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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Tips, Hacks & Real Life – Go Ahead & Laugh.

Tips, Hacks & Real Life – Go Ahead & Laugh.

Guys, I don't know what to say. This is definitely a departure from my normal content here. I've started this post so many times (serious, snarky and a variety of other options) and somehow I keep coming back to this. We need a moment of laughter. Or a lot of moments...

Christmas in 2020

Christmas in 2020

I was halfway into the writing of a tongue-in-cheek post when I felt it. No spark of life. The post was encouraging and uplifting and on the way to imparting hope in the middle of this bizarre year. Yet, it was just off. Kinda like this year. My thoughts drift and...

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