The Ones We Wait For: A Novel

by Michael V. Ivanov

Bestselling author Michael V. Ivanov delivers a profound and unforgettable tale of loss, love, faith, and redemption. In this captivating novel, the lives of two strangers collide in a heavenly realm, where an unexpected reunion reshapes their journeys and reveals the power of grace and connection.

As a guide, Luke has helped countless new arrivals journey from the old train station in the valley to the city beyond, in a strange and wondrous land. Once a new arrival himself, he aids visitors in healing old wounds and confronting life’s greatest mysteries while awaiting a long-lost friend. When an elderly woman named Anna arrives, familiar yet unknown, Luke embarks on what will be his final journey as a guide, unaware of the profound connection about to unfold. The Ones We Wait For is a novel about loss, love, faith, and heaven.


Other Books by The Mount of 11 Declarations to an extraordinary lifeThe Traveler's Ancient proverbs for better livingThe Servant With One Five Success Principles from the Greatest Parable Ever ToldThe Cabin at the End of the A Story About Pursuing DreamsThis Is Why I'm A Practical Guide to Discovering Your Purpose and Nurturing Your Dreams

Genres: Fiction, Faith, Christian

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Michael is a Game-Changing speaker and Best-Selling author who has impacted millions with his message of resilience. He motivates readers and audiences of all ages and backgrounds to take personal responsibility for their lives, reconnect to their purpose, and cultivate success in every aspect of their lives. As a child, he immigrated to the United States just before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War and is the grandson of a ‘Siege of Leningrad’ and Dachau camp survivor. Michael's talent for story-telling and his success principles motivate and empower readers and audiences to smash fears, limitations, and passive, excuse-oriented mindsets. He reveals how the personal choices we make, the attitudes we carry, and the principles we choose to live by, determine the success & quality of our lives.

He is writer and a motivational speaker on a mission to helping people stay alive all their lives!

Reviews

[susan bonsignore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching...

I'm not exactly sure how to describe this book. I felt like it was simply answering every question I have ever had during my life. Even ones I did not know I had. I now feel at peace with myself and will not be afraid when my time here ends. Thank you.

[Jan Dirksen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I expected

In the Bible Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” In this book, before you get to heaven you have to ride a train, wait for certain loved ones to show up, fight with the devil in a dark pit, and then finally get to heaven. In every book I’ve read about people who have had sudden death experiences, none of them have ever included such nonsense. This book has very little that is uplifting, until the very end. If you’re looking for a book that excites you and makes you long for heaven, this isn’t it. If you have recently had a loved one die, don’t read this book. There are many books out there that I believe depict heaven beautifully without all of the scary stuff in between.

[Tanya Cavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was precious. The author paints a picture of what he thinks heaven will be like. I found so many answers to so many questions and if nothing else this book gave me peace about those I have lost and about when my time comes. A feeling that some of my favorite humans are waiting for me… is just amazing.

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book. It just gave me such a sense of peace and calm. Try it!

[Sarah McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories that fill you with emotion and spiritual invigoration this is a book for you. Our main character introduces the reader to Heaven as a simple journey we all take and that we are all waiting for someone to enter the Kingdom of Heaven with. This beautiful story illustrates the authors own beliefs of an afterlife and he chooses memorable Biblical verses that give the reader pause to reflect on their own beliefs and lives as they are. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who has lost someone in their lives because I know it would bring me comfort to read when I was ready.

[Susan McArthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very well written and thought out. It offers a glimpse into what the author thinks Heaven will be like. I enjoyed the storyline and as I turned each page, I secretly found myself hoping the author was right and that Heaven is indeed a beautiful glorious place where loved ones are waiting. I enjoyed the story line and loved that the author included many verses from the Bible. The only disappointment I found with the book is that Ivanov included Tesla along the likes of Mother Teresa, Einstein, Lincoln, etc.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all those that say “this is not what I have learned” … this is fiction based on one persons interpretation of aspects of The Bible. No one truly knows what heaven will be like but this was a nice portrayal. As I read it there were areas I could say “I don’t think that will happen” but again this is fiction. The overall lesson in this book is to forgive easily, love always, don’t get wrapped up in trying to make your life what you “think” is best and have faith in God.

[Debbie Coletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that reminds of CS Lewis books. No one truly knows what heaven will be like. The author clearly said it is fiction. But he gave me a lot to ponder and to look forward to. All I do know is that heaven will be more than anyone can imagine. Very sweet, thought provoking book!

[Cassie Van Tiem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely for the Christian reader. If the ending were a bit longer I’d rate it 5 stars. Quick read full of love and hope. I loved it.

[Alison Hurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh if only

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing everyone I know could read this little book. ♥️

[Dorothy Bentley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael V. Ivanov spins a touching tale about loss, anticipation, and fogginess, and redemption. It is chock-full of inspiration with Scripture woven in throughout. I felt moved and encouraged by the story.
As a book critic, I would say that a bit of the writing was redundant, there were a few errors, and I don't believe it is theologically correct when compared to what the bible says. The prose felt a little canned at times, but that might be the case if he used an editor. Despite its flaws, I still rate this book well for its positive emotional impact.

[Catherine M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book is very open to individual belief. Unfortunately. .. it was very different from my own and very difficult to understand and believe in.

[Faith Zaccari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My faith is renewed

This book has helped me realized That heaven is certainly real. I was with my mother and father during their last hours on earth and Their description of heaven Even though it was only a glimpse It gave me hope And understanding of what Jesus in heaven was
like. This book is a delightful book Which Will help anyone Understand what heaven is like and will help them look forward to and rejoice when the day comes.

[Linda Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pray he's waiting for mr

I liked this book better than The Shack. I know and believe what the Bible says about heaven. My human self hopes that there will be exceptions and new opportunities for a new heaven and a new earth. We're told His ways are not our ways and that that we can't comprehend the ways of God. I pray that whole what the Bible says is truth, God has not given us the entire Truth.

[Theresa Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I know this book isn't 100% biblically accurate, however it didn't stop the tears of hurt and joy from falling from my eyes. For it be the teensy it accurate fills my soul with anticipation of the day I will be in the presence of my Savoir and reunited with family! This is definitely worth reading!

[Jeanne Noons · Rating 4 out of 5]

hard to follow

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only heard about this book and read it because my dad gave me a copy and urged me to read it. As someone who's always had trouble thinking about death, the afterlife, and eternity, I cried a lot while reading it, and I felt very "emotionally wrung out" by the end. But if you're a Christian who doesn't have such a strong emotional reaction to these topics, you will probably enjoy it. Just remember that it's fiction - just one person's imagining of the afterlife. It's not meant to be capital-T Truth! I thought it was beautifully written, though I didn't find it life-changing at all.

Some things I particularly liked, in spite of my involuntary emotional reaction to the subject matter:

- John the Baptist plays an interesting role, still "preparing the way for the Lord!"
- While the author added a lot of fun, imaginative aspects to the story, it's still, at its heart, based on the Bible.
- Salvation through Jesus is still the main message - it's not about what you do on earth, it's about who you put your trust in.
- I liked how the book handled the topics of age and disability in Heaven.
- Heaven is shown to be a place where everyone is still learning and growing, which I appreciate - staticness is something I fear.
- The one thing I didn't like was the "confrontation with Satan" scene - it seemed like a weak, unnecessary point for the story.

[Nancy M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see how this book would appeal to many Christians, but warning bells go off as I read it. It is not reassuring to me. The description feels limiting, rather than freeing. The description of hell is straight out of Milton. I also detected echoes of the Shack, a book I think is a much better reflection of heaven. I am an introvert,and the crowds felt overwheoming. The forest of trees was uplifting, but much of the rest of the vision was very much grounded in modern western technology. The trains, cabins in the woods, even a forest environment, as opposed to savanna, mountain, tropical, or a whole heaven only ecosystem. What I read about the author makes me think he is preaching a how to live your life for success on earth. Jesus has a heart for the downtrodden. The unsuccessful. The humble. I would prefer to just wait in faith, knowing that what ever God has in store is beyond my wildest dreams.

[Anne McMullen · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off, I had two major deaths (I was their caregiver along with hospice) last year. Having lost my husband and my mother within six months, in my home, I was looking for an uplifting book about who we may see in heaven. I saw this book immediately bought it.
If I could give it zero stars, I would. I bought the audiobook from Audible (I didn't use one of my credits). First off, the story was boring. Secondly, the narration was terrible... and the author was the narrator. You might think that he wouldn't stumble when reading his own works. He did - a lot. I got to the 6th chapter and couldn't go on any further I had to force myself to get that far.
I tried to get a refund from Audible but couldn't because I didn't use one of my credits. I paid money for it. 😕. Rats!!

[Nancy Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, now one of my favorites of all time.
An imagined scenario where a guide works to greet and assist those new arrivals to the afterlife. Does it stray from the Bible? I guess but we are not given detailed insight into what happens once we “arrive”. The depiction honors the majesty of heaven as best it can and allows for insight to be shared by not only Luke, the guide, but also John who is a senior guide of sorts. I don’t think anything is taken away from the story because of those liberties. It’s a beautiful story that made me cry tears of joy numerous times. Highly recommend

[Josephine Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this trip to heaven, it is told by a man who is a guide, who takes people who have arrived from earth to show them and talk to them, so many do not believe where they are. Everyone arrives on a train. Heaven is so much more beautiful than earth. There are no sick people, no angry,
hateful people like so many on earth.

I felt like I was reading a Bible or in church. There are so many scriptures.

The name of the book is "The Ones We Wait For." Some who arrive in heaven are waiting for someone much loved to come so they can continue that trip in heaven to the large beautiful city. So stay in the beautiful countryside to wait for loved ones.

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and Inspirational

Michael Ivanov has penned a story borrowing from the promises for God’s children - promises so breathtakingly wondrous they leave us breathless. This is the story of a man at a train station awaiting a special person. He knows innately that when that person arrives they will enter the city through the gates. Five stars are not enough and if you have lost dear ones as most have you may feel refreshed and happy as I did. An excellent read you will want to repeat.

[Betty Jane Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ones we wait for

I Loved this book! I am 74 years old and when I started reading I was feeling sad. Christmas was coming but so many of my family and friends we no longer living. I am lucky because I have my husband and daughter and her family but the people of my youth have passed. I was missing so many. This book made me laugh and cry nut hopeful. I believe in Heaven but this describes what I hope happens when my time comes. Thank you.

[Holly King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's from the point of view of those who have passed and are waiting for their loved ones to cross to the other side. It gives vivid descriptions of what heaven may be like. But be aware that it's from a Christianity perspective with their universal theme of the only way to be saved is through the blood of Christ's death on the cross. Lessons of how to live a better life are given along the way and how we humans make our time on earth harder then it needs to be.

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such A Beautiful Glorious Book

What a wonderful feel good book. The faith and trust in God and what it brings for eternity. The wonderful colors, jewels, and flowers. As much as I loved God's nature artwork on Earth I cannot wait to see Heaven. This is a book every human should read and delight in. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Maria Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!

I enjoyed this book so much. I wish we as humans on earth could love and be loved by our brothers and sisters. When Luke said he felt the love for others and felt off from them, I can’t imagine the magnitude of that moment. I’m surprised I didn’t catch on early who Luke was waiting for. ❤️

[Maureen Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author describes very nicely his vision of heaven. What stuck with me was when the author reminds us why Jesus died for us on the cross and if we are truly sorry for our sins and repent our sins are forgiven. I think this book would offer some comfort for people who lost a loved one or fear death.

[Sharon Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Inspiring Book!

This is such an amazing book, it really is a different, yet inspiring read. I love how well written it is, I'm not going to say much more about it, as I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet, but I will say that I highly recommend it, it is a very short, yet wonderful book. I definitely give it five out of five stars.

[Ann Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book I have had loses in my life as others have , my mum when I was 11 and her mum the same year ,my mother in law who was like a mum to me ,a son who died when he was 4 days old . My husband is from a family of 13 children there is 3 left .Wow to see them all again and I know I will will be an amazing day .I hope that goes for pets as well ❤️‍🩹