What Comes Next: 40 Days of Healing After Heartbreak, Burnout, or Brokenness

by Jess Connolly

In the hardest seasons of our lives, we often get stuck on the question "Why me?" It's difficult not to feel defeated when we're overwhelmed by life and plagued by feelings of weakness and failure. But what if we changed the question? What if we stopped asking "Why me?" and started asking "What's next?"

Jess Connolly wants to help you make that crucial shift because she knows it makes all the difference for those of us who are heartbroken by our circumstances, burned out from the hamster wheel of life, or broken because of who we are, what we've done, or what's been done to us. What Comes Next is a 40-day experience of learning to
· receive rescue and care from the hand of God
· process the pain of the past so you can press onward in wholeness
· pick up the kingdom rewards that are yours for the taking
· move forward, agreeing with your powerful Spirit-filled identity

Ready to replace what could have been with a fresh vision of what God has ahead for you? Discover how your breakdown just might be the beginning of your breakthrough.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian, Faith

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Jess Connolly is a gal who is in the thick of it herself. She is the founder of the Naptime Diaries print shop, co-founder of the Influence Conference + Network, and she is passionate about using her words to point women to Jesus through writing and speaking. She and her husband planted a church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. Blog: www.jessconnolly.com

Reviews

[Madison Garrett Kulp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took this one a little slower, so it was more like 60 days of walking through burnout and brokenness for me. But I found it a helpful companion during a vocational transition and loved the affirmations and reflection questions at the end of each day. I don’t think I would recommend this for someone going through deep grief & loss, but it was a great way to dig into some burnout I’ve been experiencing!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely amazing study. I savored every day, and look forward to enjoying it again sometime.

[Katie Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guiding companion for life’s hardest seasons, this 40-day journey invites you to shift from “Why me?” to “What’s next?” through daily reflections and Scripture. It helps you receive God’s care, process past pain, reclaim Spirit-filled identity, and move toward healing with hope. A gentle path from breakdown toward breakthrough and renewed purpose.

I always enjoy and connect with Jess’ perspective and heart, even though our circumstances are wildly different. While this is written for someone moving through a deeply hopeless or grief-filled season, her openness and raw, comrade-like warmth lands with women in every chapter of life. I truly can’t skip anything she writes.

The layout of this devotional carries that same authenticity—each day includes Scripture, a time-tested reflection from Jess, thoughtful questions for processing, and a daily affirmation. I especially loved how the affirmations feel both time-bound and timeless—you’ll find yourself deeply connecting with her warm, present-day language while the principles remain firmly rooted in Scripture.

As we approach the end of 2025, what has your favorite devotional or Bible study been this year? I’m ready to stack my list for the new year.

Perfect for you if you like:
Devotionals that meet you gently in hard seasons
Daily affirmations
Spiritual formation that feels both tender and transformative

Similar to:
The Lord is My Courage by K.J. Ramsey
Soul Care by Debra Fileta
Embraced by Lysa TerKeurst

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Comes Next: 40 Days of Healing After Heartbreak, Burnout, or Brokenness by Jess Connolly is such an amazing book. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author. I think I would prefer this book in print form rather than as an audiobook because I would forget about the book and not come back to it at times. A book like this is best meant to be digested a little bit at a time to get the full value. However, since it is narrative by the author, it is a powerful powerful book and I actually think it’s like having mini sermons in your ear. I loved it and could not recommend it more. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own. I loved it so much that I purchased a copy and am actively encouraging other to buy a copy, too.

[Stacey Berkemeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been very good at using daily devotional books because I often find the daily questions to be surface level and lacking depth, but not What Comes Next… as soon as I received this book I opened to the first day’s questions and immediately teared up. This is the exact book I need in this season. It is unafraid to ask the hard questions, to reach into our grief and remind our souls the truth of who God is. I believe after these 40 days I will be stronger and more connected to Jesus after a season of heartache and doubt. Thank you Jess for bravely putting your heart on the line and doing this hard work so that we could meet Him in the midst of our trials just as you have.

[Stacy Leeming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess, Thank you for pouring yourself out in this book and for speaking truth in the hard seasons. I loved every book you have written, BUT THIS ONE….its so good. The past six years I’ve had to walk through so much pain. From betrayal, to loss, debilitating anxiety and panic, to loss again in a different form with only little breaths in between and holding on to Jesus and his promises to be all I need. I read this book in 2 days , but I’m starting back at the beginning. I will go day by day to take in and pray the truth of the words written in this book…in preparation for What Comes Next. ❤️

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I’m not sure I can put a finger on exactly why I felt a little let down by this devotional book… perhaps it was in part that this would have been a more timely read for me about a year ago. I’m just in a different place (thankfully!) and so the subject matter was sometimes hard to connect with. I also found the terminology of “daily affirmation” in lieu of “daily prayer” perplexing and wondered if this was perhaps the author’s attempt at being a more seeker-friendly read. I did enjoy doing this devotional in tandem with a friend and some of our discussions that were sparked as a result. And I appreciated the audio book access the author granted to pre-orders.

[Rosemond Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to RBmedia for the galley edition of this book.

I've long loved Jess Connolly and the beautiful words she offers, so I had to read this one! I was NOT disappointed. It was amazing! So heartfelt and relevant. I particularly enjoyed the reflection questions at the end of each day. You don't have to be going through something specific for those to hit. I can't imagine how powerful this book is when reading it through a heartbreak, burnout, or broken season. This book is a blessing.

[Caity Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I have so much respect for Jess Connolly, and am so grateful for her words. Even though I don’t always line up with her theologically anymore, I still benefit so much from her insight and perspective on faith. This book in particular felt like someone who has been formed and matured by dark days…there was a new wisdom and gentle authority to her words in this one.

[DSpencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Jess’ thoughts in general. I think she’s a great writer and speaker. This devo started really strong for me and then shifted to less impactful in the middle before rounding it out by ending on an up note.

[Kaitlin Van Essen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A GOOD BOOK!! I listed to this one and did so in a few days. will definitely come back to re-listen as needed!

[Julianne Ging · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a daily reading, this is a companion to walk with you during a season of transition, trial, or grief. It stopped me in my tracks several times as though Jess was speaking directly to my situations. Highly recommend.