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Three Seconds of Courage: How Small Acts of Bravery Lead to Big Change
Riley Kehoe is no stranger to fear. At 10 years old, she survived the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami in Thailand. After that traumatic event killed nearly 230,000 people, she began asking herself each day, What do I want to do with this gift of life I've been given? She realized that she could let fear rule over her--or she could choose to have courage.
Sharing her remarkable personal story, Riley shows you how small acts of bravery can change your life in ways you can't imagine. They can mean the difference between a life of isolation or one of connection, between playing it safe or taking a bold step forward, between being self-focused or reaching out to help others, between holding a grudge or offering and accepting forgiveness.
Filled with dramatic and touching stories--such as when Riley performed CPR on a drowned man and brought him back to life and when she climbed onto the ledge of a bridge to talk a young man out of jumping--this book will inspire you to approach every day with a spirit of courage, possibility, and hope.
Sharing her remarkable personal story, Riley shows you how small acts of bravery can change your life in ways you can't imagine. They can mean the difference between a life of isolation or one of connection, between playing it safe or taking a bold step forward, between being self-focused or reaching out to help others, between holding a grudge or offering and accepting forgiveness.
Filled with dramatic and touching stories--such as when Riley performed CPR on a drowned man and brought him back to life and when she climbed onto the ledge of a bridge to talk a young man out of jumping--this book will inspire you to approach every day with a spirit of courage, possibility, and hope.
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2025
About the author
Riley Kehoe
1 book24 followersRiley Kehoe is a speaker, writer, and influencer. Born in London and raised in New Zealand, Riley has a master's degree in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. A sought-after speaker, active blogger, and up-and-coming influencer, Riley has been featured on a TEDx Talk, interviewed by William Shatner for The History Channel, and published in several Christian outlets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 3, 2025
this was so good! I read it in one sitting! love it!
February 2, 2025
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time! (I would rate it 6/5 stars if Goodreads would let me!)
Riley Kehoe is an absolutely amazing storyteller who tells the story of her life as if she's talking to a friend. At its core, the book is about the author's story of courage with the survival and the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, but it is so much more than that. It's a story of God always looking out for you, even when you don't see it, and Him always loving you no matter what!
I recommend this to everyone from every type of background!
Riley Kehoe is an absolutely amazing storyteller who tells the story of her life as if she's talking to a friend. At its core, the book is about the author's story of courage with the survival and the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, but it is so much more than that. It's a story of God always looking out for you, even when you don't see it, and Him always loving you no matter what!
I recommend this to everyone from every type of background!
June 23, 2026
Just like the book do hard things I recommend this book to everyone!
It’s very easy to read and the story telling is top tier! It not only tells you about surviving a tsunami, but how to live a courage’s life. Either overcoming fear, getting out of your comfort zone, or loving people more, it’s talked through in this book!
It also talks about how to better grow in your relationship with the Lord, with prayers she prayed, to letters she wrote to God, that I’m definitely gonna use.
But my absolute favorite thing about this book is how relatable Riley is, it’s not like she woke up one day and started speaking in tongs, or she was randomly in the grocery store and started prophesying, you could see that even though she has done so much she’s a normal person too. Its God, and how she built that relationship and courage over time.
I am so inspired and exited to live a more courageous life, I hope you will read it and share this excitement!
( also I feel like this is one of those books that needs to be read two or three times a year, just as a reminder not to slack off!)
It’s very easy to read and the story telling is top tier! It not only tells you about surviving a tsunami, but how to live a courage’s life. Either overcoming fear, getting out of your comfort zone, or loving people more, it’s talked through in this book!
It also talks about how to better grow in your relationship with the Lord, with prayers she prayed, to letters she wrote to God, that I’m definitely gonna use.
But my absolute favorite thing about this book is how relatable Riley is, it’s not like she woke up one day and started speaking in tongs, or she was randomly in the grocery store and started prophesying, you could see that even though she has done so much she’s a normal person too. Its God, and how she built that relationship and courage over time.
I am so inspired and exited to live a more courageous life, I hope you will read it and share this excitement!
( also I feel like this is one of those books that needs to be read two or three times a year, just as a reminder not to slack off!)
February 1, 2025
This book is a must read! Life has a way of sapping your courage. All of us have experienced challenges, trauma, and grief in some capacity. Riley reminds us that courage is within our grasp. There is hope! We don’t have to live defeated even when everything around us says otherwise. God is our refuge! If you have felt any bit discouraged (or even if you haven’t) this book will encourage you to take heart and be courageous!
March 7, 2025
A bright young voice shares her journey to find Courage. Written in her voice and being cheered on my the Holy Spirit, Riley shares her experiences and provides encouragement to find your passion and change. It is an enjoyable read for both believers and nonbelievers.
January 31, 2025
This is an amazing book and story. I really enjoyed this and found it to be a compelling and fascinating book.
February 27, 2025
I love Riley Kehoe! I discovered her through her appearance on Jeanine Amapola Ward’s podcast (Happy & Healthy). Riley’s story is so powerful and encouraging, as well as well written. It’s definitely a book I’ll go back and read a chapter of when I need a push to be courageous.
March 13, 2025
When Riley Kehoe was a child, she experienced the 2004 Thailand tsunami. Her family was visiting relatives in Thailand for Christmas when the tsunami hit, and this book begins by recounting their experiences fleeing from the waves and surviving this horrific natural disaster. From there, the book explores her experiences coping with the trauma, learning to be brave, and pursuing courage in many other areas of her life.
Kehoe reflects on some of the unhealthy ways that she tried to process the trauma, and she reflects on the importance of being brave through vulnerability, instead of pretending that everything is fine and always trying to put a positive spin on things. Kehoe shares many stories and examples from her own life experiences to illustrate messages about bravery and faith, and even though there's the potential for the book to start sounding like a humble brag when she gets into stories about impressive things she has done, she counterbalances this by being honest about her failings and low points as well.
This is a great book. I enjoyed it very much, and teared up multiple times. The author's story is truly inspiring, and I appreciate her honesty, depth, and insightful reflections on living out her faith in everyday life. This book will especially appeal to young women in their teens and twenties, but it can appeal to anyone who enjoys survival stories, motivational self-help books, and faith memoirs. This book deserves a wide readership, and can appeal to Christians and to people from other belief backgrounds who find the theme meaningful and are interested in the author's life story.
I received an ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Kehoe reflects on some of the unhealthy ways that she tried to process the trauma, and she reflects on the importance of being brave through vulnerability, instead of pretending that everything is fine and always trying to put a positive spin on things. Kehoe shares many stories and examples from her own life experiences to illustrate messages about bravery and faith, and even though there's the potential for the book to start sounding like a humble brag when she gets into stories about impressive things she has done, she counterbalances this by being honest about her failings and low points as well.
This is a great book. I enjoyed it very much, and teared up multiple times. The author's story is truly inspiring, and I appreciate her honesty, depth, and insightful reflections on living out her faith in everyday life. This book will especially appeal to young women in their teens and twenties, but it can appeal to anyone who enjoys survival stories, motivational self-help books, and faith memoirs. This book deserves a wide readership, and can appeal to Christians and to people from other belief backgrounds who find the theme meaningful and are interested in the author's life story.
I received an ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 20, 2026
3.5-4.0 ⭐️ it’s always hard to write memoirs at each story from each person as unique and special and theirs. Riley uses her voice to promote courage to step out in faith and love others well.. She has some really incredible events that have happened in her life, including surviving a tsunami as well as learning to deal with her trauma and look outside of herself to really see and help other others..
Writing itself less something to be desired, but she communicated her feelings and stories in a way that was understandable. I did feel like sometimes at the end of each chapter as things are getting wrapped up here are a lot of cliché and platitudes. Maybe that’s a bit too negative.
Overall, very glad I read this book and I like that she was on the lookout daily for someone that she could love well and show the love of Jesus
Writing itself less something to be desired, but she communicated her feelings and stories in a way that was understandable. I did feel like sometimes at the end of each chapter as things are getting wrapped up here are a lot of cliché and platitudes. Maybe that’s a bit too negative.
Overall, very glad I read this book and I like that she was on the lookout daily for someone that she could love well and show the love of Jesus
January 31, 2025
Three Seconds of Courage is an inspiring and powerful read that challenges you to step beyond fear and take action. Riley's storytelling is both engaging and deeply personal, making the lessons feel real and relatable. It’s not just about motivation—it’s about practical ways to push through doubt and hesitation to create meaningful change in your life.
What I loved most is how the book balances personal experiences with actionable advice. The message is clear: sometimes, all it takes is a few seconds of bravery to transform your path. Whether you’re facing big life decisions or just need a push to step out of your comfort zone, this book is a must-read. Highly recomend for anyone looking for encouragement and practical wisdom!
What I loved most is how the book balances personal experiences with actionable advice. The message is clear: sometimes, all it takes is a few seconds of bravery to transform your path. Whether you’re facing big life decisions or just need a push to step out of your comfort zone, this book is a must-read. Highly recomend for anyone looking for encouragement and practical wisdom!
July 27, 2025
This book is so inspiring and inspirational for any age and stage of life. It's for those who need some nudges to get off the fear bench and go after their calling...and for those who are courageously getting out of bed each day trying to press on, despite intense challenges. Riley has the gift of teaching you how to take simple steps of courage that ultimately can have a huge ripple affect in this world. She writes in a conversational, funny, and raw/authentic/humble tone. The way God has used her life will leave you speechless. She has overcome so much and God has used it for His glory. Her parents were amazing too! Perfect book for a graduation gift or anyone starting a new chapter in life. God bless you Riley!
February 12, 2026
A nice and heartwarming story. I truly enjoyed this book, as it was uplifting, inspiring, and filled with meaningful reflections on faith. The principles shared throughout were encouraging, and the testimonies of God’s power and faithfulness were especially moving.
At times, though, the message felt diluted, as if the author was trying too hard to create memorable, quotable lines. This became more noticeable in the second part of the book, which felt less like a continuous narrative and more like a collection of social media–style reflections gathered together. Even so, the sincerity behind the message still comes through.
Overall, it’s a good book with valuable insights, a hopeful tone, and a story that leaves you feeling encouraged and reminded of the importance of mindful courage.
At times, though, the message felt diluted, as if the author was trying too hard to create memorable, quotable lines. This became more noticeable in the second part of the book, which felt less like a continuous narrative and more like a collection of social media–style reflections gathered together. Even so, the sincerity behind the message still comes through.
Overall, it’s a good book with valuable insights, a hopeful tone, and a story that leaves you feeling encouraged and reminded of the importance of mindful courage.
May 27, 2026
She has survived a Tsunami, dealing with bullies, deafness, saving someone from suicide and most impressive she tries to be brave for 3 seconds everyday and find one person to touch everyday. This had a great message of leaning on Jesus and turning your life over to God and standing out to be brave every single day. She talks a lot of overcoming fear of what life throws at you. This is a general Christian living book (non denominational) and I loved it so much I think it’s good for any teen or adult.
Genre: Non-fiction, Christian Living, Memoir
Good for: Adults (yes), Teens (yes) , Kids (no)
LGBTQ: none
Profanity: none
Romance Scenes: none
Crime: none
Genre: Non-fiction, Christian Living, Memoir
Good for: Adults (yes), Teens (yes) , Kids (no)
LGBTQ: none
Profanity: none
Romance Scenes: none
Crime: none
April 17, 2026
I had listened to Riley on a podcast interview and have been wanting to read her book for quite some time. Riley has quite the testimony and is a bold soul! While I don’t think I agree with all of her theology, this was nonetheless a very sweet, encouraging read. I loved how she pointed out that at the end God says to His children, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not “fruitful” servant. We can’t control the results, nor do we need to focus so much on them. Just stay faithful where God has called you!!
June 6, 2026
Such a good book! The author is young but wise. I have not lived the crazy stories she has experienced (nor will 99% of the population— certainly taken as a whole), but I could relate a good bit to her upbringing and her view on life and her relationship with the Lord. Her book is amazing just to see how God used her and her family for his purposes. But her message of courage is woven throughout and also worthwhile. I have asked each of my three kids to read it because each will relate in a different way and benefit from her message. This was definitely a 5 star!
July 13, 2026
In 2004 Riley and her family survived the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed over 200,000 people. This book is not just about surviving that tragedy, but rather her life story with relatable life lessons she has learned along the way.
Her writing style is candid and inspirational.
At the heart of the book is the idea that just having a few moments of courage can help you lead the most amazing life while helping others along the way. One of my favorite lines in the book was “fear is a feeling, but courage is a choice.”
Her writing style is candid and inspirational.
At the heart of the book is the idea that just having a few moments of courage can help you lead the most amazing life while helping others along the way. One of my favorite lines in the book was “fear is a feeling, but courage is a choice.”
July 29, 2026
I adore Riley and loved this book so much!! 😭 whilst reading it one of the leaders of my young adults group asked if I would want to lead a devotional and I followed three seconds of courage and said yes! I was so scared but I shared on courage and mentioned the book. 😊 I can relate to Riley in a lot of ways and this book was book encouraging and comforting. Her voice really shined through her writing! What a joy to read ❤️
February 7, 2025
💪 Won in a giveaway 🫶
This book is truly inspiring. I really loved it. The author, Riley, and her family got caught in a tsunami when she was little. She talks about the experience, how they survived and the good things she wanted to do with her life as she grew up. She talks about how she's helped others and pushed herself to step out of her comfort zone. Her stories are really positive and this is definitely worth the read. She does talk about her religion/God quite a bit. While I am not overly religious myself, I did not mind this. I really liked this book and I definitely recommend it. Happy reading! 💗💞
This book is truly inspiring. I really loved it. The author, Riley, and her family got caught in a tsunami when she was little. She talks about the experience, how they survived and the good things she wanted to do with her life as she grew up. She talks about how she's helped others and pushed herself to step out of her comfort zone. Her stories are really positive and this is definitely worth the read. She does talk about her religion/God quite a bit. While I am not overly religious myself, I did not mind this. I really liked this book and I definitely recommend it. Happy reading! 💗💞
November 12, 2025
Riley has good stories and I'm inspired by her example and her Christian testimony. I give only three stars for the book because as a piece of writing, there were way too many platitudes for me. I go to books to get deeper than social media posts, but it felt like every chapter had a list of sentences that the author hopes would be quotable.
January 31, 2025
I would highly recommend this book for any teenager or young adult. It has the power to change the trajectory of lives, young and old. Riley is a great story teller. This book is transformative in so many ways.
March 10, 2025
great autobiography of someone who has lived life so fearlessly!! inspires me to take bigger leaps. I do wish it was written chronologically in terms of her growing up - it would be a little easier to follow. but she had great nuggets of wisdom and it’s clear God had a plan for her after tragedy!
September 24, 2025
I liked this book! :) Riley is a powerful speaker, which is how I found out about her book. I listen to her podcast semi-regularly. While the first part of the book was somewhat not relatable to me, I LOVED the second half about coming as you are. What a powerful reminder to not live in shame 🩷
May 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Great read for young people. Inspiring and thought-provoking. Didn’t love her Brene Brown connection (NOT a fan), and would have liked to see it be more gospel-centered, but overall pretty good.
June 23, 2026
I love this book so much!! It is so inspiring and practical at the same time. I have so many takeaways. Riley’s testimony is so powerful and I definitely teared up a few times. Everyone should read it!
June 13, 2025
If you call Jesus, your Lord and Savior, you must read (or listen to ) this book! You will be so inspired and encouraged.
July 22, 2025
Everyone should read this.
July 29, 2025
This is such a good book. Riley did an amazing job at sharing her stories and explaining how to be courageous. Her stories were very uplifting and inspired me to want to be a better person.
February 2, 2026
Listened to the audiobook. It was inspiring!
February 26, 2026
So inspiring
Such a wonderful book! Loved it! So inspiring! Definitely help me to be more courageous and brave, and to live a more interesting and productive life.
Such a wonderful book! Loved it! So inspiring! Definitely help me to be more courageous and brave, and to live a more interesting and productive life.
March 18, 2026
Ngl I didn’t know this was a Jesus/spiritual book - would not read again BUT it was good white noise during my workday
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews