I’m really excited that I can recommend one of Matt’s stories to my friends/family who don’t enjoy reading horror. They’ll get a taste of why BeckisBookBlog sometimes reads like a Tiger Beat Fan Club page!
::smh:: Non-Horror People...they don’t know what they’re missing!

If this wasn’t one of Matt’s, I might not have picked it up. That would have been a tragedy, because HEAVEN CALLING is such an amazing story! Categorized as ROMANCE on Amazon, it’s not the type of book I normally read. It’s sad to think that some of you might not give it a chance for the same reason. Heaven Calling isn’t what I would consider romance. It’s not a frilly, foo foo, huggy & kissy story, it’s not a bodice ripper, it’s not easily classified. I don’t think you can neatly fit it into any one category. It bleeds over the lines – blurring the genre borders, and making a category of it’s own. It’s more of a paranormal story, one that happens to be about a husband & wife.
I like what it says in the synopsis… “This is the softer side to horror author Matt Shaw.” These words shouldn’t surprise any of the Fan Club! Books like THE MISSING YEARS OF THOMAS PRITCHARD (Science Fiction/Fantasy), THE LOST SON (Horror/Occult), and THE 8TH (Psychological Thriller), have proved that Matt is a multifaceted author who doesn’t rely on the extreme to sell books. I would shelf Heaven Calling with these, probably right next to THE LOST SON. They all touched me in some way, having shed a tear or two while reading them. HC about had me wrecked! (Although… I do admit that I’m dealing with some personal issues right now, too. I may be a tad more emotional than normal.) I had to stop reading and compose myself while I was reading the last part. I did not predict the ending, and was all but curled into the fetal position while sucking my thumb! I really love the direction he went with this, and where he (we) ended up. I wouldn’t change a single thing.
If your already a fan of Matt Shaw, you’ll enjoy Heaven Calling. Yes, it’s a softer, squishy side of Matt – but it still has the ‘Ness’. You can feel his writing style from the start, and it’s not lacking twists and surprises. Besides – how can you call yourself a proper fan if you don’t read everything?
If you haven’t read anything by Matt Shaw yet, this story will hook you, and ensure further exploration into his work. (e.g. The Missing Years of Thomas Pritchard, and The Lost Son)
Heaven Calling – The Gateway Book

** I normally don’t mention style because I don’t know the rules, I only know what I like or dislike. I like how this was written. The flash-back to present day moments flowed together, (weaved?/meshed?), and never got confusing. Almost like you’re reading a Josh and Holly moment, and in a blink – you’re in the same moment, but Josh is gone. (Me, trying to explain it – THAT’S confusing!) ( )