Agatha's Angel

Ellen Gable Hrkach reviews a new novel about a young couple whose lives are changed because of one character's faith.

Agatha's Angel

by Michael C. Vasallo

Summary:

John Palmaccio has recently returned from serving with the Peace Corps and now works in the high-stakes world of corporate New York. However, his job and the Long Island bar scene only offer a shallow happiness — contrasting with the solace of his former Peace Corps mentor Doug’s young-adult Bible study. When John meets the sensible, upbeat, devout Amy Santiago, he eventually rediscovers love despite still mourning his deceased fiancée. 

Believable characters 

Debut author Michael C. Vassallo has created such a compelling story and believable characters that I felt like I was in the midst of their journey. 

At the beginning of Agatha's Angel, John Palmaccio, one of the two main characters in this novel, is still grieving the loss of his fiancée a few years previously. On the train to work one day on Long Island, he meets Amy Santiago, a vivacious and likable girl who also happens to be a devout Catholic. John is enamored and attracted to the beautiful and petite Amy, but as their romance blossoms, John realizes that he’s going to have to make some attitude and lifestyle changes to be with Amy. 

Philadelphia, a pivotal turning point 

Most of the novel's setting is Long Island (and Manhattan, where John works). However, a pivotal part of the book takes place in Philadelphia, where John and Amy take part in an annual race for a breast cancer charity. During this excursion, John and Amy experience a miracle or two, but the end of their trip leaves John wondering about the future of his relationship with Amy. 

Add to the mix John’s racist father, Ralph, who runs a local jewelry shop; Adrien, his supervisor; Keith and Larry, his friends who like to party; his good friend and Peace Corps mentor, Doug; Michelle, Doug’s daughter; and Aunt Lilly, Amy’s aunt and adopted mother. 

The author does an amazing job leading the reader through the ups, downs, and secrets of the characters and their stories. 

Agatha's Angel is just under 500 pages, but believe me, when you reach the end of the book, you’ll be disappointed that it’s over.  Highly recommend. 

Order this book online from Amazon.com.

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Copyright 2024 Ellen Gable Hrkach
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