By Ruth Verkaik

Hidden Baggage

Contemporary Fiction

Rae Freesinga, a single mother, finds refuge from her abusive past in Porchtown, Michigan. As she slowly builds a new life for herself and her children, Ollie and Nina, she comes to love the stubborn, quirky town. 

When her past comes to haunt her, she takes control of her life by helping to remodel The McCloskey House, a historic home. Juggling classes for interior architecture compliments of her new job at Bates Hardware is just another thing on her plate as she makes a fresh start. Verllie-Jean, the woman who watches her children, becomes a trusted friend. 

Yet dealing with her own baggage is not nearly as appealing as uncovering the long buried history of the town. But she must find the strength to face it or she will lose more than she ever imagined.

Debut Author

Ruth Verkaik

Everything is theological—even stories. This is the foundation for the stories she writes. Layered with humor and truth, her characters will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Ruth has been published in The Banner, the Reformed Journal, and anthologies. She is a member of ACFW, as well as a board member of the Great Lakes Chapter along with being a Christian PEN member. 

Catechism Kaleidoscope

Published by The Banner – May 2022

Her Identity

Published by The Reformed Journal – February 2022

Carry the Cross: A Lenten Anthology

Complied and Edited for The Well Publishers – December 2021

My Blog

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The Already But Not Yet

The Already But Not Yet

Between the unshakeable certainty that one day every broken thing will be made new and the overwhelming hurt and pain of this life. Immanuel.

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