True Believers

Sometimes God chooses a child to atone for the sins of the parent, says the black preacher, Otha Lee, in this story of faith, heritage, and reconciliation. Set in the 1950u2019s rural South, Dorrellu2019s first novel will hook Southern fiction lovers of all ages. She masterfully presents authentic, well-rounded characters who are allowed to doubt and explore profound theological issues that donu2019t have simple, pat answers. True Believers also keeps readers entranced with an unpredictable plot.Peggy Nickles, a cotton heiress, has bought a dilapidated church and weed-covered cemetery, much to the embarrassment of her sisters. As a further disgrace, she plans to squander her money on fixing it up and giving it to a local black congregation that has no building of its own. Facing opposition from their racist community, Peggy, Otha Lee, and an itinerant carpenter begin the restoration. Clues to deceitful secrets of the past are inadvertently revealed in the process, making a generation recovering from the sins of their predecessors more determined to stand for what is right. From the book: Elder Otha Lee Sturgis, pastor of the Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, sat back on the front porch of his rundown tar-papered shack and reflected on the words of the previous Sundayu2019s sermon. He pulled up his head to spot Miss Peggy Nicklesu2019 ice blue Cadillac convertible peeling down the dusty dirt road leading to his home. He stood, straightened his suspenders, and donned a tattered straw hat before ambling out to greet her. What brings yu2019all way out here into no-manu2019s-land? he said, tipping his hat and opening the car door for her.Peggy cleared her throat. To betruthful, Otha Lee, I came to make you a business proposition.Come on up here on the porch and sit, he said, gesturing to a faded rocking chair. Now whatu2019s on your mind, Miss Peggy?Peggy sat on the edge of the rocker, looking down at her skirt, then into Otha Leeu2019s eyes.If youu2019ll help me restore it, I will give you the deed to the church.Otha Lee thanked the Lord he was sitting. He fanned himself briskly. Bless your heart, Miss Peggy, but your daddyu2019s turning over in his grave about now.… (more)