Strains of Silence

Before I even get into this review there are disclaimers that I need to provide. This book could be a ginormous trigger on several issues for some readers. I say ginormous because while it is triggering it is also redeeming. A book of hope and overcoming through faith. This book tackles the very heavy topics of dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. It’s not graphic but it’s not cozy either. Statistically, if these topics don’t affect you personally they definitely affect people you know. Christian’s are not immune from these traumas and they are not set aside to just those ‘of the world’ so to speak.

I loved this book. It was told with a refreshing honesty and depth that is hard to find in Christian fiction that deals with heavy topics. I’ve read more than my fair share of glossy ‘Jesus heals all’ books, both fiction and nonfiction. Guess what? Jesus helps you heal, he doesn’t do the hard part. Jesus gives you hope, he doesn’t take away the need for hope. Jesus gives you love, even when you feel unlovable. Jesus is not a magic wand that lets you say a prayer and come away ‘fixed’. Before I get too deep into all the ways I loved this book I want to tell you why it’s only 4 star for me. You know the idea that people of a like mind tend to find each other? Yeah, that. Every character in this books seems to be touched, in some way, by the topics of this book. Roommate? Similar experiences. New love interest? Sister in a similar situation. Roommate’s boyfriend? Yup, murdered sister with a potentially similar situation. Outside of Kasia’s family everyone is healing their own situations. It felt a lot overdone. Statistically, completing possible but it was too much for fiction. The other meh thing for me was that while I appreciated that the story didn’t drag it’s feet getting into the heart of the matter, it did lack a lot in overall character development and even some areas of story development. I wasn’t given enough of that magical ‘it’ factor to fully fall head over heels for the characters and situations. I loved them, I embraced them, I cried with them and rejoiced with them but I wasn’t all in so to speak.

I loved that, while this book was deeply rooted in a foundation of faith, faith wasn’t treated as a cure all. While there was a conversion or two, the individuals didn’t walk away with their worlds all figured out. I get very frustrated at the books that set a person up to give their life to Christ and then suddenly they are reading the Bible like it’s a novel and it all makes sense and the truths of the gospel are embedded into their entire being and prayer and understanding are like a light switch that was turned on. That’s not how this works, it’s not how any of this works! I love that Zan determined to understand instead of instantly understanding. I love that he tried to figure it out and admitted he didn’t quite get it all. I love that it wasn’t an insta-faith but a growing faith. I loved that when Kasia learned to embrace the love and understanding of her friends and family it wasn’t an insta-fix. She still struggled to accept that they loved her despite what was done to her and what she chose to participate in. Let’s face it, that is more true than any of the insta-s out there. Insta is for fiction that isn’t confident in honesty.

The truth is that this book takes a negative relationship and shows the struggles and obstacles that are blocking the path to healing. This book takes the truth that even those with deep faith can struggle. This book provides the idea that with the love in God and from God struggles can be overcome. It doesn’t have to be struggles like domestic violence and sexual assault. Every hurt that we struggle with lends itself to the need to fall into God’s arms and his love and his acceptance. I loved this book. The healing appeal has a relevance in both a Christian and secular world. The message that healing is hard work but can be done. The idea that to truly heal you must face what you fear most (whether within yourself or from an external source). The idea that God won’t take it away but he will help you through.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Strains of Silence

The book deals with a serious subject and how the Lord helped them become strong and overcome. Kasia got in a bad relationship and did not go well when she broke it off and the same for Bailey who was Zan’s sister who Kasia becomes friends with. I love Christina Fiction and this one was a good one. The book is about people around early twenties but I still loved the book even with being older. Loved the family relationships and friends. The book was longer than a lot of books I read but the reading of it went fast since Bethany’s writing was very good on how she wrote the characters and scenes. Kept my interest though out the book. This is a book that I won’t forget about because the characters became like part of my family. I would definitely recommend the book. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and will be reading more by Bethany.

Strains of Silence is a debut offering by Bethany Kaczmarek and is a well-written heartfelt story that deals with a gritty and very real and raw issue of abuse and the impact it has on the lives involved. Abusive relationships are often portrayed as hopeless situations but this author leaves readers with a very strong message of hope and acceptance no matter what has happened in the past. Emotions and actions are portrayed realistically and the characters, too, are believably depicted with their foibles and faults as well as their strengths. I like the image of the father in this story, how he believed in Kasia and loved her unconditionally, such a wonderful picture of our Heavenly Father. There is a strong thread of faith in a personal and living God throughout the book, intricately woven with the message of redemption and grace, and the importance of family and friends. A compelling story not to be missed.

I have not read that many Christian romances but I did enjoy this one for the most part. It wasn't too preachy although there was a lot of "religion" in it. It follows the path of a young woman who is engaged to a possessive and dominating fiance. She somehow finds the strength to leave him, but after a period of time away, he unfortunately begins to stalk her. She meets Zan as the story progresses and becomes friends with him. Difficult topics covered but definitely worth reading. Very emotional at times but really liked it!

Strains of Silence

by Bethany Kaczmarek

Pelican Book Group

Christian , Teens & YA

Pub Date 21 Jul 2017



I am reviewing a copy of Strains of Silence through Pelican Books and Netgalley:


Kasia Bernolak was once passionate and driven by music, it was her passion and truest expression of faith. Three months before her wedding she can't even pick up her guitar. She feels like a fraud and is afraid of ruining her Dad's Pastoral relationship. She feels so guilty, she can barely meet her Father's eyes. When Kasia finally finds it in her to break off the engagement but the dangerous truth is Blake Hamilton isn't ready to say goodbye and he will do whatever it takes to keep her.


Alexander "Zan" Maddox has seen what a domineering man like Blake can do to an unexpecting woman. Zan is sick of the injustice and pain men like this cause. He even gave up a college scholarship to protect his sister from an abusive husband. Now he finds himself rescuing Kasia from her ex-finance, even pointing herself personal body guard. Now he just needs to stop himself for falling for Kasia.

Kasia and Zan quickly build a friendship, but are they willing to pay the cost for true healing and Justice?

I give Strains of Silence five out of five stars!


Happy Reading

Abuse stalking, assault and rape and healing are the themes of this intriguing novel. How do the victims deal this these things? How can friends help and support them? How can one stop being a victim or feeling guilty? This novel tries do give christian answers to these questions in a language appealing to young readers.
The main character has got some incredibly good friends and a supporting family that can be examples for all of us.

This was a complete surprise and a extremely emotional journey, sometimes I felt like they crammed too much at you at times so I deducted 1 star