Jo Macleod

"Self-described as a “modern-day ghost story, inspired by a true event,” Heaven Help Us is proof that truth is stranger than fiction, and that the best stories contain both.  More than magical realism, the other-worldly tale of two Irish siblings and their mother meeting in the after-life - and an ensuing ‘spirit rescue’ with the help of a modern-day intuitive - is a masterfully-woven tapestry of supernatural threads.  Canadian author Jo Macleod - who was born in Scotland and later studied spiritualism on the Isle of Man - draws upon her own experiences to construct and connect the dots between the physical and metaphysical, inviting readers to suspend their disbelief as they venture into the paranormal.  A work that is both beautiful and evocative."

Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Chapters
"Loved this book  - A wonderful story with true events and spirits that live on my favourite type of book. I could not put this book down such an exciting story with characters you can’t help but love with a lot of emotional chapters. I am a firm believer in the spirit world and those who wait for you on the other side following tragic events. Thank you for your emotional writings, I look forward to your next book."

"A fascinating story! Heaven Help Us is a fascinating read inspired by real life events. Jo Macleod transports us between historic days in Ireland and the 21st century in an engaging story about family, despair, love and the afterlife. Once started, I could not put the book down as I needed to find out what happened to the characters. I greatly enjoyed this novel and it has made me reflect on the characters and life. I look forward to the next book by this author."

Rated 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
"Yes!  - It is always fascinating to read about others experiences! This combined with great story telling is what made this book such an interesting and wonderful read! For me, this resonates with my own unexplained experiences and knowing there is so much more out and around us at all times. Sometimes just knowing what you feel is real:) Thank you for putting this in print for others to read and enjoy!"

Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon
"Everyone who has ever felt the love one who has passed over near them,needs to read this!! Wonderful book as I am a believer.Love is a wonderful healer"

Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon
"Ireland is such a wonderful place to visit and this spellbinding book brought back many fond memories. This is an easy book to get wrapped up in, you really feel that you are "there". The author has done a masterful job of making this story very memorable. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend it."

"I have read many books about spirit rescue, but never one like this! The very detailed description from the beginning of the rescue, to the end was so vivid that I felt like I was part of the rescue team. I felt like I was there with them. I initially bought this book because the concept of spirit rescue has alway been to me an intriguing, exciting, loving, compassionate and selfless act. Also, on a psychological level, I am fascinated as to the how and why a spirit can and wants to stick around the three dimensional physical plane when the powers that be are urging them to move into the next dimension. We all have free will and can decide to stay "here" if we want to ... even when it is not in our best interest. This is when family and friends can intervene and help, through the power of love, which is, to me, the main message in this book. Oh yes, I also need mention that the back story of the main characters in the book (before the rescue) was very detailed, interesting, and extremely well written, with a few surprises, twists and turns. I felt like a fly on the wall watching what daily life was like in Ireland during this time period. I felt joyful after reading this book, and highly recommend it. I look forward to more books by this author."

"Fantastic first effort, I couldn't put it down! The characters are very believable and I feel Jo developed them perfectly. Marcel is very intense and if there is to be any constructive criticism here, it would be his relationship with his mother. There seems to be a blank spot as to what exactly occurred between them for her to leave. I truly believe in Jo as a rising star. Great work!!"

"I really enjoyed this book. The entire story just felt honest and true. You can't help but personally feel the profound sadness, terror, love, and hope woven throughout this captivating story. Can't wait for Jo Macleod's next book!"

"Captivating! This is a supernatural story like no other. I was very moved by it. The aspect I think I enjoyed the most was the three-dimensional quality of the writing: it absorbs you, guides you into the novel and places the reader at the centre of it as if all the characters are phantasmic apparitions that swirl around you. You cannot let go of this story even after the last page has been turned."

"An emotional roller-coaster ride! What a story, it begins with a beautiful romance and takes you through the highs and lows of life back in the time. How descriptive this writer is, she makes you feel part of the story and pulls you in to the pages you are reading, can’t put it down. Then tragedy strikes and you feel the emotional turmoil and sadness. She will make you cry and want to read more. Her poignant style will hold you throughout. She makes you feel each event as if you were there. An awesome ending, very uplifting, unexpected and inspirational, leaves the reader with hope and wondering if it was all real?  I finished the book in two days and when I was done I was still looking for more. The story stayed with me for weeks after I had read it. The characters are so alive and life like and even now a month later, the story still haunts me. I just can’t shake off this book. I hope she writes more. I will certainly be watching out for her next book."

"Loved it, not what I expected at all. It was a story that kept me wanting to read more and find out what happens next. A must read. I suggest you buy and read the book."

​

""Heaven Help Us" took me away to another place and time. The characters are engaging and real -- shocking at times. The ending was uplifting and I've shared my copy with several friends who enjoy true-to-life stories and the spirit realm..."

​

"I picked up the book and was mildly interested at first, after the first page I was hooked! I couldn't put the book down. I would even brush my teeth while reading. Jo Macleod is a story-teller extraordinaire and puts you so far into the story that you can smell the biscuits baking. The characters came alive and I felt as though I were right there listening to the conversations from the next table over. I have to admit I was disappointed that the story ended, I'm hoping Ms Macleod writes a sequel or another "can't put it down" special!"
 

"A good summer read. The story starts slow, but embraces you in its telling. The characters are lovingly crafted and are the strongest aspect of this tale of turn of the last century Irish life, drama and the supernatural. The author draws upon her many experiences to create a story where the lost have the opportunity to be found."

"A captivating story of a mother’s love, an innocent girl’s horrific life and a scared little boy afraid of the unknown. I have read it twice and was deeply moved each time."