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Reconciliation: Heaven and Earth
Diane de Simone, author of Reconciliation ~ Heaven and Earth ~ offers a compelling tale of a woman who is forced to confront her outmoded beliefs by witnessing the existence of an advanced, extraterrestrial intelligence. In this well-researched, highly engaging, tense, as well as a sweet story, you’ll read how she meets up with people who intimate that we’re similar to ET’s – that in truth we too are multidimensional beings as the new science of consciousness is finding out.
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2018
3 people want to read
About the author
Diane de Simone
5 books1 followerDiane became passionate about the "new" science of the brain in the late 1970 and 80's. She wrote an unprecedented, well-publicized, seven-part series for Playboy on the subject with British filmmaker and author, Jo Durden-Smith, as well as the book: "Sex and the Brain."
"Sex and the Brain" was the first published book for the layperson on the late 20th century heady time in the biological sciences, when researchers were peering into the human body and brain and asking: "so, who are we as a species?" Some were focusing on the differences being found between the sexes not only in body, but also in brain and behavior, endocrine and immune systems-- and thus "Sex and the Brain" which scrutinized research, met scientists, and describes the evolutionary nature of the equality of women and men.
Ever since, she’s sought more answers to THAT ONE question, “so, who are we…as a species?” …She held a private psychotherapy practice and co-created two co-housing communities as she looked for answers. There’s a memoir tucked into "Feathers Brush the Heart" (Warner Books 2002 ed. Sinclair Browning). Then she witnessed how culture attempts to dictate who we think we are -- thus "Dear Thailand: A Love Story" (Amazon, 2013)—covering up that we’re actually spiritual beings in human clothing.
"Reconciliation ~ Heaven and Earth ~" looks at what astrophysics can tell us about who we are. Focusing on physics, editing out the woo-woo, she affirms the fact that we are energy, consciousness, awareness.
In late 2018, a short interactive book was published……"stepping lightly through times of great change" asking us to WAKE UP to radically new truer versions of ourselves. “Now is the time to remember: We’re Here to Create New Earth” expands upon the same theme – we’re not here to play victims. We’re here to be the highest versions of ourselves as we co-create New Earth.
"Sex and the Brain" was the first published book for the layperson on the late 20th century heady time in the biological sciences, when researchers were peering into the human body and brain and asking: "so, who are we as a species?" Some were focusing on the differences being found between the sexes not only in body, but also in brain and behavior, endocrine and immune systems-- and thus "Sex and the Brain" which scrutinized research, met scientists, and describes the evolutionary nature of the equality of women and men.
Ever since, she’s sought more answers to THAT ONE question, “so, who are we…as a species?” …She held a private psychotherapy practice and co-created two co-housing communities as she looked for answers. There’s a memoir tucked into "Feathers Brush the Heart" (Warner Books 2002 ed. Sinclair Browning). Then she witnessed how culture attempts to dictate who we think we are -- thus "Dear Thailand: A Love Story" (Amazon, 2013)—covering up that we’re actually spiritual beings in human clothing.
"Reconciliation ~ Heaven and Earth ~" looks at what astrophysics can tell us about who we are. Focusing on physics, editing out the woo-woo, she affirms the fact that we are energy, consciousness, awareness.
In late 2018, a short interactive book was published……"stepping lightly through times of great change" asking us to WAKE UP to radically new truer versions of ourselves. “Now is the time to remember: We’re Here to Create New Earth” expands upon the same theme – we’re not here to play victims. We’re here to be the highest versions of ourselves as we co-create New Earth.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 31, 2018
I'll preface this by saying that I do a lot of editing work, so I read books differently than most people probably do and my eye tends toward the critical. With that said, take my review however you like.
What I liked about this book:
1) The reluctant protagonist and some of the other main characters grow through adversity in a way that is natural and believable. And it's easy to understand and remember who the characters are.
2) The author is clearly knowledgeable about her setting elements, including not only physical descriptions of locations but also their vibes. It feels like she knows each of these places intimately.
3) The "action movie" premise of this story is plausible, fun, and easy to follow along with. Now, considering the content of the plot, certain people might argue that it's not plausible, and to that I would say a) trust me, it is, and b) even if you don't think it could happen in real life (you're wrong), within the story the author has created, everything is plausible and that should be enough for a piece of fiction.
What I didn't like:
Too much over-describing of settings or mundane actions in certain parts, and too much chit-chat that isn't essential to moving the story forward during some the dialog sections.
Basically, I feel like this is a really good story that could've used a little tightening up (cutting words in some areas, fixing a few typos), but if you're just looking for a fun novel and aren't reading it from a technical perspective like I tend to do, this is probably a good one for you to consider.
What I liked about this book:
1) The reluctant protagonist and some of the other main characters grow through adversity in a way that is natural and believable. And it's easy to understand and remember who the characters are.
2) The author is clearly knowledgeable about her setting elements, including not only physical descriptions of locations but also their vibes. It feels like she knows each of these places intimately.
3) The "action movie" premise of this story is plausible, fun, and easy to follow along with. Now, considering the content of the plot, certain people might argue that it's not plausible, and to that I would say a) trust me, it is, and b) even if you don't think it could happen in real life (you're wrong), within the story the author has created, everything is plausible and that should be enough for a piece of fiction.
What I didn't like:
Too much over-describing of settings or mundane actions in certain parts, and too much chit-chat that isn't essential to moving the story forward during some the dialog sections.
Basically, I feel like this is a really good story that could've used a little tightening up (cutting words in some areas, fixing a few typos), but if you're just looking for a fun novel and aren't reading it from a technical perspective like I tend to do, this is probably a good one for you to consider.
April 22, 2018
Diane de Simone’s “Reconciliation ~Heaven and Earth~” sets up an interesting blend between science-fiction and change-of-life narrative but unfortunately doesn’t quite make it on either front. The protagonist, Martha, faces a great number of challenges at the start of the novel - including the death of her estranged husband and threats from one of his grad students - and decides to move across the country to get away from it all. Her late husband’s connection to extraterrestrials, however, causes some complications for her as she tries to set up a new life.
While blending two genres together can create something exciting, “Reconciliation” probably would have been better as just one. The more realistic, change-of-life aspects of the text work pretty well as Martha grows beyond what she had been before and learns how to just be. The use of present tense works well with this idea as it creates a feeling of immediacy and shows how she’s trying to be more present in her life. The sci-fi aspects, however, feel forced. While they offer some of the key motivating factors for the novel’s narrative arc, they often feel forgotten about and desperately under-developed. The sci-fi touches went from being one of the biggest draws in this novel to an annoyance that went nowhere.
Though the overall plot has some strengths, the writing in “Reconciliation” made it a real struggle to get through. The story is told almost entirely through dialogue and it can take some concentration to keep track of who is speaking as pretty much every character sounds the same. It doesn't sound natural. In addition to this, dialogue acts as the main tool for exposition within the text and there is absolutely no subtlety at all. Characters who surely should know each other or know of the events surrounding the novel regurgitate this information in conversation, dumping information on the reader in the most gratingly obvious way, and half of it just isn’t necessary. A character doesn’t need to tell another character (that they’ve apparently known for years) that they’re efficient - they’re actions should surely demonstrate this! And the reader really doesn't need six different conversations summarising what they've already read in the book. Add that to all the info-dumping conversation that has no direct relation to the plot and it becomes totally overwhelming.
“Reconciliation” would have been a great short story if the pointless sci-fi was removed and the author didn’t rely on dialogue to do all the leg-work.
While blending two genres together can create something exciting, “Reconciliation” probably would have been better as just one. The more realistic, change-of-life aspects of the text work pretty well as Martha grows beyond what she had been before and learns how to just be. The use of present tense works well with this idea as it creates a feeling of immediacy and shows how she’s trying to be more present in her life. The sci-fi aspects, however, feel forced. While they offer some of the key motivating factors for the novel’s narrative arc, they often feel forgotten about and desperately under-developed. The sci-fi touches went from being one of the biggest draws in this novel to an annoyance that went nowhere.
Though the overall plot has some strengths, the writing in “Reconciliation” made it a real struggle to get through. The story is told almost entirely through dialogue and it can take some concentration to keep track of who is speaking as pretty much every character sounds the same. It doesn't sound natural. In addition to this, dialogue acts as the main tool for exposition within the text and there is absolutely no subtlety at all. Characters who surely should know each other or know of the events surrounding the novel regurgitate this information in conversation, dumping information on the reader in the most gratingly obvious way, and half of it just isn’t necessary. A character doesn’t need to tell another character (that they’ve apparently known for years) that they’re efficient - they’re actions should surely demonstrate this! And the reader really doesn't need six different conversations summarising what they've already read in the book. Add that to all the info-dumping conversation that has no direct relation to the plot and it becomes totally overwhelming.
“Reconciliation” would have been a great short story if the pointless sci-fi was removed and the author didn’t rely on dialogue to do all the leg-work.
April 29, 2018
Indie Book Reviews, IR Approved, Paranormal /by IR Staff 4.7 out of 5
~MP Gunderson for IndieReader
Overall, the book is well-written and inventive, with an equilibrium created between Marti's disconsolate personal life and her Harvard-ish discussions about theoretical physics, New Age beliefs, and the controversial claims that ETs are already here and visiting us. Simone weaves a fairly simple but elegant tapestry of events, which all loosely fit together in the end but are all threaded in such a random way that they don't seem be too different from a non-fictional account. The use of the present tense throughout is an interesting choice and lends the narrative an avant-garde flavor, a stylistic maneuver that helps separate the book from more standard fare for novels of this sort.
Since the book dwells mostly on personal and family issues throughout, the pace of the novel is slower, and seldom does it rely on adrenaline to keep readers pulled in. Instead of this, Simone infuses the story with interspersions of philosophy and ET science to help keep the narrative tug in place. Unusual paranormal events are presented with a degree of magical realism such that there is little surprise when characters see a UFO or strange light hovering in the sky, a technique which gives the story an air of intrigue and subtle mystery. VERDICT: Inventive and well-written, RECONCILIATION: HEAVEN AND EARTH is a fascinating story about theoretical physics, ET phenomena, and New Age beliefs relative to both of the aforementioned.
~MP Gunderson for IndieReader
Overall, the book is well-written and inventive, with an equilibrium created between Marti's disconsolate personal life and her Harvard-ish discussions about theoretical physics, New Age beliefs, and the controversial claims that ETs are already here and visiting us. Simone weaves a fairly simple but elegant tapestry of events, which all loosely fit together in the end but are all threaded in such a random way that they don't seem be too different from a non-fictional account. The use of the present tense throughout is an interesting choice and lends the narrative an avant-garde flavor, a stylistic maneuver that helps separate the book from more standard fare for novels of this sort.
Since the book dwells mostly on personal and family issues throughout, the pace of the novel is slower, and seldom does it rely on adrenaline to keep readers pulled in. Instead of this, Simone infuses the story with interspersions of philosophy and ET science to help keep the narrative tug in place. Unusual paranormal events are presented with a degree of magical realism such that there is little surprise when characters see a UFO or strange light hovering in the sky, a technique which gives the story an air of intrigue and subtle mystery. VERDICT: Inventive and well-written, RECONCILIATION: HEAVEN AND EARTH is a fascinating story about theoretical physics, ET phenomena, and New Age beliefs relative to both of the aforementioned.
July 2, 2018
I was looking forward to reading this novel that purports to be a cross between science-fiction and a change-of-life narrative, but was generally disappointed by it. The story line is good enough and actually promises much more than it gives. Martha’s ex-husband has been murdered; he’s been speaking with advanced but friendly extra-terrestrial beings, and Martha (a psych professor) has to move across the country to avoid a very intimidating young student and has to work out what her ex has been up to all these years. How will the story unravel? So far, so good.
The truth is that there are too many flaws in the writing to make it a page-turner. The present tense throughout and the fact that the plot is largely given through dialogue makes it rather passive – despite plot possibilities. There’s a sense of threat that doesn’t really materialise. The characters are stereotypes; their dialogue is stilted and unrealistic. And the use of lists doesn’t do what the author hopes for – they simply sound like lists! Here’s a good example: ‘a momentary sense of joy, hope, spaciousness, beauty and gratitude’. And, lastly, the physics in the story is given without much passion or intrigue.
I wish I could be more positive. It’s a good enough read, but don’t expect to feel engaged with either the story or the characters.
The truth is that there are too many flaws in the writing to make it a page-turner. The present tense throughout and the fact that the plot is largely given through dialogue makes it rather passive – despite plot possibilities. There’s a sense of threat that doesn’t really materialise. The characters are stereotypes; their dialogue is stilted and unrealistic. And the use of lists doesn’t do what the author hopes for – they simply sound like lists! Here’s a good example: ‘a momentary sense of joy, hope, spaciousness, beauty and gratitude’. And, lastly, the physics in the story is given without much passion or intrigue.
I wish I could be more positive. It’s a good enough read, but don’t expect to feel engaged with either the story or the characters.
March 8, 2018
This book screamed X-Files to me so I had to grab it and read it. The book centers around a professor of psychology who starts to look into her astrophysicist husband’s murder. What makes the book more interesting is the mystery surrounding his work with extra-terrestrial civilizations. Throw in government cover-ups, conspiracy theories, and aliens and now you can see why I thought of X-Files immediately.
While the plot was great, the writing needed work. The book was riddled with telling and prevented me from really connecting with the characters. While the author was overly descriptive, it wasn’t always the correct way to go and became burdensome to read. The dialogue felt very unnatural and jilted further pulling me out of the book. There are scenes that even felt like filler, they didn’t move the plot forward.
If you’re looking for a fun sci-fi read, LOVE X-Files, and can look past the plethora of excessive details, grab this book. You won’t be disappointed.
While the plot was great, the writing needed work. The book was riddled with telling and prevented me from really connecting with the characters. While the author was overly descriptive, it wasn’t always the correct way to go and became burdensome to read. The dialogue felt very unnatural and jilted further pulling me out of the book. There are scenes that even felt like filler, they didn’t move the plot forward.
If you’re looking for a fun sci-fi read, LOVE X-Files, and can look past the plethora of excessive details, grab this book. You won’t be disappointed.
February 6, 2018
This book was very entertaining. I loved the elements of mystery, both terrestrial and otherwise. The story was well written and had interesting characters. The author's depiction of the alluring scenery of the Sonoran desert surrounding Tucson was absolutely lovely! Fusing supernatural elements with government secrecy made for an exciting tale. The frequent use of the present tense was an interesting choice. It was a little unusual but I ended up appreciating the tone it set for each scene. A really enjoyable, powerful read. My only critique is that there were a few questions left unanswered at the end of the story. While I don't think the ending really allows for a sequel, I'd still be interested in reading on to see what happens next and to gain further insight into these unsolved questions.
February 11, 2018
When I started this book, it was so well written I honestly thought I was reading a true story. Diane de Simone does such an incredible job building her characters and plots that it seemed almost too good to simply be made up. I love the element of sci-fi but even it seemed so real. There’s that element in real life that the government knows more than it will ever share with the public about astrophysics and the possibility of alien life, so the idea that the government would do anything to protect one of their secrets has never been far fetched. This was a fantastic book, just far different than what I expected when seeing the title for the first time. I love the suspense, the details, the ideas of conspiracies, and the overall feel of this book. If Diane de Simone writes another, I will be one of the first to order it! Great job!
February 19, 2018
Upon reading the description of this book by Diane de Simone it sounded similar to the Dan Brown novels I enjoy reading. This story follows the life of Marti Kahn, a recently widowed woman on a journey to reinvent herself, discover the truth about her husband’s death, and the mysteries surrounding his work with extraterrestrials. The plot is an intriguing, unique take on conspiracy theories and government cover-ups of alien encounters with humans.
While I was pulled into the tale, wondering what Marti would experience next, I was challenged with the writing style. I found the writing to be overly descriptive and the dialogue between the characters to be somewhat unnatural at times, making it more difficult to follow. Despite this, I would still recommend the book to anyone with an open mind, interested in sci-fi mysteries.
While I was pulled into the tale, wondering what Marti would experience next, I was challenged with the writing style. I found the writing to be overly descriptive and the dialogue between the characters to be somewhat unnatural at times, making it more difficult to follow. Despite this, I would still recommend the book to anyone with an open mind, interested in sci-fi mysteries.
July 8, 2018
Good book!
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it was still an enjoyable book! When you first meet Martha, it's in the aftermath of the loss of her husband. Soon though, thanks to the weird advances of a student, she has to change her whole identity. But there's more to the story than that. Her husband was hiding secrets and there's people out to find out what those secrets were. So, the pace of the book felt a bit meandering at times, however I enjoyed Marti (formerly Martha) a lot. I liked her character and her daughter as well. It's more than just about the mystery behind the man, it's also about a woman rebuilding her life. Good book and excellent characterization!
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it was still an enjoyable book! When you first meet Martha, it's in the aftermath of the loss of her husband. Soon though, thanks to the weird advances of a student, she has to change her whole identity. But there's more to the story than that. Her husband was hiding secrets and there's people out to find out what those secrets were. So, the pace of the book felt a bit meandering at times, however I enjoyed Marti (formerly Martha) a lot. I liked her character and her daughter as well. It's more than just about the mystery behind the man, it's also about a woman rebuilding her life. Good book and excellent characterization!
February 6, 2018
I have to start by saying that I can so easily picture this story as a movie, even if as a made for tv movie and wish that would happen. I was instantly connecting to Martha and her enormous loss. But the twists and turns the story takes took me completely by surprise. I had to pay such close attention and with every page turn I waited for my many questions to be answered. Like I said, this should be a movie.
April 26, 2018
Reconciliation is a fast paced sci-fi book that keeps the reader intrigued the entire way. The characters are varied; each with their own unique lives and ways of living it. The plot is well thought out and well written. Each character fits into the plot and adds depth. Martha is a powerful and strong character with soul. The beautiful description of Tucson, Arizona has me ready to pack for a visit! Excellent book and a great read.
March 5, 2018
This was a fantastic book, just far different than what I expected when seeing the title for the first time. I loved the elements of mystery, both terrestrial and otherwise. The story was well written and had interesting characters. I would recommend the book to anyone with an open mind, interested in sci-fi mysteries.
March 12, 2018
I love the suspense, the details, the ideas of conspiracies, and the overall feel of this book. I was totally surprised by the ending. I didn't see it coming. But all of the puzzle pieces start to fall into place as you look back. If you enjoy a good sci-fi mysteries, then this is for you. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2018
Hmmm...
Martha/Marti relocated to a new area to get her life together upon the death of her husband. But everything soon changed when she realized that his death may not of been an accident. Someone did not want his research to get in the wrong hands and they were not going to take any chances. This was an intriguing book and made you think about what may be out there.
Martha/Marti relocated to a new area to get her life together upon the death of her husband. But everything soon changed when she realized that his death may not of been an accident. Someone did not want his research to get in the wrong hands and they were not going to take any chances. This was an intriguing book and made you think about what may be out there.
March 11, 2018
A new author for me, but I was immediately engaged. The story line was well developed as well as the characters. It was well written and entertaining and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 6, 2018
Fun, interesting, entertaining. Is it true?
July 9, 2018
This book was a lot of fun. The plot was original and unique. De Simone is a very descriptive storyteller and although it get a little wordy in some parts, she did an excellent job of giving the scenes texture and relatability. The characters are likable and interesting and I found myself really caring for Martha/Marti. It was a little rough around the edges as far as editing and polishing, but it didn't take away from the readability. I recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery sci-fi adventure novel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews