The Past Behind Me

by Embassie Susberry

As a widow, a former First Lady, a mother of two, and an inheritor of a cherished family farm, Delilah Benson wears many hats and carries many titles, including beloved matron of a people recently transplanted from one city to another. With her focus on ministering to those around her, raising her children, and learning how to adjust to rural life, she does not expect the colorful decisions of her youth to come knocking on her door. When the world that she has carefully created becomes threatened, Delilah finds herself making choices she thought she’d never make again as she is forced to face the past behind her.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2024

About the author

I still remember the exact day I fell in love with reading. It was nighttime and raining. Mom and Dad had already sent me and my sister to bed. But I couldn't sleep. We didn't have cable (and I'm pretty sure the parents wouldn't allow it) and cartoons were over for the day. I remember turning on the light, looking across the room at my snoring sister and then at my bookcase filled with books. I wasn't a reader at the time, but my mother was. She was constantly buying me something. I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled my newest book off the shelf and just began to read. For the first time, I learned what it was to leave my room and go someplace else; to care about imaginary people so much, I had to turn the next page; to get so caught up in a story, hours flew by. And it is that exact feeling that I want so much to create in my readers. Enjoyment, entertainment, and feeling blessed.

Reviews

[Smile 2 Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly Different

This book was awesome as always however it was a bit darker to me than her previous books. But it depicts the injustices and struggles that POC faced then and now. This book is right on time in today's world when we are constantly having to pray for our enemies. I definitely needed this reminder. Buy this book!!!

[She Reads for Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Incredibly riveting, The Past Behind Me by Embassie Susberry is an enthralling tale that explores the impact of one’s past on the present, the significance of community, and the restorative grace of Jesus.

Main character and POV Delilah Lacey Benson is nothing like her namesake in the Bible. A kindhearted and compassionate woman, she is the beloved former First Lady of a church, and a highly respected resident of the small town of Adams, Missouri. Most of the residents of Adams are migrants from Tulsa, Oklahoma and survivors of the horrific massacre that occurred in 1921. Two years after the gruesome event and now living as a widow, Delilah has had to get used to being the single mother of two teenage girls, and the sole owner of a multiple acre farm and house she inherited from her deceased grandparents. After spending most of her life in a city, Delilah is unfamiliar with the farming lifestyle and finds herself desiring assistance with reviving the farmland. That help comes in an unexpected arrival from a man, who is suddenly discovered hiding out on her property. His presence resurfaces undesirable events from her past, provokes forgiveness, and results in her anchoring herself in Christ like never before.

“The Lord measures winning and losing differently than the world around us. So long as we have Jesus, we always win” (Delilah, The Past Behind Me).

Written with empathic clarity of the blessing of second chances, author Embassie Susberry created a phenomenal page-turning novel with great character development, delightful Christian faith content, and a fascinating plot that grips the reader throughout the entire story. There are elements of thrill and mystery in the plot that add a layer of intrigue to the story. I really enjoyed this novel, and I highly recommend this to others.

[charlita allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely good story. I do not know where you come up with these ideas. But gracious you are on point. I have read I believe all your stuff. I had to start following you. You are my third author that I refuse to miss a book from. The toss and turns I was not expecting in this story. Great Job!

[Cheryl Jolly-Luster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story ❤️

I still can't believe all the twists and turns in this story. We all have a past, and only Jesus can save us. I love the way you tell a story and teach a lesson at the same time. Bravo 👏🏾

[Jasmine Daniels-James · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again!

I love the characters and the cross over from other series. I love the overarching theme of Jesus and his love plus romance!!

[J. Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

And God we thank you..

Thank you for this story. It was a joy and so much fun to read. I'm so glad York has his own story that ends on a good note.

[D.K. Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading all your Novels

Stories are like a web of intrigue, mystery, love, pain, and laughter. All strung together by the word of God! Truly a great talent in story telling!

[Michelle R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

This author never disappoints. The stories and characters all worked together to become an epic. Never boring. I loved it!

[Dr. Jacqueline Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love finds a way

I felt so good to read a story of love and redemption! I can not wait to read the next book in the series