Bill Andrews

Most everyone has at one time or another tried to imagine what eternal life in Heaven would be like.  Scriptures offer precious little in the way of detail, but enough so that even the most malevolent among us often adjust their behavior in hopes of gaining entrance to the place where there is “no more death or mourning or crying,” Rev 21:4 (NIV), and the streets are of “pure gold like transparent glass,” Rev 21:21 (NIV).

Short of actually occupying a cemetery plot, there’s little we can do to learn more on the subject.  However, what if we discovered a way in which to converse daily with a departed loved one who is in Heaven, and to talk with that person about whatever in Heaven we wanted to know?  That’s exactly what Bill Andrews’ novel, Mason’s Link, does; and more.  With a vivid imagination and a striking attention to detail, Bill Andrews creates a beautiful diorama of true life in the most exquisite location one could hope to claim residence: Heaven.

Through a chance conversation with his grandson, George Mason discovers a way to communicate directly with a departed loved one in Heaven.  Initially afraid to share his discovery with others for fear of ridicule, he eventually opens up to his family.  At first skeptical, they follow his directions and soon they too are conversing with departed loves ones.  Coined as “Mason’s Link,” word of this extraordinary Earth-Heaven link spreads like wildfire in the Press on Earth and in Heaven where it captures the attention of the most senior residents.

To add to the drama, Andrews’ novel includes an intriguing love triangle:  two women who share the mutual love of one man, but who together must reconcile their love for him from a heavenly perspective.  The finale may surprise you.

Not to deny this story’s enjoyment, it is worth mentioning that because it was published by a Christian publisher, one might be surprised that it sidesteps a basic Christian tenet that calls for a relationship with Christ in order to enter Heaven (John 3:16 and other verses).  But instead offers up a polite declaration that if a person “leads a decent life, stays out of trouble, respects others and is tolerant of other people’s rights,” they will gain access to the Pearly Gates.

Another issue is that in order to communicate with a loved one in Heaven, “Mason’s Link” requires a person to enter into a mild state of meditation and then to ask for the deceased person’s presence.  Fortunately, in the story a loved one always responds, but admittedly, at first read the notion of Mason’s Link seemed a little eerie and conjured up images of séances, dark spirits and late night Ouija board games.  Without addressing or even alluding to the potential darker side of the equation, the story comes off a little Pollyannaish.

All that aside, Bill Andrews does a great job in this, his second novel.  His writing style is excellent and his character development is smooth.  All in all, Mason’s Link is a very enjoyable read that will leave you feeling good at the end, while at the same time give you much to consider.

Jeff Ovall, Y-30 Staff

Regardless of our religious beliefs, most of us suffer the death of a loved one terribly. We also feel anxious when it dawns upon us that our own time is approaching. There is nothing new about the idea that these things are not always to be to be mourned or feared. But this book provides an especially comforting view of the subject. This story is neither a thriller nor a lecture. It is not about the occult and it is not written to frighten or shock the reader. It provides a fictional recipe for how one might create a “link” between earth and heaven. Then it chronicles a few journeys from painful experience to the contentment that comes with understanding the greater picture. The author provides a detailed and coherent description of his view of heaven. So if you disagree with his view, you may not enjoy the story. But if you are open to a fanciful view of how things in the hereafter might be and you’d particularly like to escape the dreadful feeling of loss over a loved one, you should find this story to be an uplifting diversion from most conventional thinking. - Dennis Aldridge, Elkridge, MD

I have just finished your book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed and I cried as I read it and I will share with my family. Now I want to read the first one. - Barbara King, Columbus, MS

I enjoyed the book very much - great job! I saw [Bill] as George Mason - the idea of Heaven in the book is comforting, especially being able to change my appearance/age. As I read the book, I found myself wanting to try the link… Thanks for writing & sharing with us. - Tori Pumphrey, Columbus, MS