Fading Age: Dusk of Innocence – A Story of Overcoming the Odds, Written by Iraq War Veteran Maria Teresa
Maria Teresa, a Texas native and Iraq War veteran, fulfills her dream by publishing a young adult romance about resilience, faith, and overcoming adversity.
By
Feb 6, 2026
Maria Teresa, an Iraq War veteran, has taken her past of unimaginable struggle and transformed it into her dream of publishing a heartfelt, captivating young adult romance novel: Fading Age: The Dusk of Innocence. Released on January 28, 2026, the book marks the start of Maria’s new journey as a legitimate author, after a brief but decorated army career and more than 30 years of overcoming obstacles that would break most people.
In her book, Maria brings to life the story of Vicky Ortiz, an ordinary American teenager whose world is forever changed by tragedy. What starts as a nightmare and an unexpected event unfolds into a larger, life-altering experience, one that leads Vicky and her family to Somerton Beach, Florida. Here, Vicky’s life will become entwined with Jake Morales, a young, handsome college graduate, creating a whirlwind of challenges, and emotional turmoil that tests their strength of character.
Through the emotional, tumultuous events that follow, readers witness the story of unexpected surprises, love, loss, and strength, all set against the backdrop of ordinary lives transformed into extraordinary ones.
A Story of Triumph Over Tragedy: Maria’s Journey
Maria’s path to writing this novel is a testament to resilience. Born premature with fluid in her brain to a single mother and a father who wanted her dead, her odds of survival were slim at best. But clearly God had other plans. Growing up, Maria faced bullying due to her diminutive stature. But she wouldn’t be one to let that stop her. And as an adult, she faced homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Yet, despite these overwhelming obstacles, Maria fought against all odds, rising from the ashes of her struggles to achieve incredible success both in the military and as a budding and aspiring author..
"I've faced challenges that could crush the strongest man, and break the toughest spirit" Maria shares. "But through it all, I found my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave me the strength and courage to keep going. HE is the reason I am where I am! When the world gives you a thousand reasons to quit, you need to find just one reason to keep going. For me, those were my faith and my favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you hope and a future. I knew in my heart, it was all a test of faith. God wasn’t going to bring me this far to let me fail."
In her story, Maria shows that nothing is impossible especially when you have faith and Jesus Christ on your side. Despite losing a career she loved, her beloved grandmother, and a daughter in the 12th week of pregnancy shortly thereafter, battling through some of the darkest moments of her life, and coming from a place of nothing, Maria is living proof that faith no matter how small can still move mountains. That faith enabled her to graduate from high school in 3 years, enlist in the Army, serve in Iraq twice, and go on to achieve honor in college, graduating with distinction. Soon after she was inducted into the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) And later attended one of the top 15% law schools in the nation, Washington University School of Law.
Her life is a testament that faith, perseverance, and a belief that every struggle is for a reason can lead to success beyond measure.
A Book Born from Personal Strength
In Fading Age: Dusk of Innocence, Maria doesn’t just craft a gripping romance; she weaves a narrative of strength, redemption, and personal empowerment. The story of Vicky Ortiz and her father, Andrew, mirrors the personal struggles that Maria herself has faced, taking readers through emotional highs and lows while demonstrating that no matter the trials, resilience and love always prevail.
Through this book, Maria hopes to inspire others to see that, no matter how dark life may seem, there is always a way forward. "I want to show people what winning in life looks like," Maria says. "I took things that were meant to break me and turned them into something that empowers and motivates."
The novel is a powerful example of how love, faith, and resilience can triumph in even the most trying of circumstances. In writing this book, Maria has poured every ounce of her heart into the characters, creating a story that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.
Rising From the Ashes: Maria’s Message of Hope
Maria’s story is not just about a successful career or writing a book, it’s about the journey of survival and becoming the victor, not the victim. "You decide your future and your fate; Are you going to be the victim or the victor?" Maria challenges her readers. She wants to inspire others to take their hardest moments and transform them into stories of hope, courage and strength.
As an author, Maria is not just writing a romance novel; she’s sharing her personal journey with the world. Through Fading Age: Dusk of Innocence, Maria wants her readers to understand that, with faith the size of a mustard seed, as it says in the Bible, they can rise above any circumstance, no matter how impossible it may seem.
The Power of Faith and Perseverance
In closing, Maria shares her profound belief: “When you have faith the size of a mustard seed, it’s all it takes.” No matter how difficult the struggle or how daunting the challenge, faith, perseverance, and determination are the keys to success.
Maria’s journey is a reminder to anyone who is struggling: You are never alone. You can always rise above. Just have faith and above all don’t quit.
Maria Teresa’s Fading Age: Dusk of Innocence is now available for readers to dive into an emotionally charged, gripping tale of love, loss, and strength. For more information, and to get a glimpse into Maria’s inspiring story, visit her official website or follow her journey on social media.
Maria Teresa’s story is a beacon of light for anyone facing adversity, showing that no matter the obstacles, resilience and faith will always lead to victory.
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