Rating:  Summary: Good book... mixed emotions! Review: Ok, this is a weird review to write - you'll hear REALLY mixed messages! This was a really good story. I loved watching our heroine, Daisy. She was kind of goofy & shallow.... at least, that's the persona she put off at first. Although she kept her big heart & forgiving nature (a little toooo forgiving if you ask me!), she definitely learned that she was capable of alot more in life than anyone had previously taught her. I loved watching her find her feet. On the other hand, I couldn't STAND the secondary characters in this book! It took me 200 pages to like the hero, Alex, even a little bit! In the end, all of them showed a little bit of development of human compassion, but it took them forrrrevvvvver! I don't know that I've ever read about a whole pack of people that are this self-centered, judgmental, & cruel! Now...... like I said, this was a really good story! lol lol One thing that I can definitely say for SEP - she knows how to invoke feelings of all sorts. She's truly a good writer.
Rating:  Summary: As good as it gets! Review: I love it when I get so pulled into a book that I can't do anything but read it. _Kiss an Angel_ is an example of romance the way it was supposed to be written. If you havn't read anything by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you simply must! Her writing is vivid, humorous and unique. Her characters come alive for you. I've only read one other book by SEP, but let me tell you, I'm hooked for life. _Kiss an Angel_ has one of the most unique story lines I've ever read in a romance novel. It takes place in a circus. This was new for me, but I totally loved it. Daisy, the main character, is one we can all relate to. SEP makes her startlingly real, and all of what she does as a character is so well written that it is easy to see her motives, Alex, Daisy's husband, is a complex one. He's got so many layers, you wouldn't believe it. Let me just tell you that he's not what he seems. When these two odd balls meet, sparks fly. Daisy was so cute because at the begining of the book, she is terrified of animals, but towards the end, she's got the whole menagerie of the circus eating out of her hand. This is just a metaphor for the change that goes on through her. SEP's writing is so vivid that you will feel like you're in the circus audience watching the show. Alex and Daisy's love is really precious. The humor that is infused in this book is amazing. I've gotten some strange looks for laughing out loud numoress times. So, let me sum up _Kiss and Angel_ for you... it is a fabulous book that any romance lover must have. SEP will blow you away, and I garuntee that you will be coming back for more.
Rating:  Summary: First and best SEP book ive read Review: this book really got me hooked on SEP...i really like the ending... maybe its abit melodramatic like some of the reviewers say but i really thought this book is great and made me rank her in one of my top fav. romance authors...
Rating:  Summary: Best of SEP Review: I have read all of SEP's books and I love this the best! One can't help but love Daisy. In the beginning, the reader is treated to the misconception of Daisy's character. She was every bit the rich, spoiled brat that everyone thinks she is. But with time, circumstances allowed her to grow and reveal her true character and by the end of the book, you'd admire and love her for who she has become. Just goes to show that nothing is ever what it seems.And I love Alex, because he is the modern day sexy, brooding hero. But mostly, I love the way he fell in love with Daisy. His firm hand taught her about herself, while at the same time, she taught him about love. Their story is very endearing, and is supported by rich characters, making the book a thoroughly enjoyable read. You will laugh, cry and sigh when "Kiss an Angel" is through with you.
Rating:  Summary: A Must Read Review: This is an awesome book with great characters and plot. I fell love with the characters and hated the book to end. This was my first SEP book but not my last.
Rating:  Summary: I loved it!!! Review: I agree with other reviewers that I wasn't sure I'd like the whole circus theme, but it was so easy to get wrapped up in the animals and Daisy's close bonds with them. I wanted to keep reading and even found myself shedding a tear or two at times. This was a heart-warming story that I found delightful.
Rating:  Summary: Too Good to Pass Up Review: This has got to be one of the best books I've ever read; it's one of my "keepers". Funny and sad at the same time, this author really knows how to sketch characters that keep me coming back for more. I love the vulnerability of Daisy in this story, and the idea of a rich girl joining a grimy little traveling circus was a hoot. Buy it, read it, and keep it!
Rating:  Summary: Fairy Tale Magical Realism Review: As someone who suffered childhood trauma, I find this an exceptionally important book. It heals me. I've read it 5 times and I'm just beginning to understand it in a way I can articulate. It works like a fairy tale. Also it offers something like "magical realism" where what is bad is believable and the transformation to good is rather magical. Each of the characters has both strengths and weaknesses. Each has to learn how to become stronger in their areas of weakness, and use their strengths responsibly. They are tested and they go through trials. These are not realistically drawn characters--they are bigger than life and their transformations are improbable. I love them, as I would have as a child, including the animals who uphold the ethos of wildness and being true to our natures?a theme mirrored in the sexuality in this book. There is a little story within this book about Alex and Sheba that reminds me of "The Grand Inquisitor" in the Brother's Karamazov. The story stands on its own very well, but it also educates the reader for the rest of the book. The ideas in this story are a template that helps us understand other characters: different circumstances can cause similar traits; people can form strength in unhealthy ways especially in pride; and (mostly) people are not all good or all bad. All the characters attain redemption through doing things intrinsically difficult for them and thus becoming more whole. Note: Alex is not just being stubborn about love and children: he is dedicated to never allowing himself the chance to do evil by having a family without being able to love. He believes he cannot do it. He believes he is guided by a greater good when he makes things difficult for Daisy in order to discourage her love for him. Daisy's initial damage is to her lack of self confidence. By living through her trials in the Circus, she attains that self confidence. Alex is right when he says she is "the most decent person he ever met." How many books in any genre celebrate being decent as the main character's virtue? This book is carefully written to make sense, but it is not an easy read: lots of conflict here both emotional and cognitive. But I know I will read this book again and love it and be nurtured by it again. If you haven't experienced extreme trauma, you can't know how right on Phillps is in the cruelty she portrays, cruelty often dished out by people who are not demons?though it would be easier if they were. I find a relief in Phillips' portrayal of a reality so cruel I hope it is not known by many others. The magical part is to see beloved characters who have been deeply hurt become not just better, but totally well (although of course still imperfect). Even the "wicked queen" Sheba redeems herself by using her unique and frightening skills?she remains true to her nature but also becomes good. It's the kind of story I used to tell to myself over and over when I was 5, comforting and affirming, with the hope of growth and healing. My thanks to Susan Elizabeth Phillips for this gift I treasure.
Rating:  Summary: Too Good To Miss Review: I absolutely loved this book and am glad I didn't listen to the reviews that touted this as not up to SEP's usual. The hero and heroine are great together. Daisy is a great character with a great ability to be understanding and forgiving and who has sooooo much love to offer. Alex on the other hand, had a really miserable childhood and has removed his emotions to the point he feels incapable of having a loving relationship with anyone. Alex was of the opinion that Daisy was a spoiled rich girl with nothing to offer--but she soon proves him wrong and Alex has to see her for what she is. The story is absolutely wonderful. I too wondered how I would relate to circus life being a major part of the story, but the story is so wonderfully written that it was part of what made it intresting. The secondary characters were well written and added the right mix to the story, including Tater and Sinjin. If you like stories that leave you feeling good and that tug at your heart, then don't miss this book--if you love SEP it is a must read.
Rating:  Summary: A book to read again and again! Review: I don't know about other people, but to me this was the best book I read in a long time. It was special. I had already read It had to be you by SEP and I didn't think her writing could get any better, but I was wrong. To me this book was better and so far is my favorite. She so reminds me of my favorite author Jill Barnett, but contemporary. She makes me sigh with happiness for the characters and I love her endings. People are wrong to say Daisy was stupid because she was not that way at all. She was kind and sweet and sensitive to the world around her. There is nothing wrong with that. She did need to grow up a bit and she did along with Alex. There was not a scene in the book that I didn't like. The love scenes were great and touching and the secondary characters shined along with Daisy and Alex. This book is the kind of book to read when you want to relax and escape for a while then when you're finish, read again. This book is simply a keeper.
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