Christmas Angels by  Mara Purl Haven Books Readers Services 2005 Merit Book Spiritual/Inspirational Fiction Colorado Independent Publishers Association Review by Joyce Seed "Christmas Angels" award noted by National Association of Women Writers

If it's true that angels hover nearest during the magical season of Christmas, Mara Purl must have kept her ear attuned especially well this year. In her first book of short stories, five of her familiar "Milford-Haven" characters receive ephemeral visitations.

Or, that's one way to describe what happens to them. Each has a dilemma to solve and in answer, receives a strong series of intuitions that seem to guide them toward unexpected solutions.

The book opens with two linked stories, "Angel On a Rope" and "Painting Angels," chronicling the harrowing day of a hiker trapped on a sheer rock face in a pounding winter storm, and the haunted day of a painter who seems to be painting the very rescue of her lost friend.

Next is "Angel Key Ring," which takes us to the exquisite Calvin Estate high above Santa Barbara, the sumptuous holiday meals served in elegant detail, and the long-hidden letter that changes lives when it comes to light.

"Hardware Angel" plunges us into a Vietnam veteran's dilemma and the saving love of his dear wife. And the book concludes with the classic feel-good tale "Last Angel on the Tree" about a beloved pet lost in a forest.

This irresistible collection of holiday stories stands alone. But in a clever feat of good story-telling, it also fits into Purl's existing novel series. Her book Nobody's Fault took place during the previous Thanksgiving, and her next one, Dream Catchers picks up in January. This kind of special planning satisfies all her readers -  those who prefer to read single books, and those who enjoy a full series.

Purl first whetted our appetites with the hit radio series Milford-Haven, U.S.A. which had four-and-a-half-million listeners on the BBC. She now serves up an enticing web site at www.milfordhaven.com. And if you like audio tapes and CDs, all the Milford-Haven episodes are available, as are the first two novels -  perfect for driving trips.

If you're searching for what to read next Christmas, here's a little book with everything adventure, romance, family, friendship, and the magic of the season. All you have to do is follow your own angel-intuition to Christmas Angels.