Collecting Confidence: Start Where You Are to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be

by Kim Gravel, Nancy French

Showcasing the confidence she's gathered from her own life journey, Kim Gravel--beloved QVC star and creator of Belle by Kim Gravel and Belle Beauty--invites you to look at yourself with a fresh new lens, encouraging you to start where you are and become the person you were meant to be. In Collecting Confidence , Kim reminds you that you are not your current circumstance. You are not your current habits. Where you are right now is, in fact, simply your starting place to become who you’re meant to be. If you’ve lost your way and forgotten who you are, this book will Now is the time to be still, listen to God, and start collecting confidence one step, one lesson, one experience, and even one mistake at a time. As Kim says, “ You can’t be authentic in the world if you can’t be real with yourself.” Collecting Confidence is a sumptuous collection of life experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and unexpected blessings.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir, Inspirational, Audiobook

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite passages from Collecting Confidence is this adage: “Life is hard, God is good, and people are crazy (me included).” Obviously by that mantra, Kim’s Christian roots are visible in Collecting Confidence, but not in a preachy way, rather as biblical quotes used sparingly for their inherent wisdom and guidance. One great example is Psalms 139, “I am wonderfully and fearfully made”, an essential reminder to our society’s idolatry towards social media and chatGPT which discount the infinite wonders of our human minds.

I found myself copying the handful of her pages which contain large print affirmations to give to women I know, who also struggle with being undervalued and consequently self-limiting. Her proposal to think back to our most fun flow activities in order to reinvent our goals and actions is inspirational and resonant.

[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥]

**no ratings for non-fiction**

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished this book! It took me forever to pick it up again after I started it, but I’m glad I finished it. Kim Gravel is one of my favorite people in this world. She always makes me laugh and gives some great advice. I listened to the audiobook while reading this because even though the writing really captures her voice, I wanted to hear her saying the stuff. It really brought the book to life. I haven’t read many (if any) self help books before, but I quite enjoyed this one.

[Michele A Martel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Quick and easy read. It's like you are sitting with one of your BFFs. Kim is so real and authentic. So many parts of the book really hit home. I've already recommended this to many of my friends.
Great job, Kim!! Can't wait for the next one!

[Robyn Pedigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of Collecting Confidence by Kim Gravel and wow! It truly seemed like she was talking right to me. I love that Kim is not afraid to share her faith and encourages others to have faith. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are not good enough. You are good enough! #collectingconfidencebook

[Meg Delagrange-Belfon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stands out about this book is its message of self-acceptance and the idea that everything you need to become the person you're meant to be is already inside of you. It's a book brimming with positivity and self-love, and I think everyone needs to read it. Kim Gravel is so uplifting, funny, and inspiring - she reminds us that we're beautiful, loved, strong, and unique, and encourages us to trust ourselves, trust God, and step into our power and purpose. But it's not all warm and fuzzy feelings - this book also offers some seriously practical advice and wisdom. Honestly, it's just such an enjoyable read. It's the kind of book that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to shine. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I didn't know Kim before reading this book other than glimpsing her on QVC sporadically (I haven't purchased any of her products). She is exactly the type of person I like to talk to, and this book was like having a conversation that was uplifting and encouraging. Good stuff!

[Kristen Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Collecting Confidence” by Kim Gravel is like a warm hug from within that you never knew you just had to have! Deeply rooted in her faith, Kim strikes the right balance of gently weaving her spirituality and life experiences through her story telling. The book has a way of nudging you forward, often with humor and confidence builders as keepsakes. It’s a reminder to embrace our unique calling while paying special attention to nurturing our inner voices. Cheering you on and sharing her guidance, you are wrapped up in her unrelenting authenticity! It will leave you invigorated to collect your own confidence and start sipping your own sweet tea of life. Here’s to being your own best friend and here’s to gaining your new BFF, Kim.

[Denise Schams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I read it in one day! I felt like Kim was in the room with me as I read it. It was warm, funny and inspiring. This is a great book to share with your friends and family and you’ll want to read it more than once. So many inspiring words, so many moments that make you think and smile and give thanks. You’ll definitely have more confidence after you read it or realize you already had it.

[Keri Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read the book in two days. I put it on my shelf in March. Lol. It’s a good read. Very inspiring and uplifting. Kim has a great story to share and I love “spilling the tea” with her as she tells it! I will take some of her wisdom, joy and confidence along with me as I level up and grow into my calling. Love yah Kim! Blessings to all of you as you read this wonderful book and find your confidence. 🥰

[Wendy Zubenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Collecting Confidence” by Kim Gravel is a heartfelt and inspired message to women of all ages and circumstances. Written with humor and humility, Kim reminds us that we are in this life together and that by supporting each other through faith, hope, and love you/we can move mountains.

Collecting Confidence: Start Where You Are to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be

#collectingconfidencebook #collectingconfidence #kimgravel #blessed

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, yes it's nice to be encouraged and the author is unquestionably charming and kind. There are a good number of useful tips and I'm glad I read this but it's not a five star book for a couple of reasons. 1) there's a whole lot of religion in here. That's fine but if you didn't know who the author was (I didn't) there's nothing in the title, the cover or the blurb to warn you it's heavily religious. I was reading this more as a business motivator and found the reliance on faith a bit annoying/disappointing. 2) It gets a little repetitive toward the end.

This is an interesting book about a successful, personable woman and worth a read.

[Teresa Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read as we head into the new year! Felt like she was talking directly to me. A perfect reminder to find joy in your calling and to always remember who you are, “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

[Eileen Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so inspired by this book that points out confidence is something we women seem to lack, but we deserve to have it! We owe it to ourselves to be all we were called to be. Kim has touched on all aspects of life. Her excitement comes through in every chapter & I've re-read a few of those chapters already.
The part of a quote resonating with me is "Our insecurities do not outweigh our greatness", don't hesitate to jump into this book & share it with your friends. I'll be recommending this to a few friends & have discussions about collecting our own confidence & leaving those insecurities behind.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read!! This is for anyone who ever asked themselves, "Where is that confident woman that I once was"? Kim Gravel will show you how to dig deep and find that woman! The anecdotes in this book are so relevant and relatable! Kim lays out the path to help you regain (or get!) confidence and move through life with a faith in God and knowledge that you are all that you can be! This is a must read! Kim Gravel presents with humor and allows the reader to "relate"! This is a book that I will keep and read again!! #KimGravel #CollectingConfidenceBook Kim Gravel

[Deanna Goodlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim is an amazing lady with a wonderful story of how to build your own confidence through all that life throws you. As long as you have faith in God, faith in yourself and trust your abilities you can shine!

In this most heartwarming book I laughed a lot, cried some, learned a lot about Kim and her successes, trials and her faith in God. I felt like she was sitting next to me telling me her story. Such a GREAT message for today's times! Definitely what I need in my life! BELIEVE in yourself, never forget the struggles, successes, failures, love yourself as God doesn't make any junk! Build your confidence from your struggles and failures. Don't let the negative words people may tell you affect you! Take chances, put yourself out there, reach for the stars!! If you never try, you will never know! Acknowledge and embrace your feelings, don't run away from them! God will always be by your side throughout everything in life! Believe and call on Him when you need Him!

It is an easy and enjoyable read! If you have ever seen Kim on QVC you will hear her voice as you read this book


Thank you Kim for helping me be able to build up my confidence again!!

I encourage everyone to purchase this book and read it! It will change your life!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lab easy read. I think it is uplifting , informative and made me feel that I was getting to know Kim personally. I felt as if I was sitting next to her having conversations about life, love and confidence . She shared her journey with us but more importantly she encourages us to trust in God. We are all beautiful regardless of the paths and the hardships we have endured. Our path is uniquely ours and makes us who we are. Confident and beautiful inside and out!

[Pennie Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book. Loved it!
A good read you will be glad you picked up.
She is the real thing.
Kim shared her experiences with a touch of humor and reality.
Awoke things inside of me I had put on a shelf.

I'm back!

Thank you Kim!

[Elizabeth J Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it is written by an amazingly successful woman who has a strong faith in God. Her description of the birth of her second son ( 8 weeks early) was amazing. I felt like I was going through it with her
Kim is so funny and honest. She had me laughing one minute and tears in my eyes the next. I plan to reread it and take notes. Her sayings are so witty. Great Mothers Day gift for mothers and daughters in law. Thank you Kim!❤️

[Cherri Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey everyone, I just finished reading “Collecting Confidence”, and I am sad there isn’t more! That is how good this book of Kim’s is💕 It is so thought provoking and encouraging that it gives you pause and cause to look within! I’m not Southern but, y’all, I am definitely going to get copies for my granddaughters!!

[Linda Wrobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was as though Kim was sitting in the same room just talking, telling her story and sharing her thoughts. Very inspirational and inspiring. Really makes you think about where you are in your own journey of collecting confidence

[Nancy Laverdiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim is one of my favorite inspirational people and her book was an easy read. It was even better on audible as I was privileged to listen to a truly inspiring song. It was great and an easy read with insightful directions.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Collecting Confidence, Kim Gravel has written a brand new book to assist readers into realizing how magnificent they really are. In the book, she shared her story about how she was former Miss Georgia pageant winner at the young age of nineteen. She stated how comparison is the ultimate confidence killer and how she dealt with that struggle in her competition. She went on to try out for Miss America and lost. She lost her confidence. She failed to see that she still had talent and felt like she failed. She started singing in night clubs and begin dating a man and eventually married him. The marriage was rough and it ended after two years. During this time, she was able to connect more deeply with God and she had to rely on Him to provide. She had to take a calculator to the store to check the prices. She was able to recognize that all of her past failures prepared her for where she was going. She reminded readers that they are who they are because God designed them and they are fearfully and wonderfully made. She explained how we don’t have to catch our calling and we are where we are meant to be. She went on to share how she got a job at WATC and how fitting that it was only two blocks from her apartment. She was able to be on a talk show called Friends & Neighbors for ten years. She also shared how she recorded a few albums and how she met her future husband. She is a host on QVC and has a beauty line called, Belle and a life coach. She also got an opportunity to be a guest on Steve Harvey.


I would recommend this inspiring book to anyone who needs a confidence boost and they are needing a little guidance on stepping into their calling. This book will help readers to become real and authentic. One of my favorite things was how she discussed signs and how we have to look around to see them. She reminded us that we are where we are supposed to be for a reason even if we don’t know why. We can learn to let control of our control, which we never really have. I also liked she discussed how titles and degrees don’t make us who we are. She stated how important it is to not put ourselves on sale and don’t allow the world to determine our value. She created a special 11 ways to be authentic. I loved the section on the power of I am and how we must be careful with what follows them.



I received this book free from Nelson Books for my honest review.”

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collecting Confidence
Start Where You Are to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be
by Kim Gravel
Pub Date 25 Apr 2023
Nelson Books,Thomas Nelson
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Self-Help

Collecting Confidence was provided by Nelson Books and Netgalley for review:


Throughout Collecting Confidence, Kim reminds us that we are not our circumstances. Your habits don't define you. What you are right now is simply your starting point to become who you are meant to be. This book will help you find your way if you have lost your way:

It gives you the empowerment to overcome your worst moments. Combine down-home wisdom with laughs.

It's a no-holds-barred book with inspiration from Graceland to Piggly Wiggly.


Change your perspective to understand mistakes are stepping stones by understanding how you see yourself.


It's time to be still, listen to God, and build confidence one step, one lesson, one experience, and even one mistake at a time. As Kim says, “You can’t be authentic in the world if you can’t be real with yourself.” In Collecting Confidence, Kim shares life experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and unexpected blessings.

I give Collecting Confidence five out of five Stars!


Happy Reading!

[Marie Evensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Gravel’s debut, Collecting Confidence, is masterfully written. With wit, spiritual wisdom and southern charm, she leads us through her life’s journey, each experience an opportunity to learn. Gravel’s vulnerability and raw honesty draw us in. She writes as if we are her closest friends and confidants and by the end of the book, we are.

She teaches us how she, as a divorcee, singer, mom, TV personality, QVC businesswoman and pageant coach, collected confidence and she urges us to do the same through our own unique circumstances.

“Don’t despise any part of yourself,” she tells us, “There is a message in your mess. Embrace your mistakes. Reframe your ‘big mistake’ as just a stepping stone. You’re not too far gone. Embrace all of you. I mean all. Not just the fun, Instagrammable parts of you. Every vit of what you’ve done is part of who you are and who you’re called to be…Girl, I’ve made a million mistakes since I started writing this book. But that only means I’ll have more material for the next one.”

We cannot help but be better for having read this book. A must for any woman whose crown needs a bit of adjusting.

[Jennifer Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all—I adore Kim Gravel! If you aren’t familiar with her, she is a former Miss Georgia, a TV personality, podcaster, and clothing designer. Kim has an infectious personality, and you can’t help but laugh and smile when watching her on TV or listening to her podcast. She is a Southern lady with style and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is!

In Kim’s debut book, Collecting Confidence, Kim shares her story from her early days on the pageant circuit to becoming the successful businesswoman she is today. Just as she does on TV and her podcast, she isn’t afraid to bare it all, being honest about the ups and downs that life has brought her and how she has persevered and relied on her family, friends, and faith to get her through the tough times. Woven between her personal stories are Kim’s tips and encouragement for women to rise above their current circumstances and situations and go forward confidently to becoming the women they are meant to be.

I highly recommend Collecting Confidence to women of all ages and in all stages of life! This book is a quick read and told in Kim’s signature humorous style. If you aren’t yet a fan of Kim’s, you will be by the end of this book!

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK! Kim, if you're reading this is love to give you a hug and have lunch! Every story she told I could relate to, then the wisdom gained because of her experience was both simple and mind-blowing!

As some people say "there's no new info", how she presented her experiences impacted me and shifted my thoughts. Also how she quotes the Bible, praises Jesus, and thanks God is respectful to readers. As a nonreligious person I felt endeared and empowered.

In the chapter I'm Not a Fat Girl, I asked myself why am I living like one? Why am I living like I don't know who I am? Why am I living like I don't know my life's mission? Just from those questions my priorities and prospectives shifted.

When in chapter Level Up, Buttercup! asked "Did I trust my calling enough to fight for it?" my subconscious answered YES! and again my views about my situation and current life shifted.

I gained SO MUCH from reading this wonderful, easy to read book. Who I am and how I see my present living and purpose shifted.

I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely perfect for me right now. It could not have come into my life at a better time.

I watched episodes of Kim of Queens several times and was so bummed when it was cancelled. I loved the lessons that Kim would try to teach the girls.

Now, reading this book, you can see that it is just who she it. I love how she immediately says it is not a self-help book. I appreciate that. This book was not a self-help book -- It was self-love. Every chapter gave a new way to help fall in love with yourself the way you are. And become the person you were meant to become.

I bet everyone at one time or another has had a moment when they were told to change. Told that they needed to be someone else. Changing makes you miserable. Kim speaks on this and her experience when running as Miss Georgia in Miss USA.

I would recommend this book to everyone. While it is so applicable to all women and girls, I would also recommend this book to men. I think everyone can benefit from learning how to be comfortable in their own skin.

** I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts, views, and opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman who has once thought she was confident, had it all taken away, and started to build it anew, Kim's book, Collecting Confidence, has taught me that confidence is found in places you never thought you could find it. I am able to say I am a domestic abuse survivor not because of Kim's book BUT I am able to say I FOUND CONFIDENCE because I am a DV survivor because of Kim's book. Who finds confidence in being a domestic abuse survivor? I still struggle but I am able to look at my struggles differently because the strength behind the words in Creating Confidence. I know reading this book once through won't be enough for me and I will learn many more things I can learn in other areas of my life and be more confident than I ever have been before. Grab this book. . .it will create confidence for you somewhere, somehow and you will have a laugh and a cry along the way but also be thankful to know you aren't alone in the struggles that you are going through. You got this, girl!!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my - such a great book full of wisdom, humor and inspiration. Whatever your journey in life has been thus far - you will find this relatable, uplifting - and downright funny - sometimes through the tears! Kim Gravel is funny - about serious things - and wants you to know that YOU matter, YOU are here for a purpose. As she says, “if you ain’t dead, you ain’t done yet”! She is a former Miss Georgia, reality show star (“Kim of Queens” - about being a pagent coach), business mogul with a clothing and beauty line - and everyday mom and wife. She is a woman of faith and reminds us that God finishes what he starts - it is never too late to find your life’s purpose.

Get the book - start your journey today or find the encouragement you need to remain committed to your calling in life. Collect YOUR confidence - you won’t be disappointed! ❣️
#CollectingConfidenceBook