Title: Marigny Street (Saving Angels Series #1)
Author: Annie Rose Welch
Genre: Romance
Synopsis:
Do you believe in the power of dreams? Way down south on Marigny Street in the heart of New Orleans, the land of Catholic intercessions, purgatory, and supernatural superstitions, young Evangeline Chenier dreams of a radiant boy who saves her from a storm. She takes the dream seriously – in her family, dreams are sometimes more than dreams. Sometimes they foretell the future. Sometimes they create it. Years later, Eva is no longer the same wistful girl but a hardened woman who no longer believes in dreams. Losing faith in her gift, she becomes lost in a nightmare of emotion, mourning her son, separating from her husband, and stewing in a dead-end job. And then fate brings her an unlikely surprise: one of the most famous movie stars in the world, Gabriel Roberts. Caught by something in his eyes, Eva agrees to show him the real Big Easy on his last night in New Orleans—an evening that turns into four dreamy days spent recapturing lost faith and discovering a love neither expected. Realizing Gabriel is the boy from her childhood dream, Eva must leave everything behind—her husband, her family, her history, and the beautiful city she calls home—and gamble it all for the dream that has saved her on MARIGNY STREET.
Cathy’s Review:
First, don’t be steered away from this book by the mention of the word “paranormal”. I don’t normally read paranormal stories and this book really only had “hints” of the paranormal. Evangeline (Eva) and her family have a gift. They have dreams which show them visions or signs of what is going to happen in the future. Evangeline had a very happy childhood growing up in New Orleans with her close family. But her adult life was very different. I don’t want give away any spoilers but something very tragic and heartbreaking happened and she simply could not move on.
Her dreams are still a constant in her life. By chance one day going about her routine, Evangeline meets Gabriel Roberts. What started off as just a brief encounter turns into something more. Eva feels this connection that she felt once during her dreams. Gabriel and Eva rapidly form a relationship and understanding for each other that they have felt with no one else. Can Eva recover from from her past, and give Gabriel what he needs now?
This story paints an absolutely fascinating picture of New Orleans. I loved the atmosphere of the book. I did have a difficult time at the beginning because I was a little unsure of what was going on. The plot and the bond between Eva and Gabriel came together towards the middle of the book. The characters’ stories are both emotionally gut-wrenching and uplifting at the same time.
There is plenty of romance in this story, but for me, it is the atmosphere that I loved best. The author is originally from New Orleans and really captured the flavor of the city. To be honest, some the themes covered by Ms. Welch aren’t my usual reading material but if you are willing to step outside your comfort zone for a little while, then Marigny Street is the book for you!
Excerpt:
I shook my head. “Tell me, Gabriel, what are your dreams about?”
“Nothing. I never dream.” He shrugged.
“Never?”
“I’ve never once in my life had a dream. And I never look in a mirror – or I try my hardest not to anyway.”
“Why?” How could you never dream? Or look in a mirror?
He sighed. “I believe the only things in this life that can truly show your reflection are the things you love the most in this world. And I don’t love myself enough to want to look in the mirror.” He laughed. “But when I look at you I can see myself perfectly. And even though I never dream, I do pray. Do you want to know what I prayed for before I met you?”
I nodded.
“I prayed for an angel – to save me. I asked for a little help from up above, and now you’re here. You are cake and ice cream; sugar and spice, and everything nice. And when you smile, you make me feel the way the world looks when the sun shines through a foggy day.”
All I could do was smile.
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Author Bio:
Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn’t stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.
When she’s not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).
For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie’s website
She can also be found on Facebook & Twitter.
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