ANGEL OF MERCY

Eighteen-year-old Heather Barlow is learning hard truths about life and love on her journey to Africa as a medical volunteer. Christina Moore makes this novel's heavy-handed lessons and sentimental writing more palatable with her usual excellent narration. She showcases her vocal abilities as she portrays the accents of volunteers from all areas of the globe. Her Swedish accent is a bit muddled, but the rest are spot-on. Moore's strength as a narrator is in her ability to use subtle inflections to create believable characters, and here she uses this strength to make Heather's earnestness, doubts, and growing love for fellow volunteer Ian come alive. This solid production is a good choice for teen romance fans. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]