Wednesday, February 12, 2025

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.

Click here to get your copy!

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.

MY REVIEW

Starting a new season in their lives wont be easy but I couldn’t wait to see where God was taking this family that is featured in the book. Denise’s husband asks her to observe the women’s Bible Study. As she sits in on the group she discovers that they are teaching inaccurate truths from the Bible. Looks like she and her husband have some work to do when they take over the church as the pastors.

Sylvie is not excited about the move. She misses her friends and boyfriend. Being homeschooled all her life she finds going to a Christian school in person very intimidating. It was hard to adjust to her new life , but now bullies are affecting her emotionally. The author addresses problems in Christian schools that should not surprise anyone. Just because your child goes to a Christian school doesn’t mean they won’t be exposed to jealousy , bullying and misconduct from teachers. It is nice to see how Sylvie stands up to those who think bullying is funny.

Topher has his own set of problems as he takes on the role of pastor in a new community. What is uncovered is not surprising. The author exposes the ugliness going on in churches and how it has been covered up for a very long time. As time goes on Topher seeks God’s wisdom as he focuses on changing things beginning with leaders.

Excellent book that exposes lies, secrets and brings new life to a church that has suffered from shame, hidden unnecessary expenses and leaders who misuse their titles. Get ready for a look at a family who face challenges and show kindness by their words and actions.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.