life. Finally, I just love Wren’s writing style- I could picture my own self speaking much like Eden did throughout the story. Definitely a 5 🌟 read !
December 10, 2021
The first book in the Heaven on Earth series. Theliel is a guardian angel who is suppose to look after Eden Credere her whole life. Something has happened she can see him,but there is so much more to her seeing him. I loved seeing this Christmas story come together. This is a new Author to me and I want to read more by her. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2021
ONE OF THE BEST HOLIDAY ROMANCES TO DATE!
'It's a Wonderful Lie!' has it all, it will make you laugh, it will make you sigh, it pulls you into the story and has you cheering for their love! Eden and Theo are amazing characters, I will be gifting this book to a couple readers I know this holiday season! I cannot wait for the next book! Congratulations Wren Michaels on this amazing book~Author Treasa Kloth!
'It's a Wonderful Lie!' has it all, it will make you laugh, it will make you sigh, it pulls you into the story and has you cheering for their love! Eden and Theo are amazing characters, I will be gifting this book to a couple readers I know this holiday season! I cannot wait for the next book! Congratulations Wren Michaels on this amazing book~Author Treasa Kloth!
January 2, 2022
Loved Theliel and Eden. But I have to admit, this book, for the most part, had a very goodie-two-shoes feel to it. But the whole goodie feel was very nicely done. Considering Theliel was originally Eden’s guardian angel, that couldn’t have been an extremely easy feat. It was an interesting twist when Theliel (and Eden) had their memories wiped by another angel. Theliel was made human, but with absolutely no memory.
It’s a Wonderful Lie was highly entertaining. A really good book that didn’t get into religion complete with quite a few angels woven into the story.
It’s a Wonderful Lie was highly entertaining. A really good book that didn’t get into religion complete with quite a few angels woven into the story.
December 8, 2021
If you are in need for a great holiday read, look no further! This book will give you the all the holiday warmth you will ever need!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2021
Fantastic story
Once again, Mrs. Michaels delivers an amazing story. There were definitely times I wanted to rage quit just because I as the reader knew who the characters were supposed to end up with - there was a bit of a twist. Of course, even once I did quit, I came right back because I wanted to see how this story played out!
Once again, Mrs. Michaels delivers an amazing story. There were definitely times I wanted to rage quit just because I as the reader knew who the characters were supposed to end up with - there was a bit of a twist. Of course, even once I did quit, I came right back because I wanted to see how this story played out!
December 17, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book—a holiday recipe of sweet, sexy, and fun, a delightful Christmas read. Ultimately uplifting, about the power of love to make the good life better.
December 19, 2021
Got this book as part of early reviewers. Loved it.
Love & believe.
Love & believe.
January 11, 2022
I loved this so much! I've recommended this to everyone.
December 23, 2021
I’m giving this 3.5⭐️ This was a very different Christmas novel than I’m used to. It wasn’t full of traditional Christmassy stuff. It’s about a guardian Angel falling for a girl. A lot happens in this story and some of it drove me crazy. But I enjoyed the acts of kindness.
Thanks City Owl Press via NetGalley.
Thanks City Owl Press via NetGalley.
December 26, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Nice respite from most contemporary romance books, which seem to be obsessed with billionaire mob bosses. It's also a step above as far as editing and secondary characters go. I liked Thandie and her grandkids in particular; a shame they faded from the plot.
The MC's are OK. The H is what you'd call a "cinammon roll" hero. At times the h was a bit too good to be true; at other times she was on the immature side for 29. The story was enjoyable, with brief discussions of spirituality/religion without being preachy. Plenty of emotion but it's not too dark, so this book may be a bit too mellow for you if angst is your thing. Dialog had nice touches of humor.
*****Reason I'm taking off the half star/SPOILER ALERT: Nothing very interesting happened involving the villain. She disappeared completely.*****
NOTE: This is not a "sweet and clean" romance. There is sex and profanity; this is kind of like an R-rated Hallmark movie with a supernatural twist. I don't mind sex in my romance novels at all, but there were a couple off-putting points early on. Comparing an H's body to a porn star's is not classy and didn't seem in-character for the h, and I've never before heard a man's body part (and never want to again hear the body part) referred to as a "penis funnel."
Bottom line: A fundamentally sweet book, even with the R-rated elements, that works as a post-Christmas pick me up.
The MC's are OK. The H is what you'd call a "cinammon roll" hero. At times the h was a bit too good to be true; at other times she was on the immature side for 29. The story was enjoyable, with brief discussions of spirituality/religion without being preachy. Plenty of emotion but it's not too dark, so this book may be a bit too mellow for you if angst is your thing. Dialog had nice touches of humor.
*****Reason I'm taking off the half star/SPOILER ALERT: Nothing very interesting happened involving the villain. She disappeared completely.*****
NOTE: This is not a "sweet and clean" romance. There is sex and profanity; this is kind of like an R-rated Hallmark movie with a supernatural twist. I don't mind sex in my romance novels at all, but there were a couple off-putting points early on. Comparing an H's body to a porn star's is not classy and didn't seem in-character for the h, and I've never before heard a man's body part (and never want to again hear the body part) referred to as a "penis funnel."
Bottom line: A fundamentally sweet book, even with the R-rated elements, that works as a post-Christmas pick me up.
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