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Heaven Is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,314 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Go on an unforgettable journey, with a woman who has unimaginable strength.
Stephanie Nielson began sharing her life in 2005 on nieniedialogues.com, drawing readers in with her warmth and candor. She quickly attracted a loyal following that was captivated by the upbeat mother happily raising her young children, madly in love with her husband, Christian (Mr. Nielson to her readers), and filled with gratitude for her blessed life.
However, everything changed in an instant on a sunny day in August 2008, when Stephanie and Christian were in a horrific plane crash. Christian was burned over 40 percent of his body, and Stephanie was on the brink of death, with burns over 80 percent of her body. She would remain in a coma for four months.
In the aftermath of this harrowing tragedy, Stephanie maintained a stunning sense of humor, optimism, and resilience. She has since shared this strength of spirit with others through her blog, in magazine features, and on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Now, in this moving memoir, Stephanie tells the full, extraordinary story of her unlikely recovery and the incredible love behind it -- from a riveting account of the crash to all that followed in its wake. With vivid detail, Stephanie recounts her emotional and physical journey, from her first painful days after awakening from the coma to the first time she saw her face in the mirror, the first kiss she shared with Christian after the accident, and the first time she talked to her children after their long separation. She also reflects back on life before the accident, to her happy childhood as one of nine siblings, her close-knit community and strong Mormon faith, and her fairy-tale love story, all of which became her foundation of strength as she rebuilt her life.
What emerges from the wreckage of a tragic accident is a unique perspective on joy, beauty, and overcoming adversity that is as gripping as it is inspirational. Heaven Is Here is a poignant reminder of how faith and family, love and community can bolster us, sustain us, and quite literally, in some cases, save us.
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"I f I could give a book 6 stars, this would be it, not because it is well written, but because the story touched me that much. As I first started reading I really didn't identify with Stephanie much, I can't imagine not wanting to get an advanced education etc. etc. However, by the end of the book I was in tears, she was able to maintain such a positive attitude despite all odds. What a great example of how I would like to be!!!"
— Mayde (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“In Heaven Is Here, Stephanie chronicles in harrowing detail the unspeakable tragedy that would forever alter her life. But the real story is this: Through all the tears, pain, upheaval, sadness, and struggles, it was Stephanie’s faith—and the abundant love of her beautiful family—that brought her back to life. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder of just how strong the human spirit is, and how instrumental faith can be in overcoming what life throws at us.”
— Ree Drummond, author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks -
“Moving and transformative, Heaven Is Here is one of those rare books that causes you to count your blessings, and it reminds you that even in face of devastating loss, you can rebuild to become stronger. Gripping from beginning to end.”
— Liz Murray, author Breaking Night -
“How do you find your way back to happiness after your everyday life has been shattered? Stephanie paints a vivid picture of the happy life she possessed before a devastating plane crash—and how she built that happiness again. Honest, insightful, and compulsively readable, this book gave me much food for thought.”
— Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project -
“For anyone who wonders how they will come through a difficult time, Heaven Is Here proves that human beings were built to survive. Stephanie weaves a humbling and spellbinding tale of how her perfect life was upended on one beautiful afternoon. Her story is a powerful testament of the healing powers of an unyielding faith, the gift of family, and the unshakable love of her husband.”
— Lee Woodruff, author In an Instant -
In Heaven Is Here, Stephanie chronicles in harrowing detail the unspeakable tragedy that would forever alter her life. But the real story is this: Through all the tears, pain, upheaval, sadness, and struggles, it was Stephanie's faith--and the abundant love of her beautiful family--that brought her back to life. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder of just how strong the human spirit is, and how instrumental faith can be in overcoming what life throws at us.
— Ree Drummond, author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks -
Moving and transformative, Heaven Is Here is one of those rare books that causes you to count your blessings, and it reminds you that even in face of devastating loss, you can rebuild to become stronger. Gripping from beginning to end.
— Liz Murray, author Breaking Night -
How do you find your way back to happiness after your everyday life has been shattered? Stephanie paints a vivid picture of the happy life she possessed before a devastating plane crash--and how she built that happiness again. Honest, insightful, and compulsively readable, this book gave me much food for thought.
— Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project -
For anyone who wonders how they will come through a difficult time, Heaven Is Here proves that human beings were built to survive. Stephanie weaves a humbling and spellbinding tale of how her perfect life was upended on one beautiful afternoon. Her story is a powerful testament of the healing powers of an unyielding faith, the gift of family, and the unshakable love of her husband.
— Lee Woodruff, author In an Instant
Heaven Is Here Listener Reviews
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" A great read for anyone. I felt bad at times realizing how hard things were for her but she never really showed that in her blog. I read her blog before, during & after - hope I can run into her someday. "
— Ashlynn, 2/16/2014 -
" Read this book if you are sad, feeling lonely, struggling, have to need to complain about your lot in life or just read it for the shear pleasure of reading a great story. And then count your many blessings. I read this book in one day. This woman is the real deal. Once again a true story trumps fiction! "
— Kathy, 2/12/2014 -
" Worth reading to remind me what really matters. I loved that she was honest about her feelings. It is much better than the articles about her. "
— Bevlaudie, 1/29/2014 -
" What an amazing woman/man and story! The love that Stephanie and Christian share for each other is so inspiring! She sounds like such an amazing woman and she has such a wonderful story to share! I shed many tears throughout reading this book. It is wonderful!!! "
— Becki, 1/27/2014 -
" This was one of the best books I have ever read. My heart goes out to this amazing woman. I laughed with her, and cried with her. She is so honest, open, and vulnerable that you can't help but love her and her amazing family. "
— Leah, 12/16/2013 -
" I couldn't put it down. I follow her blog and have heard her speak, but there was so much more in the book. I loved it. I think she's amazing! "
— Chelsie, 12/15/2013 -
" I thought this was a very honest and courageously written book. Devastating and inspiring. Helps you really remember and appreciate the important things in life. "
— Vivienne`, 12/10/2013 -
" Good, but I had a bit of a hard time believing things were so great and magical as she portrayed them before the crash. I guess maybe that is how things seemed in comparison? "
— Amanda, 12/9/2013 -
" Overall I liked this book. Stephanie's journey and strength are truly to be admired. I did feel that the first portion of the book was difficult to get through. "
— Kelly, 12/3/2013 -
" Inspirational and sweet "
— Chrissy, 11/2/2013 -
" Love, love, love this book! I finished it in 24 hours, which is rare for me. It inspired me, strengthened my faith, and made me so grateful. The best book I have read in a long time. "
— Rickie, 9/17/2013 -
" An amazing book what an incredible story and what a will to live this woman has. Her family is amazing and it made me realize how important family is and how family can literally pull you through anything. Very inspiring book! "
— Josephine, 9/14/2013 -
" Incredible story of hope and finding the strength to deal with challenges. She has an amazing outlook on life and it's truly inspiring. "
— MeLynn, 9/13/2013 -
" It tugged at my heart...can't even imagine this trial. It's a bit saccharin in spots, but then I applaud this family for taking a stand amidst worldy family decay and arising through all the muck to be truly special. "
— Margaret, 7/11/2013 -
" The beginning of the book was sweet (maybe sometimes too sweet), but it set up the reader for all that Stephanie felt like she lost after her plane crashed. The story of her family's recovery is incredible and it changed my perspective on my own life and body and family. "
— Gaylene, 12/16/2012 -
" Okay, probably like 3.5 stars. This was an incredible story that made me think and reflect on my own life in many ways, but some of the writing style wasn't my favorite. Still, very inspiring. "
— Amy, 9/30/2012 -
" Inspiring. I didn't concern myself with brand name dropping or fairy tale images. The message is of hope and the choice we all have to choose hope, to choose happiness. "
— Charity, 8/22/2012 -
" I admired her strength to share her painful story. It truly is inspirational. I envy her ability to go through such a difficult time and maintain her deep faith and convictions and hope. "
— Anna, 8/12/2012 -
" This book is fabulous! I recommend it highly. It is the kind of book that gives you hope no matter how bleak things may seem. "
— Alena, 8/2/2012 -
" I really liked how honest Stephanie was about her experience. I loved that she shared her gospel perspective in such a harrowing time for her and her family. Life isn t easy for any of us but knowing and living Christ's gospel helps with that load and I loved how she never lost sight of that. "
— Jenny, 6/22/2012 -
" I can't knock someone's life story. She's real and this really happened to her. Kudos for her positive attitude. I hope she continues to heal, physically and emotionally. "
— Maria, 4/26/2012
About Stephanie Nielson
Stephanie Nielson was born and raised in Provo, Utah. In 2005 she began nieniedialogues.com, a popular blog about her life as a wife, mother, and Mormon. In 2008 Stephanie and her husband survived a near-fatal plane crash in which they were both severely burned. Stephanie has maintained a positive outlook in the aftermath of this ordeal and through her extensive rehabilitation, a journey she continues to share on her blog, which is visited by four million people every month. Her story has been featured on Oprah, the Today show, and in People magazine. Stephanie lives in Provo with her husband and their four children.