What do you think?
Awful Beautiful Life: When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy
A gripping story of grace, faith, and triumph for a woman whose world shattered hours after her husband's suicide.
Becky Powell faced the unthinkable on May 16, 2013. Her husband Mark called and said, "I've done something terrible." Within hours, she learned that he had taken his own life and, over a period of several years, millions of dollars from friends and colleagues. Everything she believed to be true, the very fiber of her marriage, was called into question. Within a week, rather than planning carpool runs and volunteer fundraisers, she owed almost one hundred creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of ten lawyers. She was also the subject of open FBI, SEC and DOJ investigations--and faced potential criminal charges. And, although she instantly denounced every cent of Mark's $15M in life insurance and promised to repay every penny taken, her lawyers knew that in reality she faced years of court battles and lawsuits, and possible jail time.
Yet from that first horrific moment, God was there. He showed up in His Word, in Becky's friends, in her lawyers and in the generosity of those around her. He worked miracles. CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and others covered the first moment, but what about the last? What about the story in which God gives your next breath because you can't find it on your own? What about the story of a mom and three kids trying to make sense of their pasts, present and future while living under a microscope?
Awful Beautiful Life is Becky's journey through the two years surrounding Mark's death and how she overcame. It came down to a loving God who surrounded her, a present and dedicated family, and friends, who made her life, offered her sanctuary and showed up for her and her kids in tangible ways. This is a story of remarkable grit, strength, and what the Body of Christ in action looks like.
Becky Powell faced the unthinkable on May 16, 2013. Her husband Mark called and said, "I've done something terrible." Within hours, she learned that he had taken his own life and, over a period of several years, millions of dollars from friends and colleagues. Everything she believed to be true, the very fiber of her marriage, was called into question. Within a week, rather than planning carpool runs and volunteer fundraisers, she owed almost one hundred creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of ten lawyers. She was also the subject of open FBI, SEC and DOJ investigations--and faced potential criminal charges. And, although she instantly denounced every cent of Mark's $15M in life insurance and promised to repay every penny taken, her lawyers knew that in reality she faced years of court battles and lawsuits, and possible jail time.
Yet from that first horrific moment, God was there. He showed up in His Word, in Becky's friends, in her lawyers and in the generosity of those around her. He worked miracles. CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and others covered the first moment, but what about the last? What about the story in which God gives your next breath because you can't find it on your own? What about the story of a mom and three kids trying to make sense of their pasts, present and future while living under a microscope?
Awful Beautiful Life is Becky's journey through the two years surrounding Mark's death and how she overcame. It came down to a loving God who surrounded her, a present and dedicated family, and friends, who made her life, offered her sanctuary and showed up for her and her kids in tangible ways. This is a story of remarkable grit, strength, and what the Body of Christ in action looks like.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 11, 2019
I never write book reviews, but cannot let this one pass me by! Warning...this book will light a fire of faith in your Spirit!!!
I first heard about this book and Becky Powell one day on the 4 things with Amy Brown podcast. The interview with Becky was amazing. Her faith, her courage, her transparency is absolutely incredible, so I quickly got online and pre-ordered this book.
I read this book in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down. What I most love about this is that she has scripture verses weaved throughout her story. Every challenge, disappointment, fear, and moments of anger was not faced alone. God was with her and her children every step of the way.
I just cannot get over this story! The incredible miracles that arose out of complete despair cannot be from anything but GOD!
I laughed and cried! You will too! Becky Powell is an incredible person and mother. I am forever inspired!
I first heard about this book and Becky Powell one day on the 4 things with Amy Brown podcast. The interview with Becky was amazing. Her faith, her courage, her transparency is absolutely incredible, so I quickly got online and pre-ordered this book.
I read this book in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down. What I most love about this is that she has scripture verses weaved throughout her story. Every challenge, disappointment, fear, and moments of anger was not faced alone. God was with her and her children every step of the way.
I just cannot get over this story! The incredible miracles that arose out of complete despair cannot be from anything but GOD!
I laughed and cried! You will too! Becky Powell is an incredible person and mother. I am forever inspired!
April 30, 2024
Beautiful heartbreaking faith inspiring story of Becky Powell. 😭😭😭😭
Her husband was a big business tycoon who committed suicide at the height of their life and marriage. He left behind many secrets and millions in debt. She clung to God and repeated back every single penny.
Co authored by one of my favorite authors Katherine Reay I knew I wanted to read her only non fiction book. I remember her speaking of this friend of hers whose book she was honored to write.
Beauty out of ashes…
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
Her husband was a big business tycoon who committed suicide at the height of their life and marriage. He left behind many secrets and millions in debt. She clung to God and repeated back every single penny.
Co authored by one of my favorite authors Katherine Reay I knew I wanted to read her only non fiction book. I remember her speaking of this friend of hers whose book she was honored to write.
Beauty out of ashes…
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
December 15, 2020
This is a true story of Becky Powell. A housewife, mother and wife. One day her husband calls and said he has done something terrible and hangs up the phone. Soon after she finds out her husband committed suicide. What has he done. He stole 30 million dollars thru work and other creditors. Now Becky is to face paying back the money. possible going to jail for her husband actions. This story is an inspiration. When Becky finds out of all of this, she relies on God and her family and friends for support. Her lawyer friends quickly help her. Becky goal is to pay all the money back. Reading her story is amazing. You can see God at work in her life and the lives around her. Now I will warn you that you will need a box of tissues for this read. The one thing you will never know is what her husband did with the money, she does keep this private. I want to know but I respect her decision not to tell us. I hope if I am faced with a similar situation that I would have the courage and the faith to face the problem and become an example of God grace like Becky did. This book is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who don't know God's grace and mercy. Really an amazing read!!
December 8, 2019
I am going to start with the good of the book. This lady is definitely a nice lady who tries to do the right thing all the time. Only if all rich people behave this way.
Here is the bad and the ugly. I personally think if one doesn't count their money by the million, he or she would not like this book. A more appropriate title of the book should be "Awful Beautiful Life of millionaires: when money built relationship shows up in the midst of tragedy".
Here are a couple of things on the top of my head that I can recall:
1. Probably half of this lady's friends are lawyers to start with. The other half are either governors, financiers, or ladies who have 6,000 dollar sofa and even more expensive rugs in their houses.
2. At her WORST moment, she has hundred-dollar-bills just sitting in her drawers. When the government starts investigation, she was shocked to find out that she can only keep $60,000 worth of assets in her house. ONLY $60,000. I live a relatively comfortable life and I don't have any hundred dollar bill and I try counting stuff I have in my house, really can't get to $30,000.
3. At the end of the book, she gave FIVE HERMES ties to one of her lawyers (oh, by the way, she has 8 of them and their fee is about $150,000 a month) to show gratitude. Because HERMES TIE is what makes her remember her husband and make her feel comfortable and the fact that her lawyer wears HERMES tie is a sign from GOD. Really lady? that's not a sign from GOD. It's a sign you all are ridiculously rich.
I understand she went through a tragedy and all... but seriously... CANNOT RELATE.
GOD DID NOT HELP HER, HER RICH CONNECTION DID. That's all.
Here is the bad and the ugly. I personally think if one doesn't count their money by the million, he or she would not like this book. A more appropriate title of the book should be "Awful Beautiful Life of millionaires: when money built relationship shows up in the midst of tragedy".
Here are a couple of things on the top of my head that I can recall:
1. Probably half of this lady's friends are lawyers to start with. The other half are either governors, financiers, or ladies who have 6,000 dollar sofa and even more expensive rugs in their houses.
2. At her WORST moment, she has hundred-dollar-bills just sitting in her drawers. When the government starts investigation, she was shocked to find out that she can only keep $60,000 worth of assets in her house. ONLY $60,000. I live a relatively comfortable life and I don't have any hundred dollar bill and I try counting stuff I have in my house, really can't get to $30,000.
3. At the end of the book, she gave FIVE HERMES ties to one of her lawyers (oh, by the way, she has 8 of them and their fee is about $150,000 a month) to show gratitude. Because HERMES TIE is what makes her remember her husband and make her feel comfortable and the fact that her lawyer wears HERMES tie is a sign from GOD. Really lady? that's not a sign from GOD. It's a sign you all are ridiculously rich.
I understand she went through a tragedy and all... but seriously... CANNOT RELATE.
GOD DID NOT HELP HER, HER RICH CONNECTION DID. That's all.
October 7, 2019
A beautiful, honest, and at times funny book. “Awful Beautiful Life” is a must read. It will leave you hopeful and inspired.
October 5, 2019
I recommend this incredible book to everyone! It is a story of faith and of hope and will inspire everyone. Becky Powell’s never ending faith in God got her and her family through personal tragedy. I could not put this book down! So uplifting!
October 11, 2019
A must read! It is truly inspirational, as well as a can't-put-down kind of book. Katherine Reay does an amazing job of writing the story being told by Becky Powell. As I read the story, I found yourself wondering how anyone could stay so faithful in the midst of such adversity and tragedy, and at the same time, found myself laughing so hard at the reality of life as it unfolded. I enjoyed every page of this book!
January 6, 2020
On May 16, 2013, Becky Powell received a phone call that would change her life. Her husband, Mark, called her and told her he had done something terrible. That day she learned he took his own life and that he also had borrowed millions of dollars over a period of several years and was deeply in debt. In her book, Awful Beautiful Life, Becky Powell tells her story with the help of writer Katherine Reay.
Awful Beautiful Life: When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy is Becky's story of how she handled life and promised to pay back every penny her husband took from those he borrowed money from while he was alive. Even more amazing to me than that, is that in our modern world where many turn away from God, Becky turned to God every day to help her through the challenges and stress of this difficult situation. Becky and Mark also had three children: Madison, Boone, and John Luke. As a mom, she wanted to be sure she guided her kids to keep looking to God and not become victims in the midst of their difficulties. Becky has five pillars that guide her life: Faith, Family, Friends, Fun, and Forgive and Forget. Through Awful Beautiful Life, she shares how these pillars helped her through everything and helped her to guide her children through it all.
I read Awful Beautiful Life within 2 days. I could have read it faster but I had to work and take care of my own family. I was impressed with how well this book read as the Powell family story unfolded. But more importantly, I was impressed with Becky's integrity. While she is honest about how she messed up a few times through the process, overall she worked to honor God and her family. Her story is one to look up to and emulate in a world where we don't always hear about the good things people do as much as the bad stuff on the news. I think there are things we can all learn from the Powell family and their friends. Most importantly, we need to be there for each other and we need to honor God through it all. Awful Beautiful Life was a great book for my first read of 2020--I can only hope that I can live a life with such faith and integrity. I encourage you to read it and seek to live a life for God and family as well no matter what life throws your way.
I received this book from Faithwords. All opinions in this review are my own. #sponsoredbyfaithwords
Awful Beautiful Life: When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy is Becky's story of how she handled life and promised to pay back every penny her husband took from those he borrowed money from while he was alive. Even more amazing to me than that, is that in our modern world where many turn away from God, Becky turned to God every day to help her through the challenges and stress of this difficult situation. Becky and Mark also had three children: Madison, Boone, and John Luke. As a mom, she wanted to be sure she guided her kids to keep looking to God and not become victims in the midst of their difficulties. Becky has five pillars that guide her life: Faith, Family, Friends, Fun, and Forgive and Forget. Through Awful Beautiful Life, she shares how these pillars helped her through everything and helped her to guide her children through it all.
I read Awful Beautiful Life within 2 days. I could have read it faster but I had to work and take care of my own family. I was impressed with how well this book read as the Powell family story unfolded. But more importantly, I was impressed with Becky's integrity. While she is honest about how she messed up a few times through the process, overall she worked to honor God and her family. Her story is one to look up to and emulate in a world where we don't always hear about the good things people do as much as the bad stuff on the news. I think there are things we can all learn from the Powell family and their friends. Most importantly, we need to be there for each other and we need to honor God through it all. Awful Beautiful Life was a great book for my first read of 2020--I can only hope that I can live a life with such faith and integrity. I encourage you to read it and seek to live a life for God and family as well no matter what life throws your way.
I received this book from Faithwords. All opinions in this review are my own. #sponsoredbyfaithwords
November 21, 2019
Excellent book!!!
January 7, 2020
What a story. Imagine being an active part of the upper social class of Austin, Texas. Imagine receiving a cryptic phone call from your husband of 22 years that seems to indicate he is ending his life. Imagine the panic and then the trauma. Imagine finding out he owed millions in loans from friends. Imagine the possibility of lawsuits, investigations, and criminal prosecution.
Powell and Reay have provided an interesting and very readable account of the aftermath of Mark Powell's suicide. The Powells had been part of Austin's high society, throwing lavish parties and taking frequent tropical vacations. That life was shattered when the reality of the Powell's financial situation came to light.
The amazing thing is that Becky Powell vowed to pay back all the creditors – in full. No declaring bankruptcy. No paying cents on the dollar. Through the many delays and legal wranglings, she remained firm.
Powell makes sure we know of the many friends who helped her with amazing support through the ordeal. She shares the many evidences of God's grace she experienced. She is honest about her struggles and her victories and her confident faith in God.
This is a well crafted story of devastation, support, growth, and developing a new life. Do be aware suicide is central to the tragedy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Powell and Reay have provided an interesting and very readable account of the aftermath of Mark Powell's suicide. The Powells had been part of Austin's high society, throwing lavish parties and taking frequent tropical vacations. That life was shattered when the reality of the Powell's financial situation came to light.
The amazing thing is that Becky Powell vowed to pay back all the creditors – in full. No declaring bankruptcy. No paying cents on the dollar. Through the many delays and legal wranglings, she remained firm.
Powell makes sure we know of the many friends who helped her with amazing support through the ordeal. She shares the many evidences of God's grace she experienced. She is honest about her struggles and her victories and her confident faith in God.
This is a well crafted story of devastation, support, growth, and developing a new life. Do be aware suicide is central to the tragedy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 9, 2020
A wonderfully inspiring book about the powerful faith that carried Becky Powell and her family through an awful situation.
"In the end I believe the only control we can exercise truly is how we act and react in life; in times of grace and good and plenty and in the desert and along the tough road. It sounds like so little but i've learned that that is what we remember best, too. The outcomes aren't necessarily what haunt is or please us in the end, but how we handle the journey might....Whatever state i'm in, fairy tale or tragedy, God is in control and there is always a sliver lining on the horizon."
"In the end I believe the only control we can exercise truly is how we act and react in life; in times of grace and good and plenty and in the desert and along the tough road. It sounds like so little but i've learned that that is what we remember best, too. The outcomes aren't necessarily what haunt is or please us in the end, but how we handle the journey might....Whatever state i'm in, fairy tale or tragedy, God is in control and there is always a sliver lining on the horizon."
January 13, 2020
I’m not a crier, so it was reasonable for me to think I could get through this book without shedding tears. I knew the events were tragic and painful. I knew my empathy would be on overdrive. But, like I mentioned, I’m usually fairly stoic, keeping difficult emotions in check. Well, I got through the tragic parts. Whew. I got through the highs and the lowest of lows. Whew. But once I reached near the end of the book, my emotions betrayed me and burst out without warning. Despite the difficult topics and the awful realities of Mark’s betrayal, greed, and suicide, as well as the burdens the family was forced to carry, this story has an undercurrent of remarkable tenderness and beauty. That is what made me cry. The evidence that through every storm—God is there.
I was previously unaware of who Becky Powell was or the ordeal she (and her family) went through, but learning Katherine Reay (an incredible fiction author I admire) assisted in telling her story, I was eager to read this book. I didn’t stop reading until the very last page. Yes, it’s THAT compelling.
It was easy for me to connect with Becky finding comfort through listening too country music. And opening each chapter with lyrics to some of those songs gives the story a warmth and cohesiveness. What I’m most impressed with is the way Becky navigated through such turbulent times with strength, mercy, and determination. It’s remarkable, really. And a true testament of her faith. She allows readers to see, feel, and experience God on every page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:5-6
I was previously unaware of who Becky Powell was or the ordeal she (and her family) went through, but learning Katherine Reay (an incredible fiction author I admire) assisted in telling her story, I was eager to read this book. I didn’t stop reading until the very last page. Yes, it’s THAT compelling.
I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life. – Lyrics to Awful Beautiful Life, Darryl Worley
It was easy for me to connect with Becky finding comfort through listening too country music. And opening each chapter with lyrics to some of those songs gives the story a warmth and cohesiveness. What I’m most impressed with is the way Becky navigated through such turbulent times with strength, mercy, and determination. It’s remarkable, really. And a true testament of her faith. She allows readers to see, feel, and experience God on every page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
January 13, 2020
I read this in one sitting which doesn't happen very often, especially with nonfiction. An incredible story, beautifully told. I could see Katherine's capable hands throughout. I was happy to include it on my libraries staff picks.
February 25, 2020
A truly inspiring story of a woman whose husband’s suicide revealed a mountain of secrets. Guided by her faith, and a tremendous network of friends and family, Becky Powell managed to accomplish what can only be deemed a miracle through divine intervention.
June 5, 2020
After reading the premise of the book, one might think it was a sad story. However after reading it, you can't help but cheer for Becky and all she came through together with God to get to the other side. A quick read.
December 8, 2019
This is the most incredibly inspiring story I’ve ever heard. The book is raw, genuine, intense, comical and humbling all in one. It really makes you grateful for what you have and puts life in perspective. A beautiful reminder that faith, hope and love trump all. Love all the “F” words and the country music playlist! An incredible read and story! I hope everyone gets the chance to hear this. It’s a MUST-READ!
March 7, 2024
I am so proud of this lady and how she held her head up during unbearable difficulties. Her faith is inspiring!
May 18, 2024
4.5~~an amazing story!! Definitely recommend.
April 4, 2022
What a amazing story. I'm thankful to have read this. It challenged me to reexamine what it means to live with integrity.
Becky went the extra mile to live what she believes, trusting God even when it was uncomfortable, inconvenient, and didn't make sense to others. Very inspiring!
Becky went the extra mile to live what she believes, trusting God even when it was uncomfortable, inconvenient, and didn't make sense to others. Very inspiring!
March 10, 2021
One of Becky’s attorneys, Bill Jones, spoke at our church and mentioned her story and book. Wow! I really appreciated how Becky was so open in sharing her story. It was a page turner for me.
April 7, 2020
I have wanted to read this book ever since I heard Katherine Reay was the co-author, and devoured it in just two days. There were lots of ways I struggled to identify with Becky Powell: my husband is not the spend-thrift Mark Powell was, and I am more responsible for our family finances than Becky was. She's a huge country music fan while I'm devoted to Haydn and Mozart and Chopin. Her days began with makeup and ended with bubble baths; I never do either. And her house could easily hold more friends at one time than I've ever made in my life.
But...her struggles to embrace God's will and timetable are oh-so-familiar. "It astounds me how little truly is in our control. I never believed that before this journey started." Yup, we're sisters there. And that matter of acknowledging our neediness? "Giving is my love language...I found it hard to receive help and much harder to ask for it." Ouch! That's a lesson I'm still learning.
This book has lots of names and financial details that sometimes boggled me. But I am glad Becky Powell shared herself and her difficult journey with me. I feel more grateful for the low-key, debt-free life we live, and I am more motivated to be the kind of friend who helped her survive her tragedy. Mostly, I want to be able to say in a spiritual sense at the end of the day that I have repaid "everybody everything."
But...her struggles to embrace God's will and timetable are oh-so-familiar. "It astounds me how little truly is in our control. I never believed that before this journey started." Yup, we're sisters there. And that matter of acknowledging our neediness? "Giving is my love language...I found it hard to receive help and much harder to ask for it." Ouch! That's a lesson I'm still learning.
This book has lots of names and financial details that sometimes boggled me. But I am glad Becky Powell shared herself and her difficult journey with me. I feel more grateful for the low-key, debt-free life we live, and I am more motivated to be the kind of friend who helped her survive her tragedy. Mostly, I want to be able to say in a spiritual sense at the end of the day that I have repaid "everybody everything."
January 8, 2020
In May 2013, Becky Powell’s life dramatically changed. Her husband tragically took his own life, and she soon discovered that he owed millions of dollars to creditors. In Awful Beautiful Life: When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy, Becky Powell tells her story of how she picked up the pieces of her life, repaid creditors, and relied on God in the midst of her suffering.
Through all of the trials Powell faced, God was there with her. Powell’s story of persevering through pain reminds me of the Bible passage Lamentations 3:22-23, which says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” No matter what trial we find ourselves in, God can give us new mercies each day.
Powell’s story is captivating. I loved seeing Powell’s strength and dedication as she persisted through complicated situations. Powell has three children, and the book shows how the family grieved together – and supported one other. Awful Beautiful Life shows that even when situations are overwhelming, God will be with us.
I received this book for review.
Through all of the trials Powell faced, God was there with her. Powell’s story of persevering through pain reminds me of the Bible passage Lamentations 3:22-23, which says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” No matter what trial we find ourselves in, God can give us new mercies each day.
Powell’s story is captivating. I loved seeing Powell’s strength and dedication as she persisted through complicated situations. Powell has three children, and the book shows how the family grieved together – and supported one other. Awful Beautiful Life shows that even when situations are overwhelming, God will be with us.
I received this book for review.
February 11, 2023
This story is certainly not for everyone, but I live in Austin, and connected to the places, people, and lifestyle. Becky’s faith was beautiful, and I admired how she and her children handled this very difficult tragedy. Her amazing community of friends and family were really there for her. That is a testament to Becky’s gift of love to many. Her ability to forgive and move forward was inspiring. I am not much of a country music person, but I look forward to listening to her favorites. I did cringe over anything about guns. I struggle with Texas and the amount of guns everywhere. But other then that, I was pulled into the story, the difficulty of healing, the work to make things right, the beauty of helping others, the scripture, the many kindnesses, and the tears and laughter. And most of all, the hard lesson that money, greed, addiction etc. is not what brings us joy and happiness. It is our faith, our community, our family, our relationships, and our love for each other. Thank you Becky for writing this book. ❤️
July 27, 2020
The book was written by the wife of a man who commits suicide and leaves her millions of dollars in debt. She is a woman of faith and the way God shows up for her is woven throughout the book. It was never very clear for me what her husband actually did, but that could just be my financial ignorance. I wasn’t overly impressed with the book but I was with the woman!
December 31, 2019
WOW! What an emotional, vulnerable journey Becky has lived through and shared in “Awful Beautiful Life”. I highly recommend to everyone. It is a quick read that takes you on the inside of the pain she walked through. Her journey has put so much about life into perspective.
April 11, 2021
3.5 stars. Interesting read. I do feel like it would have been better if there was more backstory (I.e. how she and her husband met, some of their struggles, what led to the suicide apart from the debt , etc.)
May 29, 2025
It is so hard to write a review on someone's memoir since I don't want to discount Mrs. Powell's story and what she went through. I really do admire her faith and integrity in wanting to pay back all of her husband's creditors but the book fell flat for me. It was difficult to relate to Mrs. Powell since I don't take yearly vacations, keep $100 bills in my drawers or gift Hermes ties to my lawyers. From the start, Mrs. Powell's world is beyond me. She throws lavish parties, mingles with politicians and has a TEAM of lawyers ready to step in to help her through the tragedy. Even the restaurants she names are known as upper class. That too is where I disconnected with her story. Again, I thought it was very admirable that she wanted to repay all her debts and that she was relying on her faith so strongly, but I also felt like there was a lot of name dropping. I am not sure that it helped her story to tell me which restaurants she ate at, where she vacationed, who was in her circle and the name brand gifts she was passing out. The beginning of the book had me interested but then the second half just kept reiterating how she was anxious to pay everyone back, so not much else gets added in. She does mention that no one outside of Austin knew her story but I would have to say that I am in Austin and I have no idea who she is. I think that is a factor with reading this book: she is already a stranger to me and the memoir didn't help me to connect with her.
September 13, 2025
I don't usually give five stars, and especially not to books like this, usually because they are written more out of emotional reaction rather than being really good literature. But this one not only tells an amazing story of one woman's immense faith and integrity, it does so in a very beautiful and readable style. I felt as if I had come to know Becky as a friend. Not only did she live through the horrible tragedy of losing her husband to suicide, but she also took it upon herself to right the very many financial wrongs he had done. For her to give up essentially everything to pay back everything, rather than the usual ten cents on the dollar, is not just unusual. It is just something that is not done. Additionally, her sharing throughout of her faith, her reliance on scripture, and her resolve that she would act as an example of that faith to her children serve as such inspiration. In this day of unbridled ambition and accumulation of wealth, a book like this, a person like this, restores faith both in humanity and in God.
June 4, 2024
Author Becky Powell was part of Austin's wealthy movers and shakers, hosting Christmas parties for 450 people, and going on regular vacations to sunny foreign places. That is until the day her husband phones her to say, "I've done something terrible," and after hanging up commits suicide. Powell discovers he has been operating a Ponzi scheme and owes people, many of them family and friends, millions of dollars. The next years are filled with lawyers, investigations by the SEC, FBI, DOJ, and the IRS. Already a woman of faith, she navigates this time of extreme stress by surrendering herself to and completely trusting in God to get her through the process, while at the same time mourning the loss of her husband. Despite the obvious difficulties, including possible jail time, Ms. Powell also finds humour, optimism, miracles, and loyal loving friends help sustain her through extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
January 4, 2020
Awful Beautiful Life: When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy by Becky Powell is a powerful book of faith and hope that everyone should read. Becky's faith and courage is incredible. I am inspired by her ability to be real and what she has gone through is unfathomable. I read this book in a day and I could not put it down. This book is a quick read because once you start reading, you aren't able to stop.
Through this entire book and trial, Becky is able to face the situation with God. She did not face it alone. God was with her and her entire family throughout each disappointment, challenge, fear and victory. The book is one that will make you cry, so have some tissues handy. I also celebrated for her and her family as well. Be sure to pick up a copy today. God is incredible and will take the most darkest situations and turn them around for His glory!
Through this entire book and trial, Becky is able to face the situation with God. She did not face it alone. God was with her and her entire family throughout each disappointment, challenge, fear and victory. The book is one that will make you cry, so have some tissues handy. I also celebrated for her and her family as well. Be sure to pick up a copy today. God is incredible and will take the most darkest situations and turn them around for His glory!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews