Angel of Mercy

VOYA - Voya Reviews

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). 1999, Bantam, Ages 12 to 15, 211p. PLB $8.95. Reviewer: Roxy Ekstrom

School Library Journal

Gr 7-11-Heather Barlow, 18, is excited and nervous as the Anastasis, a hospital Mercy Ship leaves port. She knows that the months ahead will be unlike anything she has ever experienced. Volunteering with a mission group in Africa for several months is her attempt to make a difference in the world. What she doesn't anticipate is falling in love with Ian McCollum, an attractive medical intern and seminary student. In Uganda, Heather sees disease, death, and destruction ravaging the thousands who look to her team for help. Then Ian leaves to rescue a baby in Sudan, his plane goes down, and she must deal with his death and complete the rescue mission. The plot develops slowly but carefully, as do the characters. The author uses personal experiences to give a solid background and flavor to the story. While the book has a decidedly Christian slant, most readers will be caught up in the passion and sorrow of Heather's missionary experiences.- Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.