From the TBR Pile: Blog Tour: Proof of Angels by Mary Curran Hackett

Author: Mary Curran Hackett
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: November 2014

Sean Magee is a firefighter—a hero who risks his own life to save others, running into dangerous situations few have the courage to dare. While fighting a horrific blaze, Sean becomes trapped by flames and is nearly overcome by smoke. Just when it seems that all is lost, he’s led to a window, by what he swears is divine intervention. And then he jumps . .

. . . into a new life. For years, Sean has shut down his feelings, existing in a state of emotional numbness. Coming through that fire, he knows he can no longer be that man whose heart is closed to the world. But before he can face his future, he must confront his past and everyone in it: the family, the friends, the woman—and the love—he carelessly left behind.

I kind of have mixed feelings about Proof of Angels. It's a book about second chances after tragedy and figuring out what is really important in life. Sean survives a devastating fire and he vows to make a change in his life. As he rehabilitates, he is able to make peace with his past and move forward with is life. He also figures out along the way where the true angels exist. I liked that part of Sean's journey.

What I didn't care for was how Sean felt he had to change everyone else's life. I get that he has a new outlook on life, but I felt like it was a little preachy at times. The other thing that I was a bit disappointed in was the ending. Through the whole book he talks about wanting to go back to make amends with the love of his life. But then their reconciliation was so short and too neatly tied up. I felt a little cheated.

There is another book by this author called Proof of Heaven. It takes place before this one and deals with the death of Sean's nephew. I am interested in going back and reading what Sean was like before his accident. I definitely think you should give this book a shot. It has a great message that I think would benefit everyone.