Book Club Resources

The Women Who Set the Precedents and The Rose Collection were written to be discussed. I’ve had some wonderful online conversations with my readers, and I would like to expand that circle so that readers can talk to each other as well.

It’s every writer’s dream to have their work read and discussed in a book club or class. Since my books are available as paperbacks (Amazon) and ebooks (Kindle and KU), they’re affordable for most budgets. For more information on my books, click here: Books by Marbeth Skwarczynski. You can order books through the embedded links.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to set up a Zoom interview with me for your book club meeting, you can reach me here: Contact

Below are questions that can be used to facilitate discussions in your book club. Character lists can be found here: The Rose Collection Character Lists. Please feel free to copy, print, and distribute the questions and character lists to your group.

Readers’ Questions

The Women Who Set The Precedents

(non-fiction Bible study)

1. Which part of Bathsheba’s story have you heard most often? Does David’s behavior change your perception of him? What was Bathsheba’s prophecy? If you could ask her any question, what would it be?
2. Why do you think the original definition of “virtue” was changed to mean “chaste” or “virginal”? How was Rahab virtuous? How did Rahab prove she was a talented spy and strategist? What was Rahab’s prophecy? How was Rahab honored by the spies, the nation of Israel, and her family?
3. Do you think Abigail was correct when she provided David and his men with food? What do you think would have happened if she had respected her husband’s wishes? How did Abigail protect and care for the young women on her estate? What was Abigail’s prophecy?
4. Why does Love specify the color of her skin? What are her various responsibilities throughout this epic poem/play? What social standing does Love claim she deserves? What SHOULD have been the reaction of the women when Love was attacked? What policies and procedures should individuals and organizations follow today when someone is abused?
5. Why do you think so many groups have cultivated the idea of weak women?  How does the story of Rachel promote the idea that strong women are both beneficial and necessary to society?  What decision does God make sure is left up to Rachel?
6. How has Esther’s story been “reimagined” to make it more palatable to Western minds? What were the various responsibilities Esther fulfilled throughout her story? What role does clothing or fashion have in the story of Esther? How did Esther and Mordecai work together to advise and protect the king? Why was the political stability in the kingdom so important to Esther and Mordecai?
7. Huldah seems to be the “forgotten” woman of the Bible, yet she was an educated career woman of great reputation and respect. Why do you think we hear so little about Huldah in sermons and Sunday school lessons? What was Huldah’s prophecy? How did the king, priests, and scribes show their respect for Huldah?
8. How do we know that Lydia was already a God-follower at the beginning of her story? What was her job? What did her career allow her to do for the believers in Philippi?
9. How is Deborah described in Scripture? How does Deborah aid Barak? Do you think Deborah was used only because no godly men were available? How is the woman Deborah prophesied would kill General Sisera described in the victory song? Does the praise of Jael take away the glory of the men who fought in the battle? What details of the battle and its aftermath are revealed in Deborah and Barak’s song?
10. While Ruth’s story shows she is energetic and a hard worker, it also focuses on the need for rest. Why is it so difficult for us to find time to rest? What expectations force us to work far past our capabilities? Are those expectations biblical or godly? How was Ruth’s blessing of rest fulfilled?
11. How are Mary and Martha presented in their first story in Scripture? How were you taught to view the two sisters? In the second story, which sister is shown to be a good critical thinker? Why was it so important to show the lapse of faith in one of the sisters? Why was it important to show both sisters serving according to their gifts in the last story?
12. What was Mary’s (the mother of Christ) prophecy? With whom did she prophesy? When the Bible speaks of Mary “pondering,” what do YOU think she was considering? How do you think she supported Jesus throughout His ministry?
13. Which verses of Proverbs 31 speak to you (or about you)? Have you ever felt compelled to view Proverbs 31 as a to-do list you must complete in order to be viewed as a godly woman? Have you ever been told that you are gifted just as you are? That you can rest in the Lord?

Readers’ Questions

Plague of Lies

1. Nearly everyone has heard stories about their babyhood. What was the story Lauren Gianni had learned about her birth? How has her story affected her life? Why does she jump at the chance to meet her father?
2. Mr. Rayne encouraged the kids in his youth group to plan their lives, starting with when and who to date. What other life decisions did he influence Scott to make as a high school student?
3. How did the adults at the church fail to protect or provide justice for the students in the youth group?
4. How did the party at Lauren’s house differ from that at Scott’s? What is Scott’s reputation according to those in the youth group he leads? How has Scott prepared for Lauren’s eventual arrival? How does this mirror God’s preparation for those who follow Him?
5. What are the parents’ reactions to Cindy’s pregnancy? Which do you think is the best response? Scott’s father believes in a common teaching of the day that if a teen takes on an “adult role” (has sex), they must take on all adult responsibilities. What specific responsibilities was Scott compelled to take on at age 17? Do you think this teaching benefited or harmed Scott?
6. How does Cheryl make Lauren feel at home and like part of the family?
7. How do Mr. Rayne’s actions continue to tear apart the youth group even after he leaves town?
8. What does Scott learn about Lauren’s home and school life when he attends her graduation? Why do you think Cindy doesn’t bother reconnecting with Scott after not seeing him for many years? How is Scott’s offer to welcome Lauren into his home a mirror image of what he’d gone through with his own parents?
9. What had happened to Denise and Topher?
10. How did Scott care for Lauren before she was born? How did his mother and father encourage Cindy throughout her pregnancy? How does Scott mark each of Lauren’s birthdays even though he isn’t able to be in her life?
11. Why is it important for Lauren to go through another rededication ceremony with Scott?
12. When Lauren attends her first Introduction to Literature Class in college, they read the Hemingway short story “Hills Like White Elephants.” How does the discussion of the story specifically affect Lauren? What is Lauren’s resolution when she returns home?

Readers’ Questions

Twists, Turns, and Curves

1. Caroline Taft is too busy, but it is excused because everything she does is centered on ministry. How does busyness (even while working at good things) prevent a person from growing spiritually, mentally, or emotionally? What does Caroline miss out on because of her busyness?
2. Caroline’s roommate, Kay, is angry when Caroline and Ty go on a date without a chaperone. What is Caroline’s argument against having a chaperone? Did Caroline and Ty behave inappropriately on either of their Sunday dates? What were they able to learn about each other because they were able to talk to each other without a third person present?
3. Going away to Disneyland was a great way for Caroline and Ty to kickstart their relationship since they would be together and talk to each other all day. What did Caroline and Ty learn about each other? How do they handle the misstep concerning the phone? Who was in the right, and who was wrong? How do they restore their communication? Do they have enough in common to continue a relationship? How does their day end?
4. Why is the relationship between Caroline and Ty moving so quickly? What are the downsides of the fast development? What are the benefits?
5. What is Dr. Hammond’s expectation of Caroline’s future now that she’s been fired? Why is he angry about her getting a job in Posting?
6. What has Caroline been taught about feeling physical desire for a man? How does it affect her new relationship with Ty? What do you think of Kay’s reaction to Caroline and Ty kissing in the apartment? What do you think about Kay’s quick acceptance of the rumors told about Ty? What would you do if you heard these kinds of rumors about someone you know?
7. Why does Caroline decide to continue teaching for the rest of the year? Why did Kay decide to quit? What do you think of their decisions? What would you do?
8. How does Caroline celebrate her new “free” life? Compare the “two moms” in chapters 26-30. How do they add or detract from the celebration of the proposal?
9. What is it about the marriage counseling that triggers Caroline? How does Ty help Caroline through her trauma response?
10. How does Victoria Taft attempt to control the wedding? Why do you think Victoria Taft acts the way she does? How does her behavior affect her daughter and husband? Who steps up to correct the bad behavior of Dr. Jeffers? Do you think this correction was appropriate?
11. What do Caroline and Ty do for each other to make their wedding celebration special and, specifically, “theirs.”
12. How are Ty’s honeymoon plans reflective of how God provides and prepares for His bride, the church? Why do you think Ty and Caroline “freeze up” when they are finally “allowed” to be alone and intimate?

Readers’ Questions

No Longer Invisible

1. Why do you think that Julia believes that marriage is the only way she can legitimately leave home? How do her religious upbringing and her home life work together to control her? Do you think Julia has the skills to live independently of her parents? Why or why not?
2. In chapter 7, Julia confesses that she strives to be obedient and honor her parents because she wants to prove to them that she’s worth loving. How does this idea fit with her desire to leave home? How does it affect her behavior and choices in the rest of the novel? Does Julia have to prove that she’s worth loving to her Nana?
3. What are the biggest differences between Nana and Julia’s parents? What lies has Julia been told about Nana? Why do you think these lies were told?
4. How did her love for reading help Julia survive living at home? Why do you think her parents restricted her reading material? What role do books play in Julia’s new life? What books have deeply affected you and helped you develop into the person you’ve become?
5. What was it about her old look that rendered Julia invisible? How did she use that to her advantage? How do wearing makeup, getting a haircut, and buying new clothes change Julia’s outlook and life? How does her new look help her hide in plain sight?
6. Why does the assumption that Julia’s parents raised her well make Julia uncomfortable? What about the idea that children should thank their parents for being strict? What kind of guidance do you think works best when it comes to raising children? What training methods did Julia’s parents use?
7. Julia changes her name to Rose before she works at the camp. What reason does she give for this change? What else could the name change signify?
8. In the play, Two Gentlemen of Verona (on which this book is loosely based), the main character, Julia, disguises herself as a boy and travels under another name to track down her drifting boyfriend, Proteus. How does Julia disguise herself while at the camp? Why does no one recognize her, not even her boyfriend or brother? On the flip side, how do Jack and Roman disguise themselves while attending church and school in Sampson?
9. Miss Denise is a character first introduced in Plague of Lies. In No Longer Invisible, she can tell her story of grooming, testing, and abuse. Why is it important for us to share our experiences? How does it help others?
10. How are Brother Topher, Sione, and Chef Dan different from the men and boys Julia Rose knew growing up?
11. How does the “blocking game” Jack and Roman play put girls and women in danger? Why do you think Julia Rose didn’t report their conversation about the game to anyone? What finally makes her try to stop the game? What do you think the members of Sampson Baptist would have done if they knew about the game? What is the reaction of Brother Topher and the other men at Camp Galilee?
12. In chapter 42, Julia Rose writes an essay comparing biblical Christianity to the vain traditions of men. Who in the book follows biblical Christianity? Who follows the “vain traditions of men”?

Readers’ Questions

Reinvention

1. In the first chapters, we learn that Ally and Michael are friends, but there are hints of romantic attraction. Why do you think they aren’t willing to take a chance on a romantic relationship? How do they purposely keep focused on friendship?
2. Michael rescues his friend Ally after she’s threatened at the mall and takes her to his home. Why does Michael become especially uncomfortable in this situation? What are his physical reactions to the mental stress he experiences? What does Ally learn about Michael when she snoops through his old yearbooks?
3. What issues did Michael’s mom and dad have with the Lerners (Michael’s junior church leaders)? How does Michael react to their stories about the Lerners? What does Ally think about Michael’s reaction?
4. While on the road to L.A., Michael tells Ally his deepest secret. How do you think Mrs. Lerner was able to get away with years of abusing Michael? Why does Michael blame himself? How did this affect his high school years? What did Ally say was the correct word for what Michael endured? Why is it so important to use the proper terminology when it comes to abuse?
5. Ally’s story of abuse is based on several instances involving underage girls in the modeling and acting industries. Why do many in society view the grooming/testing of young women as “normal”? How do you think the photographer, who was surrounded by a crew, was able to get away with assaulting Ally? How did the only person who stood up for Ally help her get justice and begin healing from her trauma? Even though we know that most abusers tell the truth about their assaults, they still fight to be heard and believed. Why do you think that is?
6. What do you think was the purpose of the godly wife checklist? How many of these have you heard? Which do you think is impossible to achieve? Which do you think is simply ridiculous?
7. How does Leo convince Ally that she’s in love with Michael? What is Michael’s reaction when Ally asks him on a date? Describe Michael’s college years when he learned he wouldn’t have to think if he stayed busy.
8. After their first date, Ally focuses on rebuilding her career, and Michael on rebuilding his shop. What setbacks do they face separately, and how do they improve their communication with each other through it all? How does visiting a therapist help Michael? According to Dr. Blume, how had Michael instinctively controlled his triggers?
9. After visiting Michael, Ally decides to call it quits on her modeling career. Do you think it is ever okay to quit? What have you heard about quitting? What do you think of Michael’s proposal? What about the reaction of Michael’s parents? Or Leo Albert’s?
10. What bothers Michael about the question, “Is she a Christian?” What memories does the question evoke? Why is Michael willing to marry Ally even though she isn’t a Christian? How does Ally rescue Michael emotionally?
11. Caroline Lang (whom we met in Twists, Turns, and Curves) explains the basics of Christianity to Ally, and Amelia guides her through the steps of salvation. How is their approach different from what Michael has witnessed in the past? Why is it important to Michael that Ally has decided to have a relationship with Christ for herself and not to make him happy?
12. Every chapter begins with lyrics by Glenn Connor, but the Epilogue begins with Michael’s wedding vows. How do his words touch on his emotional journey through this book? How would you describe the emotional and spiritual state of Ally’s life?

Readers’ Questions

Wise and Mighty

1. What are the biggest differences between the way Jason and Kelly want to handle the problems of their denomination? Why do you think Jason is so much more cautious than Kelly? Why do you think the dress standards issue is more important to Kelly than Jason? Have you ever attended a conference like the one described in the book’s early chapters? Did you stay for the whole thing? What compelled you to stay or go?
2. How do differences in Jason and Kelly’s diet reflect how men and women are viewed in their denomination?
3. Despite being married for almost 20 years, Jason doesn’t know much about his wife’s writing abilities. Why do you think that he’s avoided reading her books? How do the two of them talk about each other in front of their sons?
4. How are the boys’ nighttime routines “snapshots of their personalities”? Can the same be said of the nighttime routines of their parents?
5. According to Jason’s sermon, what had happened to their denomination? How did his congregation react to his sermon? What do Jason and his family decide to do between services?
6. What does Jason realize about Kelly during his day off at home? Why does Kelly get annoyed with Jason when he’s helping in the kitchen? How does her annoyance reflect her relationship with her husband?
7. How does Kelly feel about her job at the library? Why were Jason and his deacons upset about the Paper Hearts sermon at the youth rally? What is Kelly’s response when she hears from the Coopers? What is Jason’s response? How had the Coopers been treated by Sampson Baptist?
8. How does Kelly “speak” through her music? What is Jason’s preferred entertainment, and how does it affect his decisions concerning the AFB? How does it help him understand what Kelly had tried to tell him about Mr. Morello? Explain Kelly’s anger at Jason when he tells the congregation about her interaction with Mr. Morello.
9. What does Kelly mean when she talks about her workplace as her “turf”? According to her, where else is her “turf”? Where is Jason’s “turf”? What “turf” is neutral?
10. What happens as a result of Crystal Falls Baptist deciding to declare its independence from the AFB?
11. How do the women of her church help Mrs. Morello? Why do you think she hadn’t asked for help before? How does Mr. Morello use the situation with his wife to try and destroy Jason’s reputation? How does a leader in the AFB attempt to destroy Jason and Kelly’s ministry? How does Jason’s reaction almost destroy his relationship with Kelly?
12. What changes do Jason and Kelly make to protect their marriage, their children, and their church?

Readers’ Questions

The Art of Persisting

1. The Art of Persisting is the first novel of The Rose Collection to include a trigger warning. I strongly suggest reading the trigger warning before diving into the book. Traumatic events are not one-time occurrences. Our bodies remember those events even when our minds block them out. One of the reasons for the TW is that the main character, Ginger Douglass, must deal with triggering events throughout the novel. Most people who meet her would have no idea that trauma was a part of her life. How are those who know her best empathetic to her plight? How do they help her? What kind of support would you want if you were in Ginger’s position? What kind of support would you be willing to give if you were her friend?
2. In the first chapter, Ginger creates a list of six things she wants for her life. How important are goals to you? Have you ever written a list like Ginger’s? Which point from her list would you see as most important?
3. The first flashback chapter reveals some details of Ginger/Libby’s childhood and family culture. What practices of the Warner family conflict with what is typically thought of as Christian living?
4. Ginger often reflects that her new life is less busy and stressful than her old one. What are the primary differences between her old and new ways of living? Have you ever felt overextended while involved in good things? How did you resume a more balanced life?
5. What do you think of the sermon Pastor Taylor and Kelly Taylor preached concerning the issue of dress as an outer representation of one’s inner faith? What are your thoughts on dress standards and codes as a sign of spiritual maturity?
6. Because Ginger is single and an hourly worker, small things, like a raise in rent or a mild viral infection, loom large. How do Ginger’s friends step in to help her when she cannot help herself. Are you part of a community that lifts others up and helps those in need?
7. Did you notice any red flags in Mr. Jardiniere’s behavior before Ginger/Libby began to live with the family? What were they? Did you see red-flag behavior in any other characters?
8. Libby/Ginger’s marriage is horrific, yet her father doesn’t want to see her end the relationship. What beliefs and practices promote keeping spouses in abusive and dangerous situations?
9. Who helps Libby/Ginger leave her abusive marriage? How do they share their compassion and strength?
10. How does Ginger’s community help her achieve her goals? How do you help members of your community achieve their goals?
11. Ginger’s mother had been sent to a troubled teen home. We know now that many of these facilities promoted or covered abuse. The parents of the teens had no idea what their children were experiencing while in those homes. How does the treatment of Ginger’s mother affect Ginger’s life despite the fact that Ginger never knew her birth mother growing up? Are you aware of any real-life situations where a parent’s experiences (not necessarily traumatic) have directly impacted their child’s life?
12. What experience have you had with “found family”? Can “actual” family ever be considered “found family”? Which of Ginger’s life goals does she see as accomplished by the end of the novel? Which of those accomplishments are completed solely by Ginger? Which of them are completed with the help of her “found family”? (friends, mentors, bosses, spiritual leaders, etc.)