And Mercy) - Angels at the Table - A Christmas Novel (Shirley

THIS TRULY A STORY YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN. EASY READING AND KEEPS YOU WANTING TO KNOW TO MORE AND MORE. I LOVE HER WRITING BECAUSE SHE IS UNCOMPLICATED AND LOVING IN HER PRESENTATION. I CAN GET LOST FOR TIME I SPEND READING NOT CAUGHT UP IN MY OWN LIFE'S PROBLEMS. WHAT A JOY!!

MY BOOK ARRIVES FULLY WRAPPED AND PROTECTED. I AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO ORDER FROM the store!

I love all of Debbie Macomber's Christmas books! My only complaint was the book I received had different artwork on the cover. I purposely purchased the cover design it shows because I liked it better... however, I received the older cover art version. I wish the paperbacks would be slarger as well.

I love the mischief the angels get into. Even the Angel Will gets in trouble with the other angels and the try so hard to get Aren and Luck back together. DEBBIE MACOMBER IS a very good writer. I have enjoyed this book immensely.

I read this short Christmas story in about two hours and think it will be a favorite of fans of Debbie Macomber. Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are old friends of the faithful Macomber readers, being angels who slip out of heaven from time to time to help humans. In this book, the three are joined by a male angel named Will, who is even more inept than the three female angels. Ignoring the orders to not interfer in the lives of humans, Will brings two lonely people together in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Lucie and Aren agree to meet a week later on the top of .....guess where?....the Empire State Building if they are still interested in each other. Naturally, as in the movie "An Affair to Remember," Lucie cannot make it due to circumstances outside her control. The rest of the book is how the four angels attempt to get Lucie and Aren back together in a "continuing to meet cute" bumbling fashion.

As I indicated in my title, the book is short and breezy, nothing profound here that will stay with you for longer than the time to read it, which makes it good romance reading for the holidays when most people are very busy. In some regards it seemed a little like a book for children, although I am not sure if most children would sit still for the "mushy parts". Typical Debbie Macomber angel Christmas story, which is not necessarily a bad thing at all, just more of an acquired taste I'm thinking.

I love Debbie Macomber's books. They're my easy reading, perfect for those moments when life is just overwhelming with its busyness and chaos. I love the three angels, Goodness, Mercy and Shirley, and now their new apprentice, Will. I love how she always has a happy ending for her characters, which is really nice to read (even if it is predictable). This book is no different from her other Christmas books. It is actually a little more simpler than her other books though. There is no real depth of character development in this one and it is really more predictable than her others.

This time, the three angels are called to help answer Wendie's prayer that her daughter, Lucie will find the peace and the love of a good man. Lucie is the chef of an upcoming restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, called "Heavenly Delight." Aren is a food critic for one of the newspapers in NYC. Earlier in the year, they had bumped into each other at the Times Square, celebrating the start of a new year. Eleven months later, they meet again. This time, they get the divinely-inspired nudge to get their relationship going.

It is a sweet story and the reason why I give it a four instead of a three, is because I relaxed so much while reading it and to me, that is divinely-inspired.

10/5/12

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy have returned in this latest installment but this time with an apprentice, Will. To give him a preview of their human charges, they took him down to Earth on New Year's Eve. However, a quick trip wrought more trouble than intended. Because of Will's intervention, two people, who weren't suppose to meet until later, met that fateful night and took their path to romance off course. As their newest assignment, the angels were going to do their best to smooth love's bumpy road.

If you haven't read any of the prequels to "Angels at the Table" (meaning me), the first chapter gave a quick rundown of who's who in the heavenly world. Perfect for the few newbies to get caught up to speed. With now 4 well-intentioned angels, can you improve an over-used romance storyline? In one word: no. The story was too low-key, lack some depth and you will be finished before you realized anything actually happened. A few more chapters would've helped. However. Despite the fact you know step by step how this romance will play out after chapter 3, the charming characters were the main reason anyone will stick it out to the lackluster ending. Aren and Lucie were perfect complements for one another and the meeting and bumping into each on New Year's Eve at Time Squares was an utterly romantic way to meet. But there was one problem for me. Considering the true heart of the story only have a week time span, there wasn't enough time to really know Aren and Lucie. The book ping-ponged between Aren and Lucie, their own personal lives and the antics of the Angels. So within 200+ pages, they only spent less than 80 pages together. Their chemistry was believable but the lack of time spent together made the ending feel rushed. Other than that, the writing was well done as always. Macomber can always write a heartwarming tale that draws you in. The chapters were to the point and short making reading a breeze. Great cast of characters. A clean, sweet holiday read.

I enjoyed it, since I generally like fluff romances. My recommendation will be for the people who already like Macomber's latest works, Christian romances and sweet, gentle romances. If you are expecting a monumentally mind-blowing plot, please don't pick this up. Also, I suggest waiting for the paperback version or a lowered price. This is not something you have to get right away. The length and predictable plot line is not worth the price tag. But when you do get a chance, read it.

I have come to the realization that the Christmas season would truly be incomplete without reading a Debbie Macomber Christmas romance novel. This is the first time I do so, and it has been such a wonderful, delightful experience that I will not only read more of her Christmas romances, but more of her regular ones, as well! I'm not surprised she's a bestselling author!

While most romances do tend to have a predictable plot -- a 'happily ever after' is usually the case at the end -- an author's originality is thus most evident in how she gets her characters to that very wonderful ending. In this particular novel, Macomber uses angelic 'intervention' in a very comical manner, which ensures that the reader will thoroughly enjoy herself throughout while she travels with the characters toward that inevitable destination.

The names used for these comical angels -- all of whom, except one, are females -- come from Psalm 23, in the Old Testament. There's a line in the Psalm that states, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (New King James Version) Macomber turned the word "surely" into the name 'Shirley", which is a cute, little play on words. So one of the angels bears that name. The other two female angels are, of course "Goodness" and "Mercy". In this novel, the author has added a fourth angel, Will, whose name obviously also comes from the quote above. As stated in the synopsis, he's an apprentice, and is being trained by the three other angels in order to become a Prayer Ambassador. As such, his main duty is to provide answers to the prayers he's assigned to work on.

The three mischievous angels made their first appearance in "A Season of Angels", published in 2011, and have continued to appear in several more novels of Debbie's Angels Everywhere series. Although they mean well, these lovable heavenly helpers aren't much help at all. They bumble their way through their 'assistance', and then have to correct all the havoc they've created.

In this particular novel, a very stern Archangel Gabriel attempts to keep them in line, without much success. During the course of the novel, the three heavenly stooges manage to engage in antics that have onlookers thinking they (the onlookers) have gone bonkers. Gabriel certainly has his hands full! Meanwhile, the reader is chuckling away on practically every page.

The two main characters, Lucie and Aren, are absolutely lovable, sweet people who are very obviously meant for each other. God has always intended them for each other, Gabriel solemnly assures the quartet of hapless heavenly helpers on more than one occasion. Will, however, did rush things a bit by having them meet too soon.

Lucie is a gourmet chef who, along with her mother, has opened up a restaurant with the significant name, "Heavenly Delights". She and her mother, a widow, literally work their fingers to the bone making sure that the restaurant is a success. And Lucie is passionate about her cooking. So she becomes very concerned and upset when a certain newspaper food critic, with the ridiculous pen name of "Eaton Well", blasts the restaurant on the quality of the food he's served while dining there one day. Food critics, after all, can either make or break a restaurant, especially if they happen to work for influential newspapers. Needless to say, our bumbling angel helpers are to blame....

Aside from work, though, Lucie is also a very loving, compassionate person, and she can sense the good in people -- such as Aren, for instance.

Aren is a newspaper writer himself, as well as a secret writer of fiction. He is also a very romantic young man who entirely sweeps Lucie off her feet with a midnight kiss, in the middle of Times Square. He does not, however, exert any pressure on her to 'spend the night with him', as others might have. Instead, he spends four hours chatting away with her at an all-night diner. They go their separate ways afterward, but agree to meet again at a specific time and place.

This is the most important event in the novel, one which may or may not bring Lucie and Aren together. As Shakespeare himself stated in "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "The course of true love never did run smooth...", and so it is for Lucie and Aren, as circumstances seem to keep cropping up to separate them. Until, that is, the angels conspire to actually bring them to the spot where everything should have begun -- the top of a very famous skyscraper in New York City.

Most people feel really hassled during the Christmas season. In the midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle, how nice it is to kick back for a while and dive into lighthearted novels such as this one! All the pressures and hassles evaporate as one reads, laughing at the antics of the angels, as well as those of the couple in love, who are at times much too proud to admit -- without a little heavenly nudge -- that they were wrong, and apologize....

So I would definitely recommend, when you're at your most frazzled this coming holiday season, that you pick up this funny, warm, and most of all, cozy Christmas romance, preparing yourself to enjoy it to the utmost! Angels do exist, after all, and they do at times intervene in human affairs!

I know I've said this in other reviews, but this book would make a wonderful Christmas movie! I'd certainly love for it to become part of the holiday movie tradition, right along with Debbie's already produced Christmas movies: "Mrs. Miracle", "Trading Christmas", and "Call Me Mrs. Miracle" . And no, I don't mind repeating myself, if I feel it's necessary. In this case, I most certainly feel it is!

This novel in Macomber’s Angels Everywhere series is comical, as always. They say that God works in mysterious ways. Macomber’s story here definitely embodies that. At the same time, she in no way pushes her readers towards religion. Macomber makes the setting easy to picture and the story easy to immerse yourself in. This well written & presented novel combines all the best of the Christmas season in a package that can easily be enjoyed year round.

I absolutely love these angels. Even though we’ve met them before, Shirley, Goodness, & Mercy continue to grow as individuals and as a team. Their antics never fail to make me giggle. The trio’s new sidekick is priceless. Good intentions turn into some rather comedic moments as he tries to find his footing on earth. I also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the main couple in this novel. Getting to know their thoughts and dreams really made me feel close to them. They were also quite enjoyable individuals. Macomber really has a way of making you feel like you’re part of the characters’ lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is one that will definitely be re-read time & time again.

I almost feel bad writing a negative review about a book in which a negative review nearly splits up two young would-be lovers, but I found so much to dislike in this book.

The story begins on New Year's Eve in New York City when Will, an apprentice angel to Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy, causes Aren and Lucie to bump into each other. Though strangers, they kiss passionately, clearly influenced by Will. They spend time in a diner talking and find that they might be right for each other. The plot then shifts to "An Affair to Remember." Aren suggests they meet at the top of the Empire State Building in a week if they want to continue. As in the film, he shows up but she doesn't since a medical emergency causes problems. Oh well, what could have been.

But Aren, as the new food critic, happens one night to wander into the very restaurant Lucie and her mother have just opened. Angelic interference ruins the sauce, and after tasting the sole, whose sauce the angels have unintentionally ruined, and a dessert that--well, I'm not sure whether it was good or bad since Aren thinks that "it wasn't half bad" and then, one line later, thinks "this chef way overdid the salt"--at any rate, Aren writes a harsh review. Fortunately, he writes under a pseudonym. Unfortunately, Lucie eventually finds out.

I have alluded to three of the flaws in the book. The first is that it's not at all original. Essentially, Macomber has taken the plot of a film and essentially stolen it to use as the framework for this book. The second is that the book seems to have been hastily written and more hastily edited. More than once, a line is contradicted by the very next line. For example, in one line, we are told that Aren does not keep alcohol in his home. In the very next line, he offers his sister a beer from his refrigerator. The third flaw is that the thing that initially drives them apart is the harshness of Aren's review, which Lucie interprets as being malicious. And yet he never apologizes for the harshness (though he does tone it down a bit in subsequent reviews). Nor is it clear why Aren is the only one who gets the bad sauce. As I understand the book, all of the sauce is ruined, but it seems nobody complains that night.

I did not want to dislike this book. But it really felt as if the author did not care about it enough to do a careful job and the publisher did not care enough to remove contradictions, obvious grammatical errors (some laugh-inducing), repetition, and other problems. I get it that this is supposed to be a light, fun read, but I do not get it why a light, fun read cannot have some originality and thought behind it.

This is light reading that sends messages of be kind, don't be prideful, love will come your way--don't pass it up, and prayer does work. In comparison to her previous books, I'm feeling that it's a bit more simplistic, with more I've-heard-this-story-before content, and a bit silly and slap-stick. But, hey, that is the intent: It is meant to be a quick and cheerful read, isn't it? This is Debbie Macomber's work.

For all its simplicity and its tried-and-true story line, I must admit that in the hours following my reading of this book, I felt light-hearted and joyful--not my usual state of mind while fixing dinner on a Monday evening.

Just an idea for you: The Macomber books are "pick-me-ups" in every sense of the phrase. I like to keep all the holiday Debbie Macomber books together on an out-of-the-way bookshelf, and I get them out for Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas week when the house is full of people. I put them on an end table or bedside table where the books can be easily noticed. They work wonders for quickly lifting the mood of a bored guest who is not interested in an afternoon of football games or someone who is feeling low, or someone who needs to get away from all the activity.

Angels Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy always have the best intentions when they visit Earth - even more so this time as they have an apprentice angel, Will with them. However, as so often seems to happen with this group, things don't quite go as expected. Will accidentally introduces Lucie Ferrara and Aren Fairchild to each other. At first this seems okay as sparks fly between Lucie and Aren but circumstances seem destined to keep the two apart. Can the four angels resist meddling in Aren and Lucie's lives even though it is strictly forbidden?

Debbie Macomber fans (myself included) love her books featuring the group of mischievous angels and will enjoy this one even if it is a bit lightweight. The romance between Aren and Lucie is sweet despite the obstacles make Macomber throws in their way. Lucie is a bit too good and flawless to be realistic but her reaction to the secret that Aren is keeping from her is well done. Aren is a bit of a more realistic character - hurt after a divorce he is wary of loving again and his stumbles along the way of his growing relationship with Lucie are realistically portrayed. Also well done is Macomber's portrait of New York City which is almost another character in this book (as are the many visits to restaurants in this book - I felt quite hungry while reading it!) While the Angel, as always, add a nice whimsical touch to this book and some nice humorous moments, they are all pretty interchangeable, even Will the newest angel.

In the end, while "Angels at the Table" will no doubt bring a smile to reader's faces, it is a slight read with romantic complications that drag on a bit too much.

I just love Debbie MaComber. Her books almost always seem to be full of laughter and cheer - or at least those I have read and "Angles at the Table" was no exception. In this book she has three seasoned angels: Shirley, Goodness, & Mercy, but now these three have a new Angel they're trying to train. Will is new, so he doesn't really understand earthly interactions or humans and their behaviours. So..... when Lucy Farrara and Aren Fairchild "accidentally" bump into each other on New Years Eve on Times Square at the stroke of midnight, everything seems perfect and the two hit it off well. Sadly, a few days later, fate rips these two apart as quickly as it united them, or so it seems. However, despite the lapse in time and their busy lives and schedules, neither Lucy or Aren have been able to forget that fateful night - neither have Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, or Will. Together, these four Angels device a plan to reunite these two lovers and make this an unforgettable Christmas. Great job Ms MaComber. Keep writing.

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Angels at the Table

Angels Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and neophyte Will overstep their powers to bring a young couple together to create a happy, if not predictable tale in time for Christmas. Debbie Macomber brings back the three characters and unites them with,Will, a newer angel. Will puzzles over how humans behave and how to assist them without controlling the outcome of their behavior.

The story revolves around star-crossed mortals Lucie and Aren who "bump" into each other on a New Year's Eve, thanks to help from the angels. Although they agree to meet again, circumstances prevent that from happening and they each go their separate ways.

Lucie and her mother, Wendy, have just opened a restaurant, Heavenly Delights, in New York City. Aren has a new job on a local newspaper. He secretly writes a food column under the pen name of Eaton Well . Eventually, Lucie and Aren encounter each other at the restaurant, but thanks to the misguided angels, Aren's dinner is ruined. Since his true identity is unknown to Lucie, she has no idea it's Aren who writes a scathing review.

Will the angels interfere and try to reunite the couple? Will Head Angel Gabriel, unhappy with their tactics, prevent them from trying to right their wrongs? Will Lucie learn who the real Eaton Well is? Will she forgive him for any damage to her restaurant's reputation?

Macomber uses clever twist of names - the angels, restaurant, and Aren's pseudonym - to liven up the story. She includes an especially humorous segment with the antics of the "real angels" invisibly performing with human actors. Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will contend humans have "no clue" how to act like real angels.

Although simplistic in style, Angels at the Table makes for a light, fun read for the holidays.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy take apprentice angel Will to Time's Square New York City for the New Year's celebration. While there Will sees two lonely people standing in the middle of a crowd full of people kissing. Deciding to spread a little Holiday Cheer Will uses his wings to have them bump into each other. For Lucie and Aren it was love at first sight standing in the middle of Times Square they have their first kiss, deciding to meet up a week later at the top of the Empire State Building. Fully intending to go Lucie must soon rush to the hospital instead of meeting Aren. One year later Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will must right the wrong that took place and help these two people find the way to their happily ever after.

Debbie Macomber is a wonderful author, the romance she has created her is so beautiful even though the story is complete with an amazing epilogue you still crave more. I have never read an Angels Everywhere novel before, now however I wish I had found them sooner The four angels are so much fun to read about as every time they make an appearance something goes completely hay wire adding a levity to the novel that is absolutely fantastic. I mean how can you go wrong with an invisible angel leading a camel down Broadway? This is only one tiny example of the hilarious antics that the angels find themselves in. Though the novel is highly funny Debbie Macomber manages to keep the humor and the deep emotional bond separate and intertwining at the same time with neither one taking away from the other yet each adding a new dimension to the story. I definitely had fun reading this book, though I feel cheated that I hadn't known about the series previously, now is definitely the time to remedy that!
I was sent a free copy of this book for an honest review.

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.

Spoiler Alerts:

In Angels at the Table, three human-loving angels, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy, are joined by an angel-in-training, Will (Hint: Psalm 23, Surely, goodness and mercy will...). While on Earth during a brief visit on New Year's Eve in New York, Will causes two humans, Lucie and Aren, to meet prematurely. Lucie and Aren hit it off and promise to meet later. But due to an unfortunate hospital visit, Lucie misses the appointment.

Much later, Lucie's restuarant, Heavenly Delights, proves to be very successful. Aren, now employed by a local newspaper as the mystery food critic, Eaton Well, visits Heavenly Delights with his sister, Josie. The angels interfere again with Lucie's food and more conflict follows as Eaton Well writes a poor review. Lucie is incensed with Eaton but reconnects with Aren who has this horrible secret identity as Eaton but can't tell her due to contract limitations.

Oddly as I read this book, Aren and Lucie go to a musical that stars Doris Roberts (Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond). Ms. Roberts played Mrs. Miracle in Debbie Macomber's Lifetime movies.

I liked this book but I really like the previous Angel books. There was only one storyline in this one as opposed to the first Angel book of three different lines. It's a nice Christmas book that will make you smile.

Our favorite meddling but well-meaning trio of angels is back! This latest adventure stars our old friends Shirley, Goodness and Mercy, who bring along the apprentice angel they are mentoring when they visit New York. The new angel-in-training, Will (from "Surely, goodness and mercy will follow you...), incites even more antics than the three usually experience as they accompany him on his first visit to Earth. The three advanced Prayer Ambassadors rationalize their trip (cautioning Will that it might be better if he didn't mention their unofficial visit to Gabriel), claiming they must introduce him to Earth and the humans he eventually will help. He is enchanted by Earth, New York City, and the humans who are currently flocking to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy warn Will not to speak to any humans, but Goodness petitions the others to let him at least go down to mingle with the crowd if Will promises not to chat with anyone. Of course, Mercy is yearning to mingle with the people who fascinate her, too. She zooms down, calling to Will to follow her. Within a crowd of unhearing humans, Mercy explains many facts about Earth to Will. She tells him about the celebration for a new year, which is incomprehensible to someone from heaven where time means nothing, and explains why the streets here are not gold. They are distracted, though, when Goodness's shadowy yet extremely angel-like form appears on the jumbo screen, causing the crowd to believe they've seen a sign from God. The angels' little excursion is starting to devolve into chaos, but the true craziness has not begun yet.

The senior angels suddenly notice, as the clock strikes 12, that Will has vanished. They need to find him before he gets into trouble in the mass of hugging, kissing humans...but it's already too late. Mercy watches helplessly as Will uses his wing to nudge two strangers, causing them to stumble into each other.

Lucie Ferrara has become separated from her friends in the jubilant New Year's Eve crowd. What is she doing here? She would rather be at home, cuddled up with a good book, but her mother and friends persuaded her that she needed to get out and have fun. It's true that Lucie has been working hard. She not only is a busy chef but, together with her mother, is setting up her own restaurant. However, watching couples hug and kiss each other only makes her wish even harder that she stayed home. Suddenly, something shoves Lucie...directly into a handsome man, who also seems to be standing alone.

When he suggests they engage in a traditional New Year's smooch, she can't resist. She discovers that Aren Fairchild is quite the find. They go out for coffee and chat for hours. Lucie is intrigued when she hears that Aren is new in town, recently hired as a reporter for New York Gazette. He is perfect for her, yet she hesitates when he wants to see her again because she believes she is too busy with her new restaurant to start a relationship. He offers a suggestion: she should think about the possibilities ahead of them for a week, and then meet at the top of the Empire State Building to give him an answer. Lucie warns him that she might not come, but she could never guess the twists, turns and detours that lie before them. Can a little heavenly interference help smooth the way?

Author Debbie Macomber's zillions of fans know that she is a natural storyteller who creates a cast of likable characters in intriguing situations --- and ANGELS AT THE TABLE demonstrates this talent. The angels' antics are a hugely hilarious and entertaining bonus to a warm love story. For the perfect respite from the holiday frenzy, allow me to prescribe this delightful antidote to be taken cuddled up by a roaring fire while sipping a steaming cup of peppermint tea.

Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

Angels at the Table is one of those feel good, leave-a-smile-on-your-face type of stories. I admit that, while I truly enjoy Debbie Macomber's writing and her books, I do not follow along with all of her series that she has come out with. I do, however, read each of her holiday stories and have always loved them. They are clean, sweet and filled with humor, Angels at the Table was no exception.

I have always been a sucker for a book who's plot focuses on food/restaurant workers and/or book store themes. Since this story focuses on Lucie, a new owner of her very own restaurant, I was instantly excited to delve in. Throw in the idea that the guy she falls for is a food critic and watch sparks of all kinds fly. Let's not forget those wonderful and mischievous (though well meaning) angels Mercy, Goodness, Shirley and their new angel friend, Will, and you will find yourself laughing several times throughout the story.

Of course, there is the added protagonistic problems to throw a wrench in the story and add the "how do we solve this issue and work through our problem, or can we..." plot and the story line is fairly predictable, but that was completely fine with me. Angels at the Table is a story meant to entertain and bring the warm feelings of the holidays to the reader and this does that perfectly.

The main characters are both easy to relate to and written in a way that made me really care for them. I do admit that I wanted to pop Lucie a few times because I didn't agree with some of her thoughts and actions, but isn't that typical of real life?! lol. Aren is just simply awesome and the all-around sweet, caring and considerate guy that any girl could fall for. Okay, so he has a major secret that he can't tell Lucie and when she finds out what it is, she will probably never speak to him again; but is it his fault that he is under contract at the newspaper as a food critic, to remain anonymous or lose his job?

Angels at the Table is the perfect quick, light and feel good novel to indulge in any time. You will laugh, shake your head, smack your head, laugh some more and sigh with happiness. I highly recommend this to escape the stress and craziness of the holiday season - or any time of the year!

Delightful is the word that comes to mind when trying to describe Angels at the Table. For me, this novel has the perfect mix of ingredients for a cozy Christmas novel—a pinch of fate, a dash of romance, and a sprinkling of angelic intervention.

Aren and Lucie meet in Times Square on New Year's Eve. They hit it off right away and spend the remainder of the night getting acquainted. They agree to meet in seven days on the top of Empire State Building, but due to a situation beyond her control, Lucie is unable to make their date. Sound like a cliché? No doubt about it, but it works in the case of Angels at the Table. Despite their strong attraction, Lucie and Aren each have their reasons for not wanting to jump into a relationship too soon.

A year passes and it Christmas time again. Lucy and Aren find their way back together again, but not without a lot of help from her mother, his sister, and four well meaning, albeit mischievous, angels—Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and their apprentice angel, Will. What strikes me the most about Angels at the Table are the tender and sweet relationships—Lucie and her mother, Aren and his sister, Lucie and Aren—which says it all to me about the true meaning of Christmas. Love and family.

I absolutely adored this book! Of course how can you possibly go wrong with a Debbie Macomber Christmas story. If you are a Debbie Macomber fan which I am one of the great parts of the Christmas season is a Christmas book from Debbie.

Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and their new apprentice angel, Will make an quick unplanned visit to Earth on New Year's Eve. Will takes it upon himself to give two strangers (Lucie Farrara and Aren Fairchild) a nudge together. They quickly have a change in plans and spend the post New Years celebration taking in a coffee shop. Neither thinks now is the time to start a relationship. They plan to meet a week later and see where things go from them. Things go wrong and they don't meet as planned.

One Year later Lucie has opened her restaurant and Aren is a food critic. Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will try to help out and things don't quite go as they planned. There is a series of errors that lend to some laughter and some worry for Lucie and Aren. They do finally get together for their first date but it's a wild night with all the shenanigans the Angels pull. Can Lucie and Aren make it through the ups & downs of life and find their way into each other's life?

Lucie and Aren are such a cute, adorable couple you can't help but cheer them on as they go through one trial after another to find their way together.

I meant to review this before Christmas and I forgot so I will do it now. I have only read a few of Debbie Macomber's books. One of them was with the Mrs. Miracle character, but I haven't read any of the angel trio.

If you are looking for a quick whimsical read then you will enjoy Angels at the Table. Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are always getting themselves into trouble. Now they have an apprentice angel, Will. They should have never taken him to earth to look around, but they can't help wanting to be around humans. Because they do this, Will messes with two peoples lives and make them meet before they were suppose too.

Now that they have screwed things up Gabriel is giving them a chance to go make things right a year later, on the day that the two were suppose to meet. Lucie is a chef with a new restaurant called Heavenly Delights and it has fast become very popular. Popular enough for Aren who is a successful food critic to come in and sample the food.

The angels wanted her food to taste so well that they each tried to help and ended up making it taste nasty and therefore, he gave Heavenly Delight a really bad review. This is all before he finds out that it is Lucie who owned the restaurant. Now the Angels are so worried that they might have messed everything up, but it doesn't stop them from messing with things when they are not suppose too.

I don't know how the other angel books are but at times these angels seemed a little to childish, but sometimes it was really fun to read. It was a cute story and if you like Debbie Macomber then you will probably like this book.

This is light reading that sends messages of be kind, don't be prideful, love will come your way--don't pass it up, and prayer does work. In comparison to her previous books, I'm feeling that it's a bit more simplistic, with more I've-heard-this-story-before content, and a bit silly and slap-stick. But, hey, that is the intent: It is meant to be a quick and cheerful read, isn't it? This is Debbie Macomber's work.

For all its simplicity and its tried-and-true story line, I must admit that in the hours following my reading of this book, I felt light-hearted and joyful--not my usual state of mind while fixing dinner on a Monday evening.

Just an idea for you: The Macomber books are "pick-me-ups" in every sense of the phrase. I like to keep all the holiday Debbie Macomber books together on an out-of-the-way bookshelf, and I get them out for Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas week when the house is full of people. I put them on an end table or bedside table where the books can be easily noticed. They work wonders for quickly lifting the mood of a bored guest who is not interested in an afternoon of football games or someone who is feeling low, or someone who needs to get away from all the activity.

Angels Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy always have the best intentions when they visit Earth - even more so this time as they have an apprentice angel, Will with them. However, as so often seems to happen with this group, things don't quite go as expected. Will accidentally introduces Lucie Ferrara and Aren Fairchild to each other. At first this seems okay as sparks fly between Lucie and Aren but circumstances seem destined to keep the two apart. Can the four angels resist meddling in Aren and Lucie's lives even though it is strictly forbidden?

Debbie Macomber fans (myself included) love her books featuring the group of mischievous angels and will enjoy this one even if it is a bit lightweight. The romance between Aren and Lucie is sweet despite the obstacles make Macomber throws in their way. Lucie is a bit too good and flawless to be realistic but her reaction to the secret that Aren is keeping from her is well done. Aren is a bit of a more realistic character - hurt after a divorce he is wary of loving again and his stumbles along the way of his growing relationship with Lucie are realistically portrayed. Also well done is Macomber's portrait of New York City which is almost another character in this book (as are the many visits to restaurants in this book - I felt quite hungry while reading it!) While the Angel, as always, add a nice whimsical touch to this book and some nice humorous moments, they are all pretty interchangeable, even Will the newest angel.

In the end, while "Angels at the Table" will no doubt bring a smile to reader's faces, it is a slight read with romantic complications that drag on a bit too much.

I just love Debbie MaComber. Her books almost always seem to be full of laughter and cheer - or at least those I have read and "Angles at the Table" was no exception. In this book she has three seasoned angels: Shirley, Goodness, & Mercy, but now these three have a new Angel they're trying to train. Will is new, so he doesn't really understand earthly interactions or humans and their behaviours. So..... when Lucy Farrara and Aren Fairchild "accidentally" bump into each other on New Years Eve on Times Square at the stroke of midnight, everything seems perfect and the two hit it off well. Sadly, a few days later, fate rips these two apart as quickly as it united them, or so it seems. However, despite the lapse in time and their busy lives and schedules, neither Lucy or Aren have been able to forget that fateful night - neither have Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, or Will. Together, these four Angels device a plan to reunite these two lovers and make this an unforgettable Christmas. Great job Ms MaComber. Keep writing.

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Angels at the Table

Angels Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and neophyte Will overstep their powers to bring a young couple together to create a happy, if not predictable tale in time for Christmas. Debbie Macomber brings back the three characters and unites them with,Will, a newer angel. Will puzzles over how humans behave and how to assist them without controlling the outcome of their behavior.

The story revolves around star-crossed mortals Lucie and Aren who "bump" into each other on a New Year's Eve, thanks to help from the angels. Although they agree to meet again, circumstances prevent that from happening and they each go their separate ways.

Lucie and her mother, Wendy, have just opened a restaurant, Heavenly Delights, in New York City. Aren has a new job on a local newspaper. He secretly writes a food column under the pen name of Eaton Well . Eventually, Lucie and Aren encounter each other at the restaurant, but thanks to the misguided angels, Aren's dinner is ruined. Since his true identity is unknown to Lucie, she has no idea it's Aren who writes a scathing review.

Will the angels interfere and try to reunite the couple? Will Head Angel Gabriel, unhappy with their tactics, prevent them from trying to right their wrongs? Will Lucie learn who the real Eaton Well is? Will she forgive him for any damage to her restaurant's reputation?

Macomber uses clever twist of names - the angels, restaurant, and Aren's pseudonym - to liven up the story. She includes an especially humorous segment with the antics of the "real angels" invisibly performing with human actors. Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will contend humans have "no clue" how to act like real angels.

Although simplistic in style, Angels at the Table makes for a light, fun read for the holidays.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy take apprentice angel Will to Time's Square New York City for the New Year's celebration. While there Will sees two lonely people standing in the middle of a crowd full of people kissing. Deciding to spread a little Holiday Cheer Will uses his wings to have them bump into each other. For Lucie and Aren it was love at first sight standing in the middle of Times Square they have their first kiss, deciding to meet up a week later at the top of the Empire State Building. Fully intending to go Lucie must soon rush to the hospital instead of meeting Aren. One year later Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will must right the wrong that took place and help these two people find the way to their happily ever after.

Debbie Macomber is a wonderful author, the romance she has created her is so beautiful even though the story is complete with an amazing epilogue you still crave more. I have never read an Angels Everywhere novel before, now however I wish I had found them sooner The four angels are so much fun to read about as every time they make an appearance something goes completely hay wire adding a levity to the novel that is absolutely fantastic. I mean how can you go wrong with an invisible angel leading a camel down Broadway? This is only one tiny example of the hilarious antics that the angels find themselves in. Though the novel is highly funny Debbie Macomber manages to keep the humor and the deep emotional bond separate and intertwining at the same time with neither one taking away from the other yet each adding a new dimension to the story. I definitely had fun reading this book, though I feel cheated that I hadn't known about the series previously, now is definitely the time to remedy that!
I was sent a free copy of this book for an honest review.

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.

Spoiler Alerts:

In Angels at the Table, three human-loving angels, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy, are joined by an angel-in-training, Will (Hint: Psalm 23, Surely, goodness and mercy will...). While on Earth during a brief visit on New Year's Eve in New York, Will causes two humans, Lucie and Aren, to meet prematurely. Lucie and Aren hit it off and promise to meet later. But due to an unfortunate hospital visit, Lucie misses the appointment.

Much later, Lucie's restuarant, Heavenly Delights, proves to be very successful. Aren, now employed by a local newspaper as the mystery food critic, Eaton Well, visits Heavenly Delights with his sister, Josie. The angels interfere again with Lucie's food and more conflict follows as Eaton Well writes a poor review. Lucie is incensed with Eaton but reconnects with Aren who has this horrible secret identity as Eaton but can't tell her due to contract limitations.

Oddly as I read this book, Aren and Lucie go to a musical that stars Doris Roberts (Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond). Ms. Roberts played Mrs. Miracle in Debbie Macomber's Lifetime movies.

I liked this book but I really like the previous Angel books. There was only one storyline in this one as opposed to the first Angel book of three different lines. It's a nice Christmas book that will make you smile.

Our favorite meddling but well-meaning trio of angels is back! This latest adventure stars our old friends Shirley, Goodness and Mercy, who bring along the apprentice angel they are mentoring when they visit New York. The new angel-in-training, Will (from "Surely, goodness and mercy will follow you...), incites even more antics than the three usually experience as they accompany him on his first visit to Earth. The three advanced Prayer Ambassadors rationalize their trip (cautioning Will that it might be better if he didn't mention their unofficial visit to Gabriel), claiming they must introduce him to Earth and the humans he eventually will help. He is enchanted by Earth, New York City, and the humans who are currently flocking to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy warn Will not to speak to any humans, but Goodness petitions the others to let him at least go down to mingle with the crowd if Will promises not to chat with anyone. Of course, Mercy is yearning to mingle with the people who fascinate her, too. She zooms down, calling to Will to follow her. Within a crowd of unhearing humans, Mercy explains many facts about Earth to Will. She tells him about the celebration for a new year, which is incomprehensible to someone from heaven where time means nothing, and explains why the streets here are not gold. They are distracted, though, when Goodness's shadowy yet extremely angel-like form appears on the jumbo screen, causing the crowd to believe they've seen a sign from God. The angels' little excursion is starting to devolve into chaos, but the true craziness has not begun yet.

The senior angels suddenly notice, as the clock strikes 12, that Will has vanished. They need to find him before he gets into trouble in the mass of hugging, kissing humans...but it's already too late. Mercy watches helplessly as Will uses his wing to nudge two strangers, causing them to stumble into each other.

Lucie Ferrara has become separated from her friends in the jubilant New Year's Eve crowd. What is she doing here? She would rather be at home, cuddled up with a good book, but her mother and friends persuaded her that she needed to get out and have fun. It's true that Lucie has been working hard. She not only is a busy chef but, together with her mother, is setting up her own restaurant. However, watching couples hug and kiss each other only makes her wish even harder that she stayed home. Suddenly, something shoves Lucie...directly into a handsome man, who also seems to be standing alone.

When he suggests they engage in a traditional New Year's smooch, she can't resist. She discovers that Aren Fairchild is quite the find. They go out for coffee and chat for hours. Lucie is intrigued when she hears that Aren is new in town, recently hired as a reporter for New York Gazette. He is perfect for her, yet she hesitates when he wants to see her again because she believes she is too busy with her new restaurant to start a relationship. He offers a suggestion: she should think about the possibilities ahead of them for a week, and then meet at the top of the Empire State Building to give him an answer. Lucie warns him that she might not come, but she could never guess the twists, turns and detours that lie before them. Can a little heavenly interference help smooth the way?

Author Debbie Macomber's zillions of fans know that she is a natural storyteller who creates a cast of likable characters in intriguing situations --- and ANGELS AT THE TABLE demonstrates this talent. The angels' antics are a hugely hilarious and entertaining bonus to a warm love story. For the perfect respite from the holiday frenzy, allow me to prescribe this delightful antidote to be taken cuddled up by a roaring fire while sipping a steaming cup of peppermint tea.

Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

Angels at the Table is one of those feel good, leave-a-smile-on-your-face type of stories. I admit that, while I truly enjoy Debbie Macomber's writing and her books, I do not follow along with all of her series that she has come out with. I do, however, read each of her holiday stories and have always loved them. They are clean, sweet and filled with humor, Angels at the Table was no exception.

I have always been a sucker for a book who's plot focuses on food/restaurant workers and/or book store themes. Since this story focuses on Lucie, a new owner of her very own restaurant, I was instantly excited to delve in. Throw in the idea that the guy she falls for is a food critic and watch sparks of all kinds fly. Let's not forget those wonderful and mischievous (though well meaning) angels Mercy, Goodness, Shirley and their new angel friend, Will, and you will find yourself laughing several times throughout the story.

Of course, there is the added protagonistic problems to throw a wrench in the story and add the "how do we solve this issue and work through our problem, or can we..." plot and the story line is fairly predictable, but that was completely fine with me. Angels at the Table is a story meant to entertain and bring the warm feelings of the holidays to the reader and this does that perfectly.

The main characters are both easy to relate to and written in a way that made me really care for them. I do admit that I wanted to pop Lucie a few times because I didn't agree with some of her thoughts and actions, but isn't that typical of real life?! lol. Aren is just simply awesome and the all-around sweet, caring and considerate guy that any girl could fall for. Okay, so he has a major secret that he can't tell Lucie and when she finds out what it is, she will probably never speak to him again; but is it his fault that he is under contract at the newspaper as a food critic, to remain anonymous or lose his job?

Angels at the Table is the perfect quick, light and feel good novel to indulge in any time. You will laugh, shake your head, smack your head, laugh some more and sigh with happiness. I highly recommend this to escape the stress and craziness of the holiday season - or any time of the year!

Delightful is the word that comes to mind when trying to describe Angels at the Table. For me, this novel has the perfect mix of ingredients for a cozy Christmas novel—a pinch of fate, a dash of romance, and a sprinkling of angelic intervention.

Aren and Lucie meet in Times Square on New Year's Eve. They hit it off right away and spend the remainder of the night getting acquainted. They agree to meet in seven days on the top of Empire State Building, but due to a situation beyond her control, Lucie is unable to make their date. Sound like a cliché? No doubt about it, but it works in the case of Angels at the Table. Despite their strong attraction, Lucie and Aren each have their reasons for not wanting to jump into a relationship too soon.

A year passes and it Christmas time again. Lucy and Aren find their way back together again, but not without a lot of help from her mother, his sister, and four well meaning, albeit mischievous, angels—Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and their apprentice angel, Will. What strikes me the most about Angels at the Table are the tender and sweet relationships—Lucie and her mother, Aren and his sister, Lucie and Aren—which says it all to me about the true meaning of Christmas. Love and family.

I absolutely adored this book! Of course how can you possibly go wrong with a Debbie Macomber Christmas story. If you are a Debbie Macomber fan which I am one of the great parts of the Christmas season is a Christmas book from Debbie.

Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and their new apprentice angel, Will make an quick unplanned visit to Earth on New Year's Eve. Will takes it upon himself to give two strangers (Lucie Farrara and Aren Fairchild) a nudge together. They quickly have a change in plans and spend the post New Years celebration taking in a coffee shop. Neither thinks now is the time to start a relationship. They plan to meet a week later and see where things go from them. Things go wrong and they don't meet as planned.

One Year later Lucie has opened her restaurant and Aren is a food critic. Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will try to help out and things don't quite go as they planned. There is a series of errors that lend to some laughter and some worry for Lucie and Aren. They do finally get together for their first date but it's a wild night with all the shenanigans the Angels pull. Can Lucie and Aren make it through the ups & downs of life and find their way into each other's life?

Lucie and Aren are such a cute, adorable couple you can't help but cheer them on as they go through one trial after another to find their way together.

I meant to review this before Christmas and I forgot so I will do it now. I have only read a few of Debbie Macomber's books. One of them was with the Mrs. Miracle character, but I haven't read any of the angel trio.

If you are looking for a quick whimsical read then you will enjoy Angels at the Table. Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are always getting themselves into trouble. Now they have an apprentice angel, Will. They should have never taken him to earth to look around, but they can't help wanting to be around humans. Because they do this, Will messes with two peoples lives and make them meet before they were suppose too.

Now that they have screwed things up Gabriel is giving them a chance to go make things right a year later, on the day that the two were suppose to meet. Lucie is a chef with a new restaurant called Heavenly Delights and it has fast become very popular. Popular enough for Aren who is a successful food critic to come in and sample the food.

The angels wanted her food to taste so well that they each tried to help and ended up making it taste nasty and therefore, he gave Heavenly Delight a really bad review. This is all before he finds out that it is Lucie who owned the restaurant. Now the Angels are so worried that they might have messed everything up, but it doesn't stop them from messing with things when they are not suppose too.

I don't know how the other angel books are but at times these angels seemed a little to childish, but sometimes it was really fun to read. It was a cute story and if you like Debbie Macomber then you will probably like this book.

A sweet little story switching back and forth between the points of view of visiting angels and the characters in whose lives they meddle. Much like other "heavenly intervention" stories, this one asks the reader to lay aside logic and disbelief, but the book is peopled (angeled?) with gentle souls. The snarky realist in me wants to ask, so you kissed a guy you'd never met before full on the mouth in Times Square on New Year's Eve and never once questioned what antibiotics you'd need the next day? and Lucie is opening a restaurant in competition-driven NYC but falling in love is top in her priorities? There are also a few inconsistencies that make the hard-line, old school science fiction reader in me gulp for air, such as giving the concept that time was irrevelant to the angels, yet one of them was 'older' than the others... so... time had to mean something... But, if you like Debbie Macomber's other novels, you'll probably like this one. I just like some of her other, deeper works better.
Again, if you are looking for a cozy winter romance this is good and short enough for a subway ride.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are three angels with crooked halos. While well intentioned, they have a history of making miracles run awry. Just like too many chefs spoil the pot, too many halos meddle with the marvel. In Angels at the Table, Debbie Macomber's latest Christmas cozy novel, the trio of angles are joined by Will, an angel-in-training.

The job description of an angel is to "help humans realize how much they can do for themselves with God's help...without interfering in their lives." The four angels descend on Times Square for the annual ball drop celebration at midnight. When Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy bring Will to Earth to get "a bird's-­eye view of Earth and these people God loves so much," the covert mission runs awry.

Will, the angel-in-training, forgets the first rule of being an angel. In his ambition to make a love match, his inexperience causes miracle making to run amok in the chaos. After being nudged together by Will's wing, Lucie and Aren explore the possibility of a new romance for the new year. The timing could not be worse for either of them. Lucie, a chef, is in the midst of opening a new restaurant, while Aren is the newest food critic for the local paper. How can love survive?

The beauty in this lighthearted read is how Macomber addresses the dilemma of meeting the right person at the wrong time. Can God's perfect plan be derailed? So often it is said that, "God's plan and God's clock are perfect." Angels at the Table illustrates how His plan and His clock are perfect, even when meddled with by well-meaning angels.

I'm not quite sure what the role of angels is in the world of Debbie MaComber... cute little cherubs who make silly mistakes, maybe. The angels were the comic aspect of this story. Their antics were cute and enjoyable. It's not a biblical portrayal of angels, but, then, since I've never, to my knowledge, met an angel, I won't comment on whether or Debbie's is an accurate portrayal.

The main character is a chef who makes amazing meals that jump off the page and make the reader want to raid the fridge, no, raid a perfect restaurant. Then there is a handsome, perfect, romantic man whom the reader knows is innocent, but whom the lovely chef suspects of being cruel and unkind. Of course, they need to get together and love one another.

Once again, MaComber's characters are in need of some emotional healing and fulfillment, and love is the answer. I so enjoy reading her stories--they work out just the way it seems life should work out. And her descriptions of foods, and her pleasant settings... it's all so nice.

Thanks for the Christmas gift, Debbie.

I love these stories about Shirley, Goodness and Mercy. Three prayer ambassadors that always want to come earth and mingle with us humans to help someone in need.

This book introduces an apprentice pray ambassador "Will" a brilliant suggestion from Rose a reader/fan of author Debbie Macomber.

Lucy and Aaron meet in Times Square New York on New Years Eve an accidentally bump into one another....at midnight and kiss.
However the timing is all wrong thanks to a mistake made by Will.

The story has it's series of unfortunate turns, what starts out as guidance to help human intentions comes with a bit of heart break, misunderstandings and painful lessons. Our favorite prayer ambassadors find a way to keep God's plan for Lucy and Aaron on track. Your happily ever after comes after forgiveness.

I cannot reveal the romantic ending you'll have to read this book to enjoy it! There is also a recipe for peppermint YOU WILL want to make it!

Three angelic amigas (Shirley, Goodness and Mercy) and their apprentice Will visit the in-spot Times Square on New Year's Eve to enjoy the festivities. As the Big Apple countdown winds down, Will notices two lonely people. Though he knows rule number on in the guardian angel handbook states no interference with humans, Will feels these two are made for each other; so he cause a slight bumping between Lucie Farrara and Aren Fairchild. At midnight Lucie and Aren kiss stunning both of them. However, whether the time was wrong or some other reason, the wannabe chef and the food critic go their separate ways.

Months pass with the couple remembering that enchanted midnight moment but never expect lightning to strike twice. Meanwhile the three bungling matchmaking angels try to rectify the inept rookie's mistake, but each effort they make to correct the problem only sends Lucie and Aren further apart; as a universal law they seem unable to overcome is that a chef and a critic are like oil and water even when love binds them.

The latest Shirley, Goodness and Mercy holiday romantic fantasy is an entertaining lighthearted Christmas tale. Filled with humor, fans will enjoy the wonderful Angels at the Table even if the thin storyline follows the narrow path of least resistance that readers anticipate.

Harriet Klausner

`Angels at the Table" is another in the series of the tales of 3 angels and now an apprentice angel who, despite Gabriel's stern warnings, get entangled in the affairs of humans. This time it is Lucie Farrara and Aren Fairchild, a chef and a food critic. As love stories go, the couple fall in love and has a misunderstanding, which the angels blame themselves for and are determined to rectify the situation.

The time is Christmas and the setting is New York City. We can just picture the city, although some more descriptions, for those who have never been there would have been nice. There is also a bit of the quizzical matter of some numbers. We read several times, that Lucie's customers have come to her restaurant's defense against Aren's bad review with 300 e-mails. Aren's editor says 300 and Aren repeats - 3,000? And then that is the number that is used??
Still it's always nice to have these visitors, especially for a charming Christmas story.

I am a Debbie Macomber fan. In the wide variety of types of books that I read, Macomber fits in a certain niche. Her books are light, clean fun and entertaining. Her characters are so real and the reader ends up thinking of them as friends. Especially in her series books, the characters become really good friends I read Macomber when I am looking for a book that will lift my spirits and take me away from my everyday life.

I think this little holiday story is aimed at a slightly different reader. This story is simple and has little depth. The characters did not become my friends. That said, I did want it all to turn out well for the couple who had so many things working against them.

I thought the story was kind of weak especially playing on the theme of meeting at the top of the Empire state building. I had to suspend all reality to enjoy the story about the angels. Their story just didn't ring true to me. But they are very amusing.

I think the book is overpriced for what you get. Check it out of the library.

When I review cozy books I grade them on their coziness and overall effect that they have on me. "Angels at the Table" by Debbie Macomber is so cute and sweet. I felt blessed after reading it.

Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will alight on earth putting their kind noses into a relationship that has hit some snags. Lucie, the owner and chef of "Heavenly Delights" meets a newspaper reporter, Aren, by accident on New Year's Eve night. Or was it accident? Perhaps the novice Will helped in bumping them together? And who knows if this relationship will work with this prideful, stubborn duo?

Happy, snug-filled, and joyous this little book will boost your holiday spirit with it's gladdened writing. The author borrowed a bit from "Sleepless in Seattle," but that is okay as she owns the fact and it adds to the romantic tone she is going for.

Happy holidays to all that read this.

Gayla

No one is perfect and not even angels are in Debbie Macomber's book Angels at the Table. This was my first Christmas Angels book and it won't be my last! I love her humor in these angels, Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy that make some mistakes trying to teach the new angel the ropes...Lucy and Aren are the main characters and they accidentially meet 1 yr too soon but the bumps and bungels along the way make this book a great short read, it's just after the holiday please read it today, dont wait till next year to experience this great book. 5 Angels Debbie, keep em coming.

Like Mr. Miracle, Debbie Macomber's Christmas story involves angles. Angels at the Table have Shirley, Goodness and Mercy helping humans on earth. The setting is in New York and centers around the lives of a young woman, Lucie and her mom as they open Heavenly Delights. A food critic, Aren, is also in the story to form the romantic plot. I cute bit of silly fluff for the season. Peppermint Bark recipe is in the back of the book, along with Debbie Macomber's Christmas Stickers.

I'm a debbie macomber fan (have at least 25 or more books on my shelf that I read and re-read) This new book was okay but I sort of felt that it was too breezy - not enough about the relationship between the characters and the "dilemma" was tired and not the typical creative storyline that Debbie has had in the past.(why pick the same storyline as Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember?) Also - while I realize the story was about Angels, I enjoyed the other angel books because they were more about the storyline of the real people and not the mischief the angels in which the angels are involved. Lately I haven't been impressed with her novels. It seems like she isn't as concerned with establishing new stories - rather she just rehashes old stories that have been done before. That said - it was lighthearted and a quick read (read the entire book on a flight from chicago to minneapolis) It was okay - but maybe save your money and wait until the publisher re-releases it another four or five times in the next couple of years.

This is the first time I have read Debbie Macomber. Our book club picked this to read over the Christmas Season. Honestly, it was painful to get through and finish. Very predictable and I found the angels antics overly "cutsie". The author tried to introduce too many characters into such a short story. None of them are developed very well and the situations that she writes them into are overdone and cliché'. Having said all that, I will give this author another shot as others in my book club said that she is a great writer. Everybody has an off day, right?

An adorable and light read that had me smiling throughout :) Love the angels that Debbie Macomber writes about! A cute book that with great dialogue, 4 angels who have trouble behaving according to set instructions, romance, forgiveness, and hysterical moments :) This is the kind of book that will cheer you up after having a bad day and greatly appreciated to lighten the mood, I read this between reviews and it was the perfect remedy that both encouraged and entertained me.

I read and loved the prior angel books, Trouble with Angels and Season of Angels; I LOVED THEM. They were wonderful, entertaining and rereadable.
This new addition, Angels at the Table, is a poor, weak, boring, sequal to two great reads. In fact, the angels were hardly even in this book, it's centered around other, boring characters.
If DM was going to take the time and effort to write another angel book, why didn't she either make the effort to do as good a job or not bother?

ANGELS AT THE TABLE heralds the return of Shirley, Goodness and Mercy for Christmas.The funny but loveable angels are at it again, even though their mission is "unknown" by God. Macomber fans are loyal and no doubt will find this Christmas tale to their liking. Others may feel they are reading a Children's book with a few adult flourishes. Delightful but thin on plot and depth. Love it if you can !

If you are looking for some divine intervention in your love life then you better hope the heavens don't send you these four bumbling angels. Well, sure, they redeem themselves but only after making some really idiotic mistakes. A very lighthearted, easy holiday read, Macomber fans will enjoy this one while taking a break from the cookie baking and gift wrapping busyness of the holidays.

Angels at the Table was a cute story to curl up with this holiday season. Just a little over 200 pages it was the perfect length for some light reading while I got ready for Cristmas. It was pretty predictable and a bit corny in places but I enjoyed it. This is the second Debbie Macomber book I have read. I would say if you are a fan of hers you will not be disapointed with this book!

Even angels have a need to go to NYC for Christmas miracles. The original three angels are given a new charge to train, Will talk about NOT. This is a wonderful book and it makes you think about situations in your own life where angels might be sending you a clear message. Do not miss this book in the series funny and heartwarming.

Debbie MaComber usually comes out with great Christmas books but I think that this one fell a little short. I hadn't read any of the stories featuring Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy before so I wasn't sure what to expect with their characters. The story was alright but certainly nothing new. I felt that Ms. MaComber used elements and stories that had been time many times over in movies like "Sleepless in Seattle" and other books.

It's a short book and will be good to read on those cold, wintry December days but I'm a little disappointed.

"Angels At The Table" is a charming, funny Christmas story about four angels, Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will, who are sent to earth to help a young couple get together. At times the angels do more harm than good. Read this book to find out if the angels are successful or if the angels' antics jeopardize the couple's relationship.

I was excited to see a new Christmas story by Debbie Macomber but i was a little disappointed. Seems to combine a lot of parts from other stories into one story. Not as good as some of her others "angel" stories as I didn't feel as attached to the angels this time. I love to buy Christmas books but glad I got it from the library as it isn't one I will want to reread. Definitely not worth what is cost.

Wonderfully, entertaining book.

I have read some of the other books about Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy that Debbie Macomber has written. This one is just as enjoyable as the others. The apprentice angel, Will, is a nice addition. It gives a chance for the rules that they are supposed to live, and work, by to be explained.

This story was a charming love story with some angelic mischief added in. The four angels can't seem to stay out of trouble as usual and Gabriel sternly corrects them for their own good. It is funny and some what reminds me of the movie sleepless in Seattle. Another good read involving mercy, goodness and Shirley.

Debbie once again entertains us with the ever angelic antics of Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and the newbie, Will. Enjoyable reading, with just enough stirring up the humans to keep your attention. Kudos Debbie.

I read and loved the prior angel books, Trouble with Angels and Season of Angels; I LOVED THEM. They were wonderful, entertaining and rereadable.
This new addition, Angels at the Table, is a poor, weak, boring, sequal to two great reads. In fact, the angels were hardly even in this book, it's centered around other, boring characters.
If DM was going to take the time and effort to write another angel book, why didn't she either make the effort to do as good a job or not bother?

ANGELS AT THE TABLE heralds the return of Shirley, Goodness and Mercy for Christmas.The funny but loveable angels are at it again, even though their mission is "unknown" by God. Macomber fans are loyal and no doubt will find this Christmas tale to their liking. Others may feel they are reading a Children's book with a few adult flourishes. Delightful but thin on plot and depth. Love it if you can !

If you are looking for some divine intervention in your love life then you better hope the heavens don't send you these four bumbling angels. Well, sure, they redeem themselves but only after making some really idiotic mistakes. A very lighthearted, easy holiday read, Macomber fans will enjoy this one while taking a break from the cookie baking and gift wrapping busyness of the holidays.

Angels at the Table was a cute story to curl up with this holiday season. Just a little over 200 pages it was the perfect length for some light reading while I got ready for Cristmas. It was pretty predictable and a bit corny in places but I enjoyed it. This is the second Debbie Macomber book I have read. I would say if you are a fan of hers you will not be disapointed with this book!

Even angels have a need to go to NYC for Christmas miracles. The original three angels are given a new charge to train, Will talk about NOT. This is a wonderful book and it makes you think about situations in your own life where angels might be sending you a clear message. Do not miss this book in the series funny and heartwarming.

Debbie MaComber usually comes out with great Christmas books but I think that this one fell a little short. I hadn't read any of the stories featuring Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy before so I wasn't sure what to expect with their characters. The story was alright but certainly nothing new. I felt that Ms. MaComber used elements and stories that had been time many times over in movies like "Sleepless in Seattle" and other books.

It's a short book and will be good to read on those cold, wintry December days but I'm a little disappointed.

"Angels At The Table" is a charming, funny Christmas story about four angels, Shirley, Goodness, Mercy and Will, who are sent to earth to help a young couple get together. At times the angels do more harm than good. Read this book to find out if the angels are successful or if the angels' antics jeopardize the couple's relationship.

I was excited to see a new Christmas story by Debbie Macomber but i was a little disappointed. Seems to combine a lot of parts from other stories into one story. Not as good as some of her others "angel" stories as I didn't feel as attached to the angels this time. I love to buy Christmas books but glad I got it from the library as it isn't one I will want to reread. Definitely not worth what is cost.

Wonderfully, entertaining book.

I have read some of the other books about Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy that Debbie Macomber has written. This one is just as enjoyable as the others. The apprentice angel, Will, is a nice addition. It gives a chance for the rules that they are supposed to live, and work, by to be explained.

This story was a charming love story with some angelic mischief added in. The four angels can't seem to stay out of trouble as usual and Gabriel sternly corrects them for their own good. It is funny and some what reminds me of the movie sleepless in Seattle. Another good read involving mercy, goodness and Shirley.

Debbie once again entertains us with the ever angelic antics of Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and the newbie, Will. Enjoyable reading, with just enough stirring up the humans to keep your attention. Kudos Debbie.

I was very disappointed in Debbie Macomber's lastest "Angels" book, "Angels at the Table". The plot was weak, as well as the dialogue. The premise of the book is to uplift and entertain, which her previous ones in the "Angels" series have done, but this one failed. I could not even feel the "romance" between the two people - too quick, too little depth of character. I am a fan of her books, but was very let down by this one. It seemed like this one was written in a hurry - almost if by someone else. Like a previous reviewer said, I will get my Debbie Macomber fix by re-reading an earlier one, "Those Christmas Angels" for example.

Not sure what I was expecting here, but this wasn't it. Perhaps I was expecting a bit more serious approach from this author, based on having read her previously. I didn't finish this book because it was just too ridiculous. Not funny enough to be a humorous story and not serious enough to be that either, it just struck me as, well, silly.

Couldn't put it down and read it in one day. A fun read that borders on a modern romantic comedy. I think anyone who loved 'Sleepless In Seattle' or 'You've Got Mail' would enjoy this as much as I did. Happy reading!

Angels at the Table is not Macomber's best effort. To my mind she needs to research angels more. The bumbling angels have little power and what they do have they misuse. Sorry, Debbie. Let's go back to what we know.

I don't want to anger Debbie Macomber fans, but this book was way too lightweight and boring for my taste. There was nothing technically wrong with it, it just was predictable and boring. Two strangers meeting in Times Square on New Year's Eve and kissing at midnight sounds like the beginnings of an exciting story. Unfortunately, it's all downhill from there. Lucie and Aren are so boring, it's hard to believe either of them would kiss a total stranger. And I'm sure Macomber's fans love the angels, but they don't interest me. I wouldn't recommend this book to my friends because they have similar tastes to mine.

Angels at the table was a very enjoyable read I loved that the author integrated angels with humans with vulnerabilities.I couldn't wait to find out if the main characters were ever going to see each other and if they were meant to fall in love . The author made her angels mischevious and fun. The story was romantic and funny. I would read this book again

This was not one of the better books I have read by Debbie Macomber. I was also disappointed with the flow of the characters ,and how the book just suddenly .ended.
. Not one of the better Christmas stories she has written.