Journey Through The Valley
What if our valley's weren't a place to be feared,
but a gift from the Lord?
The Editorial Reviews
What The Professionals Are Saying
As I stared at the blank page with the cursor gently blinking on my screen, I had no idea of the incredible journey that was set out before me. I just knew that words had been placed on my heart. I had a story to tell, but not a clue how to do it.
Nine months before I ever opened that blank Microsoft Word document, the Lord had gone before me. I briefly met Kathy Meis, the founder and CEO of Bublish, at a conference in South Carolina on a February afternoon in 2024. Long before I ever planned to write a book, I met the exact person that I would one day need to bring these words to life.
When I began to write that November, I knew I needed help in telling this story. Kathy agreed to take my project on and with the patience of a saint, she helped me find my writing style, my voice, and continually challenged me to refine the arc of the story.
I am humbled to have received such incredible reviews from each of the five editorial reviews. But the highest praise from these reviews is not the rating, but that the remark that:
"Brenner's memoir that isn't about himself, but highlights God's handiwork and patience in his life..."
My most sincere hope as you read this book is that you will see the faithfulness of God and be inspired to press into your own journey. Thanks again for your willingness to explore the book.
- David
Christlit Book Award Review
“Ultimately, this book is a masterfully crafted exploration of faith and resilience. It prompts readers to reassess their attitudes towards suffering, demonstrating that the most meaningful growth often happens in the metaphorical valleys of life.” —Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards
Journey Through the Valley by David Brenner is an outstanding read that left a lasting impression on me. The author's insights resonated with me deeply, as I identified many parallels between his experiences and my own life journey. His wisdom is striking, and often as I read the passages he crafted, I found myself exclaiming "wow" out loud and felt the need to share them with those nearby. I am grateful for the lasting impressions his words have made on me, and I believe many of his sentiments will stay with me for a lifetime.
It is without a doubt a narrative that deserves to be shared widely, as it carries a powerful message about the universal reach of Jesus as the Savior of the world. Brenner emphasizes that Christ seeks to connect with everyone, not just those who already follow Him closely, portraying Him as the Good Shepherd who ensures that no one is left behind.
The author’s candidness about his struggles and triumphs has the potential to transform lives. His reflections on the allure of sin, the illusion of success, and the lessons learned from his mistakes are articulated with remarkable honesty. Brenner’s personal transformation is both courageous and inspiring, offering hope to many who may find themselves in similar situations. He underscores the importance of being in the world but not of the world as scripture highlights, urging readers to embrace a different path in a culture that often promotes superficiality. His journey exemplifies the truth that having faith in Jesus is the correct path, and in fact, the only path in this world to attain genuine joy and peace, offering guidance for those seeking direction in their own lives.
Ultimately, this book is a masterfully crafted exploration of faith and resilience. It prompts readers to reassess their attitudes towards suffering, demonstrating that the most meaningful growth often happens in the metaphorical valleys of life. This illustrates the importance of surrendering to God, assuring us that we need not fear the valleys we encounter when we place our trust in Him. Resultantly, I enthusiastically suggest this book to all!
- Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards
“A debut memoirist reflects on finding peace in his abandonment of the American dream [in this] moving, distinctly Christian work about finding fulfillment in the simplicity of God’s gifts.”
- Kirkus Review
Summary of Editorial Reviews
BookLife by Publishers Weekly
“Brenner shares his intimate journey of success, disillusionment, and lifelong Christian faith in this moving debut memoir…. offering readers a roadmap to navigate hard times through spiritual transformation.”
City Book Review
“…an encouraging and thoughtful memoir about personal transformation… [A] meaningful read for anyone who has struggled to balance ambition with purpose.”
Reader's Favorite
“Brenner's book demonstrates that God is with us at all times, even in the most difficult situations. He has a clear and engaging writing style while offering thoughtful commentary
Reader Views
“[Brenner] displays his credibility as a true memoirist by presenting detailed and unique experiences.”
The Full Reviews
Kirkus Review
A debut memoirist reflects on finding peace in his abandonment of the American dream.
Born into a self-described “upper middle-class home,” Brenner grew up hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps as a business executive. The ambitious author earned his undergraduate degree in under three years and was working full time at a booming medical device company while completing his graduate business degree. By his early 30s, the author had become the chief commercial officer at a publicly traded company with a market cap of over one billion dollars, where he fostered global partnerships and raised capital. Despite obtaining all the markers of success, Brenner had yet to find fulfillment. “I had relentlessly pursued the American dream at all costs,” he writes, adding, “I had sidelined my faith and my God.” While the book assiduously chronicles the author’s business dealings, including his decision to join his father in co-founding a consulting firm, much of the narrative focuses on his spiritual journey and rediscovery of faith. Raised in a Christian family that attended church every Sunday, Brenner spent his early adulthood “viewing faith as a checklist of dos and dont’s.” Many of the underpinnings of Christianity, such as sacrificial love and unquestioning trust in God’s provision, ran counter to America’s corporate ethos and Brenner’s take-charge business acumen, but the author would eventually conclude that the grinding pursuit of wealth and status is almost always accompanied by a “toxic lifestyle.” Reaffirming his commitment to his Christian faith in this work, Brenner documents how he now measures his success by family breakfasts, math homework with his kids, spontaneous moments with his wife, and time spent outdoors. While the author’s religious musings may not resonate with readers outside of his Christian faith, the book’s ecumenical approach avoids complex discussions of theology, instead suggesting practical applications of faith to one’s daily life. The approachable text is frequently supplemented by inspirational verses and quotes from Christian authors.
A moving, distinctly Christian work about finding fulfillment in the simplicity of God’s gifts.
BookLife by Publishers Weekly
Brenner shares his intimate journey of success, disillusionment, and lifelong Christian faith in this moving debut memoir, centered on an enduring desire to trust God, grow “as a disciple of Jesus,” and keep moving forward—no matter the pain. Career-driven from a young age, he recounts moving to Florida for a new job opportunity and discovering a mentor and religious community through a weekly men’s group. Inspired by his pastor’s steadfast faithfulness even amid devastating setbacks, Brenner presses into his own spiritual journey, working to balance quality time with his wife and children with climbing the corporate ladder. Throughout, he examines the broken parts of his life with vulnerability, reflecting on his wanderings “through the valley” while attempting to model his life and faith after Jesus’ standards.
Brenner is unflinchingly transparent in this narrative, opening up about his marriage struggles, feelings of failure, parenthood, and a demanding career. His determination to be a better man while exploring his faith inspires, offering readers a roadmap to navigate hard times through spiritual transformation, and he offers insights that ring with conviction. “My time in the valley wasn’t wasted,” he contends, “It was shaping me into a man I never knew I could become.” Even during times of pain and suffering, Brenner details how he was rebuilt by God’s love, declaring that “Jesus had never abandoned me, even at my worst.”
Brenner’s personal journal entries to Jesus dot the narrative, providing a glimpse of painful emotions, discontent, and, eventually, gratitude—for trials that strengthen him and elicit hope for the future. As he learns to redefine success through scriptural standards, Brenner reflects on his hard-earned growth with relief and a readiness to “stop worrying about tomorrow… [and] hand over weariness and anxiety” to God. Readers seeking transparent chronicles that weave Christian faith into everyday problems will be encouraged.
Readers’ Favorite
David Brenner was always a believer, but he had to go through various difficulties to strengthen his faith in God. In Journey Through the Valley, he shares his testimony with us. He talks about his youth, when he became determined to achieve professional success. He also describes how he met his wife, Caitlin, a cheerful and spontaneous woman, with whom he started a family and had three children. However, the journey was complicated. As he prospered in his work, his responsibilities increased, causing him to neglect his family. He couldn't even be there for his father's birthday, something he deeply regretted and one of the events that led him to change course in search of balance. But he could only achieve this by trusting in the guidance of the Spirit.
David Brenner's book demonstrates that God is with us at all times, even in the most difficult situations. He has a clear and engaging writing style while offering thoughtful commentary. He constantly shows us his inner struggle to be a better person every day, but he also acknowledges that he was not alone and gives credit to those who supported him, especially his wife. Despite the difficulties, they remained steadfast in their marriage. I found that to be a wonderful example of resilience. He also learned to rely on the Bible and the influence of Jesus to find unexpected solutions. His experiences confirm that it is possible to trust God and experience pain simultaneously. This is not a contradiction, but a part of personal growth. Journey Through the Valley teaches us that, even if we believe that a successful career will bring happiness, only family and faith can give us inner peace.
Reader Views
The title of David Brenner's memoir, Journey Through the Valley, may sound familiar to those acquainted with Psalm 23, written by King David, in the book of Psalms found in the Bible. The twenty-third psalm is a reflection of a moment in David's life when he was undergoing hardship and distress, likely when being pursued and wanted by King Saul; the psalm's significance lies in the reminder it offers to Christians to lean not on ourselves, but instead, the only person or thing that can consistently save us, God; we should maintain complete trust in God, even when things appear hopeless. With this foreknowledge, the reader will have a better understanding of what they'll encounter in Brenner's memoir that isn't about himself, but highlights God's handiwork and patience in his life, relationships, and all areas, while simultaneously opening his previously blind eyes and immature sense of self and knowledge of God.
Beginning in 2016, Brenner recalls meaningful, chronological events, detailing relatable aspects of his life, including his work, personal relationships, family, and ambitions, while not shying from his moments of failure and embarrassment. A prominent theme throughout the book is reminiscent of Isaiah 55:8-9, which states, "’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts .’" This passage summarizes Brenner's experiences, earthly and spiritual, as he attempts to live his life to earthly standards, which would seem the "right" or "normal" thing to do otherwise; however, he finds that things go better when he quits trying to be in charge of his life, but lets his creator take over, which makes more sense.
While readers aren't likely to fully relate to Brenner's memories and experiences (due to living different lives), they are "human" enough to delve into a diverse audience's understanding through their hearts and minds. Brenner demonstrates his credibility when writing a faith-based book through his frequent references to accurate Scripture verses that continuously remind the reader of where and on whom the focus is meant to be, while pairing them with relevant life events to showcase their validity. He displays his credibility as a true memoirist by presenting detailed and unique experiences. Journey Through the Valley: One Man's Story of Learning to Trust Jesus with Work, Faith, and Family by David Brenner features relatable aspects and learning moments, offering age-appropriate subject matter and text suitable for all ages.
City Book Review
Journey Through the Valley by David Brenner is a deeply reflective memoir that explores the complexities of faith, ambition, family, and personal transformation. Told through the author’s own life experiences, the book follows Brenner’s journey from a driven young executive chasing the American dream to a man gradually learning to surrender control and trust God in both success and hardship. I found the book to be both introspective and relatable, especially in how it addresses the pressures of modern life and the search for deeper meaning.
At its core, the memoir is about the tension between worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. Early in the book, Brenner describes how he pursued career advancement, financial stability, and social validation, believing these achievements would bring happiness. Outwardly, his life appeared successful. He had a promising career, a relationship that eventually became a marriage, and a growing family. Yet internally, he struggled with anxiety, emotional wounds from childhood, and the feeling that something essential was missing. This theme of internal conflict appears throughout the narrative and serves as one of the book’s strongest messages: external success does not necessarily lead to inner peace.
Another major theme is spiritual growth through adversity. Brenner repeatedly encounters moments when life does not go according to plan—career pressures, marital struggles, fatherhood challenges, and personal doubts about God. Rather than portraying faith as a quick solution, the author emphasizes how faith develops slowly through hardship and reflection. The “valley” in the title symbolizes these seasons of struggle, where faith is tested but ultimately strengthened. Brenner writes about how painful experiences forced him to examine his beliefs and learn to depend on God instead of relying solely on his own ambition and determination.
The book also explores the theme of vulnerability. Brenner’s willingness to share personal failures, such as neglecting emotional connection in his marriage or prioritizing work over family, makes the story feel authentic. His reflections show that spiritual maturity often begins when people acknowledge their weaknesses rather than hiding them. For readers, this honesty makes the message more powerful because it illustrates that growth is rarely linear.
Community is another important thread woven throughout the memoir. Brenner credits much of his transformation to relationships with others who encouraged his faith, particularly a mentor named Pastor Mark and the men’s spiritual group he joined. Through these relationships, the author learns the importance of accountability, shared wisdom, and spiritual support. These moments highlight the idea that faith is not meant to be lived out alone but within a supportive community.
Finally, the theme of surrender plays a central role. Over time, Brenner learns that faith is not about controlling outcomes but about trusting God even when circumstances are uncertain. This realization becomes a turning point in his journey, helping him approach challenges with humility and patience rather than fear.
Journey Through the Valley is an encouraging and thoughtful memoir about personal transformation. Its themes of faith, perseverance, vulnerability, and community make it a meaningful read for anyone who has struggled to balance ambition with purpose. Brenner’s story reminds readers that life’s hardest seasons can ultimately become the places where growth and spiritual renewal begin.