Under Authority

by Kimalee Finelli

Under Authority--of God or man?Based on a true story, Under Authority is Kate Elliot’s unusual account of what took place at Cross Independent Baptist Church in New England during her childhood and teen years. The pastor, Rhuttland Abbott—or the reverend as people referred to him—believed he had been placed behind the pulpit directly by God. To question him was to question God, resulting in swift church discipline. Those unwilling to comply with his self-imposed rules and regulations would face severe, cruel, and unreasonable penalties. Kate finally escapes this vindictive environment and builds a new life in a new city. But after twenty years of running, she finds herself back in her hometown facing the ghosts of her past and the ongoing pain from harsh sermons, shocking incidents, and the fate of those who did not obey the Reverend—including several deaths. Will Kate continue to run or will she find a way to overcome her fear and the far-reaching fingers of the Reverend’s authority?

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2023

Reviews

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary

A different kind of novel-- woman and her family travel to her hometown only to face the ghosts of her past- the life she'd lived under the thumb of abuse- not physical, nor sexual, but abuse of power in a church by a pastor with the real world capability to brainwash whole families. An important message about spiritual leadership which punishes emotionally and financially. The message is clear- not only does abuse happen in families or work places but in churches too and many can be seen on tv today. But the biggest message is how the main character deals with her past through a rush memories. Well done.

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictitious work based on true events, Under Authority by Kimalee Finelli, reads like a memoir. Kate Elliot couldn't wait to leave her New England home of Twin Rivers Junction, but she can't say no when she and her family are invited to spend Christmas at her parents' home. She adores her mom and dad, but the town itself has been poisoned for her. Whenever she sleeps, the ghosts of the past whisk her back to when her family had been under the controlling and cultic influence of Pastor Rhuttland Abbot. The man bullied the Cross Independent Baptist Church congregation as he controlled what they wore, where they went, how they educated their children, and what college those children would attend. Anyone who protested was met with severe church discipline or was completely removed from the spiritual community. What did it take to move away from such a man? What was Kate willing to lose? And why did it still haunt her twenty years later?

Under Authority is phenomenal and will keep you turning the pages as you pull for Kate Elliot to overcome and come out from under.

[Karen Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Healing Narrative

Many wounded hearts be touched by the author's vulnerability and honesty. So sad to think how many lives have been damaged and even destroyed by abusive people, especially within the church. A powerful testimony of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.

[Denise Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone else looking for a good book. It was an excellent example of grace.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Great book!

[Lois Kennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abuse of power. That’s what comes to mind while reading a powerful new novel called Under Authority by Kimalee Finelli. Based on a true story, her book details what happens when a minister leverages his position as a “man of God” to prey upon his church congregation. Gradually, he finds creative ways to benefit personally, manipulating members to fix his luxury car for free, deed their property to his church, or pay a penalty for what he determines to be their “sin.” The guilt this reverend instills cripples the souls of his well-meaning people, sometimes to the point of suicide.

Situations like this are known to happen in cults, but unfortunately sometimes occur under auspices of a traditional Christian church. Why do people submit to a minister so driven by greed? Perhaps you’ve known someone who claims they’ll never again set foot in church because of ill treatment, or you’ve wondered how an intelligent person could submit to abuse for decades. This book offers insight into a minister who abuses his position of authority, takes control of families by twisting scripture to suit his own needs, and sets himself up as God.

Grace and hope also emerge in this dramatic yet uplifting story, as the main character faces and deals with her long-term pain and fears caused by spiritual abuse. Before the novel begins, the author states, “To all who have been hurt by a religious organization: You can heal from your trauma and discover the one true Jesus who loves you unconditionally.”

[Mrs. Bridget Wiltshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very reminiscent of my upbringing in the Exclusive Brethren ( renamed the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church ), so this true to life story resonated profoundly. It was authentic, atmospheric and so sad. Dreadful that this sort of diabolical coercive control by leaders of church cults still happens. It was hard to read because of my own experience but an interesting immersive and well written book.

[KIMBERLY PITTS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations

Kimalee:

I fully enjoyed your book. I know we had lightly touched on this subject a few times, but this was a perfect way to account your experience. Miss you and hope you continue to thrive.

[Lenora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book everyone should read

The Author
Kimalee Finelli
Has written an amazing book.
I couldn't go to bed until I
finished the book.
I look forward to reading more books from her.
She writes from her heart in this based on true events.

[Sarah Snipes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written account of the narcissistic abuse of an entire church congregation. Fascinating read, if you've never experienced it, and healing to those to have.

[Lori Overmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow start built to an engaging story with a difficult conflict and a satisfying conclusion.

[Linda Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

UNDER AUTHORITY is a well written book with much heart shown throughout it. The characters were clearly depicted.
Every emotion one could feel smacked the reader relentlessly from deep sadness to frustration to joy when forgiveness was finally rendered, even if not deserved. I highly recommend this book.