Publisher's Synopsis
Angels and mortals mix in this whimsical tale about life and death with a light hearted peek behind the scenes-at Heaven and the afterlife.
Harry Taylor, an American, is hit and killed by an errant SUV while on his evening jog. Harry meets Barkley, his guarding angel, who apologizes, "I'm sorry, Harry, I tried to save you but there's only so much an angel can do." "That's okay, I'm sure you did your best," Harry tells him, "May I call you Barkley?" Harry has a special lady friend, Anne Summer. They met quite unconventionally at the Orange County Fair. Anne had been widowed for thirteen years until she met Harry. Anne is devastated by Harry's death; they had been planning a trip to England. Escorted by Barkley, Harry arrives in Eternity only to discover he must return-"It's not yet your time," he is told, "and no one may be admitted early." Even in Heaven there are rules. "But his body has been destroyed," points out Barkley. "How's that going to work? Harry was hit by a truck." Angel Savonere is summoned and devises a plan. Harry is given the body of a stuffy Englishman living on a large estate near London. Harry Taylor is now Bromley Carter, a wealthy wine merchant. Humorous twists develop as the "dormant" happy-go-lucky Harry begins to intrude on staid and proper Bromley. >Disaster strikes as Harry's dormant spirit is prematurely fully awakened creating chaos. "That's not supposed to happen, is it?" Barkley, Harry's guarding angel asks. "It's a new procedure," Angel Savonere points out, "we have to expect some bugs." Harry, his persona freed, immediately invites his family to visit. Angel Savonere restores order, but Bromley is caught in the backlash resulting in amnesia. Bromley has no idea who Harry Taylor is; and Harry's daughter, Sally and son, Joe can't figure out how Harry knew Bromley Carter. Bromley plays host when the family arrives, hoping to find out "who in blazes Harry Taylor is." The unthinkable happens, when Bromley falls in love with Sally, and Sally, who has just broken up with boyfriend Peter, finds Bromley's attention as well as his lifestyle most attractive. Harry is terrified, "I can't marry my daughter. What can I do?" A horrified Barkley rushes to Heaven to find a solution. Angel Charlie is sent to defuse the disaster. Charlie, posing as a motorcycle riding American actress whips up a plan to reunite Harry with his true love Anne and Sally with Peter. The story progresses as the intrepid Harry introduces the staid Bromley to an exciting new world. The story moves between Heaven and Earth for an amusing view of both worlds. Throughout Bromley Carter's rather dull life begins to grow more interesting as Harry continues to "take over." Meanwhile, Angel Savonere is reluctant to act further because he fears permanent damage. "My hands are tied," he tells Barkley. "We've got what we've got. We have to make it work," What happens will keep the reader amused and guessing as to the final outcome.
