Saving Martha & Molly by Cary Vajda

Ghosts of Casco Bay: Book 1

God, Ghosts, and Grace—Debut Paranormal Fantasy Novel Offers Imaginative Tale of Growth and Healing

Traverse City, MI—After a forty-year career, Cary Vajda eased into retirement—and a comfortable chair—to watch an old movie. He enjoyed the supernatural fantasy film so much that it inspired him to think about storylines for a book. He called his daughter Emily, a writer, suggesting she consider developing his book idea. Her response was short and direct: “No, Dad. You write it.” Challenge accepted—and now celebrated with the release of his first novel, Saving Martha & Molly, Ghosts of Casco Bay Book One (Mission Point Press), January 6, 2026

Saving Martha and Molly: Ghosts of Casco Bay Book 1

Vajda’s debut tells the story of Hannah, an angel who has been given a mission from God: save identical twins Martha and Molly McLellan. Born in 1854, they lived charmed lives yet always wanted far more than they needed. As Hannah arrives to look after the twins, she is shocked to discover them murdering each other over petty grievances, leaving their family fortune in the hands of their humble cousin, Peter McCabe. Realizing she cannot save their lives, she attempts to save their souls and places their spirits into people experiencing personal tragedies. Unable to change their ways, Hannah prays the twins will come to learn there is more to life, or an afterlife, than greed and self-interest.

A Haunting New Series

Experienced with writing reports, evaluations, and regulations during his career in higher education, Vajda was surprised at how rewarding it was to write bold, nontraditional fantasy. “I accepted my daughter’s challenge with great apprehension, but writing fiction is far more fun than writing nonfiction, especially as it transitions into a business for me,” Vajda shared.

Dedicated to ensuring the accuracy of his work, Vajda and his wife, Sally, vacationed in Portland, Maine—the setting for his stories—to explore numerous locations, including a mansion which would serve as Martha and Molly’s home, an oceanside beach and bluff, a seaside mansion, and an old cemetery. Michigan residents, the two also made time to “sample lobster and other New England dishes.”  

As a new writer, Vajda was surprised to experience how quickly his first book led to related stories. As a result, he’s developing four titles in the Ghosts of Casco Bay series. Following the publication of Saving Martha & Molly, he’s publishing The Tower Room, Jimmy’s Treasure, and Here for a Spell.

Advance Praise

Advance praise for Saving Martha & Molly from Douglas Weissman, author of Life Between Seconds and Girl in the Ashes:

“. . . Cary Vajda masterfully builds the ambiance to experience the rich traditions and evolving landscape through time, starting with a historical portrayal of Portland, Maine. What impressed me most was how the history comes alive through Martha and Molly’s experiences; two boldly flawed characters whose journeys became impossible to ignore.”

Author, Cary Vajda

The Author

Cary Vajda worked for forty years in the field of higher education where his focus was nonfiction. Reports, evaluations, regulations—his work was important, but was a poor outlet for his creative side. With encouragement from his daughter, a fiction writer, he has immersed himself in the world of fantasy—and found his passion. Residing in Midland, Michigan, with his wife, Sally, the two enjoy the bounty of nature from their home on the high banks of the Chippewa River. In addition to repurposing antique furniture, Vajda now writes in his free time. Saving Martha & Molly is his first published novel. Three others are waiting in the wings, all part of the Ghosts of Casco Bay series.

The Book

Saving Martha & Molly, Ghosts of Casco Bay Book One

Cary Vajda

332 pages, 6” x 9”, B/W

Adult Fiction, Fantasy/Historical Ghosts/Paranormal

ISBN: 978-1-965278-86-4, $24.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-965278-85-7, $17.95 (Softcover)

Mission Point Press, January 6, 2026

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its January 6, 2026 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at caryvajdaauthor@gmail.com or visit www.caryvajda.com.

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