Priscilla Maine's Heritage Shines Through in "Angel's Unaware"

"Angels Unaware," by Priscilla A. Maine takes its title from the Hebrews Biblical text 13:2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." The themes in Maine's book serve this homily well, as her characters learn what it means to untangle old hates and prejudices in order to extend their gifts and create a community together.Mary E. Trimble in "Midwest Book Reivews" calls Angels Unaware "a powerful, well-researched historical novel" in which "the author's own spirituality shines through as she recounts the strength and determination required of a woman, alone, who takes her medical skills and strong religious beliefs to the hill country of southeastern Oklahoma....and weaves spirituality, medicine and the complex lives of hill people into an unforgettable story of grit and courage."I agree completely with Mary Trimble's comments. "Angels Unaware" shows us lives of strength, courage, and grace laced with ingenuity and hardwork. Almost every character goes through convincing change throughout the course of the book--even the villain of the piece (you'll have to read to find out this surprise).Rebecca Rice, a middle-aged widow in the 1890s, offers health care to backwoods people. Rebecca thrives on the change. She faces each ordinary challenge--form making a run-down, vermin-invested cabin into a home to overcoming fears, prejudices, and resistance of those she seeks to help.Priscilla Maine says, "My great-grandmothers came West with a wagon load of dreams. They birthed and buried their infants alone, plowed fields, outlived husbands, tragedies, and triumphs that inspire my writing." Those fore-mothers, reading over Maine's shoulder must surely be proud of how she continues their heritage, evident on every page. seuss book collection sets cat hat