Thanks
for visiting this area. Below are some reviews taken from around the world and
at the bottom of the page some personal thanks to friends and family.
REVIEWS- 'In
Search Of An Angel'
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An incredible book. I sat back one evening to begin
reading In search of an Angel. Hours later and hearing
the birds singing, I had to put the book down. The next
day I found myself thinking about Steve Bidante and
wondering what would happen. My social life ceased until
I finished the book and I can honestly say it had
everything. My emotions awoke throughout the book as I
cried, laughed, felt moved, felt sad and happy. Penalver
writes in a wonderful, yet realistic way which the
reader can relate to and 'feel' That is a true talent
indeed. The story is wonderful, tragic, magical and
spirtual, led by twist and turns that make this one of
the best books I can remember reading. A must have. Mr
Penalver, I cannot wait for your next work. |
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As a new author, Penalver is more than comfortable
amongst his contemporaries. In Search of an Angel may be
his first fiction but it certainly won't be his last.
His re-creation of the kaleidoscopic sights and sounds
of Essex, the serenity of life in Europe and the love a
man has for his friends and family, is entirely
convincing. Honest and heartfelt to the last word,
Penalver is a highly skilful writer as his subtle story
absorbs the reader into a story of the struggle for one
man to solve the conundrum of his life.
I can only hope that the character of Steve Bidante
isn't biographical as Penalver has created a turbulent
and tormented life and made it into one of the most
thrilling books ever to be released.
Expect tears of joy as well as sadness as you embark on
Penalver's rollercoaster of love, death, heroicism and
intrigue.
I am sure I won't be alone in the eager anticipation of
Penalver's next offering. |
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A new book by a new author. Not something I would
usually have much interest in. The word of mouth system
brought Martin Penalver's 'In search of an Angel' to my
attention and ultimately my hand. When friends screamed
on using words, like 'amazing, breathtaking, moving,
real life, romantic' and so on, well I gave in and
bought the book. For any would be reader I would say
simply this. If you have a heart, if you have emotions,
if you notice anything about the world around us, then
this book is a must. It is both realistic and yet
spiritually graced throughout. Penalver introduces the
story through the eyes of both a child and man with pure
artistic beauty. The emotions grab you by the throat and
soon spread to the eyes with tears, the stomach with
anger and joy and finally the mind and soul, leaving me
in deep thought. I loved the story and the end is just
wonderful. I have learnt two things from this book. I
will always give a first time author a chance and I will
be buying Penalver's future work. Pure magic. |
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After a long anticipated wait, i finally got my hands on
the book. And it was well worth the wait. I was gripped
from the outset and led on a ride of ups, downs, laughs
and tears. Martin Penalver writes in a way that you feel
like you know the people and the places that he talks
about, and you share every emotion that they go through.
I would highly recommend everyone take the time out to
buy and read this book, the feel good feeling that comes
with finishing the book makes it so worthwhile. |
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In Search of an Angel is simply a great book. After the
first page I wanted to read more and after that I could
not put it down. My husband got used to me "having an
early night with Steve!" (Bidante) although I was then
disappointed when I finished the book as I didn't want
it to end.
The way it is written is clever and witty but not so
wordy that it is hard work to read it. It really flows
and there is something about the character of Steve that
every reader will relate to. As strange as it sounds he
seemed to have lived a little bit of my life. The story
is compelling and the ending just what the reader wants.
A simply great book. |
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A very intensive story in which you go through many
feelings as the story carries on.
It reminded me that every person on earth has his own
story.
A must read for everyone as you will enjoy every word
you read!
Also as a Belgian reader I had no difficulties in
reading this English book. Excellent work!!! |
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The best selling author Joe McGinniss (Fatal vision, The
selling of the President) blurbs Penalver's debut book
as 'auspicious.' I couldn't agree more. In Search of an
Angel is Penalver's account of a small child coming to
terms with the tragedy of losing both parents in a car
crash. During the transformation from boy to man the
tragedy is never far away in Steve Bidante's mind.
Penalver writing style is a mixture of Frank Mccourt (Angelas
Ashes) and Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist)
Penalvers style is highly readable, written in the first
person he skilfully and cleverley jumps between the
thoughts of Steve Bidante the eleven year old child and
Bidante as an adult. It is the thought patterns of that
eleven year old child that moved me the most especially
at his parents funeral. The child is confused and at the
same time unsure of how he should behave. Penalver
delivers the scene wonderfully from the child's
perspective relatively early in the book. It sets the
book up nicely making the reader want to read on. The
remainder of the book doesn't disappoint climaxing a
very special ending. An excellent debut Mr Penalver
something for everyone. |
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PERSONAL
MESSAGES OF THANKS
Jenna
Blackwell: After meeting through our friends reunited work, I was fortunate
enough to know Jenna who is a top lady. Thank you for being so cool and for all
your help and encouragement.
Tommy Dean:
My great friend and to who's father this book is in memory of. Its an honour to
know you and all your family and a privilege to dedicate the book to such a
lovely man. Never forgotten.
Justin 'Joos'
Humphreys: The man who tells it straight and makes no bones. To the many laughs
we have shared and to you for your singled minded courage in your endeavours for
charity in 2007. A good man with a big heart. Thank you for your review and
positivism.
Carol
McCarthy: A rock over the last six months in so many ways. Thanks so much for
your friendship and support.
Jill & Peter
Morrison: To Jill, for all your work and time and to you both for your friendship.
Holly
Penalver: My little sister who is not so little now she is 22! You have been so
wonderful.
Benjamin
Western: For all your help with the group site and in general. A fantastic man.
Adam 'Spud'
Robinson: A top friend. Thank you for all your support and hard work.
Chris 'Gooner'
Russell : A
footballing friend who also lived up to his own reputation as a top man. Thank
you.