by Heather Gay
First published 2023
Heather Gay built her entire existence around Mormon doctrine. She studied at Brigham Young University, completed a mission in France, and wed into prominent Mormon families within temple walls. Her devotion ran deep until her marriage crumbled and took her faith with it. Gay chronicles her transformation from obedient believer to outspoken reality television personality on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. She reveals the hidden costs of maintaining a flawless facade while exploring the tension between personal authenticity and religious obligation. The memoir traces her journey through divorce, single motherhood, and unexpected business success. Gay exposes previously guarded church secrets as she examines how her religious community both shaped and constrained her. Her account balances humor with heartbreak as she describes losing family relationships and social connections. The book captures her struggle to rebuild identity outside institutional faith while finding her voice as an entrepreneur and public figure.
Genres: christian, family-life, autobiography, contemporary, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-journey
Setting: Brigham Young University, France, Salt Lake City, Utah
Period: 21st-century
304 pages · Hardcover · Gallery Books
Content warnings: emotional-abuse