Angel of Hope

Heather's sense of purpose is renewed when she persuades her mother to travel with her back to Uganda to try to save the baby she rescued on her mission trip.  But when Heather becomes ill and cannot undertake the journey, Amber agrees to go in her place.  Now Amber must emerge from her sister's shadow to grapple with the age-old question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

After her older sister Heather, enthusiastic about changing the world, returns from doing medical missionary work in Uganda, seventeen-year-old Amber feels ignored and confused about her own future and decides to go back to Africa in Heather's place.

When Heather Barlow returns from Africa, the joy she felt during her missionary trip fades.  She's still suffering from unresolved grief over the death of her friend Ian, and now that she's back home in the United States, she feels directionless.  And while Heather has changed a great deal, her family has not.  She is discouraged to see that her sister, Amber, seems no more mature than when Heather left, her parents no less involved with a medical practice that caters to the wealthy.

Heather's sense of purpose is renewed when she persuades her mother to travel with her back to Uganda to try to save the baby she rescued on her mission trip.  But when Heather becomes ill and cannot undertake the journey, Amber agrees to go in her place.  Now Amber must emerge from her sister's shadow to grapple with the age-old question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

VOYA

McDaniel books, contrary to appearances, are not just about death and dying. They are about living life to its fullest--no matter what, good and bad--as the stories reflect small slices of life. These latest books transport readers into the lives of Heather Barlow, daughter of successful plastic surgeon parents who met as Peace Corps volunteers, and her younger sister, Amber. Heather has it all--looks, brains, and a mission in life. In Angel of Mercy, beautiful, altruistic Heather meets kind, handsome, selfless medical student Ian on the hospital ship Mercy, headed for Africa. Hearts flutter, lives are saved, and romance takes root. When a rescue mission for a baby needing surgery in war-torn Uganda goes awry, Ian dies. Heather risks all to save the baby, barely succeeding before returning home a changed person. In the companion book, Angel of Hope, Heather persuades her plastic surgeon mother to go to Africa to operate on the baby. Heather becomes ill before the trip, and self-absorbed Amber takes her place. The surgery is successful; Amber falls in love with a young and handsome engineering student doing fieldwork at the mission. Heather dies from a disease she acquired in Africa. Amber goes back to Africa. Will she carry out her sister's dream and find love and meaning in life? Wait for the third book, Angel of Love, to find out. Are these titles good reads for McDaniel fans? Absolutely! They also serve as a fine introduction for a new generation of readers. McDaniel knows her audience and gives them well-written books that follow a successful death and dying, medical problems, character growth, and trials of life formula. Christian faith is handled as matter-of-factly as eye color;it is an integral part of the characters. Despite formulaic plots, readers will be eager for the third book to find out what happens to Amber and Boyce. This series is a recommended purchase wherever McDaniel's books are popular--everywhere. NOTE: This review was written to address two books Angel of Hope and Angel of Mercy. VOYA CODES: 3Q 5P M J (Readable without serious defects; Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2000, Bantam, Ages 12 to 15, 226p, $4.99 pb. Reviewer: Roxy Ekstrom

Lurlene McDaniel began writing inspirational novels about teenagers facing life-altering situations when her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. "I saw firsthand how chronic illness affects every aspect of a person's life," she has said. "I want kids to know that while people don't get to choose what life gives to them, they do get to choose how they respond."

Lurlene McDaniel's novels are hard-hitting and realistic, but also leave readers with inspiration and hope. Her books have received acclaim from readers, teachers, parents, and reviewers. Her recent novels Angels Watching Over Me and its companions, Lifted Up by Angels and Until Angels Close My Eyes, have all been national bestsellers, as have Don't Die, My Love; I'll Be Seeing You; and Till Death Do Us Part. Six Months to Live was included in a literary time capsule at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Lurlene McDaniel lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.