A Boy Back from Heaven

by Matthew Goodwin, Matthew Goodwin

Celeste and Billy Goodwin sighed in deep relief when their four-year-old son, Matthew, finally came to consciousness after critical surgery. But just when they seemed to be in the clear, Matthew’s eyes rolled back in his head, and he became unresponsive for several harrowing minutes.

Doctors called the episode a medical anomaly, but what really happened can only be described as a miracle. When Matthew returned, it was with a perspective and wisdom about life and love that was far beyond his years. Experience the serenity of heaven through a child’s eyes as you read Matthew’s true account of his walk with angels and his shocking revelation months later about the angels’ identities.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2014

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading near-death experiences and am especially interested when it's a child. I was a little surprised that this book focused more on the health issues Matthew had and there were only a few mentions of his experience. His experience itself wasn't long or detailed but meant a lot to him and his family. Because of it, they were able to find peace with death and the afterlife and are able to share that with others.

I can't imagine the fear his parents felt when he was getting sick for apparently no reason. I've never had blood pressure issues but can imagine how scary it would be for me to deal with, not to mention a child. Their story on what happened and how they got answers was compelling. They relied a lot on their faith to get them through a difficult time. Experiences like this can tear families apart and I liked that they were able to strengthen their family during many difficult years. Celeste and Matthew had a lot put on their shoulders and, while I'm sure they had their breakdown moments (who wouldn't?), they dealt with the situation very well. Celeste learned a lot medically and is now an advocate for pedatric hypertension.

I believe in prayer, heaven and angels, and while their beliefs don't exactly line up with mine, I enjoyed their story. It's a great book for anyone that is struggling with the loss of a loved one or if you enjoy real-life medical drama with a faith element.

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Donna McBroom-Theriot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quote:
I asked, 'Matthew, do you understand what those words mean?' He looked at me like I had completely lost my mind and said, 'Of course, Mom! Do you know what they mean?' I giggled and said, 'Well, I'm not sure. Can you help me out and explain it?' He proudly sat up with his little Hot Wheels car in his hand and gave me an explanation that God loves each of us so much that He sent his very own Son to die on the cross for all of the bad things we have done.

He asked, 'Mommy, do you know what sin is?'
'Yes, it is when we do something wrong or bad that God would not like,' I replied. He smiled again and, with the amusement of a teacher whose student just answered the most difficult of questions, gave me a huge hug.
End of Quote.

The story isn’t long, one hundred forty-four pages, but it packs a wallop. There is a saying, ‘Out of the mouths of babes.’ God says we need to have a child’s faith. This book provides a value lesson in just that way.

The book is written by mom, Celeste Goodwin, as she takes us back several years to a tumultuous time in their lives as little Matthew, after a battery of illnesses and tests, is finally diagnosed with childhood high blood pressure and kidney failure that threatens his very existence. Family photos scattered throughout the book bring the book alive.

Celeste writes of her family’s journey as they nurse Matthew through sicknesses and non-diagnostic tests, until finally Matthew is diagnosed. Where a diagnosis should have brought relief, it instead brought more questions. Just as Matthew was being prepped to make the trip from one hospital to another, he slips into unconsciousness. It will be months later before his parents learn of his journey during those precious moments of trying to bring him back.

When Matthew does open up, it is with a story of walking with angels and glowing white lights. Upon exiting his mother’s office one afternoon, he is drawn to a photo and identifies the people in the photo as the angels. It is a picture of his mother’s grandparents whom he has never met. Through many telling’s of the story, Matthew’s words have been consistent, and his family believes he was one of only a few whom God has chosen to show a glimpse of eternity.

Matthew’s story is a powerful one, and he is not afraid to talk about it. His faith runs deep and his words show maturity far beyond his age. It is a story that will show a test of faith and a parent’s will to put her child and trust in God. A Boy back from Heaven will inspire your own journey on this earth.

On another note, while the book has a powerful message to tell, I thought the writing was redundant at times. I had no problems with the grammar, but I thought parts of the book could have benefited from further editing. Having said that, I am giving A Boy back from Heaven four stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life after death is a topic of great interest for a lot of people, but there is also a lot of debate the different accounts that have been shared over the years. I don't have all the answers about what's truth and what's not here but it's clear from what I read in this book, that this family believes what they are sharing. The story is certainly a compelling one, well-told. I read it in one sitting I was so involved. Above all, it's a story of the heart-wrenching circumstances that led a four-year-old boy to almost die. I could almost feel the mother's anguish as she tells the story of how they discovered Matthew's problem and the challenges that have come with it. She also describes her son's description of a journey down a path with four 'angels'.

I have my own beliefs about angels and they don't line up precisely with the descriptions in this book, but I can't claim to have all the answers. The family is Christian but not LDS. So while I'm not sure what to think about the angel part of the story, I can confirm that the story is compelling and empathy-inducing. And I do believe in angels and spirits of family members continue to care about and help loved ones here on earth. And that seems to be what happened here. So, whatever your beliefs about angels, this is definitely a story worth reading and contemplating.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story that seemed a little less sensationalized than the one currently made into a movie. It felt very honest, simple yet profound. Told by a very young boy who knew that his "story of almost dying can help others deal with a loss and let them know that they don't have to grieve out of fear of what happened to their loved one..." (pg. 123). The crux of the experience is in this statement by the author mother that "we face the cycle of life and losing those that we love as they age, I am full of peace and gratitude. I'm grateful for each day God allows us to spend together in the time we have left on the earth, and I have peace in knowing that when our loved ones pass on, they will not go to a scary place, and they will not feel the sad emotions that we will. They will see love and beauty and will be greeted by those that they have loved and lost in their lifetime. The friends they have mourned and the family they have grieved ill be there to welcome them into God's kingdom as they walk the path of white light into the arms of Jesus." (pg. 123). Poignant.

[Monkey Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite subjects to read about is near death experiences. Especially those told from the least likely of sources, such as children. I read Heaven is For Real about two years ago. I didn't think it was possible to read anything more powerful. A Boy Back From Heaven shattered that thought. This should be a must read on anyone's list. It would be a great source of comfort for anyone that has lost a loved one and wants peace in trying to heal. I became engrossed and read it in one sitting. Once again, a story that sheds some light on what we all would like to think awaits us when we pass from this earth. This book was moving, real, and amazing. I was asked to read an ARC and I am so happy that I did. I believe it releases sometime in March 2014.

[Well · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC of this amazing and powerful story. The book is extremely well written and will appeal to most anyone regardless of their personal, religious, or spiritual views. You can't help but fall in love the little boy, Matthew. It is a straight forward, no nonsense story of this little boy's fight to survive and the beauty he witnessed when he walked to, what he described as, the edge of heaven. I highly recommend this book.

[Hilda Etherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boy back from Heaven was a great book to read. It was about Celeste Goodwin' oldest son, who became very ill at the tender age of 4 years old. The pain and suffering that Matthew went through along with his parents and family and how their belief and trust in God was tested. It made me feel like I was going through it also.

It was a great story and would love to read more of Celeste Goodwin books.

Hilda E.

[Pamela Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! I could not put it down. I read it from cover to cover one evening after work. A story of a family's journey to find answers for their sick son and what they discover along the way is astonishing. I am forever thankful for Matthew for sharing his amazing experience and his mom Celeste for having the courage to share their story.

[Abdmoody · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an amazing story and wonderful young man. At the same time I felt a little misguided as I read the story. It was told from the mom's perspective and more her story than her son's. Very little was about his "Heaven" experience and more about his poor health and medical struggles.

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was an easy and pleasant read and it went fast because I didn't want to put it down. The description of heaven was comforting and hopeful. It was well written with a great message of what beauty and love awaits us when we pass.

[Jennifer Manley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith

Thank you for sharing your personal struggles. It helps those of us facing the same gain deeper faith in Christ. And who better to teach it to us than a child! If we all slow down, take time to listen they really communicate beyond their years.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and good read! What a roller coaster this family had to go through. Luckily, they each came out strong and with a deeper appreciation for life and God. Get the tissues ready!

[Kaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and think that it interesting. I would recommend it to everyone.

[jonette devey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

Heart felt story. Truly a wonderful book to read. The power of faith and prayers. I recommend this book
I have recommended this book to family and friends

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an inspirational book, just as I thought it would be.
Although most of the book was from the mother's point of view and in her words, the boy was quoted several times. I was surprised by the young boy's choice of words and ability to communicate his experiences.
I especially liked reading about young Matthew's request for his mother to read to him from the mother's Bible and then pointing to a verse he wanted her to read. I also appreciated the story of his identifying a person in a photo taken before even his mother was born.
I hope Matthew's health will improve and that he and his younger brother Conner will continue to love being together.
There were a number of typos and other small errors that the editor missed, but they did not take away from the account of this young boy's exceptional experience.

[Rita McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story!

I was unable to put this book down once I started reading it! What a beautiful and comforting story of love and hope for anyone facing a difficult time in their life. While I admit I read this with tears running down my face, they weren't tears of grief but if love and knowing that God is in control! Bless this family for sharing their story. I pray it brings peace to all who read it. God Bless!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, simple but so meaningful

A young man struggling with medical issues, fights hard to live. While fighting he does and goes to Heaven. What he expressed after he returned amazed many and offers great hope nice comfort read

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and believable experience. I would be interested in reading more of these types of experiences.

[Kassandrya Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little underwhelming. Not much happened and seemed slow. Disappointing after reading similar books.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative about blood pressure in children. This is more the mother’s story than the son.

[Evan Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, similar to Heaven is for Real that I read around the same time. Picked this up at the library while browsing for something else. Glad I read it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an account of a young boy’s illness and his death when he was four angels dressed in white who briefly walked with him before he was told that he must go back. He later finds out that one of his “angels” was his mother’s grandmother who died before he was born. Celeste Goodwin ends the account of her son’s experience with, “I am full of peace and gratitude. I’m grateful for each day God allows us to spend together in the time we have left on the earth, and I have peace in knowing that when our loved ones pass on, they will not go to a scary place, and they will not feel the sad emotions that we will. They will see love and beauty and will be greeted by those that they have loved and lost in their lifetime. The friends they have mourned and the family they have grieved will be there to welcome them into God’s kingdom as they walk the path of white light into the arms of Jesus. There will, of course, be sad tears for us when that time comes. But I can have reassurance that the morning is for my personal loss, and I can rejoice in knowing that the grace of God will give them the peace and comfort to spend eternity in that beautiful kingdom, and I will one day see them again. I am so grateful to my son for being able to teach me a lesson that I never fully grasped in all of my years. No class or teacher could provide the same real insight as the one amazing four-year-old boy.” (p. 123-4)

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I knew this would be a emotional read. I kept putting it off till the last minute. I was right, it is touching, emotional and full of love. I used many tissues reading this book. It is a fast read.
The story was told simply in away that was easy to connect with the Goodwin family. I wanted the best for Mathew and his family.

I see why people were expecting more about Mathew's experience. It was short and sweet and important that we realize that life goes on and we are loved. It felt real to me what Mathew experience was. They did not embellish more to the story.

I appreciate them telling their story. That they are trying to save more children's lives by educating more about children and blood pressure how important it is. I don't remember if I got my children's taken when they were small.

I am so glad that Mathew got to spend more time with his family. That they are willing to share what they went through. That they are grateful to those around them that helped their family in times of trials not blaming others. They are willing to stand up for what they believe.

How we can help those who are going through tough times by supporting places like Ronald McDonald house, hospitals, even making sure kids stuck in hospitals have Christmas.

I am glad that I was given A Boy Back From Heaven to read by Cedar Fort Publishing so that I could give a honest review of it and be part of it's blog tour.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to read the story of how a five-year-old healthy boy became very sick and just about died and of how it impacted him and his family, this would be a great book to read.

However, I thought the book would be about a boy's near-death experience in heaven. Very little of the book talks about this, and Matthew actually never even got to heaven. It should have been titled "A Boy Who Was On His Way to Heaven and Came Back." Since I believed the title and thought this book would tell about heaven, I was disappointed in it. I also thought the writing was on a junior-high level.

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the sweet story about a little 4 year old boy who was seriously ill. It took several weeks for the doctors found out his problem which after a lot of suffering, pain and tests was discovered to be high blood pressure. At one point his blood pressure was 195 systolic over 135 diastolic. While he was in one of his surgeries he left his body for about 5 minutes and lives to tell of his experience in the spirit world. Matthew is now 11 years old and doing well but his story is amazing. This young boy has gone through more than most of us ever will!!!!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a little boy who was critically ill with a blocked adrenal artery which was causing him to have very high blood pressures. While in the hospital before his diagnosis was known, he lost consciousness for a few minutes. Weeks later he told his parents about a journey he took to heaven. It brought peace to him and his family to know that loved ones on the other side still care about us and watch over us, and death is not something to fear.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting story, but all through the book as the author wrote of not understanding heaven, afterlife, and having so many questions, I wanted to tell her that the answers were available and wanted to share the truths known through a prophet of God and the restored gospel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing, inspiring true story. I think it would have been a better reading experience (which of course, is not the main focus) if it were condensed. Otherwise, an heartfelt accounting of an unexpected and dangerous health-threat to a 4-year-old and his subsequent experiences --- on earth & in heaven.

[doreen burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most wonderful book and I know that I will see my son and parents again

That's something that I really loved about reading this book and the pictures really proved it was a true story

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an important event in the lives of this boy and family but there's not much substance to the actual story.