Barbara J. Franzen Releases THE RAG PRINCESS

Gothenburg, Neb.

Barbara J. Franzen's new novel, "The Rag Princess" (published by iUniverse) offers readers a heartfelt view of a life of abuse, abandonment and the possibility of love, if only the protagonist - considering her scarred past - can find the strength to move forward.

"Readers will enjoy the day-to-day humor, the country school and the antics," Franzen says. "Most importantly, the story makes you turn from page to page to see what is going to happen to sweet, innocent Celeste."

The protagonist, Celeste Dusty, is 12 years old when her parents die in a car accident. From that point on, her life is transformed. Celeste goes from idyllic farm life to the home of her vindictive Aunt Sylvie, where she is emotionally abused by her aunt and molested by a pastor. Later in life, when a friend from her childhood presents an opportunity for love, Celeste must find a way to conquer her past or let the chance for romance pass.

Franzen aims to capture the depths of emotion of the heart in this intimate story, but she also wants to educate readers.

"After I wrote the scene with the pastor and Celeste, I wept," Franzen says. "Sylvie might be a socialite, but that does not eliminate her behaviors behind closed doors. I've learned that from a wide exposure to people of all walks of life."

"The Rag Princess"
By Barbara J. Franzen
Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 204 pages | ISBN 9781491721216
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 204 pages | ISBN 9781491721209
E-Book | 204 pages | ISBN 9781491721223
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Barbara J. Franzen is a mental health therapist with a master's degree from the University of Nebraska. She writes for the online women's magazine Living Better 50 and is a published poet and contest winner. She lives in Gothenburg, Neb., with her husband, Milan.

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader's Choice, Rising Star and Editor's Choice designations-self-publishing's only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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