Anticipated Release Spring 2026

Most of what we know of the story of Dirk Willems is a few brief paragraphs about how he turned back to save the life of his jailer and was then arrested and executed for heresy. This novel explores another side of the story: what life might have been like for the jailer after this life-transforming experience. How might the jailer and his daughter have felt about the debt of gratitude they owed Dirk Willems? And, to what lengths might they have been willing to go to explore their faith questions in such a dangerous time? 

Author’s bio

Kirsten L. Klassen is a writer of Mennonite heritage from Northern Indiana. She did undergraduate work at University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba, and received a master’s degree from Iowa State University, Ames. Her first novel, Katelyn’s Affection, was published by Herald Press. Her writing has been published in Timbrel, The Mennonite, and MEDA’s The Marketplace. She has one adult daughter. 

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