Miss Unlikely: From Farm Girl to Miss America (Paperback) – Religious and Inspirational Book for Women and Teens, Perfect Gift for Birthdays, Holidays, and More

by Betty Cantrell Maxwell

From a double-wide trailer on a farm in Georgia to the 2016 Miss America pageant, Betty Maxwell was not a likely contender for the crown. Few people, least of all Betty, thought she’d bring home the title, but she won by being herself—mistakes and all.

Miss Unlikely is an inspirational book that takes you through Betty’s unconventional childhood, the surprising pageant journey, an incredible year as Miss America, a fairytale wedding, and everything in between. She offers wisdom on school, boys, self-esteem, choices, disappointments, insecurities, mentors, cyberbullies, loss, and more. Behind-the-scenes moments and previously untold stories show how her faith and family carried her through.

Betty’s personal and sincere account will remind you that the only way to get where you want to go is through God’s unique plan. Find confidence in being you and turn your dreams into reality.

Content Benefits
Betty’s relatable, inspiring story encourages young women to follow their dreams and trust God’s plan through hardships of all kinds.

Physical Features

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Happy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think 3.5 stars is a fair rating for what ended up being a mildly interesting story about Betty Cantrell Maxwell's life so far before, during, and after her rein as Miss America. To be fair I am not the intended target audience. Teenagers and young women would get a lot more out of it and I commend the author's bravery for speaking out on numerous cautionary tales that her target audience needs to hear about and will relate to on a personal level. I had no idea at the time I decided to listen to her audiobook that she was an American Idol contestant that I had previously watched perform in the 2021 season. Which happens to be just a few years after writing this book. She was so endearing during her time on American Idol and had gone above and beyond to help an extremely shy fellow contestant that I was glad to have had the chance to learn more about this young ladies back story. I wish her well in the years to come.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Even though I technically am a pageant girl now , no one would’ve ever labeled me -a farm girl who grew up in a double wide trailer -as one. I didn’t win Miss America for being perfect or pretending to be someone who was. I won Miss America for being true to myself mistakes , mishaps and all. I was 100% Betty Cantrell ."

A quick read that shares the life of Betty Cantrell, Miss Georgia 2015 and Miss America 2016 . Betty was raised humbly in a loving, Christian farm home . It's a refreshing read and delightful to read about a wholesome young woman's journey to becoming Miss USA.

[Mhughessc · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her memoir, Betty Maxwell shares the tale of her upbringing in the backwoods of Georgia all the way to her crowning as Miss America. I enjoyed reading her behind-the-scenes accounts of pageant life, but was a little disappointed in how immature many of her romantic relationships were. I was glad that she finally chose a good man to settle down with and represent the Miss America Organization well.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. It’s an autobiography- can’t really have too many expectations here. Watched Betty win in 2016 and liked her presence. Followed her on social media for awhile too. The book reads quickly and conversationally.

[Kelley McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!

I always admired Betty as she was my favorite Miss America, but after reading Miss Unlikely, she's just one of my favorite people, period. Miss Unlikely made me laugh, cry, smile and give me a deeper faith in God. Truly enjoyed every minute of reading this.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story!

Very quick read. Loved it, so inspirational! Through all your challenges you put your faith in God. Trust in God!

[Elizabeth Swindell · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10: super quick read; her personality shows through which was fun to read! I wish she would’ve gone into more detail and made the book overall longer

[Millicent Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Kayley Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this autobiography!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. My favorite thing about this book were the chapters about the pageant process. I thought that was very interesting. I also really appreciated the author's advice to young women, and everyone, really, about being yourself and finding a mate who supports your dreams. If do recommend reading this book.