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)

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).

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.

A story that touched my heart and soul.

If you could sum up Heaven Is Here in three words, what would they be?

Heartwarming and heart wrenching.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heaven Is Here?

Stephanie's account of the first time her children saw her after the accident. I honestly wanted to hug her afterwards.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Stephanie Nielson?

Yes

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had that kind of time.

Any additional comments?

A true tale of the bonds we have with our loved ones and how those bonds sustain us when we need them the most.

Thank you!

Thank you Stephanie for sharing your life, your hardships, and your triumphs. Thank you also for strengthening my faith in Heavenly Father.

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.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

I recommend this to everyone! I have listened to it twice and know I will go back to it again!

Inspiration at its finest!

Wow! I LOVED listening to this audible! I found myself finding more & more quiet moments in my day to turn it on. Stephanie is a marvelous story teller... her wording, inflection, attention to rich detail mixed with personal touch, is compelling and relatable. Her story, and her triumph over death, pain, heartache, disfigurement and starting a new & wonderful life is nothing short of incredible! Stephanie- you are a super hero wearing a super suit! I’ve heard you & Christian speak in an intimate BN meeting, and that was fabulous! This was my encore. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for being real. Thanks for not only surviving but living! Here’s to faith and love and God!

gives hope and inspiration

I love that this is a true story. Stephanie and her family have such amazing faith and strength. It does leave me wanting more I would love to know about her and her family now

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.

loved this book!

loved this book! I am having trouble articulating how much I loved it, or why! a book club recommendation for sure!

Thought provoking.

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

I would recommend this book as it came across as awful experience but heart warming at the same time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heaven Is Here?

Meeting with the children and them accepting the burns as only children do.

Which character – as performed by Stephanie Nielson – was your favourite?

Stephanie was definitely my favourite character. Her honesty and love for her family was a joy to read about.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Love conquers all.

Any additional comments?

A good read.