“On the day the world received its first phone call from heaven, Tess Rafferty was unwrapping a box of tea bags.”
We live in the day and age of smartphones. Ever wondered HOW smart are they? Smart enough to put through a call from Heaven?
Picture this – You are going about your daily chores, and your phone rings. You answer. On the other end, is the voice of your deceased loved one. No, it’s not an imitation by someone, and no you are not dreaming this up. It IS really their voice and they ARE really having a conversation with you. How do you respond to this? That is the premise of this book.
It follows the lives of the “chosen ones” in Coldwater, Michigan whose lives are forever altered when they receive phone calls from their loved ones–their DEAD loved ones! Sparking extreme media interest, while drawing frenzied supporters and angry protesters in equal parts, these phone calls become the world’s biggest spectacle!
Enter: Sully Harding. He is a skeptic, and sets out to determine if the calls really are from Heaven? Or just an elaborate hoax? In doing so, he ends up having to confront his own past and the aftermath of the untimely death of his wife.
The author plays the calls along so very well, hinting through the doubts of the main character that they may not be genuine, but leaving the reader little reason to think that they aren’t for real. He balances the mystery with the reality of lives changed. He balances misery with hope, and doubt with faith.
The historical references to the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell known for inventing the telephone, are well placed and seamlessly integrate with the story.
To be honest, the plot was developed so beautifully, I almost expected to be let down by the ending, but instead found the conclusion even better. Believe me when I tell you, the ending will blow your mind. You won’t see it coming!
Regardless of whether your belief is placed in a higher power or just in yourself, you will find this an extremely inspiring and powerful read. It isn’t necessarily just a religious novel. It is more of a mystery that will both peak your interest and lift your spirit.
GET THIS BOOK HERE:
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I would love to hear from you guys. What would be YOUR FIRST RESPONSE to a call from your deceased loved one? Mine would probably be shock and disbelief, followed closely by fear. 😛 😀
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That sounds a great read. You’ve written the review superbly. Makes me pick it instantly. But guess will have to wait. Nonetheless, added this to my tbr. 🙂
So well reviewed, Shantala! Is this Mitch Albom’s latest work? I loved Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five people you meet in Heaven. My response to a phone call from Heaven would mostly be fear. I might even slam the phone down and run 🙂
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Thank you so much, Hema. And yes, I would be pretty freaked out too. 😀
This is not his latest, but a good read nonetheless. His latest, I believe is – The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto.
The Five People you meet in Heaven is next on my list by him. 🙂
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I don’t usually read book reviews. But I’m glad I made an exception today. Executed well, Shantala.
Sid recently posted…First Steps
Thank you so much, Sid. 🙂
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Wow, Shantala, my interest has peaked already! Now I am waiting to lay my hands on this wonderful book! Also, loved the few quotes that you have written about at the end…they really are the very best..
Thank you so much, Shilpa. Yes, do read the book if you get a chance. It is an awesome read. 🙂
A Crisp review that arouses the desire to get hands on a copy of the book!
Good going Shantala!!
Best wishes from my heart for this new beginning of yours!! ☺
– Pal
Thank you so much Pallavi for your wishes and kind words. Yes, if u are able to get hold of the book, its worth the read 🙂
I really want to read the book now!
Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more of your reviews!
–Mee
Thank You so much 🙂
You are making me want to read it soon. Very well written.
Also, I reading your other posts and I’m completely hooked!
Thanks for the lovely word you left for me. Made my day. 🙂 🙂
I was going to read other posts but didn’t find any. Am I doing something wrong? I can’t see any other post. 🙁
Blog design is kick ass!
Thank you so much Aditi 🙂 That post was the first of many I read in your blog. You have created an awesome space! This is the very first post on my blog. I have been a blog reader for ages, decided it was about time to start my own. Thank you for your very kind words 🙂
Amazing. Way to go!
People say that blogging is dead, twitter and social media killed it – but that’s not true. 🙂
Looking forward to reading more from you.
(And I thought my browser is stupidly blocking some sites because i couldn’t read any other post here and Indiblogger was also not opening. Haha.)
Thank you so much Aditi 🙂
Nice write up Shantala…would like to read this bk soon..looks interesting…
& to answer your ques…frankly if I get call frm heaven I would be scared initially..but after I digest this I wud be happy…as now I can talk rather pakaofy my loved one any time..also I can talk to them without increasing my phone bill 🙂
Thank You Meghana 🙂 Hmm..no phone bills 😛 Why did I not think of THAT? 😛 😉
I am blessed to have all dear ones around me so finding it difficult to put myself in the place. But, if I receive one such call I might treat it as a prank call and start thinking about the culprit.
The review looks interesting. Will certainly read the book soon.
Would like to read your next review.
Yes, I agree. In my case, the first response would be – shock and disbelief, and once it sinks in, I might get into investigation mode 😀
Well written. This book is going to be my next read. Thank you.
If I were to get a phone call from heaven, I guesa it would be to notify me that they are reserved for SCST and I will have to do with a booking in hell. 😛
Great job. Good luck
Guess*
Hahaha.. It is interesting that your idea of heaven is heavily influenced by the Indian education system 😛
Well written. I am lucky to have all my loved ones around me but hypothetically speaking my first response would be disbelief 😮
Ditto!
very nice dear
Thank You so much 🙂