Angel's Rest: An Eternity Springs Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Architect Gabriel Callahan's life ended in Virginia when his wife Jen and their son Mathew passed away; today his child would be six years old. Out walking in the snowy Murphy Mountains Just outside of Eternity Springs, Colorado, he trips but does not bother to get up. Instead he pulls out a glock with one bullet in it when a beast jumps on his back with claws ripping him. Thinking it is amountain lion, he is ready to fight for his life when he hears the sound of barking from a mangy boxer who tongues him in joy. Realizing the irony, Gabe laughs for the first time in months.

Gabe brings the injured canine to Eternity Springs Veterinary Clinic where Dr. Nicole Sullivan practices animal medicine. As Dr. Nic cares for the unconscious boxer hurt by an animal trap, she also notices Gabe's shirt is bloody from the dog's claws and teeth. She cleans his cuts and quarantines the canine until they can insure he is not rabid. Starting with the canine and soon "volunteering" on a renovation project, Gabe finds the townsfolk will not leave him alone. Finally there is Dr. Nic who he liked even before the dog introduced him to her. However, though she makes it clear she loves him as does Clarence the dog; he knows love hurts fearing this second chance to breathe again.

The first Eternity Springs contemporary mountain romance is a warm inspiring linear tale starring two likable individuals who have found possible second chances at life in the Rocky Mountains if they take the risk; she is willing and has with her veterinary practice while he hesitates. Aptly named Clarence is more an angel than a just a dog as readers will believe It's A Wonderful Dog's Life.

Harriet Klausner

I fell in love with the Callahan family after I read A Callahan Carol this past December. I was so thrilled to learn Emily was going to write John's story as the opening of her new series. "Angel's Rest" is an absolutely wonderful story. It's a story of loss, hope, friendship, forgiveness and most importantly, love. Gabe (John) and Nic's story was amazing and the perfect lead-in to her new Eternity Springs series. I can't wait to read the next book, Hummingbird Lake (Sage's story). Great job Emily! BTW, have some tissues handy.

Mourning the death of his wife and son, architect Gabriel Callahan "celebrates" his dead son's sixth birthday by trying to end his own life when he is saved by a stray dog.

After a painful divorce, Nicola Sullivan, Eternity Springs' beloved veterinarian, has returned to the small Colorado town where she grew up. Still wary of cheating men, she admits to being lonely but fills her days with cases both four and two-legged. She loves her work, but jars of preserves and other foodstuffs from needy clients in the depressed community hardly pay her expenses. When loner Gabe comes to the clinic with an injured boxer he had to extricate from a bear trap, she finds him wary and attractive. Claiming he doesn't own the dog and doesn't want him, he generously pays for his care. The boxer, however, has other plans. He gravitates to Gabe like a bear to honey.

Eternity Springs is a special town, and Nic and her friends try desperately to breathe life into the dying town. Nic finds Gabe's reluctance to assimilate or to acknowledge his attraction to her disturbing. Celeste, owner of the famous Cavanaugh house discovers Gabe is a landscape architect, and she comes up with a plan that will help the community and the reclusive Gabe.

Things go awry when Nic comes to visit Gabe on Christmas eve, a heartbreaking time of year for both of them. When an unexpected alcohol-induced passion leaves Nic pregnant, the still-grieving Gabe can't exorcize the ghosts of his dead wife and son to allow himself a fresh start with Nic.

This is a touching and emotional story of loss and redemption, made strong by March's vivid prose and her ability to plumb the depth of human emotion. Readers will hurt for Gabe, root for Nic, and delight in the specialness of a small community that seems touched by angels. I loved the spirit of community, the solid friendships between Nic and her friends and the symbolism of Eternity Springs. We all might need an Eternity Springs in our lives. Ms. March has penned a stunning debut to this series. Can't wait to begin Hummingbird lake, book 2 in the series. My score for Angels Rest: 4.5