Cover Image: Courageous Faith

Courageous Faith

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I have been surprised by this book. As an Eastern European I have not much knowledge about Miss America program. That is why I was not sure this book was for me when I just started. However I have learned a great lesson from the book - when you fall you can still get up and learn from your mistakes and become stronger. Thank you for your book.

Was this review helpful?

I did not get to dowload this book before it was archived, so I will not be able to review it. I apologize for not getting to it, when you allowed me the option to review it for you.

Was this review helpful?

Wow this book was just what I needed. I highly recommend. This book will make you see your faith in a different way and just make you walk more boldly and courageously.

Was this review helpful?

This is a book that every woman should read, no matter what her age: this book actually inspired me to reach down, one more time, and yank up my bootstraps and try for my own dream, just once more, realizing I just might be successful this time. (The Author) never gave up on her dream, even in the midst of racism, sarcasm, self-induced feelings of inadequacy, dream shattering disappointment and discouragement from well-meaning people in her life. SHE PERSERVERED: at every set back she dusted herself off, took a short, emotion-repairing break and headed back into the fight to realize her dream. She faced discouragement and told it to back off and leave her alone; that she would accomplish what she had set out to do no matter that the odds were not in her favor.
I don’t care how old you are, how young you are, what your disabilities (real or imagined) are, or how much they affect you: this book teaches us all that the journey itself is worth the sacrifice since you never will know how strong you are until you exercise your faith, and until you face your fears and do it anyway.
This book will have a permanent place on my bookshelf, but I’m going to buy at least six “extra” copies to loan to others, fully knowing I probably will not see them again as others recognize this powerful book for what it is: an instruction book for a God Loving, fearless life.

Was this review helpful?

A fantastic read ! Words cannot express how much this book has positively impactrd my faithwalk. Highly recommended. Will be gifting this book to many!

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Courageous Faith has been a blessing to me. I’m a 41 year old mother of two beautiful, young daughters. I have a wonderful husband. From all appearances, I’ve got it together. Yet, my oldest daughter has been diagnosed with ODD and I’m struggling with anxiety and bouts of depression. I believe God lead me to select Courageous Faith. It has emboldened me to reengage in the fight for my peace in the Lord.

I was raised by a mama much like Ms. Gussie Turner. Growing up, my dad was in our home. Sadly, he was more of a liability than an asset. My experiences very much mimic those of a child being raised by a single mother. Several things Debbye shared resonated with me and have provided the nudge I needed to be more courageous in my faith walk. I’m so grateful for Debbye’s transparency and willingness to share her testimony so others can grow in Christ. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

Very well written, but I had a hard time staying engaged. It is a memoir and her story is powerful but I found myself slipping parts that went on a bit too long.

Was this review helpful?

In this beautifully relatable book Debbye Turner tells her story whilst dishing amazing advice on following the lord one day at a time.
Reading this felt like i was catching up with a friend and we were recounting our lives and God's faithfulness throughout.
I love love this book and would recommend this to everyone

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Our Daily Bread & NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I didn't know who Debbye Turner Bell was before reading this memoir, but now she feels like a friend. She honestly and authentically tells her own story of how she depended on God throughout her life, highlighting her odyssey in becoming Miss America, her broadcast career, her marathon running, her search for a husband, their determination to build their family, and above all her spiritual growth and her "pursuit of faith over fear."

Throughout the book Debbye describes how she listens to and trusts God, and quotes scripture as evidence of the foundation of her faith. Each of the book's ten chapters explains another stage in her life as she grows stronger: from "Failure" to "Faith," "Determination" to "Excellence," all the way to "Overcoming" and finally to "Perseverance." Debbye returns again and again to the qualities of the title and how she couldn't have achieved the successes without the "Courageous Faith" from God.

Debbye's story is an encouragement any reader will appreciate. The book includes a short series of questions in each chapter that can be used as discussion questions for a group, or a way to pause and think about how God may be working in the reader's life.

This book would make a nice gift for anyone who wants to pursue a life of "faith over fear."

Was this review helpful?

Courageous Faith
by Debbye Turner Bell
Pub Date: August 24, 2021
Daily Bread Publishing

I enjoy reading true stories and inspirational books about how faith changes us!
Thanks to Daily Bread Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before release day.
I honestly didn't know much about the author and she did a great job writing this book.
Some of the chapters that I liked were "Failure" to "Faith," "Determination" to "Excellence," "Overcoming" and finally to "Perseverance."
I highly recommend this book for readers who want to be inspired by faith in God.

5 star

Was this review helpful?

This was a really good and inspirational read. It really hit home and I was so happy to have the chance to read this. I do recommend this book for sure.

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting and inspiring read about one woman and her journey and having to hold on to her faith through it all. There are parts that resonated with me and my life, and other parts that will have you in tears, at least it did for me. It has great lessons woven through out the book that are great life lessons for everyone, especially christians.

Was this review helpful?

I almost put this book aside but am glad I finished reading it. To me it seemed a cross between a memoir and a devotional sermon. I do like memoirs a lot but some of the sermonizing seemed a bit more than I wanted to read.

My favorite parts were her description of her mother’s prayers and how they affected her, her time in the pageant world and especially her time as Miss America, and her longtime-coming of her falling in love with her husband. She has lived an amazing life!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I grew up watching pageants with my grandma, and I remember seeing the author, so I was excited to read her book. Chapters include inspiring topics such as Faith, Determination, Purpose, Patience, and Perseverance. The author shares her personal story, particularly the importance of prayer and faith in dealing with life's struggles. The theme of moving forward despite fears is encouraging.

Was this review helpful?

Title: Courageous Faith
Author: Debbye Turner Bell
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Courageous Faith A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear" by Debbye Turner Bell
My Opinion:

'Courageous Faith' was a beautiful story by Miss America 1990. The story gives the reader of Debbye Turner Bell, who 'shares her life principles that lead to her success.' The chapters start with Faith and move on to Determination, Excellence, Authenticity, Courage, Purpose, Patience, Overcoming, and Perseverance. Each chapter was emphasizing what and how Debbyne was able to make it through that particular situation. Debbye's mother, Gussie Turner, taught her well that prayer and faith were essential in the life that continued with her through all of the struggles that came upon her as she succeeds in success.

The read was indeed a good story of 'Courage Faith' where it's not the absence of fear but being able to move forward despite it as it was for Debbye who made it through it all as God will never leave or forsake you on your journey.

Thank you to Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Very nice story about a girl who has to struggle to win in life, against all odds.
I like the clarity of how is written, ten reasonable steps, and well described.

Was this review helpful?

A huge thanks to Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is an honest take on faith,fear and trust from Miss America 1990. She gives an honest take on her relationship with God, the humbling of life and finding the will to trust God and not waver in faith. Every Chapter is divided into topical chapters that speak to that particular theme. One of the chapters was titled determination and it documents how she continuously failed even though her faith and believe in God's promise . I enjoyed meeting her mother (in the book obviously ) and watching her instill faith in her child was quite a heartwarming moment and a clear representation of how parents can help their child grow in faith. I thoroughly enjoyed the honest encounter of failure,miscarriage ,fear and how God will never leave nor forsake you.. If you need some encouragement and inspiration I recommend this book

Was this review helpful?

Courageous Faith
A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear
by Debbye Turner Bell
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Christian | Multicultural Interest | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 24 Aug 2021



I am reviewing a copy of Courageous Faith: A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith Over Fear through Our Daily Bread Publishing:




In Courageous Faith we are reminded that getting up after failing is the hardest when we least expect that failure. But when the Lord tells us to get up, we need to do just that.




We are reminded too that everyone fails, but it’s not the failure that counts, it’s what we do with that failure.




Debbye Turner Bell reminds us too that determination is crucial in order for us to have success.




Courageous Faith also reminds us that everything we do requires Faith. We are reminded that most people who have experienced great success has also experienced crushing defeat.




It is pointed out too in this book that Courage is not the absence of fear but being able to move forward in spite of that fear.



Courageous Faith is a wonderful book for those who are looking for encouragement.


I give Courageous Faith five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately, there is not a way to download this book. I was really looking forward to reading it.

Was this review helpful?

At first, I would like to thank Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for allowing me to review this book. Keep in mind that my review, however, is my true opinion on this book.

When she won Miss Arkansas for the third time, she cried harder than ever. She was a mess. And that is when she heard God's calling for her. And her life changed.

You can feel like a failure even when other people see you as a winner. But everyone fails sometimes. And we have to accept that we sometimes do.

So how do you become successful? And what does it even mean being successful? You might get an answer in this book. You might have to figure out yourself, what you believe to be success.

We hear about pageants in this book. What does it feel like to be Miss America? Well, our author knows. And she is willing to tell you. But it is not only a pretty story, so be prepared!

In the book, you are furthermore asked some questions to consider yourself.

Sometimes, you are given opportunities in this life. And it can be hard to figure out, if you are to take those opportunities or not.

Debbye Turner Bell furthermore tells her story of miscarriages and the hardness of those. The pain she went through and how hard it was for her. It is so sad and you can not help but feel sorry and sad, when you read that chapter - so be prepared with some kleenex. But even in this hard time, faith was what got her through.

Was this review helpful?