The Book

Discover Debbie Engle’s true runaway bride story of heartbreak, humor, and hope-filled faith in God.

About

Meet the Real Runaway Bride

In I Am the Real Runaway Bride, Debbie shares how three canceled weddings became a surprising doorway to deeper faith, healing, and joy for anyone tired of pretending everything is fine.

Praise

A symbolic bridal scene without people: a pair of satin bridal shoes neatly aligned on an antique wooden floor, with three delicate lace veils cascading away from them in different directions, each veil leading toward a softly blurred doorway in the distance. A single, well-worn book with a simple, hopeful cover rests near the shoes, a ribbon marking a middle chapter. Warm, late-afternoon sunlight pours through an unseen window, casting gentle patterns across the lace and floor. Photographic realism, slightly elevated angle, shallow depth of field, creating an emotional atmosphere of decision, hesitation, and ultimately faith-filled courage to walk a different path.

Jason W.

Debbie Engle’s book, “I am the Real Runaway Bride” was a joy and inspiration to read.  I was challenged by her love for the Lord and her resolve in making hard decisions pertaining to seeking Mr. Right.  Through candid stories and real life examples, Debbie encourages her readers to “seek first the Kingdom of God.”  It was hard to put this book down wondering what would happen next.  A great read with a wonderful ending! 

Jason Wiliams, Executive Pastor of Ministries at Marlow First Church, OK  sent

A minimalist writing desk scene featuring a closed linen-covered journal with a silk ribbon bookmark, positioned next to a single, prominently displayed book with a plain, sophisticated cover design in soft dove gray. The desk surface is pale oak, near a window where diffused overcast light creates gentle highlights and subtle, introspective shadows. In the background, slightly out of focus, a small stack of unopened letters and a delicate porcelain teacup suggest unfulfilled dreams and quiet waiting. The photographic image is composed using the rule of thirds, with a serene, hopeful atmosphere that reflects an author pausing between chapters of her own story, trusting in a greater plan.

Amy P.

Are you searching for a meaningful relationship or seeking guidance on your journey of faith and love? I Am the REAL Runaway Bride is a deeply personal and honest account of a Christian woman’s struggle with her desire for marriage. From her early years, Debbie longed for companionship, and through her pages, she offers readers a heartfelt look at her faith-filled journey, filled with insights and spiritual lessons. With thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, this book invites readers to reflect on their own paths. It’s a soul-stirring read for women of all ages looking for hope, wisdom, and inspiration on the road to love and self-discovery.

Amy Pszczolkowski, Associate Director, Graduate Career Development. School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University.  sent

A single hardcover memoir resting slightly open on a small round wooden table, its creamy dust jacket featuring an elegant, text-free design of a bridal bouquet gently slipping from a satin ribbon. The setting is a quiet corner by a large window, where soft golden hour sunlight washes over the book and table, creating long, contemplative shadows. In the blurred background, a simple cross and a vase with a single white rose sit on a shelf, hinting at faith and hope. Photographic realism, eye-level composition, shallow depth of field, with a calm, reflective mood that suggests resilience, redemption, and a life story still being written.

Julie T.

As I read Runaway Bride, I saw how very important the thought-provoking questions at the end of the chapters were in choosing a husband or a wife. Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your experiences. I’m sure this book will be helpful to those who are looking to find a Godly person who will be fully committed to the relationship. 

Julie Thiessen, wife of former Singles Ministry Director at Willowcreek Community Church

A symbolic bridal scene without people: a pair of satin bridal shoes neatly aligned on an antique wooden floor, with three delicate lace veils cascading away from them in different directions, each veil leading toward a softly blurred doorway in the distance. A single, well-worn book with a simple, hopeful cover rests near the shoes, a ribbon marking a middle chapter. Warm, late-afternoon sunlight pours through an unseen window, casting gentle patterns across the lace and floor. Photographic realism, slightly elevated angle, shallow depth of field, creating an emotional atmosphere of decision, hesitation, and ultimately faith-filled courage to walk a different path.

Katina R.

Debbie Engle’s Runaway Bride is a profound and heartfelt guide for Christians seeking a Christ-centered relationship approach. Debbie’s well-written narrative allows the reader to reflect upon their own experience while revealing her heart and steadfastness in relying on God’s grace and promises. Readers will not want to put the book down; as it is more than a romance manual, it’s a compelling testimony of the beauty that unfolds when we surrender our desires to God and trust His perfect timing.

Katina Roeder, Teacher

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