The Scent of Heaven

The Sign that Heaven is Quietly Breaking Into our World

Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
286 Pages
Reviewed on 07/04/2022
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Author Biography

Shawn Michael Gotch began his career by earning a bachelor’s degree in the field of theology, but later pursued a doctorate in law to take up the art of oral and written persuasion. Over the course of 20 years, he has become an expert in colorfully narrating compelling stories about his clients to judges and juries.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Shawn Michael Gotch pens an out-of-this-world narrative in The Scent of Heaven. Throughout the ages, humans have pondered the question of life after death. Is there a heaven and what is it really like? Aubrey Christopher Lewis discovers the answer to this question. Aubrey is a writer and a journalist. After dying in a car accident, Aubrey arrives in heaven. It's not quite what he imagined, but it far surpasses all he could have ever wished or hoped for. Using his gift of writing, Aubrey attempts to chronicle his heavenly adventures. Yet earthly words cannot truly do it justice. Upon his arrival, he is transformed in body, soul, and spirit! His graduation from earth to heaven is beyond description. He hears angelic language, meets his “guardian,” sees unfathomable sights, and experiences the extraordinary as he discovers his true self. There is nothing ordinary in heaven, mysteries abound, you “learn as you go.” The Breath of Life beckons Aubrey to come, behold, and breathe in The Scent of Heaven.

The Scent of Heaven by Shawn Michael Gotch takes us to where we all long to go – Heaven. Mr. Gotch is an excellent wordsmith. He takes you into the realm of heaven with vivid and imaginative descriptions. The plot is written intelligently, yet with joviality. It captures your heart and pierces your soul with “could this be possible?” amazement. The inclusion of angelic language gives depth to the dialogues and adds to the air of mystery of the marvelous world of heaven. Gotch skillfully uses creative liberties in developing the ethereal setting. He gives us a story that goes beyond singing and harp music. The plot depicts heaven with an eternal objective, and its residents have a purposeful forever life. I like that concept. The narrative does have elements of fantasy, unusual characters, and visions of the vastness of the heavens. Gotch transports the reader into the heavens, revealing the never-ending wonders of God. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the skies display his craftsmanship” (Psalm 19:10). This scripture is illustrated with an incredible imagination. The Scent of Heaven lingers in your mind; it touches your soul in unusual ways. Its aroma hovers long after the last word is read.

K.C. Finn

The Scent of Heaven: The Sign that Heaven is Quietly Breaking Into our World is a work of fiction in the Christian fantasy subgenre. It is intended for the general reading audience and was penned by author Shawn Michael Gotch. In this theologically-styled work based on the Christian faith, we meet our protagonist Aubrey Lewis at the end of one life, but at the unique beginning of another. Recruited after his human life to join the Angelic Corps and chronicle the events of The Human War, Aubrey bears witness to many perceived problems back on Earth and has to decide whether to remain silent or risk getting involved for the people he cares about.

It is always interesting to read suppositions, ideas, and imaginings on the afterlife from different theological perspectives, and I think that the visions portrayed by author Shawn Michael Gotch will certainly be enjoyable and encouraging for the wider Christian readership. The author has a definite talent for atmosphere, found in the smallest details of description and little nuances that bring Aubrey’s incredible odyssey to life. There is also a great talent for dialogue, particularly some of the poignant and highly quotable observations which Aubrey makes on the nature of humanity and the modern world, which I’m certain many Christian readers will also relate to. There is also a sensitivity to portraying a sense of hope despite the ongoing battle for the human soul, which is a positive note that carries through the whole novel. Overall, The Scent of Heaven is a fascinating work that will certainly please readers of the Christian sci-fi and fantasy subgenre.

Pikasho Deka

The Scent of Heaven is a Christian fantasy adventure novel by Shawn Michael Gotch. After his shocking death in a road accident, news writer Aubrey Lewis enters heaven, which is unlike anything he has ever envisioned. A female angelic guardian, named Kenu, becomes his mentor and acclimates him to the various aspects of heaven. After attending his graduation ceremony and the best party he had ever been to, Aubrey visits the Mountain of Moments, where he gets to see several alternative lives which he would have lived on Earth, if he had made different choices at key moments in his life. Aubrey lands a placement as a war correspondent for The Celestial Division of the Angelic Corps and does a spectacular job of covering the battle of Worthington Valley in which angels and demons fight for the souls of humans. But the real challenge awaits Aubrey when he is asked to chronicle the work of angels from The Terrestrial Division of the Angelic Corps, who appear in disguise on earth and help humans in great need.

If you're a fan of the hit TV show The Good Place, you will absolutely love The Scent of Heaven. Full of heart, charm, and humor, author Shawn Michael Gotch tells a fascinating tale of a man who enters the afterlife and finds himself shocked to have one grand adventure after another. Apart from the uniquely creative premise, the twists and turns of the plot keep you hooked until the end. You can never predict where the story is going, and I mean that in a good sense. Overall, I had quite a few chuckles along the way and thoroughly enjoyed The Scent of Heaven. Recommended to anyone looking for something imaginative to read.