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The Contract #1
The Contract: between heaven and earth
AMAZON #1 NEW RELEASE and #1 BESTSELLER The earth is under the threat of a catastrophic political event which could result in international warfare and destroy all life on the planet. In heaven, a divine council decides that extraordinary measures are essential. They call for an intervention that involves two souls returning to earth. The chosen two sign a contract that they will work to avert the disaster. Brad Channing, a Navy SEAL, and Sarah O’Brien, a teacher, become heaven’s representatives on earth. The story follows them as they individually and then together face overwhelming obstacles and eventually end up on a strategic Air Force base in California. It is there that they discover a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States. The terrorists have a plan for global dominance, and they are determined to complete their mission. Although military leadership appears to have the President’s best interests at heart, it is not clear who can be trusted and who should be feared. The action is rough and tumble as Brad and Sarah try to figure out the culprits of the plot that will turn into a worldwide conflagration unless stopped. If you enjoy thrillers, this is one with enough twists and adventure to keep you riveted and guessing. If you like your thriller along with a good romance, Brad and Sarah’s initial attraction and eventual love will sustain you as they live out their heavenly and earthly desires.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2018
10 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
John W. Howell
10 books92 followersJohn W, Howell began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book's central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. Circumstances of Childhood in October 1st 2017. The fifth book, The Contract co-authored with Gwen M. Plano was launched the week of June 4th, 2018.
John’s sixth book, Eternal Road – The Final Stop, launched in September 2020. In search of their eternal home, Sam and James discover a threat to human existence. They also encounter the prince of darkness. The question is, can they save humankind and their eternal souls? John’s latest book is The Last Drive, a sequel to The Eternal Road. Once again, James and Sam must confront Lucifer in order to save not only their souls but those of two others. Lucifer tests them to the limit, and the challenge they face may be more than they can handle.
John’s latest is Detour on the Eternal Road where Sam an James are called into action to thwart Lucifer’s designs on making Sam his Queen, as well as, save the world from a devastating war that would mean the end to humankind. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in the Austin, Texas area with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
John’s sixth book, Eternal Road – The Final Stop, launched in September 2020. In search of their eternal home, Sam and James discover a threat to human existence. They also encounter the prince of darkness. The question is, can they save humankind and their eternal souls? John’s latest book is The Last Drive, a sequel to The Eternal Road. Once again, James and Sam must confront Lucifer in order to save not only their souls but those of two others. Lucifer tests them to the limit, and the challenge they face may be more than they can handle.
John’s latest is Detour on the Eternal Road where Sam an James are called into action to thwart Lucifer’s designs on making Sam his Queen, as well as, save the world from a devastating war that would mean the end to humankind. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in the Austin, Texas area with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 9, 2018
Vast Imagination and an Exceptional Talent
One of the most fabulous books you’d ever read. A broad, vast, and wild imagination that takes you to spaces while you’re sitting in your own place. Highly recommended! Glad I got my copy and had the privilege to read it. Very talented authors. Thanks for sharing the talent.
One of the most fabulous books you’d ever read. A broad, vast, and wild imagination that takes you to spaces while you’re sitting in your own place. Highly recommended! Glad I got my copy and had the privilege to read it. Very talented authors. Thanks for sharing the talent.
August 8, 2018
This is an exciting, action packed thriller but it has a unique twist. The two central characters have their bodies taken over by spirits sent to Earth to save the world from impending disaster. However, the two characters are not aware of the spiritual connection and they have no special powers! Instead we have a fast moving and suspenseful story as our two characters meet in their earthly form and attempt to stop an act of terrorism. At the same time a love story develops so there really is something in this book for lovers of all genres!
February 22, 2019
On the surface it looks like the usual thriller, but if you look deeper inside, you’ll find a kick-ass paranormal fantasy. The authors successfully mixed Fantasy, Thriller and Realism, so each page is provoking and totally captivating. That means you feel like you are on the edge of your seat… it is that exciting!
Well written, packed with action and dialogues. Very fast, enjoyable read.
FULL REVIEW is on my blog: https://raynotbradbury.com/book-revie...
Well written, packed with action and dialogues. Very fast, enjoyable read.
FULL REVIEW is on my blog: https://raynotbradbury.com/book-revie...
January 4, 2019
My Review
What would you do if you were given the challenge to save earth?
When two angels accept a mission to stop a catastrophic event from taking place on earth, little do they realize they’ll be doing it as strangers inhabiting new bodies with their own list of problems to solve.
Sarah is in an abusive marriage she can’t escape. It’s only after Theresa’s celestial intervention that she finds the strength to leave, but not before she meets her husband’s suspicious Russian associates.
Peter takes over the body of wounded Navy SEAL Brad Channing and aids in his recovery and journey to become a writer.
Sarah and Brad have some chance meetings, and instant chemistry, but it’s only when they learn of a conspiracy plot to kill the president that they become a team in search of the truth.
A fast-paced who-done-it that will keep you reading until the very end!
I give The Contract: Between Heaven and Earth 4 lovely kisses- an entertaining read!
What would you do if you were given the challenge to save earth?
When two angels accept a mission to stop a catastrophic event from taking place on earth, little do they realize they’ll be doing it as strangers inhabiting new bodies with their own list of problems to solve.
Sarah is in an abusive marriage she can’t escape. It’s only after Theresa’s celestial intervention that she finds the strength to leave, but not before she meets her husband’s suspicious Russian associates.
Peter takes over the body of wounded Navy SEAL Brad Channing and aids in his recovery and journey to become a writer.
Sarah and Brad have some chance meetings, and instant chemistry, but it’s only when they learn of a conspiracy plot to kill the president that they become a team in search of the truth.
A fast-paced who-done-it that will keep you reading until the very end!
I give The Contract: Between Heaven and Earth 4 lovely kisses- an entertaining read!
September 28, 2019
I thank both authors for one of the best reads of my life. My spine is still tingling. I was impressed with the knowledge of military protocol that must have come from personal experience or great research. The main characters were both very well developed to the point that I felt a close kinship with them.
I appreciated the sense of divine hope that the book offered in these extreme times of governmental treason. The spiritual scene at the end softened the horrific events that would otherwise have created a depressing finale.
Dialog was used brilliantly to flawlessly carry the storyline. This also brought empathy to the characters.
Courage is the main theme of this story. Both characters exhibit this trait in every aspect of their lives. Both epitomize the epithet hero. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
I appreciated the sense of divine hope that the book offered in these extreme times of governmental treason. The spiritual scene at the end softened the horrific events that would otherwise have created a depressing finale.
Dialog was used brilliantly to flawlessly carry the storyline. This also brought empathy to the characters.
Courage is the main theme of this story. Both characters exhibit this trait in every aspect of their lives. Both epitomize the epithet hero. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
August 24, 2019
Read it in one afternoon! It was that good.
This is an unusual book for me to read. It was not what I expected from a mystery suspense story. But from the very first pages, I was pulled into the world of an ex-SEAL and his lover. When the first twist came, I was completely taken aback. It was too late for me to say “I don’t read books like this.” The hook was in too deep. Very well done!
This is an unusual book for me to read. It was not what I expected from a mystery suspense story. But from the very first pages, I was pulled into the world of an ex-SEAL and his lover. When the first twist came, I was completely taken aback. It was too late for me to say “I don’t read books like this.” The hook was in too deep. Very well done!
December 29, 2023
Gwen Plano and John Howell's The Contract (Keewaydin Lane Books 2018) is a story that will ring true in some way for every reader. Who doesn't believe the earth is spiralio.ng toward destruction with no solution to the deadly problems and no one with the ability or inclination to fix what's wrong. That is a timeless problem, but no less so than today. In The Contract, only the angels tasked to watch over Earth notice that it is falling apart and without some sort of dramatic intervention, humans are headed toward their demise. They hatch a radical solution to send two angels who take over human bodies and then, without remembering their angelic past set about to solve what's wrong, fix what's broke. Sarah O'Brien is a teacher and an abused wife who has been killed by her husband, reborn for her new purpose. Brad Channing is a SEAL killed by the enemy in Afghanistan who makes a miraculous recovery. When medically discharged from the SEALs, he joins the CIA. To facilitate his first job, he makes contact with Sarah and together, they set out to accomplish the impossible. They occasionally receive nudges to head a certain direction, which they follow, as instinct, but otherwise, they are on their own.
Many people these days feel like things are going wrong. The reasons are often different, but the sense of loss and worry fills many of us. As a result, from the book's beginning, I was pulled into the story, desperate to see how these two human angels fixed the unfixable. The story plot, characters, and themes gripped me throughout, the pace never too fast or slow, right up to its satisfying end. I’d love more from this heavenly duo.
Many people these days feel like things are going wrong. The reasons are often different, but the sense of loss and worry fills many of us. As a result, from the book's beginning, I was pulled into the story, desperate to see how these two human angels fixed the unfixable. The story plot, characters, and themes gripped me throughout, the pace never too fast or slow, right up to its satisfying end. I’d love more from this heavenly duo.
July 22, 2019
"The Contract Between Heaven and Earth" by John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano is a unique paranormal thriller with a strong element of romance. The story immediately hooked me in the first chapter when celestial soul mates are sent to earth to help prevent a catastrophic event on earth. Their souls are incarnated into their hosts: an abused wife who has been almost choked to death and a Navy Seal who has mortal wounds. Memories from their past lives are erased and replaced with memories of Brad and Sarah, who are both on the brink of death. Brad and Sarah recover from their wounds and begin a new life. Sarah leaves her husband, who has dubious connections to terrorists. Brad finds a new career in civilian life as a writer. Brad is approached by a CIA agent to gather information about Sarah and the activities with her former husband. However, when they meet, they inexplicably fall in love with each other. As their love grows, Brad is torn that he is withholding the truth about his connections with the CIA. Their lives are thrown into a whirlwind when an attempt in made on their lives. The action accelerates as the conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States is revealed, but they don't know who to trust. The climax ends in a twist, tying back to the original mission of the celestial soul mates.
Authors Howell and Plano have taut writing styles that moves quickly from scene to scene, but the romance is heartfelt. The characters are engaging, and I cared about what happened to them. The authors are able to blend suspense, romance, and paranormal elements to make this a riveting thriller mixed with reflections about what each person learns on his/her life's journey.
I hardly recommend this book to readers who love fast-paced, unique thrillers with elements of paranormal romance.
Authors Howell and Plano have taut writing styles that moves quickly from scene to scene, but the romance is heartfelt. The characters are engaging, and I cared about what happened to them. The authors are able to blend suspense, romance, and paranormal elements to make this a riveting thriller mixed with reflections about what each person learns on his/her life's journey.
I hardly recommend this book to readers who love fast-paced, unique thrillers with elements of paranormal romance.
June 18, 2018
I think it must be hard to co-author a book and make it seamless, as if one author is telling the tale. John Howell and Gwen Pano did a fantastic job of delivering a story without author intrusions or differing voices. With two strong POV characters—Brad and Sarah—the reader gets to know both and become wrapped up in the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they face as well as their emotions. For me, the story was equal parts character driven and high-octane thriller.
The story revolves around a plot to assassinate the president. There are plenty of twists and turns as well as a full slate of characters who may or may not be involved. The authors keep you guessing and switching things up just when you think you have the scorecard figured out. The action will keep you on the edge or your seat, and the emotional bond between the characters will put you smack in the action with them. If I had one quibble, the dialogue was a bit off at times, a little too stilted or not quite in character, but the story sucked me in to the extent I could mostly overlook those patches. The authors have hinted at a sequel and I’m curious to see where they will venture next. I look forward to following the tale and can recommend The Contract as an engaging read that will keep you swiping pages on your Kindle.
The story revolves around a plot to assassinate the president. There are plenty of twists and turns as well as a full slate of characters who may or may not be involved. The authors keep you guessing and switching things up just when you think you have the scorecard figured out. The action will keep you on the edge or your seat, and the emotional bond between the characters will put you smack in the action with them. If I had one quibble, the dialogue was a bit off at times, a little too stilted or not quite in character, but the story sucked me in to the extent I could mostly overlook those patches. The authors have hinted at a sequel and I’m curious to see where they will venture next. I look forward to following the tale and can recommend The Contract as an engaging read that will keep you swiping pages on your Kindle.
February 9, 2019
The Contract by John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano is a cross between a thriller and a romance. As a fan of the thriller genre I felt that the love scenes got in the way of the action at times. That being said, it wasn’t enough to deter me from enjoying the book.
The premise centers on a plot to assassinate the president of the United States. As Heaven’s elders watch the plans unfold, they assemble a council in order to choose two souls to return to Earth to stop the impending catastrophe. Peter and Teresa were chosen to come back as Brad, a navy seal who had just died in combat and Sarah, who had just died at the hands of her abusive husband, Sam. Later, Brad and Sarah meet in a chance encounter, fall in love and work together to avert the plot to assassinate the president.
One thing that bothered me about the story was that Sarah’s abusive husband, Sam was initially suspected of being a co-conspirator in the plot to assassinate the president and then he disappeared and was never heard from again. I wanted him to get his comeuppance, especially because he killed Sarah’s unborn baby and ultimately strangled her to death.
The main characters are likable and well developed. The story is well written, entertaining and moves along at a good pace. If you enjoy thrillers with interspersed romance this book is for you.
The premise centers on a plot to assassinate the president of the United States. As Heaven’s elders watch the plans unfold, they assemble a council in order to choose two souls to return to Earth to stop the impending catastrophe. Peter and Teresa were chosen to come back as Brad, a navy seal who had just died in combat and Sarah, who had just died at the hands of her abusive husband, Sam. Later, Brad and Sarah meet in a chance encounter, fall in love and work together to avert the plot to assassinate the president.
One thing that bothered me about the story was that Sarah’s abusive husband, Sam was initially suspected of being a co-conspirator in the plot to assassinate the president and then he disappeared and was never heard from again. I wanted him to get his comeuppance, especially because he killed Sarah’s unborn baby and ultimately strangled her to death.
The main characters are likable and well developed. The story is well written, entertaining and moves along at a good pace. If you enjoy thrillers with interspersed romance this book is for you.
June 7, 2018
“The Contract Between Heaven and Earth” is an action-packed thriller with a deeply spiritual side. The story starts off with a horrific event that involves children, but they were taken to a place of safety and peace--or Heaven. Watching them arrive are Peter and Teresa who share a special love. Then, an alert is sounded and soon the couple is sent to Earth with a contract to save humanity. They go into this agreement with no memory of who they were before becoming a human. Theresa is now Sarah in a bad domestic situation and surrounded by unsavory characters. Peter becomes Brad who finds himself in a war zone and on a long path to recovery. I love the strength of both characters and how they dealt with their new lives. Individually they were strong, but I love when they meet up through outside forces-- and are immediately drawn to each other. This is a story that not only entertains and is exciting, but it also makes you think about coincidences. If you love a book with a lot of action, intrigue, a bit of romance, and thought provoking-- this is the book for you. It is a perfect blend of insight and excitement that I highly recommend!
January 29, 2020
This is a beautiful story. I kind of predicted how this story will end and I was not wrong. There was only one way it could have happened to give a satisfactory ending. Even though I guessed right, the ending was a masterstroke!
The story started with Peter and Teresa who lived their spiritual other-worldly lives and who were constantly sent to other worlds to solve problems. This time their mission was to planet Earth to stop a disaster from occurring, a disaster that would change the world if not stopped. To do this, they had to assume human nature. Peter assumed Brad’s body and Teresa, Sarah’s body.
Both Brad and Sarah were dead when their bodies came back to life when Peter and Teresa took over their bodies. The moment Peter and Teresa took over the bodies, they forgot all about their past lives.
Even though they lived different lives on Earth, poles apart from each other, their angels maneuvered them to meet and fall in love.
In their new role, they had to foil the assassination of the President. That was their contract.
This is a great story. Apart from a few lapses, here and there. I enjoyed it a lot.
The story started with Peter and Teresa who lived their spiritual other-worldly lives and who were constantly sent to other worlds to solve problems. This time their mission was to planet Earth to stop a disaster from occurring, a disaster that would change the world if not stopped. To do this, they had to assume human nature. Peter assumed Brad’s body and Teresa, Sarah’s body.
Both Brad and Sarah were dead when their bodies came back to life when Peter and Teresa took over their bodies. The moment Peter and Teresa took over the bodies, they forgot all about their past lives.
Even though they lived different lives on Earth, poles apart from each other, their angels maneuvered them to meet and fall in love.
In their new role, they had to foil the assassination of the President. That was their contract.
This is a great story. Apart from a few lapses, here and there. I enjoyed it a lot.
November 22, 2020
Pete and Teresa are sent from heaven to assume the bodies of Brad Channing and Sarah O’Brien, two strangers who recently died. Their mission is to prevent a political cataclysm that could destroy the world.
The first third of the book relates Brad’s and Sarah’s individual stories as they are given second chances at life and eventually find each other. It switches to solid romance until the midpoint when the action and thrills take off. Brad (an ex-Navy Seal) takes over as the book’s hero as Sarah fades to the background. I wondered why the authors chose to start the book in heaven, but it does make for a cool ending.
There are some red herrings and twists, and it isn’t clear who the bad guys are until the end. The plot doesn’t answer all the questions raised by the story, and I questioned the bad guys’ motivations and choices here and there, but I also read the book in a day, so it clearly held my attention. An entertaining book for readers who enjoy a bit of romance and a lot of action.
The first third of the book relates Brad’s and Sarah’s individual stories as they are given second chances at life and eventually find each other. It switches to solid romance until the midpoint when the action and thrills take off. Brad (an ex-Navy Seal) takes over as the book’s hero as Sarah fades to the background. I wondered why the authors chose to start the book in heaven, but it does make for a cool ending.
There are some red herrings and twists, and it isn’t clear who the bad guys are until the end. The plot doesn’t answer all the questions raised by the story, and I questioned the bad guys’ motivations and choices here and there, but I also read the book in a day, so it clearly held my attention. An entertaining book for readers who enjoy a bit of romance and a lot of action.
August 3, 2018
I really enjoyed the original premise of this fast-moving thriller. I must admit that it is the first book in quite a while that I stayed up into the wee-hours of the night to finish. The characters were well-developed and engaging. I also appreciated the fact that it was nicely edited, thus lacking any typos or other issues that tripped up my engagement with the characters and plot. I would have liked to have seen a bit more plot complexity for something that supposedly had the potential to destroy the world, and the fact there were a few loose ends left dangling at the end were another thing that I found slightly disappointing. These are minor issues with what is otherwise a well-written story and I hope that perhaps the authors plan to deal with them in the sequel. If possible, I would give it 4.5 stars but will give it the benefit of the doubt regarding what they do with the next one.
July 5, 2018
Amazing, intriguing, and suspenseful!!
The Contract is the perfect espionage book!
From the beginning to the end I was totally enthralled in this book of webbed deceit!
John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano have created an amazing book about a man and wife sent back from Heaven to stop an attack that could disrupted the entire planet. But there’s a catch, when they return to Earth and take over stranger’s host bodies, they will have no recollection of Heaven or their former lives.
They must meet and strike up a friendship in order for the Contract to be met. However just meeting one another is the tip of the iceberg.
Danger is around them and they must rely on one another to figure out where the destruction is coming from and who can really be trusted.
Phenomenal writing!!!!
The Contract is the perfect espionage book!
From the beginning to the end I was totally enthralled in this book of webbed deceit!
John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano have created an amazing book about a man and wife sent back from Heaven to stop an attack that could disrupted the entire planet. But there’s a catch, when they return to Earth and take over stranger’s host bodies, they will have no recollection of Heaven or their former lives.
They must meet and strike up a friendship in order for the Contract to be met. However just meeting one another is the tip of the iceberg.
Danger is around them and they must rely on one another to figure out where the destruction is coming from and who can really be trusted.
Phenomenal writing!!!!
December 3, 2018
What isn't to love about this story! I loved the idea that two angels were willing to sacrifice their time in heaven to help those on Earth. I loved their faith in love and their belief that they would somehow find one another again, even though they wouldn't know who the other was. I loved how the authors wrote each scene to allow me to feel as if I were a part of what was happening. They did a great job of keeping me guessing in regard to who the bad guy(s) really were. I even loved the ending, even though I had wished for a miracle. Lol! This was a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good-triumphing-evil kind of story. :-)
July 17, 2021
An easy read that is part thriller, part love story, a part supernatural. Peter and Teresa are two angels who are sent to earth to thwart an assassination attempt on the president. They assume the identities of Brad, a former Navy SEAL, and Sarah, a woman caught in an abusive marriage.
The action is fast-paced with a cast of characters that keep the reader guessing the identities of those involved in the assassination attempt. Coauthoring a book can’t be an easy task but this was well done so readers aren’t aware of different voices. There were places where the dialogue seemed a bit formal and out of character. Otherwise, an enjoyable book.
The action is fast-paced with a cast of characters that keep the reader guessing the identities of those involved in the assassination attempt. Coauthoring a book can’t be an easy task but this was well done so readers aren’t aware of different voices. There were places where the dialogue seemed a bit formal and out of character. Otherwise, an enjoyable book.
June 5, 2018
This story had me from the first page. Two souls bound by their love for one another, sent back to live on earth in a dangerous mission…would they still know one another in human form? Could their love see them through their part of the contract? Meet Brad and Sarah as they find one another against the odds, then hold on tight as the twists and turns of nonstop action keep you guessing…how far would you go, to save the world?
March 13, 2020
A Fantasy? A Romance? A thriller? All three and more!
The Contact between Heaven and Earth by John Howell and Gwendolyn Plano is the first full-length novel I have had opportunity to read in a while, and being laid up in bed made it easy for me to begin the story and continue reading utill it’s final satisfying conclusion.
The characters of Brad - an ex- navy SEAL and Sarah - an educator, are beautifully layered, and events leading up to their first meeting, subsequently falling in love and ultimately fight for the survival of the human race, was a thriller from beginning to end.
There were genuine moments of tension and terror as I read each page, wondering what comes next. For me the message was all too clear: LOVE would triumph over evil no matter what the circumstances. Well-written and believable makes this a highly recommended read - hence my five-star rating.
However, there are a number of loose threads which I would love to have seen tied up: Sarah’s first husband was an abusive, self-gratifying man with apparent seedy Russian connections. Speaking of them, the Koreans and a few others, what really happened to them? Were they involved in underground activities? Sometimes I felt that his being “out” of the story made more of a telling than showing scenario. I genuinely thought that he would turn up to try and bash her up again. History shows that men like him won’t stop their violence just because she divorced him. Hopefully, another book might tie these loose ends up. The message of LOVE is clear, but Sam has not discovered it yet, nor has he been brought to justice for the atrocities committed against Sarah, his ex wife.
The Contact between Heaven and Earth by John Howell and Gwendolyn Plano is the first full-length novel I have had opportunity to read in a while, and being laid up in bed made it easy for me to begin the story and continue reading utill it’s final satisfying conclusion.
The characters of Brad - an ex- navy SEAL and Sarah - an educator, are beautifully layered, and events leading up to their first meeting, subsequently falling in love and ultimately fight for the survival of the human race, was a thriller from beginning to end.
There were genuine moments of tension and terror as I read each page, wondering what comes next. For me the message was all too clear: LOVE would triumph over evil no matter what the circumstances. Well-written and believable makes this a highly recommended read - hence my five-star rating.
However, there are a number of loose threads which I would love to have seen tied up: Sarah’s first husband was an abusive, self-gratifying man with apparent seedy Russian connections. Speaking of them, the Koreans and a few others, what really happened to them? Were they involved in underground activities? Sometimes I felt that his being “out” of the story made more of a telling than showing scenario. I genuinely thought that he would turn up to try and bash her up again. History shows that men like him won’t stop their violence just because she divorced him. Hopefully, another book might tie these loose ends up. The message of LOVE is clear, but Sam has not discovered it yet, nor has he been brought to justice for the atrocities committed against Sarah, his ex wife.
November 10, 2019
A story thick with layers, both in plot and characters, the turn of almost every page is a revelation of another clue, not only for the reader, but for the main characters themselves.
After entering their hosts, they must re-discover each other and their inexplicable feelings of romantic love, as they work to unhinge a terrorist plan to destroy a world leader.
To be honest, I am not an avid reader of romance, and if it were not for the backstory, I would have declared the relationship between the main characters unrealistic and a bit 'over-the-top.' However, in similar fashion to the rest of the novel, the reason for their behavior grows abundantly clear and I found myself nodding, 'yes, this makes perfect sense.'
The attention to detail and logical flow of events is amazing. There are no gaps in the sequence, and never once did I find myself questioning how a certain fact or situation came to pass. Everything is explained and that is no small feat, especially since the book was co-authored.
If you enjoy the comfort of a predictable plot, look elsewhere. If you want to figure out the 'who-dunnit' in five minutes, I wish you the best of luck. There are so many twists and turns that I'm almost given to recommend the print format be made into the shape of a corkscrew.
To John W. Howell and Gwen M. Powell, I offer a hearty round of applause. You both certainly pulled it off and your talent shows. Well done!
Five well-deserved stars!
After entering their hosts, they must re-discover each other and their inexplicable feelings of romantic love, as they work to unhinge a terrorist plan to destroy a world leader.
To be honest, I am not an avid reader of romance, and if it were not for the backstory, I would have declared the relationship between the main characters unrealistic and a bit 'over-the-top.' However, in similar fashion to the rest of the novel, the reason for their behavior grows abundantly clear and I found myself nodding, 'yes, this makes perfect sense.'
The attention to detail and logical flow of events is amazing. There are no gaps in the sequence, and never once did I find myself questioning how a certain fact or situation came to pass. Everything is explained and that is no small feat, especially since the book was co-authored.
If you enjoy the comfort of a predictable plot, look elsewhere. If you want to figure out the 'who-dunnit' in five minutes, I wish you the best of luck. There are so many twists and turns that I'm almost given to recommend the print format be made into the shape of a corkscrew.
To John W. Howell and Gwen M. Powell, I offer a hearty round of applause. You both certainly pulled it off and your talent shows. Well done!
Five well-deserved stars!
April 23, 2019
Many of us have known that the first few paragraphs of the first chapter are what shed light upon the tone of a book and whether it will grab a reader's interest to move forward reading. With that being said, this book, The Contract Between Heaven and Earth, has done a phenomenal job! I was drawn into it instantly.
It begins with a devastating horror event on Earth due to a natural catastrophe. Then, in the next few lines, the author(s) proficiently transforms the children's grievous crying into a beautiful, angelic, divine scene in heaven. Without filibuster, the story flows to the heart and bone of the book: The Contract.
The writing style is adept and efficient. The plot is well thought out and tight. The intense actions interwoven with tender, loving scenes bring out endless suspense. There are a couple of hiccups in dialog; however, they did not affect the outstanding work of this manuscript.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who looks for a multi-genre read blending with inspirational and unimposing spirituality.
It begins with a devastating horror event on Earth due to a natural catastrophe. Then, in the next few lines, the author(s) proficiently transforms the children's grievous crying into a beautiful, angelic, divine scene in heaven. Without filibuster, the story flows to the heart and bone of the book: The Contract.
The writing style is adept and efficient. The plot is well thought out and tight. The intense actions interwoven with tender, loving scenes bring out endless suspense. There are a couple of hiccups in dialog; however, they did not affect the outstanding work of this manuscript.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who looks for a multi-genre read blending with inspirational and unimposing spirituality.
June 6, 2019
An enjoyable story beyond Heaven and Earth!
Can Earth be saved by Heavenly souls? In this story you will see how Heaven intervened by sending two souls to Earth. Will they be successful in arresting an attempt on the President of the USA’s life? This is a must read that will take you to Heaven and back again in this enjoyable story!
This is a creative collaboration where two talented authors have combined their writing skills and successfully created an Amazon Bestseller. Kudos to John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano!
When Heaven sees an oncoming disaster heading toward USA they called a meeting of the angels to discuss their plan to arrest it. They find two worthy souls who will enter the bodies of two major components in order to save Earth. The souls must first sign a contract to complete their mission on Earth.
There are romantic tones to this story at first but soon action, adventure and mayhem take over. There is something for everyone in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the second book in this engaging series.
Can Earth be saved by Heavenly souls? In this story you will see how Heaven intervened by sending two souls to Earth. Will they be successful in arresting an attempt on the President of the USA’s life? This is a must read that will take you to Heaven and back again in this enjoyable story!
This is a creative collaboration where two talented authors have combined their writing skills and successfully created an Amazon Bestseller. Kudos to John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano!
When Heaven sees an oncoming disaster heading toward USA they called a meeting of the angels to discuss their plan to arrest it. They find two worthy souls who will enter the bodies of two major components in order to save Earth. The souls must first sign a contract to complete their mission on Earth.
There are romantic tones to this story at first but soon action, adventure and mayhem take over. There is something for everyone in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the second book in this engaging series.
June 10, 2018
A well-written story about heaven and earth, angels, intrigue, and deception. It is riveting story with romance, war, and circumstances threatening Earth. The bodies of Sarah and Brad are taken over right at the time of their deaths by Teresa and Peter, two celestial beings. Their mission is to save the world from utter destruction.
Two talented authors share their writing skills.
Two talented authors share their writing skills.
May 18, 2024
Two angels are sent back to earth in human form to prevent an international war.
This romantic thriller will keep you wondering what’s going to happen next as the two protagonists Brad and Sarah join forces to save the world. The two angels have had their memories wiped but can’t help feeling they’ve known each other in another life as attraction between them burn bright while they race to save their country and the world.
A fascinating tale for readers of thrillers and of romance alike.
This romantic thriller will keep you wondering what’s going to happen next as the two protagonists Brad and Sarah join forces to save the world. The two angels have had their memories wiped but can’t help feeling they’ve known each other in another life as attraction between them burn bright while they race to save their country and the world.
A fascinating tale for readers of thrillers and of romance alike.
March 4, 2020
Beautiful story
I found this book a great inspirational suspense work that is relevant to our current day and time. Five stars.
I found this book a great inspirational suspense work that is relevant to our current day and time. Five stars.
July 21, 2018
The Contract is a fusion of fantasy, thriller and romance and is the debut novel of the new collaboration between John. W. Howell and Gwen Plano.
I have read all of John Howell's books and enjoyed, so I was eager to find out how these two popular writers would rise to the challenge of collaborating.
The concept is intriguing, and the opening chapter sets out this well, with the introduction to two souls, who had little time on earth to enjoy their love of each other. They are tasked by the divine council with preventing a major catastrophe on earth that could threaten mankind, but it will mean that they will be separated and have no memory of their task. Their hosts are two people with the knowledge and skill set to overcome the threat, but they are thousands of miles apart and both in mortal danger.
The writers do a good job of bringing these two characters together; now infused with the souls who have been contracted to neutralise the upcoming disaster. Watched and abetted by guardian angels, their relationship begins with subterfuge, but quickly becomes attraction, and then love strong enough to take them through to the end of their endeavour.
This love story runs parallel to the fast escalation of violence and intrigue that reveals hidden agendas and treason in high places. The story has a good pace and there is plenty of action to keep the thriller lovers engaged with a number of surprising twists and turns in the plot along the way.
The final confrontation is a fitting climax to the story, bringing together all the players and their roles in the conspiracy, in an action packed battle of good against evil.
I am sure that this writing duo will go from strength to strength following this creative and exciting debut.
I have read all of John Howell's books and enjoyed, so I was eager to find out how these two popular writers would rise to the challenge of collaborating.
The concept is intriguing, and the opening chapter sets out this well, with the introduction to two souls, who had little time on earth to enjoy their love of each other. They are tasked by the divine council with preventing a major catastrophe on earth that could threaten mankind, but it will mean that they will be separated and have no memory of their task. Their hosts are two people with the knowledge and skill set to overcome the threat, but they are thousands of miles apart and both in mortal danger.
The writers do a good job of bringing these two characters together; now infused with the souls who have been contracted to neutralise the upcoming disaster. Watched and abetted by guardian angels, their relationship begins with subterfuge, but quickly becomes attraction, and then love strong enough to take them through to the end of their endeavour.
This love story runs parallel to the fast escalation of violence and intrigue that reveals hidden agendas and treason in high places. The story has a good pace and there is plenty of action to keep the thriller lovers engaged with a number of surprising twists and turns in the plot along the way.
The final confrontation is a fitting climax to the story, bringing together all the players and their roles in the conspiracy, in an action packed battle of good against evil.
I am sure that this writing duo will go from strength to strength following this creative and exciting debut.
June 7, 2018
I especially enjoyed the blending of genres in this book - suspense, political intrigue, and romance (but not overdone). This novel reminded me a bit of the little known movie from years ago, Made in Heaven, when two romantically involved people are sent to Earth from heaven and have a certain amount of time to find each other after being 'reborn'. It was nerve-wracking watching how their paths came so close to crossing, until they finally did. Admittedly, their circumstances were much better than the characters in this book, and their assignment wasn't nearly as important.
Both Brad and Sarah have endured hardships in their lives, and made it through the other side because of their strength and determination, qualities they certainly need to survive the threats they're facing. They're instantly likable and well-developed characters. This action-packed story moves along at a brisk pace, and the trustworthiness of certain characters comes into question, leading to some surprising twists along the way.
If you're a fan of thrillers and suspense intertwined with a bit of romance, I highly recommend this novel.
I received an ARC of this book from the authors.
Both Brad and Sarah have endured hardships in their lives, and made it through the other side because of their strength and determination, qualities they certainly need to survive the threats they're facing. They're instantly likable and well-developed characters. This action-packed story moves along at a brisk pace, and the trustworthiness of certain characters comes into question, leading to some surprising twists along the way.
If you're a fan of thrillers and suspense intertwined with a bit of romance, I highly recommend this novel.
I received an ARC of this book from the authors.
March 1, 2019
The Contract is a perfect example of everything I love about Indie books. Mainstream publishers tend to ignore books that are unique, challenging, and cross-genre. Indie authors now have a way to write their passions and be courageous enough to not follow "mainstream' rules - they publish independently!
That said, The Contract is everything you enjoy in a bestseller: suspense, mystery, romance, intriguing concepts. I love the blend of spiritualism/military ops/romance. A winning combination! I found the dialogue a bit stilted at times, which is the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. Bravo to Howell and Plano!
That said, The Contract is everything you enjoy in a bestseller: suspense, mystery, romance, intriguing concepts. I love the blend of spiritualism/military ops/romance. A winning combination! I found the dialogue a bit stilted at times, which is the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. Bravo to Howell and Plano!
July 5, 2018
Just finished contract, I thought the heros were always supposed to live in the end. Well, I guess they actually do!!!
I really enjoyed the concept of the book, wonderful idea. It will appeal to all kinds of readers, military, thriller, suspense, political and romance lovers.
Like everyone else, I always wonder what the afterlife is going to be like.
Emmy McCabe
I really enjoyed the concept of the book, wonderful idea. It will appeal to all kinds of readers, military, thriller, suspense, political and romance lovers.
Like everyone else, I always wonder what the afterlife is going to be like.
Emmy McCabe
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