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Reinvention
Dawes is a great place to hide.
As the owner of Twice-Turned Books, Michael Bernard, spends his days surrounded by gently used volumes and people who love to read. He can pretend his past trauma never happened in this peaceful mountain city.
Ally James is working across the mall, a part-time clerk at Vivid, a curvy girls’ clothing boutique. Ally believes in the company and its mission to help women look and feel their best — just as they are — and it’s the perfect job for a woman escaping from the past she outgrew.
When Michael and Ally first met, they were relieved to discover another person in Dawes who wasn’t ready for romance. Each has hurts that are still too tender, too sore. So instead, they focus on friendship as they attempt to move into the future.
It turns out that Dawes is a great place to heal as well.
Until a voice from the past puts Michael and Ally’s friendship to the test.
As the owner of Twice-Turned Books, Michael Bernard, spends his days surrounded by gently used volumes and people who love to read. He can pretend his past trauma never happened in this peaceful mountain city.
Ally James is working across the mall, a part-time clerk at Vivid, a curvy girls’ clothing boutique. Ally believes in the company and its mission to help women look and feel their best — just as they are — and it’s the perfect job for a woman escaping from the past she outgrew.
When Michael and Ally first met, they were relieved to discover another person in Dawes who wasn’t ready for romance. Each has hurts that are still too tender, too sore. So instead, they focus on friendship as they attempt to move into the future.
It turns out that Dawes is a great place to heal as well.
Until a voice from the past puts Michael and Ally’s friendship to the test.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2022
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Marbeth Skwarczynski
13 books82 followersLike 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 27, 2024
This book expertly deals with some very difficult topics of abuse. The author makes it very believable. She calls out the phony Christians and the monstrous "Christians." I liked the peak into the modeling industry, some of it good, and some bad. I especially loved how an unsaved person came to faith entirely of her own volition, with no pressure from those I would have expected to exert pressure. I also loved the banter about good books from many characters. I really want to see their libraries and this cute little town. I will start the next book tonight. I have decided to keep reading so I don't forget. I love how her developed characters reappear as minor characters in later books. I highly recommended The Rose Collection to anyone who wants to read Christian romances that have much substance and a bigger message than simply "they fell in love and lived happily ever after."
May 4, 2022
Absolutely fantastic!
The best part about this book was it went in a direction that I did not expect. Both Michael’s and Ally’s stories were relatable and the entire story as a whole keep me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
I adored how patient Michael was, and how willing he was to face his past to become a better, healed and whole person. And Ally—what a sweetheart! If only all women would desire the strength to move forward despite the constant knocking of her past.
I highly recommend reading this—and the whole Rose Collection series. Each book has such an intense message—revealing hidden truths of the horrors of religious institutions that Christians constantly put on undeserving pedestals, all while showing God for the true King He is, the deserving one of our praise. Go read now!!!
The best part about this book was it went in a direction that I did not expect. Both Michael’s and Ally’s stories were relatable and the entire story as a whole keep me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
I adored how patient Michael was, and how willing he was to face his past to become a better, healed and whole person. And Ally—what a sweetheart! If only all women would desire the strength to move forward despite the constant knocking of her past.
I highly recommend reading this—and the whole Rose Collection series. Each book has such an intense message—revealing hidden truths of the horrors of religious institutions that Christians constantly put on undeserving pedestals, all while showing God for the true King He is, the deserving one of our praise. Go read now!!!
January 30, 2023
This book is another POV book in the series. In this book we are introduced to main characters Michael and Ally. Both are shop owners in a local mall, but Ally is leading a double life…one in which her past is integrated into her present. When an overzealous person figures out her true identity, Ally’s store…and life…are set ablaze. As she takes time to reinvents her life, she learns valuable lessons about trust, love, and Christ. Michael is a great supporting character, who has some times of personal growth himself due to being sexually abused as a teen, then shamed for it by spiritual leaders. He also learns valuable lessons about forgiveness, love, and belonging.
May 15, 2022
I fell in love with these characters. Not only were they real and relatable, but each also had baggage carried over from their childhoods, though in very different ways. Skwarczynski deals with what could be a triggering event for some - fair warning - but she handles it with grace. Boy, what a story. This is the author's best book yet. I highly recommend it.
January 8, 2024
Highly recommend!Love this series! Marbeth has done a great job of making these books standalone, but also weaving characters throughout the series. I loved the real life hurt that was shared through these fictional characters.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews