Book Title: Kiss an Angel
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Publication Date: February 1, 1996
Length: 384 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
*** My Review ***
Kiss an Angel, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, is a heartwarming romance novel that tells the story of Daisy Devreaux, a young woman who is forced to marry a complete stranger in order to inherit her father’s fortune.
As the novel opens, Daisy is a wild and rebellious socialite who is used to getting her way. When her father decides to cut her off from his fortune and forces her to marry a man named Alex Markov, she is furious. Alex is a former circus performer who now runs a traveling circus, and he is completely different from anyone Daisy has ever known.
At first, Daisy is resistant to the idea of marrying Alex and being a part of the circus. But as she begins to get to know Alex and the other members of the circus, she starts to see things in a new light. She begins to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into putting on a circus show, and she starts to fall in love with Alex.
But just as things start to look up for Daisy and Alex, a tragedy strikes the circus, and Daisy must decide whether to stay with Alex and the circus or to return to her old life. Throughout the novel, Susan Elizabeth Phillips does an excellent job of exploring themes of love, family, and personal growth.
One of the things that makes Kiss an Angel such an engaging read is the character of Daisy. At the beginning of the novel, she is a bit of a spoiled brat who is used to getting her way. But as the story progresses, she learns to appreciate the people around her and to see the world from a different perspective. Her growth as a character is a joy to watch, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the novel.
Another thing that sets Kiss an Angel apart from other romance novels is the setting. The circus is a unique and interesting backdrop for a love story, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips does an excellent job of bringing it to life. The descriptions of the different acts and performers are vivid and exciting, and readers will feel like they are right there in the audience.
Furthermore, the supporting characters in Kiss an Angel also add depth to the story. From the circus performers to Daisy’s estranged mother, each character has their own backstory and motivations that help to enrich the overall narrative. The secondary romance between two of the circus performers also provides a nice contrast to Daisy and Alex’s story, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the novel.
Moreover, one of the strengths of Kiss an Angel is how it handles the theme of self-discovery. Throughout the novel, Daisy struggles with the idea of losing her independence and being forced to live a life she never wanted. However, as she spends time with Alex and the circus, she learns more about herself and what truly matters to her. By the end of the novel, she has grown as a person and become more self-assured, thanks in part to her experiences with the circus.
In addition, the novel is also an excellent exploration of the idea of finding one’s place in the world. Both Daisy and Alex struggle with their identities and where they fit in, but through their experiences with the circus, they both come to realize that they belong with each other and with the people they have grown to love.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing style is also a standout feature of Kiss an Angel. She has a way of writing that is both witty and poignant, and her dialogue is both funny and realistic. Her descriptions of the circus acts and the behind-the-scenes workings of the circus are also detailed and well-researched, adding to the overall authenticity of the novel.
One of the things that may surprise readers about Kiss an Angel is how much they will learn about the circus. From the different types of acts to the hierarchy of the performers, Susan Elizabeth Phillips delves deep into the world of the circus, painting a vivid and realistic picture of life on the road.
Finally, the romance between Daisy and Alex is sweet and heartfelt. Their relationship starts out rocky, but as they begin to understand each other better, their love grows. Susan Elizabeth Phillips does an excellent job of building the tension between the two characters, and readers will be rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, which makes their growing feelings for each other all the more believable. The tension between them is palpable, and readers will find themselves rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their way and find happiness together.
However, it must be mentioned that the idea of a young woman being forced to marry a stranger in order to inherit her father’s fortune is certainly not a new one, and some readers may feel that the premise is a bit too far-fetched. However, once readers get past the initial setup, the novel quickly becomes more grounded and realistic, with well-drawn characters and a believable romance.
Additionally, some readers may find the novel to be a bit predictable. The story follows a fairly standard romance novel formula, with the two main characters initially disliking each other before gradually falling in love. While there are some unexpected twists and turns along the way, some readers may feel that the overall plot is a bit too formulaic.
Lastly, while the novel does a good job of exploring themes of self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world, some readers may feel that these themes are not explored in enough depth. The focus of the novel is primarily on the romance between Daisy and Alex, and while their personal growth is certainly an important part of the story, some readers may wish for more exploration of the themes of identity and self-discovery.
In conclusion, Kiss an Angel is an engaging and heartwarming romance novel that is sure to leave readers with a smile on their faces. With well-drawn characters, an interesting setting, and a sweet romance, it is a book that is hard to put down. Fans of romance novels and those looking for a fun and engaging read should definitely check out this book.