Book Review: Angels at the Table

Angels at the Table: A Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy Christmas Story
by Debbie Macomber
NY: Ballantine Books, 2012

A mark of a good Christmas story is that it is enjoyable no matter what time of year it is. “Angels at the Table: A Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy Christmas Story” by Debbie Macomber definitely meets that requirement. This book was such a fun read; I really did not want to put it down. While they no doubt bear little resemblance to true angels, this story features four well-meaning, but somewhat meddling angels who are sent to earth by the archangel Gabriel to answer prayers.  When “Will,” an angel in training, intervenes on New Year’s Eve and causes two strangers to meet who weren’t supposed to, at least not yet, he puts a whole string of events into effect, and the problems just multiply from there. The angels attempt to work to rectify their mistake, and only manage to muddle things more.

Lucie Ferrara is the crazy-busy owner of Heavenly Delights, a new restaurant. Aren Fairchild, recovering from a painful divorce, is a restaurant reviewer for a popular newspaper. When they unexpectedly meet on New Year’s Eve, the sparks fly, but they both need time to think. They plan to meet a week later in a “Sleepless in Seattle” moment at the top of the Empire State Building, but Lucie’s mother ends up in the hospital and she is unable to keep their date. As a result, the couple only meets again AFTER Aren has written a scathing review of her restaurant. 

“Angels at the Table” is a feel-good Christmas story featuring a sweet romance, perfect for an enjoyable few hours of escapism.