The Reluctant Christians

This compelling and exciting fictional story of the Reluctant Christians depicts the lifelong journey of a mother, Nora Young, and her daughter Kathryn (Kate) as they struggle to remove themselves from the restrictive tentacles of life in a small town dominated by a conservative, misogynistic religion.

This is a love story that exposes abuse within religious organizations, but by no means is this story anti-religion. Rather, it is a story of self-reliance and resilience that explores the strength of the soul within. This is a love story that spans decades of pioneering a new path for a family in a new time for women who seek freedom, and break barriers of behavior dictation, despite the fear of repercussion.

As the author, I was inspired by the words of Woodrow Wilson, “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed”.

The characters find themselves united to bring comfort and forgiveness to their lives. The strength of their relationships challenges them to defy the unjust suffering and persecution of sister ancestors, one another, and all women who have encountered prejudice and abuse of power.

Together they rise above with wisdom, compassion, lessons learned and groundbreaking leadership. Together they confront the past and carve the future. There are children to be cared for, loves to be discovered, death and grief to be endured, and life to be lived by the characters entwined in this dramatic love story.

I give my heartfelt thanks to my family who have steadily encouraged me over the past four years of this project. I dedicate this story to LOVE, the answer to all things good.