Originally released under the title CHRISTMAS JOURNEY in
1992, ANGELS IN THE SNOW by Rexanne Becnel is now re-
released with a new title, a few more pages and presumably
a little updating. I read Becnel's books in the 90's, when
she wrote primarily historical fiction with a smattering of
supernatural, and I enjoy her historicals. This
contemporary book has a very different feel than her
historicals and did not work as well for me.
I anticipated this to be a romance, as Becnel is a
historical romance writer. Instead, it's about a family on
the edge of a breakdown. Charles Montgomery is a man who
might appear to have everything- money, success,
a big house, and a nice family. But he's a workaholic who
doesn't pay attention to his wife and children, and his
home life is falling apart. His wife wants a divorce,
because she can't compete with his "mistress" - his
demanding job. His kids are spoiled brats. I have to say
I don't care for anyone in the family for at least the
first half of the book. Part of the premise is that money
isn't everything, and one should value the things that
matter- family, friends, life, and love. But the way the
husband, wife, and children are presented, I'm not rooting
for any of them to get a happy ending.
Charles and his family travel to a remote cabin for the
week of Christmas as part of Charles' master plan to keep
his wife from leaving him. Their vacation is upended by a
huge storm that strands them without electricity or heat.
Then, a loving family is stranded in the snow near Charles'
cabin and has to seek shelter with the Montgomerys until
they can all be rescued. Can the eclectic but down-to-
earth Walker family show the Montgomerys what is really
important?
This is a simple and cozy tale that is designed to tug
on your heartstrings. There's a mild rekindling of
romance. It's a story about redemption, forgiveness, and
what is truly important. The end has a surprise twist that
is probably the best part of the book. Those seeking a
quick feel-good story with a moral wrapped in holiday cheer
will find Becnel's ANGELS IN THE SNOW to be the perfect
holiday diversion.
The USA TODAY bestselling “master of her craft” (RT Book
Reviews), Rexanne Becnel delivers a special treat just in
time for the holidays with this heartwarming story about a
family learning the true meaning of Christmas.
Having it all—money, health, intelligence, the seemingly
perfect family—doesn’t seem to be working for Charles
Montgomery. His wife wants a divorce. His children are
spoiled rotten. And he has grown blind to the things money
can’t buy. In an act of desperation he hopes will bring the
family together again, he whisks them away to a mountain
retreat for the holidays. But the vacation is a recipe for
disaster—especially when a blizzard leaves them stranded
without heat or electricity—until the Walker family shows
up, seeking shelter. Togetherness has never been so
uncomfortable—or enlightening. The blizzard passes, and the
Walkers leave…but the Montgomerys’ lives will never be the same.