The Voice of Angels

Synopsis:

Olivier’s life is turned upside down after a car accident. Aside from the injuries to his body, his relationship with his girlfriend has also turned sour. When everything seems to be against him, he discovers a Catholic choir group that inspires him to see life in a new light. Although he is not religious, he helps the choir and ends up learning what selfless love means.

Regina is a professional violinist and a soprano in her church choir. She is also very devoted to her faith. When she meets Olivier, a nonbeliever, her faith is challenged in a new way. Most importantly, she has to define what it really means to have faith. When her feelings for Olivier grow deeper, she’ll have to decide what to compromise—and what not to.

Will Olivier and Regina end up together? Will love conquer all?

Why did I write The Voice of Angels?

• To bring joy to readers through a love story, with Montreal and choral music in the background

• To bring the Catholic faith alive, especially in relationships

• To invite people back to church

• To encourage readers to discern what it means to have faith

• To give back to God for what He has done for me

Reviews:

"Reading through the book « The Voice of Angels » written by Nydia Hadi felt like a fresh breeze and was nonetheless a touching, stimulating and powerful experience. 

With characters portraying an authentic representation of today’s culture among youth and grounded within palpable Montreal landmarks, the author guides us across an interesting array of relationships through different perspectives: female and male, persuaded and seeker, insecure and confident, local and foreigner, viced and virtuous. Without sparing any of the painful, ugly and what can seem like unjust events of life, the storyline successfully reveals the true beauty concealed within the human soul, naturally inclined to good. 

It also shows how much religious views coming from other cultures can reveal and enlighten deep-rooted Christian values that are hidden within Quebec’s culture, no matter how anti-religious it may seem from a distance.

Truly touching and questioning, this novel deserves an attentive read. As a seminarian, studying to become a priest, I found the character of Ethan to be compelling and inspiring. His qualities and affinities with prayer and service as well as his desire to be a person of unity really portray how God’s call can manifest in men of today to become priests of his Church. 

Also, as we follow a once skeptical but more and more open Olivier into his inquiry of the Christian faith, we encounter smooth introductions to Catholic teachings and sacraments. They are brought forth in a coherent manner which highlights their relevance for our lives and the reader can understand that they are precious keys to living a profound and meaningful spiritual life in communion with God." (Félix Lamontagne, 4th Year Seminarian)

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"...I am also a revert, having left the Catholic church twice -- once in my teens and again in my mid-twenties. So there is a lot I can relate to in Olivier’s beginning to question his assumptions about the Catholic Church and faith.

The story is not white-washed Christian fiction. All of our characters have flaws and make mistakes and assumptions. But they also grow and grow in faith. The characters are very well written. And reading this could be like catching up with old friends you had not seen in a long time. It is realistic fiction but with a clear faith foundation." (Steven McEvoy, Book Reviewer)

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"The story revolves around 3 main characters that are on different depth of religious faith, each facing life challenges of their own. But through friendship and their personal interpretation of faith have not only helped each other, but enriched each other’s life...Although the story revolves around faith, the story is non-bias and certainly does not feel like reading a religious book.

The book offers more than a fictional storyline. The author did an excellent job at creating emotional connections between the characters and the readers by narrating in details each character’s inner thoughts, which at times makes me feel like I’m reading someone else’s diary. The story line is simple but very relatable, and I found myself finishing the book in just 2 days. It got me reflecting on how I want to view my relationship with God and how I can let Him ‘walk’ with me on my life journey." (Adela H, a reader from Auckland)