“The courage of this book blew me away. It’s achingly authentic, composed with equal parts sweetness, care, and stubborn queer perseverance. For people raised in fundamentalism, people who’ve escaped fundamentalism, or anyone who’s struggled to be who they are in the circumstances of their life, this book is a buoy and a balm. I’m so thankful it exists.” — Casey McQuiston, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Red, White and Royal Blue

“Beautiful, gripping, and crafted with such care, Gay the Pray Away is a vitally important book about how love and hope shine through the darkness. Natalie Naudus’s debut marks her as an author to watch.” — Ann Liang, New York Times best-selling author of I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

“Sweet as peach slices, Gay the Pray Away is a gentle, passionate, and hopeful tale of love conquering fear.” — Elliott Gish, author of Grey Dog

“A brave, compassionate story about deconstructing the harmful messages queer people internalize from religious extremism. Valerie’s journey from darkness to light is hard to read at times, but it’s a miracle to watch her embrace queer joy and learn to love herself for who she is.” — Kelly Quindlen, best-selling author of She Drives Me Crazy

“For any reader who had their identity or sexuality constrained or compressed by religion, this book offers hope, compassion, and healing.” — Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer: A Memoir

Valerie Danners is in a cult. She just doesn’t know it yet.

But when she stumbles upon a queer romance novel at the library, everything about her life—centered around a conservative Christian homeschool cult—is thrown into question.

Worst of all, there’s a new girl in town. Riley is rebellious, kindhearted, and impossibly cool. As the two bond over being multiracial teens in their very white and very religious community, Valerie finds herself falling in love.

Soon Valerie and Riley are exchanging notes in secret and stealing kisses behind the church. But even as their romance blooms, Valerie knows that they’re trapped. If Valerie wants a chance at writing her own story, she must choose between staying with a family she fears will never accept her or running away with the girl she loves.