Of Men and Angels (Historical Romance S.) [Import] [Paperback]

Victoria Bylin (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Mills & Boon (2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0263843785
• ISBN-13: 978-0263843781
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,698,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Victoria Bylin writes about cowboys, outlaws and preachers. Her early books were mainstream romances for Harlequin Historicals. She is currently writing inspirationals for Steeple Hill. Vicki's books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, the Rita Awards and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards. She and her husband have been married forever and have two grown sons. Vicki has California roots, but she and her husband now live in Lexington, Kentucky with their crazy dog. Anyone who has owned a Jack Russell Terrier will understand exactly what she means by "crazy."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feel Good Kind of Romance, June 26, 2003

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Of Men And Angels (Mass Market Paperback)

Traveling by stagecoach from Philadelphia to Colorado in 1885, Alexandra (Alex to her family and friends) Merritt had to get home but the ride thru a severe thunderstorm was anything but pleasant, that combined with a very pregnant young woman as her sole companion did not leave Alex with a very secure feeling. Heavy rains washing away the road sent the stagecoach tumbling down a ravine killing the drivers and three mules. Surviving the crash was one thing, helping to birth the baby with no help was another as Alex called upon an inner strength to help her cope with this latest test.

Hung-over, running from the law, and hurting both body and soul  Jake Malone heard the voice of an angel singing hymns out on the Colorado plateau. Following the sounds, he saw an angel covered in grime, blood and birth fluids on her hands and knees prompting the woman in birthing her babe. Hed seen men die and not been so affected by the sight before him. Jake could have run  could have turned his back  but for once, hed think of someone besides himself and stayed to offer his assistance helping to bury the mother and bringing Alex to the next town. Alex wasnt sure about this surly, battered and bruised individual but she had to get home somehow and he did offer to help so with a leap of faith a trust was formed.

This was such a poignant and sweet tale of trust, love and faith in human love and kindness. It was deeply emotional, from the standpoint of watching the personal growth of Jake as he tried his best to turn his back on the hands of love and kindness that were extended to him. On a deeper level, he was able to take the wonderful gift he was being offered and give back that part of him that hed kept hidden for so long. This was a truly feel good kind of story that has much to recommend it besides being a sweet romance - and I most certainly do for anyone looking for good inspirational feelings of peace, love, and renewal. Absolutely lovely!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inexperience?, May 4, 2006

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Of Men And Angels (Mass Market Paperback)

After reading Victoria Bylin's ABBIE'S OUTLAW and then its sequel, MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE, I anxiously hunted down Bylin's debut novel, OF MEN AND ANGELS. Maybe my expectations were too high . . .

Jake Malone was a stranger with a past. He was dangerous! He reeked of stale whiskey and looked exhausted, and Alexandra Merritt would forget him. She would forget his hungry eyes, his soft mouth, and his strong, tender arms. She would marry Thomas Hunnicutt, her familiar beau, but she would always . . . always wonder.

Jackson Jacob Malone was no hero. Jake Malone was a man who took whatever he wanted. He was a murderer, and a drunk, and he had a "kid" out of wedlock. Sweet Alexandra Merritt was nothing but a dangerous temptation. He would leave her and he would soon forget this sweet, desert angel - an angel who had shown him love.

Victoria Bylin's OF MEN AND ANGELS is a soft, gentle western; yet, it deals with the serious issue of derelict fathers! Furthermore, Bylin throws in a fine collection of secondary characters. In fact, Alexandra's father, William Merritt, steals the show. By displaying patient wisdom and insightful guidance, the William Merritt character tightly binds the entire story.

Nevertheless, OF MEN AND ANGELS did drag. It dragged whenever "righteousness" took over. "Would I? Could I? Should I?" soon became a very tedious battle cry! And! What happened to poor Thomas Hunnicutt, Alexandra's fianc?? He existed, he arrived, and then Bylin PROMPTLY dismissed him!

Victoria Bylin has gone on to write much better stories, so did OF MEN AND ANGELS simply suffer from "rookie" error?
Grade: C+

MaryGrace Meloche.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A sweet sentimental love story!, July 8, 2003

By 

Cheryl St.John "Cheryl St.John" (the Midwest USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Of Men And Angels (Mass Market Paperback)

Of Men and Angels hooked me from the first pages and never let me go. I am always delighted to find a well-written western romance, and this one did not disappoint. I'm always a sucker for a cowboy or a baby. Put them together and you've got me. The characters were believable and well-developed, and their personal growth was shown in a plausible fashion. The ending pages made me smile and the epilogue made me cry. I wish my copy was autographed because it's a keeper. I will be waiting for Victoria Bylan's next book.