Cruel Harvest

One woman's gripping emotional, physical, and spiritual odyssey to find her shattered family-an amazing story of survival and reunion. Nearly half a century after the time depicted in John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, Fran grew up in a world of migrant farm workers little changed from what the Joad family endured in that timeless classic. Picking cotton and apples at age five, she has to endure emotional, physical, and sexual abuse simply to survive her nomadic childhood. During her young impressionable years, she witnesses bloody knife fights, overhears a plot to murder her father, and is devastated by the suspicious death of her baby sister. Dragged across the country in the mid-1960s by their sadistic, violent, alcoholic father, Fran and her sister live in abandoned shacks and under bridges at night. During the day the girls are forced to do backbreaking labor, picking whatever is in season. As Fran matures, horrific living conditions and unthinkable abuse do not diminish her determination to find a way to escape and she courageously risks her life to flee. As an adult, Fran yearns to find the only family she knew-a family torn apart by abuse, tragedy, and fear. Eventually, with the help of a loving husband, she tracks down the other members of her family. When they reunite, Fran knows that her healing journey has come to an end. Readers will experience the pain in one family's dark journey and then the healing, radiant light that shines through. They will be reminded that hope exists in even the most dismal situations and find courage to face the most daunting obstacles in their own lives.

"Fran Grubb's childhood odyssey is a shatteringly dark tale of despair. But that's not the end of her captivating life story. Each page of Cruel Harvest reveals a remarkable journey of rescue and redemption. Your heart will be moved as you witness Jesus' power to deliver, forgive, reconcile, rebuild, and love."

-Denalyn and Max Lucado

"Cruel Harvest is an incredible story of survival and forgiveness. Fran's ability to survive brokenness as a child and even into adulthood and then to overcome those experiences through faith and forgiveness is a true testament to the power of God's love for each of us. Everyone can be inspired by her story."

-Sheila Walsh, author of God Loves Broken People and Women of Faith speaker

"Against all odds, Fran survived her trip through the "valley of the shadow of death." I loved reading this story of deliverance. Thank you for the reminder that God can turn our mourning into dancing!"

-Gracia Burnham, former hostage and author of In the Presence of My Enemies

"It is hard endorsing Cruel Harvest with just a few words. I want everyone to know how powerful her story is and how many lives it can help change, and is currently changing. Ever since reading Fran Grubb's story I have used it to help numerous clients that are victims of childhood violence. Every woman has commented on her faith and how her book has given them hope! We are putting the book in our library for all the ladies to read."

-Vicki Mason, Primary Crisis Interventionist, Women's Crisis Services of LeFlore County, Poteau, OK

"This was a wonderful book. We could feel the faith of the child throughout every page. We highly recommend Cruel Harvest."

-DeWayne and Rebecca Hicks, Founders of Courage to Change Ministries, Greenville, Arkansas

"Cruel Harvest will touch your heart clear through to your soul! I guarantee that you won't be disappointed and you won't be able to put it down."

-Pastor Ray Witherington, Midnight Cry Ministries / Restoration Revival Center Church, Townville, SC

"Fran Grubb's heartbreaking story is ultimately one of triumph against all odds. Cruel Harvest is well-written and riveting. It's unimaginable that Fran could face such daily horrors and come out with such grace, wisdom, and generosity. You will be deeply moved!"
- June Cotner, author of the bestselling Graces and 26 other books, www.junecotner.com