Mary J. Messer, author of Moonshiner’s Daughter, the recently published Haywood County based Appalachian memoir, presented a check to REACH of Haywood at their annual board meeting Sept. 20. Messer’s donation will to help REACH in its effort to prevent domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse and to assist survivors as they seek healing and safety during recovery.  

She also donated over 30 copies of Moonshiner’s Daughter to the Within REACH Resale Store in Hazelwood.  In her memoir, Messer tells the tale of her own harsh childhood and adolescence in Haywood County.

Messer will hold a free reading and book signing on Friday, Oct. 8, at Malaprops Bookstore in Asheville. For information, e-mail Messer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or 828.452.2539 or visit www.moonshinersdaughter.com.