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

171 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Jeanne Noons · Rating 4 out of 5]

hard to follow

[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!!

[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.

[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.

[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. ❤️

[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!

[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 ❤️‍🩹

[Bert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book! It definitely gives you something to think about. It creates a mixture of emotions. It's kind of hard to describe but it leaves you with wonder and hope. The writing is so descriptive that I can still see the places they had been and some of the people they met. I want to read it again.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't read if you recently lost someone

As a read there is nothing wrong with this book. Did it make me question my faith? Did it show me there is a life after death? Was it emotionally challenging? The book is a nice read if you want a quick five minutes to yourself you can pick it up. Having recently lost a child this book did nothing to provoke my thoughts or emotions.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

You would do better to read the Great Divorce by CS Lewis. This at times seems to almost be the same book rewritten and changed some. People need to remember this is a fictional work.. it does not necessarily depict what actually happens when you die.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I can't even begin to describe how much this book touched my soul. This story was happy, sad, poignant, and deeply moving.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

[joann yova · Rating 5 out of 5]

magnificent

This book took away my fears of heaven!
When you are called home, fear will no longer exist. It is what it is suppose to be!
Your loved ones are waiting for you.
Your sins are forgiven, so forgive those who sin against you and pray for the peace they deserve.

[Vicky Zambrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

May my hopes and dreams come true!!!

What a wonderful book! I can only hope and pray this will be how it is when we are at home in heaven. Or will it be so much more? I can now imagine it to be so much, with all those who have left before us.

[Tamara S Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ones We Wait For

I absolutely love this book, very good writer and I have enjoyed other books of his. Love the Godly story, it kept me interested from the beginning and up late at night to finish. I highly recommend.

[Nancy A Mongano]

Couldn’t put it down. Read it on one day while flying from Baltimore to Hawaii! Though no one has come back to tell the tale, if my final voyage is anything like what the book describes, I will go without fear!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heaven

I lost my daughter Courtney in 2022. She died of Cancer at the age of 45. My life has never been the same since. I grieve for her everyday. This novel has opened my eyes to when I will see her again in Paradise! To God be the Glory!!

[Debbie Crim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...this one hit in the feels. What a wonderful depiction of heaven and what awaits those who trust in the Lord, repent and keep him first in their lives. I truly got lost in the wonder as I read this. I can only imagine who waits for me as I get off the train...

[Cheryl Woodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thought provoking book by this great author

I liked this book almost as much as the first one I read by Michael. The story line is something we as Christians can hope to attain and the visualization
Is so wonderful, I definitely felt I was right there with Luke.