Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Heaven Sent

by Xavier Leret (Goodreads Author)

4.69 of 5 stars 4.69 · rating details · 13 ratings · 11 reviews

Heaven Sent is going to be further developed, the process never ends. I have withdrawn it from circulation in order to re-work the structure and tinker under the bonnet here and there. As soon as it is near publishing time I will post it here. It'll have a new cover and everything. How exciting.

Kindle Edition

Published March 13th 2011

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Wayward Gifted - Broken Point by Donna K. Childree

Barriers of the New World by Barbara Rayne

Self-Published Novels For Adults

23rd out of 32 books — 24 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-29 of 29)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 14, 2013 Blood Rose Books rated it 3 of 5 stars

In his debut and self published novel Xavier Leret, takes the reader to the dark place of child prostitution and the light that one girl encounters when she starts to interact with a proper 16 year old boy. However, her life may be too much for either of them to handle.

Sixteen year old Carlo has been raised in a very religious family who thought that it was best to hide the realities of the world, but this does not mean that he does not see the differences from his privileged life compared to ot...more In his debut and self published novel Xavier Leret, takes the reader to the dark place of child prostitution and the light that one girl encounters when she starts to interact with a proper 16 year old boy. However, her life may be too much for either of them to handle.

Sixteen year old Carlo has been raised in a very religious family who thought that it was best to hide the realities of the world, but this does not mean that he does not see the differences from his privileged life compared to other. He is constantly seeking something different, away from the religious restraint that his parents have over him and when he sees Daisy, a child prostitute who has grown up in the hard life on the street and has never felt love from anyone. Carlo knows that he has found someone who will be a profound impact on his life.

Heaven sent is not an easy book to read, it touches on topics that other authors may be afraid to touch, talk about or give a different view than the norm. I also did have a little bit of trouble getting into the book, though I think the book becomes better as the story unfolds and Leret found his stride as an author and storyteller. The Ending literally left me breathless.

Leret excels within this book is his ability to take the reader on an emotional roller coaster where you do not know what is going to happen next. I think the emotions a reader will go through is how they personal few the situation, but I went from happy, sad, confused, disgusted ect. There really was too many emotions to state. I also enjoyed the dynamics that Leret show between the victim in the predator, he shows them in several different lights, actions and in some ways the acceptance of who these people are. It was very dynamic and dramatic. Leret does touch on the aspect of pedophilia and described it in a different way where at times you almost (and I stress almost, I don't think you could ever feel anything good towards them) feel sorry and pity for them but you can't forgive or understand something like that especially if they continue to take part in child prostitution (pedophilia no matter how it is described and used is still completely wrong).

I had trouble connecting with the characters because of the decisions that they made and their thought process as to why they took those actions was so contrary to mine, that the connection just wasn't there. I think the overall reason I had trouble connecting with the character was because of their age, both I believe are 16, and went through the thought process of a 16 year old (though even as a 16 year old, I do not think I would make the same decisions). Granted I did not grow up on the streets or in a religious family home, so my own life experiences (or lack of similar ones) could be what was hindering this connection. Others I think would be able to relate to these two characters as they are very well developed, especially Carlo, and his struggle to understand the world and love.

I also had trouble reading Daisy's parts within the book, especially in the beginning. Leret keeps his writing authentic by having Daisy talk like someone would who grew up and is living on the streets and never went to school, but I found reading the abbreviated, slang, and misspelled words, trying at times (though I will give Leret major props for being authentic about this part of his book, if Daisy would have spoke perfect English and the storyline was the same, I would have put the book down for it not being realistic enough).

This book grew on me the more I read. It took me a bit to get into the book and really the last bit had me needing to know what was going to happen and how the book was going to end. I am unsure if I would read another book that was similar to this in premise or storyline. I believe that Leret has a talent for writing, and I believe that the more Leret writes and prefects his craft the better his novels will be, and I think if the character were older, not teenagers, then I would read another book by him.

I think people who enjoy a book with an emotional journey, and one of self discover of youth and love will like this book. If you find you are unable to connect with characters who are younger in age than you, then I think you would have a hard time enjoying this book and find it a struggle to get past the first half of the book. This book is NOT for Young Adults or a Young Adult read.

Enjoy!!!!

Note: This book has aspects of child prostitution, and the situations do go into some detail, therefore, if you even had trouble just reading the words child prostitution this book is not for you.(less)

like · see review

Apr 06, 2011 Sheila rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: coming-of-age, cultural, current_issues

Heaven Sent is not an easy book to read—and not just because of Daisy’s well-rendered dialect. It’s not an easy book to put down either. It raises more questions about love than it answers, and leaves the reader deeply glad we’re not Carlo, and deeply thankful that Carlos still exist in a world of broken Daisys.

Carlo is a sixteen-year-old good Catholic boy from an overly good Catholic family in Bristol, England. Strict rules of duty and devotion have separated him from school-friends, marking hi...more Heaven Sent is not an easy book to read—and not just because of Daisy’s well-rendered dialect. It’s not an easy book to put down either. It raises more questions about love than it answers, and leaves the reader deeply glad we’re not Carlo, and deeply thankful that Carlos still exist in a world of broken Daisys.

Carlo is a sixteen-year-old good Catholic boy from an overly good Catholic family in Bristol, England. Strict rules of duty and devotion have separated him from school-friends, marking him as permanently different. But he doesn’t belong in his parents’ unquestioning world either. He wonders how God can be so perfectly trusted when He’s already shown us what He might do to His son, never mind a mortal sinner. And how can God be forgiving if there are parts of society too evil to be forgiven?

Daisy is a former foster-child. Child-prostitute, child of ill repute, she’s as much an outsider on the street-corner as Carlo is. And, in her own way, she’s beautiful. Carlo is drawn to Daisy and Daisy finds herself drawn by his undemanding acceptance. But Carlo’s inept attempts first to help her, then to empathize with her, almost threaten their new-born friendship. Still, circumstances intervene and lead to a wild and dangerous chase across Southern England, reminiscent of Thelma and Louise told by English teens.

Does God send us just what we need in time of trouble? Perhaps He’s sent Daisy as a gift to Carlo, to introduce him to the world. After all, her tee-shirt does have the words “heaven sent” emblazoned across it. Or perhaps Daisy’s a gift to Carlo’s mother, to show her error of her ways. Or perhaps, in the end, Carlo is the gift to Daisy, the one who, like God, sees through to the good in each of us, holding our hands when everyone else has turned away.

Heaven sent tells of religious fervor masquerading as love, of physical need pretending affection, of familial duty calling itself mercy, and of true love disguised as forgiveness. It spares no punches, goes where no sixteen-year-old should go, and asks whatever questions come to mind. But it’s a powerful tale, heaven sent to take readers out of their comfort zones and make them think—maybe even show them love.

Disclosure: I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2011 Lizzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having never really (I don’t think) come across books of this genre before, I was really interested to see how the story would unfold. I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest book to read but it is definitely worthwhile, as the writer handles the themes involved with great care and skill. I would say that I’m glad I read it!! I think the main reason I found it so hard to read was because the main character, Carlo, is such a likeable personality that I didn’t want anything bad to happen to him. We could...more Having never really (I don’t think) come across books of this genre before, I was really interested to see how the story would unfold. I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest book to read but it is definitely worthwhile, as the writer handles the themes involved with great care and skill. I would say that I’m glad I read it!! I think the main reason I found it so hard to read was because the main character, Carlo, is such a likeable personality that I didn’t want anything bad to happen to him. We could all probably see elements of our sixteen year old selves in him; rebelling against some of the ideals and principles our parents teach us growing up…its par for the course. He’s incredibly naive, although the deeper he gets into the situation he finds himself in, he thinks he’s an adult. The fact that he imagines alternative views to his real experiences underline the fact that he is still a child. However, where he does show his maturity, is in his attitude to the events that unfold. He knows when something is wrong, he feels responsible for his actions (even if he doesn’t confess straight-away), and he shows remorse for his actions. He doesn’t try to blame someone else. He isn’t really a bad lad, just out of his depths. Again, when it comes to Daizee, there is a childlike maturity, we as the reader (maybe like Carlo’s parents) formulate the opinion, rather cynically, that this can only lead to no good and Carlo is a nice boy, but he sees something we can’t. Daizee is the complete antithesis to Carlo, but this doesn’t stop him from caring about her, and showing her incredible loyalty. He feels a duty to protect her, which you have to admire.

Daizee is a much harder character to like. She’s a tough personality on the outside, but Carlo sees the vulnerability inside. Essentially, she is a victim of circumstances. She hasn’t had the same safe, happy childhood as Carlo, hers has been more nightmarish and about living by her wits, so her moral code and justifications are not what “Society” would deem acceptable. At times, she seems happy to manipulate to get what she wants, and the cynical view is, is she doing this to Carlo. You just aren’t sure she can be trusted. In hindsight, these are probably my own prejudices against her, rather like Carlo’s parents. It’s easy to judge her and say “she had a choice”, but Society did nothing to protect her when she was at her most vulnerable. Yes, she has a choice, but its quite clear that Daizee sees this as her lot in life and doesn’t expect it to change even with Carlo’s influence, which ultimately is a tragedy. The only thing she wants out of life is something untarnished by her world that will love her unconditionally, in this case, Carlo.

Now I don’t understand teenage speak at the best of times. It does require a great deal of concentration on my part, and the babelfish in my brain to be functioning properly. Even then, I still struggle. Mix that with a Bristolian accent and yes, I was in trouble. It did take a little while to get to grips with Daizee’s speaking voice, which at times I did find a little comical (I think it was more my attempts to hear her voice by mimicking it while I was reading it, than anything else). Hats off to the author for this because it couldn’t have been easy to write and I think it works really well.

After all this praise, was there anything I didn’t like about the book. Well…there was one small thing, and it is very much a personal grumble. Speech marks. I did at times find it hard to know when characters, other than Daizee, had started speaking. I know it’s accepted writing practice to either use them or in this case, not, but personally, I find it harder to read when they’re absent.

Would I recommend this book, yes, but probably not to anyone under the age of 16/17, due to the content. If you’re easily shocked by things then this probably isn’t the book for you as it contains themes that show the harsher side of life. Although having said that, it’s probably one of the reasons why you should read it. We all know that some people live nightmare lives. Maybe we should just feel grateful that we never have to experience them ourselves. Or hope we never will.

My thanks to Xavier for allowing me to read and review his book!

Disclaimer: Spriteby was kindly supplied with a copy of this book by the author, in exchange for an honest review. I have not been provided with any compensation for this review other than a copy of the book.(less)

like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Steve Emmett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Heaven Sent is a self-published book by debut author Xavier Leret. When I started to read it I was ready for the disappointment that all too regularly accompanies the foray into self-published books. I could not have been more wrong.

In his telling of the story of Carlo and Daisy, two young people from opposite sides of the tracks, Leret lays bare many of our prejudices. With great skill he subtly tackles the damage which over-zealous religious beliefs cause to the lives of the innocent every day...more

like · see review

Jul 17, 2011 L.M. Stull rated it 5 of 5 stars

“So what takes you to London, young man,” murmured Block. “Are you in search of a fortune?”
“Something like that,” said Carlo. “We're on the run.”
“Ooo on the run? How intriguing. From what are you running, deary?”
“I don't know, but they're everywhere.”

Carlo had spent his entire youth protected from the torments of life by his religious parents. Then, his beliefs, emotions, and life are turned upside down the day he meets Daizee, a child prostitute and lost soul.

Confused and not familiar with the...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, debut-author

Mix together Romeo and Juliette with Bonnie and Clyde and throw them into J.D Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and you'll get an explosive, brilliant and breath taking novel: Heaven Sent, by debut author Xavier Leret.

Superficially the story of two young people from the opposite worlds, undeniably drawn to each other, Heaven Sent is in fact a perceptive study of one's individual understanding of his human condition. It's a heavy and dark story which deals with some big, hard-hitting topics like soc...more Mix together Romeo and Juliette with Bonnie and Clyde and throw them into J.D Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and you'll get an explosive, brilliant and breath taking novel: Heaven Sent, by debut author Xavier Leret.

Superficially the story of two young people from the opposite worlds, undeniably drawn to each other, Heaven Sent is in fact a perceptive study of one's individual understanding of his human condition. It's a heavy and dark story which deals with some big, hard-hitting topics like social prejudices, religious beliefs, child abuse and prostitution.

Carlo is a sixteen year old boy from a deeply Catholic family in Bristol, England. He grows up the only child in a severely religious household and is being forced to follow strict rules of Catholic Church. It seems that he's suffocating under the pressure his parents are putting on him to be perfect, pure and devoted. He's not allowed to have normal social interactions with his peers, which makes him feel disconnected and lonely. Lost and confused, he struggles to make sense out of the world around him.

His world is turned upside down when he crashes into a young girl on the street. Daisy is a young prostitute, with a beautiful face and heavy Bristolian accent. Her childhood was a nightmare, she was abused, repeatedly molested and then forced to make a living by selling her body on the streets. She didn't have anyone she could trust to, no one ever made her feel safe, loved or understood. Carlo was the first person to reach out to her in attempt to help her. The only one to accept and love her for who she was.

So what happens when these two opposite worlds come crashing together? Be prepared for a wild emotional roller coaster ride! I was captured by Xavier's exquisite writing and his ability to depict the world so vividly, it made the characters seem so very real. Especially Daisy, with her lines written with thick Bristolian accent. Once i started reading, I found it virtually impossible to put this book down. It was absolutely phenomenal!

Is there anyone I wouldn't recommend this book to? Yes. I would say the content of the book, as well as coarse language makes this book not suitable for people under the age of 16 (maybe even 18). Also, if you're one of the people who get annoyed at the lack of speech marks, you might find it a little bit difficult to read it. I, personally, found it mildly irritating, for sometimes it was hard to tell the difference between dialogue and narration parts.

Overall, I had a wonderful time reading this book. It left me speechless. I know I will be thinking about Carlo and Daisy for a long time!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 15, 2011 Marjorie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Xavier Leret is an accomplished author of screenplays and short stories; "Heaven Sent" is his debut novel. Leret displays a deftness with language and dialect that leaves the reader feeling eerily connected with the teenaged protagonists, who feel severed from the society in which they live.

Young Carlo struggles against his parents' unrealistic expectations and the crushing weight of their religious fanaticism. Carlo is a "good" boy with a bright future, but he finds himself irresistibly attrac...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 19, 2011 Stacey Donaldson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Heaven Sent is like Romeo and Juliet turned inside out. Two kids from two different worlds fall in love. Carlo is from a prudish Catholic family, while Daizee is a prostitute who has seen and experienced more than most adults. The sheltered Carlo finds himself thrust into the world that his parents desperately tried to shield from him - all for love.

This book is not for the light hearted, as the subject matter is very dark. If you enjoy complex characters and you like pondering societal norms,...more

like · see review

Mar 29, 2011 Book Him Danno added it

Shelves: quit-reading-not-my-thing

I was sent this by the author and he said it was dark...very dark...I thought OK. Well it is dark and explicit. Its not my thing, I quit after 25%. Prostitutes and a very explicit paid sex act made me put it down. I won't rate it because I didn't finish it. I enjoy reading, but like I said this is just not my thing. Thank you to the author for the opportunity, but I have to decline to finish reading it and so I won't be reviewing it. Thank you.

like · see review

Mar 24, 2011 Annabel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review comming soon!

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is undeniably dark - and I like dark, but it was love at first sight when I started reading Heaven Sent. I recommend this novel!

like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Darcy marked it as to-read

Sep 21, 2011 Lisa marked it as to-read

Oct 21, 2011 Nin marked it as wishlist

Aug 03, 2011 Laurel L. Russwurm is currently reading it

Jul 19, 2011 Ladonna marked it as to-read

Jul 19, 2011 Lauren Kelley marked it as to-read

Jul 08, 2011 Amber Scott marked it as to-read

Oct 19, 2012 JudyG marked it as to-read

Apr 30, 2011 Jolene marked it as to-read

Shelves: wishing, young-adult

Apr 29, 2011 Rick F. marked it as to-read

Apr 16, 2011 Heather marked it as to-read

Apr 13, 2011 Majid Alqahtani marked it as to-read

Apr 13, 2011 Al Boudreau marked it as to-read

Apr 11, 2011 Britta marked it as to-read

Apr 24, 2011 Velvet rated it 5 of 5 stars

Apr 02, 2011 Bobbie Crawford-McCoy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mar 26, 2011 Jan marked it as to-read

Mar 27, 2011 Lizzie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Popular Shelves

to-read

13 shelves

indies

1 shelf

couldn-t-finish

1 shelf

young-adult

1 shelf

debut-author

1 shelf

current_issues

1 shelf

cultural

1 shelf

coming-of-age

1 shelf

e-books

1 shelf

currently-reading

1 shelf

About Xavier Leret

As the former Artistic Director and founder of KAOS Theatre, writing includes Renaissance (Millennium Award), The Fantastical Adventures of Leonardo Da Vinci (a commission for the Perth Festival, Western Australia), an adaptation of the Master & Margarita (nominated for best production, Dublin Fringe and an Edinburgh Fringe First),Thirst, Alice and Swing. Directing includes The Importance of B...more

More about Xavier Leret...

Books by Xavier Leret

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Heaven Sent

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Heaven Sent
avg rating	preview: Heaven Sent Goodreads rating: 4.69 (13 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10814905-heaven-sent?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328321973l/10814905.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10814905-heaven-sent?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Heaven Sent by Xavier Leret[/url]

Heaven Sent

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (3)

Popular Shelves

About Xavier Leret

Books by Xavier Leret

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Heaven Sent

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (3)