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Even the Ashes Bloom: Finding Beauty When You Feel Broken
186 pages, Hardcover
Published February 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Even the Ashes Bloom is a beautifully written reminder that God meets us in our most fragile places. As I read, I felt a deep sense of healing and confirmation—almost as if God was gently echoing the work He’s already been doing in my heart. Sarah’s words validated my journey and gave language to the quiet transformation God continues to shape within me.
What I loved most is how the book honors the slow, sacred process of restoration. It doesn’t rush grief or minimize the wilderness; instead, it shows how God brings growth from the very places that once felt barren. The imagery of blooming after ashes felt especially true to my own season, making this book both comforting and deeply affirming.
If you’re walking through transition, loss, or quiet rebuilding, this book will sit with you, encourage you, and remind you that God’s story never ends in ashes. It’s a gentle, hope-filled companion for anyone longing for renewal.
What I loved most is how the book honors the slow, sacred process of restoration. It doesn’t rush grief or minimize the wilderness; instead, it shows how God brings growth from the very places that once felt barren. The imagery of blooming after ashes felt especially true to my own season, making this book both comforting and deeply affirming.
If you’re walking through transition, loss, or quiet rebuilding, this book will sit with you, encourage you, and remind you that God’s story never ends in ashes. It’s a gentle, hope-filled companion for anyone longing for renewal.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Even the Ashes Bloom is a beautiful story about the author's life and trials and how she was (and is) able to overcome them with God's help. Everyone can relate to this story, because everyone has experienced trials that have brought them to brokenness at some point. However, Sarah Brown shows how brokenness brought her from ashes to BLOOMing -- an acronym that teaches the reader to B (Believe it), believing God's presence is with you throughout your life; L (Linger), lingering in His promises in Scripture, such as Psalm 34:18; O (Observe), reflecting on life's trials and how they have made you who you are and how your relationship is with God; O (Offer Prayer), through Psalm 51:17, asking God to turn your brokenness into an example of His glory; and M (Magnify), using your testimony to show how God has helped you as you work through your brokenness. This book is honest, relatable, and a great resource for working through trials.
March 1, 2026
A Beautiful Reminder That Healing Is Possible
I read Even the Ashes Bloom on the plane to and from my holiday and couldn’t put it down. While Sarah S. Brown shares her own experience of divorce and loss, I found myself deeply relating to so much of what she shared. My story is different, but the themes of trauma, grief, and rebuilding resonated deeply with me.
Sarah writes with such honesty and vulnerability. Her words reflect the rawness of being broken - the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty - yet they also gently point toward hope. What moved me most is the reminder that even though we would never have chosen the ashes in our lives, God can still use them to create something meaningful.
Thank you, Sarah, for your courage in sharing your story. I would recommend this book to anyone walking through a difficult season. There is hope. Healing is possible.
Ah, and I really like the cover!
I read Even the Ashes Bloom on the plane to and from my holiday and couldn’t put it down. While Sarah S. Brown shares her own experience of divorce and loss, I found myself deeply relating to so much of what she shared. My story is different, but the themes of trauma, grief, and rebuilding resonated deeply with me.
Sarah writes with such honesty and vulnerability. Her words reflect the rawness of being broken - the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty - yet they also gently point toward hope. What moved me most is the reminder that even though we would never have chosen the ashes in our lives, God can still use them to create something meaningful.
Thank you, Sarah, for your courage in sharing your story. I would recommend this book to anyone walking through a difficult season. There is hope. Healing is possible.
Ah, and I really like the cover!
March 2, 2026
Even the Ashes Bloom by Sarah S. Brown is a wonderful read! I love this author's writing style, very sweet and relational, and I was very glad I picked this one up to read even though I had not experienced a divorce. This book is like a sweet hug from a trusted friend, gently touching on hidden grief and pain in my life. I'm so thankful for her encouragement to sit with Jesus and reflect with Him as He searched my heart. I am so guilty of always thinking I need to work and strive harder, Sarah's words gave me permission to slow down and reflect and do the deep internal work with Jesus to receive His healing. I'm so grateful that God wastes nothing in our lives and can bring so much beauty from the ashes. Thank you, Sarah, for this book, your sweet gift to the world. I believe this book would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day! 🙏💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every year, I choose one of God's names to study for the year. This year, my name is "Jehovah Rapha," The God Who Heals. This book beautifully aligns with my study for the year. As I read the author's vulnerable words about the broken parts of her story, I was reminded of the ways God has transformed the ashes in my life, allowing them to bear fruit. These pages are filled with hope for the broken and healing for the hurting. I found myself sitting with this message and thinking about it throughout my days. I will be sharing this book with every woman who needs hope and healing from past and present wounds. It is truly a treasure that led me closer to Christ and deeper into his healing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Even the Ashes Bloom is a beautiful and hope-filled reminder that true resilience isn’t about trying harder—it’s about turning to God. Sarah compassionately addresses the deep emotional and spiritual brokenness that can follow a fractured relationship and the identity crisis that often comes with it. She exposes the lies we’re tempted to believe and replaces them with biblical truth about who we really are. I especially appreciated her insight into the roots of perfectionism and how healing begins at a deeper level. This book goes beyond motivation as it points to lasting restoration in Christ.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The author brings her personal stories to help others heal. Her vulnerability draws the reader in. There was so much I had repressed in my own story as I started working through the book. This book helped me to start the healing process that I didn’t realize. I’m blooming from the ashes. I recommend this book for those who’ve gone through the hard weeds and are ready to bring beauty into the ashes.
Review of advance copy
Even the Ashes Bloom offers an honest, unflinching account of heartbreak, identity struggles, and the journey toward healing. Sarah’s candid storytelling draws readers in, and her vulnerability makes the narrative deeply resonant and genuine. This is a must-read for anyone burdened by past wounds or disappointments. More than comfort, it extends hope, grace, and the conviction that beauty can emerge from the ashes.
March 3, 2026
Whether you have walked through a season of being stuck, or are walking through that season right now; stuck in despair, brokenness, grief, hopelessness, regret, emptiness, living in survival mode, this book is for you!
It will remind you that it is never too late for restoration and that God walks with you every step of the way.
Sarah writes with a perfect combination of sincerity and simplicity, with a voice that will speak directly to 'your' heart.
It will remind you that it is never too late for restoration and that God walks with you every step of the way.
Sarah writes with a perfect combination of sincerity and simplicity, with a voice that will speak directly to 'your' heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah honestly and vulnerably shares the story of her life suddenly falling apart, and the long, hard and hopeful journey of healing. For anyone who struggles to trust God when life doesn’t turn out the way you expected. Or anyone struggling with the weight of guilt from past mistakes. This book is the reminder of God’s grace we all need.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just having moments of pure brokenness and feeling lost and like there’s not an ounce of hope, but then slowly feeling God’s hand in tiny glimpses is overpowering and break-taking! Her story is something many of us relate to in one way or another! It gives us a chance to heal and to be able to breathe! It’s heart wrenching and yet even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined!
March 2, 2026
Most of us have likely had lifetime experiences that brought deep pain and sorrow. We’ve felt broken and lost and hope seemed an impossibility. From her own journey, Sarah S. Brown shares strategies for healing and renewed hope, reminding us that God’s grace and love bring healing to our broken spirits.
March 13, 2026
Honest. Encouraging. Helpful. Important. These are a but a few words that come to mind as I think about Sarah's book. It's written from a humble, thoughtful perspective. She doesn't preach to the reader, but instead she walks beside us letting us know that the ashes in our lives aren't the end of our story. In fact, they just might be the very beginning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked from the first time I picked up this book. Sarah allows us to take the journey with her, in a very honest and truthful way. But most of all the overall message is even in the darkest moments we have hope with Jesus. I really gained a lot of insight from reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Something caught my eye about Even the Ashes Bloom by Sarah S. Brown; however, I was unsure because she mentioned her loss due to divorce, which I haven’t experienced. I’m so glad I chose to read it, as I discovered this book reaches far beyond one story. It gently meets us in our hidden grief, disappointment, and shame — and reminds us that God is still present there.
One part that stood out was when she uncovered how we often respond to pain by trying harder, striving to get it perfect, or trying to fix what is wrong. Yet, God wants to reveal what lies underneath the struggle. Her reflections encouraged me to slow down, sit still with Jesus, and allow Him to search my heart. Healing, she reminds us, is something we receive — not something we accomplish.
This book made me feel seen. It reaffirmed what I believe so deeply: sorrow and joy can coexist, and nothing placed in God’s hands is wasted. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every woman who has ever wondered if something beautiful could rise from her ashes.
One part that stood out was when she uncovered how we often respond to pain by trying harder, striving to get it perfect, or trying to fix what is wrong. Yet, God wants to reveal what lies underneath the struggle. Her reflections encouraged me to slow down, sit still with Jesus, and allow Him to search my heart. Healing, she reminds us, is something we receive — not something we accomplish.
This book made me feel seen. It reaffirmed what I believe so deeply: sorrow and joy can coexist, and nothing placed in God’s hands is wasted. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every woman who has ever wondered if something beautiful could rise from her ashes.
Review of advance copy
Only the Ashes Bloom is one of the most beautiful and honest books I’ve read in a long time. Sarah Brown uses the metaphor of blooming and growth to reflect the work God is doing in our lives — even in seasons that feel dry, hidden, or “in the weeds,” as she so poignantly describes.
As I read, I often felt as though she was speaking directly to me. What I appreciated most is that this book doesn’t come from a place of having everything figured out. Instead, it rests in the steady truth of God’s faithfulness — that He never gives up on us.
This book is for the woman of faith walking through a hard season who needs gentle encouragement. It’s also for the friend who wants to better understand what someone she loves may be experiencing.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written Christian book that reads like an extended prayer, I highly recommend picking up a copy.
As I read, I often felt as though she was speaking directly to me. What I appreciated most is that this book doesn’t come from a place of having everything figured out. Instead, it rests in the steady truth of God’s faithfulness — that He never gives up on us.
This book is for the woman of faith walking through a hard season who needs gentle encouragement. It’s also for the friend who wants to better understand what someone she loves may be experiencing.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written Christian book that reads like an extended prayer, I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews