The Barn Dance: Somewhere between Heaven and Earth, there is a place where the magic never ends . . .

by James F. Twyman

On November 27, 2005, two men broke into Linda Twyman’s apartment in Evanston, Illinois, and brutally ended her young life. Three and a half years later, guided by a series of visions and dreams, James Twyman was mystically drawn to a barn deep in the Nevada wilderness where Heaven and Earth collide and magic changes lives. If you’ve ever wondered if we really can communicate with our loved ones who have passed to the other side, this book is your answer. If you’ve ever thought that Heaven and Earth never meet, then this story will reveal a world you never imagined . . . a world where love never ends and life goes on forever. Once you pick up this amazing book, you won’t want to put it down, and your life will never be the same.

Genres: Spirituality, Fiction

203 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dunno...it was pretty good. I was stuck with it on an airplane so I finished it. Here's the thing...I hate books that try replicate someone else's formula. This was clearly a re-take on "The Shack". The story line was pretty good - the message a little too simplistic at the end. Overall - 3 stars - I may have liked it more if I hadn't read The Shack first.

[Walter Van Praag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. what a nice little book. I trust that what happened in this book is really what happened to James (Jimmy in the book) the author. It was nicely written and made for compulsive reading. If anyone misses those that have passed on this is a nice book to read and may make you feel a little better. Jimmy losses his ex wife to murder and can't get over the loss as well as the regrets of losing her over a decade ago when he got divorced from her. In an attempt to get over the loss he drives to a location where he almost drove over a cliff years ago just after her death. He has it in his mind he had to go there. What he finds is wholly unexpected.

By chance, whilst reading this book, a friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. And also, after reading the back of the book I saw that James has courses to help people 'cross to the other side'. I had a quick glimpse at his website despite the fact I'm not really interested in such courses, but noticed he is doing the El Camino pilgrimage in may 2015 and asking people to come along! I just did it last year! maybe I was guided to read this book....

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, musician, seminarian, "Peace Troubadour" James F. Twyman had an experience. He had met and married the love of his life and let her get away with the demands of all the directions his life was heading. He never stopped loving her. He felt that after many years she was warming to him again and there might be a chance of reconciliation. That was not to be the case as she was brutally murdered. Their daughter and he were in agony afterwards. As they were traveling along a backroad in a storm, they almost went off the road with a steep embankment.
He kept being drawn back to the spot as though he was missing something in a message or in seeing the area again. He finally did revisit the area. What unfolded from that point on is real and barely explainable as he relives the experience in "The Barn Dance."

I rarely keep books--with so many to read. This will be one to remain. I found it well-written with some new concepts for me that I want to read, feel and think about more. It was one that was difficult to put down. Twyman writes with economy of style (at least in this one, my first book by him) but dynamically delivers the message. I was up late unable to wait to see what was next as the events unfolded. It is definitely a page-turner of a different sort.

[Kashvi Pandya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book at the ferry station on my trip to a Scottish Isle, and returned it to the station on my way back. It seemed very promising until I reached chapter 2.
Chapter 2 is told from Linda’s perspective, the author’s dead ex-wife. It discusses how Linda regrets her divorce, has missed the author for the last 10 years, and is hoping to move closer to him to be together again. We as the readers have no way of knowing if this is true, and the fact that he made up and wrote emotions for his dead wife tells me everything that I need to know about the author’s character. I couldn’t really stay open-minded after that.

[Michelle Tooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this on my list for a long time, But I knew I couldn't read it until the right moment. After losing a lifelong best friend suddenly and without explanation, I hoped this book would help me grieve and make sense of her death. There are certainly some helpful nuggets of wisdom, but I'm too cynical to believe the events in the book. It would be nice if I could. The writing also often suffered from too much telling, extraneous dialogue and places that were rushed. I'm glad I read it, but it wasn't earthshattering for me.

[Denise Gobble · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time deciding whether to read this book to the end or not. I did finally finish it. My reaction is mixed. Don't think I would read another book by this author. It was a struggle.

[Lisa Evertsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and touching. Another witness that heaven and earth are entwined.

[Cindy Howard]

Great little book about learning to love and forgive. Makes a powerful statement about connecting with our loved ones who have passed away. It left me with lots to think about.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it did remind me of The Shack! It was interesting though, and had me wondering if that highway really exists!

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this "non fiction" book is reading more like fiction in many ways, but it's an interesting story and I'm looking forward to finding out what the point of it is.
Update- I finished it and I'm still not sure what to think of it. Do I take it literally and try to believe that this really happened to the author? Anything is possible, but it seems unlikely. It still made for an interesting story. The ad in the back of the book for learning how to communicate with the dead made me wonder if this was just a marketing ploy.
Not a waste of time, but not high on my "must-read" list, either.

[Leila Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at James Twyman's workshop in Durban. As soon as I got home, I began reading and couldn't put it down. I finished it the same night. Having lost my husband a few years ago, this book was a fascinating glimpse into the other side, a place where illusions and reality meet. Even though it is fiction, I was able to share the story with my two young daughters who were enthralled at my rendition. This in turn sparked a whole new conversation about 'dad' on the other side. An excellent and thought provoking read.

[Dale Stonehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice short tale of life, death and what is in between heaven and earth. The theme is spiritual rather than religious, and focuses on timelines and creating the quality of our lives with our minds. Twyman wanders into the forest and meets a gentleman (probably his guide or angel) who leads him to the barn where he encounters his wife, who had been murdered 3 years previous. In several visits to past events with his wife, who does not remember her life, they learn that forgiveness is only for the self from the self. Fans of the Peaceful Warrior series will probably like this.

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really want to give it a three and a half. A nice, quick little read. The story is engaging from the start, but I'm not sure message doesn't go as deep as it could. For me, it left a little to be desired... so now what? Nevertheless, I recommend it especially to those who are just beginning to explore their spirituality.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! James Twyman's talent for story telling had me hooked within the first couple pages. He is descriptive, entertaining and a very insightful writer. This book made me believe in the hereafter and question what is reality and what is fantasy (or dream). I loved taking this journey with the author.

[Debby Stassek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a ghost story AND a love story, with strong spiritual themes. It probably belongs on the shelf next to Richard Bach's One and the Celestine Prophecy. Is it fiction or is it non-fiction? Is it real? It all depends on what you can imagine as reality! Interesting book.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

His experiences were thought-provoking. I was fascinating that she seemed to remember so little of the details we think matter so much when we are here. The content was great, the author's writing style could be better.

[Trinka · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good. I just think the author tried too hard to get his point across. I know people compare it to The Shack but I liked The Shack much better. It had some good points but will most likely not recommend it to anyone. A little too far fetched for me.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother recommended this book to me and I just had to give it a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Captivating, thought-provoking, touching, and faith-strengthening.


"No one is dead anywhere...nothing really ever dies."

[Lori Eckhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful spiritual story blurring the lines between earth and the after-life. The lesson at the end of the book speaks to how people in our lives are mirrors, to teach and assist us in our soul's growth on this planet. An amazing book!

[Allen Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only important question is s "is this book fiction. If it is, then it is two star at best, a formulaic new age fantasy. If it is a true story, as the author contends, it becomes much more interesting. Particularly, if the "proof at the end is true.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. I has taught me a lot about my life and how I can make it even better by accessing the love inside of me. I cast a beautiful light on my path to learning my life lessons.

[Lisandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope that it doesn't turn out to be a dream at the end. Its very interesting.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a one sitting read. I found it to be an interesting life/death philosophy. After sleeping on it, I liked the book better than when I finished reading. Guess it needed to soak in.

[Patricia Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this from the beginning. The middle got a little mundane for a few chapters, but again I love the subject matter,,,of life after death. Especially when the author claims it is true.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the concepts in this book. You could hear the author's voice in every character so not wonderfully written but interesting ideas he portrays.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The focus is on spirituality and multidimensional communication. A fascinating read if you are interested in reading outside of the box.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. If you are a spiritual person and have a sense of life after dead, you'll most likely enjoy this read.

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much like The Shack....what a rip-off from that book!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but don't buy that it is a real story.

[Peggy Depiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very similar to The Shack. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.