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When the Light Finds Us: From a Life Sentence to a Life Transformed
When the Light Finds Us
is a behind-the-scenes look into the United States prison system and the brutal injustices faced by incarcerated women, told by Judy Henderson, a mother of two who tirelessly fought to improve the rights of incarcerated women, relentlessly maintained her faith, and steadfastly remained close to her children, even from behind bars.
Judy Henderson, a single mother and small-business owner, had her life upended when she was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison, separated from her three-year-old son and thirteen-year-old daughter. For three decades, she navigated the brutal prison system, facing violence, mistreatment, and even encounters with live snakes and scorpions. Yet, through it all, Judy never lost sight of her innocence or her role as a mother, fighting for justice and parenting her children through prison phone calls and visits.
A powerful example of how one can find purpose and growth in the darkest of circumstances Judy transformed her incarceration into a mission of self-improvement and advocacy, earning her GED and paralegal degree, working with nonprofit prison programs, and playing a crucial role in passing Missouri's first battered women's bill. She became a guiding light for other imprisoned women and mothers, shepherding them through the clemency process.
As the years turned into decades, Judy’s unwavering faith and some serendipitous events kept her hope alive. With the support of the prosecutor who once sought her conviction and the Missouri governor, Judy’s perseverance was rewarded when she was granted clemency and received a full pardon after nearly thirty-five years behind bars.
When the Light Finds Us is a gripping narrative exploring the depths of human resilience and the transformative power of hope. It’s a story that will inspire readers to persevere through their hardest struggles, reminding them of the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond of a mother's love. In a world often filled with darkness, Judy’s journey is a beacon of light, illuminating the path to redemption and the triumph of justice.
Judy Henderson, a single mother and small-business owner, had her life upended when she was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison, separated from her three-year-old son and thirteen-year-old daughter. For three decades, she navigated the brutal prison system, facing violence, mistreatment, and even encounters with live snakes and scorpions. Yet, through it all, Judy never lost sight of her innocence or her role as a mother, fighting for justice and parenting her children through prison phone calls and visits.
A powerful example of how one can find purpose and growth in the darkest of circumstances Judy transformed her incarceration into a mission of self-improvement and advocacy, earning her GED and paralegal degree, working with nonprofit prison programs, and playing a crucial role in passing Missouri's first battered women's bill. She became a guiding light for other imprisoned women and mothers, shepherding them through the clemency process.
As the years turned into decades, Judy’s unwavering faith and some serendipitous events kept her hope alive. With the support of the prosecutor who once sought her conviction and the Missouri governor, Judy’s perseverance was rewarded when she was granted clemency and received a full pardon after nearly thirty-five years behind bars.
When the Light Finds Us is a gripping narrative exploring the depths of human resilience and the transformative power of hope. It’s a story that will inspire readers to persevere through their hardest struggles, reminding them of the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond of a mother's love. In a world often filled with darkness, Judy’s journey is a beacon of light, illuminating the path to redemption and the triumph of justice.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
21 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 2, 2025
No one knows Judy Henderson . Yet it is a story one must read. It’s about belief , about perseverance, about acceptance , about suspending judgement of and by family, about Hope and finally about the fact that for some people truth prevails.
I happened to stumble upon the book and i am glad this accident happened. It’s a book with a simple story , told with candour, humility and lot of truth.
A woman who had the courage to put her story out there and being open to be judged . Only question is have is what happened to Greg ?
But then world and life both are not always fair.
I happened to stumble upon the book and i am glad this accident happened. It’s a book with a simple story , told with candour, humility and lot of truth.
A woman who had the courage to put her story out there and being open to be judged . Only question is have is what happened to Greg ?
But then world and life both are not always fair.
May 22, 2025
astonished by this woman’s perseverance and strength through the worst life can throw at you. not 5 stars cuz i wanted some closure on the other areas of her life (prior people, their crimes, her family, etc) which impacted her life but otherwise great narrative
June 22, 2025
I know a lot of the other reviews use a similar sentiment, but this truly was a powerful and sobering memoir about perseverance, injustice, and hope. Judy Henderson shares her extraordinary story of being wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 35 years, separated from her young children, and thrown into one of the harshest environments imaginable. From surviving violence and neglect in prison to earning her education, supporting fellow inmates, and becoming a voice for reform, Henderson’s resilience shines through.
I found the book moving and incredibly eye-opening, especially in its depiction of the flaws in the justice system and the strength required to survive them. Henderson’s journey – from wrongful conviction to eventual clemency and full pardon – kept me engaged throughout. A deeply human story of faith, grit, and the fierce love of a mother who refused to give up.
I found the book moving and incredibly eye-opening, especially in its depiction of the flaws in the justice system and the strength required to survive them. Henderson’s journey – from wrongful conviction to eventual clemency and full pardon – kept me engaged throughout. A deeply human story of faith, grit, and the fierce love of a mother who refused to give up.
August 6, 2025
This is an interesting memoir by a woman who spent 36 years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. She admits that to some degree, she was an accessory to the murder, but was under the thumb of a predator (the actual murderer) at the time it occurred; this man, who actually pulled the trigger, then went on to skillfully frame her for the murder. Later, other women associated with the man admitted to having been paid to lie in court to secure her conviction.
It's difficult to understand some of Judy Henderson's passivity at the time of the crime and court case unless you take into account her background, which was pretty brutalizing. She grew up in a household with a violent father, then went on to marry very young to a violent man. It was after divorcing this man, just as she was in the process of rebuilding a life for herself and her children, that the predator moved into her life.
Despite the incredibly difficult hand of cards that Henderson has been dealt, her resourcefulness is hard to deny. She made the best of her life in prison, availing of all the educational opportunities available, as well as setting up domestic violence support groups for women, and gaining various qualifications. She also managed to secure the exposure and firing of a corrupt officer who was demanding sexual favours from women prisoners before he would allow them to have their care packages from family.
While the book does have a tone that can be a little bit new agey at times, referencing prosperity quasi-religions of the US such as The Secret and Joel Osteen, at least it's a novelty to see this literature utilized in some manner other than its usual role (which is generally for fairly self-serving, mutual back-slapping on the part of the super-rich). I am not a fan of the 'prosperity gospel' but literature related to it appears to have helped Henderson to make the best of a grim situation. Ultimately, she converted to Catholicism in prison, which is an interesting aspect that I would like to have read more about, given her Bible Belt background as a Pentecostal, whose parents couldn't abide Catholicism. Spiritually, she appears to have run the gamut until arriving at this conversion, which is understandable, as you'd have a lot of time to consider your spiritual life in 36 years.
Judy Henderson is obviously a very strong person, despite the vulnerability that blighted her childhood and young adulthood. She clearly managed to do much good while in the prison system, and continues to work as a volunteer after securing a much-deserved pardon and getting out. This book raises some serious questions about the arbitrary nature of the US prison system, however, and how easy it is for someone to get lost within it despite not deserving to be there.
It's difficult to understand some of Judy Henderson's passivity at the time of the crime and court case unless you take into account her background, which was pretty brutalizing. She grew up in a household with a violent father, then went on to marry very young to a violent man. It was after divorcing this man, just as she was in the process of rebuilding a life for herself and her children, that the predator moved into her life.
Despite the incredibly difficult hand of cards that Henderson has been dealt, her resourcefulness is hard to deny. She made the best of her life in prison, availing of all the educational opportunities available, as well as setting up domestic violence support groups for women, and gaining various qualifications. She also managed to secure the exposure and firing of a corrupt officer who was demanding sexual favours from women prisoners before he would allow them to have their care packages from family.
While the book does have a tone that can be a little bit new agey at times, referencing prosperity quasi-religions of the US such as The Secret and Joel Osteen, at least it's a novelty to see this literature utilized in some manner other than its usual role (which is generally for fairly self-serving, mutual back-slapping on the part of the super-rich). I am not a fan of the 'prosperity gospel' but literature related to it appears to have helped Henderson to make the best of a grim situation. Ultimately, she converted to Catholicism in prison, which is an interesting aspect that I would like to have read more about, given her Bible Belt background as a Pentecostal, whose parents couldn't abide Catholicism. Spiritually, she appears to have run the gamut until arriving at this conversion, which is understandable, as you'd have a lot of time to consider your spiritual life in 36 years.
Judy Henderson is obviously a very strong person, despite the vulnerability that blighted her childhood and young adulthood. She clearly managed to do much good while in the prison system, and continues to work as a volunteer after securing a much-deserved pardon and getting out. This book raises some serious questions about the arbitrary nature of the US prison system, however, and how easy it is for someone to get lost within it despite not deserving to be there.
May 1, 2025
Finding Hope After 36 Years: A Powerful Story of Resilience and Transformation
Imagine losing 36 years of your life, imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit. In When The Light Finds Us, Judy Henderson courageously recounts her harrowing journey from injustice to triumph. With raw honesty and powerful emotion, Judy opens up about the inner strength she discovered during her darkest days. Her story is not just one of endurance but of transformation and unwavering hope.
Judy teaches us that sometimes true change starts from within. Instead of succumbing to despair, she channeled her pain into powerful advocacy, becoming a beacon of hope for countless battered women. Her tireless efforts helped pave the way for the "Battered Women Defense" laws across the United States, demonstrating that profound impact can originate even behind prison walls.
Through her narrative, Judy vividly describes the exact moment "the light found her," reigniting hope and leading her to eventual freedom. Her remarkable story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of recognizing red flags in toxic relationships, and the life-saving impact of advocacy. When The Light Finds Us by Judy Henderson and Jimmy Soni isn't just a memoir—it's an empowering call to action, inspiring readers to advocate for themselves and others before it's too late.
Imagine losing 36 years of your life, imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit. In When The Light Finds Us, Judy Henderson courageously recounts her harrowing journey from injustice to triumph. With raw honesty and powerful emotion, Judy opens up about the inner strength she discovered during her darkest days. Her story is not just one of endurance but of transformation and unwavering hope.
Judy teaches us that sometimes true change starts from within. Instead of succumbing to despair, she channeled her pain into powerful advocacy, becoming a beacon of hope for countless battered women. Her tireless efforts helped pave the way for the "Battered Women Defense" laws across the United States, demonstrating that profound impact can originate even behind prison walls.
Through her narrative, Judy vividly describes the exact moment "the light found her," reigniting hope and leading her to eventual freedom. Her remarkable story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of recognizing red flags in toxic relationships, and the life-saving impact of advocacy. When The Light Finds Us by Judy Henderson and Jimmy Soni isn't just a memoir—it's an empowering call to action, inspiring readers to advocate for themselves and others before it's too late.
January 28, 2025
Imagine surviving decades of violence and abuse, in numerous forms, from the time you were a child. Now in your early thirties and finally on your feet, you are sentenced to life in prison for a murder you did not commit.
This is the true story of Judy Henderson’s life. When The Light Finds Us is her powerful testimony of faith, resilience and hope. It’s the most empowering story I’ve read in awhile.
Something I loved about Judy was how she didn’t let the devastating things happening to her extinguish the light of hope within her. Without the belief that things would get better, she likely would not have survived the 36 years she spent in prison.
I hope when this book comes out in April you’ll pick up a copy or rent it from your local library. Pay witness to the injustices Judy experienced at the hands of the legal and prison systems. Revel in her little wins along the way.
TW: domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, suicide.
Despite these heavy themes, I can promise there’s a happy ending to look forward to. Truthfully, I wish the book was longer so I could spend more time learning from Judy’s strength and determination.
Thank you to Worthy Publishing and Judy Henderson for this ARC. When The Light Finds Us is available April 15, 2025.
This is the true story of Judy Henderson’s life. When The Light Finds Us is her powerful testimony of faith, resilience and hope. It’s the most empowering story I’ve read in awhile.
Something I loved about Judy was how she didn’t let the devastating things happening to her extinguish the light of hope within her. Without the belief that things would get better, she likely would not have survived the 36 years she spent in prison.
I hope when this book comes out in April you’ll pick up a copy or rent it from your local library. Pay witness to the injustices Judy experienced at the hands of the legal and prison systems. Revel in her little wins along the way.
TW: domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, suicide.
Despite these heavy themes, I can promise there’s a happy ending to look forward to. Truthfully, I wish the book was longer so I could spend more time learning from Judy’s strength and determination.
Thank you to Worthy Publishing and Judy Henderson for this ARC. When The Light Finds Us is available April 15, 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
5 Stars: A Testament to the Enduring Power of Hope and Light
I had the honor of meeting Judy Henderson after her release from prison, and from the very first moment, it was clear: she is pure light. Her radiant smile, her genuine love for others, and her unshakable hope are not just inspiring — they are transformative. Reading When the Light Finds Us brought me back to that first encounter, and deepened my respect and admiration for her journey even more.
This book is a breathtaking testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Judy’s story shines a powerful light on the pain endured by imprisoned women and an imperfect justice system. She writes with raw honesty, yet her words are woven with threads of grace and compassion. Through unimaginable hardship, Judy never loses sight of her dignity or her faith.
When the Light Finds Us is more than a memoir; it is a call to action, a love letter to those still lost in the dark, and a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever struggled to find their way. Judy's life is proof that even after years of injustice and suffering, love can still lead, heal, and triumph.
I am forever grateful to know Judy Henderson, and even more grateful that the world now has this beautiful book.
I had the honor of meeting Judy Henderson after her release from prison, and from the very first moment, it was clear: she is pure light. Her radiant smile, her genuine love for others, and her unshakable hope are not just inspiring — they are transformative. Reading When the Light Finds Us brought me back to that first encounter, and deepened my respect and admiration for her journey even more.
This book is a breathtaking testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Judy’s story shines a powerful light on the pain endured by imprisoned women and an imperfect justice system. She writes with raw honesty, yet her words are woven with threads of grace and compassion. Through unimaginable hardship, Judy never loses sight of her dignity or her faith.
When the Light Finds Us is more than a memoir; it is a call to action, a love letter to those still lost in the dark, and a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever struggled to find their way. Judy's life is proof that even after years of injustice and suffering, love can still lead, heal, and triumph.
I am forever grateful to know Judy Henderson, and even more grateful that the world now has this beautiful book.
October 27, 2025
When the Light Finds Us by Judy A. Henderson is a luminous and heart-wrenching memoir of endurance, faith, and the unbreakable spirit of a mother’s love.
Wrongly sentenced to life in prison, Judy’s thirty-five-year journey through darkness becomes a testament to human resilience and divine grace. In a system built to silence, she refused to surrender her voice. Instead, she transformed pain into purpose fighting for herself, for other women, and for a justice system capable of compassion.
Her story unfolds with breathtaking authenticity moments of heartbreak interwoven with unyielding faith, courage, and the slow, steady rise of redemption. Judy’s transformation from prisoner to advocate, from survivor to beacon of hope, is both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
When the Light Finds Us is not just a memoir; it’s a movement of light. It reminds us that faith can outlast fear, love can conquer confinement, and truth no matter how long buried always finds its way to freedom.
Wrongly sentenced to life in prison, Judy’s thirty-five-year journey through darkness becomes a testament to human resilience and divine grace. In a system built to silence, she refused to surrender her voice. Instead, she transformed pain into purpose fighting for herself, for other women, and for a justice system capable of compassion.
Her story unfolds with breathtaking authenticity moments of heartbreak interwoven with unyielding faith, courage, and the slow, steady rise of redemption. Judy’s transformation from prisoner to advocate, from survivor to beacon of hope, is both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
When the Light Finds Us is not just a memoir; it’s a movement of light. It reminds us that faith can outlast fear, love can conquer confinement, and truth no matter how long buried always finds its way to freedom.
November 7, 2025
Judy Henderson's youth was tragically filled with extremely poor role models. It is no wonder she fell in with the wrong crowd and ended up being convicted of a murder she did not commit. As the result of being mixed up with the wrong crowd and present when a murder took place, Judy ended up wrongfully convicted and separated from her children for most of their lives.
I would surmise that most women in her predicament would give up but having an innate ability to make do with little, Judy occupied the thousands of days of incarceration with obtaining an education, studying the law and forming groups to help other inmates occupy their time creatively and productively.
After spending MOST OF HER LIFE in prison and repeatedly being denied a retrial, Judy was suddenly released from prison when the Missouri governor determined that she was in fact INNOCENT of committing the killing for which she was imprisoned for more than half of her life!
I found this read to be intriguing and inspiring.
I would surmise that most women in her predicament would give up but having an innate ability to make do with little, Judy occupied the thousands of days of incarceration with obtaining an education, studying the law and forming groups to help other inmates occupy their time creatively and productively.
After spending MOST OF HER LIFE in prison and repeatedly being denied a retrial, Judy was suddenly released from prison when the Missouri governor determined that she was in fact INNOCENT of committing the killing for which she was imprisoned for more than half of her life!
I found this read to be intriguing and inspiring.
April 10, 2025
Thirty-six years. Thirty-six years Judy was in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Judy never had it easy. All of the things that Judy Henderson went through in her lifetime almost feels like it could have only come out of a movie. Tragedy and trauma on top of more tragedy and trauma. Most people wouldn't have survived it. She was sentenced to life in prison with no parole. But Judy never gave up hope she would get out. She put her faith in God and was driven to action to have her story be heard. And after thirty-six years her hard work finally paid off. This is truly an inspiring story of perseverance, healing, faith, and love. I highly recommend reading her story.
TW: domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, suicide
Thank you NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
TW: domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, suicide
Thank you NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2025
I’m absolutely floored by this incredible story that took place so close to home! Judy’s journey is nothing short of heart-wrenching and inspiring. Growing up in unimaginable circumstances, only to face manipulation and betrayal in multiple relationships, and then to be wrongfully accused of murder—her resilience is extraordinary. Spending 36 years behind bars, Judy never wavered, standing tall through losses and challenges that would have broken most: the chance to be the mother she longed to be, the passing of her own mother, and the life she was robbed of. Yet, she transformed herself into someone remarkable, defying all odds.
I’m overjoyed by her triumphant outcome, though it came far too late. Judy’s strength carried her forward to achieve incredible things, making her story a testament to the human spirit. This book is an absolute must-read—10/10, without a doubt!
I’m overjoyed by her triumphant outcome, though it came far too late. Judy’s strength carried her forward to achieve incredible things, making her story a testament to the human spirit. This book is an absolute must-read—10/10, without a doubt!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
Woman is convicted of murder in Missouri and spent decades in jail only to be determined later she was innocent. Instead of withering away with her life sentence, she grew in so many ways before she was granted clemency by then Governor of MO, Eric Greitens.
Audiobook by the author. Always a bonus for me to hear one’s own words in their own voices.
Without having any feelings or knowledge of the real crime and circumstances of which she was accused, as she was admittedly there at the scene of the murder and participated in the coverup, what she accomplished in jail and how her family, friends, lawyers, etc stood by her side was quite astonishing. I wonder how the victim’s family felt about her release and pardon.
Audiobook by the author. Always a bonus for me to hear one’s own words in their own voices.
Without having any feelings or knowledge of the real crime and circumstances of which she was accused, as she was admittedly there at the scene of the murder and participated in the coverup, what she accomplished in jail and how her family, friends, lawyers, etc stood by her side was quite astonishing. I wonder how the victim’s family felt about her release and pardon.
August 10, 2025
Outstanding determination
This book shows that no matter how good you are as a person, other people can shape your life into something you would never be normally and can break your spirit and your whole world. She probably handled her life better than most would have but still ended up in a nightmare. Her determination to reshape and really live her best life no matter the circumstances is really inspiring. This book should be used as required reading in high school. So many students have lived or will live in similar circumstances and all could learn so much from this book.
This book shows that no matter how good you are as a person, other people can shape your life into something you would never be normally and can break your spirit and your whole world. She probably handled her life better than most would have but still ended up in a nightmare. Her determination to reshape and really live her best life no matter the circumstances is really inspiring. This book should be used as required reading in high school. So many students have lived or will live in similar circumstances and all could learn so much from this book.
April 13, 2025
***Read as an ARC, thank you Worthy Publishing & Judy Henderson for granting me an early read!***
A powerful narrative about the continuous injustices that make up our criminal legal system- specifically for women who have become victims of the victim-offender overlaps. While Judy did not commit the crime she was incarcerated for, she found a way to make her time meaningful and impactful. Thats true resilience, it would have been so easy and, honestly, valid to be bitter and angry, but instead she worked as an advocate for her peers. Truly admirable!
A powerful narrative about the continuous injustices that make up our criminal legal system- specifically for women who have become victims of the victim-offender overlaps. While Judy did not commit the crime she was incarcerated for, she found a way to make her time meaningful and impactful. Thats true resilience, it would have been so easy and, honestly, valid to be bitter and angry, but instead she worked as an advocate for her peers. Truly admirable!
May 12, 2025
Wow, great story of incredible resilience!! I am inspired after reading this. From a story perspective, I would say this is an easy short read, descriptive with some key stories included to show as examples of her experience. I felt moved by her eventual release and impressed with how she handled all of her challenges in life (which would have broken many many people)!
June 21, 2025
It is incredible how some people can keep on fighting and keep looking at the positive side of the most harsh events. It is great to see that the power of conviction and positive daily choices can make such amazing differences even at captivity. A token of hope and a reminder to enjoy every second of life and don't get simple things in life for granted.
July 8, 2025
Wow — so much emotion contained in these pages. I appreciated the author’s authenticity and being brave enough to share her story. It was encouraging and heartbreaking. It showed how God can turn even the darkest things to bring Him glory.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. Highly recommend.
April 12, 2025
Wow. This is such a powerful, heartbreaking story about misplaced justice and a woman’s fight to survive. Judy doesn’t share a story of unwavering faith, but one of fighting to survive and learning to have faith after being stripped of everything she knew. A great story of wrongful conviction.
July 6, 2025
A story of courage, suffering, patience, reflection, resilience, fear, growth, determination, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, love and so much more!
I did not want to put this down once I started it! I finished it feeling inspired and amazed at the resilience of the human spirit.
I did not want to put this down once I started it! I finished it feeling inspired and amazed at the resilience of the human spirit.
July 15, 2025
I read Judy’s story in less than 24 hours. She is truly an inspiration - I will always remember her incredible story. Judy’s story is about Hope, perseverance, faith and forgiveness, even in the darkest of times. Wow, I just can’t say enough! Everyone should read this!
July 19, 2025
Remarkable account of one woman’s journey through abusive childhood and teen years and her imprisonment in Missouri of a crime she did not commit. Her faith and her family’s support is a testament to the love of family. Highly recommended.
July 21, 2025
I enjoyed learning the story of Judy Henderson, a mom who was wrongfully convicted of murder in the 1980s and spent over 30 years in prison before being pardoned. Her story is inspirational and educational and worth reading.
Read
April 7, 2025Read for work. Really interesting story and impressive woman
April 18, 2025
This is an incredible story of strength, tenacity and hope!
June 6, 2025
Interesting story. I’d give it 3.5 stars
July 28, 2025
Inspiring memoir of a woman falsely convicted of murder and her 36 year fight to survive in prison and to be exonerated.
September 16, 2025
What an amazing story with a path I could not fathom having to walk. May we all continue to fight for what is right.
October 17, 2025
An extraordinary true story of a women’s 36 years in prison and the unbelievable ending!!! Her faith is inspirational!!!
October 20, 2025
A very inspiring story and an easy read
November 7, 2025
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. Judy’s story is a testament to the power of forgiveness and perseverance, even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Everyone should read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews