Monday, January 6, 2020

Awful Beautiful Life by Becky Powell with Katherine Reay

What a story. Imagine being an active part of the upper social class of Austin, Texas. Imagine receiving a cryptic phone call from your husband of 22 years that seems to indicate he is ending his life. Imagine the panic and then the trauma. Imagine finding out he owed millions in loans from friends. Imagine the possibility of lawsuits, investigations, and criminal prosecution.

Powell and Reay have provided an interesting and very readable account of the aftermath of Mark Powell's suicide. The Powells had been part of Austin's high society, throwing lavish parties and taking frequent tropical vacations. That life was shattered when the reality of the Powell's financial situation came to light.

The amazing thing is that Becky Powell vowed to pay back all the creditors – in full. No declaring bankruptcy. No paying cents on the dollar. Through the many delays and legal wranglings, she remained firm.

Powell makes sure we know of the many friends who helped her with amazing support through the ordeal. She shares the many evidences of God's grace she experienced. She is honest about her struggles and her victories and her confident faith in God.

This is a well crafted story of devastation, support, growth, and developing a new life. Do be aware suicide is central to the tragedy.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Becky Powell is an insurance agent. She and her three children live in Austin, Texas. Her two older children have graduated from Baylor University and her youngest is currently in college. She remains active in her church and volunteer work.
Katherine Reay is the national best-selling and award-winning author of several novels. She has a BA from Northwestern University and a master's degree from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She lives outside of Chicago.

FaithWords, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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