A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM THE ANGELS

An Irish mystic shares her transcendent ability to communicate with angels. 

In her internationally best-selling memoir Angels in My Hair (2009), Byrne (Stairways to Heaven, 2010, etc.) tapped into the universal appeal of celestial beings, detailing regular, influential contact with seraphs. Here, she continues onward with more inspiration. At 12, the author began speaking to the Angel of Hope, who appeared as a towering “masculine” apparition of flaming encouragement. Nearing 60, Byrne still beholds these billowy spirits of differing appearances and degrees of purpose (some are “unemployed”). Some angels teach and guide, she claims, while others encourage strength and the restorative power of prayer. A standout chapter features angels who pride themselves on procuring love and romance. The author unquestionably trusts distinct angels with healing abilities to appear when needed most, as when coping with a disabled child, a family death, financial troubles or debilitating depression. Yes, humans possess healing energies as well, she writes, but angels populate most of these uplifting and inspirational anecdotes—though a few, while imaginative, feel overly contrived. Perhaps Byrne’s unwavering belief in angels stems from her own challenging trials when her husband’s untimely death left her with four children to raise alone. Still, she hugs everyone she meets and believes angelic guardians unconditionally love and assist everyone through life, regardless of how that life has been lived. Though her writing style lacks depth and sophistication, Byrne’s talent for sprinkling nonjudgmental religious sentiments and positive, compassionate prayers mostly makes up for it.

Heavenly bliss for believers; hokum for skeptics.