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Visible Signs
In the aftermath of the turbulent ’60s, unable to reconcile her monastic existence in upstate New York with the plight of the community’s poor, Sister Jude leaves the convent only to become ensnared in her best friend’s crumbling marriage.
Intimidated by her talented but overbearing husband, Vincent, a pregnant Connie shows up at Jude’s door with her two children in tow. Jude's mission to feed the hungry and free Connie from her weakness for Vincent is complicated by her own attraction to Matt, a passionate but burned-out activist, back from the inner city to work his family’s farm.
Tormented by Vincent’s treachery and Matt’s ultimatum, Jude learns how little she understands the vagaries of the heart.
And that her fierce faith and determination may not be enough to save Connie from her husband, the children from danger or herself from a fall from grace.
Intimidated by her talented but overbearing husband, Vincent, a pregnant Connie shows up at Jude’s door with her two children in tow. Jude's mission to feed the hungry and free Connie from her weakness for Vincent is complicated by her own attraction to Matt, a passionate but burned-out activist, back from the inner city to work his family’s farm.
Tormented by Vincent’s treachery and Matt’s ultimatum, Jude learns how little she understands the vagaries of the heart.
And that her fierce faith and determination may not be enough to save Connie from her husband, the children from danger or herself from a fall from grace.
344 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2022
6 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Grace Marcus
2 books13 followersGrace Marcus holds a Master in Theatre Arts from Montclair University. Visible Signs is her debut novel. An early version of the book was a semifinalist in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition.
She has been an actress, waitress, social worker, newspaper editor, and radio and cable TV show producer to name a few of the byways on her road to becoming an author. Her work has been published in Philadelphia Stories, The Bucks County Writer Magazine, Adanna Literary Journal, TheWritersEye, Women on Writing, Me First Magazine and Embark Literary Journal.
A Brooklyn native, she has lived on both coasts, and presently calls North Carolina home where she is working on a new novel.
If you belong to a book club and want Grace to visit in person (local) or via Zoom, email her at gracenotes@gracemarcus.com.
She has been an actress, waitress, social worker, newspaper editor, and radio and cable TV show producer to name a few of the byways on her road to becoming an author. Her work has been published in Philadelphia Stories, The Bucks County Writer Magazine, Adanna Literary Journal, TheWritersEye, Women on Writing, Me First Magazine and Embark Literary Journal.
A Brooklyn native, she has lived on both coasts, and presently calls North Carolina home where she is working on a new novel.
If you belong to a book club and want Grace to visit in person (local) or via Zoom, email her at gracenotes@gracemarcus.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 12, 2022
Human transgressions. Unrest. Change. They braid together the believable characters in Visible Signs, personalities sinister and calculating while others are innocent and kind. Just like real life.
Marcus does a fabulous job of capturing the incredulity of abuse and how it wears down its victim. Exhaustion is juxtaposed with energy, and abuse is juxtaposed with gentle generosity. Visible Signs is a garden of second chances, yielding a crop of strong women who have learned to stand on their own at a time when society offered few choices.
Beautifully written.
Marcus does a fabulous job of capturing the incredulity of abuse and how it wears down its victim. Exhaustion is juxtaposed with energy, and abuse is juxtaposed with gentle generosity. Visible Signs is a garden of second chances, yielding a crop of strong women who have learned to stand on their own at a time when society offered few choices.
Beautifully written.
July 8, 2022
Visible Signs is a fantastic book. I am a Catholic and gravitate toward novels that feature Catholic Religious.
Sister Jude is the main character. She takes a leave of absence from the convent to set up and run a Food Bank called Loaves and Fishes. In the secular world she is known as Rita. I especially appreciate the 'humaness' of Rita. She is both spiritual and 'practical'.
Her life is complicated by the plight of her long-standing friend Connie, who comes to her with two children and pregnant, fleeing from her abusive husband.
The plot is REAL and beautifully written. I found everything both plausible and compelling. I love all the Catholic allusions.
What I am worried about is the picture it might paint of Catholic beliefs and rules. It is the 1960's and the book portrays that divorce is a SERIOUS sin. I only know that now in the 2020's, divorce is not considered a sin at all, if there are extenuating circumstances. Potential readers might not understand that and it bothers me. If the author had just not alluded to divorce being a mortal sin, the book would have been five stars.
Strongly recommend to Catholics and all who want to expand their view of Catholic culture.
BTW, my copy included Discussion Questions which are unique in their thoughtfulness and approach.
4 stars
Sister Jude is the main character. She takes a leave of absence from the convent to set up and run a Food Bank called Loaves and Fishes. In the secular world she is known as Rita. I especially appreciate the 'humaness' of Rita. She is both spiritual and 'practical'.
Her life is complicated by the plight of her long-standing friend Connie, who comes to her with two children and pregnant, fleeing from her abusive husband.
The plot is REAL and beautifully written. I found everything both plausible and compelling. I love all the Catholic allusions.
What I am worried about is the picture it might paint of Catholic beliefs and rules. It is the 1960's and the book portrays that divorce is a SERIOUS sin. I only know that now in the 2020's, divorce is not considered a sin at all, if there are extenuating circumstances. Potential readers might not understand that and it bothers me. If the author had just not alluded to divorce being a mortal sin, the book would have been five stars.
Strongly recommend to Catholics and all who want to expand their view of Catholic culture.
BTW, my copy included Discussion Questions which are unique in their thoughtfulness and approach.
4 stars
February 23, 2024
Audiobook. Nice, middle of the road book. It was a bit boring in places but since it is about human relationships this boredom wasn’t out of place. I like two main female characters but male ones lack development, which makes some plot twists in the end too stretched out for the sake of closure. What I would really like to read more about is Rita’s inner journey to the decision she made in the end. It is central and important for the book but still very much on the surface for me, didn’t do much when she finally decided.
August 21, 2024
"Visible Signs" is a beautiful, lyric, and nuanced book. Set in the early 1970s, the story centers around the friendship between Rita and Connie, two girls from an Italian working class neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Beautiful and big-hearted Rita struggles with her spiritual vocation. She takes a sabbatical from her convent to open a food bank. She is weary of her convent's struggle to find its identity in Vactican II. She wishes the church addressed more "real world" problems.
Pregnant Connie takes her two young girls and leaves her abusive, charismatic husband to find sanctuary with Rita, her closest childhood friend. These characters are deftly formed and well-rounded. Connie's husband isn't an outright villain, but a complicated, artistically temperamental mix of sinner and saint. Manipulative but sincere in his contrition. We understand why he's difficult to leave permanently. We understand that Connie has lost her center, that she doesn't know who she is outside of a wife and mother. We understand the parts of her that have been unwilling sacrificed on the altar of convention.
The conflicts of the era-----Vietnam, Watergate, the dissolution of both the large extended and nuclear family----- provide additional texture.
While the Roman Catholic Church is portrayed as an overall force for good, it's also portrayed as archaic and unprepared for the Women's Movement reaching its nuns and wives, particularly those with heretical leanings or even reasonable aspirations.
This book avoids the mistake of easy answers. Every choice has a price and no one can have it all. Rita can have her food bank or she can have the community of the cloister. If she chooses the latter she loses the possibility of her own family.
At the same time present day readers will be aware of what we've lost in the American culture of today when compared to that era. This book evokes what I would call "clear-eyed" nostalgia. This is an era in which a lower middle class man's job could support a family, an era in which nearly any wife conceivably (pun intended) could be a stay at home. To evoke the title of an album from that era, this book is about "love songs and other negotiations."
Another reviewer describes "Visible Signs" as a "garden of second chances." I can't describe it better than that.
Beautiful and big-hearted Rita struggles with her spiritual vocation. She takes a sabbatical from her convent to open a food bank. She is weary of her convent's struggle to find its identity in Vactican II. She wishes the church addressed more "real world" problems.
Pregnant Connie takes her two young girls and leaves her abusive, charismatic husband to find sanctuary with Rita, her closest childhood friend. These characters are deftly formed and well-rounded. Connie's husband isn't an outright villain, but a complicated, artistically temperamental mix of sinner and saint. Manipulative but sincere in his contrition. We understand why he's difficult to leave permanently. We understand that Connie has lost her center, that she doesn't know who she is outside of a wife and mother. We understand the parts of her that have been unwilling sacrificed on the altar of convention.
The conflicts of the era-----Vietnam, Watergate, the dissolution of both the large extended and nuclear family----- provide additional texture.
While the Roman Catholic Church is portrayed as an overall force for good, it's also portrayed as archaic and unprepared for the Women's Movement reaching its nuns and wives, particularly those with heretical leanings or even reasonable aspirations.
This book avoids the mistake of easy answers. Every choice has a price and no one can have it all. Rita can have her food bank or she can have the community of the cloister. If she chooses the latter she loses the possibility of her own family.
At the same time present day readers will be aware of what we've lost in the American culture of today when compared to that era. This book evokes what I would call "clear-eyed" nostalgia. This is an era in which a lower middle class man's job could support a family, an era in which nearly any wife conceivably (pun intended) could be a stay at home. To evoke the title of an album from that era, this book is about "love songs and other negotiations."
Another reviewer describes "Visible Signs" as a "garden of second chances." I can't describe it better than that.
February 25, 2023
I liked this novel about the difficult choices of two women, and the consequences they face for seeking independence and their own definitions of community and connection--all in the context of sweeping societal upheaval of the 70s--Women's Liberation, Vatican II, resistance to US imperialism in Vietnam, and more.
I particularly resonated with Connie's desperate stand in the face of her husband's intense efforts to bring her and their children back to him. A close friend of mine suffered the fate with which Vince threatens her, and I accompanied her through that difficult time, so I felt Connie's story in the flesh (but am not including any spoilers!)
Speaking of avoiding spoilers, I'll just say that the book, while not a mystery or thriller, does have quite a bit of suspense, since we don't know until the end which way things will go for the two main characters, and what the ultimate choice of each will be.
Further, I liked that the author depicted social justice activism in a respectful, knowledgeable way, without stereotypes, and that the character Rita discovers the power of participation and community building.
Likewise, I appreciated that while the main characters were openly religious and Catholicism played a central role in their lives, the book is not preachy. Instead, we see the details of a modern (1970s) order of nuns and of a Catholic extended family in a straightforwardly positive light that does not feel overbearing or proselytizing.
I particularly resonated with Connie's desperate stand in the face of her husband's intense efforts to bring her and their children back to him. A close friend of mine suffered the fate with which Vince threatens her, and I accompanied her through that difficult time, so I felt Connie's story in the flesh (but am not including any spoilers!)
Speaking of avoiding spoilers, I'll just say that the book, while not a mystery or thriller, does have quite a bit of suspense, since we don't know until the end which way things will go for the two main characters, and what the ultimate choice of each will be.
Further, I liked that the author depicted social justice activism in a respectful, knowledgeable way, without stereotypes, and that the character Rita discovers the power of participation and community building.
Likewise, I appreciated that while the main characters were openly religious and Catholicism played a central role in their lives, the book is not preachy. Instead, we see the details of a modern (1970s) order of nuns and of a Catholic extended family in a straightforwardly positive light that does not feel overbearing or proselytizing.
May 31, 2022
Rita Mooney is tall, good looking and good at basketball. Her mother has strong faith, and so does she, though her father certainly does not. After her beloved mother dies, Rita becomes a nun because she felt the call. She chooses the name Sister Jude. More than anything Jude wants to help the poor of the community where she lives. Soon, however, she has a crisis of conscience when she cannot reconcile her cloistered existence with the tribulations of the people she sees living out of dumpsters. Then, too, there is her best friend, Connie, who is in an abusive relationship with her actor husband, Vince. While Connie's relationship spirals downward as she struggles to protect her children, Sister Jude desperately seeks her place in the world as she fights temptation and prays for guidance.
This beautifully written debut novel is upmarket women's fiction, but I strongly suspect it'll fascinate anyone who appreciates good writing. Grace Marcus is in complete control of her prose. Her characters walk off the page and into your head. Jude, Connie, Vince, the others -- they're all alive. There are no good guys or bad guys here -- the characters are fully rounded.
This beautifully written debut novel is upmarket women's fiction, but I strongly suspect it'll fascinate anyone who appreciates good writing. Grace Marcus is in complete control of her prose. Her characters walk off the page and into your head. Jude, Connie, Vince, the others -- they're all alive. There are no good guys or bad guys here -- the characters are fully rounded.
September 10, 2025
Visible Signs is a beautifully written and deeply human story that lingers long after the last page (or in my case, the last minute of the audiobook). Grace Marcus has a gift for creating layered, believable characters — Sister Jude, Connie, Vincent, and Matt each felt so real that I found myself caring about them as if they were people I knew.
What really struck me was the way Marcus captures the tension between faith, love, and personal freedom. The writing is lyrical yet grounded, and the emotional honesty gives the novel a rare authenticity. I especially loved how the setting, from the convent to the farm became almost a character itself, shaping the choices and struggles of everyone involved.
This is not just a story about leaving a convent or navigating a crumbling marriage; it’s about the complexity of human connection, the cost of loyalty, and the courage it takes to follow one’s heart even when it means walking into the unknown.
For a debut novel, this is extraordinary. Highly recommended for readers who love character-driven stories with moral depth, emotional resonance, and beautiful prose.
What really struck me was the way Marcus captures the tension between faith, love, and personal freedom. The writing is lyrical yet grounded, and the emotional honesty gives the novel a rare authenticity. I especially loved how the setting, from the convent to the farm became almost a character itself, shaping the choices and struggles of everyone involved.
This is not just a story about leaving a convent or navigating a crumbling marriage; it’s about the complexity of human connection, the cost of loyalty, and the courage it takes to follow one’s heart even when it means walking into the unknown.
For a debut novel, this is extraordinary. Highly recommended for readers who love character-driven stories with moral depth, emotional resonance, and beautiful prose.
October 31, 2023
Set in the turbulent 1970’s, VISIBLE SIGNS is the story of two friends who are re-evaluating their lives. Sister Jude, on leave from the convent, searches for the best path to support a life of service, and her best friend. Connie, seeks the strength and perseverance to leave an abusive marriage. With beautiful writing and vivid descriptions that bring this story to life, Grace Marcus has crafted a story that prompts the reader to pause and assess one’s own life choices. A deeply satisfying book that sticks with you.
November 3, 2023
Visible Signs by Grace Marcus
This is a book about choices. Some that were thrust upon the strong female characters, some that are considered as a matter of purpose in life. The writing is good, the plot interesting. It contains some domestic violence as well as the complications of love relationships. It also centers around the life-long friendship of the two main characters. (I always enjoy friendship stories.) It’s a fast read and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds
This is a book about choices. Some that were thrust upon the strong female characters, some that are considered as a matter of purpose in life. The writing is good, the plot interesting. It contains some domestic violence as well as the complications of love relationships. It also centers around the life-long friendship of the two main characters. (I always enjoy friendship stories.) It’s a fast read and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds
August 4, 2022
This is a thoughtful, powerful, moving story about friendship between women, Spirituality, faith, mothering, relationships, marriage, community, service, and so much more. I related to both of the main characters in different ways… Their stories will not be easily forgotten by me and I am going to read this book again. Highly recommend.
July 14, 2024
WOW! This is so well written that you have 2 strong women, Connie and Rita, in the political challenge MD times of the 1970s. Their stories will stay with you. It draws you in and keeps you wanting more. The turns that happened amazed me and kept me reading and wanting more. This is a great book that is so worth your time.
August 17, 2022
This is such a compelling, well written novel. I loved the major characters. All of the characters were well developed and believable. It was one of those novels you want to cheer for when you're done after cheering for the main character all the way through.
March 26, 2023
READ THIS. Not only is it good. It is published by an acquaintance. A former member of Bucks County writers group, Grace writes a story of friends, dramatic change and self discovery in a decade when women didn't much of a voice. My entire book club loved it.
Want to read
August 5, 2022Recommended by Anne Marie
September 1, 2023
3.5 on audio. Well written, although slow paced and boring in places.
December 20, 2023
This was a lovely book that I listened to on Scribd (Everand). I wish more people would give this book a try. I believe it would work for fans of Elizabeth Strout, Ann Patchett, and Wendell Berry.
January 4, 2024
A beautiful story of faith, love and friendship
stopped-reading
October 13, 2024Had a nice premise and would have liked to follow the story. Stopped reading due to the amount of swearing and using God's name in vain.
January 17, 2025
Very interesting story. You do have to stop and remember that it takes place in a different time. Anna would be my age now. It was a hard road, but a great ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews