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Heaven Calling
Josh and Holly could face anything thrown at them all the time they had each other. Their love would conquer anything and the world was their oyster. But when a tragic accident tears Josh away from Holly she realises that, without her husband, she cannot cope and her world begins to crumble; her loss being more than she can handle. Until, that is, she receives a phone call.
Her late husband.
The same time every day; he doesn't appear to know what has happened to him and Holly can't bring herself to tell him. She isn't even sure if it really is him calling or whether it's all in her tormented mind. Especially seeing as the calls only happen when she is alone. Is it all in her head, has she gone mad, or is heaven really calling?
From the author of "The Missing Years of Thomas Pritchard". This is the softer side to horror author Matt Shaw.
Her late husband.
The same time every day; he doesn't appear to know what has happened to him and Holly can't bring herself to tell him. She isn't even sure if it really is him calling or whether it's all in her tormented mind. Especially seeing as the calls only happen when she is alone. Is it all in her head, has she gone mad, or is heaven really calling?
From the author of "The Missing Years of Thomas Pritchard". This is the softer side to horror author Matt Shaw.
- GenresHorror
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2013
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,203 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 28, 2025
This had me intrigued, as it slightly mirrors a new manuscript that I’ve been working on for the last few months. And I really admire each and every time Matt Shaw takes a risk and tries out a new concept. He’s an amazing writer and a very creative mind. So the premise was really good here. But I felt like that’s where the enjoyment ended. I tried so desperately to feel empathy towards Holly, but I couldn’t, and everything else suffered beyond that. Her feelings, emotions, and obvious struggle just felt very superficial. And her issues with her, at times, overbearing mother also felt abbreviated. So as the story progressed, there was this constant feeling of being rushed along with this great plot, but underdeveloped characters and situations, leaving me unable to appreciate any of it. I feel if this was allowed to breathe a bit more, and the story was expanded on further, it could’ve been really special. But in its current state, it just felt incomplete.
August 16, 2014
4.5 rounded up....
Okay, that's sort of a morbid photo, especially in light of the fact that this Matt Shaw book is not a horror story. No, seriously, it's not! It's a story of everlasting love and quite frankly, it's brilliant.
Those of you who have read/seen "P.S., I Love You" and enjoyed it will surely love this book as well. It exudes that same sweet and romantic ambience. Holly and Josh are recent newlyweds who are greatly in love and plan to spend the rest of their lives together. Everything seems perfect, until one fateful night throws a huge wrench in the works and threatens their happily ever after. Holly is understandably devastated by her husband's tragic death. Then she starts receiving phone calls from him....
Exceptionally well-written and compelling, this short story will tug at even the toughest heart strings. The characters are lovable--every single one of them--especially Holly, Josh and Holly's father, Frank. They are believable and relatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am amazed that it was written from the same mind that usually concocts appalling horrors.
Highly recommended!
Okay, that's sort of a morbid photo, especially in light of the fact that this Matt Shaw book is not a horror story. No, seriously, it's not! It's a story of everlasting love and quite frankly, it's brilliant.
Those of you who have read/seen "P.S., I Love You" and enjoyed it will surely love this book as well. It exudes that same sweet and romantic ambience. Holly and Josh are recent newlyweds who are greatly in love and plan to spend the rest of their lives together. Everything seems perfect, until one fateful night throws a huge wrench in the works and threatens their happily ever after. Holly is understandably devastated by her husband's tragic death. Then she starts receiving phone calls from him....
Exceptionally well-written and compelling, this short story will tug at even the toughest heart strings. The characters are lovable--every single one of them--especially Holly, Josh and Holly's father, Frank. They are believable and relatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am amazed that it was written from the same mind that usually concocts appalling horrors.
Highly recommended!
August 19, 2014
Reading this book made me think of this poem that I had previously come across:
If only.....
Josh & Holly, newly married, Josh taken too soon.
Both lost with out the other and not ready to let go.
I cried for them throughout the book.
5 "together forever" stars!
If only.....
Josh & Holly, newly married, Josh taken too soon.
Both lost with out the other and not ready to let go.
I cried for them throughout the book.
5 "together forever" stars!
April 19, 2014
OMG..... not the normal style for a Matt Shaw book granted, but i loved it finished it in under 2 hours just couldn't put it down.
I really felt for Holly in this story, its such a heart breaking story..... It had me in tears.
Although not a normal Matt Shaw plot its still worth a read and recommend anyone who has read Matt Shaw to read this, even if you haven't tried him before deffo try this!!
I really felt for Holly in this story, its such a heart breaking story..... It had me in tears.
Although not a normal Matt Shaw plot its still worth a read and recommend anyone who has read Matt Shaw to read this, even if you haven't tried him before deffo try this!!
March 19, 2014
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!)
Taken from my full review on BBB -
Their lives changed in an instant.
Holly wasn't upset when her husband failed to call her this morning. He was probably still sleeping. He'll be home from his business trip tonight.
When Josh did call, 24 hours later than expected, he didn't seem to realize that anything was wrong. He didn't understand why his wife was crying.
He didn't know about the accident. He didn't know that Holly had just identified his body at the morgue.
Josh didn't know he was dead.
If this wasn't one of Matt's, I might not have picked it up.
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. It's more of a paranormal story, one that happens to be about a husband & wife.
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
Hop over to BBB for the full review and discussion.
http://beckisbookblog.wordpress.com/2...
(::smh:: Non-Horror People, they don't know what they're missing!)
Taken from my full review on BBB -
Their lives changed in an instant.
Holly wasn't upset when her husband failed to call her this morning. He was probably still sleeping. He'll be home from his business trip tonight.
When Josh did call, 24 hours later than expected, he didn't seem to realize that anything was wrong. He didn't understand why his wife was crying.
He didn't know about the accident. He didn't know that Holly had just identified his body at the morgue.
Josh didn't know he was dead.
If this wasn't one of Matt's, I might not have picked it up.
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. It's more of a paranormal story, one that happens to be about a husband & wife.
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
Hop over to BBB for the full review and discussion.
http://beckisbookblog.wordpress.com/2...
August 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book, but it surprised me. I wasn't expecting morbidity, but it got there sure enough. Not quite believable for me, but everyone has different ideas on the afterlife. Definitely worth a read. I like to read more from this author.
March 19, 2014
a 3.5 rating, but I bumped it up to 4 based on the intriguing take on the afterlife and that we could possibly have a choice on where to linger and for how long.
The love story at the heart of it will also tug at your heart, especially considering the terrifying mind this came from.
Do not be mistaken by the author who wrote this, he is normally known for gory nasty scary stuff, this has none of that.
This is a love story true and true, and it is a nice departure from the shock horror of norm.
The love story at the heart of it will also tug at your heart, especially considering the terrifying mind this came from.
Do not be mistaken by the author who wrote this, he is normally known for gory nasty scary stuff, this has none of that.
This is a love story true and true, and it is a nice departure from the shock horror of norm.
January 13, 2023
Loved the concept, but felt like it was rushed, and the writing just seemed off (I dont know another way to put it. I feel like if this was fattened out abit more, and wasn't so quick it could be a fantastic story
February 18, 2014
This is the story of Holly and Josh. They haven't been married long when Josh is involved in a fatal car accident. Holly is left suddenly on her own....but then the phone calls start. Is Josh calling from 'the beyond' or is she going mad with grief? All she knows is she misses him desperately....
This was a huge departure for Matt. For his first foray into the supernatural romance this was a more than decent effort. The characters were true to life, and the story flowed well. I liked the going back and forth between past and present as it gave me a chance to get to know the characters properly. I loved the story, and I am unashamed to admit that I had tears rolling down my cheeks come the end. It's nice to see Matt DOES have a softer side and it would be nice if he brought it out more often!
This was a huge departure for Matt. For his first foray into the supernatural romance this was a more than decent effort. The characters were true to life, and the story flowed well. I liked the going back and forth between past and present as it gave me a chance to get to know the characters properly. I loved the story, and I am unashamed to admit that I had tears rolling down my cheeks come the end. It's nice to see Matt DOES have a softer side and it would be nice if he brought it out more often!
November 13, 2015
I can't even believe I'm about to say this but this was an amazing love story. It was so good it even made me cry. I love all the books I've read by this author. He's one of the very best at writing horror and thrillers that just blow your mind. It turns out he is also an excellent romance writer too. I just have to say that I love your sick and twisted brain but now I've discovered your beautiful heart and I love that too MATT. Just keep up the great work and I will continue to read everything you write. You are pure genius!
March 6, 2016
I'm not really the target audience for this so my rating is probably unfair but it was only okay for me. I believe Matt has captured passion and romance better in some of his horror books. The Breakdown springs to mind. The concept was interesting and there were twists along the way which kept the story interesting but I won't mention them here as they would be spoilers. It is good to see Matt trying other genres and given the general very positive rating for this book I am in the minority which is fine.
August 7, 2015
I don't know why and how I never read this before. This book was absolutely incredible. It got to me so much because Josh and Holly reminded me so much of me and my boyfriend, so I cried pretty much all the way through it. The second Matt Shaw book to make me so emotional, but I'm hoping there will be more.
Read
May 31, 2016Not my usual genre, but I was intrigued by Matt Shaw's deviation into romance...!
Very moving. I was determined not to enjoy this book too much but I have to admit I loved it. A couple of tears were shed, I'm embarrassed to admit. Must be those post-Christmas blues, lol.
Very moving. I was determined not to enjoy this book too much but I have to admit I loved it. A couple of tears were shed, I'm embarrassed to admit. Must be those post-Christmas blues, lol.
May 1, 2015
Breathless
Wonderful book.... filled with heartache, and tears. Made me laugh and left me sobbing by the last page. True love is forever and internal. Bloody brilliant book. Thank you for the ride Matt!!
Wonderful book.... filled with heartache, and tears. Made me laugh and left me sobbing by the last page. True love is forever and internal. Bloody brilliant book. Thank you for the ride Matt!!
July 18, 2015
Wow
A very different Matt Shaw story. I would love more like this. Not that I don't like his horror, but this show a very different, deeper writing style. Good for him for branching out
A very different Matt Shaw story. I would love more like this. Not that I don't like his horror, but this show a very different, deeper writing style. Good for him for branching out
August 23, 2014
This is such a tragically poignant story. While I expected what was going to happen, it still hit me hard. Very few books really make me shed an actual tear like this one did.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews