What are the motifs in Storming Heaven: A Novel by Denise Giardina?

Heaven is a concept that appears at multiple points in the novel, and three of the main characters have differing visions of what constitutes heaven. Carrie, who seems to think about the notion of heaven often, has the clearest and most descriptive vision of heaven. However, her vision of heaven seems very much like her real-life place of birth. She describes heaven as being a place where everyone you care about is safe and together. This sounds very much like Homeplace with the possible difference being that it lasts for eternity.