Award-Winning Author Debbie Engle Shares a Powerful Story of Faith, Heartbreak, and Hope in I Am the Real Runaway Bride

Portland, Oregon Oct 22, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - For many women, the journey toward finding lasting love can be filled with unexpected turns, broken promises, and moments of doubt. In her three-time award-winning book, I Am the Real Runaway Bride - Hope and Encouragement as You Wait for the Right One, author Debbie Engle shares her remarkable true-life story of navigating heartbreak, overcoming societal expectations, and discovering a deeper sense of purpose through her relationship with God.

Engle's story challenges the belief that a woman must settle for a relationship simply to avoid being alone. Despite walking away from three engagements, she faced criticism from others who considered her too picky or feared she would become the family's lifelong single woman. Yet rather than allowing these expectations to dictate her future, Engle continued searching for a life grounded in faith, personal conviction, and hope.

Through candid storytelling, Engle takes readers through the emotional realities of broken relationships, unfulfilled dreams, loneliness, and heartache. Blending moments of humor with deeply moving reflections, she offers an honest account of her 46-year journey as a single Christian woman waiting for the right partner. More than a story about romance, the book explores the importance of understanding one's worth, finding peace in uncertainty, and trusting that life can hold meaningful possibilities even when expectations remain unfulfilled.

The inspiration behind the book came from Engle's own experiences of sharing her story with women who were divorced or unhappy in their relationships. When these women expressed how her experiences had given them hope and the courage to leave unhealthy relationships, she recognized that her story could reach and encourage many others facing similar struggles.

Through I Am the Real Runaway Bride, Engle hopes to remind readers that their value is not determined by their relationship status. Her message centers on the belief that a fulfilling life begins with a meaningful relationship with God, who gives every person purpose and enduring worth. She encourages readers to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than expecting a romantic relationship, wealth, or material possessions to satisfy their deepest needs.

Beyond her work as an author, Engle is a teacher, educational therapist, speaker, and trainer who is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Her professional work includes supporting children with learning difficulties, consulting with parents who want to strengthen their parenting skills, and speaking about children with special needs. She also advocates greater inclusion and encourages churches to reach out to individuals with disabilities.

As a wife to Dan and stepmother to Patrick, Engle continues to use her personal experiences and professional expertise to inspire others. Her work reflects a commitment to helping people recognize their potential, find encouragement through difficult seasons, and build lives rooted in faith and purpose.

Engle has shared her message through a radio interview with Kate Delaney, appearances on several podcasts through PodMatch, and an interview on Done with Dating hosted by John Petrozzelli. She also participated in the South Carolina Book Lovers Expo in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2024. She welcomes opportunities to speak with women's groups, singles' groups, and churches interested in conversations about faith, relationships, self-worth, and finding hope during seasons of waiting.

For readers experiencing relationship uncertainty, disappointment, or the pressure to conform to society's expectations, I Am the Real Runaway Bride offers an encouraging reminder that being single does not diminish a person's value or purpose. Through her story, Engle invites readers to reconsider what it means to wait, trust, and live meaningfully while embracing the journey ahead.

About the Author

Debbie Engle is a three-time award-winning author, teacher, educational therapist, speaker, and trainer. She is passionate about supporting parents, grandparents, students, singles, and churches through education, encouragement, and advocacy. Her work focuses on helping children with learning challenges, equipping parents, and promoting greater inclusion for people with disabilities. Her book, I Am the Real Runaway Bride - Hope and Encouragement as You Wait for the Right One, shares her personal journey of faith, heartbreak, and hope while encouraging readers to discover their worth and trust God's purpose for their lives.

Media Contact and Further Information

Readers can learn more about Debbie Engle, her book, and her speaking opportunities by visiting her official website at https://debbieengle.com.

The Spotlight Network on I Am the Real Runaway Bride by Debbie Engle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py1L9uxu2fk

Media Contact

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