In All Heaven Is on Your Side, Sandra Richards shares personal testimonies of God’s intervention in her life to inspire hope and faith in others.

Richards is a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her six-part volume includes personal stories of the providences of God in her life, biblical teaching on topics such as sin and the Sabbath, and imagined stories that offer a creative glimpse into life in heaven.

The book’s first part is devoted to stories showing “God’s personal intervention…when [she] experienced a need or realized a spiritual moment.” For example, in one story, she discusses her thoughts about retiring from her job, which had become so stressful that she felt a knot in her stomach. After finally resigning, the knot disappeared. “I took this as a sign from God that I had made the decision He Wanted me to make.” This happened just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “I believe God led me to retire to protect me from the pandemic.”

Richards’ theological discussions center on a range of topics, including the nature of sin, the importance of honoring the Sabbath, and heaven’s grandeur. Richards writes: “The saying ‘Every man has his price’ raises an important question: Is there any price that equals the glories of heaven?”

The fictional accounts of heaven allow readers to imagine, for example, meeting “His Glorious Majesty,’ surrounded by “[b]eams of acceptance.”

The author’s writing is clear and crisp; however, her religious convictions may seem extreme to some. For example, she notes that she “no longer watch[es] secular movies” and refused to visit an amusement park with her daughter and grandchild, having read that “worldly attractions [like a theme park] will be presented to draw…attention from the Savior.” Readers may find her abstention from seemingly innocent activities old-fashioned or even fanatical.

Nonetheless, those seeking inspiring stories about faith and miracles will find thought-provoking stories in this compilation of testimonies and creative writings.

Also available as an ebook.