No Longer Invisible

by Marbeth Skwarczynski

The countdown is on.Julia can keep her head down, stay quiet, and become practically invisible if that’s all it takes to survive the next two weeks. But life is never that easy. A stolen note leads to a church-wide scandal, and Julia’s dreams of leaving the sprawling town of Sampson, Arizona, are dashed to pieces. She won’t be walking with her graduating class, and now Julia’s parents insist she’ll have to stay home for another year. She’s lost the privilege of working at Camp Galilee during the summer, and college plans are on hold. According to her parents, Julia needs more discipline in her life.But when Julia realizes she can no longer endure the punishments her parents insist are discipline, she calls the one person she hopes can rescue her. Nana believes in taking up space, speaking up, and being seen. She has much to teach, and her granddaughter, Julia, is ready to learn.When a woman is truly free, she’s no longer invisible.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2021

About the author

Like 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.

Reviews

[Amy Patten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hit incredibly close to home. Of the 5 books, this is one that took some time to get through. It’s told from the viewpoint of an abused teen, who is weeks away from graduating high school. Her one desire is to get away and hopefully marry Jack. Unfortunately, those dreams…both graduating and running away…are aggressively taken away due to a severe beating at the hands of her father, at the behest of the Church leadership. She finds herself in her grandmother’s care afterwards, healing, discovering who she really is, and that she is indeed stronger than she was ever given credit for. She also discovers the sinister truth about Jack, and her own brother. There is also more character development of a couple of characters from Book 1 in this book, as they are supporting characters. Despite the pitfalls the main character has, she learns she is no longer the invisible person she once thought she was, but instead a valued and loved individual.

[Joyce Jarrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hard hitting book. Yikes. I have never read a story from the point of view of an abused teen. I read this through in about 24 hours, and felt many emotions. Marbeth does an amazing job of exposing the sins of so called "church people" and contrasts them with genuine, loving, joyful, giving Christians who know how to enjoy what is good. (I have a couple of acquaintances who grew up in repressive, fundamentalist homes, and those acquaintances have turned to Wicca and such Christian spiritual practices. ) I love how this author shows how someone can escape demented "Christianity" and embrace the living God and true Christian fellowship. She writes the trauma and recovery in a way that seems very believable.

[Catherine Brusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skwarczynski has done it again! This series is so refreshing within the Christian fiction genre and “No Longer Invisible” only adds to it with extreme authenticity. A story of a young woman trapped in a horrible life of physical abuse and her escape, renewed courage, new found freedom, and opportunity for justice. Realistic truth is told in this story and darkness is revealed so that Jesus shines brightly for who He is, despite us and despite sin. I highly recommend checking out these entire series and am looking forward to all the stories to come!

[Kelly Zeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in a series that tackles tough subjects relevant in the Christian community and once again Marybeth gripped me throughout the story. I could relate in *some* way to all of the various issues brought up and she did such a great job of bringing the story to life. Every book is better than the one before in my opinion. My heart broke for Julia and rejoiced with her, as well. Loving this series so much.

[Patricia Household · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling book in this series. There is so much redemption in this author's stories, but it sadly comes out of abuse and pain that is really happening in some churches. Julia's journey from the victim of horrible abuse by her father, which was condoned by the church leaders, to a confident and competent person is an excellent story. Marbeth Skwarczynski helps us to believe that healing is possible.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing,deep, and just plain raw book from Marbeth. This is so legit and real. There is so much pain in the church, especially now. We as Christians need to be real about that, and that's what Marbeth has done with this book.

The best part, though, is that Jesus still is the healer of that pain, and that hurt. She reminds us that God's people are not perfect, but He and His love is.

Thank you for another book that doesn't sugarcoat things. Can't wait to read the rest of them!

[Christina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult but important read

This book gutted me, showed me what happens when we don't allow scripture to be used correctly and when we give people too much power.

While I know this isn't common, unfortunately it isn't uncommon and that breaks my heart. I enjoyed seeing Julia grow and understand truth and for those around her to love and care for her well.

[Richsonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about an abused teen who has to learn that she is no longer invisible but that she is loved by God.
“Discipline isn’t about punishment, it’s training. Jesus had disciples, and He didn’t beat them up or spank them or hold their hands in the fire. He taught them. He encouraged them. Discipline is about walking with someone to show them the right way to live.”

[Joy Omeliantschuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legalism at its finest!

I found a new author and love her books! What a difference true love makes. It is hard to believe this goes on in churches today. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series! This one is about parental abuse to one child. Can be tough to read but God is good through it. Series is a must read!