The Necessity of Kindness by Marbeth Skwarczynski Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

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My Review

Wow, this is one hard hitting novel. Skwarczynski doesn't hold back at all. She explores all the horrible things we have heard during the last few decades about men in the church mistreating women. Pastors covering up sexual abuse. Young men bullying young women in a Christian school. Leadership promoting a toxic environment when it builds their ego. Some may think this novel is “too much.” But, having owned a Christian bookstore through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, I very well remember all the issues she highlights in this novel.

But the novel is not all bad news. There is the great example of a healthy marriage and transforming a church to be one following Christ rather than patriarchal and misogynistic teachings. There is also the example of Denise and her friends creating safe places for abused women. The whole novel brings into focus the necessity of kindness as what is to mark Christians, not the length of their hair or adherence to other human rules

This is a great novel for women who long to be free in Christ. It is also a great novel for the men who are willing to confront their error. You'll either love this novel or hate it depending on whether you believe the Bible frees women to ministry or keeps them from it. Me? I loved it!

My rating: 5/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.

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I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)