Stacy Mattingly

Title: Captive (The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero)
Author: Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly
Pages: 272
Year: 2015
Publisher: William Morrow
My rating is 5+ stars.
Before I even knew the book existed, I saw a clip of the movie Captive. When I finished reading the book, I felt a few emotions deeply in my heart. The first is that God is a redeemer, and while some people were killed by the assailant, there is hope that more will come to know Him. The second is that our world today shows us the devastating results when a person or persons take a life of a loved one. The third is that we all need to be prayer warriors for those who serve and are the front lines of defense so others can live peacefully. Finally, my personal heartfelt thanks for the honesty with which this novel was written and the hope that families and friends of the four victims allow God to redeem their lives.
One impacting aspect of the book is that after many years of failing treatment centers and family members trying to help her, Ashley discovered through this experience that many of the truths she was taught became real. Ashley will be the first one to tell readers she is taking it one day at a time and listening to what pleases God and doing it. We all should be such servants of Christ.
Inspiring just doesn’t really cover what you’ll read or see in the movie, but it’s a start. I hope readers take time to thank those who serve, pray for those who are hurting and in bondage as well as be thankful for their life. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people found themselves asking God what He has for them to do, or where He wants them to serve. God just waits to be asked and believe me He’ll answer the seeker.
Last of all remember to pray for the family and friends of those who commit crimes for they too are victims just in a different way. They hurt, suffer, and go through all types of emotions just like those who were victimized by what someone did to their loved one. Remember, above all, Jesus wants us to literally minister to those in prison. While all may not be open to the gospel, our job is to obey Him and share the gospel, letting the individual be responsible for the result. Our society needs us to reach out with the hope what no one or anything else can bring or give them. Perhaps you might consider giving this book, a Bible or The Purpose Driven Life to a person(s) who you know or to a total stranger.
Like this story reminds us God does indeed redeem and has never stopped seeking the lost.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (mais)

A powerfully written memoir that recounts Ashley Smith's seven hours of being held hostage. Ashley, a drug addict, has lost custody of her daughter and is desperately trying to turn her life around when she is taken hostage in her own apartment by Brian Nichols. He's already killed four people and she is terrified she'll be the fifth. Deciding she has nothing to lose she starts to tell Brian about her life and all the bad decisions she's made and how she's paid for them. Then she starts to read aloud from the Bible and The Purpose Driven Life and for some reason it strikes a chord with him. Together they try to work through his demons and figure out what his next move should be. This is the story of how she went from hostage to hero and turned her life around. It's an uplifting and refreshing read, perfect for fans of inspirational and Christian books.

I received this book for free from Fly By Promotions in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.… (mais)