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Book Review • December 2010
The Lowlands of Heaven
A Novel
By: F. J. Dagg; Branch 92 Books; 288 pages;
$19.99 (pbk);
ISBN 978-0-615-37622-6;
www.amazon.com
Welcome to “Branch 92.” You’ll like it here. Consciousness runs a bit higher here than on Earth, though it’s not so elevated as you’ll find when you finally earn entrance to Heaven. Consider it a sort of way station, a place to further one’s evolution on the way up.
Laurel, an angel of the highest order and Guardian to the human Kate, has just arrived, a bit battered from a sojourn on Earth. She carries a Gift for Kate, which must be delivered, for without it Kate will never be complete and fulfill her destiny of love. But how to deliver it, when bending near to Earth weakens her to the core?
Down on Earth, the flower romantic love is doing its best to bloom. Sam, the dashing flight instructor, is determined to win Kate’s heart. She, however, a dedicated nurse and talented artist who becomes his student, lacks whatever it would take to return his love. Possessed of the resources and the desire to help her achieve the mission that makes her heart sing, he asks only that she share her life with him — but alas, though she cannot help but like and respect him, she will not feign what she does not feel.
Knowing she must somehow reach Kate and transmit the Gift of love, Laurel does the unthinkable. What ensues is an altogether engaging tale of interplay between two realms, of choices by humans and angels with far-reaching consequences for good or ill, colored at opportune moments by the presence of a tall, lean figure lurking in the shadows.
The Lowlands of Heaven offers a rare opportunity to be lifted up and carried to the far reaches of the universe on the wings of pure imagination.
Author James Dagg is a San Diego resident with a flair for high fantasy and a remarkable lyrical gift that come together in a most enchanting way. I find it tantalizing to imagine what he might have in mind as a sequel.
—Chiwah
A Note of Farewell
Having thoroughly appreciated your enthusiastic response to my reviews of books, music and related products in The Life Connection over the last eight years, I now hear life calling me in another direction – though I do hope to express myself in an occasional article in this publication as time unfolds. Meanwhile, I invite the writer in you to visit my website, www.WordWeaver4U.com, and my blog, www.wordweaver4Ublog.com, as well as my new site for writers when it’s ready (url to be disclosed most likely in January, 2011).