Three Seconds of Courage: How Small Acts of Bravery Lead to Big Change

by Riley Kehoe

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Biography Memoir, Memoir

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Riley 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.

Reviews

[lucy grace ♩♪♩♬ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good! I read it in one sitting! love it!

[Lindsey Bohannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Yovanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Julie Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and story. I really enjoyed this and found it to be a compelling and fascinating book.

[Jo Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jack Kehoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sarah Saldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Melissa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

💪 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! 💗💞

[Mark Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nicole Krug · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Callie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🩷

[Natalie French · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you call Jesus, your Lord and Savior, you must read (or listen to ) this book! You will be so inspired and encouraged.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this.

[Marie litzinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the encouraging story, Three Seconds of Courage, by Riley Kehoe. I can't even imagine that happening and the lifelong impact that would forever shape your life. I heard about Riley and her book on the Alex Clark podcast and couldn't wait to read the book. Her faith and courage is so inspiring!

Riley was only ten years old when in 2004 the tsunami hit in Thailand while her family was on vacation. Nearly 230,000 people died when this catastrophic event took place. It is a miracle her entire family survived. She shares the story and how it impacted her and how God used this event to push her to choose courage over fear. Most of the book is about her life after the tsunami, which is motivating so that you too can defeat fear and be bold. God gave her life and she is using it to His glory! I highly recommend this book.

[Alexandra Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Very inspiring!