Betrayed Not Broken: When Life Shatters, The Cross Still Stands

by Shelley Hitz

What do you do when the people you trusted most let you down—when your foundation cracks and everything you built your life on collapses?

In Betrayed But Not Broken, Shelley Hitz shares her personal journey of heartbreak, healing, and hope. Through the pain of church hurt and family betrayal, she discovered the power of forgiveness, the peace of surrender, and the unshakable truth that Jesus never leaves us.

This book will help

Process your pain with honesty and grace

Forgive even when it feels impossible

Rebuild your life on the firm foundation of Christ

Each chapter includes Reflect, Write, and Pray sections to guide your personal healing journey, along with a Leader’s Guide for group study—making this the perfect resource for small groups, women’s Bible studies, or ministry teams walking through healing together.

No matter how deep the wound, redemption is possible.
Because when everything else falls, the cross still stands.

Start your redemption road today. Order your copy of Betrayed But Not Broken and begin rebuilding with Jesus as your firm foundation.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Shelley Hitz is an author of over 50 books. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

She is also the owner of ChristianBookAcademy.com where she helps pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs get published and market their books.

Shelley's openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.

==> Connect with Shelley online at her website, www.ShelleyHitz.com.

Reviews

[Jeanie Eidem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a simple devotional type book. I liked that it allowed me to reflect on each chapter. I’ve had the ground crumble underneath me in the past. The reminder that sometimes there is silence not because God abandon me, but because I haven’t obeyed what he asked of me was profound. Thanks for the reminder that the cross still stands and that I shouldn’t stay in the rubble and let it define me.
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book that tells how Shelley stepped through from the crushing wounds of betrayal and into the freedom Christ has prepared for us.

Most of us experience betrayal of one short of another in our lives, the levels may vary but betrayal is betrayal and painful. Here Shelley shares the steps God showed her and lead her through and the truth from Fathers heart to how we can step through this. They say there is never a one size that fits everyone but there is one Lord who loved us and He can meet everyone of us where we are and this is true for all of us. There isn't anyone He can't heal there isn't a broken heart He has written of that's too far gone He can't heal and love. I

So with this in mind Shelley shares some truths from Fathers heart that can touch and help each one of us dealing with the cruelty and effects of betrayal. This can be obviously read on your own it can also be used in small group settings sharing the impact can help. Sometimes the raw emotion can be too much for us to share and for some too much to handle on our own so God gives us a way to meet us where we are and Shelley has written this in a way to meet those needs

I want to highly recommended this I found it very useful and feel you might find it likewise.

[Deborah Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed Not Broken by Shelley Hitz is a Scripture-rich story of the author’s journey through brokenness and the rebuilding of life on the True Foundation, Jesus! Each chapter moves through the process of describing your own life before the moment brokenness began, the breaking point, the people involved, the pain and emotions felt. Identifying the Manasseh Moment, being obedient to God and the realization that no matter what the circumstances, the Cross still stands. I recommend taking time to participate in Your Redemption Road sections at the close of each chapter. Don’t skip the opportunity to reflect, write, and pray on the way to rebuilding on the Rock. Forgiving is a difficult one for me, but her words about God being silent could be because He is waiting for me my Yes and to obey Him in the last thing He directed me to do has stuck with me. I truly enjoyed her previous book Broken Crayons Still Color, but this one gives me a clear plan with action steps to rebuilding to my life from the brokenness I have experienced. Praise God that Shelley has taken her story of heartbreak, healing, and hope, and was vulnerable to share her story with us all. I was provided with book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed Not Broken is an easy read that speaks directly to something many of us have experienced but rarely talk about openly — church hurt. Shelley shares a sincere part of her own journey, including the moment she learned how to forgive the very people she loved, trusted, and was deeply hurt by. Her honesty makes the message land even stronger.

What stood out to me most was how clearly she describes the peace that followed forgiveness. It’s a powerful reminder that true healing doesn’t come from people or circumstances but from leaning fully on the Rock. When we shift our focus from the wounds to the One who restores, we can experience that same peace she writes about.

The devotional-style format is a beautiful touch. Each chapter ends with a chance to Reflect, Write, and Pray, helping the reader process their own hurt and move toward forgiveness at their own pace.

A simple, sincere, and encouraging book for anyone walking through emotional or spiritual wounds.

I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I liked the simplicity.I didn’t get a brain cramp!
Shelley’s practical book had a profound impact on me.
We all have wounds from past betrayal and abuse.
We try “bandaids” to numb the pain.
But,
JESUS is The Answer!
The Holy Spirit highlighted people, situations, idols (like shopping, overeating), to temporarily soothe the pain. Praying through Shelley’s guided steps of forgiveness, repentance and restoration, I was set free!
This is an excellent book for personal and group Bible study for inner healing.
This book will bring you back to intimacy and deeper relationship with JESUS. The only Healer of our broken hearts.
As a pastor’s wife, I know this will be very helpful in one’s ministry to help bring others to victory.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Martin Albanese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed Not Broken is a deeply moving and inspiring book that takes readers on a journey of healing, forgiveness, and restoration. Shelley Hitz shares her personal story of betrayal and church hurt with raw honesty, offering hope and encouragement to anyone who has experienced brokenness. ​ Through Scripture, reflection prompts, and heartfelt prayers, she guides readers to rebuild their lives on the unshakable foundation of Christ. ​ This book is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of pain, the cross still stands, and healing is possible. ​ I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking hope and strength in difficult seasons. ​I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Karen T. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because of the similarities to my own life, and it felt like looking into a mirror reflecting my soul. Shelley’s honesty and the encouragement in her words poured into me like new wine—a refreshing fountain for my spirit.

Shelley wrote, “He doesn’t just patch us up—He restores.” That’s exactly what God does when we choose to walk in forgiveness, and this book will help guide you there.

I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Rhonda Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Shelley! Thank you for writing this book! I appreciate your honesty! I grew up in church and know what it means to feel betrayed! It is hard and messy. I liked the reflect and journal time at the end of each section. If you have ever been hurt or felt betrayed, this book is for you. You can use this book personally or in a group setting. I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book full of raw pain and unbelievable hope. It’s a handbook of encouragement for the beat down and weary. I recommend this book to anyone who has faced betrayal and is struggling with overcoming it. The scriptures to declare aloud at the end of the book are so powerful!

*I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review

[Monique Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Roadmap

This book is an honest roadmap to cope with betrayal of any sort. The author's honesty pulls you in and her journey is encouraging.

I believe a group study should indeed be beneficial.