Award-winning Catholic author Mary Jo Thayer’s early life experiences gave her a heart for education and empathy, the combination of which was her springboard for earning two degrees in the field of teaching. Her humor, joy, and large doses of reality have encouraged hundreds of students of all ages to follow the true calling of their hearts and consciences.
She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Catholic Writers Guild. She has contributed to several books and periodicals about education, hospitality, and motherhood. Her column “Confessions of a Homeschooler” was distributed through Catholic Homeschooling in Hawaii. She has been the keynote speaker at events for both adults and teens, women’s retreats, Legatus chapters, Theology of the Body conferences, Fortnight for Freedom, and on the steps of the Michigan state capitol.
Water skiing, hiking, traveling, and grandchildren are her primary fun activities. She is married to her high school sweetheart, John, and together they raised their cherished family—sans pets—with faith, courage, and enthusiasm in beautiful, season-rich Michigan. Her first novel, Close to the Soul was a number-one new release bestseller. It won the Christian Inspirational category and was a finalist in Religious Fiction in the 2021 American Fiction Awards and a Christian/Religious Finalist in the 2022 IAN Book Awards.
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