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Series » Chosen Daughters

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As the 1800s draw to a close and a new century begins, forces for change are already at work in the Netherlands’ entrenched society when custom is further challenged by two bold women, Johanna Kuyper and her daughter Henriette. 

Johanna is a traditional wife eager to both support and challenge her strong-willed husband, Abraham Kuyper, a dominant leader in church, education, and politics. She serves her family and community through celebrations and sorrows, social upheaval and political conflicts.

The more progressive Henriette Kuyper is an international traveler, champion of women’s suffrage, and wartime correspondent—among much else!

Risking reproach and defying custom, both will find very different ways to change their world for good and for God’s sake.

Endorsements

"The Byrd women found that one of the biggest impacts of Abigail van der Velde’s biographical novel is the way it makes us consider how we glorify and honor the Lord by living faithfully according to the unique personalities and gifts he has so graciously designed each of us to use in order to contribute to his service. In that way, we sharpen one another and display a fuller picture of Christ."

—Aimee Byrd, author of Housewife Theologian, and her daughters Solanna and Zaidee

"There were moments when I had the impression that I was reading a story of my parents’ family—how I was raised. I enjoyed reading this very much."

—Hein Schaaij, great-nephew of Johanna Kuyper

The Author

Abigail van der Velde

Abigail van der Velde was born and raised in North Carolina, lived in New York City, and then married a Dutchman and moved to the Netherlands, where she lived for eight years. With previous experience in journalism and editing, she now writes fiction. Johanna and Henriette Kuyper is her first novel. 

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