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Soar: The Ultimate Soul Mate Journey
Jack Mandisa has sought the loving embrace of his soul mate Dolly for years since her untimely passing. Today, on the morning everything would change, Jack’s story uncharacteristically begins with his end.
Soar follows Jack’s ultimate and awe-inspiring journey up and into to the gates of heaven as he battles through his transition and last moments on earth.
Soar follows Jack’s ultimate and awe-inspiring journey up and into to the gates of heaven as he battles through his transition and last moments on earth.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
About the author
John Cicero
12 books144 followersJohn Cicero writes stories that explore what we carry, what we leave behind, and what ultimately endures.
Through stories of faith, family, friendship, love, and the unexpected journeys that shape our lives, his books reflect the things that connect us and the lessons we carry forward. Whether it's four friends entrusted with a mysterious package, a grandfather sharing his wisdom, a childhood game revealing life's deeper truths, or a journey of love that reaches beyond this life, each story offers something to reflect on long after the final page.
His books include The Package: Four Friends. One Delivery. Carried Forward., Rock, Paper, Scissors: What Holds. What Reveals. What Refines., The Seventh Door of the Carpenter: When Faith Still Builds, The Vines of Time: A Grandfather's Story, SOAR: The Ultimate Soulmate Journey, Hindsight 2020: The Great Appreciation, Sway: A Message of Perseverance and Faith, and the Rainbow's Shadow trilogy.
John believes that stories are not always meant to explain faith, but to create space for it. His hope is that readers find something within these pages that stays with them—a thought, a feeling, or a reminder that we are all part of a story greater than our own.
Through stories of faith, family, friendship, love, and the unexpected journeys that shape our lives, his books reflect the things that connect us and the lessons we carry forward. Whether it's four friends entrusted with a mysterious package, a grandfather sharing his wisdom, a childhood game revealing life's deeper truths, or a journey of love that reaches beyond this life, each story offers something to reflect on long after the final page.
His books include The Package: Four Friends. One Delivery. Carried Forward., Rock, Paper, Scissors: What Holds. What Reveals. What Refines., The Seventh Door of the Carpenter: When Faith Still Builds, The Vines of Time: A Grandfather's Story, SOAR: The Ultimate Soulmate Journey, Hindsight 2020: The Great Appreciation, Sway: A Message of Perseverance and Faith, and the Rainbow's Shadow trilogy.
John believes that stories are not always meant to explain faith, but to create space for it. His hope is that readers find something within these pages that stays with them—a thought, a feeling, or a reminder that we are all part of a story greater than our own.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 18, 2025
A great parable on dealing with death, both of loved ones, and yourself
The author acknowledges early that he is writing about this book as a love letter to his mom, and to anyone else who need comfort when dealing with life-altering events.
I would say early on, the book takes a Tarantino-like start, (beginning with the end and then going back to the start to piece through how we got to the end). So I’m not giving away any spoilers when I say the book is about Jack and Dolly, and Dolly dies “later” in the book, and Jack has to deal with his inevitable loss of his beloved who is in hospice. That’s the opening chapter, then we jump back to their life together.
We then follow their life together through memories: a Luau, travelling together and taking flights to “tropical paradises”.
Much of the book is watching Jack on his death bed rethinking his life, surrounded by exhausted loved ones, and even a meeting with Jesus.
It’s ultimately a lovely told through the lens of a widower, and how we deal with death, and how others deal with death.
A very unique read
The author acknowledges early that he is writing about this book as a love letter to his mom, and to anyone else who need comfort when dealing with life-altering events.
I would say early on, the book takes a Tarantino-like start, (beginning with the end and then going back to the start to piece through how we got to the end). So I’m not giving away any spoilers when I say the book is about Jack and Dolly, and Dolly dies “later” in the book, and Jack has to deal with his inevitable loss of his beloved who is in hospice. That’s the opening chapter, then we jump back to their life together.
We then follow their life together through memories: a Luau, travelling together and taking flights to “tropical paradises”.
Much of the book is watching Jack on his death bed rethinking his life, surrounded by exhausted loved ones, and even a meeting with Jesus.
It’s ultimately a lovely told through the lens of a widower, and how we deal with death, and how others deal with death.
A very unique read
September 8, 2026
Deeply spiritual
Soar is a deeply moving exploration of love, mortality, and the transcendent journey that lies beyond life's final breath. By daring to start where most stories end, the book immediately hooks you with an intimate, emotionally charged premise where Jack Mandisa’s long-awaited passage toward the soul mate he lost years before.
What makes Jack’s story resonate is the visceral, honest weight given to his final transition. Rather than skipping straight to ethereal serenity, the narrative treats his departure from Earth with genuine tension and reverence. It captures both the ache of letting go and the breathtaking awe of ascending toward the unknown.
For readers drawn to themes of eternal connection, spiritual odyssey, and the enduring power of devotion, this book delivers a heartfelt and uplifting reminder that love doesn't end at the threshold of death, but guides the way home.
Soar is a deeply moving exploration of love, mortality, and the transcendent journey that lies beyond life's final breath. By daring to start where most stories end, the book immediately hooks you with an intimate, emotionally charged premise where Jack Mandisa’s long-awaited passage toward the soul mate he lost years before.
What makes Jack’s story resonate is the visceral, honest weight given to his final transition. Rather than skipping straight to ethereal serenity, the narrative treats his departure from Earth with genuine tension and reverence. It captures both the ache of letting go and the breathtaking awe of ascending toward the unknown.
For readers drawn to themes of eternal connection, spiritual odyssey, and the enduring power of devotion, this book delivers a heartfelt and uplifting reminder that love doesn't end at the threshold of death, but guides the way home.
September 18, 2024
emotional story
This is is a deeply touching and emotional story that beautifully blends love, loss, and the afterlife. The book follows Jack's spiritual journey as he transitions between life and death, seeking to reunite with his late wife, Dolly. With engaging characters, heartfelt moments, and a mix of humor and wisdom, John Cicero's storytelling captures the essence of love that transcends life. This uplifting read offers comfort to those dealing with grief, making it both memorable and inspiring. Highly recommended!
This is is a deeply touching and emotional story that beautifully blends love, loss, and the afterlife. The book follows Jack's spiritual journey as he transitions between life and death, seeking to reunite with his late wife, Dolly. With engaging characters, heartfelt moments, and a mix of humor and wisdom, John Cicero's storytelling captures the essence of love that transcends life. This uplifting read offers comfort to those dealing with grief, making it both memorable and inspiring. Highly recommended!
April 24, 2025
Comforting and emotional read
This is an emotional and comforting read. It talks about love, grief, and healing. The mix of real life emotions and spiritual moments moving to me. The message about love lasting beyond death was comforting to read. My only critique is that some parts of the story felt a bit slow, especially during the spiritual journey sections. But overall, it’s a touching read, and I’d recommend, especially for anyone who has lost someone they love.
This is an emotional and comforting read. It talks about love, grief, and healing. The mix of real life emotions and spiritual moments moving to me. The message about love lasting beyond death was comforting to read. My only critique is that some parts of the story felt a bit slow, especially during the spiritual journey sections. But overall, it’s a touching read, and I’d recommend, especially for anyone who has lost someone they love.
May 7, 2025
I was tempted to write this off completely but the religious, Christian aspect had it spinning around my mind and I kept on thinking about it. I kept on going over it the way a dog goes over a spot it likes; there was just something about this book. Eventually, I decided there was a nice, romantic aspect to this novel that had a celestial aspect and hue. This is a book in the romantic genre but it also has religious appeal. I just can't stop thinking about it.
July 18, 2025
A Nice Moving Story About Life’s Deeper Meaning
The entire story was narrated in a way that seemed a bit confusing at first but it seems that this was the intent—to reflect the haphazard nature of life itself. The whole transition process of the author, as he described it, was told in a very touching way. His choice of words was comforting and gentle, rather than coldly academic.
The entire story was narrated in a way that seemed a bit confusing at first but it seems that this was the intent—to reflect the haphazard nature of life itself. The whole transition process of the author, as he described it, was told in a very touching way. His choice of words was comforting and gentle, rather than coldly academic.
October 31, 2022
This book takes you on a beautiful and emotional journey of love and loss. The main character, Jack, shows the impact of losing his one true love and the faith that gives him the strength to keep moving forward. Each character was carefully crafted to motivate Jack to keep his faith strong and his longing for Dolly alive.
February 29, 2024
A tender love story set in both worlds
Clearly a book based on a tender and true love story. I loved the way the narrative takes the reader through the death process and the beauty of belief. Full of love, spirituality, archangels, Jesus & God— the book was magical! Love the absolute ending! A beauty!
Clearly a book based on a tender and true love story. I loved the way the narrative takes the reader through the death process and the beauty of belief. Full of love, spirituality, archangels, Jesus & God— the book was magical! Love the absolute ending! A beauty!
May 27, 2024
Emotional and Heartwarming
The author vividly wrote about characters that inspire and melt hearts. The sadness of losing someone and the joy of knowing they’re in peace becomes the irony of life’s humanity at the end of life. This is such a beautiful story with poignant reminders about the inevitability of death and the beauty of living life now.
The author vividly wrote about characters that inspire and melt hearts. The sadness of losing someone and the joy of knowing they’re in peace becomes the irony of life’s humanity at the end of life. This is such a beautiful story with poignant reminders about the inevitability of death and the beauty of living life now.
September 18, 2024
Spiritual novella on death and dying
Soar, by author, John Cicero, is perfect for anyone of “Christian faith” who has lost a loved one, especially a spouse. It follows the path of, ‘Jack’, a grieving and dying father who lost his spouse, ‘Dolly’, and his journey through the dying process.
Soar, by author, John Cicero, is perfect for anyone of “Christian faith” who has lost a loved one, especially a spouse. It follows the path of, ‘Jack’, a grieving and dying father who lost his spouse, ‘Dolly’, and his journey through the dying process.
October 13, 2024
Soar review by Pedro Pagan
This is a remarkable book about love for your wife, children and family. Most importantly the power of John 3:16 and what it means to be a child of God. Even dough we don't fully know how we will meet the King of Kings its a fresh view of what it might be like when its our time to meet the Lord our God.
This is a remarkable book about love for your wife, children and family. Most importantly the power of John 3:16 and what it means to be a child of God. Even dough we don't fully know how we will meet the King of Kings its a fresh view of what it might be like when its our time to meet the Lord our God.
October 22, 2024
A sweet story with some solid lessons
This tale charmed me. It also made me think hard about slowing down and being in the present moment instead of rushing to get somewhere else. In God's presence is fullness of joy. Jack finally got there, but the real lesson of this book is to learn how to be in His presence while still in our Earthly form.
This tale charmed me. It also made me think hard about slowing down and being in the present moment instead of rushing to get somewhere else. In God's presence is fullness of joy. Jack finally got there, but the real lesson of this book is to learn how to be in His presence while still in our Earthly form.
November 20, 2024
Could This be You?
There are many theories on what happens after death and this is a poignant story about a man who finally meets his wife in heaven, after years of missing her on earth. A tale that engages the reader’s emotions through its moving narrative while simultaneously impressing with its distinctive and intriguing writing style.
There are many theories on what happens after death and this is a poignant story about a man who finally meets his wife in heaven, after years of missing her on earth. A tale that engages the reader’s emotions through its moving narrative while simultaneously impressing with its distinctive and intriguing writing style.
April 10, 2025
Great read
The type of book that gets better and better as you read. Which is what you want right, gets you hooked. I enjoyed the wording used and the emotional layers you take along the journey. I especially enjoyed the final few chapters as I felt that part was handled very well. Short but powerful story.
The type of book that gets better and better as you read. Which is what you want right, gets you hooked. I enjoyed the wording used and the emotional layers you take along the journey. I especially enjoyed the final few chapters as I felt that part was handled very well. Short but powerful story.
September 22, 2024
I needed this book
In the past year, I lost my mother, my father, and two neighbors. It has been a year of grief. This book was a sorely needed relief to help me through this past year.
In the past year, I lost my mother, my father, and two neighbors. It has been a year of grief. This book was a sorely needed relief to help me through this past year.
November 27, 2022
A beautiful love story, with a perfect ending! An interesting and encouraging chronicle of the journey of soulmates!
Read
January 2, 2023Love always wins.
Short but says so much about the end of life. I lived it. This book is b
eautifully written book. Highly the recommend.
Short but says so much about the end of life. I lived it. This book is b
eautifully written book. Highly the recommend.
August 21, 2024
Wow! This is an amazing book!
I started reading this book earlier today and couldn’t put it down. What a beautiful analogy and story. I felt as though I were right there. Loved the setting of the Hawaiian-like theme. I love Hawaii!
But the purpose and meaning of this beautiful story of Jack and Dolly goes far beyond that… loved this. Highly recommend.
I started reading this book earlier today and couldn’t put it down. What a beautiful analogy and story. I felt as though I were right there. Loved the setting of the Hawaiian-like theme. I love Hawaii!
But the purpose and meaning of this beautiful story of Jack and Dolly goes far beyond that… loved this. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews