I never read the blurb on this book, just jumped into the book headfirst. It was unknown to me that it contained anything to the religious effect. I'm not real big on "preachy" books or really care to read a whole lot about, nothing wrong with that, just not my style. That being said, I loved this book! It wasn't too religious, wasn't about sermons or trying to convert or anything to that effect. It was about forgiveness, and being forgiven and moving on from past mistakes.The story starts off with Camille, who was home visiting her parents from college for Christmas when they get into an accident. Her parents do not make it, but she does, somehow miraculously walking away with only minor scrapes and bruises. The book then goes into what life after losing her parents is like. She falls into a deep depression, losing all her friends, if you could call them that; she doesn't go out unless necessary, and even pigs wouldn't want to live in her pigsty of an apartment.The only thing keeping her going is her dreams. They are so real and lifelike, she's not sure if she's going crazy or what.In these dreams, there's Casey. He's the main focal point, the reason for her being. Casey lived a very rough life. Drugs, sex, abuse, you name it, he's experienced it. Because of these events and this lifestyle, he died very young. He is now an angel, working as a grief counselor in a sense and seeking redemption. He is assigned Camille from the point of her parents death, to try and cope and to move forward with her life. I can't imagine the pain and anger, the grief that she is experiencing. My heart truly ached for her. “Eyes a man could get totally lost in…and he didn’t have a map to get out.”There were numerous points in the book, where my mouth dropped open and all I could say was, "wow". the pieces just fell together when it came to the characters and their involvements in each others lives. Casey, Camille, and even Casey's sister. It makes you wonder about the saying - "Everything happens for a reason""Even if it hurts a little, isn’t that what love is? Hurting someone but apologizing profusely in the most beautiful of ways?”The way Scarlett Jade describes the feelings and emotions amongst the characters is amazing. You can actually visualize them, feel their pain, their love. Most people have a certain viewpoint on Angels, and God. But this isn't the case with this book. Ms. Jade paints them as almost ordinary people, with actual "jobs" to help us as humans. Only we don't know it, cause we aren't looking for them. I loved the ending of this book, because it was a happy ending. In the end, they waited on one another, made it through the struggles and were right back in each others arms, even though it took a little time. This book was truly amazing.Now, for a few down points. There were a few places in the book where I had trouble following along. In a sense, to me, it was choppy. It jumped back and forth between viewpoints, and I found myself going back to make sure I didn't miss anything somewhere. If that were a little more streamlined, and maybe another go around of editing in a few places, this book would definitely be 5 stars! I of course would definitely recommend this book, it is a great overall read! For the past six months Camille Taylor has had an angel from heaven, by the name of Casey, to help her deal with the grief of losing her parents in a terrible car crash. In the short amount if time they spend together they fall hopelessly in love with one another. Casey knows that he can't ever act on his feelings due to the rules of his job. Camille realizes it's crazy to be in love with the man in her dreams. They make the decision to give into the feelings they have for one another. A well written love story that shows that a lot of love and a tremendous amount of faith to overcome the many obstacles put in their way. A true love story with just the right amount of mischievous fun to entertain. I hung onto every word page after page to find out what was going to happen. I cried, laughed and rooted for through out the whole book. Scarlett has a wonderful way with words, she has a way of pulling you in and not letting go until the end. I look forward to reading more from this author.
What do You think about Beautiful Downfall (2000)?
a great book and a fun read. very likely characters. didn't want to put it down.
—upama
Just not into angels and humans. Not a story I would read
—bindayy
A beautiful and different take on Angels.
—cuteysinem
