Seattle and Leavenworth, Washington - Present Day

Beth Fischer is totally enraptured and addicted to an online war game. Since her divorce, she rushes straight home from her job as a paralegal, goes straight to her computer, and signs onto her Internet service. Beth has never actually met her online partner, not the way you meet people in person, but his name is Peter, and now and then they chat about the game and their strategy to win it -- at all costs. Beth is often so engrossed in the game that she ignores the telephone, but it's usually just her mother calling to see how she is, her not-so-secret way of asking if Beth is dating yet. She's had one disastrous relationship since her divorce; she has no intention of dating again for a long time -- maybe never.

Young Carter Jackson wants a dog. When he first asked his parents a couple of years ago, their answer was no, that he must wait until he is old enough to be responsible for the animal's care, and now that he's reached the nine-year-old milestone they set for him, Carter's thoughts are filled with nothing but getting a dog of his very own for Christmas, and it doesn't even matter if it's the only present he gets. And Carter knows just what kind of dog he wants. He's even picked out a name -- Rusty. But now, his parents have changed their minds. They've said he can't have the dog they promised, something about the budget, whatever that is.

Harry Alderwood is dying. He doesn't need his doctor to tell him there's nothing more to be done, but he would like to know how long he has left. Harry's eighty-six years old, and he can't leave this world until he knows his wife, Rosalie, is taken care of. She's forgetful nowadays, sometimes leaving a burner turned on, sometimes forgetting things or walking around muddled with confusion, and Harry needs to be sure that Rosalie's future is secured before he dies. He wants them to sell their house and move to an assisted living complex. There's even one nearby where many of their friends have moved, but Rosalie refuses to leave their home, so Harry has to convince her -- before he dies -- without telling her why.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are three of God's heavenly angels. Usually, they aren't given earthly assignments, but when Archangel Gabriel needs these three Prayer Ambassadors to unclog his back log of requests, he calls them to help. Poor Gabriel, it's all he can do to keep up with Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy, but whenever they visit earth, something always go awry. They get carried away sometimes, playing on earth and having fun (what angel doesn't? <g>), and doing things they think no one will notice, like rearranging the ships in Bremerton's Naval yard, or appearing in the flesh to humans (which is a BIG NO-NO in Gabriel's eyes!). But this time, Gabriel prays that they will be too busy to fool around; as it is, they have less than two weeks to complete their new assignments and be back in Heaven for the festivities on Christmas Eve.

WHERE ANGELS GO is this year's Christmas story from the incomparable Debbie Macomber, and this one is a special treat! We haven't had a story featuring Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy since 2003, and it's been way too long! But like a breath of fresh air, here they are again, up to their old tricks, helping their chosen humans realize their prayers, and having lots of fun while they're working! Every character in this story is dynamic and special, and the secondary characters are many, including Harry's wife Rosalie and their daughters; Carter's parents and his sister Bailey; and Beth's family, and I can't forget to mention Rusty, Carter's adorable homeless friend.

WHERE ANGELS GO is just right for the upcoming holiday season. You will laugh and you will cry (be sure you have lots of Kleenex handy!). Do not miss this latest story about Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy. (Oh yeah, and pray for Gabriel's sanity while they are on earth!)

Diana Risso