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)

Heartfelt ! Inspiringly beautiful ❤️

Such an inspiring book!!! This is one of the best I have purchased . It worth a thousand credit ❤️ To the author -- I admire your courage and you're will . May god bless you and your family always . You are such an inspiration

ooh boy was this good

really really sad. I cried for like two days while listening to this. but it was totally worth the tears.

Inspiring story

I loved this book. Truly uplifting and motivating. I love the openness that Stephanie shares. Her true feelings of her love of God, family and her self.

Inspiring

This book had me on the verge of tears all throughout. Through the good parts and the sad parts. Especially the triumphant parts. Stephanie has inspired me to be a more present mother. To appreciate my body and the little things like how carrying around a hefty baby on your hip all day is such a blessing. I love that Stephanie read this book. I love her voice. She is so tender.

beautiful and encouraging

loved this story of harrowing trials and incredible blessings. thank you for sharing your experience!

so so so good

This book made me want to be a better person. I can't describe how much I loved it!

Nothing could be more humbling, God Bless.

absolutely fantastic, nothing could be more humbling as this Heaven on Earth story. God bless you forever.

inspiring!

A gratitude inspiring book! read with wonderful personal expression. Stephanie reads her story filled with joy, frustration, loss, love and most of all gratitude. it helped me to be grateful for the little and the big things in life.

So amazing!!!

I loved this book. Thank you Stephanie for sharing your story. I cried at least 100 times.

A story you won't forget

Have you listened to any of Stephanie Nielson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

makes you know there truly is life after death and heaven is much closer than we think.