Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken: Fighting for Faith When You're Falling Apart

by Sydney Anne Bennett

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Memoir

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[H.S. Kylian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be forewarned; I’m going to be biased because I know Sydney in person and have since we were preteens. Her dad is a pastor at my old church.

Anyway…

This is such a wonderful book, full of truth and encouragement for anyone going through trials and tribulations, the ‘dark night of the soul’ as Martin Luther put it.

A lot of what she said stood out to me, but I’m sharing these two nuggets in particular:

“I’m not the main character. I’m not the great overcomer. I’m the pot. Handle-less, remember? The clay in the hands of the Potter. A few words in the story He is writing for His own glory. And even when I can’t make sense of the plot or feel the arc of redemption, it is enough—more than enough—to know I’m held within it.”
“So often, we think of faith as effort—as God calling us to muscle through, to prove our strength, to show we are capable of standing on our own. But faith isn’t about forcing what you cannot control, It is about yielding to the One who controls all things. It is about letting Christ do the work you cannot do yourself.”

I highly recommend this book.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days. Only reason I didn’t get to finish in one was because of adult responsibilities. This was a deeply emotional and personal book. I really connected with most of the author’s journey even if my disability is different. She is one very brave woman of God to share her life story on such a personal and intimate level.

I was honored to be able to receive a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Book tours and the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

[SB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only just recently published, the author shares her story of being diagnosed and learning to live with FND, functional neurological disorder, through the lens of her Christian faith. She shares the struggles of living in a broken world with a disability, chronic illness consuming her world, but the hope that she finds in Christ and His Word every day.

If you’re like me and newly diagnosed with FND, or just navigating the brokenness of this earth, the author’s story is one of faith and courage when the world around you seems to be falling apart.

The book is a reminder that “One day, this will end,” all things of this broken world that is, and what is eternal will remain. We have hope because one day, this will end, and we will meet Him face to face.

The author says it beautifully: “Our brokenness is fearful and wonderful because He is using it to make all things whole.”

Highly recommend for an encouraging story, especially if you or someone you know is walking the journey of chronic illness.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books stay with you long after you close the final page. Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken by Sydney Anne Bennett was one of those reads for me.
As a neuroscience nurse, this story resonated deeply. Bennett shares her experience of becoming disabled just two weeks after her honeymoon after being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder. Reading about the daily reality of seizures, chronic pain, and the sudden loss of independence felt especially powerful because these are conditions I see from the clinical side, yet this book brings the lived experience to the forefront.
What moved me most was the honesty. Bennett does not try to offer neat answers or easy inspiration. Instead she writes openly about grief, dependence, and the emotional weight of living in a body that has changed overnight. Her words feel raw, compassionate, and incredibly emotional.
This book reminded me how important it is to listen to patient stories beyond the diagnosis. Behind every chart and every condition is a person navigating loss, resilience, and a new version of life they never expected.
A thoughtful and moving read that stayed with me.

[Hannah of the Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney Anne writes from the midst of the battle to those in the midst of their own battles. This is not a success story, it's not a before and after. It's a "here I am in the middle of the mess and here's how Jesus is meeting me in it." It's both honest and hopeful, a lament and a praise. It's vulnerable, empathetic, and real. (And sometimes even funny!) I read through it in two days because I just couldn't stop. While this book will be an encouragement to people going through all kinds of hardship, it has special poignancy for those suffering from chronic illness or disability. I definitely cried. I'm definitely going to read it again. And I've already recommended it to several other people.

[Om Sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken by Sydney Anne Bennett was a deeply emotional and honest experience for me. From the very first few pages, I could feel the pain and vulnerability in the author’s words. This isn’t a book that tries to hide suffering—it brings it out in the open in a very real and human way.

What touched me the most was Sydney’s personal story. The sudden change in her life after her illness felt heartbreaking, and I could sense how difficult it must have been to adjust to a completely new reality. She doesn’t try to present herself as strong all the time. Instead, she openly shares her struggles, doubts, and moments of weakness, which made me connect with her even more.

The book doesn’t offer easy answers or quick solutions, and I actually appreciated that. It talks about faith in a way that feels honest, not perfect. It shows that believing in God doesn’t mean everything will be fixed, but it can give strength to keep going even when things don’t make sense. I found this perspective comforting, especially the idea that it’s okay to grieve and still have faith at the same time.

The writing style is simple and heartfelt. It feels like the author is sitting beside you, sharing her story quietly and sincerely. There were moments where I had to pause and reflect, especially on how we deal with pain and how we see ourselves during difficult times.

Overall, I found this book very moving and meaningful. It’s not just about suffering, but about learning to live with it while holding on to faith. I would recommend it to anyone who is going through a hard time or looking for a deeper, more honest understanding of faith and healing.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional memoir.

In reading Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken: Fighting for Faith When You're Falling Apart we see Sydney's inexplicable descent into a chronic illness characterized by severe pain, inability to use her limbs, and seizures. Sometimes accompanied by terrifying hallucinations (as if the symptoms themselves weren't terrifying enough). And the doctors admit there's something awfully wrong, but they're not sure what. Until she's diagnosed by FND, which gains her, truly, a diagnosis; but also provides her with a refusal for medical care and further testing.

We also get a window into Sydney's heart and mind, as she journeys through this painful illness. And finally, the way her faith and trust in God begin to transform her thoughts, her conclusions, and even her understanding of eternity.

This is a beautiful, if terribly painful at times, memoir. Beautiful because Sydney shares her complete journey, inside and out, with us. Painful because we're grieved that a fellow human is experiencing all of this. In the end, though, you'll be blessed to read it. There will be words that impact your life, your faith journey, and your reminder that God is good. And loves us so dearly. And is always with us. Highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken: Fighting for Faith When You're Falling Apart by Sydney Anne Bennett is out now. It is an amazing book. The author shares her personal story in an honest, raw, and humble way that draws you in as you read. She is very relatable in her suffering and helps you to reflect on the suffering in your own life asking the questions that we all ask during very hard times: Why is this happening to me? Will this ever end? Do I ask for help from others? Does God really love me? She gently points you back to scripture and the gospel to answer these questions while sharing her own heart and experiences. It is like sitting down to chat with a friend who understands hardships and she gives you hope for the future.

Though all of our stories are different suffering affects everyone’s life. As someone who has lost a child to cancer, I deeply appreciated this book. I stayed up late to read and appreciated the author's wisdom. Her message of God redeeming brokenness resonated deeply with me.

I very highly recommend Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken: Fighting for Faith When You're Falling Apart. It will be a 2026 favorite for me.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

[Sara Guhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I didn't agree that God is the reason for bad things that happen and we just live in a broken and fallen world, Sydney does a great job explaining how God can use you in the midst of tragic and hard circumstances. I have been following Sydney's journey on social media and she really helped me in my own journey with disability with a rare nervous system disorder. She's the one that convinced me to get a wheelchair and accept help. I was excited to read her book and cried through most of it. She had a way of putting so many things into words that I have not been able to. She writes beautifully and has a genuine understanding and peace in life. I loved how she talks about her relationships with her husband and others, and her thoughts on being a disabled mom. It helps me feel less alone in my own motherhood and marriage. I'm so glad she has chosen to share her life as it's hard to find someone to relate with. She makes it real and yet beautiful at the same time. I also loved her nod to manhattan, Kansas which is where I'm from! Excellent book! I strongly suggest people read it to get a deeper understanding of someone struggling with a nervous system disorder or just life in general!

[Melissa Cushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken is one of the most honest, vulnerable, and encouraging books I’ve read about chronic illness, suffering, and faith. 💔🕊️
Sydney Anne Bennett shares her journey of becoming disabled just two weeks after her honeymoon due to Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and she does so with incredible authenticity, humor, and grace. This book does not sugarcoat pain or offer shallow encouragement. Instead, it acknowledges the grief, frustration, doubt, and exhaustion that can come with chronic struggles while still pointing readers toward hope and the presence of God in the middle of it all. 🙏✨
What stood out to me most was how deeply relatable and compassionate Sydney’s writing felt. Whether you personally struggle with chronic illness, disability, unanswered prayers, or simply walking through a difficult season, this book reminds you that you are not alone and that your suffering is not wasted. 🤍
A beautifully written and deeply impactful read that I know will encourage so many people.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 is a candid and hopeful story where the author talks honestly about her struggles and pain with FND, a neurological disorder. The book made me feel deeply, and I was touched by her openness. It even made me laugh and cry.

This is a memoir-like story that touched my heart. I respect how the author talks about her pain, not for pity, but to help others. I admire her faith, kindness, honesty, and courage in telling her story.

The way the author writes feels like having a conversation, which made me feel connected. Even though the book doesn’t wrap itself up in a nice happily-ever-after bow, it’s motivating and uplifting.

No matter what pain or difficulties we face, we still belong to God. This reminds us that hope and faith can help us get through anything.

First Line: I need to write this book because I’m in pain.
Genre: Spiritual Growth
Author: Sydney Anne Bennett
Page Count: 240

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this read would hit me hard based on the title alone, and I definitely wasn’t wrong.

Being on the other side of what this book talks about was both beautiful and eye-opening. It reminded me just how far I’ve come—not because of anything I’ve done, but because of Him.

I felt her experiences in my very bones because I’ve lived through so many of them myself. I think every chronically ill person has been told some version of, “It’s all in your head,” and it’s infuriating. It’s a kind of anger only those who’ve experienced it can truly understand.

I related to so much within these pages, and I’m incredibly grateful she wrote this book. It’s the book I never knew how to write myself, but one I always believed the world desperately needed.

I will never shut up about this one!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney is a dear friend and sister, and her faith, perseverance, and hope shine in this story of her life. While she has FND and struggles with chronic pain, seizures, and mobility loss, she offers hope and encouragement. She doesn't have all the answers, nor does she offer them. She is disabled. She is a wife. She is a mother. But she is also a young woman who is learning and growing in her faith and love for God. In this book, she shows the beauty in suffering, pain, and brokenness. Every person is touched by suffering. Whatever your background, I hope you'll read this book and be encouraged by it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a profoundly well-written book by a writer wise beyond her years. She struggles with a disability and writes eloquently about how it has impacted her faith, work, and relationships. Though I don't have physical struggles like hers, I gained great affirmation and encouragement from her words in my severe emotional and relationship struggles. It will easily make the best of the best list of the hundreds of books I will read in 2026 for its writing quality and wisdom.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good and what a blessing. I have never made so many notes while listening to a book before. If you are going through a hard time, this book is not only solid and Scriptural, but also compassionate and so well written. She has lived through the fire, and she has put words to it in a powerful way. I honestly cannot say enough about how helpful this book has been.

[Josh Peglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. The content is great and the author is a wonderful writer. Highly recommended.

[Lily Horta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really encouraging, well written, but most of all very challenging as to how we should approach our suffering in the light of Christ and the hope of heaven.

[Veronica Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!