The story is sweet, but I much prefer the Higgins Clark Christmas mysteries featuring Alvira Meehan and Regan Reilly. I'm not much of one for angel stories. ( )

Sterling Brooks has been denied entry to Heaven for forty-six years. Now, with Christmas approaching, the Heavenly Council is giving Sterling a chance to redeem himself by helping somebody on Earth. Sterling finds a sad little seven-year-old girl (Marissa) who’s been separated from her father and grandmother who are in Witness Protection after hearing gangster brothers plotting a crime. Sterling’s goal is to reunite this family by Christmas and hopefully earn himself a place in Heaven.

This was such an entertaining Christmas fantasy. I really liked Sterling a lot. He may have been self-absorbed in his human life, but he has seen the error of his ways and really gave his all in trying to help young Marissa and her family. The story was heartwarming and humorous, and it was filled with an interesting and lively cast of characters. Fun and uplifting, this was a great read for the holiday season. ( )

Very light Christmas tale about a man stalled at heaven's gates. He's sent back to earth to prove his worthiness by helping someone, and he befriends a heartbroken 7yo and sets the wheels in motion to get her father and Nana out of the witness protection program in time for Christmas ( )

The more I read these Mary Higgins Clark books, the more I like them. Here is a good Christmas story that I just finished ready. Yes, a little late, I know. But better late than never.

It is a new twist on an old classic. Sterling Brooks is dead and is waiting for his turn to go to heaven. How long has he been waiting? Around 6 decades. To atone for his sins, he is sent back as an angel to help someone on earth and maybe then he can get into heaven. That is where he then meets little Marrisa. And so the story begins.

It reminded me a lot of "Its a wonderful life". Yes, all the characters evovle. It is a happy ending and quite predictable as far as a story is concerned but it is entertaining nonetheless. I highly recommend reading it. ( )

This was a perfect quick reading for the holiday season. Sterling Brooks who is since 46 years waiting infront of the gates of heaven finally arrives at the last judgement. To his disappointment, he is not admitted to go over the bridge before he has fulfilled a task. He is sent back on earth to help Marissa whose beloved father and granny have been put into the Witness Protection Program. It's close to Christmas when also is Marissa's birthday and she has given in any hope to see them again. Sterling, who was very selfish during his life, is touched by the heartbroken girl and sets out all the stops to help her. ( )