Twists, Turns, & Curves

by Marbeth Skwarczynski

An overscheduled life is no life at all.Seven days a week, Caroline works to promote the ministry of Dr. Hammond. When she’s not teaching fourth grade, she’s running a children’s Sunday school or helping with Saturday morning visitation. It’s an exhausting life, but as an unmarried plus-sized woman in the church, her work is the only thing that makes her feel respectable.Caroline Taft didn’t choose this life. She got her college degree and job more to keep her mother and pastor happy than because of any passion she might have had for the work. But after five years of teaching for Benchmark Baptist Christian School, Caroline is told that her career will end at the school year’s close. She has three months to discover what she wants out of life. She’ll start by pursuing a relationship with Ty Lang — the uncle of one of her students and the nicest guy she’s ever met. Now that she has time, she can finally find some joy in life.Life may hold some Twists and Turns, but it’s time for Caroline to throw some curves.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2021

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 4 out of 5]

I am new to Christian fiction. This was a lovely romance that also dealt with important issues in the real world and in the Church. I wanted to scream to Caroline, "Run, run for your life!" She was in a horrible, controlling church and taught at the church school, which dictated practically every hour of her week. (Even the name of the pastor made me wonder about possible real life parallels.) I wanted to do bodily harm to the "fat shamers" in the story. (My mother was 98 pounds, too. ) That church's oblivion to hungry children was another issue discussed. Family drama added tension to the story. The ending was lovely. I wish I was more articulate to sing the praises of this great story! I will be sure to read Marbeth's other books.

[Joy Omeliantschuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a new author!

Putting my thoughts into words is not easy for me so writing reviews is not easy. But I can say that I have found a new author! What a wonderful book along with the first one I read by this author! She deals with plus sized woman and I found myself identifying with Caroline! Thank you so much for writing this book!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

Another great book! Addresses an out of balance life in the ministry and unbiblical expectations. Loved Caroline and Ty together. While most would think Caroline is a pushover, I believe it took more strength for her to take the stand she did and remain gracious in her dealings.

[Catherine Brusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within ministry it’s easy to cross the line into manipulation, taking advantage of volunteers and mis-using Bible verses to further your own agenda. I’ve seen it first hand. I’ve been taken advantage of. I’ve had a pastor tell me that what I heard from God was obsolete because his own ministry should be first in my heart. Skwarczynski tells the real story in Twist, Turns, and Curves. The misuse of Caroline’s heart and kindness, though fiction, represents many of us who have been used and abused by people claiming to love Jesus. I highly, highly recommend reading this book and praying humbleness and understanding into your own heart if you’re involved in ministry. Not only does Skwarcynski do an incredible job with character growth and storyline, but she paints a clear picture of true love, good communication, forgiveness and open understanding that it takes to make a relationship work. I absolutely adored Ty and Caroline as a couple—and seriously, why can’t Caroline be real?! I need her friendship!!! Wish I could give this book more than five stars. It deserves it!

[Amy Patten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline is someone I can identify with on many levels. Size (not height), feeling locked into a specific lifestyle at times, and having a small circle of true friends. While this book has a romantic arc, it’s focus has more to do with the sudden changes that happen due to pastor and principal who decides to fire her for being overweight. While this alone may seem shocking, it is not uncommon in the IFB mindset. After her job change is revealed, she must make the choice of floundering, or reclaiming the life she has been secretly wanting, yet not allowed to have. As the title intimates, there are plenty of twists, turns, and curves in this amazing book as Caroline learns what it is to break free of a prescribed mold, and grasp the life waiting to be lived freely.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolines story is so beautiful! I absolutely loved her and Ty's relationship and how it blossomed. There were definitely some characters that got under my skin and I was just so ready for Caroline to tell them off! She ends up handling herself with so much grace and love. I could not put this book down!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was recommended to me. It is very different as it deals with different topics that are "normally" written about. I love how the author writes. She is a great storyteller. I Iove this series and HIGHLY recommend it.

[Kelly Zeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another amazing read! It tackles the judgment women can be subjected to when they are plus sized, the abuse seen within some churches by leaders, and the difficulty in breaking free from both. Loved seeing characters from book one pulled into this book, as well. Really enjoyed it!

[Holli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read! Thank You

[Mindy Peltier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marbeth's books are hard to read because they are too close to home! I'm very thankful she takes on hard topics concerning spiritual abuse in the church and in ministries.

My husband taught at a private Christian school for seven years and while we loved the students, there were many challenges with the administration. There was also sexual impropriety by some staff members and financial misuse with donations. But once we started questioning, we were the bad people.

I loved having a character who is curvy but it was so painful to hear how Caroline suffered by men who preached that being overweight is a sin.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved the romance in this story. Even though this is a fictional story Skwarczynski did an amazing job with the growth of the relationship...very realistic. In this novel Skwarczynski reveals the quiet truth about religious abuse and fat shaming. I have experienced the religious abuse first hand. I definitely will be reading more of this Author. I do want to warn you of possible triggers. This is a must read for people who have experienced abuse.....religious, emotional, and mental....

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began writing this book over five years ago. Then came the many, many rewrites and edits. Early drafts were entered in writing competitions. I took on a second job to pay for an editor who went above and beyond to mentor me as a newbie. Yet, despite the hundreds of hours spent on the manuscript, I've never tired of Caroline Taft's story. There is something very real about her.
Caroline is a worker. Some might even accuse her of being a workaholic. Not only is she in a job where overwork is accepted, but it's also expected. When, after five years of giving every free minute of her life to her job as a Christian school teacher, she is informed that she will not be returning after the end of term, Caroline discovers that she has nothing to show for her faithful dedication.
At first, she's in shock, wondering what more she could have done to prove her worth. Then she suspects her firing wasn't due to her performance as a worker-bee but to her size. Caroline is the only plus-sized female staff member at the school and one of the few curvy women in her church.
While Caroline is distraught at her firing, she also recognizes that this abrupt change may mean new opportunities. Caroline is ready for new--new career, new clothes, a new attitude, and maybe even a new chance at love.

[Stefenie McCallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I related to Caroline so much and in many ways.
I'm a little annoyed she got the "town hottie" seems a little cliche BUT his abuse story brings his character back down to reality- for me.