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“A page turning story of love and betrayal, When Your Family Says No gives us a glimpse into what it is like to live in the secret world of religious orthodoxy where every movement and thought is controlled and governed. Laya Martinez’s voice is both tender and gripping. And, while her story has the power to break your heart, its greatest power lies in showing the reader that true grace and unconditional love arrive only when one has the strength to follow their own convictions. Don’t miss this memoir, it could change your life.”—Suzanne Kingsbury, critically acclaimed author of The Summer Fletcher Greel Loved Me

As early as she could remember, Laya Steinberg asked questions. She didn’t always ask them out loud or right away; instead, she observed the world around her and came to her own conclusions. It was this sharp intelligence and spirit that led her to her ultimate choice: breaking away from Jewish Orthodoxy to marry the love of her life.

Laya’s path was meant to be set in stone. She would be educated according to Orthodox tradition, accept the suitors her father chose for her, and promptly marry and have children as soon as possible. And then…everything changed when she met John. He, a non-Jewish man, would be the catalyst for a collision of worlds that would leave unforgettable scars in its wake.

When Your Family Says No is a tale of staggering loss, enduring love, and ultimately, reaching out with your own two hands to seize independence and freedom. This is a story for anyone who has ever dared to step out of line and defy expectations, reminding us that life can still be beautiful no matter how many unexpected turns it takes—if only we are brave enough to own our truth.