A contemporary treat that will absolutely put a smile on your face.
A Healing Hand is a charming New Age store and the brainchild of self-sufficient Mary Pontrelli. Located in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans, Mary has been fortunate enough to enjoy a steady customer base and reasonable rent, on both her store and attached apartment, for several years. At thirty years old, it seems like Mary has finally settled into a routine and life that makes her happy, although her love life is an admittedly dull point. Overall, though, things are moving forward in a positive direction until the moment they aren’t. All at once, her momentum stalls as the building where she lives and works is being put up for sale, her steady boyfriend is becoming less appealing by the day, and to top things off, her high-school ex-boyfriend/nemesis is back in town to stir up trouble. Just when it seems like everything is falling apart, Mary meets Patsy, a spry elderly woman offering a lifetime of wisdom. The two become fast friends at a time when Mary needs dependable friendships more than ever before. Resolved to fight the sale of her building, Mary becomes the unlikely cheerleader in a campaign to save not only her business, but the homes and businesses of all the other quirky renters threatened by the impending real estate transaction.
Get ready to take a lively trip to the Big Easy in C. D’Angelo’s The Visitor. New Orleans is famous for fresh beignets, haunted history tours and endless jazz music, and this book serves up all New Orleans has to offer with a dash of Italian heritage and a sprinkle of New Age spiritualism. Mystic accouterments ranging from tarot card readings to sage cleansings tint everything with a magical glow, keeping the tone bright, light, and positive. Really, the entire mood of this book is sunny and uplifting, a story about genuine friendship, cultural and family heritage, and the unanticipated value of teamwork. The supporting cast, from kind-hearted store clerk Ada to the uncannily insightful Patsy, is a crucial addition to the story, adding endless charm and affection to a book overflowing with heart. Rounding out a sincere plot is the inclusion of an unlikely romance, one that develops at a pleasingly controlled pace. For a casual, fun divergence from the norm, The Visitor is a contemporary treat that will absolutely put a smile on your face.
