RAVEN AUSTEN

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Testimonials
Testimonials

Meet the Readers Who Met Raven

Their words, not ours. Because Raven’s stories deserve real responses.

I picked this up thinking it would be a typical Christian memoir. It's not. Raven doesn't polish her past. She talks about the abortion, the affair with her boss, and the student who threatened her. I cried twice. But I also laughed at the mouse story. She's just so real. I finished the book feeling like I'd made a friend.

— Sarah M Tulsa, OK

I'm not a religious person, but this book got to me. Raven never preaches at you. She just tells you what happened and how God met her in the mess. The part where she reads John 15:16 after feeling invisible her whole life… that hit hard. You don't have to be a believer to feel that moment.

— David R Columbus, OH

What I loved most was that Raven is kind of a mess. She's scared of mice. She panics on icy roads. She once bought the wrong hair product and waited nine months to use it. I felt seen. Her big struggles are real, but the small, silly ones made me trust her. This isn't a saint writing. It's a regular woman.

— Amanda K Nashville, TN

The story about the three boys driving her home in the ice storm stayed with me for days. And the one where her stepdad finds those old IOUs from the Depression? I read it twice. Raven has a way of pulling you into a moment and not letting go. Some essays are two pages. Some are ten. All of them matter.

— Brian T Wichita, KS

I'm not big on poetry, but Raven's poems surprised me. They're not fancy or hard to understand. She just says what she means. The one called "Desolation Boulevard" gave me chills. Her regular essays read like she's sitting across from you at a coffee shop. No pretentious words. Just truth. I appreciate that so much.

— Jessica L Springfield, MO

The abortion chapter wrecked me. Not because Raven gets graphic or angry. Because she's so honest about the regret and the shame and then the slow healing. She doesn't use it to shock you. She uses it to help. I've never read something so painful written with such gentleness. This book is a gift to anyone carrying a secret weight.

— Marcus W Portland, OR

American daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend. It truly warms the heart to read these short stories and peer into the life an intelligent, hard working woman and the many trials & feelings she has dealt with over the years while adding in much laughter along the way. She offers great wisdom in each of these stories bringing the reader into her past, present and future hope and opening their eyes to her seasoned insights and perspectives. She is a courageous woman who has lived and learned over the years and has come to the right conclusion on life. I highly recommend this endearing book of short stories…it’s a very enjoyable read!

— Paul Landers United States

I truly loved this collection of stories by Raven Austen. Each story from her life offers a glimpse into her personal journey and growth in God. Her vulnerability stands out in such a meaningful way—she shares openly, allowing readers not only to understand her experiences but also to reflect on their own walk of faith. One of the most beautiful aspects of this book is how clearly God’s redemption and love are on display throughout each story. It’s both encouraging and inspiring to see how He works through every season of life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow in their faith and be reminded of God’s faithfulness.

— USNAmom United States

I really enjoyed this book. The author showed great courage by sharing very personal circumstances in her life. The strength she showed in making very difficult choices, while her heart was breaking, speaks volumes about this author's character. Her life has not been easy, beginning with her childhood, but she makes the good times seem really good as she tells of her experiences. Her strong faith and spirituality shine through in this collection. The book made me smile, laugh and cry. I was not ready for the book to end. I wanted to know more. Hopefully there will be another book from Raven Austen.

— Jan United States

This, from the heart collection of a life lived, gave me all the feels. Knowing that we don’t have to be perfect and God will still love us, speaks volumes. She brings that message through laughter, tears, and “oh my” moments. Loved the book!

— Sandy Couch United States

BACKLIT is an emotional and inspiring book about faith, healing, and personal growth. It is personal and relatable and has a message of redemption and hope. A heartfelt read for anyone seeking encouragement and inspiration.

— Barbara United States

Sooo good! A very personal and entertaining collection of the author’s life experiences. I laughed and cried and was inspired to reflect on God’s love and forgiveness in my own life!

— Amazon Customer United States

Raven Austin’s Backlit is a very well-crafted book. It’s just the right mix of funny, serious Heartwarming moments that captured my attention immediately. I read this book in two days and am looking forward to more from this incredibly talented author.

— Brittany M. Crawford United States

Vulnerable, fearless and captivating life stories written from the heart.

— Matthew Boston United States

I expected a heavy, sad book. And yeah, some parts are heavy. But Raven is funny without trying too hard. The Redken hair product disaster? The stick shift meltdown with her sister? I was laughing out loud. She balances the dark stuff with real-life ridiculousness. That's what makes her stories feel true. Life is both.

— Rachel T Austin, TX