Writing a memoir that keeps the reader involved and looking for more is an accomplishment. Writing it as a man from the first-person perspective of a woman is a more daunting challenge. In Wounded Angels, Chuck Miceli hit upon the perfect formula that kept me engrossed with the story while giving me a sense of family with the characters. Chuck is well on his way to becoming a top-tier author in multiple genres.

Chuck Miceli has written a dynamic story of Maureen, her young love, Frank, and an unusual influence in her life who shows up just at the right time. You won’t want to put this book down! 

Wounded Angels, is a novel of resolve, resolution and recovery.  Chuck Miceli’s “autobiography” of Maureen Bower, traces her life from childhood in 1930s Brooklyn, New York through near-present day Connecticut. She chronicles her experiences through World War II and the Viet Nam era and the losses that leave her feeling abandoned by those who loved her. One “abrasive” woman simply refuses to let her sink into despondency and in the process, they “save” each other.  Based on real-life, Wounded Angels provides many points and examples that strike true to the reader’s heart and mind. It’s an enjoyable, engaging read and well worth the time.

I very much enjoyed this compelling novel written by the talented, Chuck Miceli. The story's humanity touched me deeply as it constantly tugged at my heartstrings and walked me through some of my own bittersweet memories. I grew to care more and more about Maureen Russo and what she was going through as she gave all that she had to offer. Wounded Angels is a book that is sure to grip its readers and not let them go until well after they flip past the last page and finally lay down this masterpiece.

Chuck Miceli’s new novel is an insightful look at the wounds life inflicts on us all – regret, aging, death – and the healing power of friendship. Sensitive and engaging, “Wounded Angels” takes the reader on a journey through the life of Maureen Russo, from the earliest loves and losses of her childhood to her autumn days when, at last, she finds joy once again. It is a powerful journey worth taking.

There are so few novels that address the lives of older adults as regular people, rather than some sort of flawed and fragile oddity. Wounded Angels centers on two terribly mismatched women bonded by what they each believe to be insurmountable personal struggles. What I love about this book is that this is not pitying pabulum. Rather, Wounded Angels is a thoughtful and entertaining examination of how the arc of friendship, its endurance and its conflicts, sustains, challenges, and renews us on life’s journey, no matter what our age or station. 

How often can a heart find love? How many times can it mend from loss? Maureen Russo is an average woman who might be a neighbor or friend. From her darkest days to her brightest joys, “Wounded Angels” tells her story—our stories—of loss and love and moving beyond her “empty existence” to embracing her "new self." Sensitive and moving.

Chuck Miceli is a gifted storyteller with a refreshing and positive writing style. He has a talent for creating compelling situations with familiar characters, many of whom you will quickly care about. In his new novel, Wounded Angels, we meet Maureen Russo, a woman who has always been there for friends and loved ones, only to find herself feeling emotionally empty and frantic about what lies ahead. Miceli peppers his tale with an intriguing cast of support players who, along with Maureen, face devastating challenges and discover new meanings for their lives. It is a well told, compelling story.

Wounded Angels is a moving account of one Maureen Russo who, at times, appears as fragile as the fraying doily on her faded Davenport, but musters the tenacity to take on life’s adversities when confronted head on. Wounded Angels will grip your heart and hang onto it to the last page. Powerful. Thought-provoking. Uplifting.