I've Been to Heaven: The True Story of a Husband's Supernatural Near-Death Experience of the Afterlife, His Wife's Prayer That Brought Him Back, and God's Message of Hope for the World

by Steve Boyls, Kathy Boyls, Troy Anderson

Admitted to the ICU with COVID-19, Steve Boyls spent forty-five days on a ventilator and three and a half months in the hospital. As his body struggled to stay alive, his wife, Dr. Kathy Boyls, fought bureaucracy, medical protocols, and demonic attacks and, through warfare, supported by friends and family, received a miracle.

But as the battle raged on earth, Steve was ushered into Heaven, where he witnessed unspeakable beauty, unimaginable joy, and overwhelming hope. From watching a ball game with the son he lost through miscarriage to seeing old friends, family, and pets to an incredible encounter with Jesus and his warhorses, Steve's adventures in Heaven are some of the most detailed and uplifting stories brought back from beyond the veil.

Engaging and masterfully told with the help of Pulitzer Prize nominee Troy Anderson, the Boylses' story is an incredible reminder that even with eternity before us, this life we live now is worth the fight. Miracles do happen, God still answers the prayer of faith--and He's coming back very soon.

Genres: Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Jean Mader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful that I read “I’ve Been to Heaven- “ The True Story of a Husband’s Supernatural
Near-Death Experience of the Afterlife. His Wife's Prayer That Brought Him Back, and God's Message of Hope
for the World” by Steve Boyls and Kathy Boyls M.D.

Steve Boyls developed a very serious case of Covid during the Pandemic. He faced a long hospitalization, and recovery. He was near death many times. Thanks to his loving Savior, the prayers of his wife, family, and friends, and the medical staff, he achieved a full recovery. This in itself is a wonderful testimony. Something amazing also happened- for a short time Steve was taken to heaven and saw the Glory of God and met many people he knew. Yes, truly amazing.

While his medical story and visit to heaven are remarkable to read about, I was most taken with the faith and strong Christian beliefs Steve and Kathy demonstrated. I also appreciated their presentations of scripture and how they relied on it during his amazing illness. “We know we can depend on him entirely.” ‘What an amazing God we have!”
‘
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shares a powerful and deeply personal account of Steve Boyls’ near-death experience and the prayers that brought him back. The story itself is moving, offering an inspiring glimpse into faith, love, and hope. It’s clear that the authors’ intent was to provide encouragement and reassurance about God’s presence and promises.

That said, the narrative leans heavily on scripture references, which at times made the book feel bulked out and slowed the pace of the story. While this won’t be an issue for readers who enjoy detailed biblical discussion, those primarily interested in the near-death experience itself may find the theological emphasis a little overwhelming.

Overall, it’s a good read with a heartfelt message. For readers seeking both a testimony of a miraculous event and a thorough scriptural exploration of its meaning, this book will resonate. For those looking for a more streamlined personal account, it may feel a bit too scripture-heavy.

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is a true story of Steve, who was critically unwell in hospital with Covid, while his wife, Kathy, prayed hard for him. Steve retells his story of visiting Heaven, while unwell, and how he overcame every obstacle in his way to recover.

I wanted to read this book as I definitely believe this is something after this life, and there will be a time when we get to reunite with passed loved ones. It does offer hope, and helps firm my beliefs in the afterlife. The downside to this book is that it contains a lot of scriptures and, which bulks the book out. I did like Steve's story though.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It's told in such a humble, conversation style way. I love the back and forth between Steve and Kathy. It flows effortlessly. I love the two forewords and also the introduction by Steve himself. I could relate to Steve growing up Baptist but having a Pentecostal experience and I love Kathy's prayer warrior, Marilyn. There isn't anything I don't love about this book and I'm so glad I read it. I can't help but talk about it with those I love and also with friends, etc.

[Laura Goodremote · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are doubting or new to believing you must pick up & read because there is so much in this book that will turn a skeptic into a believer.

I can't wait for my next life to be with Jesus & to see my babies that could never have been born in this life.

make each and every single day impactful today.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this book is a powerful testimony to heaven and God's love for us. However, it was not well written, and the actual heaven part did not last as long as I thought it would. It does give me a beautiful description of what I can look forward to in heaven, and knowing my family, dogs, baseball, and worship are there give me so much to look forward to!

[Patricia Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Then Jesus showed him a picture of himself healed in red and white striped pajamas (or perhaps it was bright orange). Be sober, be vigilant, interested readers, to not be devoured by this story of a man coming back to Earth from Heaven in the uniform of the prisoner, the criminal.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Boyls’ I’ve Been to Heaven completely sent me into an existential spiral at 1 a.m. because nothing prepares you for reading about a man fighting for his life during the Covid pandemic… then calmly describing Heaven with the kind of certainty that makes you sit there staring at the wall questioning literally everything.

Published by Baker Pubkishing , thank you to the publisher for the gifted Book. This was one of those books that felt less like “reading” and more like sitting across from someone pouring out the most life-altering story they’ve ever lived through while you quietly hold your coffee and try not to cry.

At the center of this story are Steve and Kathy Boyls, a husband and wife whose faith is tested in ways most of us pray we never experience. Steve becomes critically ill with Covid and spends a long period hospitalized, hovering between life and death while Kathy, family, friends, and medical staff fight right alongside him through prayer, hope, and sheer determination. But what makes this memoir so memorable is Steve’s description of what happened while he was near death — his experience of Heaven, the overwhelming peace he felt, and the people he says he encountered there.

What stayed with me most wasn’t even the supernatural aspect. It was the unwavering faith threaded through every page. You can feel how deeply Steve and Kathy leaned on scripture, prayer, and each other during unimaginable fear. Even when the book became scripture-heavy at times, it never felt performative to me. It felt like survival. Like two people clinging to belief when everything around them was uncertain.

“There is hope beyond what we can see.”

That line pretty much sums up the emotional heartbeat of this book.

This is the kind of read that will especially resonate with readers who enjoy Christian memoirs, stories about near-death experiences, inspirational nonfiction, and books centered on faith, healing, and the afterlife. If you’ve ever wrestled with grief, fear, loss, or questions about what comes after this life, there’s something here that will probably linger with you long after the final page.

For me, this landed somewhere around 4 stars. Not because it was polished and perfect, but because it felt deeply sincere. And honestly? In a world that feels chaotic half the time, there’s something comforting about reading a story so rooted in hope.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you ever read a book about near-death experiences or the afterlife that genuinely stayed with you… or are you someone who avoids those stories completely?