Official Review: Save an Angel's Kiss for Me

[CataclysmicKnight]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Save an Angel's Kiss for Me" by Joanie Chevalier.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year for many of us, and so it was for Marlee (Mar) until a tragic accident took her father's life when she was 12. Not only does she lose her father, she ends up stuck with only her mentally ill mother who's barely capable of showing her love. Three years later her school therapist asks if she's ever seen her father's gravesite, prompting her to kick off Project Real Runaway (as opposed to her extremely short term runaway the year before), taking a Greyhound to her Aunt Beattie's house 14 hours away.

Save an Angel's Kiss for Me by Joanie Chevalier was a short (37 pages) but really touching story. Joanie really drew me into Mar's life, so much so that I thought this was autobiographical until the main character's name was revealed. Mar is one of the most realistic characters I've read and the story manages to tug at some heartstrings in these pages. The way she interacts with others, the way she speaks and the way she thinks are all perfect, especially as far as her pets are concerned. Taking her hamster Ms. Gloria with her in her "castle" (box) and letting her run around in her hamster ball are awesome.

In addition to just how real this story was, Mar's journey is fantastic. Her time with her dad is sweet and tender, her time ATA (after the accident) is so dark and relatable and her revelations after she visits her aunt really wrap the story up well. It's heartwarming but still keeps true to the real-life vibe that the book has, and the end is one of the best parts of the book.

The editing in the book was spot on, and I was really taken with the fact that this was essentially a Christmas book that barely featured Santa Claus and didn't have any form of magic or time travel or goofy romance to it (thank goodness especially on the latter bit as Mar is only 15 by the end of the book). While cheesy stories have their place and can be great, it's nice to get an addition to the more serious family relationship side.

This is definitely a book I can recommend to everyone. It's sweet, it's relatable, it's honest and it can really speak to a teen or an adult. It's also a very quick and easy read, able to be devoured in an hour or two. Until about halfway into the book I would've rated it 2.5 stars if I could, but by the end it was clear it's easily worth 3 out of 4 stars.

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Save an Angel's Kiss for Me
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Like CataclysmicKnight's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Bajpai shikha]

Thanks for the review

[Kdonegan91]

Thanks for the review! This sounds like a short charming book. I agree it is hard to find a Christmas based book that doesn't involve silly romances, Santa, or other known cliches. I am glad you enjoyed the book.