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)

Such a great story, such a great author

I love this book. The author's experiences and how she dealt with trials gives me so much hope for myself. She is so honest and open, putting her raw emotions on the page, laid out for everyone who reads her story. It's a refreshingly clean book filled with spiritually uplifting material, even during the thick of her horrendous challenges. I can clearly visualize a real person behind her words.

this is an awesome true story

this is an awesome true story which gives us all hope and courage no matter what life sends us. Thanks for your courage and sharing your story sincerely Joseph M McIntyre

So inspiring!!

This story is so inspiring and I look up to Stephanie and her courage and determination! If you want a book filled with raw emotion this book is for you. Thank you Stephanie for sharing your story❤️

Truly Faith-Promoting and Inspiring in Every Way

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to everyone I know. It had a profound influence on me. Her determination, grace, faith, perseverance, love of motherhood, etc inspired me to want to be better and feel like I could.

Any additional comments?

This book was an excellent listen. I loved Stephanie's calming voice and I felt like we were best friends when it was all done. The love of family in this story was deeply touching. Her own mom and dad and siblings and the sacrifices they made was astounding. They are just as inspiring as Stephanie. Christian, though, wow. What a truly incredible soul. His strength and commitment, his love and dedication to his family. His perspective remained unclouded throughout. What an amazing couple. What a beautiful love story. I feel blessed to have been able to have a glimpse into their very special and inspiring family. (I would love to hear Christian's side of things... his thoughts, struggles, etc.!)

Inspirational !!!

Thoroughly enjoyed the detailed account of the incredible recovery and
healing process and her sustained faith during this amazing ordeal.

So Much to Be Grateful For

Heaven is Here is such an inspirational story that is relevent to all types of families, faithes, and personal beliefs. Stephanie finds gratitude in the smallest things, and reminds us that we can too. Her descriptions are beautiful and her pain reminds us to be grateful for the most basic things everyday. This is a wonderful and inspiring read.

INSPIRING

Would you consider the audio edition of Heaven Is Here to be better than the print version?

I set up an account at Audible just to listen to this book. Hearing the story in Stephanie's peaceful voice was powerful.

What about Stephanie Nielson’s performance did you like?

Listening in Stephanie's sincere, soothing voice made me think of the gift it must have been to her children and family at the beginning of her recovery.

Any additional comments?

Thank you Stephanie for sharing hope with all of us.

70 books/year and this is the first time I cried

Couldn't stop listening. Enjoyed it even though I thought I already knew so much about the author's story. This book opened my eyes to what I have taken for granted and I made me strive to live with more gratitude. I'm hugging my kids and husband more after this one.

A marvelous story of hope and happiness reclaimed.

I loved hearing the author tell of her own struggle of survival and triumph! She is such a marvelous example of faith, courage and inner beauty that radiates from within BECAUSE of her faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
35 years ago I lost two of my precious children in a drowning accident. I, too, have had to trust in the Lord as I've found my way back to happiness. Happiness is a choice and life is good and full and rich even after devastating loss.
I cried many tears as I heard her tell her story. The Spirit has confirmed to my heart that, truly, our Heavenly Father know all of His children. He loves us and wants us to be happy. He awaits with open arms to assist and carry us.

Read it and share it!

What an amazing story! I met Stephanie the other day at Cafe Rio of all places! (If you've read the book, you know that's pretty cool!). I knew of her story and also knew my wife had read her book- I promised Stephanie when she told me it was available on Audible that I would get it and am so glad that I did. Stephanie, I may never know why you were called in this life to endure such an accident but your faith and courage has made me a better person, father, son and husband. Thank you. Thank you.