A few reviews:

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 that 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!

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 struggles 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 inspirational 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!

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 exhilaration 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.