ABUSED

Twelve-year-old Mary Braga prays all the time, much more than other little girls her age. Every Sunday, before she goes to the Sunday-school class taught by her own father, she cries and begs for the bad thing not to happen again. She prays that Daddy will get better, that he’ll quit hurting her in the way that makes her feel like she wants to throw up. She especially prays that her mother will figure it out and rescue her.

Despite such horrific circumstances, Mary is thankful for one thing: Daddy isn’t hurting her little sister Lucy. As long as his focus is elsewhere, he won’t have a reason to…right? That’s what Mary believes, but that won’t last forever. She knows Lucy is in danger of being their father’s next abuse victim. It’s only a matter of time.

When Mary’s mother dies, the web of incest and deceit unravels, and Mary’s worst nightmare comes to life. Now it’s time for her to put aside hopes and wishes, summon courage she’s not even sure she has, and face the monster that’s ripped her life and her family apart.