Heaven Sent

Rating:
Summary: Not Just Another Romance
Review: Having read many romance novels, and many 'inspirational' romance novels as well, I was not prepared to be so pleasantly surprised by Alison Longstaff's book "Heaven Sent". This is not a formula written romance novel; it is so much more, with mystery, intrigue, and above all, characters so real that you will swear you have met them somewhere before. If you have ever been a member of any community, you will recognize the stuggles of the various egos at work in the seemingly real Cliffside New Christian Community of Alison's imagination. These are not stereotypical church-goers, but real people, with real issues. Ms. Longstaff's love of God and family become central to the story, but at no time does this threaten to become moralistic or piously overbearing, as is the case in some 'insprational' writing. The novelist Alison Longstaff is here to stay, soon to reward us with " To Rule Britannia", the much anticipated sequel to "Heaven Sent". Move over ordinary romance novels!

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Ally!
Review: I have known Ally for almost 2 years and was so excited to hear she was writing a book. It's hard to believe that the time has gone so fast and Ally's book is here. I got my copy a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to get started - I had to make myself put the book down and get some sleep. The book is so wonderful - real characters, who we come to know as if they were our friends. I want to marry Jon!!!!! Ally it is obvious how much love and enjoyment went into writing this book - I look forward to the next one...

Rating:
Summary: Heaven Sent
Review: It's difficult to pin down exactly which genre 'Heaven Sent' fits into - there's fiction, romance, suspense, thriller and underlying all that, an inspirational message that reflects Christian beliefs. 'Heaven Sent" welcomes the reader to the Cliffside Christian Community where people act like people and life happens. Here is a well-written story by first time author Alison Longstaff, that is vivid in detail and unfolds without effort. The characters evoke empathy and emotional response with each challenge that faces them. It isn't preachy or proclaiming perfection among the members of the congregation which makes it an enjoyable read for anyone. It's refreshingly free of foul language and demonstrates that love can be written about without resorting to smut. I now feel a kinship with the Cliffside residents and eagerly await the next installment of the series.

Rating:
Summary: Delightfully Fun
Review: This absolutely beautiful book is gripping and moving. I love reading romantic novels, but there is so much more to this book than there is to most novels. The characters were created honestly and emotionally, so you feel much more involved with them than in your average tale. They make the book real and touching.
Not only are the characters sympathetic and excellent, but the setting is accurately portrayed. I was born in the area of Ontario this book was written about, and, when I read it, I could once more tromp across the fields in the snow and feel the exhiliration of sledding down Olbrick's hill. As far as the actual writing of the book goes, it is superbly written, description fit in with stage-action so as to give life to the tale without intruding - i.e., Alison does not sit there describing sunsets.
Once I started reading it, I could hardly put it down. I was visiting my VERY dear sister at the time, and it's saying a lot that I couldn't even pull myself away from Heaven Sent to pay proper attention to her!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't set it down!
Review: This absolutely beautiful book is gripping and moving. I love reading romantic novels, but there is so much more to this book than there is to most novels. The characters were created honestly and emotionally, so you feel much more involved with them than in your average tale. They make the book real and touching.
Not only are the characters sympathetic and excellent, but the setting is accurately portrayed. I was born in the area of Ontario this book was written about, and, when I read it, I could once more tromp across the fields in the snow and feel the exhiliration of sledding down Olbrick's hill. As far as the actual writing of the book goes, it is superbly written, description fit in with stage-action so as to give life to the tale without intruding - i.e., Alison does not sit there describing sunsets.
Once I started reading it, I could hardly put it down. I was visiting my VERY dear sister at the time, and it's saying a lot that I couldn't even pull myself away from Heaven Sent to pay proper attention to her!

Rating:
Summary: Delightfully Fun
Review: This book is a tell-it-like-it-is account of small town life. Full of humour and vivid detail, it pulled me right in and kept me engaged thoughout. The characters feel like old friends and the town is a place I would love to visit.
A refreshing and fun-filled read.

Rating:
Summary: More than a Romance!
Review: This story is so much more than a romance. It gave me an intimate look at human feeling and interaction, at the process of grief, and the struggle to love again. The characters are so real and their challenges so true to life, that I feel I know them. Although it deals with serious issues, Heaven Sent is far from a heavy read. It is full of humor and witty, delightful dialog. I rolled on the floor with laughter as much as I cried. A truly touching story. I look forward to the sequel!

Rating:
Summary: Heaven Sent
Review: This thoughtful novel works on many different levels. There is a church community with strained group dynamics, trying to balance modern and traditional ways. It is also caught in solving an intricate mystery set up by a recently deceased church member, a mystery thay threatens the very existence of the community. It is a story of personal growth, where the main characters rely on their faith and the support of family and friends to rise above the pain and conflicts that might otherwise unhinge their lives. And woven through it all is a very touching, gentle love story. The young woman at the center of it is a widow with two daughters, and I like the way in which both adults never lose sight of these girls in their own emotional struggles. "Heaven Sent" was impossible to put down after the first few pages, and I feel I have grown so close to its characters that I can't wait to find out what their future holds for them!

Rating:
Summary: The best love story of the year!
Review: This was one of the best books, of it's type I have ever read! The characters are so well written, You want to believe they really exist! Ms. longstaff leaves you wanting more. I hope her second book is not too long in the future!!