Rochester, Rochester Hills

Local author finds her 'way'

By Jennifer McDonald
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — If there’s one thing author Nancy Carabio Belanger wants readers to learn when they pick up her first book, “Olivia and the Little Way,” it’s that they don’t have to be afraid of who they are.

The story centers on 10-year-old Olivia Thomas, a fifth-grader who has recently moved to Michigan from Texas. With the help of her grandmother, she learns about St. Thérése of Lisieux, whom she turns to during times of need.

“I’m a Catholic mom of two boys and I was looking for some Catholic fiction for them,” Belanger said. “It’s kind of an untapped market, actually. There’s not a whole lot out there. I’ve always been a writer, so I decided to sit down one day and provide this for them.”

As a stay-at-home mom, freelance writer and copy editor, Belanger credits St. Thérése of Lisieux with helping her through the writing process. Although Belanger has started previous projects, they never came to fruition, but with “Olivia and the Little Way,” it came naturally, she said.

“I’ve always known that I would write something and get it published. It’s always been my dream,” Belanger said. “I started a lot of projects and didn’t finish them, but this one just went so smoothly. I really felt like it was meant to be.”

It didn’t take her that long to write, about six months, she added. The majority of her work took place while her two boys — Vincent, 10, and Paul, 8 — were at school. And according to Belanger, it’s definitely no coincidence that the book was scheduled to be released at the end of October, after being sent to the printer on St. Thérése’s feast day: Oct. 1.

“It’s just funny how smoothly it went,” she said. “I was always waiting for some huge roadblock to come, but it never did.”

Illustrator Sandra LewAllen said Belanger’s words lent themselves so beautifully to her visual inspiration. LewAllen is an art teacher for Holy Family Regional School in Rochester.

“Once I read it, I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of her book. She writes so beautifully and gets to the heart of so many issues,” LewAllen said. “It’s pretty much universal: children trying to find their way and fitting in. It’s a part of growing up and part of learning who you are without losing yourself in the meantime.”

According to Belanger, Olivia is a normal 10-year-old girl, trying to fit in at her new school. While the book is mostly geared for children between the ages of 8 and 13, anyone can enjoy her story, Belanger added.

“St. Thérése is a great role model for children of that age. It’s a very turbulent time,” Belanger said. “But I think we all have memories of being that age. I think everyone struggles with that and if they say they haven’t, I think they’re lying.”

Belanger is a Bloomfield Hills Marian High School alumna and a graduate of Michigan State University. She currently resides in Rochester Hills with her husband, John-Paul, and their sons.

While she’s not currently working on a second book, she hopes to start something soon and it could be a series of books about Olivia, she said.

“At first I thought I would write something different. Now it seems so many people are asking where (Olivia) is going,” Belanger said. “I’ll see where I feel inspired and go from there.”

“Olivia and the Little Way” is available through Harvey House Publishing for $10.95. It is also available at local Catholic bookstores. To order a copy, log on to www.littleflowerbook.com or visit www.nancybelanger.blogspot.com for more information.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jennifer McDonald at jmcdonald@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112.