Mother's Day Book Event at Mission

Mission San Juan Capistrano will host a Mother’s Day writing and book presentation with longtime resident and author Donna Friess on Thursday, April 30 from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. in the Soldiers Barracks.

The complimentary event includes a presentation by Friess tied to the Mission’s local indigenous people and the inspiration of her latest novel, The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest. Friess has authored seven books and will discuss the process of writing and publishing during her presentation followed by a book signing. All book sale proceeds that day will benefit the Mission Preservation Foundation.

Friess drew from her personal life experiences of a tragic childhood to a life of fulfillment and happiness to create her first novel published last month. The self-published novel follows six nonfictional publications authored by Friess. The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest is a psychological journey following one woman’s experiences (Shelby Forrest) as she struggles to come to terms with her past choices and a looming secret. Set in 2005 against a backdrop of the war in Iraq, the dramatic story deals with Shelby’s loss of her child and the anxiety of moving forward. The story alternates between Shelby’s experiences in the late 60’s and highlights the 1950’s - 70’s controversy of adoptee’s right to know vs a mother’s right to privacy. Friess has woven in true accounts of indigenous people throughout the story which she’ll highlight at the April 30 event.

Reservations are required by calling 949.234-1382 or visit www.drdonnafriess.com.

About Donna Friess

Friess rose to international attention in the early 90’s when she and her sisters’ intervention put a stop to their father’s ongoing molestation which included his four-year-old granddaughter at that time. Their actions resulted in the creation of several California and U.S. laws to bring safety to women and children. Friess’ autobiography published in 1993, Cry the Darkness, depicts the reality of growing up with their closely guarded secret and the difficult fifteen-month long trial to protect their youngest family member.

Donna is an activist for children and a member of the U.S. Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, TTAC, Consortium. As a grief counselor, Donna facilitates a free Loss of a Loved One support group at the Community Center in San Juan Capistrano.

She is an enthusiastic dog lover, world traveler, speed walker, half marathoner and portrait artist. As a life coach, she is inspired to help people live life to their fullest capacity. She enjoys a rural lifestyle in San Juan Capistrano with her husband, Ken, where they gather with their large family including eleven grandchildren.

For more information visit www.drdonnafriess.com. The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest is available at the Mission San Juan Store and through Kindle and Amazon.com in print or e-book (H.I.H. Publishing). The novel received honorable mention in March in the 2015 Pacific Rim International Book Festival.

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