Beloved is Where We Begin

“In our worrying world and busy lives, faced by constant challenges of work, money, health, relationships, confidence and responsibility, how difficult it is to hear that “still small voice of God” that we know brings calm and comfort. This intuitive, beautifully-written book offers gentle company along the bumpy road of day-to-day life, reminding us that God never lets us stray from the palm of His hand, and that His love is unconditional and forever.” – Pam Rhodes, English television, radio presenter and author“In Beloved Is Where We Begin, Rachael crafts a clear pathway through mental and spiritual uncertainty, reminding us that divine love persists even when our capacity to feel it falters. This deeply personal journey through the liturgical year offers gentle, accessible wisdom for the overwhelmed and weary - you could call it a sanctuary in book form that beautifully demonstrates how our belovedness is not something we earn, but the very foundation from which all healing begins.” – Revd Dr Cris Rogers, author of Making Disciples (Lion Hudson, 2018)“This gentle, accessible devotional speaks love and truth in every breath. I felt encouraged, nurtured and loved as I read its words. Far from a superficial read, however, I was equally challenged by insights which exposed where my thoughts and feelings had diverted from God’s best. I recommend Beloved for all!” – Lucy Rycroft, author“This book is a wonderful liturgical walk through the year, with gently hopeful reminders of our belovedness and beautiful original prayers and blessings. For anyone feeling ashamed, broken or overwhelmed, this book is pure balm.” – Tanya Marlow, author of Those Who Wait (Malcolm Down, 2017)“Beloved Is Where We Begin is a book that will be beloved by many. It’s a life-giving devotional full of Godly encouragement from a deeply authentic author. In its weekly meditations, you’ll be invited to soak in your beloved identity as a believer - through every season of life - whilst being reminded that we are most missionally impactful when we’re most secure in God’s magnificent love. It’s full of the healing balm of God’s grace that binds up our bruised and broken hearts, and its breath prayers and blessings are beautiful.” – Howard and Holly Satterthwaite, speakers, coaches and authors of Spiritual Detox (SPCK, 2021)“This is a gift of a book, so generously crafted and gifted to us by Rachael. To say that we’re God’s “beloved” is easy, it’s central to our faith. But to live it? Now, that’s hard. To truly believe such a thing - on our worst days as well as our best days - it can feel painfully difficult. And that’s why this book is such a gift. It aids us in dwelling on the truth, giving the love of God the space and time to sink into our bones once more. It’s a tender companion, a gentle friend, the wisest company. It’s a book that I needed more than I knew.” – Dr Belle Tindall, journalist, presenter and author of Witch Hunt (SPCK, 2026)“Rich with blessing and prayer. Resonate with an honesty of life lived and love known. Rachael Newham invites us to fifty-two weeks of wondrous work, of “liturgy”, as together we seek to understand the breadth and depth of God’s love for each of us. Truly, beloved is where we begin.” – Revd Canon Rob Merchant, Dean of Mission, Ministry and Education, Diocese of Chelmsford

Rachael Newham is an author and speaker specialising in the theology of mental health and illness. She founded the Christian mental health charity ThinkTwice while at university, and after completing her research masters looking at a pastoral theology of depression, she led it for a decade. Rachael has also held roles at several national Christian charities working to change the conversation around mental health. She now writes, speaks and consults on issues of mental health and faith on a freelance basis. Her first two books, Learning to Breathe and And Yet, are also published by SPCK. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and young son, and can be found with a coffee in hand among her colour-coordinated bookshelves.