Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero by Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly

Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero is a truly inspiring read. It is a story about bravery, as well as a story about redemption, and a story about what God can and will do when He moves in someone's life. Ashley Smith recounts her seven-hour ordeal of March 12, 2005 when she was held hostage by Brian Nichols, who had shot up the Fulton County Courthouse the previous afternoon, killing three people before he had made his escape.

Smith tells the story of her ordeal being held hostage, but she also writes about the murder of her husband Mack in 2001 and the drug addiction problems which cost her custody of her daughter Paige. All of these events build up to Ashley's spiritual awakening, when she finally realizes that God truly does have a plan for her life, and she surrenders herself to His will.

A lot of skeptics and naysayers out there have been quick to judge and label Ms. Smith. I'm sure that she would be the first to say that she is neither a hero or an angel. She is only human, but like the rest of us, she is a human being for whose life God has a plan. He has already moved in a mighty way within her life, and I believe He will continue to use her. His plan for her life is far from finished. Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero is an excellent read, and I recommend it to Christians and non-Christians alike. This is a great book.