This Thing of Ours: How Faith Saved My Mafia Marriage

by Cammy Franzese

A handsome Italian film producer and a beautiful Mexican dancer. A match made on a movie set and a lavish Beverly Hills wedding. The beginning of Camille Franzese’s story takes on the shade of an exotic fairy tale. But a closer look at her marriage to mafia capo Michael Franzese exposes more than a decade of anguish endured in the shadows of her husband’s crimes. The fear of arrest, the prison sentences, the house raids from federal agents—Camille lived through it all, not knowing whether her family could remain unbroken amid the turmoil and uncertainty that accompanied her husband’s life of crime.

Discover how Camille’s devotion to her marriage and her faith in God’s larger plan led to deliverance from devastation. Hers is a story of choices, consequences, and the prayers that hold us up when everything around us is falling down.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2012

Reviews

[Dawn Paoletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing I like to read about more, than how Jesus Christ takes hold of a person and transforms their life. In this account by Cammy Franzese, it becomes clear how this transformation is something that occurs over time, and through one life, many lives are touched, influenced and impacted now and forever.

Cammie gives a very down to earth account of her meeting and marrying a man who is involved in "Organized Crime", unbeknownst to her at the time. So, take a beautiful Mexican dancer wanna-be star and a handsome, powerful, connected film producer and it sounds like a match made in heaven, right? Well, it seems so but not in the way you would think. The messages that Cammy shares are useful reminders- valid for all women.
Don't make your husband (or anyone) your God. Honor your commitments. Own your choices.
The picture she paints of her mother as a role model for prayer and godliness was such a strong theme throughout this read. I was encouraged in my own conviction to pray continuously as Cammy's Mom faithfully modeled a lovely example of a supportive, wise, praying mom through her daughter's beautiful witness.
This journey gives detailed glimpses into the personal transformation that happens as Cammy realizes she must let go of her fairytale dreams in light of the present reality of a husband wanted by the law, children needing provision and her own fears and doubts. Cammy shares births, prison visits, extravagant spending sprees and West Coast lifestyle bites.

She is not overly preachy as shares how faith has been a foundation for her strength to stand by a husband who was "out of the picture" literally serving two prison sentences.

It is obvious that God had a plan for both Cammy and her Mafia husband Michael.
Unbeknownst to either one of them.
It just wasn't the one they had imagined.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself, relating at times, wanting to rebuke or chide at other times, and in the end appreciating the reflective journey shared. By the end of this book, Cammy feels like a new, down to earth, real-life girlfriend who I know, understand and like, despite it all.

"Pray without ceasing. And don't just deepen your walk with the Lord by talking to Him. Listen. Sometimes we just have to be quiet and still. I've found that when we are attuned to God's Spirit, He really does speak and reveal truth to us."
Cammy Franzese


I don't know why these song lyrics came to my mind at the conclusion of the book:
“And, in the end. The love you take is equal to the love you make.”
Paul McCartney



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[David Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of Cammy (I'm calling her Cammy, because I'm too lazy to type her full name!) This book goes into two parts. She talks about dealing with her drunk father as a child and teenager. Some people don't understand how tough it is for a child to grow up with a drunk father. Having to take care of someone who is suppose to take care of you is not easy. When the person who is supposed to put, as they say, the meat on the table, doesn't. Children grow up fast. Some in a good way, many more in a bad way. Luckily Cammy was one of the good ones.

Cammy was a beautiful girl throughout her life. She wasn't a blonde bombshell, she was a black haired beauty. You can definitely notice her in a lineup of women. Figures she'd be with a guy who's popular and had money. Yes, she was not with him for his money and he didn't use his money to get her.....wait, spending $100 buying flowers off a street vendor? Yup, that's using his money. In all fairness I think every guy here would have done the same thing if we had that kind of money. It's not using your money if it's something romantic, but the girl falls for you much quicker when you use your money for romantic stuff. It's not just for these two. it's a fact for all. After you read this book you'll notice how his money played a major role. I doubt she would have stayed with a man who was in jail and only had five bucks to his name.

Anyways getting to the actual book. While Micheal, the husband is the main character (if you will) in the book. We do not get an indepth story of Michael's mafia ways. I guess for that you have to buy his books.

Good story. I did enjoy most of the book. It's a great book to see how God helps you and continues to bless you despite all the problems. Cammie is a strong woman, but she wouldn't be hadn't it been for all the prayers her mom made and her own prayers. The power of the prayer is amazing and I'm gad the family has found comfort in God

http://www.davidasantos.com/

[Angela Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! My husband and I as well as my father all went to see Michael Franzese speak at our local church and hear his AMAZING story of leaving the mob and turning his life over to Jesus Christ. I always wondered what Cammy's side of the story was and how she delt with the obsticals that laid ahead during the hard first years of their marriage. Her story is such an encouraging one especially for married couples. A wonderful testimony of the power of prayer and Gods never ending pursuit of His Children.

[Nelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cammy Franzese met her husband, Michael Franzese, when she performed as a dancer for a movie he was directing. Unknown to her, Michael had been a high-ranking member of the Columbo crime family of New York City. Upon meeting her, Michael resigned from his life of crime but did not reveal his background to Cammy. Michael spent 8 years in prison during their marriage, but surprisingly, Cammy remained unaware of who he had been. Michael became a believer and has a ministry of public speaking, and their family is thriving. Theirs is a story of redemption and grace.

[Shiranui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account of someone in unique circumstances. The author seemed to try to be as authentic as possible for the most part, though I'm sure many things were left out. I'd have been interested in a more detailed insight into how she realized and came to terms with the fact that her husband was in the Mafia. I'd have liked to hear more about her thoughts on that, moral standpoint, struggles she had with it and so on.

I liked how much she emphasized choice in her relationship. She chose to marry him (even if, as she says, she didn't know about his Mafia life at that point), she chose to stay with him. Her viewpoint of what love means to her came through strongly.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't have chosen a book more diametrically opposed to the Barbara Ehrenreich book that I read just prior to reading this book. Although her story is somewhat interesting, Camille's writing leaves MUCH to be desired. And whereas Barbara is an atheist, Camille relies 100% on God for getting through her life and unpleasant situations. If you read it, be prepared for about a 7th grade writing style.

[Rachel L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

So interesting and eye-opening. Her husband spent about 8 of their first 10 years of marriage in prison and wow, what a totally different life. She did so much to hold their marriage and family together. I also loved her mom’s influence and prayer life. Seeing the power of God at work is a beautiful thing. Now I want to read her husband’s books.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this book more than I diid. While I liked how, with encouragement from her mother, Cammy utilized the power of prayer to keep her marriage going. What I did not care for was how boring it was in parts. This was made worse by Cammy literally reading, nearly monotone, her own story. You could even hear her tired sighs as she trudged through her own book.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

MICHAEL FRANZES CAME TO SPEAK AT NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH IN FEB 2020 WHICH PROMPTED ME TO FIND THE BOOKS WRITTEN ABOUT HIM. REALLY GOOD READ FROM THE WIFE'S POINT OF VIEW OF WHAT SHE WENT THROUGH, HOW NIEVE SHE WAS, AND HOW HER MOTHER'S PRAYERS AND FAITH KEPT HER STRONG THROUGH ALL THE TIMES MICHAEL WAS IN JAIL, AND ALL THE DAYS SHE FELT LIKE GIVING IN.

[erica smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was in love with this book. What a tremendous testimony and we can really see how cammy transformed into an independent Christian woman. Her faith was constantly tested and she never lost sight in the lord. All my Christian women need to read this. Anyone who wants a love story where love conquers all this is the book for you!

[John Ulrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had already read Michael's book first but this filled in some blanks and tells the story of their family through Cammy's eyes. She was a trooper to say the least and her faith seems to have a very strong foundation to endure what she went through. Michael may have been the one behind bars but in most ways she was in jail too. Really good book.

[Joelle Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a lot of issues with memoirs/autobiographies, and this book is a perfect example of all of them. While the author claims to not be perfect, or more spiritually mature than anyone else, I felt less worthy the entire time I was reading. I can't describe the exact emotions, but it was a generally icky feeling. Constantly.

[Monica Thomson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It dragged, and it was repetitive in the preaching aspect. Didn't give much information or detail regarding the actual story, and the storyline seemed disorganized. The author assumes that everyone knows the story of her husband's change from crime to preaching.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Loved the chapter about her mother toward the end of the book. Must have been a wonderful woman. Wonderful inspiration. Really enjoyed this book!

[Orbs n Rings · Rating 2 out of 5]

To much fluff and not enough detail, a disappointing read.

Maybe I was expecting to much from the Franzese family mafia saga. This could have been my reasons for finding this book a total disappointment. If a woman decides to write a book on how her and her husband survived leaving the mafia life, one tends to think more detail would have been included in the book. However from the start Cammie goes through the book constantly reminding the reader how she had no idea her husband Michael was involved with the mafia, even though others told her. When it comes to this book it was a let down. I mean the guy has already been through trail and served his jail time. It has also been over 15 years since he has been out of jail why not give more details in the book.

As Cammie tip-toes her way through the story we are reminded of her mothers strong faith in God and her close relationship with her mother. Her mother was always a part of Cammie's life and taught her children how to always keep their faith in God. This helped Cammie through her trails, especially during the times Cammie was a single parent and even arrested, while her husband was in jail. One can sense throughout the story Cammie holds back while avoiding telling the reader the main reasons that put her and her family in those situations to begin with. Don't get me wrong I am not trying to judge or point fingers, however if your going to write a book about your mafia life, then don't hold back the facts. Cammie ends the book by talking about her changed husband and how he ministers (I assumed seminars as she does not specify exactly) to others about his past mafia life and how God brought him out of it. However I didn't see any information on the name of the church, the ministry or if he does this while traveling, she does not say. This leaves open all speculations for the readers, as if maybe her husband Michael has not just changed his faith but his way of bringing income into the home, by using God as a back-drop. Cammie does say he had written a book about his life in the mafia which he sells during his ministries. If that is the case and he is going around speaking and selling his books and memorabilia to really help others, then he should be donating part of those proceeds, it is difficult to know, as again she does not give specifications. The reader is left hanging to wonder if it is out of the goodness of his heart or if it is just a money making venture.

Cammie also insists throughout the book especially at the end what a hard working man her husband was and is. Yet when she met him he had girls hanging off of him and parties going on constantly, this was before she married him of course, yet at this same time he was an executive producer of a movie company. Later when she married him she claims she never knew most of the time what he was actually doing. Especially when he was constantly traveling back and forth to New York City. Any married man with a family that is never home and is deceiving his wife should not be labeled as a hard working man just because he brings in the money.

Truthfully the only parts of this book I found interesting and heartwarming was when Cammie wrote about her mother. Cammie seemed genuine in her words when it came to her mom and it was heartbreaking to read about how her father neglected his wife and children while Cammie and her siblings were growing up. Then her mothers battle with cancer and her unfortunate death, left me in tears. This book contains just to many contradictions when it comes to her husband and his life and something tells me this family may not be out of the woods just yet. As just going to church or ministering does not prove you have truly changed your life, something I see Cammie's mom failed to teach her. Being raised Catholic I have been around and seen all my life how deceiving church goers and ministers can be. Sometimes church goers are the worst of the bunch! They seem to believe they can just commit any sin they want and as long as they go to church and confess everything is forgiven and dandy. Anyone can say they gave their life to God and go to church, however one cannot hide that insincerity for very long. Those who go out in public and say they are ministering to others and helping to teach them how their life was turned around through their new faith in God need to do this from the heart, and it needs to sincere. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone and I only give it the rating I did due to the sincerity of Cammie when describing the devotion of her mother to her marriage and the strength and love for her children.

[Cham Cuartero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, the only thing I know about this mafia/organized crime stuff is that it's the inspiration for one of the greatest movies of all time. What movie? Of course, The Godfather. And of course, I'm going to be honest, as always, and admit that it was only a few months ago when I had the chance to watch it for myself, while being a pesky person to my husband because I had too many questions. Haha

Then I read this book.

In her book This Thing of Ours, Cammy Franzese tells us the story of how being married to a powerful mobster leader ultimately changed her life as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and as a woman in general. As a young woman, her ultimate dream was to pursue a career in her first love - dancing, not knowing that it is also dancing which will lead her to the man she will be spending the rest of her life with, sans eight years, the number of years her husband, Michael, was imprisoned.

One of the advantages of having a real-life story in a book is that it is devoid of pretensions. I felt Cammy's emotions poured out on every page and as a wife, I can relate to a lot of things she had felt and thought at that time. Thank God though that my husband is not a mafia leader but I believe that all wives go through the basic emotional and psychological evolution Cammy went through.

On Relationships and Faith
The most important lesson I've learned from the story is that as a wife, you should always be supportive of your husband in his endeavors. I firmly believe that a wife should respect her husband at all times, otherwise, nobody else will. And proud human beings as we may be, there are times when we would have to call on God and ask for His guidance in our lives, in our relationships. I'd have to admit, I'm not a very religious person but I know that I have my own personal relationship with my Creator, something that I treasure each day. Prayer has the power to calm one's heart, I believe.

On Forgiveness
Husbands, no matter how great they are, will sometimes make mistakes. A wife must always have the heart to forgive. Everyone makes mistakes anyway. But set your own criteria and limitations too else you end up a martyr.

On Families and Loved-Ones
Never take for granted your family and loved-ones. Always tell them how much you love them. Tell them how much they mean to you every chance you get, while they can still hear and feel your appreciation. Her family's love for her, as well as her mother's teachings were what gave Cammy the strength to go on in their very turbulent life.

Cammy's story is an extreme example of how a marriage was strengthened and saved by faith in God, in Family, and in each other. I recommend this book for all wives out there.

"To have and to hold" for a lifetime is serious business,
not mere words that seem to have lost their meaning over the years
and that couples mindlessly recite."

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Thing of Ours by Cammy Franzese is a story of God's grace in a turbulent marriage. Camille Garcia was a naive, twenty-year old dancer when she met and fell in love with Michael Franzese on the set of Knights of the City, which he produced. She had no idea the man she would soon marry had ties to the Mafia. During the first decade of their marriage, he would be incarcerated more than once, for a total of eight years. It was in the dark times of their marriage that she fully learned how God's grace can sustain.

While the author's many examples of God's faithfulness were uplifting, I felt that her message of total surrender to God's will was even stronger. She makes the excellent point (more than once) that so many of our trials are a direct result of our choices. It is when we fully surrender our life to God, that He is in control of our situation.

Because of the message of this book, I would have liked to have given 5 out 5 stars. Three things stand in my way, however. I found the writing style to be disjointed, with the narration jumping from one place or time to another with no explanation. Also, while the author speaks of grace and surrender, there is no real depth to the subject. If the reader is unfamiliar with the concepts, the book probably would not be clear enough to be understood. Lastly, I found the author's repeated claims to naivete to be a bit unbelievable. While I am not accusing her of knowing all of her fiance/husband's activities, it is difficult to believe that a 20-year old could have ignored all the warning signs. Therefore, 2 out of 5 stars is more in line.

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595553657
ISBN-13: 978-1595553652

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jennifer Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young, naïve, and out on her own for the first time, Cammy Garcia meets the man who will become her husband – Michael Franzese. She doesn’t understand the criminal underpinnings of his life, and throughout their whirlwind romance she is merely amazed that he is interested in and loves her. As their lives go from a little crazy to in-depth nuts, Cammy learns to see that although she loves her husband very much, he is not a replacement for, nor can he be a higher priority than, God.

Through her mother’s influence and unwavering prayers, Cammy finds that she is able to trust the King of Kings more than she thought possible, but only by releasing Michael from his pedestal. Like her mother did, in her own marriage she made a choice to remain married through the ups and downs. By keeping her eyes on God, and trusting him, she was able to live a life that was positive, even though so many negative things were going on around her.

This book was heartfelt and honest. Cammy doesn’t hold back as she tells the story of the first years of her marriage, and how much she wanted the fairy tale she thought she had to be true. She tells unflinchingly of her own naiveté and spends a lot of thoughtful time discussing how it is she recognized that her control of her circumstances was fleeting, but not outside the control of God. Her tale is compassionate, and it offers hope to many wives who live with husbands that do not share their faith – God can redeem even those who seem irredeemable. And he does.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Alla S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

In “This thing of ours,” Cammy Franseze, the wife of Michael Franseze, a once-prominent mobster who, in the mid-eighties, walked away from his mafia life only to serve two terms in jail—details her mafia marriage and the impact it had on her faith.

Even though this book had a lot of religious overtones, as Michael struggles to move past his criminal world background and Cammy feels that they’re being put to a test, I picked up this book largely because I was interested in the mafia angle.

While Cammy meets Michael as a young twenty-year-old dancer, by dancing in a movie he’s executive producing in the mid-eighties, at the time she has no idea of his true background. What she does see is women throwing themselves at him, and Michael’s deep pockets. Neither of which lead her to him. Cammy sees herself as coming from a poor family, and having little in common with this spoiled player. Michael, on the other hand, enjoys the challenge he sees in her and pursues their relationship.

They have a quick and passionate relationship, get married, Cammy gives birth, and then the trouble starts. Apparently Michael’s money have come about unlawfully. And police is pursuing Michael, with the FBI knocking at their house. And thus starts the real test of their marriage.

If you like reading about relationships and faith, this book might interest you. But if, like me, you were reading it purely to get the mafia angle, then you might be disappointed. Even Cammy admits that she still doesn’t know the entire story behind Michael’s former life, and thus focuses the book on telling her side of the story—a wife forced to see the results of her mobster husband’s criminal lifestyle, without seeing the criminal lifestyle itself

[Chickadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1992, Camille (Cammy) Franzese finally realized that what she suspected for many years was true: her husband was a mobster. As she was arrested at her home and forced to spend a night in jail, she became depressed and angry. Her fairytale life was crashing down around her. After "looking the other way" for many years and denying the obvious, Cammy couldn't ignore any longer that her husband Michael was involved in mafia activity.

As I read this story, I found myself questioning (as many of her friends, family and acquaintences) - how could she NOT know? The fancy homes, five-star restaurants, expensive cars and endless flow of money should have tipped her off from the start. Cammy writes that although she and Michael spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other while dating, that she didn't ask him a lot of personal questions. I often wondered while reading this story if she would have married him, having known all of the facts up front.

For the most part this was an interesting story but very chaotic and depressing at times. It was sad to read just how much time Cammy spent alone, raising her children while Michael did time in prison. Thankfully, by the time Michael was finally released, he and Cammy had accepted Christ and began to learn how to trust God to take them through a very uncertain future.

[Kristine Coumbe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had big hopes for "This Thing of Ours: How Faith Saved my Mafia Marriage." I wondered how was it possible to be married to a mobster and not know or how was Michael able to walk away from the mob alive? Cammy made it clear that her youth, naivety and love of the glamor overwhelmed her common sense. I feel that Cammy also had a strong sense of family and desire to keep her marriage together as her tools of survival.At times, I had trouble suspending belief that whenever Michael went to jail or prison she was still in the dark about why. Cammy Franzese proves over and over that love is blind.

I felt the book plodded along.I had to put it down several times and then return to it before I could finish reading This Thing of Ours. Most of my questions went unanswered. Overall an interesting idea for a book not well executed which left me wanting.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of my thoughts about this book was: how naive could she have been to marry a man who seemed to have a lot of money as well as being investigated by federal officials? Were they just "being mean"?

The other thing was that she sure lived WELL while he was in prison. Wonder where that money came from. Then when Michael gets out after the first incarceration, they buy a mansion in Beverly Hills and have one or two house keepers?

I admire that she stayed with him.

Now he is a well known speaker and author?

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by a Franzese. Cammy Franzese is married to former Columbo Family capo, Michael Franzese. In this book Cammy tells her perspective on all the things that were happening to her husband.If you want a womans' perspective then this is the book for you!

[Jen Borders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why, but I always end up reading at least one random biography a month and lately its been about mob wives. This is a tale of a mobsters wife wrapped in a lot of Jesus. Not sure what the message here is for me, but I am certain that there is one.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book, definitely a quick read but it was interesting how things unfolded in their lives.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspirational

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

amazing true story of perservering in love & your marriage

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Amazing story of being true to your vows through thick and thin.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I'm so glad she decided to share her story. Its a great testimony of what God can do through prayer.

[Seth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was helpful and interesting to see how life is for someone who has a spouse in jail. It really allowed me to sympathize more with how difficult it would be. The actual story and writing style were not very engaging.