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Glimpses of Heaven: True Stories of Hope and Peace at the End of Life's Journey
“There is no such thing as time,” the patient said. “Dying is like walking from the living room into the dining room. There are no beginnings and no endings.”Then he closed his eyes for the last time.Tender, heartbreaking, and eye-opening, New York Times bestseller Glimpses of Heaven gives you an intimate look at the final thoughts, words, and visions of terminally ill and dying people. Through the eyes of former hospice nurse Trudy Harris, you’ll experience more than forty true stories that paint a reassuring picture of life’s end.You’ll marvel at how patients received exactly what they needed to see or hear in order to die peacefully and well. And you’ll find great hope and peace in knowing that God goes to great lengths to redeem, comfort, and prepare His children to come home.Whether you are facing the death of a loved one or confronting a terminal disease, Glimpses of Heaven will touch your heart and reassure you of the great love and peace God longs for you to receive.“As I read this book, I cried, I laughed, and I thought of my own mortality. What wonderful stories Trudy has given us, and what a wonderful gift to those who will read this book.”—Bob Losure, former CNN Headline News anchor
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2008
415 people are currently reading
1748 people want to read
About the author
Trudy Harris
62 books28 followersTrudy Harris, RN, is the New York Times bestselling author of Glimpses of Heaven and More Glimpses of Heaven, a former hospice nurse, and former president of the Hospice Foundation for Caring. Since retirement, Harris remains active in connecting the need
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 21, 2010
Glimpses of Heaven is another in the genre of non-fiction examining "life after life" stories. This one varies in at least three ways from others I've read.
First, it is not even remotely scientific, nor does it pretend to be. In fact, the author (Trudy Harris) clearly evinces a religious bias and it infuses her interpretation of virtually every experience. That isn't necessarily bad; it just is, and each reader must make his or her own judgment. I'm OK with that.
Second, it is not about near-death experiences, as are most books in this genre. It is, instead, accounts of people passing from this life into the next. The author looked not for those who claim to have returned from beyond the veil, but rather related the stories of people in their last moments before death.
Finally, it is not an analytical or research-based summarization of "life after life" or NDE experiences. Rather, it simply relates the stories of people in their last moments before death, as witnessed by the author, who was a hospice nurse (now retired). I appreciated that she simply (with the exception of the religious interpolations) told the stories, in most cases giving the readers space to draw their own conclusions.
It was a quick read...I finished it in a half hour while waiting for my son to get out of his driver's ed class (which means I may be having my own near death experience soon). I found it more comforting than thought-provoking, but I think that was the author's goal.
First, it is not even remotely scientific, nor does it pretend to be. In fact, the author (Trudy Harris) clearly evinces a religious bias and it infuses her interpretation of virtually every experience. That isn't necessarily bad; it just is, and each reader must make his or her own judgment. I'm OK with that.
Second, it is not about near-death experiences, as are most books in this genre. It is, instead, accounts of people passing from this life into the next. The author looked not for those who claim to have returned from beyond the veil, but rather related the stories of people in their last moments before death.
Finally, it is not an analytical or research-based summarization of "life after life" or NDE experiences. Rather, it simply relates the stories of people in their last moments before death, as witnessed by the author, who was a hospice nurse (now retired). I appreciated that she simply (with the exception of the religious interpolations) told the stories, in most cases giving the readers space to draw their own conclusions.
It was a quick read...I finished it in a half hour while waiting for my son to get out of his driver's ed class (which means I may be having my own near death experience soon). I found it more comforting than thought-provoking, but I think that was the author's goal.
December 31, 2012
A friend who is studying to be a palliative care nurse pulled this book out of her purse one day, and it struck me as just the kind of thing that we need to understand better and be able to talk about. What is the dying experience like, and can learning about it help us to be less afraid, and more helpful to loved ones who are dying?
I got this book for Christmas and read it in a couple of days - it's an easy read, and each of the 40 or so stories pushes you on irresistibly to the next. The book feels like the author intended it as a gift to the reader - she wants us to understand that people in palliative care go through an experience that we can't understand, and that it involves a process of illumination, freedom, and love. Her own perspective is Christian and it infuses her interpretation of her patients' stories, though she's clear that not all of her patients share her strong faith.
I appreciated Harris sharing her experience. It's clear she approaches the dying process with profound sensitivity and understanding. (It's also fascinating how accurately she could sense the "dying time" of her patients.) It's a book that deserved a robust edit to deal with repetition and some awkward wording. There is also a tendency to wrap up each story with a similar sense of peace and comfort, which left me wondering if most of her patients really found this peace, or if she selected from memory those who did.
But Harris offers a picture of what dying can be when handled well - part of life, a time of reflection and making peace. The book succeeds in putting the dying process in perspective and offers comfort. I'm betting that it has started many conversations.
I got this book for Christmas and read it in a couple of days - it's an easy read, and each of the 40 or so stories pushes you on irresistibly to the next. The book feels like the author intended it as a gift to the reader - she wants us to understand that people in palliative care go through an experience that we can't understand, and that it involves a process of illumination, freedom, and love. Her own perspective is Christian and it infuses her interpretation of her patients' stories, though she's clear that not all of her patients share her strong faith.
I appreciated Harris sharing her experience. It's clear she approaches the dying process with profound sensitivity and understanding. (It's also fascinating how accurately she could sense the "dying time" of her patients.) It's a book that deserved a robust edit to deal with repetition and some awkward wording. There is also a tendency to wrap up each story with a similar sense of peace and comfort, which left me wondering if most of her patients really found this peace, or if she selected from memory those who did.
But Harris offers a picture of what dying can be when handled well - part of life, a time of reflection and making peace. The book succeeds in putting the dying process in perspective and offers comfort. I'm betting that it has started many conversations.
April 15, 2012
Glimpses of Heaven: True Stories of Hope and Peace at the End of Life's Journey
by Trudy Harris, R.N.
Trudy Harris began her career as a hospice nurse in 1981. This collection of over 40 stories, including that of her parents, offers glimpses of what lies beyond, and what the living can learn from the dying.
I picked this book to read for two reasons; I lost my dad in August, and I was with him when he died. I was hoping this book would offer some measure of comfort that he went peacefully and unafraid, and reading these stories helped to reassure me of that. The second reason, is that I am living with stage IV breast cancer, which is incurable. I have accepted the fact that this disease will eventually kill me, but I often worry that I will feel anxious and afraid when that time comes. If I ever do need hospice care, I hope that I will have someone like Trudy to care for me.
I just wish the stories would have been a little more detailed about the experience of dying; not just the spiritual side of it, but what the body goes through physically. I think the more we know about death and dying, the less afraid we become of it. Overall though, this is a beautifully written book about a very sensitive subject.
by Trudy Harris, R.N.
Trudy Harris began her career as a hospice nurse in 1981. This collection of over 40 stories, including that of her parents, offers glimpses of what lies beyond, and what the living can learn from the dying.
I picked this book to read for two reasons; I lost my dad in August, and I was with him when he died. I was hoping this book would offer some measure of comfort that he went peacefully and unafraid, and reading these stories helped to reassure me of that. The second reason, is that I am living with stage IV breast cancer, which is incurable. I have accepted the fact that this disease will eventually kill me, but I often worry that I will feel anxious and afraid when that time comes. If I ever do need hospice care, I hope that I will have someone like Trudy to care for me.
I just wish the stories would have been a little more detailed about the experience of dying; not just the spiritual side of it, but what the body goes through physically. I think the more we know about death and dying, the less afraid we become of it. Overall though, this is a beautifully written book about a very sensitive subject.
February 4, 2017
After going through Hospice with my father recently, I will say that the book helped in some ways, but in others I found it a bit far-fetched. It gives unrealistic expectations to families who have a loved one in Hospice. I would suggest reading the Hospice booklet, 'When the Time Comes', for a better idea of what to expect during this difficult time. Maybe some are alert and talking toward the end, but that is certainly not the case for the majority.
March 26, 2014
I lost my 100-year-old Mother last year and reading this book has given me peace and comfort. I often wondered about a 'dream' my Mother said she had about a year before her passing. This book cleared up my thoughts about her dream and I know now that it was not a dream.
Trudy Harris worked as a devoted hospice nurse for many years and shares some of her experiences with dying patients. She relates how people say they feel, requests they make, and what they envision and say at the end. She was able to bring them peace as they neared death. A devout Christian, Ms. Harris shares her own beliefs and how many dying patients found solace by sharing their beliefs with her.
I found the book to be inspiring and informational about our final transition.
Trudy Harris worked as a devoted hospice nurse for many years and shares some of her experiences with dying patients. She relates how people say they feel, requests they make, and what they envision and say at the end. She was able to bring them peace as they neared death. A devout Christian, Ms. Harris shares her own beliefs and how many dying patients found solace by sharing their beliefs with her.
I found the book to be inspiring and informational about our final transition.
March 9, 2015
This is a book about stories about life and the ending of life. There are all types of stories for every type of person. Some I could relate to, some not. Being a cancer survivor and still being checked monthly, its a little nerve-racking to read these stories. Life is short but these stories are inspiring and we all will die in the end. Knowing and believing in God and His Peace helps make life easier.
November 16, 2014
So much of what I saw in my mother's transition to heaven three months ago from Alzheimer's was similar to the journeys related in this book. It made me feel secure in my hopes for my own death journey some day.
November 26, 2017
Awesome Book. Highly Recommend It. Learned What To Expect When My Journey On This Earth. 😇
October 29, 2014
Stories are very similar, but that is the point. Very comforting and healing. Helps me to understand the journey of dying from each personal experience. Wish I had read it before I lost my Dad; particularly the part about a dying person's need to discuss this journey.
This hospice nurse is truly amazing, both in her ability to love each patient and her ability to record these experiences.
This hospice nurse is truly amazing, both in her ability to love each patient and her ability to record these experiences.
June 14, 2011
The title does not match the content--with this title, I think I'm going to read "beyond and back" stories, which is not the case. So, my gripe isn't really with the content, but with the marketing. Unfortunately, it goes hand-in-hand and it’s never a good thing when the reader feels duped.
November 19, 2018
What you would expect from a book of stories dealing with end of life. If you are looking for heartwarming, you shouldn't be disappointed. If you're looking for life-changing, you might be disappointed.
April 6, 2025
I think for someone who has experienced a hospice situation with a loved one, this book validates the feelings /emotions/ grief we go through. It was comforting to me to see how people from all walks of life, experience the end of life so similarly in hospice. I was inspired by Trudy’s great faith and gift in knowing just what to say to each individual person she encountered in her work. For a person who either has not seen a hospice experience yet, or doesn’t know God as their Lord and Savior, the reaction to her stories may differ. Almost all were a comfort to me, some moving me to tears. One scared me, and confirms that evil is real in our world, but thankfully for this reviewer, good triumphed over evil in that story. I happened upon this book by accident, and was drawn to it. Ironically, I read it at the year anniversary of my father’s passing in hospice. Trudy often mentions that prayer taught her what to say and do in these circumstances. She was sure God often set these situations to not only do something for the dying person, but to teach her a lesson too. I feel as if God put this book in my path for the same purpose. This is an easy read that can be bitten off in short chapters, perhaps as a morning or nighttime meditation to see what God can teach you from each hospice encounter.
June 3, 2025
This was actually the 2nd time I’ve read this book and I enjoyed it both times. After reading some of the more negative reviews, I feel it necessary to point out that this book is 100% from a Christian point-of-view and takes the position of being a collection of experiences that the author had as a hospice nurse bearing witness to people passing from this life into the next. I believe that she has provided ample evidence that there is life after death. If you don’t believe in that, or if you are looking for a book about near-death experiences, then you may not find this book very inspirational (it is about dying, not near-death). I was with my mother when she passed away and so have born first hand witness to the deathbed experience, and because of that I believe what this author has shared, and I believe in Heaven. Therefore, I find this book and the follow-up book very inspirational.
March 16, 2021
I was expecting stories of people who had near death experiences and who had seen Jesus, angels, or heaven, but this book was really about people getting to the end of their lives and the actions they took or decisions they or their families or care takers made to help the dying ones be ready for the transition. Ms. Harris is a nurse and worked in hospice care for many years. People needed to make peace with God and loved ones and that was accomplished for each of the dying ones. Some actions were simple and some took a lot of effort. One was even miraculous, with a famous painting aiding the person, only the painting was never ever there! However, I know that not all transitions are calm and peaceful, but the ones in this book are, and that can be hopeful for the reader.
October 29, 2025
This is a warmly recounted set of experiences of an RN with dying patients. Her compassion speaks from every page, and her desire to see people die with dignity and peace moved her to work often with Hospice.
As she witnessed people’s final visions, she wrote: “The experiences are unique to the persons themselves but share a common theme of enlightenment, love, and acceptance at the end of life… Every person seems to receive exactly what he or she needs to see and hear in order to die peacefully and well.”
She reflects on “their anticipated and imminent meeting with God” as the guiding factor. It’s an encouraging read for people who love God and carry concern for their frail loved ones.
As she witnessed people’s final visions, she wrote: “The experiences are unique to the persons themselves but share a common theme of enlightenment, love, and acceptance at the end of life… Every person seems to receive exactly what he or she needs to see and hear in order to die peacefully and well.”
She reflects on “their anticipated and imminent meeting with God” as the guiding factor. It’s an encouraging read for people who love God and carry concern for their frail loved ones.
May 22, 2019
Buku ini bercerita tentang seorang perawat yang khusus merawat orang-orang dengan penyakit yang tidak bisa disembuhkan dan orang-orang tua yang sudah mendekati ajal. Ia menceritakan sekilas kehidupan mereka dan menceritakan proses yang mereka hadapi saat ajal datang menjemput. Semuanya diceritakan dengan indah dan elegan dalam bentuk kumpulan cerita pendek. Bahwa kematian pada dasarnya hanyalah sebuah transisi atau perpindahan yang tidak perlu ditakuti. Penulisnya adalah seorang Katolik yang taat, sehingga nuansa kepercayaannya kepada Tuhan sangat tercermin di dalam buku ini.
February 3, 2018
My sister is under Hospice care right now in her own home. Things are not as bad as they will be, but this book helped to comfort me. I am far away and texting ever day, throughout the day with her is my only option right now. We are the last of our immediate family. Saying goodbye is tough in all cases, but having other's stories, some much worse, and seeing that their peace was found even in this last journey was helpful.
March 17, 2018
As a former Oncology nurse I have seen things and heard things from patients that I did not understand, but has made me wonder about heaven and the things that people experience close to their death. Trudy Harris a Hospice nurse shares many of the experiences that she has had with patients to let people know that there is a heaven and that God is with patients before and after their death. An interesting book for those who are wondering about the subject.
July 23, 2018
I thought it was very good. A quick and easy read. I'm from Jacksonville, Florida and I actually knew one of the Priest mentioned in some of the stories. This book gives hope to the living and dying. I recently lost my mother and although she didn't go in as much peace as many in this book did much of what the author described did happen during the dying process. It takes much of the fear of dying away for me.
February 3, 2019
A quick read. I found this interesting and accurate because I used to volunteer in hospice. Specifically, I sat with patients who were actively dying, either because they had no one, or to allow their loved ones a break from the vigil. My experiences were not like Trudy’s, where the patient was verbal up until death, perhaps because I was not a family member or close friend. But I will say, it was a blessing and an honor to share that sacred space during transition.
September 24, 2019
Hospice nurse describes numerous experiences in which she ministered, or others did, to individuals in the final stages of dying. Based on her Christian perspective, she reveals how God always breaks through. While all of these stories, including some of her family members, are comforting and warm, one instinctively knows all death experiences are not like this, no matter one’s faith. But it does show how many have similar experiences, thoughts and questions just prior to death.
September 18, 2023
Certainly, a fascinating and touching rendition of real-life stories of people being ushered into the afterlife believing there is a God and a Jesus waiting for them along with all the angels and loved ones. This should give comfort to those who have lost someone close to them and for those facing a death of a family member or friend. The message is one of hope and we could all use a dose of that.
November 29, 2025
Yes, inspirational. More about spiritual journeys than deathbed visions.
Inspirational and Christ-centered but a bit sugary sweet. I'm so glad for all the love and kindness and heart softening experiences that are shared, but not every death is hearts and roses and surrender to Christ. I felt that in some way this should be addressed. Nevertheless, when my time comes, I want a death like these ones! (I just turned 70 this year.)
Inspirational and Christ-centered but a bit sugary sweet. I'm so glad for all the love and kindness and heart softening experiences that are shared, but not every death is hearts and roses and surrender to Christ. I felt that in some way this should be addressed. Nevertheless, when my time comes, I want a death like these ones! (I just turned 70 this year.)
November 14, 2017
CONGRATULATIONS
This is an awesome book. I absolutely love it. The way Ms. Harris expressed what was happening to all her patients, their final hours on earth and all that God wants them to know. Each story made me cry, not from sadness, but rather happiness. I hope when my time comes, there will be someone like Trudy with me.
This is an awesome book. I absolutely love it. The way Ms. Harris expressed what was happening to all her patients, their final hours on earth and all that God wants them to know. Each story made me cry, not from sadness, but rather happiness. I hope when my time comes, there will be someone like Trudy with me.
July 15, 2018
I am almost finished with this heartfelt account from Trudy Harris chronicling some of her experiences as a hospice nurse. Her perspective and experiences are very traditional Christian. Many of her observations mirror my own deathbed experiences. I am enjoying the book and if you are a follower of Jesus or want to be ... read it!!
August 28, 2021
These short essays of those who are getting ready to depart from this world destination: Heaven, were a joy to read. Truly God draws ever closer at these times. He wills that each come to Him and makes Himself more accessible at these special moments.
It reminded me of some of the occasions I was with patients who had similar experiences. May they all rest in peace.
It reminded me of some of the occasions I was with patients who had similar experiences. May they all rest in peace.
September 1, 2025
It a recollection of her stories whilst being a hospice nurse. I hope when my time comes, I can tell people of the wonders of seeing visions, God and His Angels. It is a simple read that took longer than it should because I thought or I shouldn’t be sayin this, but I thought the stories were all becoming similar. After all, they are all about the movements before death.
August 17, 2017
A lovely book written by a Christian hospice nurse that assisted many in the dying process, many of which saw angels, Jesus himself, or had some other type of ethereal experience in their last days on earth.
January 3, 2018
Interesting perspective
Okm not what I expected.. Everyone here goes to heaven.. There may probably be many who don't. But that wouldn't be very encouraging to someone who's grieving.
Okm not what I expected.. Everyone here goes to heaven.. There may probably be many who don't. But that wouldn't be very encouraging to someone who's grieving.
September 12, 2018
Affirms all I hope for
Very comforting to read. As a former home health/hospice nurse, I felt the presence of God as death approached. It was indescribably serene. I'm glad I wasn't just imagining these feelings. Thank you for sharing your experience, Trudy
Very comforting to read. As a former home health/hospice nurse, I felt the presence of God as death approached. It was indescribably serene. I'm glad I wasn't just imagining these feelings. Thank you for sharing your experience, Trudy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews