Contact: Andrew LaVallee, Live the Fast, 781-647-4644 ext 12, andy.lavallee@lavallees.com

BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Andrew LaVallee grew up in a tough neighborhood. He drank, swore and gambled his way through most of his adult life. He achieved financial and worldly success in his bakery distribution business. LaVallee eventually embraced the Catholic faith of his youth and felt God calling him to promote fasting. When he decided to write his story, he joined forces with Leticia Velasquez who writes, "This book tells the story of what happened when a movie star known for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in The Passion of the Christ, Jim Caviezel, looked into this successful man's eyes one day and challenged him just as Christ challenged the rich young man. He dared Andy to visit Medjugorje, an obscure, poor village in Croatia, where for over thirty years it has been alleged that the Virgin Mary has been visiting earth and calling her children to live lives of prayer, penance and fasting. Andy's reaction was predictable; "No way am I flying fifteen hours to pray a Rosary!" Little by little, Our Lady's call to Andy opened his heart and he boarded that plane, prayed that Rosary and his life has never been the same."

Cardinal Sean O'Malley (Archdiocese of Boston) has high praise for Andy: "The past decade of Andy LaVallee's life shows the power of Men’s Conferences, the impact of good Catholic friendships, the help of the Blessed Mother to draw near to Christ Jesus, the power of fasting, and the positive impact of Catholic social teaching in the workplace. We are fortunate…to have leaders such as Andy LaVallee who actively reach out to invite others to experience the joy of living as a disciple within the Catholic community."

Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, Foundress of Daughters of Mary of Nazareth says, "Writing and publishing this journey is yet a testimony of (Andy's) desire to reach the fullness of his conversion not only for himself but to share its grace with others. May God's Name be glorified and many people be inspired by this conversion pilgrimage and journey deeper into their own conversion."

Just in time for Lent, this inspiring book is available on Kindle via Amazon.com. Print books are available via the author's website: livethefast.org. For more information, please call (781-647-4644 x12) or email andy.lavallee@lavallees.com.