Author: Mary A. Pérez
Genres: Christian Living, Inspirational, Memoir, Nonfiction
Tags: Mary A. Pérez, Memoir, Running in Heels, New Release, Book Club Edition
Publisher: Stellar Communications
Publication Year: 2016
“More than a memoir—this book is a promise of hope for anyone who was abandoned as a child, to anyone who woke up hungry and went to bed hungrier every day, for every wife who has loved a husband who left bruises on her heart and on her body.”
Overview:
Somewhere between stealing cold cuts from stray cats and watching a stranger leave her mother’s bed after breaking in through their bedroom window, Mary figured out that her family was dirt poor. Worse than her empty stomach, she was hungry for acceptance and love. She thought she found it when her baby sister was born and she became her “mommy”, taking care of her needs as best she could at the age of seven. Then she had to say goodbye over a small white casket.
Mary’s grandparents, first generation immigrants from Puerto Rico, took her in and gave her a glimpse of faith and stability. For a brief, shining spell, she had a real home—until they decided that Mama needed her. They may have been right, but Mama needed more than a little girl could give and Mary lost her way again.
Just out of Juvy Hall, Mary found a knight in shining armor to take her away. She became a teenage bride to a man twice her age—a man as deeply enslaved to booze as every “step-dad” she’d had as a child. She loved him anyway, even wearing the bruises he gave her, even when she tried to leave him to give their children a better life. Despite her fear and loneliness, she never imagined it would take a gunshot in the middle of the night to teach her courage. She was even more surprised when rediscovered faith paved the path to forgiveness after so many years of pain.
Running in Heels is a memoir of the grit and grace that carried a young girl through the shadows of her mother’s choices and on through an abusive marriage. Mary A. Pérez narrates an incredible story of survival in the face of hopelessness, and learning to forgive against all odds.
A story of coming of age, and coming into grace.
From Heart to Heritage
Reflections From the Heart 
I love this book. My mom got it for me when I was struggling. I read it in a day. I just couldn’t put it down. Mom told me she would be in our town for a signing but I had just had a horrible day and was not in the mood. Finally I told my ok let’s go. By the time we got there it was over we had missed her. So mom decided to shop and im all swollen face in my pj’s and in public. As we are walk my mom freaks out there she is. I said mom leave her alone she is done. My mom doesn’t listen to me at all. She proceeded to get Mary’s attention. She was super sweet and we talked for awhile. ( well my mom talked) poor lady had to hear parts of my life story. By the end i felt so much better she hugged us and she said if you ever decide to write let me know I can help. Of course as you can tell im not good at writing so. All in all this book showed me bad things happen but we decide how we let those things affect us.
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Oh my goodness, Jennifer, your message truly touched my heart! Thank you for taking the time to share it with me.
I’m so glad your mom encouraged you to come that day, even if you arrived after the signing had ended. I remember that meeting, and I never minded staying to talk. Sometimes those unexpected conversations are the ones that matter most.
Knowing that Running in Heels helped you during such a difficult season is one of the greatest gifts an author can receive. You captured the heart of the book perfectly: we don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose how we respond.
And please don’t sell yourself short. You may think you’re “not good at writing,” but your message is honest, heartfelt, and moving, that’s what connects with people. If you ever decide to write your story, I’d still be happy to encourage you.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. Give your sweet mom a hug from me, and know that I’m cheering you on. ❤️
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Hi there!
This was such an inspiring and beautifully written review! I love how you captured the essence of Running in Heels and the themes of grit and grace. Your reflection on the memoir really highlights its emotional depth and strength. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and engaging perspective!
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Leave a lasting iimpression so they can remember the show
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Thanks Mary! I just got your book on Amazon. Already had a quick glance through, I’m expecting it will be captivating and emotional. Looking forward to reading it!!
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Thank you my dear! May you be bless in the journey because God gets the glory!
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I’m very picky in what I read and this book “Running in Heels,” I have to say, was on of those books that did not take me long to read because I had a hard time putting it down. It’s very well written and it made you feel you were right there experiencing what Mary was feeling and going through. For what she went thru and survived, it is all amazing. Thanks, Mary Perez, for opening up your soul to tell us we all can survive and be happy.
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Mary orgullosa de tu sangre latina.
Te encontre de casualidad,estoy facinada con tu libro, todavia no esta en mis manos.siento que seras una de mis favoritas!!
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Thank you for writing your story, Mary. I posted my review on my blog. Absolutely blessed by your story!
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Joyce, I so appreciate readers like you who will – not only take the time and write a great review – but also take the time to reach out to me!I am blessed knowing that my story inspired you. Thank you again for your comments!
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Your book sounds very interesting. Looking forward to reading it.😃
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Thank you! And please leave a review on Amazon, etc. 🙂
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I see you are a “hero” in Mandy’s garden also, and any friend of Mandy’s is a friend of mine. 😊 I look forward to reading your blog AND your book.
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Congrats and best wishes on your book Mary! Thanks for the follow.
blessings, Brad
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I just pre-ordered your book and am looking forward to reading it. All the best!
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Carol, thank you so much! I am overjoyed 😀 The responses have been awesome!
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This sounds like a one of those novels that stays with the reader for a long time, thanks so much for sharing your story, can’t wait to read it! NC
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🙂
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Can’t wait to read your book!
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Hey there, Jessica! Welcome to my community! And thanks so much 🙂
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