a soft place to heal

by Sara Sheehan

The idea of “a soft place to heal” came to me when i finished writing my book “when you’re ready to bloom”. Blooming is beautiful. It’s something you can see, unlike healing; it’s quiet. It happens in the darkest moments. I realized that not everyone is ready to bloom. Some of us are still learning rest, we don’t remember our last breath. Some of us are still tending to the wounds no one else can see, the same wounds that are years old. And before we’re truly ready to bloom and become, we need somewhere soft to land. Somewhere safe to just be.

This book is not about finding perfection in healing because you will always come up short. Healing is messy, chaotic, but it’s honest. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s the in-between, the breaking and rebuilding, and the moments we needed to sacrifice for survival. It’s about the days you feel like throwing in the towel and feel like you won’t make it to another. the nights you are restless and cry to sleep. The mornings you carry what the world can’t see. Healing isn’t linear. It’s not an aesthetic. Every demon you face won’t always have someone arriving with gratitude. It’s learning how to set boundaries, grieving the life you had and the one you didn’t get to meet. It’s forgiving yourself because you deserve to heal from everything you weren’t meant to endure.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2026

Reviews

[Kristel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this! I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I was already in it.

A Soft Place to Heal is organized in a way that felt an intentional for where I am in life right now — a beginning, a middle, and aiming to be in a place and space where there’s enough softness surrounding me that personal healing and growth can take place. I love how it’s unrushed, makes space for the hard stuff first, before getting to the good stuff.

Some things it acknowledges that I loved…The distinction between anxiety and intuition, the loneliness of healing, the way grief visits in waves, I love how it’s all acknowledged without being romanticized.

I love the reminders that a setback is a redirection and not an ending, that you can start over every single day. Sometimes affirmations can feel silly or empty but they landed so well for me in this book because the of all the groundwork that went into part 1 of sharing the painful hard things.

And then the last section.
The 23 mantras, the “before I had this life, I manifested it” and the permission to heal softly and without performance nails it. The whole last section is just so completely feel good, in a way where you actually believe it’s okay for it to feel good because you earned it by reading everything that came before it.

I love the passages about loving loudly before it’s too late, about staying authentic because your rare soul deserves to be witnessed, about giving grace but never at the cost of yourself…..all things we should inherently know but need to be reminded of because of how important these things are.

What I also have to say is that I just really love this author, I am such a fan. The warm, unflinching, deeply human, voice. You can feel that this wasn’t written from a place of having it all figured out, but from someone who did the work, is still doing it and figuring things out and still brave enough to bring you along. I will be following everything this author creates.

This book has it all. The grief and the grace. The hard stuff and the feel-good. This book made me feel so good! If you’re in any kind of season of healing — I definitely recommend.

[Wendi Earp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading A Soft Place to Heal by Moonsoulchild felt like sitting with a trusted friend who understands that healing is messy, painful, and deeply personal. This book came to me at a time when I was learning how to let go, grieve, and rediscover who I am, and its words met me with compassion rather than judgment.

What touched me most was the gentle reminder that healing isn't something to rush or perfect. Moonsoulchild writes with honesty and compassion, acknowledging the heartbreak, loneliness, and uncertainty that often accompany growth. So many passages felt like they were speaking directly to experiences I've had; loving deeply, loss, questioning myself, and learning to trust that peace is possible again.

When I came across the passage "222" I was astonished to find these exact numbers. As these angel numbers are very personal for me as I lost my boyfriend in a car accident on 2/22/24.

This book encouraged me to slow down and offer myself the same grace and understanding that I so freely give to others. It reminded me that healing isn't about forgetting or erasing the past, but about making room for hope, self-love, and acceptance alongside the pain. I found comfort in knowing that I don't have to have everything figured out and that growth often happens quietly, one day at a time.

Some pages brought tears, while others filled me with gratitude and hope. I highlighted countless lines that I know I'll return to whenever I need encouragement or a reminder that I deserve softness, peace, and love.

A Soft Place to Heal isn't just a book I read—it became a companion during a season of reflection and healing. It reminded me that even after heartbreak and loss, there is still beauty to be found, and that we are all worthy of becoming a safe place for ourselves.

[Jaime Lopez]

A Soft Place to Heal is a deeply encouraging and inspiring book that offers comfort, hope, and practical wisdom for anyone walking through emotional pain, loss, or life’s challenges. The author compassionately reminds readers that healing is a journey and that it is okay to be vulnerable and give yourself grace during these difficult times.
What I appreciated most was the book’s balance of honesty and hope. The author does not minimize suffering but instead provides gentle encouragement and insights that help readers find strength and peace. The personal stories and reflections make the message relatable and heartfelt. One of my favorite’s was one that was titled a soft light, I was about sunsets and how they make you feel lighter and happier. It also has a good reminder to live in the moment and appreciate life without thinking of all the pain and suffering. Forgiving them was never for my freedom was another one of my favorites as I struggle with forgiving people and this was a reminder of thinking about in another way then what is always presented to you about forgiveness.
This book is easy to read yet impactful, leaving readers with a renewed sense of purpose. I would highly recommend A Soft Place to Heal to anyone seeking encouragement, emotional healing, or a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. It is a beautiful resource that speaks to the heart and points readers toward hope and restoration.
Jaime Lopez

[Patrizia Punzalan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a warm hug during moments when life feels heavy and overwhelming. Every chapter spoke to me so personally that it almost felt as if the author understood emotions I’ve struggled to explain myself. The way she writes about heartbreak, healing, loneliness, and self-love is incredibly honest and comforting.

What I loved most about the book is how relatable it is. There were so many passages that made me stop and think, “This is exactly how I feel.” Sara Sheehan doesn’t pretend healing is easy or quick, and that’s what made the book so powerful for me. She reminds readers that it’s okay to feel broken sometimes and that healing takes patience, kindness, and learning to love yourself again.

The writing is simple yet deeply emotional. I found myself highlighting so many lines because they felt meaningful and real. The book gave me comfort on days when I felt emotionally drained and reminded me that I deserve peace and happiness too. It helped me reflect on my own experiences and made me feel less alone.

This is more than just a self-help book — it feels like a safe space for anyone carrying emotional pain. I would highly recommend it to anyone going through heartbreak, struggling with self-worth, or simply needing encouragement and hope. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish reading it.

[Manon Van houtum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soft place to heal is a soft book. No dramatic statements, just soft explanation. ‘Healing isn’t lineair.’ That statement spoke to me about understanding. The book is divided into three sections: homesick, becoming a soft place and a soft landing. It shows you the healing story with all of it’s ups and downs. For me personally: homesick appealed to me the most. ‘I thought about you today, but to be fair, there is rarely a day that passes that you don’t cross my mind.’ To speak about grief in such simple words, that somehow sounds like something you could think is really a form of art. Becoming a soft place shows you healing after the worst pain. When you rebuild yourself. ‘My heart only knows how to feel deeply.’ Every page is like a letter. A letter to yourself. I loved reading a page a day and just think about the writing and what i means to me. The third part a soft landing contemplates the journey when you can see the road travelled behind you. ‘When grief visits, invite it in. Let it embrace you tightly. It’s a beautiful reminder that love never leaves.’
This book helps you with your journey. By already having written what’s in your heart and mind. Read a page a day and think and feel about yourself. It’s a journey, yet a beautiful one.

[Mariah Enriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc reader review: A Soft Place to Heal is an amazing book. I wasn’t sure what message Id finish with also didn’t have expectations. Just like every day, It’s the experience. Life isn’t written the same for everyone but after reading this I felt like my “why does this only happen to me” moments lifted and in some way made me feel less heavy of any negative feeling or emotion I felt towards my life events because I’m not alone. I may not like where I’m at but it’s the journey. It’s my journey. I know I deserve happiness, peace, and no more guilt. This book isn’t necessarily a book to understand and heal just relationship trauma but grief of heartbreak, family, friends and really helped me hold myself accountable. I’ve know anxiety is normal but it’s also manageable with the right practices and that starts with prioritizing myself first with no guilt. This book reminded me that healing isn’t a time frame and there is no right nor wrong but each day is one step closer. I’m not broken. I’m growing. I recommend this book to anyone who maybe feels alone and not seen or maybe you’re happy and exactly where you want to be! This book is still worth reading!

[Paola Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thank you to Sara Sheehan for an ARC of A Soft Place to Heal. ✨🥹
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This was such a good read. Most poetry books I zoom through in one sitting, but this one took me about two weeks to get through. It had so much depth and emotion behind it that I found myself really wanting to sit with some of the pieces and reflect. This book was so freaking relatable.
The pieces were moving and powerful. They did such a good job at showing that healing isn’t easy and pretty. It’s hard, messy, ugly, beautiful, and challenging. 🥹 There were so many times while reading that I found myself thinking “is this about me?” Or “wow. I needed to hear that” ✨ This book made me feel seen and safe. 🩷 What a beautiful book with a beautiful message; Healing isn’t linear but it’s a beautiful and hard journey that will require so much patience, strength, and grace but it will all be worth it.
I highlighted/ bookmarked about 55 different pieces in this book. It was THAT good! This is definitely a book I will want to get my hands on a physical copy of when it releases!
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[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC provided by author

Another book of beautiful poetry as always. Definitely one of my auto-buy authors.
Everyone interprets poetry in their own way, so I can only speak to my own interpretation and the feelings it invoked in myself. But I will say I think there's poetry in this book for everyone.
Healing can mean different things to different people but the poetry encompasses it all.
The book is authentic, and it doesnt pull punches but in a way that also feels soft.
I tried to choose some of my favourites, but ended up with about 58 that I couldn't choose between.
Some other poetry books feel a little surface level, that you can read and relate to, but the books themselves are easy to get through in 1 sitting. This book, its as though every poem that you connect with makes you sit and reflect and think about before being able to turn the page. Thats the best kind of poetry, poetry that can actually trigger change within yourself.

[Santisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Another beautifully written book by the author who has a way of making the reader feel seen. This is a book that makes you feel safe to feel vulnerable. It’s like a big, gentle hug saying it’s okay to not be okay. This collection of prose is all about finding a place to heal and to deal with grief. It’s a place of comfort provided by the author where you can feel safe to feel what you feel and to finally sit with your emotions.

[Cat Pimentel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy from the author

I’ve never had a piece of literature ever meet me exactly when I needed it in my life quite like this book. In my season of healing, I found several passages that made me tear up, feel seen, and make my soul feel less lonely in my experiences.
The section on “healing fatigue” was extremely accurate. “ sometimes I’m tired of being the more self aware one.” It’s difficult to constantly pour when you feel as if you have an empty cup.

The “you watched me break” had me crying multiple times. “I still can’t believe I was ever with someone who didn’t feel the ache in my heart and didn’t see the pain in my eyes. My tears were telling a story I couldn’t tell, but you were always unavailable to someone you swore you loved. I am so happy I never adapted to the way you loved.” The last line of the passage particularly stuck with me, as often times I forget that in the midst of fighting for something not meant for you, its better for you in the long run to be loved the way you want to be loved. “You were never meant to burn out to be loved by someone else.”

Finally, this passage also is something I want to incorporate in my daily life. I wonder what people would respond to this : “So, the next time you hear someone say you have changed. The best response would be: why haven’t you?”

Overall, it was a therapeutic and thoughtful read. It is well written and gives perspective on something that can be tiring. Lonely, and challenging. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read and write this review.

[Rachel Ertmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what the title says. An honest account of the highs/lows of relationships, grief, coming to know the kind of love you deserve, learning what you won’t tolerate anymore and the messiness of moving on to the next chapter of your life. I highlighted quite a few lines in this one! And already recommended to several friends!

[Brittani Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so beautiful and I really enjoy her work. I've always loved poetry and she is one of my top favorites. I arc read this as well.

[Shannon Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

Rating: ★★★★★

"So, the people pleaser may die in this story, but the lover girl in me thrives."

The Author has put words to feelings and eras in my healing journey that I could not articulate.

So many stories resonated with me. To love, to lose, to lose yourself in love, and then begin to find that love again within. So many passages I notated and will come back to on the days where a little reminder may be all that is needed to turn the tide.

The writing is simple yet impactful. The stories are deeply emotional and personal but the messages within them are clear and universal. The collection is... a beautifully soft place ✨️