by Bertha Connally Abraham

Adam and BJ do the unthinkable growing up in the south in the sixties. They enter into an agreement that translate into an arranged marriage, one of convenience. Who would ever imagine an arranged marriage between two young black teens during this turbulent season?  They make a conscious decision to become husband and wife based initially on a verbal contract between the two of them and then enlisted the approval of their parents. Out of a desire to escape a life of poverty Adam and BJ conceive this idea. With the permission and blessings of their parents the marriage becomes a reality.   

They foster powerful and nurturing relationships while wandering from one place to another meshing their lives with the lives of people they encounter on this incredible adventure.  BJ believes that she and Adam descend from a nomadic tribe somewhere in the deep corners of Africa because of their desire to always roam in search of new places and new friends. With this belief so rigidly fixed in her mind BJ accepts each challenge as they arise and develop the courage and strength to triumph over them.  Some storms arrive with punishing gale force winds while others noisy rush in fizzling out unnoticed.  What Adam and BJ learn and take away from these adventures shape and mold them into the unique human beings predestined of God. 

In the Pew (Published by Tate Publishing)
by Bertha Connally Abraham

Fate intervened. A chance meeting at the church social brought Paul Reading and Rachael Morganson together again. College and travel took her away. Sweetwater, Mississippi, was her home. Rachael stood at the window, swept back in time, as she watched the children play a familiar game of tag in the front yard of the church. On that very same grassy knoll as a little girl she once played an identical game of tag. Unexpected memories flooded her thoughts like tides rushing in and then out again, taking with it any evidence of her past. Keenly aware that someone stood behind her, she turned quickly to face a handsome and memorable young man. 'Well, hello, Paul,' she said.

What would you sacrifice for someone you loved? How far would you go to provide for and protect your family?

In the Pew takes you into an intriguing world—a secret pact entered into long ago by the uncles of Lydia Reading and her sisters after the death of their parents. The secret now threatens to annihilate their family. Lydia and her husband, Jake, face a decision that could shatter dreams and destroy the family's reputation.

Lies, prejudice, and deceit buried for decades could find its way into the lives of a new generation. Lydia and Jake must choose wisely or casualties will fall at their feet. What will they do with the knowledge they uncover? Will they let God's truth dispel the darkness, or will they cover it up and allow this generational curse to continue?

284 pages - $21.99 (paperback)