Stubborn Love: A Story of Saint Maria of Paris

Item No. 9781955890724

by Rheta Thola, illustrated by Mike Stonelake

During one of the darkest times in recent history, God gave us a saint. This saint had to be someone stubborn—stubborn enough to outshine evil even when confronted with it face to face. But how did Saint Maria become a person whom God could inspire, help, and guide during such a dark time? How did she wrestle with her own temptations and allow Christ to grow brightly in her soul?

Stubborn Love is one book in three parts, written for young people. "Her Life" tells the story of Mother Maria Skobstova of Paris from birth to death. This first section of the book is accompanied by graphic novel–style illustrations to help the young reader imagine her work, family, and adventures. "Her Writings" comes next—a smattering of some of the notes and thoughts that shaped her. "Your Life" is the final section, where the reader is challenged to consider his or her place in the world, using Mother Maria's life and sayings as a springboard for journal entries. Group study questions are found at the very end.

Pray for us, dear Mother Maria!

About the Author: Rheta lives in the mountains of Pennsylvania with her husband, two children, and several cats. She loves spending time reading, watching old television shows, being outside, and exploring small towns. Rheta attends St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church and truthfully tells her children that going to a church service is her favorite thing to do. She leads the youth program and is blessed to have a goddaughter to pray for and help raise in the Faith.

About the Illustrator: After completing a degree in fine art, painting giant, abstract canvases, Mike worked in graphic design before moving into illustration. He now works with a wide range of projects, including editorial, corporate, and children's. Mike has had a passion for comics since childhood, particularly alternative and Bande Dessiné (European comics), and writes and draws his own comics. He has visited many former Eastern Bloc countries, and in the 90s lived and worked in St. Petersburg, Russia; on his return to London, he helped to run an art gallery that specialized in work from the former Soviet Union.

Age Range: 10-15+ years

Author: Rheta Thola

Illustrator: Mike Stonelake

Viny Paperback: 128 pages, Smythe Sewn, rounded corners

Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches

Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing

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