Reviews

The Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere

meadowbrie's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

aubrey_the_explorer's review against another edition

4.0

This book is a great story of the innocence of childhood, the life events that corrupt us, and the goodness of people. It's a quick read, and I'd highly recommend it.

debinva's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

a_friendlyghost's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

lkholsberg's review against another edition

3.0

I listened to it on CD. It was a moving story about two families in the late 40s.

jbarr5's review against another edition

5.0

x read

dawnyamk's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

tomaind's review against another edition

5.0

OMG! I loved this book! I really enjoyed all of VanLiere's Christmas themed books, but this book has moved up to the top of my list as my favorite by this author. Sometimes when I read a book that has moved me emotionally, I become confused that a book like this has gotten so little attention. A sweet and moving story like this would make a wonderful movie. This is also a book that would be a good recommendation for students to read. If you loved "The Help", "Mudbound" or "Calling Me Home", then this similar themed story (race relations in the South) should be on your TBR list.
It was not far into the story (Chapter 3) before tragedy struck. I was shocked and heartbroken by the quick turn of events. This tragedy ended up bringing out the best in some of the residents of Morgan Hill. These residents were the true Angels of Morgan Hill. You will be moved by the struggles and tenacity of the Gable family. Fran Gable is a strong character that I had sympathy and admiration for. The decisions she had to make for her family and others must have been hard choices for a woman in 1947, but she was strong even when she seemed to be at her weakest moments. Also, the Epilogue was one of the best I have ever read in a book. The ending jumped over 40 years into the future, but it wrapped up the story in a way that gave a fitting ending to all the characters. I highly recommend this book!

boldconfused's review

Racism written from a white author… No thank you. So far the characters have no depth especially the black characters. And it’s rush 

leonore_book's review against another edition

4.0

Have your tissue box nearby. A great story of how family and friends should be. Also a lesson that you don't have to have material things to be the richest person around. These characters have such a love for each other and know how to do the right thing. It's funny and delightful to read just as it is hard and sad. Wonderful book.