The Heirloom

by Colleen L. Reece, Julie Reece-DeMarco

It was 1929 and the Great Depression had closed bank doors and forced people out of work—effectively paralyzing the country. And the tiny mountain town of Spruce Hollow, North Carolina, didn't escape its crippling grip. The Depression had reached over the mountains and grasped the simple lives of those tucked into the rocky ridges. As Pastor David Allen looked over his flock he wondered how anyone with holes in their shoes and no food to put on the table could be thankful during this holiday season. The worst part was that neither he nor his wife, Sarah, could do anything for the people of Spruce Hollow. Or could they? This inspiring story tells of a pastor who sold his family's most precious possession—an antique Bible—to buy shoes for the children in his congregation. But when things grew worse by the next Christmas, David sunk into despair. There was nothing more he could do. No way he could help. And there was seemingly nowhere to turn for encouragement. But Pastor Allen had no concept of how God would use the heirloom he had courageously given up. In the years that followed, letters appeared addressed to the man listed in the front of the Bible. Each letter became a pillar of hope in their dark world.

76 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2002

About the author

COLLEEN L. REECE writes under the pen name Connie Loraine and is one of Heartsong's most popular authors. Colleen learned to read beneath the rays of a kerosene lamp. The kitchen, dining room, and her bedroom in her home near the small logging town of Darrington, Washington, were once a one-room schoolhouse where her mother taught all eight grades! An abundance of love for God outweighed the lack of electricity or running water and provided the basis for many of Colleen's 140+ books.

Her rigid "refuse to compromise" stance has helped sell more than 6 million copies that help spread the good news of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation through Christ. Colleen helped launch Barbour Publishing's Romance Reader flip books, the American Adventure series, and her own Juli Scott Super Sleuth Christian teen mystery series. In 1998 Colleen was inducted into the HeartSong Hall of Fame in recognition for her contribution to Heartsong's success.

Reviews

[Margaret Chair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many times we wonder at our legacy ... This is a wonderful story of a man's heirloom and how God used it through his life to bring hope to himself and many others. Short book, but heart touching story! Thanks Mary for sharing it with me!!

[Elizabeth Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of God is amazing.

[Tarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet inspirational story! A reminder to let go and let God; let Him work through you; always be listening for Him.

This is thestory of a Bible that touched many lives, just when they needed it the most.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that everyone should read.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet little story about a minister and his wife and how they spent years helping others. This is a quick read, and more than a little sad! But worth reading in spite of that!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book and it came into my hands at the right moment. So many times we go through our lives with the daily deals of life. We forget that God is behind us all the time. It takes books like these and life's blessings to remind us we are children of God and our lives belong to God. We are here on earth to make a difference in the people's lives around us. I recommend this book. It touched my heart but most importantly it touched my soul.

[Sandy Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable story that must be read with a box of kleenex.
Perfect for the upcoming Christmas holiday season.

[Luann Habecker]

Meh...

"why don't we ask God to help us find .... Heavenly Father we ask that if it be Thy will..."