The Devil in Pew Number Seven, Rebecca Nichols Alonzo

List Price: 14.99
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2659-7
Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Binding:  Softcover
Release:  August 2010 

2011 Retailers Choice Award winner!
Rebecca never felt safe as a child. In 1969, her father, Robert Nichols, moved to Sellerstown, North Carolina, to serve as a pastor. There he found a small community eager to welcome him—with one exception. Glaring at him from pew number seven was a man obsessed with controlling the church. Determined to get rid of anyone who stood in his way, he unleashed a plan of terror that was more devastating and violent than the Nichols family could have ever imagined. Refusing to be driven away by acts of intimidation, Rebecca’s father stood his ground until one night when an armed man walked into the family’s kitchen . . . And Rebecca’s life was shattered. If anyone had a reason to harbor hatred and seek personal revenge, it would be Rebecca. Yet The Devil in Pew Number Seven tells a different story. It is the amazing true saga of relentless persecution, one family’s faith and courage in the face of it, and a daughter whose parents taught her the power of forgiveness.

From Angie:

Although I sped through the last 3/4’s of the book on the edge of my seat, the first 1/4 was a little bit hard to jump into. However, it is necessary.  To listen to the author recount the vivid details of her childhood – riveting! It is hard to imagine that this is a Non Fiction book! It is hard to write a review, without giving details of the book away! I will say – the restoration of forgiveness – what she went through – her heart in telling the story-  it is definitely a must read.  You can sort of tell the part of the book where she, as a writer, really kicks it up a notch and the words must have just been flowing. From the summary above, I’m not sure I was breathing from the moment the man stepped into the kitchen, until the last page. I have so many questions. I finished just before leaving for church on Sunday – but I wanted to stay – to find Rebecca’s number to call her, to talk to SOMEONE who has read this book!

Life is Hard, but God is Good.  You’ll definitely be repeating that after this book. You might look at how you stand, ready to Give Yourself, even when others are saying you’re being taken. I am encouraged to stand, speak and give just a bit more each day. Thank you to Rebecca’s Parents.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Beauty for Ashes, Dorothy Love

Book Description

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to trade beauty for ashes.

From Angie – I really enjoyed this book!  I read it on the iPod in 2 days, finding time between home duties. The book is so rich in characters. I felt that I met the whole entire town!  I understand that this is a Book 2 of her Ridge series, but I had not read the first one, and I had no idea until the end that this was a book 2.  I am at the edge of my seat to see what happens in Book 3. I enjoyed the weave of horses, farming, town life, the late 1800’s setting, without it being “Amish” or about religion. She does have her grandmothers quotes readily in her mind to urge her back to the Lord, it was a balanced mixture of family, friendships, hardships, and love.  I recommend this book.

I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for reading it and sharing it with you!