Book Review - The Daughters of Mersey Square - By Pam Howes - Publication Date: 17 January 2023

 

Sins and secrets get found out and they certainly did in this story.  Some of the story is down-home, cozy family setting but overall not to my taste.  I do not care to read of so much lust and bedroom intimacies.  As far as the dynamics of actual writing goes, the author knows how to weave a story so that those reading with more liberal mindsets may like the narrative.

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                        December 2023

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read reveiw on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Austrian Bride - By Helen Parusel - Publication Date: 15 January 2024

 This is the second Helen Parusel novel I've been privileged to read and review.  Once again the author does not disappoint.  There is plenty to raise the hairs on your arms, and many heart-gripping and stopping moments.  This historical novel is set, obviously in Austria, just pre- and during WWII under Hitler's Reich.  We often hear about what happened to the Jews in the concentration camps and so on.  This work takes a look at the citizens, what they endured and how some resisted.  I praise the author in how she wove all this together:  the kindnesses, the courage, but also the cruelty of mankind, which in my opinion gave the reader a 'feel' for those times.

In the novel we meet Ella, who attended the Bride School.  Had never heard of this angle before so it was of interest to me.  Then there was Max and what he turned out to be.  I found it all quite realistic.

The only caution I have about this book is the few bedroom scene intimacies described, which I would rather not have read.  Other than that, this has been a great read.

4 star rating from me.

                                         ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                     December 2023

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Mission Churchill - By Alex Abella - Publication Date: 15 January 2024

 

Although the author Alex Abella has many published books and acclaim therefrom under his belt, there was something about this book I just couldn't get very hooked into.  I did skim over some parts, I confess, but otherwise read to the end of the book.  Perhaps, it just was not my cup of tea.

Others may find the life of Winston Churchill being in the line of fire of an assassin's gun of interest.  I did learn a thing or two about him though as this is rather a plausable work of historical fiction, given the facts of such atttempts on this volatile man.  Thompson was a handy man to have around too.

On a more positive note, I did find the multicultural input somewhat absorbing, especially since I don't know much about Cuba's history.

Those who do not wish to read about bedroom intimacies should take caution.

                                             ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                            October 2023

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy given by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Trans-Mongolian Express - By David L. Robbins - Publication Date: 15 January 2024

 

Who would have thought a train ride could have so much drama!  Never a dull moment of intense happening.  Dr Lara, Anton, Timur, Bjorn, Gang and Bat, among other characters, board that Trans-Monogolian Express to their peril.

David L. Robbins crafts such a delicious spine-chilling, thrilling tale centered around the catalyst of Chernobyl reactors and therefore things nuclear.  Some of the technical-related jargon may cause some to become bogged down like it did for me.  I confess I skimmed over that but since the rest of the narrative spews, sparks and spawns mystery and secret puzzles to solve, it was easy enough to overlook and reconnect with the drama.  I suspect physicists and those in related to nuclear terminology will likely find extra interest in this thriller.

I loved Robbins' many bursts of unusual turnout of words.  For instance, instead of saying a character shook so-an-so's hand, the tweak was, "he took his hand for a shake," almost as if "he took his dog for a walk".   Of course, it's better seen in context.   I'd love to list more but I'll refrain.  Ha, ha, you'll just have to board that train for yourself.

The only reticence I have about this book is that some readers may not like to read about intimate bedroom scenes.

                                                 ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                             September 2023

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Fix Your Thoughts (Hebrews 3)

 

We have so many things on our minds that it can be chaos up in our heads betimes and we can become anxious, overexcited, angry and so on.  This thinking is like talking to yourself and it can be a noisy cacophony.

Yet no one else can hear it.  All that's going on inside even if it looks like a calm exterior.  True, there could be happy thoughts circulating, or thinking of a challenge you are eager to encounter.  Nevertheless there are the sad, or angry thoughts, perhaps even of wanting to get revenge on someone and if you don't stop yourself there could be dire consequences.  On the other hand, when a person fixes on thinking 'kind', acts of kindness could result.  This is a good thing, of course.  

When our thoughts are fixed on something we will often take a follow-through action.  Then people will know what we had been thinking about.  James and John's mother had been thinking of getting her sons into a VIP position.  She asked Jesus to let them sit beside Him in the Kingdom of God.  The other 10 disciples reacted in jealousy (see Matthew 20:20-28).

Most mothers think great things for their children.  Nevertheless, they and everyone else have to be careful how they think as by default domino theory, the thinking put into action could cause trouble for others.

It's good to be thoughtful about our thoughts.  Asking yourself, "If I do this, what could potentially happen next?"  I don't play chess but I've seen enough of others playing Chinese Chess to know the players must consider well, not just the current move but the next and next and next and so on, moves.  I think you get the picture.  They must 'fix their thoughts' on the moves to make and when and how.

Taking all this into the spiritual arena, note that Hebrews 3:1 implores us to,

"fix your thoughts on Jesus."

Why?

To start off, He is our apostle and high priest.  He is faithful.  He is worthy of greater honor than Moses.  He is the builder of God's house.  In fact, Jesus is the Son over God's House.  Jesus is in charge.

When we fix our thoughts on all of the above and more about Jesus, we will have our minds full of Christ.  These are healthy thoughts for us to have both spiritually and physically, not to mention mentally.  He will help us sort out our whirling minds.

As we fix our thoughts more and more upon Jesus Christ, we will think of his greatness and goodness.  We will think of truth, purity, excellent and praiseworth things (see Philippians 4:8).

We will recall Jesus is Superior to all, that He is in charge of God's House (we can let go and let God), and then we can grow an unshakeable relationship with Him.  Our thoughts will make us take good, positive actions like Jesus would do.  Talk to yourself about Jesus - fix your thoughts on Him.

Father God, we sure do wish to fix our thoughts on Your Son Jesus.  He is the builder of everything good, especially of your house.  Thank You for putting Him in charge so we can rest our minds, thoughts and hearts in His tender loving care.  He is indeed worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.

As you know our "spirits are willing but our flesh is weak" (see Matthew 26:41), we beseech You to help us fix our thoughts upon Jesus so that our actions will be what makes Him happy and reflect Jesus Himself.  In Jesus' name we give You our thanks.  Amen.

                                                    ~ERC  December 2023~

Based on Hebrews 3:1-4; Matthew 20:20-28; Philippians 4:8.

Sing,  Let Us Fix Our Eyes Upon Jesus, along with Christian Music Ministries.

Book Review - Margot's Secret - Roberta Kagan - Publiation Date: 10 January 2024

 

Another heart-pounding, tragic saga - the third book in the Margot's Secret series.  It may well sweep you off your feet, so beware.  The ending of the book appears promise of yet another sequel.

The historical work of fiction is set during WWII depicting the ruthlessness and brutality of Hitler and his Nazi's.  In my opinion, this portrayal may be too realistic for some readers, but I feel it is good to know what people went through during that time.

One other caution is that some readers may not wish to read of intimate bedroom scenes.  Other than that, it was a very satisfactory read and I hold out for the hope of a fourth-in-the-series book, although I do not know if that is planned.

                                                 ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                             January 2024

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Son Over God's House (Hebrews 3:1-6)

"But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house.  And we are His house if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast" (Hebrews 3:6)

God has a house and has put His Son Jesus in charge of it.  Or, should I say, of us - those who have faith in Him and have become His followers.  We need to hold on to our courage and hope.  It's reassuring to know that Christ is faithful.

Christ being faithful is like an anchor for our souls upon which to hold fast.  This is why we can have hope in this house.  It is why we can also take courage along the days and years of our lives.  He will hold us unshakeably fast even through our turbulent times.

"We are His house" means each believer.  Another name for God's House is 'Kingdom of God'.  We enter this house by accepting Jesus who is the door of this house (see John 10:7).  Once we have entered we begin our relationship with Him; we are His children.

As a child of His, He is in charge of us.  We need to obey.  Reading God's Word will show us what and how to obey.  This is Him talking to us.  We can then talk to Him through prayer.  As we read, obey and pray we can grow, grow, grow in our faith, trust, courage and hope.

These all add up, strengthening our relationship with Him.  When each brother and sister-in-Christ does the same, we also strengthen our bonds with each other and the church.

This house is the family of God.  As His sons and daughters we are free to invite others 'home' - to come to Jesus.  Let us become faithful like Christ and let Him be in charge of our lives.

Faithful Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me into Your home You are in charge of.  I want to trust and obey You and grow and strengthen my relationship withYou.  Help me to have the courage to invite others to come into Your house too.  

In Your name I ask.  

Amen.

                                               ~ERC  December 2023~

Based on Hebrews 3:1-6, especially vs 6.

Sing, Come and Go With Me to My Father's House, along with Our Daily Bread for Kids.