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When I had the idea for my first book involving angels it wasn’t going to be a series but that changed when I saw how much fun it was. There are three books now, possibly more coming. I’m not sure what you would call these stories, fantasy or religious, maybe a humorous escape or a serious life lesson. Probably all of the above. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
One of my fondest memories as a child was my mother reading Bible stories to me each night before I went to sleep. They came from a thick, blue-covered book with lots of pictures. (I still have it) I liked the stories about angels and their interaction with mortals. I found myself wishing an angel would visit me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not fixated on them just curious. I understand from what I’ve researched, they are curious about humans. I do feel they are with us, protecting and observing. Angels and humans have one thing in common, God is our father. That makes us family I guess, although unique in our own ways. It could be why I like writing about my favorite angels, Arthur, Adrian and Max. They seem like family and I would like to meet them.
This book steps back from the life of my main character, Tony DeMarco and introduces another mortal in need of direction from the Las Vegas Angels. Frank ‘Dino’ Bertelli is a young man down on his luck and in need of redemption. He comes to Las Vegas to play in Tony’s casino bar as he tries to piece together his shattered life. Tony gets a chance to mentor him, with the help of the Las Vegas Angels.
A writer invents a character from what they know or experienced. My characters are good people who are flawed, as are we all. Most people have a story to tell of where they went wrong in their lives, how they came to a crossroads decision and hopefully overcame the wrong, choosing a better path. It’s not easy to admit you are the sole reason for messing up your life. I have faced that fact the hard way. Our choices, good or bad, determine our direction down life’s path.
My disgraced doctor turned lounge singer, Dino, realizes the choices he made put him at the bottom of the heap. He had it all one moment and gone the next. But he is not lost, only misguided. He listened to the voice of temptation and the false promise of the ‘good life’ if only he gave his soul over to selfish pride, evil’s best sin. I could relate as I too once sought my own desires and hurt others around me as Dino has done. It is a hard lesson to learn but not one we have no hope to recover from and make things right.
The Las Vegas Angels have a new assignment, to help Dino find his way back and be an even better man than before. Dino’s destiny has yet to be written. It starts with a change of heart and a humble soul. We all could use a divine chance when it comes to shaping our destiny. As it is said, let go and let God.
I too started over in Las Vegas like Dino. I left all that I had accomplished in Denver to take up a wild idea of getting rich in Sin City with a new business in real estate. I boldly took the chance, but Vegas was not my destiny. I liked being where the action was but soon the bright lights of the Strip couldn’t hide the stark reality. I failed. Trust me, it’s not a place for the weak or timid. My dream didn’t happen, and I went back home to Colorado, flat broke but wiser. I realized happiness and success is not measured in the love of money or get rich quick schemes. Instead, I found a way to help others, and experience amazing events in a new career with FEMA which turned my life around. It was the best job I ever had, both monetarily and spiritually. When you see people who have faced dire circumstances during devastating disasters, you realize what is really important in life.
In the final days before I left Las Vegas, I feel I truly found my faith, but it took hitting bottom to do so. I spent many hours alone, praying for direction and forgiveness. Dino’s problems reflect some of the fears, doubts and guilt I felt. Perhaps you can relate when you read this book.
I still love fabulous Las Vegas with all its glitz and glamor but only as a tourist. My last trip there was my granddaughter’s wedding at Caesars Palace in 2019. It was fabulous!
I invite you to enjoy my heavenly ‘friends’ in their adventures with humans as they combat evil fallen angels, teach new lessons, observed and protect. Arthur, Adrian and Max are a good team to have on your side, in Las Vegas or anywhere.