Living Unbroken

by Tracie Miles

Unlike other books on divorce,  Living Unbroken  takes a deep dive into understanding and overcoming the emotional toll divorce, separation, and the loss of a serious long-term relationship has on a woman’s well-being. As someone who has walked this path, Tracie Miles leads women on a powerful, life-changing journey that provides much-needed hope, encouragement, and practical guidance for living their best life even if it’s not the life they once imagined. Her biblically sound approach teaches readers how to trust in God’s promises and restore their self-confidence and hope for the future.
 

Genres: Divorce, Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2021

About the author

Tracie Miles is the Director of COMPEL Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as an Author of five best-selling books including Living Unbroken, Love Life Again, Unsinkable Faith, Stress Less Living and Your Life Still Counts. She is the founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Program. Tracie is also a contributing author to the popular Zondervan NIV Women's Devotional Bible and a monthly contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotions which reach over 1.5 million people per day around the globe. Tracie has 3 grown children and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.  You can connect with Tracie on her blog at www.traciemiles.com as well as on her Facebook Author page and Instagram.
 

Reviews

[Kelly Worley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many books exist on divorce, most written by people with impressive CVs and Ph.D.'s boasting their vast head knowledge. I won't deny, it's essential to understand the why behind the emotions we feel while stumbling through a divorce; but what I desperately needed to know is how NOT to feel the way I did.

Hope - that's what's keeping me glued to the pages of Living Unbroken. I'm not reading the words of someone who studies divorce; I'm connecting with the heart of a sister-in-Christ that's walked in the trenches of divorce. It's Tracie's empathy, understanding, and compassion backed by the Truth of God's Word that empowers her reader.

Reclaiming your life and your heart after divorce, the subtitle to Living Unbroken uncovers the need of every soul that's suffered the loss of a long-term relationship. I share my thoughts today for the woman who, like me, is desperate to see there's hope ahead, not just to reclaim her life but to discover and embrace the new life God has in store for her.

[Jane McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not limited to divorce Tracie speaks to singles, never married, as well as widows. I really appreciate the Healing Steps and Caring for You at the end of each chapter. It challenges one to action...now.

[Kimberly Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

For a Christian woman who has experienced divorce, there are not many books you can find from someone who has experienced this hardship and shares a story that is not of reconciliation. Miles shares her experience openly and gives hope to readers that divorce does not have to be one’s defining moment. I am thankful for her honesty and willingness to share her story and faith.

[Patricia Kettell cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Tracie Miles’ vulnerability to share her story of divorce and how to move forward is a must read! I highly recommend this book for anyone who has suffered with loss and struggled with moving forward. Years after my own divorce I felt stuck in despair and wondered how I was ever going to make it. Tracie gets it, and she genuinely wants to help others know divorce isn’t the end. There’s still life to be lived and God will make a way!

[Meredith Boggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical Christian book on divorce but armed with biblically sound teaching, relatable stories and practical tools to help navigate such a devastating season with wisdom, grace and hope, this book is an amazing resources to anyone who has been there or is walking the hard journey of divorce with someone.

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you go through divorce you need a friend to walk with you, to hold your hand and to provide wisdom and advice. Tracie has done that with this incredible book. She provided invaluable information and life giving words to a person in need of that during an incredibly painful experience. This book is a valuable tool to keep on hand.

[Jennifer Laing Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I’d had when my own divorce process began. Tracie is raw and honest, and incredibly encouraging as well. Highly recommend for anyone walking the road of life during and after divorce.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read one of Tracie’s books yet you better get going!!! Her heart shines through each and every one! You’ll definitely end her books different than how you started them! Her newest book “Living Unbroken” is no exception. With her use of personal and heartfelt stories you feel as if you’re right there with her. I haven’t gone through the pain of divorce, myself, but I’m no stranger to the kind of heartbreak that takes you by surprise and leaves you wondering what happened and why. Where every breath you take is painful and you struggle to get out of bed. Also, I remember as if it was yesterday when my parents were separated for a while when I was younger, so I can relate to everything she writes. Believe me, if you are going through a divorce, separation, broken engagement, or major breakup please read Tracie’s book! You’ll be so blessed by it! And if you know someone else who could benefit from it, consider giving one as a gift!

[Jessika Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been four years since my divorce. Although I have experienced healing and have since remarried, Living Unbroken still ministered to me. With the turn of each page, I revisited my divorce journey. As if with new eyes, I was able to see how God had miraculously carried me through. Through Tracie’s skilled incorporation of research and statistics, I found closure in the scientific explanations behind my behaviors. Her beautiful words of encouragement and Biblically-based truth brought a peace to my heart. Her words felt like the warm hugs I needed.

I wish I had a book like Living Unbroken four years ago. I wish I could have curled up on the couch in my loneliness and listened to the wisdom of someone who had recently walked in my shoes. I wish I would have had a friend like Tracie at my disposal, sharing that what I was feeling was totally normal and totally temporary. I wish I would have had the Biblical encouragement she provides—the scriptures and the promises of God--relating to my very circumstance. I wish I would have been introduced to the growth opportunities she suggests at the end of each chapter through her Happiness Prompters, Healing Steps, and Caring For You sections.

With so few Christian books on the topic of divorce, Tracie Miles’ Living Unbroken is a must-read for anyone walking through separation or divorce. A prominent woman of faith and well-known writer for Proverbs31 Ministries, Tracie steps off the pedestal we may have placed her on and relates to her readers through her honest struggles and mistakes. Tracie does a wonderful job of helping her readers to feel seen, heard, and understood. And with love and genuine concern, Tracie extends a hand to her audience, encouraging them to take daily steps to walk in the truth of God’s promises.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say that your story will become the survival guide for someone, and in writing this book, that is exactly what Tracie Miles has done. "Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce" is a powerful survival guide for heartbroken women who have suffered the casualty of divorce.

Tracie takes the reader by then hand and walks them through her journey complete with the highs and lows, and carefully shows them what to expect then teaches them how to deal with it.

As a woman of faith, this author places God on the pages by showing the reader that all hope is NOT lost when you have Him in the picture and the good news is, God is ALWAYS in the picture. He will love you forever, even if your marriage ends and you suffer a painful divorce.

At the end of each chapter, the reader will find a short but poignant section called "Caring for you" where the author gives self-care advice from her heart to yours.

I loved everything about this well-written book and I plan to share it with women who have been divorced.

*The author provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of his book "Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce." My opinions in this book review are my own.

[Analie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as the adult daughter of divorcing parents and found it tremendously comforting for the overwhelming sadness I found myself experiencing. This isn't like reading a detached, academic perspective of someone who has never been there, it's like being with a friend who gets it. Really gets it. I'll be recommending this to others.

[Mirka · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found this book, I was in the self help section of Barnes & Noble. I was not searching for a book on the topic of divorce or one that was about faith. The title is what caught my attention and I ended up reading reviews online before deciding to buy it. I'm so glad I did because this book blew me away! It felt like Tracie Miles was a dear friend who understood everything, and I mean everything, that I have been experiencing in the past year. I love that she also discussed mental health and how it's okay, in fact it's encouraged, to seek professional help. Thank you Tracie for sharing your story and for all the other women throughout the book who also shared their divorce journey. This book healed a small part of me that needed to feel seen. It affirmed that I'm not alone or crazy, despite the million moments where I've felt alone and crazy.

[Christina Brandsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hopeful. Practical. A hand to hold.

The author walks you through picking up the pieces and moving forward when life doesn't go your way. I'm still battling the stuck feelings after being fired from a church and so much of that heartbreak resonated with this book. I think there's such helpful, actionable wisdom for navigating life while grieving a life you thought you'd have. Some of the specific teachings on divorce I disagreed with. Sometimes the author made statements that seemed permissible of divorce if it wasn't making you happy and I just don't think that's the point of marriage.

2
"Embrace what is and and let go of what can no longer be...think about how much happier you could feel if you embrace your new normal and live with joy and hope even if your circumstances remain the same. If you've been struggling with your identity, make a list of everything that makes you, you."

3
"crying stimulates the production of endorphins, our body's natural pain killer and feel-good hormones"

Make a list of those people in your life right now who bring you joy, comfort, conversation, friendship, love, understanding, and companionship, those people who have stood beside you through thick and thin and loved you no matter what. Then write down what they mean to you and how they positively affect your life; thank God in prayer and consider letting them know.

Envision who and where you'd like to be next year - how you'd like to be feeling, living, working, and achieving. Dare to dream. Allow the space between where you are today and where you want to be to keep moving forward.

4
Isolation can be one's physical situation or one's mental situation. It can be locking in your willingness to share your feelings with others and be real, even when you're around others. It can also be putting on the "everything is fine" mask.

5
Setting personal goals can help us dream about the future instead of obsessing over the past.

6
What is the funniest movie you've ever watched? Find it and watch it. Laughter is the best remedy for a hurting heart. If you don't feel like laughing, then you need to do exactly that.

[Nancy Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Unbroken by Tracie Miles takes the reader on a personal journey through Tracie’s devastating divorce and recovery. Tracie is open and transparent about her faith walk and the struggles she had during this time. She reviews the stages of grief and how each stage affects the healing process. Tracie also writes about relevant issues such as loneliness, guilt, shame, and fear, and she provides practical tips on dealing with each. Throughout the book Tracie reminds the reader that God loves us and will walk with us through all our difficult periods of life. She opens her vulnerable heart by including personal journal entries from the time of her separation and divorce, enabling the reader to relate to her as a woman of faith enduring frightening trials. There are many stories from other women who have survived devastating divorces, bringing hope to the reader that they, too, will live through this trauma. Tracie brings appropriate scripture references throughout the book that helped her and will help the readers to claim God’s promises. Each chapter ends with Happiness Prompters, Healing Steps, and a Caring for You section that provide examples of ways to heal and steps to take to navigate through the emotional turmoil of the divorce process.
I highly recommend this book for anyone going through tough times in life.
I was provided a copy of this book as part of the launch team, and this is an honest review. I wish I had read this book when I was going through my divorce many years ago.

[Sharmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly a Godsend, in so many ways! Tracies words, with her graceful, loving, sweet and vulnerable approach, are so comforting and inviting to those of us who feel we have been broken, and have known the heartbreak of divorce. Hearing her true life story, told to us with such bravery and openness, let’s us know that it’s ok for us to share our truth too, in hopes of helping someone else such has she has here. Every chapter, I somehow connected to, and shed many tears of relief and a new sense of hopefulness. Her guidance and gentle teachings of Gods word throughout, are so easy to accept and understand. Giving us the confidence and strength to accept that we are loved no matter what, and that letting go of shame and guilt that are certainly normal to feel, are also okay to lay down and move forward from. Letting go of what we wanted our life to be, and embracing what our reality is, will set us on a new path, that we deserve to be on. Giving us the courage to keep moving forward and know that we are going to be okay, and believe that Truth! Her raw truths about feelings of insanity and the hope of true growth possibilities is so encouraging. Ending each chapter with tips for finding happiness, and steps for healing and prompts for acknowledging self care during this process are so wonderful in letting readers know we are not alone! I know it was no accident that I was lead to this book, and it is a MUST HAVE for women making this discovery, that she can get to a place of loving her life again!

[Dr. Jamie Shockley Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracie has written an awesome Christian-based self-help book on how women can deal more positively with separation or divorce based in Christian principles. As a recently divorced woman in 2020 and now having been divorced twice, it was easy to start questioning what you are doing wrong in your relationships with men and your mental state can go quickly into a downward spiral! I wish I had this book during my first divorce about 10 years ago now as it would have helped with the depression that occurred after the divorce. The second divorce has definitely been a longer healing process than the first divorce and therefore, I was looking for self-help resources based on my Christian faith and Tracie’s book was a great choice since she has gone through similar experiences.

Tracie offers that divorce is actually a grieving process and discusses each stage of grief. She effectively addresses the many feelings one can experience and how to work through those feelings especially when you have been through any type of marital abuse. At the end of each chapter, she offers ways that one can help improve their personal happiness, promote healing, and how to practice self-care. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It was a quick read and can be used as an on-going reference tool as you navigate your emotions during or after separation or divorce. In sum, it is definitely a “must-read” for any woman going through the heartbreak associated with separation and divorce!

[Dawnielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divorce is a soul-level wound, but God when we allow Him will heal the wounds of the Heart.

Tracie Miles, in her newest book, “Living Unbroken-Reclaiming Your Life and Your Hart after Divorce”. guides the reader along a path of developing a deeper richer connection with God and others as you walk through recovering your life.
I love the way Tracie intermixes personal stories from her journey as well as the journey of others, and examples with scripture references of how God loves us and has plans for us.
Every chapter wraps up with “Happiness Prompters”, “Healing Steps”, and a “Caring for You” areas. These contain helpful reminders from the Chapter for healthy steps to living unbroken.
I have not walked this journey as an adult, but many areas resonated with me. I am a child of divorce and this book provided touch points to my childhood and interactions with my parents. I also have friends who are walking this journey of divorce and reclaiming their lives to live unbroken.
Living Unbroken is another great book by Tracie Miles helping us find ways to let go, trust God, and reclaim our lives. She reminds us God is good and has good plans for us. Divorce isn’t the end of life, there is still a lot of life to live and live well.

I was part of a group that was able to read the book prior to its release.

#LivingUnbrokenbk

[Jamila Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divorce is hard. I have been divorce for a few years now and this book was so timely and very much needed. When my ex husband told me he didn't want to be married anymore my heart broke in a million pieces. All kind of thoughts were going through my mind: what could I have done differently to save my marriage; I am a failure. My boys will grow up in a single parent home. What will me friends and family think..you get the picture. The enemy had me believe no one would understand the pain I was feeling and I was all alone. Living Unbroken was written to let me know I was not all alone in this and there are others, like Tracie, who knew exactly what I was going through and how I was feeling. The enemy will have you believe since you are divorced you are no longer worthy. Living Unbroken was written to let you know the exact opposite. That we are worthy of so much more! "...although our marriage died, we did not, and we still have a lot of life to live." Thank you Tracie for reminding me I still have a lot of life to live!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although my divorce is in the past, I benefited from reading this book. Are you like me, did you use being busy to mask the emotional pain you experienced after divorce?
The Happiness Prompts included at the end of each chapter will guide the reader to explore the residuals of divorce for greater growth and a deeper relationship with God. Tracie addresses things like what brings you joy, and who brings you joy? What is the source of your anxiety? This can help the reader unpeel the layers of hurt and experience the freedom of emotional healing. It can bring a greater understanding of yourself and those around you.
Tracie’s vulnerability helps the reader see that what they are experiencing is normal. And how, after living like a crazy girl you can experience the peace God wants for you.
Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce

[Rachel Sweatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes beyond just a resource for how to live in a Christian world after divorce. Tracie does an incredible job of making you feel as if she is the friend in your life who really does know how this feels and shares her insight on how to move forward from the trauma of divorce. One of my favorite things about the book is how she weaves hope and vision for the reader's future, and not just as something that might happen, but with great confidence that the reader can and will live whole again if they so choose.

My husband serves our local church as a pastor and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have this book at our disposal. Divorce is real and messy and tender, and I believe Trace is helping us as churches and communities do a better job of loving our people through it, rather than avoiding the topic. This is a read that feels more like a conversation, while still maintaining the richness and depth that this topic demands, especially with a Biblical lens. GREAT book to recommend to our sisters walking through this!

[Sarah Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I had back when I went through my heartbreaking separation and divorce. Tracie speaks with wisdom and compassion, not offering quick fixes but gives hope through her transparency. She is honest and encouraging. Although it has been several years since my divorce, I experienced healing from the insight shared through her firsthand experiences. This book has a perfect mixture of personal stories, biblical insight, as well as relevant psychology. Tracie writes like the kind of friend whose shoulder you want to lean on and who holds your hand and hand you tissues while saying, "I've been there. It hurts so much, but it's going to be ok." I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is going or has gone through or knows someone who is experiencing the devastation of divorce.

[Tanya Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing that could make this book better would be if I could have read it sooner . I went through divorce a couple years ago and it was so hard. Tracie says in her book "the only thing harder than letting go is holding on to what can't be. ". I struggled with letting go and second-guessed every decision I made. Hearing Tracie's story and how she went through so many of the same hard things and survived and even thrived gives me hope. There's so much good advice and biblical truths to hold onto in this book. The happiness prompters, healing steps, and caring for you sections at the end of each chapter offer great ideas for working through the hardest of days. And they're relevant whether newly divorced or even months or years later. Thank you Tracie Miles for sharing your story and giving me hope in what feels like a hopeless situation.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Unbroken-Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce is an encouraging new book by Tracie Miles. Tracie walks you through the many emotions that divorce can bring and shares her own life experience with this life altering event and how God reached out to encourage her and draw her to Himself. The "Happiness Prompters” and questions at the end of each chapter are very helpful for your own situation. Even though I haven’t been divorced my parents divorced when I was very young and I didn’t realize to what extent it had affected me until I read Tracie's book. Tracie's encouragement showed me that ..."divorce is the death of a life we once knew, it is not the death of who we are or who we can be," and that "My identity was determined by my heavenly Father..." not by divorce. If you've experienced divorce let Tracie's book encourage and bring healing to you too.

[SHELLEY SINGH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the gem I needed years ago when I walked through the valley of sorrow that accompanies a divorce. The warmth of Tracie’s words emanates from each page with a gentle strength that will journey with you until the last page.
As she gracefully offers wisdom, it is evident that she has purposefully navigated the cycles and patterns of pain which surface from the trauma of a significant loss gracefully.
I did not have a support system as I tried to navigate the confusion and emotional upheaval that a loss such as divorce brings along with the practical implications for dealing with in a new transition of life.
This impactful resource will offer timeless wisdom and will equip you with relatable strategies to help you reclaim your life.

[Sondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce Tracie Miles writes tenderly and with grace for women who have experienced the trauma of divorce. She infuses precious hope while addressing topics all too often otherwise overlooked. Living Unbroken is grounded in biblical perspective and contains plenty of actionable advice. It is not a "religious" book but a gut-wrenchingly real account of pain and suffering, growth and healing -- and hope, great hope! It is a gift for hurting hearts, for those suffering in the trenches of divorce, and a valuable resource for all who walk alongside. I loved this book and cannot wait to share it.

[Laura L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve finished the book. It’s an excellent read. I won’t lie, it brought some things to light that I thought I had resolved. But overall a very healing and very revealing book for anyone having faced the devastation of divorce. If you haven’t faced divorce in your own relationship, you undoubtedly love someone who has, read it and understand their pain and struggle. I took advantage of the journal and the battle plan to really dig deep. I can’t say enough about the healing the book can bring. #livingunbroken #traciemiles

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to reading Living Unbroken because I have a close friend who is struggling through divorce. I was able to learn and understand better what she is going through and how I can stand by her in a meaningful way. I also learned skills that I can apply in my life during sad and painful times and be able to move forward in a positive and productive way. The author was very honest and upfront with her own separation and divorce struggles and wrote these helpful steps from a place of experience.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Unbroken is the story of a woman who tells a story of hope after divorce. As someone who has walked through divorce, Tracie offers the reader compassion, empathy, understanding and connection through the devastation of divorce. This book offers the reader, the truth of God's word as they walk through a difficult season.
If you have walked through divorce, this book will help you as you heal, trust God and reclaim the dream that God has for your life. If you know someone who is going through a divorce and has been through one, this is a real encouragement.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracie Miles is one of my favorite Proverbs 31 Ministries authors. I always appreciate her honesty and vulnerability, and I connect with her stories. Though I have not experienced the heartache of divorce as an adult, I have experienced it as an adult child of divorce. I’m glad that Tracie sent me this book, because it gives me a new angle of understanding on the unique struggles divorced women face. It’s a sensitive, affirming and empowering read, and I am certain it will help many women heal and find new hope.

I received a preview copy of Living Unbroken from the author.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be on the review team for this book. I had read Unsinkable Faith, also by Tracie Miles and it was such a great book that changed and matured me as a Christian.

Tracie mentioned in her book there are no books out there about this topic and she is right! I looked. I'm glad she decided to write this book for that reason. You are left to feel even more alone and ashamed as a Christian.

As I read the book I felt the parts where the emotional bruises had healed. This was how I felt at the time. While it took years with counseling, soul searching, and so many hours of crying, I look back and wish I had this book with me.

My favorite part was chapter 9: Girl, You are not crazy. My marriage had been painful and filled with abuse. I was glad it had ended and wanted to do cartwheels in the front yard because I felt free. But I had to deal with the emotional part and PTSD. What I really needed to hear from someone is that I wasn't crazy.

This book is filling that void out there for women going through divorce. It will help you mend, not feel alone, and help you get back up on your feet.