In Times of Trouble: Refuge, Book 1

In Times of Trouble: Refuge, Book 1

$20.95 | ~~Committed Reader Price $15.71~~

by: P.M. Kuiper

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Click to read Chapter One!

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.

What readers are saying about this book:

"This is the best book I know for young and not-so-young readers to learn about the emotional cost to our forefathers who had the courage to contend for the faith in the Netherlands State Church in the 1830s and 1840s. The author skillfully tells [this] story through the eyes and words of 13-year-old Tess…Tess’s comfortable life in the small village [of Otten] falls apart when the local pastor begins preaching a false gospel of good works rather than true faith in Jesus Christ. Her parents find it necessary…to attend a distant Separatist church led by the young Rev. Hoek. Tess at a very vulnerable time in her life [loses] her best friends, her parents lose longtime customers, and Tess and her family, like most Separatist families, are shunned and suffer ostracism, rejection, ridicule, and the pain of saying permanent goodbyes to loved ones for the sake of the true Gospel…This book masterfully explains the socio-economic and emotional cost of breaking with the State Church and its head, King Willem II. I highly recommend it." - Robert P. Swierenga

"The story is intriguing and very well-written. Although the intended audience is said to be 10-13 year olds, I would recommend that adults read this alongside their children. Informative and engrossing, it takes readers to the 1800s, as well as making them aware that the church is ever in need of reforming. Looking forward to the next two in the series." - Christine Farenhorst, Christian Renewal (July/August 2025)

"P.M. Kuiper once again delivers a masterpiece. As in his previous book...he weaves important historical events into a quick moving fictional story...[It] is written for boys and girls of middle and high school age, but it is a very educational and a great read for all ages...I'm again impressed how the author weaves a fast-paced story so successfully in an historically accurate background, all the while presenting the reader with balanced discussions on faith and moral issues - this time seen from the perspective of a teenage girl who lives in nineteenth-century Netherlands. I'm looking forward to the next adventures that await Tess and the others we've come to know and love - and I'm sure you will too after reading this great book." - Annemarieke Ryskamp, The Outlook (July/August 2025)

"This is a sweet, engaging book. It chronicles the life of Tess, a 13-year-old teen living in the Netherlands during the era of the split between the State church and the emerging 'free' churches. The book is set in the mid-1800’s and this was a very polarizing issue among the two groups. Tess and her family are caught up in the struggle as the story unfolds. They have been faithful attendees of the state church, but slowly realize that there have been compromises there that are increasingly difficult to accept...Tess is a likable character and relatable. She has a big heart, is not afraid to ask questions, and ends up as quite the hero, choosing several times to make honorable sacrifices for others. There are many good lessons to be learned from her life. There is frequent mention of Christian principles, a gospel message and the challenges and rewards of living out your faith. I enjoyed this interesting short book as an adult; it’s geared toward the age range of the main character, maybe 10 to 14ish. I am going to share it with my granddaughter and have no doubt she will enjoy reading Tess’ story." - Kathy C.

"I LOVE this book! It was hard to stop reading! This book teaches us how God will help us in times of trouble. We need to trust in God even when things aren't going our way. The main character, Tess, is a good example to us by not getting revenge even though people were calling her and her church family names! As you read this book, you will experience the funny and mournful feelings as well as the happy." - Barbara Q.

"I enjoyed this book very much. I would recommend this book to the ages of about eight through twelve. It is realistic fiction, and I can personally relate to the main character, Tess. Tess is thirteen years old, and she has only brothers. She lives in the Netherlands with her mom, dad, older brother, Theo, and younger brother, Luc. When her Uncle Ed realizes that their new ministers no longer talk about sin, [the family goes] to a new free reformed church, which causes the people from the state church to no longer buy [Tess'] mother's cheese. Tess must find a way to support her family in these times of trouble. I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did." - Mary S.

"I can't wait till the next ones get published so I can buy them! I will definitely be recommending it. It was very well written and I really liked the ending!" – Ellie I.

"In Times Of Trouble was amazing! This book had sadness, trials, and happiness. Tess and her family had to go through trials but they still trusted in God. Tess and her family had to make a choice to go to the state church (a church that doesn’t preach the truth), or a church that preaches the truth and they would get mocked there. They had to ride in their wagon for a long time before they got to their Christian church this shows how important it is to go to a good Christian church. This book teaches us to trust in God even in times of trouble." – Lucy VD.

"I really enjoyed reading In Times of Trouble. I like the part about the barn and the widow Wolters. The author wrote it in an interesting way from Tess’ point of view. I can’t wait for the next books of the Refuge series so we find out what happens to Tess...I think people of all ages can and should read this book!" – John K.

"This book by P.M. Kuiper taught me about the persecution of Dutch Christians. This book had a lot of interesting details. Follow Tess through an exciting period of her life, from learning how to make cheese to even helping her family be able to worship freely. Follow all the characters’ personalities, from Tess’s teasing brother, Theo, to the old, mysterious widow Wolters. The main theme of this book is a family from the Netherlands being persecuted when they left the state church to hear the true Gospel preached at a new church every Sunday. Overall, the book was amazing to read. I highly recommend this book." – Nick DV.

"Sorrow. Excitement. Fear. Welcome to In Times of Trouble by P.M. Kuiper. In Times of Trouble is a great book. I highly recommend reading this book. In almost all books I read, there is a boring part, so I stop reading for a little bit, but when I read this book that didn’t happen. I couldn’t put it down. [Usually, a review includes] what I liked and then what I disliked about the book, but the truth is there was no part I didn’t like. I loved every part of it. If I had to rate this book 1 through 10, I would easily give it a total 10. You should definitely read this book." – Lucy VU.

"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.

More Praise for the Author:

"There are books aplenty for young children. Not as many for young people—good fictional stories for teens written from a Reformed perspective. Writer P. M. Kuiper helps toward correcting that deficit."
– John VanDyk of Christian Renewal on Through Many Dangers

P.M. Kuiper is the author of the Civil War story Through Many Dangers. In his free time he enjoys wandering the great outdoors, writing, reading good literature, and playing guitar. He lives in West Michigan.