Until You Find Strength: A Message of Comfort for When Your Grief Feels Too Heavy

by Jason F. Wright

Everyone experiences loss differently and grieves in their own way, but author Jason F. Wright, has learned from his own life some key principles to regaining your footing and finding tranquility after a devastating loss.

This beautifully illustrated book helps remind those who are grieving that they are never alone in their pain and heartache.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Grief, Inspirational

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 30, 2022

About the author

Jason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author.

Jason also writes an occasional column which has appeared in over 100 newspapers, magazines and web sites across the United States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Deseret News, Forbes, CNN, FoxNews, and others.

Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks on the miracle of opening doors, faith, failure, the Christmas Jars movement, the lost art of letter writing, and many other topics. He has been seen on CNN, FoxNews, C-SPAN, and on local television stations around the country.

Each year Jason visits schools across the country and presents assemblies and writing workshops to students at all ages.

Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for his novel The Wednesday Letters, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family westward from northern Virginia to Woodstock.

Jason is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, short book with just a handful of pages, making it the perfect reminder for a grieving friend, family member or neighbor, that they are not alone. "We're still here" seems to be the message of this book and it's an important one for people who have lost someone they love. The message is simple, the illustrations are simple. But all of it heartfelt.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the description of this book is exactly right. It reads like an extended sympathy card for someone grieving. The 32 page picture book has messages meant to remind a person they are not alone and as they enter their new normal. It is not religious but talks more of knowing others are a phone call or text away. If I have one negative it is that it puts the burden on the grieving person to reach out. I would have like it more if an action was placed on the giver of the book. For example if it said things like it when we visit we might not always know the right things to say. But that is a minor quibble for a book that is extending sympathy and support.

I’ve read several of the authors feel good books like Christmas Jars and Wednesday Letters. But this is a kind and an appropriate gift for someone who is experiencing loss or is grieving. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gentle, short book which as another reviewer said reads a bit like an extended greeting card. It's nice, it's kind, it's just a bit light at only 18 pages of very sparse text. But on the other hand, I'm not sure there is anything that would do a better job and the accompanying drawings are pleasant so a solid four stars.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem, whether it is a gift for someone with a recent (or not recent) loss, or for you and your own journey with grief. Jason Wright has put together a beautiful, short and sweet book full of reminders that we all need when the grief is heavy, and the heart broken.

No one has to go through this life alone and Wright shares that message of love, support and so much more through this wonderful and gorgeous book. Wright has a way with words whether it be a long novel or a short message of hope and love. If you are looking for a gift for someone experiencing the loss of a loved one this is a perfect and lovely little book to hand to them. I could see this one becoming a loved book whether it stays on someone's shelf to come back to when they need the beautiful reminders within. I could also see it being a book passed from one person to the next as they share their own journey through grief with others and offer words of comfort through the messages within this gift. Definitely pick this book up when you see it on the shelves!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tender gift book touched my heart as I read it. Maybe it's because not too long ago I lost a loved one myself. I cried as I read Jason Wright's sweet words of comfort and hope. I found it a great reminder that there is help and comfort available during these times of sorrow. It also reminded me that I can be that someone to offer love and support for others as they struggle with loss. I also appreciated the gentle reminder to ask for help when needed, there are those willing and able to help. The author also points out the grieving is different for everyone, that there will be ups and downs, and that we are likely to never stop missing those we love, but that good times can still be enjoyed and it's okay to laugh or cry as needed. This sweet book would make a great gift for yourself or others whose hearts are mourning the loss of a loved one.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book that can be given to anyone that has experienced a loss of a loved one in their life. I so appreciate Author Jason F. Wright writing another book that lifts up others as many of his books have done for me and his many readers. Some of my favorites have been The Christmas Jars, The Wednesday Letters, and his latest novel I reviewed, Even The Dog Knows.

It isn't a long book but reads more like a sweet message of hope you'd find in a sympathy card or hear on the phone from a dear friend. I know as I've gone through my own trials of loss and at times I just want to be alone but I still need some lifting up. Until You Find Strength will give you that sense of peace and hope you need to get by hour by hour and day by day. It will make you feel that you don't have to go through grief on your own and remember there are others there to help you as you move forward and heal. This little book makes the perfect, heartfelt gift.

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely little book is a beautiful way to reach out to a loved one who is grieving and express some simple but powerful messages of hope and healing. Besides being a reminder of your presence and desire to help, it includes some simple, effective ways for the reader to process their grief and move more quickly to a place of comfort and peace. It acknowledges the pain but provides a lighted path for moving beyond that.

I know the author’s heart and deep faith — this book’s message is pure love without faith language that can trip people up, especially when you don’t know where someone is in their faith journey. This book contains universal messages that anyone would appreciate.

[Monica H at The Readathon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever tried to figure out how to comfort someone after they lose a family member or friend? What do you say? What do you do? How can you bring that person some comfort or peace? I struggle with this because I don’t want to say the wrong thing and make the grief or pain worse. Until You Find Strength by Jason F. Wright is a tender book that I think would be a wonderful gift to show your love to someone who has lost a loved one.

I read the digital copy of this book, but I have seen it in a bookstore. It is a cute, little book that has beautiful illustrations and comforting words. Words such as “Don’t Fear the Laughter” and “Grieve as Needed.” There is no wrong or right way to grieve, and our loved ones would want us to have joy in our time here on earth. Until You Find Strength would make a comforting gift to anyone who has experienced a loss. Giving a book may not bring the loved one back, but it will give family and friends hope and comfort during difficult times. You may find my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gift book I’ve been waiting for. “A message of comfort for when your grief feels too heavy.”

This short gift book consists of simple illustrations with the perfect words to express your love and support for someone who is grieving. The author clearly understands grief and includes some key principles at the end to help people cope with the loss of a loved one. Though the subject might seem depressing, the tone of the book is positive and gently uplifting. I plan on buying a few copies for friends who are dealing with grief right now.

Five solid stars, but worth ten stars to those who need it. I highly recommend buying this book and sharing it with someone you know. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for a digital copy to use for my review.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. These words are my own, as always.***

I'm between a 3 and a 4 star response here.

I could give a double 5-star love for the advice and tips at the end. Absolutely beautiful. Shout those from the rooftops. These are ideas that helped me or would have helped me through my grieving.

But I 2-star did not love the words about "we're still here" preceding it. Maybe it would suit the comfort needed from another someone who grieves, just not this someone.

The chosen art was serene but strong; excellent selections from the graphic artists! Beautiful work. I read this as an ebook, so I am interested to see what this art looks like in the printed copy.

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely little book is a beautiful way to reach out to a loved one who is grieving and express some simple but powerful messages of hope and healing. Besides being a reminder of your presence and desire to help, it includes some simple, effective ways for the reader to process their grief and move more quickly to a place of comfort and peace. It acknowledges the pain but provides a lighted path for moving beyond that.

I know the author’s heart and deep faith — this book’s message is pure love without faith language that can trip people up, especially when you don’t know where someone is in their faith journey. This book contains universal messages that anyone would appreciate. It is a sympathy note on steroids.

[Madi & Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever want to get a gift for someone who is grieving, might I suggest this book!

I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book soon after my grandfather passed away. I was able to feel comfort from this book, but I know my grandmother will find even more for herself! I can’t wait to gift her a physical copy of this book.

This book reads like an extended greeting card. A super easy read, something that can be picked up over and over and over and read quickly when some comfort and reassurance is needed.

Do you like having easy to read books writing grasp fit when you just need a quick pick me up?

Thank you so much to @shadowmountainpub for the copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A positive review was not required, but is deserved!

[Michelle Dennis Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone dies that you love, healing takes time--much longer than anyone on the outside can see. My husband experienced this when his first wife passed. I experienced this when my father passed. It was always a comfort to know that someone was still there, even as I struggled to heal. This book is a perfect expression of that sentiment. It would make a beautiful gift to give those you know who are grieving at anytime during their grieving process. Thank you to Shadow Mountain for an advanced reader's copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really is an extended greeting card for someone who is grieving. I received an advanced copy of this book and read it soon after my grandfather passed away. This book was perfect!! I’m definitely going to buy a copy for my grandma not that it is out.

Definitely recommend giving this as a gift for any loved one who is experiencing grief, whether a recent loss, or even one that happened a while ago. This book is great for either scenario!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed an electronic version from the publisher, so I’m not totally certain how the final product would hit home. But, with what I saw this is a sweet book and seems like it would be a good gift for someone who lost a loved one. I was thinking of a few people while I read it and wondered how they’re getting along now that it’s been awhile since their loved one passed. I liked the advice the author gave at the end for things that can help you get through your grief. This is definitely a book I’d consider buying for someone who lost a loved one.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd had this book a year ago when I lost my beloved husband. However, even still, the advice is sound and Jason Wright's words profound. He not only has a way with words in his excellent works of fiction, but one can take comfort in reading this, as well. I was fortunate to be able to read it via NetGalley but would love to see the illustrated copy I have read about. A great gift for someone who is suffering a loss!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no way to perfectly convey sympathy for a friend’s loss. But I appreciate the effort in this book. It’s short and sweet as it should be (a grieving person isn’t going to spend forever reading something about grief) and has messages of love in it. The constant messages to the grieving to “reach out” to the ones who want to help were a little frustrating because the friend should be doing the reaching out. But I understand the sentiment. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy to review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thoughtful book is like an expanded sympathy card. It has a sweet message of comfort for someone who is recently grieving the loss of a close person. It also has some encouraging tips and gentle guidance to bring comfort and motivation to help someone struggling with their grief.
The pictures and flow were very nicely put together. I personally think it would make a great gift after a loss.
I received an electronic advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Embrace those difficult days and remind yourself just how much you loved that special person. So much so, that even after months, years, or decades, the loss is still there. You loved someone so deeply that, after all this time, you still miss them. What a miracle."

This is a beautiful little book that gives simple messages of comfort for those who are grieving. My mother passed away this year after battling cancer, so books like this have been really helpful to me.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done. Kudos to the author for this gentle message for loss or just missing someone. Strength an encouragement in a book that simple reads with gentle expression. Obviously loss has stages of grief and this one can help at the right stage. Five stars!

I voluntarily left this opinion after Shadow Mountain Publishing gave me a copy to peruse.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It has thankfully been a while since I've lost someone very close to me, but I think the message in it is sweet and would appreciate the gesture if someone gave it to me. It's very short for a book (the message could likely fit all on one or two pages), but the images are pretty and soothing.

[Marianne Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving it 5 stars because I think this book could help some people. Sadly, it did not help me.When my grief was at it's heavest, sadly my family was nowhere to be found and when they could be found, it was a cluster-you know what.

In an ideal world this message of comfort should indeed be comforting. Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book, with such a great message. Great gift for someone who has lost a loved one. The illustrations were simple but peaceful and helped the spirit of the book get across.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone grieves in their own way, no one's grief is the same. This picture book is more than a card, for someone going through those difficult days after losing someone.

[Addie Maranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and succinct. Some good advice on the reality of grief and healing . I wish that at the end there were some resources for grief included. And maybe original artwork.

[NaDell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small encouragement book to give to someone who is grieving.

[Jennifer Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. Uplifting and full of love.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet book to be given to anyone grieving

[Tani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book for those who are grieving

[Rosalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful reminder to continue to reach out and encourage those who have experienced loss.