Heaven Is Here

An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy

By: Stephanie Nielson

Narrated by: Stephanie Nielson

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2012 Auroramark Enterprises LLC (P)2012 Hyperion (packaging elements only)

Critic reviews

“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, New York Times best-selling 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 of the New York Times best seller Breaking Night)

“How do you find your way back to happiness after your everyday life has been shattered? Stephanie Nielson 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 New York Times best seller The Happiness Project)

Awesome story

A real testament of the value of the human spirit and love and the power of family and faith.

Full of hope and perspective on what matters most.

I love this book. I'm grateful for Stephanie's courage to share her story with the world. Her perspective lifts and encourages me as a woman, wife, mother and daughter. I read the hard copy years ago, but I really enjoyed hearing the book read in Stephanie's voice!

Inspiring!

Inspiring sometimesI felt like there were too many details but I think it helped you understand Stephanie and all she was going through. A story of faith courage, hope and God’s love for us. It was well worth listening to.

An inspiring account!

Would you listen to Heaven Is Here again? Why?

I would highly recommend this amazing story of courage and strength. She is incredible, I can't imagine going through the things she had to endure. Truly inspiring.

INCREDIBLE!!!!!

What made the experience of listening to Heaven Is Here the most enjoyable?

One of the most amazing books I have ever listened to! A true love story with such inspiration.

This book is incredible!

Where does Heaven Is Here rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

From a male perspective, this book ranks up there as one of the best books I have ever listened to. I think if I were a woman (especially if I were a mommy), I think it would be the best book I had ever listen to with no competition.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephanie Nielson because she shares her thoughts so well.

What about Stephanie Nielson’s performance did you like?

She explains so well what she was feeling and the thoughts that she had to overcome, etc..

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole thing.

Any additional comments?

I would say that most women who listened to this audio book (especially mommies) will be moved to cry at least 5 times (in a good way).

This book has made me a better mommy and wife

I did take for granted the little moments of my kids. I am ashamed to say that I tune them out way to much and have relished in the joy of the quiet of the night when they are all sleeping. I now savor the moments and listen to my kids words more intently. I am grateful for the experience I went on while listening to this book. I truly loved the analogy that We look for Christ's
scares as a proof of the miracle just as she had scars of her miracle. Thank you for your story and strength through all of your adversity.

Absolutely Inspiring

Stephanie's story is truly beautiful. My heart broke as she shared her darkest moments, and my heart swelled with joy at her triumphs. I shed many tears. This is a must-read. What a beautiful, inspiring woman.❤️

Very inspiring!

It was hard to put this book down. It made me grateful for my knowledge of the purpose of life.

FAITH

This is a wonderful memoir of life and love, faith and hope, strength and endurance.