Invisible

The Mendocino Village #1

by Ginny L. Yttrup

Ellyn--chef, cafe owner, and lover of butter--is hiding something behind her extra weight. While she sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he's attracted to Ellyn, she's certain there's something wrong with him.

Sabina--tall, slender, and exotic--left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she's come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina's doing more hiding than healing. Why?

Twila has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival.

As these women's lives intertwine, their eyes will open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created n God's image.

"Writers and readers alike have been singing the praises of Ginny L. Yttrup since her debut novel, Words. Now I understand what all the excitement is about! Healing and hope can be found among these pages--not only for each character, but for the reader as well." -- Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times best-selling author

"Yttrup is a luminous writing star on the Christian fiction horizon. Her words inspire my spirit and grip my consciousness like few others do. Invisible is an inspiring and riveting story of a woman who learns her dress size does not rule out romantic love. You will be encouraged, entertained, and energized by this message." --Marilyn Meberg, counselor, speaker with Women of Faith, and author of Constantly Craving

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Inspirational, Contemporary, Romance, Ebooks

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2013

About the author

Ginny L. Yttrup is the Christy Award winning author of Words, and six other titles, the award-winning Mendocino Village Novels, Invisible and Illusion. She writes women's fiction and suspense. Ginny is also a sought after writing coach, developmental editor, and speaker. When not writing she loves to spend time with her adult children, and the circle of dear friends who enrich her life. She lives in northern California with the man in her life, her rescue pup Henry.

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, touching, heartbreaking, and at the same time hopeful — all of these words describe Yttrup’s beautiful novel. At its heart, this story is about how people view themselves, and how this contrasts with how God sees each person. There is so much meaning to be taken away after reading this wonderful book.
Ellyn owns a café and hides behind an overweight exterior. She has shut herself off to love. Sabina is new in town, hiding away from a tragedy in her past among other things. Twila has struggled with an eating disorder, and is taking steps to heal and move forward. When these three women meet, what can they offer each other, and in turn themselves?

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seldom give a solid five thumbs up for anything. Usually, the very best is 4.5 thumbs. This book by Ginny Yttrup, though--maybe it should be five wows plus. This is one of those books that will be a forever classic, one you'll remember all your lives.

If you have (or have a loved one who has) ever suffered from being overweight, anorexia, or depression caused by deaths, you will be amazed at the insights into these life-stealing diseases. I don't know how one person can express the inner thoughts of those suffering so without having "been there." I personally recognize one--and sometimes two--of the characters as myself. I, too, wanted to fade into the scenery.

There are four principal characters inside Invisible. One is Ellyn, Chef and Owner of one of the many excellent restaurants on the Mendocino Coast. She loves butter and hates Earl, the inner voice that accuses her of being (shudder) fat and foolish, one no man in his right mind would want for anything other than a casual friend.

The next protagonist to be introduced is Twila, a twenty-six-year-old, thin-as-a-rail vegan who works in her mother's health food store. Memories of her father leaving when she was small haunt and threaten her. She has an amazing gift to know what's hurting those around her.

And then there's Sabina, a psychiatrist convinced she caused two girls' deaths--or at least didn't do enough to prevent them. She's come to Mendocino without her husband to stay for maybe a year. She needs to get away from her practice, her life, everything.

Miles is a doctor who semi-retired a few years back with his beloved wife who knew him inside and out and loved him anyway. When she died of cancer she left a hole in his heart the size of an ocean or two. Two years have passed, though, and his wife made him promise to look for another wife. She put her seal of approval on Ellyn, and Miles agrees until...

These four lives meet, collide, and merge, sometimes helping and sometimes hurting each other. As we all do.

You have got to read this novel--but pick a time when it won't matter if you laugh out loud or cry and when you can sleep in the following day, because you'll find it almost impossible to put down.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable Stars!!

5 Stars ✨

Contemporary Inspirational Fiction

“I’ve learned enough through the years that when God is silent, it’s my cue to hold tight. Do nothing. Wait on Him.”

“To be in relationship with God. That’s why He created us. That’s each person’s purpose.”

“I mean, we’re supposed to take care of our bodies, but I think the best way we do that is just to be close to God. Intimate, you know? Then everything else sort of falls into place.”

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Ever felt overwhelmed with hidden pain, depression, anxiety, grief, self worth, shame or fear? This book is for you.

Invisible tells the story of a woman on a journey of self discovery. She is learning how to love herself, and understanding Gods love for her- just the way she is. The story is told through four different POVs with Ellyn being the center of it all.

Ellyn- chef, who struggles with being overweight, and believes she’s unlovable

Sabina-counselor, who is running from her past in hopes of healing

Twila- young woman recovering from an eating disorder

Miles - widow and doctor dealing with grief and moving on from loss.


This book was incredible. It wasn’t the writing that captivated me, rather the story being told and how it’s told. Following these characters on their journey was a huge blessing. So many things in it were relatable. It’s one of those books that heals the soul and makes you think. I needed this one, and I hope others will pick it up and find something for themselves in the pages. The characters were so likable and I absolutely loved the way the faith themes were woven into a beautiful tapestry. Invisible, is ultimately a story of healing, and freedom from the bondage of shame. Freedom found through believing and having faith in Gods word. Highly recommend!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title may be Invisible, but I'd call it unforgettable -- a beautifully crafted story of four people dealing with heartbreaking problems and learning to put aside the shackles of shame.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Invisible was an amazing read. I wasn't sure what I was going to think about it when I first started reading, but as the story progressed I had a difficult time putting it down and loved the characters.

The heart of Invisible was such a powerful storyline. Each of the characters had something they struggled with and it was emotional to read some of the scenes. Probably one of my favorite moments was when Ellyn realized something about "Earl" that was shocking.

All in all, I loved Invisible and highly recommend it!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Kriste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply impactful book from a variety of compelling sides! Highly recommend!

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Invisible" is one of the best books I have ever read! It is so powerful that I know Ginny's words will stick with me a very long time because God is writing through her!

This novel is for every woman out there who in some way or another has struggled with their self-image! I'm sure that many of us have viewed our imagine in some negative way that doesn't reflect God's view of us. Some of the characters struggle with this idea, but Ginny drives home the point so passionately that we are all made in the image of God! Through these characters stories, you can see the heart of God in Ginny's words for people who have these issues! God does not want anyone to deny Him or have unholy thoughts concerning who they are!

It's not some light-heart book that leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings afterwards, but a book that dives into the innermost thoughts of our mind and the lies, negative chatter, and pain that is there! It's such a story of healing and of growth were one cannot deny the Creator, the One who made us in His image!

Ginny's novel was not only a story of redemption and growth, but of friendship! The verse in the Bible that says "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" comes to life throughout the pages of "Invisible" (Proverbs 18:24). It is so clear to see that as the characters grow in friendship that their is such a powerful love between friends that God has gave us on Earth! I realized through reading the book that friendship is so important and God put friends in our life to encourage us, motivate us, uplift us, and tell us the truth even when it hurts! I don't want to refuse this gift that God has so freely given us!

One other thing I really enjoyed was the strong male figure that shows the love of Jesus to Twila and Ellyn! I'm so thankful she makes a point in saying how important it is to see a solid man of Christ in our lives that we can look up too!

This novel is definitely a must read and a powerful testimony that we are made in the image of God! "Imago Dei."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years, when I looked in the mirror, I didn't like what I saw, and I didn't believe anyone else who said they saw something different.

Now, the struggle isn't as intense, but it's still a battle. And it's this image battle that novelist Ginny Yttrup writes about in her new book Invisible.

Ellyn is the owner and head chef of a restaurant in Mendocino, California. She's also overweight, has never had a relationship with a man and she's skeptical when a widowed doctor, Miles, shows interest in her. She hears a voice in her head (she calls him "Earl") that constantly puts her down. She loves butter. (Who doesn't?)

Twila works at a shop owned by her mom. They specialize in herbal medicines, organic foods, and natural products. Twila bears a tattoo of thorns on her face, a mark of solidarity with those who suffer. She is thin and recovering from an eating disorder (she calls it "Ed") and re-establishing a healthy relationship with food.

Sabina has come to Mendocino to escape. She's a therapist carrying a suitcase stuffed with guilt and battling depression. She's on a break from her practice, her family and God. Each day is a struggle to get out of bed.

Ellyn befriends Twila and Sabina and as the three of them get to know each other and their "issues," they realize they aren't as different as they might seem on the outside. Each of them, with the help of the others, is on a journey to discover who they are and why they've hidden behind food, an eating disorder and professional success.

I don't know how she does it, but Yttrup creates characters that could walk off the page and into your living room. Invisible is an honest look at what happens in the female mind, and how distorted our view of ourselves can be. I found myself able to identify with each woman for a different reason.

This quote is one of my favorites from the book:

"Beauty is more than a number on the scale. It comes from the soul."

And if you like the writings of Christian saints, you'll appreciate Yttrup's inclusion of quotes from St. Augustine at the start of each chapter. A quote from his writings plays a major role in the theme of the book. (Yttrup did this with Madame Guyon in her last book, Lost and Found. I appreciate the ancient-modern connection.)

Yttrup has a unique style. Each chapter is written from the first-person perspective of one of the characters. Sometimes I had to go back and remind myself who was talking, but the chapters are short and the movement of the characters toward wholeness is fluid and hard to step away from.

I enjoyed reading this book on my own but think it would be even more meaningful in a discussion group with other women. So, if you're looking for a book club read or you have a group of girlfriends who like to read and talk, I'd put this one on the list.


----------------

In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of Invisible from Handlebar Marketing.

[Catherine Leggitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imago Dei --image of God. For those of us who see God's beauty and majesty in all creation except for our own bodies, this book is a startling revelation and provides a great number of new ideas to chew on. As one who has struggled my whole adult life with food issues, I came to a startling realization that my extra pounds provide insulation from exposure to others. I become invisible and thereby I am relieved of responsibility to be sexual, or gregarious. I can hide. My fat makes me disappear. If I don't exist, I can't be hurt.

What I can't control in my environment or with people,I can control with my own body. Fullness makes me feel like I have enough. Since I keep myself full, I am rarely truly hungry. The hunger I feel is in my soul.

However, I am created in the divine image of God. My new prayer is that God will help me embrace that image, trusting God to be enough to satisfy my soul-hunger.

This is a life-changing message, beautifully told in story form. Usually, I read very quickly, skimming a lot. But I read every word of Invisible, slowly and deliberately, squeezing meaning out of each character's story. The depth of understanding Ginny Yttrup imparted to this beautiful affirming book is striking and haunting. It will stay with me in days to come, providing food for contemplation and understanding.

[Lynnda Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of women’s fiction takes the readers out of the ordinary and sends us into a world of fantasy. Most romantic fiction builds on this foundation, both Christian and non-Christian. Invisible, while fiction, is not fantasy. It focuses on the reality of the human experience.

The story revolves around three women and the chapters rotate between three points of view. Ellyn protects herself from the inner voice of her alter ego. Sabina runs from failed expectations. Twila balances on the edge. Her choices are to fight or to disappear. Each woman masquerades as someone who has it all together. They hide secrets even from themselves. The story ties their struggles into a narrative of decisions to leave their shells and live more transparently.

Ginny L. Yttrup writes with subtlety and finesse. She slowly introduces us to whom the women think they are, who others see them to be, and to God’s love working in their lives. Nothing is simple. No cookie-cutter plots in Invisible. Instead, we learn about the ways in which we all struggle with ourselves. I highly recommend this book. Read the novel the first time for the story and the second time to see yourself. Both times, you will find yourself laughing, crying and holding your breath in suspense. Enjoy.

[Tracey Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read by this author. Beautifully drawn characters. One of the best books I've read this year.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I didn’t really like this book. But there were things that kept me reading despite everything I disliked. To start with the positive: I really liked that this book is told from the perspective of four characters with each chapter alternating between those characters. That was handled really well. The four characters themselves are interesting. I also liked that she featured a male/female friendship that was just that – friends. With no intent for it to become romantic. That was refreshing. What I disliked: The main character, Ellyn, is overweight and suffers from self esteem so low I don’t think it counts as self esteem. Everyone thinks she’s pretty, inside and out, and she is a successful business woman but she can’t believe anyone would love her through her fat. I’m really tired of fat girls in novels having zero self confidence and pinning their entire life on their weight. Why can’t we see fat women who are confident and believe in themselves and in their right to have a happy life? The sad, pathetic fat girl is overdone and Ellyn is as bad as it gets. I also found the faith element in this book a bit much. I know this is a Christian fiction book but the faith element seemed often contrived and heavy handed. I think it was supposed to be a “natural” outflow of people who live a life of faith but it came across more preachy than natural. I won’t be reading the second book in this series.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of basically 4 people: Ellyn (overweight restaurant owner/chef that struggles with huge self-esteem issues), Twila (recovering from anorexia), Sabina (a therapist dealing with guilt) and Miles (a widower looking to start a new relationship). Ellyn is the central character with the others revolving around her. There was a lot I could relate to in her character. The story is told from each of the 4 character's view points shifting with each chapter. Faith is an important factor in this story. As the character's become better acquainted new pieces of information are added that deepen their stories. This was a new author for me and I really liked this book.

[Cynthia Kirchner · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many beautiful things about this story! The setting, Mendocino, is one of my all time favorite places. When I downloaded the book I didn't realize it was Christian fiction, but that is one of the things that made this story & the friendships so beautiful. It also softened the blow for me when a particular event popped up in the story that I did not see coming. I felt like I was surrounded by God & my fictional friends, Ellyn, Sabina, and Twila, and was eager to continue the story. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book. P.S. I would give this 5 stars, but didn't because even for this God loving gal, I found parts of it a little cheesy.

[Danielle Thoroughman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book! I really enjoyed the characters and wish I could visit the village and sit at that picnic table that feels like it’s at the edge of the world 🩵 goodness, this was my first Christian fiction book and I am so happy it was. God is amazing and I loved the characters love and admiration for Him. Learned a few things myself while reading.

[Deon]

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[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from viewpoint of 4 main characters, this story delves into the freedom that comes with faith. Inspirational contemporary fiction set in Mendocino CA. Includes discussion questions.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made in God's image. This truly annointed author reaches us in depths that no other author can reach. Right where we live, whatever body image we have, we are made in God's Image. Lovingly made.

I had a weight problem for most of my life. My view of myself was not a good one. But, consider, if we are made in God's Image, we are perfect no matter our size or our hurts that life brings our way.

Even through anorexia, He teaches us, as only He can that we are loved, and, made in His Image, we are perfect!

I highly recommend this book and this author!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people deal with issues of body image.

I am fat? too fat? too thin? too short? too ______ ?

I am worthless... lazy... I can't do _____.


How many people try to hide and seek invisibility instead of recognition?

How would they feel if they truly believed that all men and women are not only created in the image of God, but also meant to reflect His image to others.




Ellyn
single, 40-something, chef and cafe owner, friend, believer, overweight

Twila
single, 20-something, studies and sells natural homeopathic healing, friend, believer, living with an eating disorder

Sabina
married, counselor, seeks healing from a sad past, fighting depression

Miles
widowed, medical doctor, believer, feeling God's leading to seek another soul mate

As the story intertwines around these women's lives, the reader is pulled into their common, and sometimes, tragic issues. Each of the women have secrets they do not want exposed - eating too much, not eating at all, depression - for fear of condemnation. Yet, God draws them into each other's lives to help them see TRUTH and receive healing. Healing which only comes from Him alone.


Click HERE to read Chapter 1.

You don't have to have an eating disorder to relate to Twila. Her courage in the face of her illness shines through. I envy her strength in coming face-to-face with her demons. She knows God will see her through this trial. I love her tattoos!

I easily relate to Ellyn's character in the book. I'm 48, overweight, and can see the good things in others but not myself. I am just truly realizing the power of being "created in God's image." He does not look at me and say negative things. He sees me and sees His creation which was made "very good."

invisible will stay with you long after you finish the last paragraph. It is a powerful message we all need to hear... and accept. God love you. God loves me. Not for what we have done or what size we wear, but because He made us in His image to reflect His glory.


My rating: 6 out of 5 stars
The message alone makes this a must read for all women
who set their identity in anything or anyone other than God.

I received a complimentary copy of invisible from B & H Publishing Group for my honest review.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion a good book is one that causes you to think long after you are finished with it and engages you wholly in the story. It is able to draw you in and yet also gives you things that you can apply to your own life. Rarely is such a book written and it takes a exceptional story teller to be able to do it and yet I strongly feel that "Invisible" by Ginny Yttrup is such a book.


"Invisible" by Ginny Yttrup is a masterly woven work of art that tells the very engaging, entertaining and thought provoking story of 4 very real characters all from their points of view. They are all so wonderful real and flawed and I think most people will see some of themselves in one of the characters whether it is Miles who lost his wife to cancer and is opening himself to loving again, Ellyn who has allowed her poor self image and hurts of the past hold her back, successful Sabine who has let heartbreak drive her from her family and seek solitude or young Twila who has to overcome an eating disorder and realize what triggered it.

As I said before I highly recommend this book,it is wonderful, realistic and thought provoking. As a women who struggles with body image and knowing that many women do struggle with it as well, this book really spoke to me and made me understand that we truly are made in God's image and are beautiful the way we are. And whether we are struggling with an eating disorder or with being overweight that God longs to see us as He sees us, which is beautiful beyond compare.

[Colleen Fauchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have already sent the author a thank you message. The story is told by the 4 main characters. I love that the Lord is one of the main people in this book.

Ellyn - Chef, cafe owner, hard worker and she is my age. Ellyn has weight issues, she struggles to accept who she is and all she sees is fat. She is kind,giving and funny. Her inner voice Earl keeps her in the pit. She only wants Miles as a friend

Twila - A lovely young woman with wisdom beyond her years. She also has struggles with an eating disorder. Ellyn and Twial get together to encourage each other.

Sabina - A woman in grief over the loss of one of her patients she was counceling. So she is in hiding but not for long when Ellyn and her meet up and bring out the best and worst in each other.

Miles - The Doctor who's wife died 2 years before. He is strong, dependiable, lovely and he wants more than just a friendship with Ellyn. He gets along side each of the woman and helps them in anyway he can. Such a sweet man.

As the woman face their issues and allow the Lord to heal them. They have each other to support and encourage. They bring out the best in each other and learn what it is to love, to heal,to forgive and to move on. And miles helps in anyway he can as he waits upon the Lord for Ellyn heart to melt for him.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the simple conversations that the characters had with God. I also enjoyed how the friendship between Sabina and Ellyn was developed, it felt very real. Ellyn's struggle over body image and self-worth also was very real. The quote from Saint Augustine "Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars and they pass by themselves without wondering." The simple story line was made clear from the beginning and did not waiver much through the story. It was sweet and predictable. I hate giving it only three stars, because I want to encourage Christian writers to write the reality of our faith, which I believe Yttrup did. However, it was not five star literature. A sweet, charming story for a Summer's read. Imago Dei.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Invisible was different than most, not overly romantic, not a mystery, but very deep. It tugs at your soul strings. I am sure most anyone could find at least one thing in common with this book. One minute I laughed, the next I cried as these ladies stories unveiled. I loved the way the author intertwined three completely different characters on the surface with equal needs underneath. The importance she put on recognizing our inner beauty vs how we see ourselves outwardly, and the fact that in each one of us is a reflection of our Creator. This is a powerfully moving story. A must read in my opinion! Realizing we are created in the Image of our Creator has to make us re-think our self-image.

*Received this book from Handlebar for review purposes. All opinions are my own!*

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say to please read the authors letter in the back of the book. Now, I loved this book and found it insightful with a powerful message about shame and how it can imprison us and how only believing what God says is true about us can we be free. It doesn't happen overnight but is a lifelong process.
This book is from Scribd- For a free 60 day free trial use the following referral link-
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[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read twice. Invisible is an awesome novel from the first sentence to the last. The story is told from four different POVs, three women and a man, who's lives intersect. Each character has a unique "voice" so the story is not confusing, but engaging and heart wrenching and warming. Some of the Christian views expressed are different than my own, but this did not detract from the incredible story. The beautiful seaside setting of Invisible is also perfect. Very well done Christian fiction for adults.

[Pam Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that helped both my friend and I who could relate to characters in regards to our relationships with food and healing. Although I consider myself more spiritual than religious I enjoyed the references in the book and adored the Saint Augustine quotes I will be adding that to my to read list. A book with a great story and healing messages.

[Laura Van Nice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A probing book about how we see ourselves and how others see us. I loved the recurring reminder that we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" even if we are not society's idea of perfection.

The characters were engaging and each of their heart breaking circumstances was presented in such a way as to make me long for a positive resolution. The ending was pitch perfect.

[Emily (Heinlen) Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! It has great characters and a great story! It grabs you from the beginning and won't let you go. I highly recommend it!

[Kathy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book! The characters were authentic and real and relatable. Very thought provoking. Looking forward to reading more from this author.