Shredded: Your Past Does Not Define You

Brookside Baptist Church, in Oakview, N.C., is bound by years of tradition and a powerful deacon. But when Pastor Stewart and his wife arrive in town, changes begin to take hold at the dusty church. Candy, a local prostitute, attends Pastor Stewart’s first sermon and her life is transformed. To some of the elderly ladies’ dismay, the ebullient town outcast begins to engage wholeheartedly with the church while learning to reform her life—providing an example of the redemptive power of Christ’s love to even the most devout members. Candy’s bubbly spirit brightens the church, inspiring the lonely Jean, a longtime church member, to come to engage with painful memories. For 15 years Jean has been holding a troubling secret about the church’s deacon. In light of her knowledge, over the years Jean has made it her duty to guard the church children. Now, with the community slowly changing, “Blue Jean” is able to let down her defenses and find unexpected comfort with the pastor’s handsome brother, Grant, who helps her heal at last. Rae brings to light difficult subject matter with empathy and restraint, gracefully exploring the pain of overcoming violation and trauma through the eyes of the victims. Rae’s characters are realistic and endearing. This is an uplifting story about the courage it takes to reform a community and care for the marginalized and neglected. Agent: Diana Flegal, Hartline Literary (BookLife)