What do you think?
Rate this book
The Steadfast #1
The Seat Beside Me
That strange, snoring, legroom-invading person next to you on the airplane -- have you ever imagined owing your life to him? Nancy Moser tells the gripping story of five passengers and their seatmates who get casually acquainted -- then plunge headlong into an icy river in a sudden plane crash. The moments that follow are more intense than any they have ever lived, changing the way the passengers see God and the meaning of life itself. This book reveals the eternal impact a brief interaction can have and the drastic measures it takes for some to reexamine their souls.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
1034 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Moser
77 books764 followersNancy Moser is the author of over forty books. Her award-winning stories will inspire you to discover your unique God-given purpose. Her genres include both contemporary and historical stories, inspirational humor, and children's books.
Her newest release, "An Undiscovered Life" is about an elderly woman who wants her family to know about her "before" life—her life before them. It's inspired by Nancy's mother who died in 2020 at age 99. It's a poignant, inspiring family story.
Another newer release is "Eyes of Our Heart" which showcases a group of ordinary people who are called to discover where God is working in their lives--and join Him.
Another recent release is "The Shop Keepers", book #3 of the Pattern Artist series about a group of women designing fashion and opening their own store in 1911-19 New York City. The first book in the series, "The Pattern Artist", was a finalist for a Romantic Times award.
Other titles include the time-travel historicals, "Where Time Will Take Me", "Where Life Will Lead Me", and the Downton Abbey-inspired Manor House Series beginning with "Love of the Summerfields."
Her historical bio-novels allow real women-of-history to share their life stories: "Just Jane" (Jane Austen), "Mozart's Sister" (Nannerl Mozart),"Washington's Lady" (Martha Washington) and "How Do I Love Thee?" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)
"An Unlikely Suitor" was named to Booklist's Top 100 Romance Novels of the last decade. Nancy's time-travel novel, "Time Lottery", won a Christy Award, and "Washington's Lady" was a finalist. Her contemporary books are known for their big-casts and intricate plotting.
Some contemporary titles are "The Invitation", "John 3: 16", "The Sister Circle", and "The Seat Beside Me."
Nancy and her husband live in the Midwest. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She is a fan of anything antique--humans included.
Website: nancymoser.com
Her newest release, "An Undiscovered Life" is about an elderly woman who wants her family to know about her "before" life—her life before them. It's inspired by Nancy's mother who died in 2020 at age 99. It's a poignant, inspiring family story.
Another newer release is "Eyes of Our Heart" which showcases a group of ordinary people who are called to discover where God is working in their lives--and join Him.
Another recent release is "The Shop Keepers", book #3 of the Pattern Artist series about a group of women designing fashion and opening their own store in 1911-19 New York City. The first book in the series, "The Pattern Artist", was a finalist for a Romantic Times award.
Other titles include the time-travel historicals, "Where Time Will Take Me", "Where Life Will Lead Me", and the Downton Abbey-inspired Manor House Series beginning with "Love of the Summerfields."
Her historical bio-novels allow real women-of-history to share their life stories: "Just Jane" (Jane Austen), "Mozart's Sister" (Nannerl Mozart),"Washington's Lady" (Martha Washington) and "How Do I Love Thee?" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)
"An Unlikely Suitor" was named to Booklist's Top 100 Romance Novels of the last decade. Nancy's time-travel novel, "Time Lottery", won a Christy Award, and "Washington's Lady" was a finalist. Her contemporary books are known for their big-casts and intricate plotting.
Some contemporary titles are "The Invitation", "John 3: 16", "The Sister Circle", and "The Seat Beside Me."
Nancy and her husband live in the Midwest. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She is a fan of anything antique--humans included.
Website: nancymoser.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
January 21, 2019
A moving story of strangers becoming friends on a plane. Each character (which there are many of) is memorable and all have meaningful arcs. I’m glad I read this.
January 15, 2015
The Seat Beside Me written by Nancy Moser, has got to be one of the worst works of fiction I've ever read. It comes off to the reader as preachy and unrealistic.
For example: Nancy must of based the flight on Air Florida flight 90 which crashed in the Potomac River in the winter of 1982 and Northwest Airlines flight 455 which crashed outside Detroit in 1988. One crash was due to ice on the wings and the other pilot error.
In the scene where the passengers are in the water, is right out of the rescue of 90, also she has them in the water for over an hour, when in fact the human body can only withstand freezing temperatures for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Also, during rescues of that nature no one is going to take turns, it's grab who you can.
Furthermore no nurse worth their salt is going to insult a survivor for well surviving period.
All and all a horribly written ill researched book.
For example: Nancy must of based the flight on Air Florida flight 90 which crashed in the Potomac River in the winter of 1982 and Northwest Airlines flight 455 which crashed outside Detroit in 1988. One crash was due to ice on the wings and the other pilot error.
In the scene where the passengers are in the water, is right out of the rescue of 90, also she has them in the water for over an hour, when in fact the human body can only withstand freezing temperatures for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Also, during rescues of that nature no one is going to take turns, it's grab who you can.
Furthermore no nurse worth their salt is going to insult a survivor for well surviving period.
All and all a horribly written ill researched book.
August 15, 2012
What an amazing book! This is one I know I will read over and over as the years go by! Such an incredible reminder of the idea of purpose! LOVE when an author takes on the challenge and then manages to hide so many incredible life changing tidbits of truth between the lines of fiction! I am able to relate to each character and feel each emotion and thought! Inspired as a writer and reader after experiencing this masterpiece! Bravo!
April 1, 2019
There are five survivors from a plane crash and they all have a story to tell. All were influenced some how or other by the person they were sitting beside before the plane went down. This was a thought provoking book on the influence we have on others but most importantly it reveals that God has a plan for our lives. True heroism is when we allow Love to rule our hearts. It is when we think of others more than we think of ourselves. Ordinary people can be heroes.
February 4, 2019
This particular book recently came to my attention as a freebie in the Christian Book Finds newsletter, and as a fan of Nancy Moser's books, it sounded interesting. I wasn't too aware of what was to expect. The book starts with a reporter who was supposed to be on a flight to Phoenix, but her mother rings her to tell her she has miraculously recovered and no longer needs to fly. The book then jumps to the airport, where we met a variety of characters. The characters all seem to be escaping something or having issues in their own lives. The characters hop on the plane ready to go to Phoenix, but sadly during the flight, it will crash. Before the crash though, there is a lot of talk about God and his plan for one another which is the Christian part of this book. Unlike a few other Christian fiction books, this one does have a heavy Christian theme and base to the writing. Of the 100 passengers on the flight, only five will survive. The remaining of the story is the aftermath of the crash and the stories of the different passengers - the survivors and how their lives were changed by the collision. This story touched me as I have always wondered what it would be like, whether my own life would change after a massive event like this one. I do have to reiterate for readers, that The Seat Beside Me does touch on some edgy issues like Suicide etc. and does have a powerful Christian theme sprinkled throughout the pages with evangelism and bible verses.
October 31, 2015
Don't mean to be harsh, but in my opinion, meh. I was really hoping for a quick and easy thrilling read, but instead I got a roller coaster of expectant intrigue, frustrating redundancy, eye-rolling melodrama, optimistic interest, disappointing predictability, and....plenty of cheesy dialogue. I kept reading it in hopes it would get better, but it never really.....(wait for the airplane pun.....) "took off" for me. Ha. Ha. Ha.
Read
June 29, 2015This book made me read nearly everything Nancy Moser has written. I picked this up on a whim at the library and I am glad that I did. It is a question each of us ask ourselves at some point in time.
September 5, 2008
Can't believe I hung on for the end of this one. Way TOO preachy and repetitive.
September 10, 2008
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS PROBALLY ONE OF ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS THAT I HAVE READ SO FAR.
October 14, 2008
It really makes you think about the times you have missed to share your testimony. I find this book very moving.
March 25, 2009
I learned how everyone you meet you effect their lives either positively or negatively. And God cares about these encounters and watches it all.
April 29, 2022
Changes
Deeply emotional. Flawed characters in need of hope. In need of a Savior. Perfectly chosen scripture setting the stage for each chapter. Excellent writing.
Deeply emotional. Flawed characters in need of hope. In need of a Savior. Perfectly chosen scripture setting the stage for each chapter. Excellent writing.
January 13, 2019
THE SEAT BESIDE ME
Interesting plot, but the book was a little flat to me. The characters seemed to be more stereotypical to make points then to be enjoyable characters.
Interesting plot, but the book was a little flat to me. The characters seemed to be more stereotypical to make points then to be enjoyable characters.
January 21, 2019
Wonderful book! The author does a great job of showing God's sovereignty and at the same time how very much He's involved in every little aspect of our life. She does an amazing job dealing with some pretty difficult subjects like, death; pain and suffering; looking for our purpose in life; love - wanting our parents love and approval; cheating; lying; pride, arrogance, witnessing; and second chances. The characters are well done and the story will grab you and not let you go.
April 12, 2014
I love to travel and feel the anticipation of going on a plane to some exotic location. It is kind of neat how a bunch of strangers with completely different lives are for the flight stuck together with the same destination. I enjoyed the messages in this book, Are you a hero? Are you ready to die? And would you be willing to share the love if Jesus with a stranger? Good questions to ask.
The book was well written and I enjoyed it very much.
The book was well written and I enjoyed it very much.
November 29, 2013
This book is a very well written account of a plane crash and how it affected the lives of the survivors. The title comes from the impact that pre-crash conversations with the people in the next seat had on the survivors. It is a thought provoking book that really makes you think about the impact you can have on others and also the life altering changes something traumatic like a plane crash can have on your life. I would strongly recommend it to everyone.
June 27, 2009
This is by far my favorite book ever.
what I learned from this book is that we are all fragile, and taking a bit of time to get to know some one and share my faith may make a huge difference.
This one has a lot of suspense. Great read. You won't want to put it down, or have it end.
what I learned from this book is that we are all fragile, and taking a bit of time to get to know some one and share my faith may make a huge difference.
This one has a lot of suspense. Great read. You won't want to put it down, or have it end.
May 18, 2012
First of all, the cover needs some help. The woman has an airplane coming out of her head! It is a nice idea to write about how a crash can affect the lives of so many people. But I found it to be superficial and a bit preachy. Teenage girls would appreciate it, though.
October 2, 2007
Worth reading
June 28, 2016
I have read this book twice before and am getting ready to read it again for our bookclub.
July 30, 2008
A journalist cancels the flight she booked and the flight that could have claimed her life. When the flight crashes on take-off, she then befriends the five survivors and writes their stories.
Read
October 23, 2008I really enjoyed this book. It taught me to never take your life for granted.
Read
March 15, 2009This book is different, it's not bad, but it's just different! You know what I mean?
July 23, 2009
This is a Christian fiction book about different people who survived a plane crash and how their lives are changing as a result. It was a good reminder of why and how we should witness to others.
August 3, 2009
Slightly mindless, but good reading.
April 19, 2011
This is one of those books that I read in a day. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It was also a tearjerker!!
Read
August 22, 2011This Christian novel of adventure and survival features vivid characters and thoughtful explorations of faith.
August 15, 2024
I’d not read Nancy Moser before, but after completing this book, I quickly read a second title, and purchased a third. I don’t read a lot of contemporary Christian fiction, tending more toward Biblical, End Times or Thriller/Suspense, but after finishing The Seat Beside Me, I developed a new appreciation for familiar settings. In this case, sitting in a plane, awaiting takeoff, something most all of us have done.
Moser introduces us to five people and their seatmates. All strangers with diverse backgrounds ranging from student, salesman, plastic surgeon, wife/mother, teacher and more. As the minutes tick by, these individuals find themselves learning about each other, minutes that will later have a drastic impact as their lives entwine in ways none could suspect.
It's hard to talk about this novel without giving away spoilers, but I can say it his heartfelt, well-plotted, inspirational, and emotional. Sometimes very emotional. Moser doesn’t shy away from difficult circumstances, nor from talking about faith and God’s directing hand in our lives. All these people are flawed in one way or another. One made me cringe. But lives change over the course of the book and seeing that happen left me with a strong sense of satisfaction.
The Christian teaching is strong, but layered into character discussions and plot, never preachy. One of the Bible verses the author uses as a key point in the novel, has now lodged forever in my heart—Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)
Although this is book one of a series, this is a complete standalone novel, with all the storylines concluding satisfactorily. If you enjoy novels with fully fleshed out characters and plots that make you think “what would I do?” don’t miss this incredible story from an incredible author. I shed more than a few tears while reading this book, but I also laughed, cheered, and marveled at what an amazing and caring God we have.
Moser introduces us to five people and their seatmates. All strangers with diverse backgrounds ranging from student, salesman, plastic surgeon, wife/mother, teacher and more. As the minutes tick by, these individuals find themselves learning about each other, minutes that will later have a drastic impact as their lives entwine in ways none could suspect.
It's hard to talk about this novel without giving away spoilers, but I can say it his heartfelt, well-plotted, inspirational, and emotional. Sometimes very emotional. Moser doesn’t shy away from difficult circumstances, nor from talking about faith and God’s directing hand in our lives. All these people are flawed in one way or another. One made me cringe. But lives change over the course of the book and seeing that happen left me with a strong sense of satisfaction.
The Christian teaching is strong, but layered into character discussions and plot, never preachy. One of the Bible verses the author uses as a key point in the novel, has now lodged forever in my heart—Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)
Although this is book one of a series, this is a complete standalone novel, with all the storylines concluding satisfactorily. If you enjoy novels with fully fleshed out characters and plots that make you think “what would I do?” don’t miss this incredible story from an incredible author. I shed more than a few tears while reading this book, but I also laughed, cheered, and marveled at what an amazing and caring God we have.
January 15, 2019
This is a Christian book. In fact it makes no sense in any other context. Some people say this book is too preachy. It certainly seems that way until you realize that God is the main character more than in most works of Christian fiction. God intervenes in the lives of each of the characters and frequently.
According to the author, the plane crash in the book, and the ensuing rescue, is very similar to an actual event, the crash of Air Florida flight 90 in 1992 where Arland D Williams, Jr. acted much as Henry did om the book. The author makes no claims about any other similarities to actual survivors.
Much of the book is quite depressing and not just the plane crash. I also found much of the book to be annoying and many circumstances to be extremely unlikely. A few characters were just too much in terms of rudeness, to the point of meanness, especially Nora's parents and the doctor. Other circumstances simply did not make sense.
At times, I couldn't read the pages fast enough and other times it was hard to keep going and at other times I wanted to throw the book against a wall.
Many issues about God and life are covered in a worthy way. I'm glad the author did not try to directly answer the question of why God allows bad things to happen. I think the entire story shows that God's plans are complex and beyond our understanding.
The way Gayla is dealt with is extremely interesting. *Real spoiler*
Mature themes: suicide pops up more than once. The usual arguments against it are made but I don't think the story is really about that. There is absolutely no sex and other than the plane disaster, there is no violence.
As a whole, there are many things in this book worth reading, but overall I really did not like the book for reasons totally apart from the "God stuff".
According to the author, the plane crash in the book, and the ensuing rescue, is very similar to an actual event, the crash of Air Florida flight 90 in 1992 where Arland D Williams, Jr. acted much as Henry did om the book. The author makes no claims about any other similarities to actual survivors.
Much of the book is quite depressing and not just the plane crash. I also found much of the book to be annoying and many circumstances to be extremely unlikely. A few characters were just too much in terms of rudeness, to the point of meanness, especially Nora's parents and the doctor. Other circumstances simply did not make sense.
At times, I couldn't read the pages fast enough and other times it was hard to keep going and at other times I wanted to throw the book against a wall.
Many issues about God and life are covered in a worthy way. I'm glad the author did not try to directly answer the question of why God allows bad things to happen. I think the entire story shows that God's plans are complex and beyond our understanding.
The way Gayla is dealt with is extremely interesting. *Real spoiler*
Mature themes: suicide pops up more than once. The usual arguments against it are made but I don't think the story is really about that. There is absolutely no sex and other than the plane disaster, there is no violence.
As a whole, there are many things in this book worth reading, but overall I really did not like the book for reasons totally apart from the "God stuff".
July 6, 2023
The Seat Beside Me by Nancy Moser is the first book in The Steadfast series. There’s a lot of activity at an airport. The comings and goings. The hellos and goodbyes. But for one flight it will be life altering. For Flight 1382, the weather has been a problem with delays after delays. Seating next to a stranger or not, with small talk and snacks. It seems like just another flight. However, there are significant connections made and ten lives are linked together forever. The unthinkable happens. Someone becomes a hero while someone becomes a villain. In the aftermath, priorities are reevaluated and questions about their lives are asked. How do they find a way to move on with their lives? When presented the opportunity to be a hero, would you recognize it? Would you take it?
This book took me completely by surprise! I did not expect the emotional rollercoaster ride through many points of the story. Inspired by a real event, it is a story of how in the midst of an everyday event, a stranger can impact your life or how you can impact a stranger’s life in significant and insignificant ways but an impact all the same. I openly sobbed throughout this story and I usually don’t cry while reading. So be prepared and bring the tissues. The Seat Beside Me definitely had me thinking about my everyday interactions with people and how the little things could change people’s lives and how my life could be changed. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend The Seat Beside Me.
The Seat Besides Me is available in paperback and eBook
This book took me completely by surprise! I did not expect the emotional rollercoaster ride through many points of the story. Inspired by a real event, it is a story of how in the midst of an everyday event, a stranger can impact your life or how you can impact a stranger’s life in significant and insignificant ways but an impact all the same. I openly sobbed throughout this story and I usually don’t cry while reading. So be prepared and bring the tissues. The Seat Beside Me definitely had me thinking about my everyday interactions with people and how the little things could change people’s lives and how my life could be changed. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend The Seat Beside Me.
The Seat Besides Me is available in paperback and eBook
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews