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When Your World Ends: God's Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life
How do you rebuild your life after it falls apart?
Catastrophic events often feel like the end of the world. When we feel like we have nothing left, we sometimes wish for our own end too. Yet God keeps waking us up every morning—a sign that God wants us to keep living when our world ends. We must find our way to the new life that awaits us on the other side of loss. But how?
Dawn Sanders has traveled this path before and lived to tell the tale—not once but twice. After a divorce and then the sudden death of her second husband, Dawn discovered a buried treasure in Genesis 1: God's process for creating new life out of chaos. In When Your World Ends, Dawn digs deep into the creation story and unearths a seven-step process by which God brings us out of the void and into new beginnings. With her unique perspective, authenticity, and courage, Dawn meets those who are starting over and guides us into renewed hope.
Catastrophic events often feel like the end of the world. When we feel like we have nothing left, we sometimes wish for our own end too. Yet God keeps waking us up every morning—a sign that God wants us to keep living when our world ends. We must find our way to the new life that awaits us on the other side of loss. But how?
Dawn Sanders has traveled this path before and lived to tell the tale—not once but twice. After a divorce and then the sudden death of her second husband, Dawn discovered a buried treasure in Genesis 1: God's process for creating new life out of chaos. In When Your World Ends, Dawn digs deep into the creation story and unearths a seven-step process by which God brings us out of the void and into new beginnings. With her unique perspective, authenticity, and courage, Dawn meets those who are starting over and guides us into renewed hope.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2024
12 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 21, 2025
When Your World Ends, God's Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life by Dawn Mann Sanders and she narrated by the audiobook. I gave this a 5⭐️ because I thought the author did a great job with the writing and narrating.
I have recently suffered a great loss, a grief that has left me a completely different person, and I could deeply identify with the author. I have been in shock and have had a hard time with God and what he allows.
The author helped me a lot with my feelings and direction. I also think as Christians, we could do a better job understanding grief and the process.
I did find hope in this audiobook and recommend it.
Thanks, IVP Audiobooks via NetGalley.
I have recently suffered a great loss, a grief that has left me a completely different person, and I could deeply identify with the author. I have been in shock and have had a hard time with God and what he allows.
The author helped me a lot with my feelings and direction. I also think as Christians, we could do a better job understanding grief and the process.
I did find hope in this audiobook and recommend it.
Thanks, IVP Audiobooks via NetGalley.
August 9, 2025
There are a lot of books out there on how to deal with grief and depression and turmoil in life. I fully believe in seeking professional help, as well, but there are many temporary fixes out there in book form. There’s something about a relationship with God, when you’ve opened up to one and have truly experienced it, that doesn’t leave you. It’s forever. He’s always there and this is a great book reminding us how and in what ways.
October 23, 2025
Navigating grief is never easy and this book is a great companion for knowing how to rebuild. The writing is both spiritual and personal , drawing readers into an emotional .Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
All my reviews can be found at: http://www.jessicasreadingroom.com
This review will appear on mysite on August 28, 2025.
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Dawn Mann Sanders has experienced a great loss twice in her life, so she writes based of those experiences and of course, the Bible. This book is not for a quick fix, but for a spiritual journey. With a vulnerability and wisdom from a two-time experience of loss, Sanders shares her personal journey through her loss and how she found purpose, peace, and healing on the other side. When we are experiencing our particular loss, we cannot see ourself coming out on the other side for the better. And we also need God to help us come through.
Throughout the book, Sanders gives the Bible verses she uses. This book can be used for many types of loss, though Sanders’ focus is on the unexpected death of her second husband Reggie. For myself, being just over a year post divorce I felt would have benefitted more from Sanders talking more of her first loss, the loss of her first husband due to divorce. Though not a death, divorce is like a death, but the person is still alive.
I did benefit from this audiobook, but as I am visual, I feel I would have benefitted much more with a physical copy of this book. I found myself wanting to go back and listen to parts of the book again, but with an audiobook, this is much harder to do that just going back x number of pages to re-read. Whatever loss you might experience is, you feel like you won’t make it through, but you will and end up on the other side, and better off as well. It’s all a part of the journey that God has planned for us. And we may not see what that purpose is while going through the experience, after time we can look back and see that God does in fact know what He is doing.
Sanders also narrates the book, which added a personal touch. Many thanks to the publisher for granting me an advanced copy to listen to and review.
This review will appear on mysite on August 28, 2025.
~~~~
Dawn Mann Sanders has experienced a great loss twice in her life, so she writes based of those experiences and of course, the Bible. This book is not for a quick fix, but for a spiritual journey. With a vulnerability and wisdom from a two-time experience of loss, Sanders shares her personal journey through her loss and how she found purpose, peace, and healing on the other side. When we are experiencing our particular loss, we cannot see ourself coming out on the other side for the better. And we also need God to help us come through.
Throughout the book, Sanders gives the Bible verses she uses. This book can be used for many types of loss, though Sanders’ focus is on the unexpected death of her second husband Reggie. For myself, being just over a year post divorce I felt would have benefitted more from Sanders talking more of her first loss, the loss of her first husband due to divorce. Though not a death, divorce is like a death, but the person is still alive.
I did benefit from this audiobook, but as I am visual, I feel I would have benefitted much more with a physical copy of this book. I found myself wanting to go back and listen to parts of the book again, but with an audiobook, this is much harder to do that just going back x number of pages to re-read. Whatever loss you might experience is, you feel like you won’t make it through, but you will and end up on the other side, and better off as well. It’s all a part of the journey that God has planned for us. And we may not see what that purpose is while going through the experience, after time we can look back and see that God does in fact know what He is doing.
Sanders also narrates the book, which added a personal touch. Many thanks to the publisher for granting me an advanced copy to listen to and review.
October 11, 2024
How do you rebuild your life after it falls apart? Dawn Sanders has traveled the path twice and with her unique perspective using the Biblical creation story, she unpacks a seven-step process by which God can give you renewed hope. Dawn Mann Sanders is an associate minister at First Baptist Church of Glenarden.
You may think you know the creation story, and the beautiful way our author goes verse by verse and sets the stage for her rebuilding, it is extremely moving and done in such a way you will never forget it.
She uses the Hebrew meaning for each step to enrich our learning and adventure. She had had a beautiful relationship with her husband of 4 years and they had a combined excellent ministry, so she not only had to take care of her personal journey but try to reinvent with God’s help a new adventure and ministry.
The book is divided into 4 parts
1. Starting is the Hardest part
2. Learning to let it flow
3. Putting it all into action
4. Upcoming events
Beginning with Part 2 she ends each chapter with three elements Edict, Execution and Experience.
She hopes you might try journalling so you can follow your progress and be directed by her probing questions which follow.
Edict (mind/speech): The God said, “Let….”
Execution: And there /it was…
Experience: And God saw that it was good.
It isn’t perfection, without stumbling, and rest along the way. It is not a quick fix book, but a guiding light. The books ends with many footnotes and comments to return too again and again. You must own this book and a good journal and maybe professional help along the way.
July 11, 2025
When Your World Ends by Dawn Mann Sanders is one of the most deeply moving and spiritually grounding audiobooks I’ve listened to in a long time. With vulnerability, wisdom, and unwavering honesty, Sanders shares her personal journey through unimaginable loss and how she found purpose, peace, and healing on the other side.
This book is not just about grief; it’s about transformation. It’s about what happens after your world is shattered and the quiet, sacred work of rebuilding your faith, your sense of self, and your hope for the future. Listening to Sanders narrate her own story adds an extra layer of intimacy and authenticity. Her voice carries every ounce of pain, resilience, and compassion she poured into these words.
What I especially appreciated was how she wove biblical truths and emotional honesty together without ever preaching. Her reflections feel like a warm hand on your back, steady, comforting, and gently guiding you forward. Whether you’ve experienced loss recently or years ago, this book offers something rare: a companion who truly understands.
When Your World Ends isn’t just a book, it’s a balm. A reminder that even in our darkest seasons, we are never alone… and that healing, though slow, is always possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this powerful ARC. I’ll be recommending this one to anyone navigating loss or seeking hope.
This book is not just about grief; it’s about transformation. It’s about what happens after your world is shattered and the quiet, sacred work of rebuilding your faith, your sense of self, and your hope for the future. Listening to Sanders narrate her own story adds an extra layer of intimacy and authenticity. Her voice carries every ounce of pain, resilience, and compassion she poured into these words.
What I especially appreciated was how she wove biblical truths and emotional honesty together without ever preaching. Her reflections feel like a warm hand on your back, steady, comforting, and gently guiding you forward. Whether you’ve experienced loss recently or years ago, this book offers something rare: a companion who truly understands.
When Your World Ends isn’t just a book, it’s a balm. A reminder that even in our darkest seasons, we are never alone… and that healing, though slow, is always possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this powerful ARC. I’ll be recommending this one to anyone navigating loss or seeking hope.
September 17, 2024
There are so many moments in this book where Dawn Mann Sanders shows us she 'gets it'. She writes as one who 'KNOWS' what it means to have your 'world end, but it doesn't.' She reminds us that when someone you love dies, you don't just lose that person. You lose the hopes and dreams connected with that person. They take a part of you with them, which is why grief can be so dark, confusing and long-lasting.
But she doesn't just KNOW the loss. Dawn has walked -continues to walk- the journey of rebuilding. From the hard to imagine 'starting again' where you choose to move forward without your loved one; to the trusting that God has still got you when you are broken at the core of your being. Initially I was cautious that this book about rebuilding might give me a list to-do's to get over my grief. But actually, her directness and her study of God's word, partnered with her 'knowing' makes all the difference. Highly reccommend!
But she doesn't just KNOW the loss. Dawn has walked -continues to walk- the journey of rebuilding. From the hard to imagine 'starting again' where you choose to move forward without your loved one; to the trusting that God has still got you when you are broken at the core of your being. Initially I was cautious that this book about rebuilding might give me a list to-do's to get over my grief. But actually, her directness and her study of God's word, partnered with her 'knowing' makes all the difference. Highly reccommend!
July 8, 2025
When Your World Ends: God's Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life
This was quite an impactful and heartfelt book.
Dawn writes about the sudden loss of her husband, and what it means to grieve and move forward with God's plan for her life.
I was quite shocked by some of the book, and found it really sad and jarring.
Dawn's writing is very accessible - and especially applicable for those who are new to the faith, or are interested in Christianity.
I really like how Dawn focused on God through the book - even in the worst of times.
She also really points a lot of how her husband was a good role model for following the faith, and was really good at expressing the importance of prayer, church, Bible, etc.
If you are going through a lot, or want to consider how God's method for creating order out of chaos can be applied to your own life - I recommend you check this out.
3.3/5
This was quite an impactful and heartfelt book.
Dawn writes about the sudden loss of her husband, and what it means to grieve and move forward with God's plan for her life.
I was quite shocked by some of the book, and found it really sad and jarring.
Dawn's writing is very accessible - and especially applicable for those who are new to the faith, or are interested in Christianity.
I really like how Dawn focused on God through the book - even in the worst of times.
She also really points a lot of how her husband was a good role model for following the faith, and was really good at expressing the importance of prayer, church, Bible, etc.
If you are going through a lot, or want to consider how God's method for creating order out of chaos can be applied to your own life - I recommend you check this out.
3.3/5
September 18, 2024
10 years experience in trauma-informed work has taught me this: Life doesn't always go as planned. Loss can absolutely cut you at the knees. Crisis and grief are disorienting. You lose yourself, lose a sense of yourself, and you most definitely lose your way.
But there is HOPE. There is a way through, but you'll need a guide. Dawn Mann Sanders is that guide. With unique insight, personal experience in grief, and a love for God's Word, Dawn walks you through the process of reimagining your life after grief and stepping into it with power. This is not an easy endeavor, but Dawn uses the story of creation to reveal the path of re-creation, all the while reminding the reader that the Creator is right there in the process. He has a purpose, and He will fulfill it.
But there is HOPE. There is a way through, but you'll need a guide. Dawn Mann Sanders is that guide. With unique insight, personal experience in grief, and a love for God's Word, Dawn walks you through the process of reimagining your life after grief and stepping into it with power. This is not an easy endeavor, but Dawn uses the story of creation to reveal the path of re-creation, all the while reminding the reader that the Creator is right there in the process. He has a purpose, and He will fulfill it.
September 27, 2024
“When Your World Ends" by Dawn is a beautifully insightful and powerful resource for anyone walking through difficult seasons of life. From the moment Dawn mentioned that the Bible girl in her eventually returned to Scripture, I knew I was reading the right book. God’s Word holds the answer to every single situation we face in life. Dawn offers a fresh and healing perspective by weaving the creation story into the process of restoration, a concept that truly opened my eyes to new ways of experiencing God’s redemptive work. The journaling questions throughout the book are incredibly thought-provoking and practical, guiding readers through deep reflection and personal healing. This book is a gift to anyone seeking hope and healing after loss or trauma. Highly recommend!
September 11, 2025
I think this is a helpful for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. The author shares her experience of losing her husband and moving forward in faith as well as processing her new life through her faith.
She uses a lot of metaphors that can be a little helpful but it doesn’t depict faith as profoundly as it is. There was a lot of emphasis on taking action.
Overall, a helpful read for those grieving. 3.75 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
She uses a lot of metaphors that can be a little helpful but it doesn’t depict faith as profoundly as it is. There was a lot of emphasis on taking action.
Overall, a helpful read for those grieving. 3.75 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 12, 2024
I started reading out of curiosity and have kept reading because I was discovering new help and answers to questions no one had answered for me until now. The author is direct and practical. One of my favorite lines early in the book is, "Though my world had ended, the world hadn't." That one line assured me she understood from personal experience the pain of loss and grief and that she knew she had to find ways of moving forward.
September 12, 2024
Dawn does not give you a simple Sunday School answer for how to rebuild your life after something catastrophic happens. Instead she dives deep into Scripture helping us see how God's creation of the world can help us recreate our shattered worlds. It encouraged, challenged, and brought me closer to Jesus. Read this book and see what creativity God has in store for you.
November 21, 2024
You need to read Dawn’s beautiful message and uplifting words. There’s so many great quotes in this book. This is a must-read if you're currently going through a hard season. And if you're not, perhaps these words will serve a purpose for later in life. It's okay, and necessary to grieve when your world ends, but God isn't done with your story.
September 13, 2024
There was a time in our lives when I wish I had this book--When Your World Ends. Author Dawn Marie Sanders shares an excellent biblical rationale for rebuilding your life when it falls apart. Highly recommended!
December 31, 2024
This book taught me new things I have never considered about Genesis. It has permanently changed my thinking about what God is doing when it seems nothing is happening. I appreciate the deep encouragement I found in this excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews