Heaven and Hell: A Novel: A Journey of Chris and Serena Davis (Tears of Heaven): The Journey of Chris and Serena Davis Paperback – 1 Oct. 2007

Yes I have given this book five stars because that is the highest available, although it is a novel and I got hooked up to start with on the theology probably looking for an excuse not to have to deal with Serena's predicament. But the more I read the more I felt the need to do something about sharing with others, the hell is something that as Christians we are advised to not talk about but it is real and that fact alone should be enough to give us a shove to can up and witness to the lost. I dare you to read this and not be changed, it is a game changer as the popular phrase of the moment says.

I like reading a book that takes me on a journey, and this book does just that. It's easy to read and immediately demands your attention from chapter 1.As a christian it was easy to become curious about the author's descriptions of Heaven & Hell and this certainly doesn't disapoint.I can definitely recommend buying this and for me the second and third book in this series is already in the post.

I had to leave my theology behind and let it be the novel it is, as there were parts that were too far-fetched, but this book makes me want to spread the gospel urgently. I'm pleased to have read it though.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and it would really make you think about the consequences of hell - I especially loved the twist at the end. Fantastic book!

This book is amazing... until you get to chapter 20. From then on Jesus is left behind and it gets a bit science fiction. I could read the first 20 chapters again and again! The descriptions of heaven and of hell are brilliant. Overall a great book!

Fast paced incredible story. The change in venues storylines and the thread of love that runs through this book makes for a compelling read.

An Absorbing work of fiction but with such powerful underlying truth...eternity is indeed a very long time and i know where i want to spend it. Thank you Jesus.

As a piece of fiction I really enjoyed this book, but theologically it was poor. Without giving away the plot, there were several incidents which contradict the Bible. One of the characters loses his temper in heaven, then apologises saying God was still perfecting him, but when we get to heaven we will be made perfect through Christ. Also some of heaven's inhabitants mourn those who are in hell, yet the Bible teaches there will be no mourning or sorrow. I do not claim to know what heaven and hell will be like but I'm not sure it will be like the author describes.

A sobering story of a couple separated at death, as one is ushered into the presence of his Savior, and the other is delivered over to Satan. The author's presentation of Hell is terrifying and reiterates to me the importance of letting those around me know that it's not someplace the way to go, and I know a Savior who wants a relationship with them (a relationship that also ensures they don't spend eternity there). The portrayal of Heaven is not what I have imagined from what I have read and heard over the years, but is an interesting perspective.Serena's behavior in Hell when encountering Satan and his demons is a surprise as she is not prepared to yield her allegiance to him, but realizes she has been turned over to him. An interesting twist.Chris' deportment in Heaven is a bit surprising. It never occurred to me that someone might quickly become upset with God, thinking Him unfair. But seeing how loving God is to Chris, even in face of his grief, speaks to the character of God.As Chris obsesses over how to achieve a reunion with his lost Serena, the story gets a bit far-fetched, but interesting and entertaining. And I see there are other books in the series, for which some of the encounters in this book seem to prepare.Honestly, the story started out feeling a bit preachy and I was wondering whether I was going to enjoy the story. I suppose that for someone who was not raised in the church and/or is unfamiliar with Scripture and the description of Heaven and Hell, or the path to get there, the "preachy" background could have been useful. I was glad it picked up after that.A great reminder of the horrors of Hell, the glory of Heaven, and why our life on earth matters (after death is too late to prepare/decide!).

A story I could read over and over again. It was thought-provoking and encouraging.

Yes it's fiction but it really makes you think about life after. Page turner all the way to the end.

I've been a Christian for many years and so I've had some degree of anticipation for my eternal home with my Father but when I started reading this book my desire to enter Heaven's gates has grown tremendously. I was immediately caught up in the story of Chris and Serena after reading the first chapter. I realize this book is fiction and the author took some liberties in creating a backdrop for this suspenseful novel but I must say that he did his research and there are more than a few aspects of the book that are factual. I gained a greater thirst to know more of my Father while reading this book and it has jumped started my prayer life and my longing to learn more of my bible and more of what's to come as laid out in the book of Revelation.I found myself crying during Serena's trek thru hell and quietly uttered prayers with every page turn for those in my life whom are not saved. If I had the money I would buy 10 of these books and give them to unsaved family and friends with instructions for them to pass the books onto their unsaved family and friends. I know some people may balk at the intricate descriptions that Mr. Ziegler used for the horrors of hell but no human on this side of heaven and hell can say for sure what awaits those who will be at the mercy of Satan himself. I can only speak for myself as to how this book affected me and it gave me a hunger to witness to anyone who will listen so that I can hopefully be the hands and feet of Jesus to them and bring them to a saving knowledge of our Lord. I believe that no matter what your religious views are this book is well written and keeps the reader wanting more as each page is devoured. I read this book in 3 days and at the end I wanted more so I cannot wait to read book 2, The War in Heaven.

I am unsure what to say about this book. For starters, I couldn't put it down. It was fascinating. Also, I am intrigued by visions--always have been, so I am open to evaluating the theology and truth of a vision (the author claims this book was based on personal visions). The writing, other than some glaring spelling errors, had moments of brilliance, so that was enjoyable. The character development was not the strongest, but it was made up for in emotional pull. Theologically, as a Roman Catholic, the story has problems. But it is a story. Am I to read no stories ever if they are not theologically sound? That is a line we cannot draw or no books would make the cut except the Bible. The main theological problem is the depiction of God and Jesus as separate beings. I chalked it up to a gross error, but continued to enjoy the story. As a Catholic, I have read a lot of visions of our church fathers and mothers, the "Mystics." I fully believe there are parts of the story of the universe, God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and redemption that have not been revealed to us and we may be surprised one day how it all actually "goes down." Some of the visions of canonized Saints and Blessed church fathers and mothers allude to possible future works of God for the redemption of man that are still unknown to us (St. Faustina, and Blessed Lady Julian, for example). I know this is a string of disconnected thoughts--but I enjoyed the story. It completely tugged at my heartstrings (even though some parts were just "wrong" or silly), and I feel it was inspiring and edifying. I am ready today to be a better servant of God.