40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God

by Rosann S. Coulon

Take comfort in the perfect Fatherhood of God in this forty–day devotional

While our relationships with our earthly fathers were designed to reflect our relationship with our heavenly Father, the reality of sin in our world means that many of us have relationships with our fathers fraught with pain, disappointment or absence. This devotional was written as a reminder that God is the wonderful Father that each of us desperately needs.

Even for those who have good relationships with their fathers, many memories can be filled with joy and laughter and hold warm feelings of love, some others are expressed with sadness, tears, and feelings of betrayal. Rosann Coulon has found herself on the spectrum of all these emotions.

This devotional consists of ten sections, demonstrating something our fathers should be, and showing how God perfectly displays fatherhood.

Genres: Devotional, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Mackenzie Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been working my way through this 40 day devotional and I am seriously loving it! The passages are quick and easy to read through, but yet so meaningful. I love that each day ends with a “pause”, “ponder”, and “pray” section. It helps me focus and reflect and take time to talk to God. Thank you Rosann for this truly wonderful devotional!


I received an ARC of this book but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Abigail Dial · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God" is a beautifully written and deeply moving devotional that invites readers into a closer, more intimate relationship with God. Each day's reflection is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and Scripture-based truths that gently guide the heart toward deeper faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.

The devotional is structured in a way that makes it accessible to both new believers and those who have walked with God for years. Every devotion feels like a personal conversation with a loving Father, offering peace, healing, and a renewed sense of identity in Christ. Whether you are seeking refuge during difficult times or simply desiring to grow spiritually, this book is a powerful tool for drawing near to God.

What sets 40 Days to God, My Father apart is its heartfelt sincerity and depth. The author’s words are both poetic and practical, helping readers not only reflect but also apply these lessons to their daily lives.

If you are longing for a deeper sense of God’s presence and a greater understanding of His love as a Father, this book is a must-read. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for comfort, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. This devotional will bless your heart and strengthen your faith in ways you never imagined!

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This devotional book speaks to the heart. It relates the relationship with our earthly father to that with our heavenly Father—showing the similarities and differences, especially depending on how our own fathers acted and lived. Some of the daily readings include similar information, but each has a bit of a different focus. The ten sections of the book look at the character of God and include A Loving Father, A Faithful Father, A Guiding Father, and A Protecting Father. The author shares candidly from her own experiences and writes in a way that is easy to relate to. Each day begins with a Bible verse and concludes with suggested Scripture passages to read, a thought to ponder, and a prayer. This could also be used as a takeoff for studying these ten divine characteristics or as journaling prompts. I appreciated the Epilogue that ties up the story of her father. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice devotional. Organized into 40 days, with ten different sections focusing on different aspects of God as a Father, this book is not overwhelming to look at completing at all. Each devotional day starts out with a verse. We then move into the author’s 2ish page commentary on it which occasionally dives into the meaning of certain words after that there are three Bible verses or passages to look up and read. There is a time for reflection with questions for the reader and then a short prayer. This was a nice read and good for anyone looking for a daily devotional they can use that takes less than 5 minutes.

I originally received this book from a tour company for a spotlight post and now chose to take it off my bookshelf to voluntarily read and leave an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good collection of devotions generated from Coulon's experiences with chronic illness and other issues. I appreciate her realistic approach, noting that God did not always give her the answer she wanted, such as for children. The devotions are divided by topic so one could read this book cover to cover or go to the topic of immediate interest. At the end of each devotion is related Scripture, a thought to ponder with suggested action and a prayer to recite. It is a good devotional for those who desire encouragement to return to the heart of God.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this collection of beautiful, heartfelt devotionals, Rosann Coulon shares stories from her own experience, each one illustrating an aspect of the true nature of our Heavenly Father in a powerful and relatable way. Through her joys and her struggles, the author reminds her readers that we are all deeply and unconditionally loved and encourages us to run into our Father's open arms. Readers from all walks of life will find hope, comfort, and encouragement in the pages of this book.
I received an ARC of this book but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this soul-stirring 40-day devotional, Rosann Coulon masterfully weaves together heartfelt storytelling and scripture, illuminating the faithful character of God, our loving Father. This devotional is a tapestry of tenderness and strength, inviting us to seek refuge in the embrace of our loving Creator while gently guiding our hearts away from relentless striving toward the profound truth that God's love for us is unwavering and unconditional.

Each day's reflection serves as a gentle reminder, drawing us back to God as our ultimate sanctuary of comfort, security, and love. As Rosann beautifully articulates, "Our Father is trustworthy to guide us through the obscure and winding paths of life. He has every resource we need to find peace, comfort, and safety.” A beautiful reminder that we can find a safe harbor in God’s presence, embracing the assurance that we are held in the arms of a Father who cares deeply for us.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jesslyn McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God is the perfect devotional to wake up and start your day off with. Beautifully written, Rosann Coulon unlocks the desire of your heart to call upon the only One who can lay a foundation for your life that will never crumble. It's filled with scripture, truth, personal stories, and reflection, and each daily devotional ends in a prayer. I was greatly encouraged by each devotional and would highly recommend this book.

[Amy Hetland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have a father wound, and it helped me develop my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I got to know Him and His many loving characteristics. Each chapter is about the Father, and Rosann relates it to her own life. She adds a few verses that expound on His characteristics, and asks a few questions to make the reader think. Then she follows with prayer. This book definitely helped me in my relationship with God, and helped heal the father wound in me. I highly recommend it!

[Jenny Marcelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosann Coulon's delight in God, diligence to study His Word, and dedication to leverage words to magnify the Lord makes her book, 40 Days to God, My Father, a wise choice for any Christian woman looking for an engaging, biblical devotion. Rosann invites us to dive into the rich depths of our heavenly Father's love utilizing the Bible and hard won truth from her own journey. This is a devotion you'll want an extra copy of on your shelf to pass along to family and friends.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon! Using parts of the Testimony of her life and correlating experiences from time with her Earthly Father and Heavenly Father, Ms. Coulon has crafted 40 devotion entries separated into 10 sections. Each devotion entry includes an opening Bible verse that corresponds with that day’s devotion, and a “Ponder”, a “Pause”, and a “Pray” prompt at the end of each entry. The “Ponder” section has further Bible Passages corresponding to the devotion entry, the “Pause” section has questions to help you think and digest about what you just read, and the “Pray” section offers an example of a prayer that you can pray regarding what you just read.

I absolutely love 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon! You know how sometimes God guides to a devotional and you’re not really sure why? 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon did that for me. I used 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God in my own personal devotion time, devouring it and reading a section a day. Being a Daddy’s Girl myself, I really sensed and appreciated Ms. Coulon’s vulnerability in each devotion. I loved how through the raw and real of Ms. Coulon’s life, she found and chose to see the True Father. I loved the stories from Ms. Coulon’s personal life that are shared in the devotional and how she seamlessly correlated that story to the Character of God. I love the attributes and points about God that were brought out in each devotion. What I gleaned and learned from 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God really Ministered to me. I highly recommend 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon!

Have you read 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God to review, for letting me be a part of the 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also Amazon and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 40 day devotional that focuses on the Father above - who He is, how He acts in our lives, how He desires our heart and offers His. Each daily reading is fairly short but can be lengthened by how the reader chooses to read and meditate on the scriptures and questions offered. Page wise, each daily devo is 2 or 3 pages. Each includes a story from the author and 3 sections: pause (scripture to read), ponder (a question and thought to consider), and pray (a short prayer to pray). These are all focused on a different aspect of God the Father's character - loving, encouraging, trustworthy, providing, protecting, etc. There are 10 sections with multiple days of devotions within each.

I found this to be a bit hard for me to read because there was so much focus on the author's personal experiences and life that it made it hard for me to focus on God. Skipping the personal commentary at the beginning of each day did change that but it also left little focus for the pause, ponder, pray sections. The scripture did not really seem to be the focus here so I struggled. It could easily have been my state of mind, as I have currently been struggling to stay focused on Bible study. I also don't tend to love daily devotions and had looked forward to this one because of the title and focus on God the Father. One other thing I tend to struggle with (and this is no fault of the author) is devotional books that I have to access on a computer (I had a PDF to read). I need paper for reading God's word. These are definitely personal struggles because I found the theology in the devotions I did read to be sound. Give it a try. It might be just right for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God was an incredible devotional experience. Over the course of 40 days, author Coulon takes 4 days to show readers 10 different aspects or qualities of God: His love, encouragement, faithfulness; His guidance, trustworthiness, provision; His protection and comfort; and His healing and His mercy. Each of these is revealed and displayed in Coulon's devotional writings, where she shares ways that she personally experienced these beautiful qualities of God's, as He engaged with her (and engages with us) as God her Father.

I loved this devotional so much! It was truly a joy to open it during my quiet times each morning. I'd read the opening Bible verse, then Rosann's devotional writing. At each devotion's end, she includes some personal engagement activities for the reader. First, she includes additional verses to look up in our Bibles, to show us more fully how God works in these qualities. Next, there's a question to ponder; and last, a written prayer that the reader can speak back to God. (Of course, you can pray your own prayer here as well--or a combination of Rosann's and your own!)

At the end of each devotional, I truly did feel closer to God by understanding better these qualities of His, and the ways He exercises them in my life. Personal, encouraging, and equipping. Those words describe perfectly this beautiful devotional! 5 stars!

I received a copy of this devotional from the author. All thoughts and opinions shared here are my own.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many people, I haven't had a great relationship with my dad. 40 Days to God, My Father by Rosann S. Coulon is a devotional aimed at those of us who have difficult father relationships in one way or another. Maybe your dad was absent or maybe you didn't have a good relationship for another reason, but if your relationship is marked by heartache of some sort, this book was written for you, according to the author.

As you would expect from the title, this book has forty devotions in it. In the introduction, the author shares some of her story with her father. She also shares how she encourages readers to read the book. The book is divided into 10 sections with four devotions each: A Loving Father, An Encouraging Father, A Faithful Father, A Guiding Father, A Trustworthy Father, A Providing Father, A Protecting Father, A Comforting Father, A Healing Father, A Mercifal Father and followed by an Epilogue about holding tightly to our Heavenly Father's Hand. There is also an invitation to know Jesus at the back of the book with a complete plan of salvation included.

Each devotional reading includes a Bible verse, followed by the reading. Then at the end of the reading there are more Bible verses to read, Some things to ponder and a prayer to pray. To get the most out of each reading, Coulon suggests that you read the extra Bible verses and read the things to think about too. Those thoughts to ponder would be good to journal if you like to write out your thoughts. I think this is an interesting devotional guide that gives the reader a lot to think about and could bring one closer to God in spite of having a difficult father relationship.

I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Tours. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been slowly reading my way through this beautiful new devotional book, and really enjoying it!

This book has many personal stories from the author, showing her own journey into a deeper relationship with God as a Father. I found this to be very encouraging and challenging.

There are forty days of reading, each day begins with a Bible verse, then a short reading to help illustrate the truth of this verse. Following that, there is Pause - giving more Scriptures to read; Ponder - asking some pertinent questions, and things to challenge and ponder on; and finally, Pray - a prayer to follow up what the day's devotional is about.

I think this book is relevant for all of us, especially as Christian women in today's world. We all need these daily reminders that God is right here with us, and wants to be recognized and known for who He is - our loving Father.

I found this book to be so helpful and encouraging, and I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a great way to start off their day. It would also be a sweet way to end a day.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon is a work of nonfiction. This beautifully written devotional provides an excellent insight into viewing God as our heavenly Father. These short but insightful devotionals provide Scriptural references and are enriched by personal accounts.

With wonderful Biblical truths and ideas to ponder, this devotional provides the perfect devotional for any time of year. In each devotional, Rosann Coulon invites you to dive into God’s heart more personally.

The devotional, made up of ten sections divided into four daily readings can be read either in order or read by whatever section resonates the most with you that week. To gain the most from this devotional, you need to spend some time to read the Scriptures and ponder what they say. Then you can work through the “Pause, Ponder, and Pray” sections.

You should take time to read, study, pray, and even journal in some form your thoughts about each section. Invite God into your heart and spend time with Him on a personal level.

So if you want a work of nonfiction, check out 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God by Rosann Coulon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional book is set apart from many others as the author is writing from her personal experience of both suffering from chronic physical pain, and the emotional pain of walking through a difficult life situation with a family member. The author does not shy away from acknowledging there are times that life can be a struggle. However, through these beautifully written devotions, she encourages the reader that as we walk through difficult seasons of life, we can find true love, hope, and peace in God, our Heavenly Father.

I loved the format of each day’s devotion. In each day’s reading there are several Scriptures to meditate on; questions to help you think about what you have read for that day; and then a prayer to draw it all together. This is an uplifting book to read for a 40 day devotional period, but I think that there would also be a benefit in using each of the ten sections as the basis for an extended study on its own. The author’s daily reminders of how God sees, knows, and cherishes each one of us as His dearly loved child will be an encouragement for the believer in any season of life.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring guide to trusting God—even through the toughest times . . .

Author Rosann S. Coulon has written a well-formatted and thorough 40-Day devotional for readers to use to draw closer to God. Each daily entry features a theme, a relevant Bible scripture, and an example of a memory from the author's personal life. The end of each devotional provides a text box featuring three steps—or calls to action—the author suggests readers follow: Pause—read the three scriptures she provides. Ponder—think about the question she poses. Pray—pray the short prayer she includes.

The Back Matter includes an Epilogue summarizing the themes included in the text and bringing her narrative to a close. The author then presents an invitation to have a relationship with Jesus and gives a succinct path to salvation readers can follow.

I found this devotional to be encouraging and inspiring. It is well-organized and user friendly.

I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional came at the perfect time. With Easter a few days away, this helped me focus on my Heavenly Father and “His magnificent love for me”.

I like that each day is only a few pages long, that begin with a Bible verse to set the stage, a personal story from the author that connects with that day’s focus, and then that day’s “Pause, Ponder, and Pray” where we’re left to read and meditate on God’s Word, letting it speak to us, and communing with the Lord. I appreciate that the main focus is on cultivating our relationship with God one day at a time.

Each day doesn’t take up much time, which is perfect if time isn’t on your side, but each day also packs a powerful punch of wisdom and invitation to commune with the Lord. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to use this powerful resource to prepare my heart during the Lenten season.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really think everyone should owe and read and reread "40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God" by Rosann Coulon. It is short 40 devotions that have no date listed so any devotion is good for any day. She even says in the section "How to read this book you can pick the section that resonates with your current life situation and start there. There are ten sections having 4 daily readings, and each one has Scriptures to read and a Pause, Ponder and Pray section. This would be another book to journal with or to start journey. I think this book is a good one because the author is honest and tells us that God did not always give her the answer she wanted, such as for children and losing her father to Covid. I plan on rereading this book and doing the Pause, Ponder and Pray section more thoroughly, I read the book for review purpose and really felt a tugging in my heart to do a deeper study of the Scripture as I want to really find shelter in My Heavenly Father.
I received a complementally copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with personal stories, scripture and Biblical figures this devotional is priceless. I like how the author encourages us to find a deeper relationship with God. Some of us may not have had a good earthly father, but we do have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally.

At the end of each chapter is scripture to read, a question to think on and a prayer that helps you in your daily life. One thing I really liked about the book was the different topics it covers. The author suggests that you don’t have to follow the book each day, but read a chapter that may be where you are needing that extra word and scripture for encouragement that day.

I really liked the section about trusting God. Just like the disciples on the boat, I sometimes feel like I’m in a storm as well. Looking around I feel alone, a bit scared and hopeless. But God is right there with each of us. Oh that we may trust God with every part of our lives and find unconditional love with Him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is a heartwarming devotional and a great teaching tool on how to trust God, offering comfort and strength through every season of life.

This is an easy daily devotional easy to fit into your daily schedule. I have been having a really hard time with my spiritual health. I haven't been very trustworthy of God lately. I have lost faith because of things I have gone through in the last four years.

This is a beautiful and well written devotional to have. This a Heartfelt stories of hope and unconditional love. Growing up I had to deal with an father who had a drinking problem and was never around.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you hunger to have a closer and deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father? In this book by Rosann Coulon, the reader will have an opportunity to explore the varied facets of our Father's love for her. The Author reveals difficulties she encountered with her own father that affected her having a healthy and complete relationship with her Heavenly Father.

Written in story and devotional style, the reader can journey with the Author through her discovery of the compassion, tenderness, and depth of God's love. Within each devotional is the opportunity to draw closer to the Father through Scripture, sections to ponder the devotional, and place to write your prayer to the Father as a response to your experience.

This is an excellent book to enrich your relationship with God, Your Father.

[Heather Erdmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you have struggled in your relationship with your earthly father or had a close bond, this devotional will help you focus on the loving characteristics of our Heavenly Father that never change. As I read each entry, I found myself drawing closer to God and meditating on His faithful love, care, and grace. It's our sure foundation in a world that is too often disappointing and unreliable, and Rosann's thoughtful and eloquently shared personal experiences will help you draw closer to God, too!

I looked forward to each day's reading, and think this devotional will be one you will want to read again and again! Highly recommend!

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosann S. Coulon writes 40 Days to God My Father with a rare honesty that comes from walking through deep suffering. Her journey with debilitating chronic pain gives each devotion sincerity, transparency, and vulnerability that deeply touched my heart. Her words blessed me and drew me closer to the tender love of God, my Abba Father.

Each day’s devotion encourages the reader to find shelter in the heart of God by inviting us to pause through additional scripture, ponder a thought we can personally apply, and close with a heart felt prayer. This is a devotional I will enjoy keeping on my nightstand.

[Traci Shnider · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Days To God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God is an absolutely beautiful devotional that's written from the heart. If you're struggling to trust God or if you’re simply on a journey to discover God’s character and Fatherly love, then this devotional is for you. Each devotion, with its accompanying Scripture verses, reflections, and prayers, is designed to deepen your relationship with the Father. And the added bonus of Rosann's personal story in both the Introduction and Epilogue will tug at your heartstrings, so make sure to grab a tissue.

[Gladys Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter your relationship with your earthly father—whether warm, painful, or absent—40 Days to God, My Father invites you into the embrace of the perfect Father. Through ten sections and daily reflections, this devotional reveals God as loving, faithful, and unchanging. With Scripture, reflection, and guided prayer, you’ll find healing, comfort, and a deeper trust in the One who will never fail you.

[Rosann S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote 40 Days to God, My Father to encourage women to run to the Heavenly Father with every need and desire. It's a rich reminder that the Lord is good, faithful, loving, and kind. He can be trusted when life is hard and others let us down. I hope you'll join me on a journey to a better understanding of God's characteristics and walk away from 40 Days to God, My Father filled with comfort, hope, and peace.

[Susan Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a beautiful reminder of what a wonderful Heavenly Father we have. Through her devotional, Roseann takes us on a beautiful journey through God’s word painting the landscape of what it is like to be truly loved, cherished, and adored. The book is divided into sections that make it easy to read slowly and savor guiding the reader into their own time of prayer and reflection to discover for themselves the beauty of being a child of God.

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharing relatable stories from her own life, Coulon perfectly captures the intricate and often-complicated relationship we have with our earthly fathers, while devotional thoughts, scriptures, and prayers urge us to lean into and trust our perfect heavenly Father. A beautiful tool to gently draw nearer to the heart of God.

*Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.