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

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Have you ever wondered what life might be like in heaven, how people live, what they do? Have you ever thought about the actual process of entering heaven or what fate awaits those not allowed in? Mason’s Link (paperback, 978-1-60266-830-0) by Bill Andrews recounts the fictional discovery by one man, George Mason, of a link that can be used to communicate with a departed loved one—a discovery considered by the powers in heaven to be the most important event since the resurrection. Follow George as he tests the link and then struggles with a love triangle involving his deceased first wife, Katherine, and his current wife, Dana, as they all migrate to heaven.

“There is an upsurge in people’s interest in Christianity today,” says Andrews. “Newsworthy stories do not always have to contain bad news. A story of hope that will make people feel good about themselves and their religion will always be well received.”

The story finds its roots in the tragic events of Andrews’ own life: 33 years ago, cancer claimed his young wife, leaving him widowed with two small children. His curiosity about the “entry process” of heaven caused him to form his own dreams and visions of the afterlife, and he kept this firmly in mind as he penned Mason’s Link. He hopes to use his book as a vehicle to convey the invitation of heaven that Jesus gave to all mankind.

Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world’s largest Christian publisher, with more than 4,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Mason’s Link through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Readers may buy them at bookstores or online from Amazon, Xulon Press, or other online booksellers.