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Finding Heaven
Sometimes to find heaven, you have to go through hell…
Sarah seems to have the perfect life—a successful career, a successful lawyer husband, and the freedom to do whatever she wants. Or does she?
Behind the façade, her marriage is a shambles, she hates her career, and she feels trapped behind masks of her own making. A cancer diagnosis has just dealt the final blow.
A chance encounter with Steve—a man who gave up the rat race to help Mumbai's prostitutes—makes her question her priorities and wonder if it's time for a change. But the kind of love he offers seems unattainable. Besides, she knows he must be hiding something, just like everyone else.
Is it too late for Sarah to find heaven?
Download this gripping story about second chances and redemptive love and start your journey today!
Sarah seems to have the perfect life—a successful career, a successful lawyer husband, and the freedom to do whatever she wants. Or does she?
Behind the façade, her marriage is a shambles, she hates her career, and she feels trapped behind masks of her own making. A cancer diagnosis has just dealt the final blow.
A chance encounter with Steve—a man who gave up the rat race to help Mumbai's prostitutes—makes her question her priorities and wonder if it's time for a change. But the kind of love he offers seems unattainable. Besides, she knows he must be hiding something, just like everyone else.
Is it too late for Sarah to find heaven?
Download this gripping story about second chances and redemptive love and start your journey today!
580 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2017
46 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Talena Winters
9 books112 followersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talenawinters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talenawinter...
Talena Winters writes page-turning fantasy, romance, and adventure stories of sacrifice, redemption, and hope against all odds. She’s an editor, copywriter, and award-winning songwriter, and she also designs knitting patterns under her label My Secret Wish. She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three surviving boys, two Husky dogs, and two neurotic orange cats. Her writing is fueled by an insatiable love of stories, dark chocolate, and the desire to make the world a better place. And she would really like to know why the tea is always gone.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talenawinter...
Talena Winters writes page-turning fantasy, romance, and adventure stories of sacrifice, redemption, and hope against all odds. She’s an editor, copywriter, and award-winning songwriter, and she also designs knitting patterns under her label My Secret Wish. She currently resides on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three surviving boys, two Husky dogs, and two neurotic orange cats. Her writing is fueled by an insatiable love of stories, dark chocolate, and the desire to make the world a better place. And she would really like to know why the tea is always gone.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 3, 2017
One of the most beautifully written books I have read. The author had me laughing aloud and openly crying along with the main character. There's a message of hope and love weaved intricately into the book that kept me wanting to read more. I sometimes find long books a challenge to get through, but this one I couldn't put down. Ultimately, this is a book that is capable of making readers feel, which is what makes it so special.
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October 9, 2017This book is a page turner. From a chance meeting in San Francisco, Sarah and Steve discover they are both born and raised in the same Alberta small town. Returning to Alberta Sarah deals with her own personal crises of a book deadline, a horrible husband and a devastating health diagnosis; Steve continues fundraising for his charity Mumbai Love. How can a famed author of erotica and a law school dropout focused on restoring honour to victims of the sex trade, find redemption together? I laughed, cried and prayed as I read to the end of this wonderful and heaven-inspired love story. Thank you Talena Winters for the priviledge of receiving an advance reading copy of your novel 'Finding Heaven'.
October 18, 2017
Although Finding Heaven’s subject matter made parts of the story difficult to read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the first pages I was caught up in Sarah’s story and interested to see what would happen. The character personalities were quickly developed and believable; some more likeable then others. I enjoyed walking with Sarah along her journey of healing and faith and could empathize with her during the bumps along the way. A moving and beautiful story of accepting who you are, overcoming the past, and embracing the future.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of the book to provide feedback.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of the book to provide feedback.
November 2, 2017
This novel was so well written! I was on the edge of my seat - unable to put it down. It brought out so many emotions in me - tears of sorrow, tears of joy, a longing to have a Steve in my life. I love how Talena illustrated God's overarching love for us; how He calls us, how He heals us. Finding Heaven showed us how many everyday miracles we miss because we are so caught up in our busy lives. Thank you for writing this book and for sharing it with me!
November 2, 2017
Started out a bit slow but once it pulled you in it kept tugging until you couldn't break free! Discussed topics that people NEED to know about while having you fall in love with the kindness, trials, and heartbreaks of each character.
October 25, 2017
As a survivor of sexual abuse, I found that this book allowed me to deal with some past issues in a safe environment of enveloping myself in a story. Sarah's story of dealing with these issues, not only in her own life, but in the lives of those she works with, show how great trauma from the past can be healed with God's help and the love of those who care. Talena, once again, writes in her riveting way, giving clarity and depth to the story in her descriptive word usage. A true pleasure to read, and hard to put down once started!
September 2, 2017
The tears are how you know it's good!
I say that because there are wonderfully written parts of this book that I still can't get through without sobbing, and they are some of my favourite scenes. The author definitely isn't afraid to put these characters through the proverbial wringer -- but you can't fix what isn't broken, and Finding Heaven is ultimately about fixing people. It even made me stop and deal with things in my own past in a way I never had before, as the characters experience their traumas and remembered traumas and deal with them.
(I received an Advance Review Copy of this book.)
I say that because there are wonderfully written parts of this book that I still can't get through without sobbing, and they are some of my favourite scenes. The author definitely isn't afraid to put these characters through the proverbial wringer -- but you can't fix what isn't broken, and Finding Heaven is ultimately about fixing people. It even made me stop and deal with things in my own past in a way I never had before, as the characters experience their traumas and remembered traumas and deal with them.
(I received an Advance Review Copy of this book.)
September 8, 2017
This book grasped my attention right from the beginning and did not let go at the end. It is extremely well written for the gritty and delicate subjects it covers- domestic abuse, child sexual abuse, rape, sex trafficking and the scars that are left on us.
Sarah is a survivor and is on the path to discovering how strong she try is. Steve runs a safe house and boarding school for children in India. Despite growing up in the same town just outside of Edmonton, these two meet in San Francisco when Steve is guided to strike up a conversation with Sarah. Reading what unfolds next kept this book in my hands until I finished it. I highly recommend reading this book!!
I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
Sarah is a survivor and is on the path to discovering how strong she try is. Steve runs a safe house and boarding school for children in India. Despite growing up in the same town just outside of Edmonton, these two meet in San Francisco when Steve is guided to strike up a conversation with Sarah. Reading what unfolds next kept this book in my hands until I finished it. I highly recommend reading this book!!
I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
November 14, 2017
After enjoying Talena’s first, short, light hearted and fun book, The Friday Night Date Dress, I wasn’t prepared for a much different second novel.
Sarah’s story pulled me in from the beginning, despite the fact that stories dealing with violence or emotional disturbance are difficult for me to read. I quickly grew to care about Sarah, however, and had to keep reading to find out how/if she would overcome the many challenges she was facing. My heart was warmed by Sarah’s journey to find her own worth, and her journey towards faith. The relationships she builds, the fun local references, and the characters Talena develops in this book make it an entertaining, enlightening, and encouraging read.
Thank you, Talena for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me!
Sarah’s story pulled me in from the beginning, despite the fact that stories dealing with violence or emotional disturbance are difficult for me to read. I quickly grew to care about Sarah, however, and had to keep reading to find out how/if she would overcome the many challenges she was facing. My heart was warmed by Sarah’s journey to find her own worth, and her journey towards faith. The relationships she builds, the fun local references, and the characters Talena develops in this book make it an entertaining, enlightening, and encouraging read.
Thank you, Talena for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me!
November 25, 2017
Masterful.
Talena has somehow created an easy, fluid read reflecting so accurately the myriad emotions necessary to reclaim a life after suffering what should never happen – the brutal victimization of a weaker human being.
She leaves the reader recognizing that childhood abuse (and subsequent spousal abuse) live in the shadows of our society, ravaging the innocent and ruining chances.
Tears, shortness of breath, and impulsive page-turning met me unexpectedly after the initial opening of the book, and personal reflection was one of the more telling signs that proved to this reader that the text was not simply thrown down to make a manuscript. This story is real . . . too real.
I would like to applaud the messenger who not only brought to light the darkness that exists, but provided a road to recovery – the taking back that which every person deserves – a full and hopeful life with victory. For those who have been there, this book will speak volumes. For those who (by the grace of God) have not, perhaps better understanding and a more tender response to the troubled will ensue.
Recovery is possible. And darkness does not have to continue forever. Give this book your time . . . it may improve your life.
Talena has somehow created an easy, fluid read reflecting so accurately the myriad emotions necessary to reclaim a life after suffering what should never happen – the brutal victimization of a weaker human being.
She leaves the reader recognizing that childhood abuse (and subsequent spousal abuse) live in the shadows of our society, ravaging the innocent and ruining chances.
Tears, shortness of breath, and impulsive page-turning met me unexpectedly after the initial opening of the book, and personal reflection was one of the more telling signs that proved to this reader that the text was not simply thrown down to make a manuscript. This story is real . . . too real.
I would like to applaud the messenger who not only brought to light the darkness that exists, but provided a road to recovery – the taking back that which every person deserves – a full and hopeful life with victory. For those who have been there, this book will speak volumes. For those who (by the grace of God) have not, perhaps better understanding and a more tender response to the troubled will ensue.
Recovery is possible. And darkness does not have to continue forever. Give this book your time . . . it may improve your life.
February 3, 2018
A riveting, true-to-life tale of love's power to heal and redeem.
In her latest novel, Finding Heaven, Talena Winters doesn't pull any punches. Despite being a romance, parts of the story are as gritty as real life. Sarah Daniels' journey represents many of our own. Underneath the pretty, pulled-together packaging of a fairytale is a soul in ruins believing the lies we know too well. When Sarah meets Steve McGuire—a regular guy whose life's work is to help the vulnerable, abused, and oppressed—she feels trapped in her unhappy existence, but Steve inspires her to make a change. One change leads to another. Helped along by the unconditional love of friends, Sarah embraces an uncertain future and discovers an inner strength she didn't know she had. Her story brings the reader through shocking reality and hellish lows, but these make the victory of finding heaven all the sweeter.
Though I haven't experienced the depth of Sarah's suffering, I know it in part. Reading her thoughts were like reading my own. We believed the same lies; even after much time and healing, I continued to believe some of them. As Steve was for Sarah, God used this story as an agent of change and healing in my life, for which I'm unspeakably grateful.
In her latest novel, Finding Heaven, Talena Winters doesn't pull any punches. Despite being a romance, parts of the story are as gritty as real life. Sarah Daniels' journey represents many of our own. Underneath the pretty, pulled-together packaging of a fairytale is a soul in ruins believing the lies we know too well. When Sarah meets Steve McGuire—a regular guy whose life's work is to help the vulnerable, abused, and oppressed—she feels trapped in her unhappy existence, but Steve inspires her to make a change. One change leads to another. Helped along by the unconditional love of friends, Sarah embraces an uncertain future and discovers an inner strength she didn't know she had. Her story brings the reader through shocking reality and hellish lows, but these make the victory of finding heaven all the sweeter.
Though I haven't experienced the depth of Sarah's suffering, I know it in part. Reading her thoughts were like reading my own. We believed the same lies; even after much time and healing, I continued to believe some of them. As Steve was for Sarah, God used this story as an agent of change and healing in my life, for which I'm unspeakably grateful.
October 25, 2017
Very well written. Kept my interest from the very beginning. Made my heart ache, rage, feel hope, and love.
I'm picky about my books. Some books I have started to read that were "amazing" to others, were not for me. I used to finish them because I thought I owed it to the book and the author. Now I don't waste my time and move on. If a book completely loses my interest (even if it gets amazing later on) I no longer take the time to find out.
Some may think I'm being to hard on the book/author, but in my eyes, that's where they went wrong so to speak and should know that for future books.
I guess I'm a book "hard ass" hahaha!
But, I am only one opinion right? However, word of mouth should not be Underestimated. I definitely recommend this book.
LOVED your book. Finished it fast. Couldn't put it down.
I'm picky about my books. Some books I have started to read that were "amazing" to others, were not for me. I used to finish them because I thought I owed it to the book and the author. Now I don't waste my time and move on. If a book completely loses my interest (even if it gets amazing later on) I no longer take the time to find out.
Some may think I'm being to hard on the book/author, but in my eyes, that's where they went wrong so to speak and should know that for future books.
I guess I'm a book "hard ass" hahaha!
But, I am only one opinion right? However, word of mouth should not be Underestimated. I definitely recommend this book.
LOVED your book. Finished it fast. Couldn't put it down.
November 14, 2017
Riveting.
I was privileged to be an ARC reader for Talena Winter’s newest book, “Finding Heaven”. It is a rather long read, but one I couldn’t put down, and still read it in one sitting. She tackles some gutsy but very important themes, with characters who are very real. The difficult topic of sexual abuse is timely, cross-cultural, and handled here with great honesty and sensitivity. Even if one has not experienced abuse first-hand, there are elements throughout the book that resound in most of our lives. The portions of the book set in India are carefully researched and authentic due to Talena’s first-hand knowledge of the country and culture. This is a visceral book that settles into your gut and requires “book hangover” time to digest. Recommended.
I was privileged to be an ARC reader for Talena Winter’s newest book, “Finding Heaven”. It is a rather long read, but one I couldn’t put down, and still read it in one sitting. She tackles some gutsy but very important themes, with characters who are very real. The difficult topic of sexual abuse is timely, cross-cultural, and handled here with great honesty and sensitivity. Even if one has not experienced abuse first-hand, there are elements throughout the book that resound in most of our lives. The portions of the book set in India are carefully researched and authentic due to Talena’s first-hand knowledge of the country and culture. This is a visceral book that settles into your gut and requires “book hangover” time to digest. Recommended.
May 27, 2018
I fell in love with this story right from the beginning. It's one of those books you stay up late into the night reading, unable to put it down. It's not just a romance. It delves deep into some hard, real-life issues and one of the most realistic portrayals of domestic violence and the manipulation and emotions that surround it. As a Domestic Violence survivor myself, it really hit home for me and I related to Sarah on quite a deep level. It is very inspirational and touching. I find myself thinking about the story and the characters even now, a week after finishing it. I highly recommend it!
August 17, 2020
Very good book with a lot of food for thought
I read another book from this author and saw the advertisement for Finding Heaven. Most of my kindle books I get free but felt a real calling to read this book so I purchased it. I found it to be a bit long but can understand why what with all the details involved in sex trafficking and other types of abuse that the story addresses. I’ve been blessed to not be a woman of abuse but know many who were or are and have see how it can affect them. Sadly, not all seek help to get through the pain of the past and to realize their true value as a person and how much they are loved by God. A book well worth reading.
I read another book from this author and saw the advertisement for Finding Heaven. Most of my kindle books I get free but felt a real calling to read this book so I purchased it. I found it to be a bit long but can understand why what with all the details involved in sex trafficking and other types of abuse that the story addresses. I’ve been blessed to not be a woman of abuse but know many who were or are and have see how it can affect them. Sadly, not all seek help to get through the pain of the past and to realize their true value as a person and how much they are loved by God. A book well worth reading.
September 4, 2018
Excellent true to life story about healing from the hurts of so many levels of abuse, about learning to love and accept yourself, about discovering true and unconditional love and discovering purpose for life.
I feel privileged to have met the author Talena Winters and to share with her a Peace River connection.
I feel privileged to have met the author Talena Winters and to share with her a Peace River connection.
July 5, 2020
What an amazing heartfelt book. I couldn't put it down. What an inspiration to us all...
Amazing
I highly recommended this book. Would love to read more books by this author.
Great storyline throughout the book
Amazing
I highly recommended this book. Would love to read more books by this author.
Great storyline throughout the book
February 9, 2022
Very good book deals with such a an important issue of sexual and physical abuse and sexual trafficking. The group of people working to help these people out are amazing human beings and Christian’s. would highly recommend this book!
September 21, 2024
If one wants to find heaven and has searched everywhere, I would recommend reading this book. If you like a very intense, action-packed, true-to-life book, you will love Finding Heaven. It is now among my favorites. Very well done!!!
Want to read
August 27, 2020A fun, quick read while I was getting a pedicure today. Just the thing for summer light reading.
May 30, 2022
This is a very good book, a book of love, family, situations, courage, preserverance. I loved it.
March 5, 2024
Beautiful story
This story is very inspiring and honest to real life. Loved this story and will look for more by this author!
This story is very inspiring and honest to real life. Loved this story and will look for more by this author!
November 5, 2024
Loved this book from a local author in the area.
A good heartfelt story. Finished it in two days. I couldn't put it down. Even made me tear up a couple times.
A good heartfelt story. Finished it in two days. I couldn't put it down. Even made me tear up a couple times.
November 14, 2017
Finding Heaven is an engaging fictional novel that explores some hard issues that many women (and not a few men) experience in their very real daily lives. The reader feels the hopelessness and desperation of Sarah as she struggles with the horrific memories from her past. ...and her rapidly crumbling present life. Then she has a (seemingly) chance encounter with Steve, (who has plenty of his own baggage from his past). On a street in San Francisco a seed is planted in Sarah. Is it possible. ...COULD even SHE. ….be happy? This well-written story touched my heart and kept me turning the pages to the very end! I feel very fortunate to have been an ARC reader for this author.
November 14, 2017
My reading tastes tend toward history, science, religion and other non-fiction. I am not a regular reader of romance novels, but although Finding Heaven would probably be considered a romance novel, it is hard to fit into a particular genre. The author handles a difficult but timely topic both delicately and forcefully. The book draws you into the characters lives and makes you invested in their emotions. I can only imagine how this novel would affect a reader who had suffered or is suffering abuse. With all of the current news headlines about sexual abuse, this book is very relevant.
The author doesn't shy away from the realities of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape and sex trafficking; but she doesn't glorify it or try to titillate. With all of the negative news of abuse out there, this book shows that there is hope of healing. God cares about each one of his children and wants to help them overcome the scars of abuse. It is also a reminder that there are good men who have dedicated their lives to helping others. When we read or listen to the news we only hear about the monsters out there.
If you know someone who is dealing with abuse, I recommend this book for them. If the current headlines have made you more aware of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse in our society, I think that you would appreciate this book.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of the book to provide feedback.
The author doesn't shy away from the realities of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape and sex trafficking; but she doesn't glorify it or try to titillate. With all of the negative news of abuse out there, this book shows that there is hope of healing. God cares about each one of his children and wants to help them overcome the scars of abuse. It is also a reminder that there are good men who have dedicated their lives to helping others. When we read or listen to the news we only hear about the monsters out there.
If you know someone who is dealing with abuse, I recommend this book for them. If the current headlines have made you more aware of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse in our society, I think that you would appreciate this book.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of the book to provide feedback.
July 6, 2020
I fell in love with this story right from the beginning. It's one of those books you stay up late into the night reading, unable to put it down. It's not just a romance. It delves deep into some hard, real-life issues and is one of the most realistic portrayals of domestic violence and the manipulation and emotions that surround it. As a domestic violence survivor myself, it really hit home for me and I related to Sarah on a deep level. It is very inspirational and touching. I find myself thinking about the story and the characters, even now after finishing it. I highly recommend it!
Read
July 18, 2018Wow! What an encouraging book on how Gods love can transform us. Some of this book is very hard to read, it deals with sexual abuse and child trafficking. All which happens daily. Very good read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews