This month, the Catholic Writers’ Guild is touring MaryJo Thayer’s book, “Close to the Soul.” It is a CWG Seal of Approval recipient! Carolyn Fandel, a Catholic teen from a large family, is raped by someone she trusts and will not accept defeat, even when confronted by her rapist a second time.
Summary:
Set in the era of the Vietnam War, this emotional story will have you crying and cheering for Carolyn Fandel, a teenage girl raped by someone she trusts. She digs deep to find both grit and grace to overcome this horrible tragedy and makes a decision to use it for good to help hundreds of others, some of whom she will never meet. This book begins in the pre-Roe time and carries through to the present day. It takes a look at many women in Carolyn’s circle and the life choices they made. It brings to light the effects of sexual assault, PTSD, and the choices women are forced to make in the wake of this crime.
Excerpt:
He put the car into drive, and Carolyn saw him mouth the words, “All you angels and saints, pray for us.” It was a familiar way her dad begged God for mercy and direction. After fifteen minutes of silence, her dad said, “Our faith will get us through this, and I adore both of you.” He could not have said anything better, even though Carolyn was unconvinced her father could ever adore her again. Not the way he used to. She was defiled. Her virginity stripped.
She kept playing with the fringe on her summer top, braiding and unbraiding the rainbow-colored strands. Tying them into bows. Then untying them. It was the only thing she could manage to pass the time. She attempted the Hail Mary but was unsuccessful at keeping track of where she was in her plea. She resumed fiddling with the fringe. It was the longest car ride of Carolyn Fandel’s life.
By the time they pulled into their driveway, Carolyn was exhausted. Her father had offered his cursory suggestions. The conclusion had not been decided, but one thing was for certain: her father’s life, her family’s life, and her life had changed forever. Her ribs seemed crowded. It was as if she were housing the broken dreams of her parents, as well as her own. She wanted to crawl in a hole and be alone, which was impossible. The house was teeming with hungry, excited children. The three travelers were greeted at the door by Frankie, who still commenced in scaling his father like a tree upon long trip returns. The other kids dashed to acknowledge their father. Sil and Gus were into handshakes. Wally still enjoyed a manly hug. Adeline lingered a while so that she could get the full-on embrace of her daddy. Her dad performed his typical duties, though Carolyn figured he would have rather skipped them this night. She was in awe of her father, who disclosed nothing, either with his actions or his words. He’s hiding his grief. And I’m hiding mine.
Website: maryjothayer.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/maryjothayerauthor
Bio:
Mary Jo Thayer is an award-winning American author, educator, and public speaker. In her early career, she taught high school English in New Kent County, Virginia. She earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University, while homeschooling her four children, and later taught moral theology at Lansing Catholic High School. She has been a keynote speaker at numerous events, appearing twice on the steps of the Michigan state capitol. She is a contributing author to Karen Ehman’s “A Life That Says Welcome” and Maureen Wittmann’s “The Catholic Homeschool Companion.” She is a natural extrovert and people lover. Mary Jo’s primary fun activities include grandchildren, hiking, traveling, and hosting gatherings. She is the eighth of eight children and grew up in Grand Ledge, Michigan. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they raised their four children with faith, courage, and enthusiasm. She began her journey as a novelist upon relocating to Grand Rapids in 2012. “Close to the Soul” is her first novel. Connect with her through her website: maryjothayer.com
Buy Link:
Tweet:
“Close to the Soul,” a story of rape and redemption, stirs up every emotion. Carolyn Fandel is raped by someone she trusts. Left devastated, her choices will surprise the reader. A beautiful display of grit and grace, hope and healing. amzn.com/dp/1987970233/
Awards and Recognition:
#1 Amazon New Release Best-seller for Religious Historical Fiction,
WINNER of the 2021 American Fiction Awards in the category of Christian Inspirational, Finalist in Religious Fiction.
1st Finalist in the 2021 IAN Book of the Year Awards in the category of Christian/Religious.
Michael Fraley
Michael Fraley has been editing and posting the CWG Book Blast since 2016. He's adapted the Arthurian portion of Geoffrey of Monmouth's “Histories of the Kings of Britain” to the comic page, has worked in book illustration, graphic design, and has also served as a newspaper columnist. In 2019 the story of his conversion to Catholicism was told in Nancy Ward's book Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story. His primary area of study is in the Jewish roots of the Church, with an emphasis on the Gospel of Matthew and the Epistle of James. He holds a MA in theology from St. Joseph's College of Maine and a BFA in fine art from Indiana University. He can be reached at michael@michaelfraley.com