The Art of Persisting

by Marbeth Skwarczynski

Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely.

Ginger Douglass has no regrets about leaving her past behind and moving forward alone. As an independent woman, she finally feels safe.

Two part-time jobs pay for her one-bedroom apartment, but even though her rent keeps rising, she’s thrilled to have a place to call home. She’s even ready to resurrect her art career after years of having her talent exploited. This time, however, she’s creating on her own terms. Ginger has made persistence her most valuable attribute — even when life doesn’t go as planned.

She’d like to revisit only one issue from her former life. She’s always wanted to meet her birth parents. Unfortunately, the only person who knows the truth about them is a man she can’t trust. When it comes to facing him, Ginger may need more than persistence.

Is learning the truth worth the sacrifice?

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2023

About the author

Like many writers, I began as a reader. My favorite authors were those whose styles were realistic and relatable, so when I began creating my first novel in my thirties, I knew that, above all, I wanted my stories to connect with readers.

My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character of Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book. Finally, I submitted it to Elk Lake Publishing. They not only loved the book, but they also helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.

I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These independently published novels are timely and spotlight the healing process after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.

My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible's Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter of my book explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.

Reviews

[Joyce Jarrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finished the series! This book helped unite some of the other books. Ginger's story continued the themes of the dangers of men with too much power exploiting and abusing women and children. Ultimately, these are "found family" stories in which real Christians help each other thrive, even though their childhoods, psyches, and their bodies are scarred by unthinkable hurts.

[Joy Omeliantschuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is heartbreaking and freeing at the same time - so sad and horrifying that this is still going on today

Thank you for another well written book that draws you in, saddens your heart but frees you in Jesus name. I didn’t want the book to end and hope her story continues!

[Catherine Brusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story. Of all the characters Skwarczynski writes, Ginger is the one I relate to the most. She's realistic, stubborn, tenacious and *finally* giving herself permission (after a legalistic, condemning past) to figure out what she wants and go after it. This book sheds light on spiritual and sexual abuse happening within the church walls, shows the freedom gained from a real relationship with Jesus, and does it in a way that's truthful, entertaining, and sobering all at once. Looking forward to more books, especially more Ginger glimpses! She is too amazing to be kept from the world!!!

[Amy Patten]

Marbeth does it again! Just when one doesn't think she can outdo the last book, she does. In The Art of Persisting, the author gives the reader an amazing view of life through the eyes of Ginger. Ginger has had her fair share of hurt, both by the church and by others, but she rises above them all gracefully. Marbeth does an amazing job weaving real world issues from those affected by religious trauma, and graceful redemption that one who has experienced religious trauma can only hope for. Five out of five stars, but only because I can't give 6 (or more).