Dive into the heartwarming world of "Balm of Angels," where an age-old Irish proverb comes to life: "Forgiveness is the balm of angels." Meet Oliver Courtland, a playwright, and his son Rye, a director, whose lives have been entwined in a tale of separation and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Upper West Side of Manhattan, their story is a journey of love, fractured bonds, and the incredible power of second chances. For years, Oliver and Rye have shared a home, their lives interwoven in the aftermath of Lydia Hammond's departure. Lydia, once a beloved actress and Rye's mother, left them behind to return to her homeland, England. The twists of fate led her to marry Alvin Spiegel, Oliver's former writing partner, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. Now, a fresh opportunity emerges for Oliver and Rye: collaborating on a brand-new Broadway production. Yet, a daunting challenge looms – casting the female lead. Neither dares utter the name that lingers unspoken between them for 45 years – Lydia. Journey through time and continents in this poignant narrative that balances laughter and tears. "Balm of Angels" invites you to witness the ebb and flow of relationships, the yearning for reconciliation, and the unexpected hurdles love can present. As you're drawn into their world, you'll explore the threads that tie people together, no matter how strained or distant they may become. Bloody marvelous! I've known Charles Dennis for fifty years and this is his best book yet, Drawing on his background as an actor and playwright, he has woven an irresistible tale. It's a drama, a comedy, and a ghost story. You'll love it! - Brian Cox (author of Putting the Rabbit in the Hat) An old Irish proverb says: "Forgiveness is the balm of angels". Playwright Oliver Courtland and his director son, Rye, have been living together on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for years since his wife and Rye's mother, actress Lydia Hammond, left them decades before and returned to her native England. Lydia subsequently married Oliver's former writing partner, Alvin Spiegel. For the first time, Oliver and Rye are working on a new Broadway production. Having great difficulty casting the female lead, neither dare suggest the perfect choice - Lydia - a name neither has spoken aloud in 45 years. Journeying back and forth in time and two continents, Balm of Angels is a moving and often hilarious story of estrangement, reconciliation, and the perpetual mine fields of love. Charles Dennis bestrides the narrow world like a colossus writing about the theatre on Broadway and in the West End. Also directing on stage and movies. Dennis displays his love of theatre and films in this delightful novel and exhibits his unique ability to make the reader laugh and cry on the same page. - Michael Lindsay Hogg (author of Luck and Circumstance) Charles Dennis is the author of fourteen novels, including Hollywood Raj, The Magiker, and Given the Crime. He wrote and directed the award-winning movie, Deadly Draw. His play, King Solomon's Treasure, was filmed in 2022 and Dennis won the Best Actor Award for it at the Studio City Film Festival. He and his wife, producer/actress Ulrika Vingsbo, reside at El Rancho Del Navitas in Shadow Hills, California with three horses, a turtle and Sam, their Boston terrier. Mr. Dennis' s dazzling array of characters, both shady and sweet, keep the wise cracks cracking and the laughs flowing. I had to rest my sides! - C.C. Humphreys (author of Someday I'll Find You) Charles Dickens wrote: "Like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield." This is how I feel about Balm of Angels, my 14th novel and 14th "child". I have spent a great deal of my life working in the theatre. It has given me a great sense of family because of the threads that have connected me to actors, playwrights and directors throughout the world. It is a world of passion and emotion - both real and simulated. Actors are called upon to fall in love with people, hate them, reject them, embrace them - eight times a week. Then those feelings are supposed to evaporate once the curtain comes down. But it's never that easy. This world of real and artificial emotion creates a backdrop for Balm of Angels. Tread lightly, reader! It's a challenging world. Charles Dennis is a luminary in the entertainment industry, boasting an illustrious career that spans five decades. His journey began as a wordsmith, weaving captivating tales that transcend genres and eras. His portfolio of fourteen novels, including celebrated works like " Hollywood Raj ," " The Magiker ," and " Given the Crime ," stands as a testament to his storytelling finesse. Each creation is a journey into realms of love, mystery, and adventure, inviting readers to explore the depths of their imagination. Beyond the written word, Charles ventured into acting, playwriting, and filmmaking, leaving an indelible imprint on th