There are times in life where pain and grief get in the way of seeing God’s promise that he will never forsake us. Hope When Your Heart Breaks by Michael Newman will guide readers through their seasons of grief and help them discover what they need most—hope.

“Pastor Mike Newman’s book, Hope When Your Heart Breaks, is a book that should be on every person’s shelf,” says Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz. “Grief hits us all at various times throughout our lives. Very often it can be completely unexpected and, almost always, overwhelming. This book is one that gives encouragement to all who grieve, by taking us on a journey through the lives of people in the Scripture who grieve, yes, but with the hope that comes from trusting in the God of heaven and earth, the one who rules over life and death, who conquers grief with eternal joy.”

Featuring brief, topical chapters, Hope When Your Heart Breaks is designed to be a place of refuge and a point of reference. Not everyone grieves the same way, nor do they always grieve the same things—but everyone needs encouragement. No chapter is dependent on another, so readers might scan the table of contents to find the chapter that speaks to them in the moment. In addition, each chapter closes with a Bible reading and some questions for personal reflection and journaling.

To order or learn more about Hope When Your Heart Breaks, visit cph.org/heartbreak. For more information on the author or to request a review copy, please contact Lindsey Martie, Public Relations, by phone at 314-268-1303 or by email at Lindsey.Martie@cph.org.

Praise for Hope when Your Heart Breaks

“Grief is involved in every change in life. Michael Newman understands this, providing this very helpful book. He seeks to find the threads of grief that are in life experiences such as fear, anger, depression, guilt, and purposelessness. Each of the 52 devotional chapters is independent of the others. The meditation itself will connect with you; devotional guides follow every chapter for further spiritual work; prayer encouragement and direction end each chapter. “

Bruce M. Hartung, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis

“Michael Newman’s book Hope When Your Heart Breaks demonstrates a personal and pastoral acquaintance with the gut-wrenching realities of the grief process from a variety of losses–death of a loved one, loss of a job, family crisis, and dramatic changes in the aging process. The issues and questions raised by each chapter strike raw emotions, thoughts, and faith struggles at various stages in the grief process. Each chapter also connects the struggle with Biblical narratives and comforting Christ-centered passages which bring hope to the situation while encouraging the ongoing work of grief. I strongly recommend this book for personal use and for giving to family and friends in need.”

Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Carter, pastor, professor, and publisher

“When looking through a prism, light is refracted into a full spectrum of colors. Michael W. Newman accomplishes the same thing here, treating grief as a prism through which we see the full spectrum of emotions and experiences that loss brings to life. The conversational tone of his writing makes the reader feel as if he has crawled into his or her mind, truly grasping the nuances of grief as one struggles to move from brokenness to healing. Best of all, each and every chapter clearly articulates that we cannot accomplish this on our own, pointing to Jesus Christ as the true source of hope and strength. A must-have for all of us, at any stage of life.”

Jane P. Wilke, educator, author, speaker, encourager

“This is a refreshing book! The Bible is absolutely unique among the sacred writings of all religions. It is the historical description of God’s love influencing the lives of real people facing real situations. Michael Newman has taken this unique reality and put it to use in the daily struggles of the Christian. He offers a clear connection between Biblical life situations and the reader’s daily life. Through it all, he shows the intricate way that God’s love is at work in the lives of His people, giving direction and hope to those struggling with difficult emotions and tough situations.”

Rev. Dr. David J. Ludwig, professor, a licensed psychologist, and LCMS pastor.

About the Author

Heartbreak and loss have been regular visitors in Michael Newman’s life, both personally and in his walk with the dear people he served during more than thirty years of pastoral ministry. An author of several books, Michael also enjoys communicating the gift of hope in Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, and mission outreach. He currently serves as a mission strategist, working to share the only antidote to heartbreak by planting new churches and sending new workers to share the Good News of Jesus. Michael has been married to Cindy since 1983. They give thanks for their wonderful adult daughters and their families.