The Smile of an Angel

THE SMILE OF AN ANGEL introduces new series The Westmoreland Diaries by Peggy Webb. The narrative is interspersed by journal entries spanning four decades penned by Anne Beaufort Westmoreland as she records the challenges and joys of her life with husband Michael. Theirs is a special kind of love: they knew at first sight they were bound together as soul mates, and even as Michael's career as a mountaineer carries him thousands of miles away, they have always treasured their bond. As parents, Anne and Michael only wish their children could experience the kind of love they share. This selection in The Westmoreland Diaries is their daughter Emily's story.Emily Westmoreland works in animal rescue and rehabilitation, so no one is surprised when she brings a skunk to the family reunion. Her father has invited his younger friend, mountain climber Jack Dean, to join the family for the weekend. The free spirited Emily immediately captivates Jack as they both recognize their bond as soul mates. After a stunning weekend together, Jack returns to Atlanta to prepare for another climb. When his cameraman bows out due to illness, Jack invites Emily's father Michael to come along to film the IMAX film with Emily's encouragement.But the magic yields to tragedy when an avalanche leaves Michael in a coma. Jack feels incredible guilt for inviting Michael on the expedition and pulling him from retirement. Emily feels guilty for encouraging Jack to invite her father on the expedition, and cannot help but blame the man she loves for the accident. Amid the shared feelings of guilt and blame are Anne's journal entries as she records the pain and the anger of having her husband torn from her life in such a devastating fashion. Surrounded by her children, Anne spends months at her husband's side in the hospital waiting for Michael to awaken from the coma.Author Peggy Webb pens THE SMILE OF AN ANGEL is flowing, poetic prose that sings both in sorrow and in joy. The narrative spans decades, but the time switches are clear, flowing naturally with the narrative, lending it depth and complexity. The emotions displayed by each person touched by tragedy are believable, from guilt to forgiveness, from blame to love. Indeed, THE SMILE OF AN ANGEL is one of the most powerful tales I have encountered in this genre. An evocative, memorable tale, THE SMILE OF AN ANGEL wins the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.