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The Necessity of Kindness
“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.
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.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2024
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Marbeth Skwarczynski
13 books85 followersLike many writers, I began as a reader. My favorite authors were those whose styles were realistic and relatable, so when I began creating my first novel in my thirties, I knew that, above all, I wanted my stories to connect with readers.
My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character of Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book. Finally, I submitted it to Elk Lake Publishing. They not only loved the book, but they also helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.
I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These independently published novels are timely and spotlight the healing process after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.
My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible's Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter of my book explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.
My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character of Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book. Finally, I submitted it to Elk Lake Publishing. They not only loved the book, but they also helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.
I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These independently published novels are timely and spotlight the healing process after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.
My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible's Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter of my book explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 18, 2024
Riveting and Relevant!
Skwarczynski once again knocks a book in the Rose Collection out of the park! I have loved Topher & Denise since the beginning and was extremely excited to read more of their story. It didn't disappoint! Not only did Skwarczynski delicately pull out more topics needing to be addressed in the church, but she did so in a way that brought light, love, and honor to Jesus. Topher is the man we all need having our backs inside the church, Denise is the mom we all needed growing up, and I loved the additional perspective of their daughter, Sylvie, and her pertinent experience of Christian school dealings. (All Christian school survivors should take a trip down memory lane and read this book. It will bring a depth of healing into your life you didn't know you needed.)
Not only is this book relevant to today's church and its need for growth, but there were some twists and turns with new characters (and old!) that I did not see coming, making it quite the page-turner on top of everything else. I cannot wait to see what Skwarczynski does next with the series!
Skwarczynski once again knocks a book in the Rose Collection out of the park! I have loved Topher & Denise since the beginning and was extremely excited to read more of their story. It didn't disappoint! Not only did Skwarczynski delicately pull out more topics needing to be addressed in the church, but she did so in a way that brought light, love, and honor to Jesus. Topher is the man we all need having our backs inside the church, Denise is the mom we all needed growing up, and I loved the additional perspective of their daughter, Sylvie, and her pertinent experience of Christian school dealings. (All Christian school survivors should take a trip down memory lane and read this book. It will bring a depth of healing into your life you didn't know you needed.)
Not only is this book relevant to today's church and its need for growth, but there were some twists and turns with new characters (and old!) that I did not see coming, making it quite the page-turner on top of everything else. I cannot wait to see what Skwarczynski does next with the series!
October 21, 2024
Once again, the author knocks one out of the park!
In a world where "harmless jokes" and "silly pranks" have become a norm, and one in which those who react are "overreacting," this book becomes a beacon of sanity.
In "The Necessity of Kindness," we find the main character starting a traditional school during her high school years. What she hoped a "real" school would be, and what she found, were not the same thing. Her mother, who grew up in the same town, also finds obstacles she not only has to face but overcome. Both show how... and why... kindness is the key to overcoming the adversity they both face.
In a world where "harmless jokes" and "silly pranks" have become a norm, and one in which those who react are "overreacting," this book becomes a beacon of sanity.
In "The Necessity of Kindness," we find the main character starting a traditional school during her high school years. What she hoped a "real" school would be, and what she found, were not the same thing. Her mother, who grew up in the same town, also finds obstacles she not only has to face but overcome. Both show how... and why... kindness is the key to overcoming the adversity they both face.
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October 22, 2024I really enjoyed this book from Marbeth. It’s real, raw, and yet hope-filled. Definitely worth reading
October 23, 2024
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it had to end!!
Book 7 of the Rose Collection picks up the story of Topher and Denise, who had been introduced in the first book. Topher has accepted the pastorate of his home church back in California. Although he and his now-wife, Denise, have grown and matured in the last 20 years, going back home to the place of such trauma is difficult.
Topher is forced to deal with the extreme legalistic teachings of the former pastor of the church. He is forced to face those who would stiffle his ministry and silence his voice. Is the damage too much for God to redeem?
Sylvie, their 16-year-old daughter, starts attending the same Christian school her parents had attended when they were kids. Since this is Sylvie's first experience in school, she quickly learns that cliques, bullying, favoritism, and coverups are not unique to any particular age group or setting. With her parents' support, how can she survive this atmosphere, let alone make positive contributions?
Denise is headed to a place of lots of unresolved issues. She has studied her Bible diligently in the years since leaving California and has a wonderful foundation in Scripture. But those who would question her are ruthless and Denise finds herself dealing with the same misguided teachings she had grown up with. With Topher's and Sylvie's support, Denise meets every challenge head on and continues her own journey of healing and growth.
I loved this book. Denise and Topher's story had begun in the first book, with updates given in several of the other books in the series. I did go back to reread the series before diving into this book, so I felt I was in the flow of their story. The author covers difficult topics with such grace and understanding. I feel like I learn something from every book.
Book 7 of the Rose Collection picks up the story of Topher and Denise, who had been introduced in the first book. Topher has accepted the pastorate of his home church back in California. Although he and his now-wife, Denise, have grown and matured in the last 20 years, going back home to the place of such trauma is difficult.
Topher is forced to deal with the extreme legalistic teachings of the former pastor of the church. He is forced to face those who would stiffle his ministry and silence his voice. Is the damage too much for God to redeem?
Sylvie, their 16-year-old daughter, starts attending the same Christian school her parents had attended when they were kids. Since this is Sylvie's first experience in school, she quickly learns that cliques, bullying, favoritism, and coverups are not unique to any particular age group or setting. With her parents' support, how can she survive this atmosphere, let alone make positive contributions?
Denise is headed to a place of lots of unresolved issues. She has studied her Bible diligently in the years since leaving California and has a wonderful foundation in Scripture. But those who would question her are ruthless and Denise finds herself dealing with the same misguided teachings she had grown up with. With Topher's and Sylvie's support, Denise meets every challenge head on and continues her own journey of healing and growth.
I loved this book. Denise and Topher's story had begun in the first book, with updates given in several of the other books in the series. I did go back to reread the series before diving into this book, so I felt I was in the flow of their story. The author covers difficult topics with such grace and understanding. I feel like I learn something from every book.
February 14, 2025
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.
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.
February 10, 2025
Contemporary Christian Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. The Necessity of Kindness by Marbeth Skwarczynski, which is Book 7 in the Rose Collection series. I recently had the opportunity to read this book, the first of the books in this series that I have read.
WOW, this book really started strong and it kept me intrigued throughout the book. I finished the book in only 4hrs as it really had a great storyline. The story is focused on a Family which consists of Dad Topher, Mom Denise and teenage daughter Sylvie. They have relocated back to the hometown that Topher and Denise grew up in as Topher accepted a Pastoral position at Rhodes Baptist Church. The excitement to return home and make changes in their Family dynamics and life is evident. Denise will be opening a Bakery and Sylvie attending the Christian School her parents attended. The excitement is short lived when upon beginning the Pastoral position, Denise is stunned by the betrayal and lies within the Church. Sylvie is also experiencing issues at School and makes her unhappy with the move and new life. I felt that I was a news article and not a book, as many of the Situations in this book are happening in so many Churches and Christian Schools across America today. The author really touched on some Sensitive "real life" topics in wonderful approach. I was extremely impressed by the way this author wrote about this topic in a Fiction BOOK! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone interested in real life Church events in a Fictional book. FANTASTIC BOOK!
WOW, this book really started strong and it kept me intrigued throughout the book. I finished the book in only 4hrs as it really had a great storyline. The story is focused on a Family which consists of Dad Topher, Mom Denise and teenage daughter Sylvie. They have relocated back to the hometown that Topher and Denise grew up in as Topher accepted a Pastoral position at Rhodes Baptist Church. The excitement to return home and make changes in their Family dynamics and life is evident. Denise will be opening a Bakery and Sylvie attending the Christian School her parents attended. The excitement is short lived when upon beginning the Pastoral position, Denise is stunned by the betrayal and lies within the Church. Sylvie is also experiencing issues at School and makes her unhappy with the move and new life. I felt that I was a news article and not a book, as many of the Situations in this book are happening in so many Churches and Christian Schools across America today. The author really touched on some Sensitive "real life" topics in wonderful approach. I was extremely impressed by the way this author wrote about this topic in a Fiction BOOK! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone interested in real life Church events in a Fictional book. FANTASTIC BOOK!
February 20, 2025
"The Necessity of Kindness" by Marbeth Skwarczynski is the seventh book in The Rose Collection and is Contemporary Christian fiction. It can be read as a stand-alone, although you might be better off reading the books in order.
Why is it hard for some people to be kind? Sixteen-year-old Sylvie, her mother, Denise, and her father, Topher, Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church after they return to her parent’s hometown when the camp they have served at for years has to be sold.
Starting a new school, serving at a new church, and opening a new bakery, the family finds itself caught up in many challenging situations. However, relying on faith helps them create positive experiences.
Told from Sylvie and Denise’s perspectives, this contemporary Christian work of fiction will draw you in and keep you reading. From new friendships to secret rooms to bullying, volleyball, and more, this book offers a lot. Once I began reading, I could not put this book down.
This book illustrates the positive and negative impacts churches and legalistic views have on students and parents. Sometimes, pastors and church leadership find themselves working to undo the harm caused by predecessors.
So, if you are looking for a work of Contemporary Christian Fiction, check out "The Necessity of Kindness" by Marbeth Skwarczynski and the rest of The Rose Collection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Why is it hard for some people to be kind? Sixteen-year-old Sylvie, her mother, Denise, and her father, Topher, Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church after they return to her parent’s hometown when the camp they have served at for years has to be sold.
Starting a new school, serving at a new church, and opening a new bakery, the family finds itself caught up in many challenging situations. However, relying on faith helps them create positive experiences.
Told from Sylvie and Denise’s perspectives, this contemporary Christian work of fiction will draw you in and keep you reading. From new friendships to secret rooms to bullying, volleyball, and more, this book offers a lot. Once I began reading, I could not put this book down.
This book illustrates the positive and negative impacts churches and legalistic views have on students and parents. Sometimes, pastors and church leadership find themselves working to undo the harm caused by predecessors.
So, if you are looking for a work of Contemporary Christian Fiction, check out "The Necessity of Kindness" by Marbeth Skwarczynski and the rest of The Rose Collection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
February 6, 2025
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!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Light. My comments are an independent and honest review.
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!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Light. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 22, 2025
This novel is one that deals with very important issues, such as bullying, abuse, and legalism. And not in the secular world–but in Christian churches and schools.
I appreciated this author’s approach because it shows that unfortunately, these types of issues can happen in Christian circles. However, Sylvie, Denise, and Topher do not give up on their church or school. Instead, they uncover the truths and lead them in the right direction, even when it was hard.
This is the seventh book in the Rose Collection but the first book I have read and I believe it can be read as a standalone, although characters from other books make an appearance and make me want to read their stories, too.
Overall, I would recommend this novel, as I believe the author is dealing with an important issue that needs more awareness.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
I appreciated this author’s approach because it shows that unfortunately, these types of issues can happen in Christian circles. However, Sylvie, Denise, and Topher do not give up on their church or school. Instead, they uncover the truths and lead them in the right direction, even when it was hard.
This is the seventh book in the Rose Collection but the first book I have read and I believe it can be read as a standalone, although characters from other books make an appearance and make me want to read their stories, too.
Overall, I would recommend this novel, as I believe the author is dealing with an important issue that needs more awareness.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
January 29, 2025
The Necessity of Kindness is the seventh installment from The Rose Collection by Marbeth Skwarczynski. It is my first experience with this author's work and it will not be the last. Since I have not read the previous books from the collection, I believe this one can easily read as a stand alone. I love this story of faith, love, grace, perception, and kindness. I thought the main characters were true to life and relatable.
I am going to give The Necessity of Kindness five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Contemporary Christian Fiction. I would love to go back and read the first six books from The Rose Collection.
I received a paperback copy of Marbeth Skwarczynski's The Necessity of Kindness from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am going to give The Necessity of Kindness five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Contemporary Christian Fiction. I would love to go back and read the first six books from The Rose Collection.
I received a paperback copy of Marbeth Skwarczynski's The Necessity of Kindness from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
October 7, 2024
Having spent the majority of my earlier years in a very legalistic, man controlled church, I was immediately drawn to this story. Kindness is not something I remember as much as all of the “do nots”, mostly for females. The women always looked so bedraggled, beat down, unhappy and miserable, while the men just looked and dressed like all the rest of the world, no difference. My prayer is that more people are exposed, those that have been abused will seek and receive healing, and kindness will prevail. Excellent, excellent book and oh so timely! An eye opener I wish I could put in the hands of everyone who has experienced or seen this injustice from those in church leadership. I believe it would be key in the restoration of those very individuals!
February 13, 2025
I really liked this book. It deals with bullying and abuse. The book shows that bullying and abuse is basically the same thing. This story also shows that teachers are and adults are also bullies and that not all bullies are kids. This is a tale of adults and kids standing up for what is right and be kind. This is the 7th book in the series but I enjoyed it as a stand-alone but I will be reading the other six as soon as I can. Even though this book deals with a hard subject, it is a clean book with critical principles and Bible verse within the pages.
I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews