New Devotional Journal Hope for the Heartbroken Offers a Compassionate, Scripture-Based Path Through Grief
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — At some point, every one of us experiences heartbreak. Whether it comes through loss, disappointment, broken relationships, or life’s unexpected turns, it can leave us feeling stuck and wondering how to move forward. In their forthcoming devotional journal, Hope for the Heartbroken: A 52-Week Walk with God for Those Living with Grief (Zondervan, September 15, 2026), bestselling authors Karen Ehman, Ruth Schwenk, and Amber Emily Smith offer a yearlong companion for those walking through life’s deepest losses.
Written by three women whose lives have been profoundly shaped by personal heartbreak, Hope for the Heartbroken provides biblical encouragement, practical reflection, and space for readers to process their grief while drawing closer to God. Through 52 weeks of guided devotions and journaling prompts, readers are reminded that they are not alone and that hope can be found even in the hardest seasons.
“Grief is not a journey anyone chooses, but it is one that many walk,” said the authors. “Our prayer is that this devotional becomes a trusted companion for those navigating any kind of loss, offering comfort, honest reflection, and the reassurance that God is near to the brokenhearted.”
Designed to meet readers wherever they are in their healing journey, each week follows a thoughtful five-day rhythm:
- Ponder – Read a Scripture-centered devotion
- Pen – Reflect through guided journaling prompts
- Pray – Express grief and hope through prayer
- Pause – Process emotions and invite spiritual growth
- Pathway – Take a practical step toward healing and self-care
Whether grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, a painful divorce, a life transition, or another deeply personal sorrow, readers will find gentle guidance and compassionate support rooted in biblical truth.
Together, Ehman, Schwenk, and Smith bring a unique depth of experience to the pages of Hope for the Heartbroken. Having endured significant personal losses, including the deaths of loved ones, miscarriages, broken relationships, and other life-altering hardships, they write with authenticity, empathy, and unwavering faith.
A meaningful resource for individuals, support groups, churches, counselors, and ministries, Hope for the Heartbroken also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone experiencing grief, especially during holidays, anniversaries, or other difficult milestones.
Hope for the Heartbroken is available for pre-order wherever books are sold.
Karen Ehman is a New York Times bestselling author who has written 22 books and Bible studies including the 2020 ECPA Devotional of the Year Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus and Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All, which has sold over 300,000 copies. Married to her college sweetheart, Todd, she is a mom of three and “Grandma Kit” to two. She enjoys collecting vintage Pyrex kitchenware, strolling area farm markets, and spending her days feeding the many people who gather around her mid-century dining table to process life and enjoy her county fair blue-ribbon winning cooking. She resides in rural Central Michigan. Connect with her at karenehman.com.
Ruth Schwenk is the founder of the popular blog TheBetterMom.com and the trusted author of several books, including In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake (coauthored with her late husband, Patrick), Jesus, Calm My Heart, The Better Mom Devotional, and, with Karen Ehman, Settle My Soul, Pressing Pause, and Trusting God in All the Things. Writing from her own journey of both deep joy and heartbreaking loss, Ruth brings honesty, comfort, and hope to women in every season of life. A Michigan football superfan and self-proclaimed foodie, Ruth calls the beautiful state of Michigan home, along with her four children, two pugs, and their loyal Labrador retriever. Connect with her at ruthschwenk.com.
Amber Emily Smith is a Christ follower, wife, and mother of four. In 2019, her family suffered a devastating loss when their three-year-old son, River, drowned. Since then, she has been on a mission to share hope through suffering with a lost and broken world. She is the author of The Girl on the Bathroom Floor and coauthor of the children’s book Where the Dinosaurs Roar. Amber is also a speaker, host of the Arise with Amber podcast, and founder of the River Kelly Fund. Her aim is to know Jesus and make Him known. She’s passionate about studying Scripture and walking with others through the painful parts of life. Amber and her husband, Granger, live on a little farm in central Texas with their children, London, Lincoln, and Maverick. Connect with her at arisewithamber.com.
Zondervan Gift, an imprint under HarperCollins Christian Publishing, offers curated collections of beautifully designed gift books that inspire, uplift, and celebrate life’s meaningful moments. Specializing in devotionals, journals, seasonal titles, and books for special occasions, the imprint focuses on nurturing faith and encouraging personal reflection through thoughtfully crafted content and stylish, on-trend design. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, you can explore the collections at zondervan.com/gift.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or review copies, please contact:
Chasity Edwards, Director of PR, Chasity.Edwards@harpercollins.com
