In Times of Trouble (Refuge, Book 1)

Summer 1846. Thirteen-year-old Tess is content to lead a quiet life on a small farm in the Netherlands. She has a loving family, a horse named Samson, and a large circle of friends. And now, she’s finally old enough to help sell cheese at her family’s market booth! Market means a break from daily chores and a chance to spend time with family and friends from town.

But trouble is brewing. The state church has strayed from the precious truths of the Bible. When Tess’ family decides to attend a new free Reformed church in a neighboring village rather than the local state church, city leaders lash out in anger. Former customers refuse to buy the family’s cheese. Neighbors threaten to make their life impossible, and Tess’ friends are forbidden from visiting her at market.

Now Tess must find new ways to support her family while also struggling to keep her friends. With courage, determination, and the aid of a mysterious widow, she dares to dream of a brighter future. But as opposition to the free churches intensifies, Tess will have to face hard questions—about faith, friendship, and even the possibility of leaving everything she’s ever known for life in faraway America.

218 pages.

View excerpt here.

"I was really excited to read this new book. I loved the book so much I couldn’t even put it down. This is the first book I’ve read by P.M. Kuiper. I really enjoyed how Tess brings up the scripture throughout the book. Once I finished, it made me wonder what was going to happen next. I hope there is going to be more books in the series because I want to read them. It was very interesting to read a book about the Afscheiding because I didn’t know much about it. The Afscheiding is when the church changed away from the Bible. That was one of the best books I’ve read!" – Bridget K.

"P.M. Kuiper writes his book in a way that would resonate with any 13-year-old. Tess struggles with conflicts among friends, within the church, and even with an annoying older brother. Even if you don’t experience the exact same situations as Tess and her family, the conflicts in the story are applicable to all ages. Who doesn’t have to decide between what is right and what is easy? Everyone experiences changes in their friendships. How important to be reminded that in all troublesome times you too have a refuge. You’ll read about Tess enduring challenges in her faith, friendships, and family – and perhaps you have or will go through challenges like this too." – Melanie H, Christian schoolteacher in Walker, Mich.

"Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live in the Netherlands when the Reformed church was just starting to break away from the State church? This book introduces you to a family that is enduring the persecutions our ancestors may have lived through. The author weaves together a story from the viewpoint of a 13-year-old girl showing us the persecutions she faces, the loss of friendships she tries to understand, and how God can still use her to serve Him during this troubling and confusing time. Through it all, she continues to trust in God as her refuge and strength. A great example to anyone that picks up this book for a good read. This is [also] a great starting point for young teens to begin to understand the difference between the State church and the true preaching of the word at that time. I look forward to reading the second book in this series." – Nicole W, Christian schoolteacher in Hudsonville, Mich.