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Serenity in the Storm: Living Through Chaos by Leaning on Christ
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
As seen on Life, Liberty & Levin and Gutfeld!
As heard on the Dan Bongino Show
Kayleigh McEnany brings to life the key cultural and political issues of our time, from the fall of Afghanistan to the Supreme Court’s abortion decision, analyzing world events through the lens of faith and providing readers with Serenity in the Storm .
Our world, without question, is experiencing aberrational times. The ravages and life-altering realities of COVID-19 that I worked through as White House press secretary were just the start of it. What followed was a series of history-defining events. From the fall of Afghanistan to the nationwide crime wave, we’ve all endured painful images of death, destruction, and chaos.
Meanwhile, radical teachings on gender and race have infiltrated our nation’s schools, poisoning the minds of our children—all at a time when our country feels more divided than ever before. Along with these twenty-first century realities can come a feeling of despair and discouragement. Indeed, I hear it all the time as I crisscross the Americans feel disheartened and seek hope.
Serenity in the Storm provides that hope. Despite the challenges we face, there is cause for great optimism for men and women of faith. In Afghanistan, the underground church is thriving. On the key issues of life and liberty, the Supreme Court of the United States has delivered enormous and consequential victories. In our schools, voters have spoken unmistakably against the insidious doctrines of critical race and gender theory. There is no doubt that God is at work as He hears the prayers of the faithful!
Taking a similar format to my New York Times bestselling book, For Such a Time as This , I analyze our domestic and international challenges through the lens of faith. Though we have lived through dark times and unsettled waters, the storms we face have prompted many great leaders to rise to the moment and have left a yearning in the human heart for a Savior, Jesus Christ, who is walking alongside us every step of the way.
As seen on Life, Liberty & Levin and Gutfeld!
As heard on the Dan Bongino Show
Kayleigh McEnany brings to life the key cultural and political issues of our time, from the fall of Afghanistan to the Supreme Court’s abortion decision, analyzing world events through the lens of faith and providing readers with Serenity in the Storm .
Our world, without question, is experiencing aberrational times. The ravages and life-altering realities of COVID-19 that I worked through as White House press secretary were just the start of it. What followed was a series of history-defining events. From the fall of Afghanistan to the nationwide crime wave, we’ve all endured painful images of death, destruction, and chaos.
Meanwhile, radical teachings on gender and race have infiltrated our nation’s schools, poisoning the minds of our children—all at a time when our country feels more divided than ever before. Along with these twenty-first century realities can come a feeling of despair and discouragement. Indeed, I hear it all the time as I crisscross the Americans feel disheartened and seek hope.
Serenity in the Storm provides that hope. Despite the challenges we face, there is cause for great optimism for men and women of faith. In Afghanistan, the underground church is thriving. On the key issues of life and liberty, the Supreme Court of the United States has delivered enormous and consequential victories. In our schools, voters have spoken unmistakably against the insidious doctrines of critical race and gender theory. There is no doubt that God is at work as He hears the prayers of the faithful!
Taking a similar format to my New York Times bestselling book, For Such a Time as This , I analyze our domestic and international challenges through the lens of faith. Though we have lived through dark times and unsettled waters, the storms we face have prompted many great leaders to rise to the moment and have left a yearning in the human heart for a Savior, Jesus Christ, who is walking alongside us every step of the way.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
187 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 14, 2024
Wasn't Trump's whole schtick that "America was an unrecognizable wasteland that only he could fix"? Well, whatever he did over the next four years obviously didn't stick, because here is Kayleigh telling us that American is still a spiritual and cultural wasteland, (although she wisely doesn't propose that Donald Trump remains the man to fix it).
To her credit, her "Jesus chapters" are well-written, if little different from what you'll find in much other conservative Christian writing. But these are alternated with unrepentant Biden-bashing on Afghanistan, Ukraine, education, abortion, and...oh, I dunno - society and the world in general. So yeah…pretty much what you'd expect; an obvious 4-5 star read for her intended audience, but will probably be skipped by everyone else, (except me and apparently a few similar weirdos).
To her credit, her "Jesus chapters" are well-written, if little different from what you'll find in much other conservative Christian writing. But these are alternated with unrepentant Biden-bashing on Afghanistan, Ukraine, education, abortion, and...oh, I dunno - society and the world in general. So yeah…pretty much what you'd expect; an obvious 4-5 star read for her intended audience, but will probably be skipped by everyone else, (except me and apparently a few similar weirdos).
May 21, 2023
I love her story of faith and how she relates to the hot topics of the day discussing in depth the storms that we do face in this country and world. It is a hard book to read in spots as she goes into great detail about the abortion process and how horrible it is that many kill babies and try to justify it with the right to choose and control their bodies. She lays out the disaster that is the Biden administration. But, in the midst of all the bad news she gives us hope in the life and teachings of Christ with a very clear and concise message of the gospel and why we can believe in a God that loved us and created us and knew us before we were even born. Her section on Christian apologetics is very easy to read and understand as she draws upon the literature of well-known authors like Francis Collins, Lee Strobel, C.S. Lewis and Josh McDowell. This book should be read and recommended to all believers and hopefully unbelievers as well will be compelled to look for the hope that you can get from a book like this.
May 27, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Kayleigh McEnany is a gifted and articulate writer and thinker. She eloquently presents several of America’s most pressing concerns from a political angle and then follows each one up with commentary from a biblical perspective. I appreciated her well-researched theological insights, especially on suffering/the problem of pain and apologetics.
As would be expected, this book is not unbiased. Christian conservatives are likely to be encouraged by her political perspectives and biblical reminders.
As would be expected, this book is not unbiased. Christian conservatives are likely to be encouraged by her political perspectives and biblical reminders.
April 26, 2023
Kayleigh McEnany is no shrinking violet, and that's one thing I completely appreciated about her when she was working for President Trump. That's what made me pickup this book and find out what she had to say.
She lays out the details of issues regarding our country and in 2023, the US is in quite a mess. She doesn't shy away from ugly/hard to talk about issues and then she relies on her faith to keep going.
She lays out the details of issues regarding our country and in 2023, the US is in quite a mess. She doesn't shy away from ugly/hard to talk about issues and then she relies on her faith to keep going.
May 4, 2023
You always speak from the heart
I have read all your books to date. Yes, this one came out yesterday. Or a leaf started it yesterday night, May 3. In this book, you cover what our nation is going through, and I thank you. I always stop when I’m doing and read your books. When I knew you had one coming, I ordered it immediately because you always speak from the Holy Spirit. Regardless that’s why you make me Drop what I’m doing even when I have a bad day which I was yesterday when I started the book. I knew you would help me. This book continues her goal of reaching out to people in a non-derogatory way, just like Christ wants us to be. I usually know when she writes a book, but this one snuck in on me.
Nonetheless, I don’t watch outnumbered anymore, but I appreciate what you do and that you are my sister in Christ. Even if I don't get to meet you, I get to know you through your books. I would love to talk to you about this if possible. If someone sees this review, please help me. Social media has good have good parts do it too. But I know where you're coming from. I will always support you no matter what this word brings. Thank you for being honest, hallways! You are the reason I watch the Western conservative summit. I stayed up till midnight because you always speak from your heart. Why do I put this in the book review? Because maybe she will read it. If you are a Christ believer, you should read this too.
I have read all your books to date. Yes, this one came out yesterday. Or a leaf started it yesterday night, May 3. In this book, you cover what our nation is going through, and I thank you. I always stop when I’m doing and read your books. When I knew you had one coming, I ordered it immediately because you always speak from the Holy Spirit. Regardless that’s why you make me Drop what I’m doing even when I have a bad day which I was yesterday when I started the book. I knew you would help me. This book continues her goal of reaching out to people in a non-derogatory way, just like Christ wants us to be. I usually know when she writes a book, but this one snuck in on me.
Nonetheless, I don’t watch outnumbered anymore, but I appreciate what you do and that you are my sister in Christ. Even if I don't get to meet you, I get to know you through your books. I would love to talk to you about this if possible. If someone sees this review, please help me. Social media has good have good parts do it too. But I know where you're coming from. I will always support you no matter what this word brings. Thank you for being honest, hallways! You are the reason I watch the Western conservative summit. I stayed up till midnight because you always speak from your heart. Why do I put this in the book review? Because maybe she will read it. If you are a Christ believer, you should read this too.
September 8, 2023
This was a great book. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting her, her mom, her daughter and her son that was fast asleep recently. She is the sweetest person I have ever met. This book was great. I have noticed recently people are processing publicly their religious beliefs more freely and openly on social media. I think the pendulum swung so far to the insane that people once again ate looking to make things right with their God. I know I am one of those. I have been able to find my way back to church but more importantly the Bible and prayer.
The most impactful chapter of this book is chapter 5 when she talks about abortion. I don’t care if you are pro life like myself or pro choice, if you do not recognize the act of abortion as barbaric then you need to question your humanity. If you feel you don’t have to answer to anyone for your actions or if you feel you eventually need to answer to God, if you are OK with the act itself, again not politics, it is demonic and criminal. I don’t think I have ever seen a horror movie depicting such barbaric acts yet you hear people talking about how they had 38 abortions as if they were talking about cheating on their diet.
Read this book if only for that chapter. You will either come to the same conclusion as I did or it may give you some insight into who you really are inside.
The most impactful chapter of this book is chapter 5 when she talks about abortion. I don’t care if you are pro life like myself or pro choice, if you do not recognize the act of abortion as barbaric then you need to question your humanity. If you feel you don’t have to answer to anyone for your actions or if you feel you eventually need to answer to God, if you are OK with the act itself, again not politics, it is demonic and criminal. I don’t think I have ever seen a horror movie depicting such barbaric acts yet you hear people talking about how they had 38 abortions as if they were talking about cheating on their diet.
Read this book if only for that chapter. You will either come to the same conclusion as I did or it may give you some insight into who you really are inside.
May 8, 2023
Excellent book. I think the hardest part of this book is when she explains the different types of abortion procedures. The dr pulls the limbs off the baby and let them bleed to death in the womb or they have partial deliveries and cut open the brain and crush the scull to kill them. It’s just so horrific. And I realize she put that in there to be informative of why abortion is wrong. Once you get past that chapter the book was truly excellent.
May 24, 2023
god can use human failure to bring about eternal success. in the secular view there is no explanation to suffering. whos to say the law is morally right if there is no basis of moral code from a higher being? abortion devalues life. in god we find renewed hope.
July 9, 2023
I hope it helps a lot of people, but I found a lot more storm in it than serenity. I'm Christian and the last two chapters are really solid, but focusing so much of the book on the negative things happening today was more depressing than I needed.
November 11, 2023
I love Kayleigh and her spirit and love for the Lord. Great reading of her own books!
February 28, 2025
"Serenity in the Storm" had a lot of red flags for me. From the start, it felt like fear-mongering and misrepresentation of facts. As Kayleigh McEnany is a former press secretary, I was curious to hear her take on Biden's press releases and I did find that aspect of her story interesting.
Dispite all of the religious rhetoric I was able to sift through her story and find a few positive take aways. While I disagree with her stance on abortion, I do agree with her thoughts on Roe v. Wade. I also appreciated her perspective on the "Don't Say Gay" bill. However, her discussion on critical race theory left me confused. I didn't learn much because I couldn't trust half of what she said is was all spoken through a very religious lens.
She truly believes her faith is under attack, and while I don't fully agree, I can understand why her experiences led her there. But what bothered me was her seeming desire for everyone to live by her values, which is where I lost connection with her message.
Her thoughts on the pandemic, particularly church services and distance learning, brought back memories of that chaotic time and reminded me why I left Nevada for Tennessee in 2021.
In conclusion, while "Serenity in the Storm" offers a glimpse into Kayleigh McEnany's perspective, it ultimately felt more like an ideological rallying cry than a balanced memoir. I respect her experiences and viewpoint, but the constant religious undertones and one-sided arguments made it difficult for me to fully connect with her message. For readers who share her beliefs, this book might resonate more, but for those of us with differing views, it requires a lot of patience to sift through the rhetoric and find meaningful takeaways.
As always 5 stars for every memoir. I appreciate her taking the time to share her story even through all of the fear mongering and religious messages.
Dispite all of the religious rhetoric I was able to sift through her story and find a few positive take aways. While I disagree with her stance on abortion, I do agree with her thoughts on Roe v. Wade. I also appreciated her perspective on the "Don't Say Gay" bill. However, her discussion on critical race theory left me confused. I didn't learn much because I couldn't trust half of what she said is was all spoken through a very religious lens.
She truly believes her faith is under attack, and while I don't fully agree, I can understand why her experiences led her there. But what bothered me was her seeming desire for everyone to live by her values, which is where I lost connection with her message.
Her thoughts on the pandemic, particularly church services and distance learning, brought back memories of that chaotic time and reminded me why I left Nevada for Tennessee in 2021.
In conclusion, while "Serenity in the Storm" offers a glimpse into Kayleigh McEnany's perspective, it ultimately felt more like an ideological rallying cry than a balanced memoir. I respect her experiences and viewpoint, but the constant religious undertones and one-sided arguments made it difficult for me to fully connect with her message. For readers who share her beliefs, this book might resonate more, but for those of us with differing views, it requires a lot of patience to sift through the rhetoric and find meaningful takeaways.
As always 5 stars for every memoir. I appreciate her taking the time to share her story even through all of the fear mongering and religious messages.
April 15, 2024
Disingenuous!!
The title of this book caught my eye and got me interested, promising to offer comfort in turbulent times through faith. Even though I don't share Kayleigh McEnany's political views, I gave the book a chance, hoping to find some common ground as a fellow Christian.
Unfortunately, the book didn't meet my expectations. Instead of focusing on spiritual guidance, it veered into political arguments, using Christianity to back up its points.
A lot of what was written felt insincere, showing a viewpoint tainted by privilege and hypocrisy, which left me feeling disappointed. It's hard to take McEnany seriously when she keeps defending Trump and his divisive words. Despite her faith, her support for ideas that spread conflict undermines the sincerity of her message.
The title of this book caught my eye and got me interested, promising to offer comfort in turbulent times through faith. Even though I don't share Kayleigh McEnany's political views, I gave the book a chance, hoping to find some common ground as a fellow Christian.
Unfortunately, the book didn't meet my expectations. Instead of focusing on spiritual guidance, it veered into political arguments, using Christianity to back up its points.
A lot of what was written felt insincere, showing a viewpoint tainted by privilege and hypocrisy, which left me feeling disappointed. It's hard to take McEnany seriously when she keeps defending Trump and his divisive words. Despite her faith, her support for ideas that spread conflict undermines the sincerity of her message.
July 9, 2023
Authentic Faith
Full of irrefutable expressions and experience, Kayleigh defines and describes the ultimate joy of seeking God in the midst of hard circumstances. We need her perspective for this day and age of uncertainty and doubt. She reveals and reviews the way forward in facing unbelievable challenges in believable terms. I highly recommend this writing as I agree with her faith in Christ.
Full of irrefutable expressions and experience, Kayleigh defines and describes the ultimate joy of seeking God in the midst of hard circumstances. We need her perspective for this day and age of uncertainty and doubt. She reveals and reviews the way forward in facing unbelievable challenges in believable terms. I highly recommend this writing as I agree with her faith in Christ.
May 23, 2023
Looking forward to reading her other books!
I admire Kayleigh’s tenacity to speak boldly on hard issues.
I don’t think it’s necessary to agree with her on all issues to respect her passion and takes.
I admire Kayleigh’s tenacity to speak boldly on hard issues.
I don’t think it’s necessary to agree with her on all issues to respect her passion and takes.
June 19, 2023
Good insights of her work at the White House, regardless of where you stand politically. She is a woman with strong values and convictions, and it comes across in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
July 20, 2023
I loved hearing Kayleigh's view into many issues that she witnessed as Press Secretary. Listening to her speak her passions from life to work made me feel as if she were speaking directly to me. I am touched by her genuine love for Christ and others!
February 6, 2024
It’s an insider’s look at the political climate in today’s messed up world. It was so graphic in describing abortion in congressional documents, I was floored at the allowances by man/woman. I did have to skip to the end of chapter 5 early.
May 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Kayleigh McEnany shares with courage candor about The problem of this world and the only solution to them— A personal relationship with Jesus Christ! I highly recommend this book!
May 1, 2024
Quite an enlightening read. It truly provides an insightful discussion of the Christian faith as it relates to our lives, morality, and the challenges posed by our society. The cited works may be of great help in furthering the understanding of the topic at hand.
July 22, 2024
Well-written, very hard to listen to/read (the chapter on abortion—wasn’t expecting such graphic details). I didn’t “not like” any of it. It was just hard, at times, for my mama heart to listen to. Kudos for writing for what you believe in and for what we need to hear.
May 27, 2023
Some very hot topics she discussed. She is always one to stand her ground even though it may be an unpopular opinion, I can respect that greatly.
June 20, 2023
Excellent book! Very well-researched and well-written by a passionate deep thinker. Lots to think about.
July 14, 2023
Beautifully written heartfelt book written by a beautiful soul. What a treasure this book is.
July 25, 2023
I absolutely enjoy Kayleigh’s books and reading about her experience. She’s very smart and talented, and very inspiring!
November 14, 2023
Great read
December 9, 2025
The author is Kayleigh McEnany, Trump’s former press secretary. I thought in the past that she did a good job. Apparently she’s an Evangelical Christian besides being a political conservative. I haven’t read much of contemporary politics these days since I have been busy with ministry like never before. But I thought it was a good mental break to go over this. What is this book about? The subtitle of the book tells us: “Living Through Chaos by Leaning on Christ.” Her focuses is on trusting in Christ during turbulent times and while the work touches on political situation it is more than that, it is about spiritual matters.
There are twelve chapters grouped in sections. The first section is on Afghanistan which began with the fall of Afghanistan; that was personally for me as a Global War on Terror veteran a very tough time but her description brought back memories of watching it unfold on the internet. This section has two chapters and it isn’t all on politics as the author talks about the underground church in Afghanistan in chapter two. The second section is on Ukraine which also has two chapters and again we see the last chapter focuses on spiritual matter which discusses about God being all-powerful and a world of suffering. Next section is then on life followed by the topic of education, each having also two chapters. Specifically the section on life takes on abortion in one chapter and another chapter on the dignity of life. After the section on education there’s a section on liberty and a final section on society; here there are one chapter for the former and then three chapters for the latter.
Going through this I think she represents Evangelicals in general. Its doctrinally light and I wished she can go deeper into the Bible but then again she’s doctrinally right on than more mainline Protestants today (who are more and more theologically liberal). Yet there’s also somethings with her own upbringing and theological outlook that left me wondering such as her being saved in an SBC church (I’m encouraged with that) but in highschool her parents have her going to a Catholic school. That’s rather representative of today’s Evangelical lack of clarity concerning Catholicism. On the one hand the book surprised me with talking about apologetics more than once in difference chapter throughout the book and her talking about Plantinga was rather surprisingly, pleasantly I might add. She has graduated from prestigious institutions and wished she go more indepth with things but at the same time she’s a media pundit and gotta write for the masses. Her honestly about health battles, her being a mother and worrying about the future direction for the next generation I imagine would be things that the general reading public would resonate with. I know when talking about politics people can get mean and divisive and I felt the book wasn’t overall that spirit. I felt the biggest thing I learn that is new from this work is her account with how Covid policy in California really went over the top and there was a lot of background things that I didn’t know about with the specifics.
If one read it to get the ideological landscape and a snapshot of the times this book is worth the three out of five rating I give it.
There are twelve chapters grouped in sections. The first section is on Afghanistan which began with the fall of Afghanistan; that was personally for me as a Global War on Terror veteran a very tough time but her description brought back memories of watching it unfold on the internet. This section has two chapters and it isn’t all on politics as the author talks about the underground church in Afghanistan in chapter two. The second section is on Ukraine which also has two chapters and again we see the last chapter focuses on spiritual matter which discusses about God being all-powerful and a world of suffering. Next section is then on life followed by the topic of education, each having also two chapters. Specifically the section on life takes on abortion in one chapter and another chapter on the dignity of life. After the section on education there’s a section on liberty and a final section on society; here there are one chapter for the former and then three chapters for the latter.
Going through this I think she represents Evangelicals in general. Its doctrinally light and I wished she can go deeper into the Bible but then again she’s doctrinally right on than more mainline Protestants today (who are more and more theologically liberal). Yet there’s also somethings with her own upbringing and theological outlook that left me wondering such as her being saved in an SBC church (I’m encouraged with that) but in highschool her parents have her going to a Catholic school. That’s rather representative of today’s Evangelical lack of clarity concerning Catholicism. On the one hand the book surprised me with talking about apologetics more than once in difference chapter throughout the book and her talking about Plantinga was rather surprisingly, pleasantly I might add. She has graduated from prestigious institutions and wished she go more indepth with things but at the same time she’s a media pundit and gotta write for the masses. Her honestly about health battles, her being a mother and worrying about the future direction for the next generation I imagine would be things that the general reading public would resonate with. I know when talking about politics people can get mean and divisive and I felt the book wasn’t overall that spirit. I felt the biggest thing I learn that is new from this work is her account with how Covid policy in California really went over the top and there was a lot of background things that I didn’t know about with the specifics.
If one read it to get the ideological landscape and a snapshot of the times this book is worth the three out of five rating I give it.
May 30, 2023
Two subjects typically to stay away from in conversation involve politics and religion. However, Kaleigh McEnany weaves these subjects together from her own life experience into something quite wonderful. As a conservative Christian woman myself I not only agree with her values, but applaud them. I especially enjoyed her use and reference to the Jeremiah Study Bible.
Personally, the most cringe worthy chapter was on abortion. I paused to reflect and prayer for the thousands of babies killed in late-term abortions, whose brains were sucked out ... and tiny limbs separated from their bodies laid out on a table to be counted as inventory, making certain 'parts' were accounted for. Abominable and barbaric to say the least.
Personally, the most cringe worthy chapter was on abortion. I paused to reflect and prayer for the thousands of babies killed in late-term abortions, whose brains were sucked out ... and tiny limbs separated from their bodies laid out on a table to be counted as inventory, making certain 'parts' were accounted for. Abominable and barbaric to say the least.
July 11, 2023
Kayleigh would pray with her father, she asked Jesus into her heart as a child and Mr McEnany would ask her at dinner what she learned at school. Because of a good father role model, Kayleigh would graduate from Harvard law school and be chosen by the president to speak to the media. I wish, I could be a father to my son, but he was abducted by family court judges. I definitely look forward to reading her other books... and 1 day I hope family courts are abolished, that our children on America will no longer be for sale and that I can be a father to my own little boy.
March 20, 2024
McEnany's view of the chaotic life we live in in the 2020's -- from Afghanistan, to the Supreme Court decisions, critical race theory.... -- is inspiring as she brings hope that, for people of faith, we will survive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews