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book cover for Even If

Even If

Trusting God Through the Fire

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Pub Date Feb 03 2026 | Archive Date Jan 31 2026


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Description

The inspiration behind the major motion picture I Can Only Imagine 2, this true story of heartache and hope from MercyMe’s lead singer, Bart Millard, and his wife, Shannon, shows us how even our deepest wounds can become doorways to God’s grace.

MercyMe was just a small worship band from Texas until January 2002, when Bart Millard’s song “I Can Only Imagine” swept the airwaves. Suddenly Bart, his bandmates, and their families were riding a wave of success beyond their wildest dreams. 

Then everything changed again. Bart and Shannon lost Shannon’s brother to a tragic accident. Their second child was born prematurely. Their oldest child was diagnosed with diabetes. Their marriage struggled as Bart spent more and more time on the road, feeling the weight of the band’s success on his shoulders. They wrestled with their faith. Is God still good, they wondered, even when our world is falling apart?


Drawing on Bart’s powerful song of the same name, Even If is a beautifully raw exploration of what it means to follow Jesus when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected. With hard-won hope, Bart and Shannon invite us into their story―a story not of perfect outcomes because of what we do but a story of redemption because of who God is.

The inspiration behind the major motion picture I Can Only Imagine 2, this true story of heartache and hope from MercyMe’s lead singer, Bart Millard, and his wife, Shannon, shows us how even our...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9780830791910
PRICE $24.99 (USD)
PAGES 240

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Average rating from 16 members


Featured Reviews

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It's always hard to rate or talk about memoirs because it's someone's reality. I enjoyed reading this and found it heartbreaking but also heartwarming. I love that Bart and Shanon are willing to share their story.

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Even If is an encouraging book that challenges readers to grow in deeper, more resilient faith during difficult times. Bart and his wife do an excellent job of showing us what it looks like to trust God during struggles and many hardships that come along the way, sometimes one right after the other.

One example is when Bart talks about losing his voice and the fear he faced as a singer. Instead of focusing on the outcome, he focused on God’s provision to take care of him regardless of the outcome.. The book all around is a strong testament of faith as he describes the “Even If” title coming from Daniel 3 where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the furnace for telling the king no. Bart took this title because he trust God, not for what he does, but because of who he is.

Overall, the book is a wonderful read and very encouraging with all the challenges we face,, not to give up but keep trusting God, even if things don’t go our way..

Thank you NetGalley and David C Cook publishing for sending this book to me. All opinions are my own.

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I. Was. Stunned.
By this heart-wrenching and powerful story!
Couldn't stop reading it for 2 days until I finally finished it.
I might buy it still 'cause it's just an amazing story about friendship, love and family.

A worthy sequel to the world-wide phenomenon "I can only imagine" - even though the second movie title is a little lame.
But nevertheless, it's a true treasure!

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Even If is a deeply moving and faith-affirming story that goes far beyond the success of a hit song. Bart and Shannon Millard open their hearts with honesty and vulnerability, inviting readers into the triumphs, heartbreaks, and unanswered questions that followed MercyMe’s rise to fame. Through devastating loss, family health crises, and the strain that success placed on their marriage and faith, this story beautifully captures what it means to trust God when life doesn’t unfold as hoped.

What makes Even If so powerful is its raw authenticity. This is not a polished testimony of easy victories, but a genuine exploration of doubt, grief, and perseverance. Bart and Shannon remind us that faith is not about perfect outcomes, but about clinging to God’s goodness even in the darkest seasons. Heartbreaking and hope-filled, this book is an inspiring testament to grace, redemption, and unwavering trust in God—one that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever asked, “Is God still good, even now?”

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“God, even if You don’t…I’ll still put my hope in You.”
The Millards have poured their hearts out in this continuing story since the success of I Can Only Imagine. I was completely absorbed in this book, following their journey from near collapse of their family and the band to complete trust in and dependence on God. Grab your tissues and prepare to be amazed by God’s power to fix us when situations are completely impossible on our own. You will never listen to the song Even If the same way again. I cannot recommend this book, and the upcoming movie, enough.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Even If by Bart Millard is an honest, faith-filled look at what it really means to trust God when life doesn’t turn out the way we hope. Rather than offering easy answers, Bart and Shannon Millard share their story with vulnerability and humility, inviting readers into the tension of believing God is good even if prayers aren’t answered the way we expect.

What stood out to me most was the authenticity. The book doesn’t shy away from pain, disappointment, or hard questions, yet it continually points back to God’s faithfulness in the middle of suffering. The message is deeply aligned with the heart behind the song “Even If” and carries the same quiet strength and resolve.

Readers who are familiar with the new I Can Imagine 2 movie will recognize meaningful connections to Bart’s story and the themes explored in the film. The book adds depth and context to those moments while standing strongly on its own as a testimony of faith, perseverance, and trust in God.

Even If is a powerful reminder that faith isn’t rooted in outcomes, but in who God is. I finished this book encouraged, challenged, and reminded that trusting God sometimes means standing firm when nothing changes—and that kind of faith is both hard and holy.

I highly recommend this book for everyone ages 16+ whether they are Christians or not and whether they are fans of Bart and MercyMe or not. You will be encouraged. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I plan to re-read it and share it with everyone I know!

Thank you David C. Cook for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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This title has been engaging and informative. I will be recommending this book to others. The writing has flowed. The combination of the husbands and wife sharing perspectives has been refreshing and encouraging.

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of this book.

Life got in the way and I was not able to finish this book before my time ran out, but I was able to read about 70%. I have not seen I Can Only Imagine movir or read the original book. I did not even know they were coming out with a second movie until reading this book.

I loved this book! The writing was good and I loved having both the perspectives of Bart and Shannon. Having recently gone through a year of struggle after struggle, I resonated with them and what they went through. Their strength and faith through their struggles encouraged and inspired me to press on and lift my eyes to Jesus. I have been listening to more of their music since reading this book and been so encouraged knowing the inspiration behind them.

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