FATE OF ANGELS
What unforeseen events are set in motion, when an ordained Catholic priest in 1911 France chooses to leave the Church and elope with the woman he loves? When her father takes action, Louise fights to be with the priest she loves. A novel of forbidden love, music and an audacious American legacy, propelled by one courageous women.
Years later, it is the beautiful, intrepid Mimi, 3rd child of Francis and Louise, who risks it all for the man she loves -- the handsome, Broadway actor from Minnesota, George N. Valentine. But like her mother before her, can Mimi's passion or her lover surmount the obstacles that work to tear them apart?
Based on a true story . . .
Me and Mimi
George & Mimi
George & Mimi
George & Mimi
George & Mimi
George & Mimi
Reviews for Fate of Angels
An amazing read full of so much passion and courage. It draws you in completely leaving no stone unturned. The imagery is vivid, compelling; makes you feel like you're right there...watching everything unfold with rhythmic precision. The love stories pull at your heart strings with poignant immediacy and yes, a suspenseful longing to see them succeed. JoAnna Daniels is a consummate storyteller. Cindi
This book had me spellbound until two in the morning! I couldn't put it down. The characters are so real, the emotion runs high, and the imagery makes you feel like you're right in the middle of an unfolding drama. A must read! Andrea R.
This is a masterpiece! I highly recommend it if you want a great read! ncp
What an outstanding story of, not just one, but two beautiful and thrilling love stories, wrapped into one novel. Starting from the story of Francis and Louise, to George and Mimi. It's truly a family affair, but a most interesting story between the love of Sister Louise and Father Francis, and then moving on to their daughter, Mimi and the passionate love she shared with George. This is a story through the generations from before WWI and on into life after WWII. The writing is exciting and holds your attention. The emotions take you for a ride, a beautiful ride for sure. Highly recommend this well written masterpiece of this Amazing True Story! D.C.
A Franco/American family Saga
This was a story that had to be told. The courage and tenacity, the passion and the strength that it took to live these lives was to me, mesmerizing-- This remarkable story that started in the Old World and took them to the New World, set not only a precedent but a whole family line in motion. Their bravery and unconditional love have been an inspiration to me my whole life. cjs
The family album
The young family
Francis and Louise Wagner
Francis and Louise Wagner
Shortly after emigrating to America in 1922, Francis changed his last name from Wagnier to Wagner for easier pronunciation. Little brother Jacques, or Jackie as Mimi always called him, would not be born for another couple years yet in California in 1925.
Francis and Louise Wagner
Francis and Louise Wagner
Francis and Louise Wagner
Francis and Louise often enjoyed just sitting and watching their children play together after emigrating to America. They were reminded of the miracle of their secret elopement in 1911. Francis had made things right with Louise's father, Jacques Auguste, on their return to France, and family relations remained good.
Father Francis
Francis and Louise Wagner
The old farmhouse
This is the young Father Francis Wagnier before he left the priesthood. He said mass at the St Croix cathedral in Dijon every day, but every Friday evening, he said the mass at the old church in Norge where Louise grew up. The village girls often attended mass there just to see him.
The old farmhouse
The old church in Norge
The old farmhouse
Louise grew up in the old farmhouse in Norge. Her daughter Mimi stands in the foreground of this picture taken in 1994.
The old church in Norge
The old church in Norge
The old church in Norge
This is where Father Francis said the friday evening mass. It is surrounded by tombstones of many of the town's citizens who had lived and died there.
characters George & Mimi, Lee and Johnny
mimi was part of an aerial act twice and often worked with the circus
Saint Benigne Cathedral and On to the New World --
george & jack, mimi with aerialists (2nd from left), writing a letter to george
george's family, Irene, margie with gene, & tommy. Georgie (12/29/1940 - 04/21/1967)
