Book Review: Until Next Time

Media Type: Ebook
Title: Until Next Time
   *Series: The Angel Chronicles Book 1
Author: Amy Lignor
Publisher: Tribute Books
Pages: Ebook; 255
Release Date: February 1, 2012
Source: Publisher
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Intended Reading Group: Young Adult
Content Screening: Mild Violence
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HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers who enjoy angelic lore in their stories

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How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the ‘life’ they’ve been assigned. What they don’t realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz’s establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel’s path and a warrior’s plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that’s ripping them apart.

As a reader who is not generally a fan of angel based books, I was a bit wary going in to Until Next Time. They have a tendency to be a little heavy handed in the religion department most times. I’m happy to say that Amy Lignor’s book was an exception to that rule. Although Matt and Emily’s story is of course religiously based, it doesn’t overshadow their own intriguing plot line. Lignor allows the reader to meet some of the more prominent names in the bible, each in their own interesting and sometimes even adorable ways.

What I really liked about this book is that it is actually two stories in one. The point of view skips between Matt and Emily when they are in heaven, and their human counterparts on Earth. Each one keeps a small part of themselves when they are sent down, but it is only at home that they are truly themselves. I loved seeing how the things they learned on Earth changed them inside. Having an angel’s point of view on what happens in our own day to day lives was interesting, and sometimes even heartbreaking.

The romantic elements of this story are perfectly done and believable. Lignor gives her angels the opportunity to experience free will, and the choices they make really shape the story line. I loved both of the men who come into Liz and Faith’s lives. They compliment each one just wonderfully. The true love that blooms between Liz and Jason is beautiful and honest. It is these true emotions that let the story really shine off the pages.

In a nutshell, I really did enjoy Until Next Time. I had a few gripes with some small things, mainly dealing with point of view. It’s tough sometimes to feel comfortable switching between heaven and Earth with the angels. However there is so much more in this story that really allows it to shine. If you are a fan of angelic lore, or if you enjoy a good love story, this is one to give a shot.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.