RTC maybe. ( )

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3.5 stars (Rating shown may vary depending on whether site allows half star ratings).

I have read Karen Kingsbury before. I classify her as "feel-good fiction"--somehow, things always work out for her characters by the end of the book or at least the end of the series. I'm also going to tell you that Kingsbury seems to like the word definitely.

I do like the idea that God sends angels to help with certain situations on earth--and yes, we probably aren't usually aware when an angel (or angels) intervenes. I like the idea that God weaves together events (such as he does with Tyler working at Merrell Place, meeting Virginia Hutcheson whose daughter just happens to know his childhood baseball friend who's now an MLB pitcher, etc.)

I agree with Sami that it's not worth staying in a relationship that isn't the right one for you and admire her for breaking up with Arnie.

I'm afraid I agree with Tyler's parents in thinking that Tyler should have gone to college rather than into the MLB draft. It's all well and good to have dreams, but the reality is that very few people will have a pro athlete career and even those who do, have one for a limited amount of time. You need to have a plan to fall back on when the pro career doesn't materialize or ends. (Tyler does come to realize that during the book--it's a little unfortunate that Kingsbury has a professional coaching position just materialize for him (despite the fact that he can't throw a ball at all) instead of or in addition to having him learn a skill that would help him land a job. However, maybe we'll see him start planning for what happens after baseball in a future book in the series. Though I do mourn the loss of family that occurred because of how they handled his decision ( )

The first in a series by Karen Kinsgbury, Angels Walking tells the intertwined stories of former national baseball star Tyler Ames and his one true love, Sami Dawson. Tyler suffers a career-ending injury on his way to the big leagues. During his quest for fame as a major league pitcher, Tyler has driven away everyone he loves. When trying to find a way to rebuild his life, a series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

Meanwhile, Sami has moved on to a safe, if boring, relationship with an upwardly mobile lawyer. She has never gotten over Tyler, but when she hears from him again will she risk the security she's always craved?

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia.

I found this book extremely satisfying. Tyler and Sami are flawed but likable characters who you really want to root for. The story is rich with detail, though sometimes it seems a little forced. Still, Tyler, Sami, and Virginia's journeys give the reader lots to think about and characters that you can really get behind. The angels' works slot well into the story without being too overt. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
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I think this is one of the best books by Karen Kingsbury that I've read and I've already ordered the next one in the series. ( )