Book Review - The Physician of Nineveh - By Glenn Cooper - Publication Date: 3 September 2025

 I have enjoyed reading this historical thriller.  It was fun delving into the lives of peoples of the ancient past and how those times collided with the present.  Kate kind of got herself into a twist, as did Mannu, in a very novel way.  Some romance connecting the dots gave added seasoning, enticing this reader on.

There was some sexual content that some readers may find objectional.  Overall, there was suspense, some parts made me laugh and I was well satisfied with the ending - an outcome I dearly hoped for.  So I came to the last page still happy.

                                          ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                         August 2025

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

Read reviw on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Pit Girl - By Lynette Rees - Publication Date: 10 September 2025

 

A bittersweet story unfolds in The Pit Girl.  A reader will see Mari, the central character, help hold her family together all the while it is devastatingly being wrenched apart by her dad's behavior and her older brother Bryn's mishap.  There is a great glimpse of what the life of a coal miner is like:  the work and the feeling of working underground, the seriousness of adhering to protocols, ever aware of the dangers and hazards as mostly seen through Mari's eyes.  

I found the story to be engaging despite the sadnesses, the ups and downs, of a day in the life of a miner and mining community.  I was able to read through quickly and with interest.  I appreciated the faith-based input as well.

I believe there is genuine appeal for any reader but in my opinion, miner families will be able to relate the best as the fears and tensions they live with, or have lived with on a daily basis, are felt.

                                            ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           August 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Nobodies - By Warren Adler - Publication Date: 29 August 2025

 

The exploitation of a genius, betrayal extra-ordinaire, depravity of mankind at its worst, violence, greed, power struggles, and more, all lend to this tale, creating chock full, non-stop suspense and action.  Just watch out for the nobodies!

Another caution is the liberal sprinkling of foul language that some potential readers may find offensive.  However, despite the fact that all this type of action is definitely not my cup of tea, I do believe it is a well-written narrative.  Afterall, Warren Adler was a well-seasoned author.  It is his offspring who keep his work alive.

                                                   ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                               July 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads. 

Book Review - Changing Seasons for the Country Nurse (Book 2) - By Kate Eastham - Publication Date: 22 August 25

 Some tears and laughter, and good-hearted camaraderie characterize this story of village life along with Lara Flynn and Marion, the Country Nurses.  I found the narrative quaint yet endearing.  I like Mrs. Hewit's caring character and her keeping everyone in line.  There was some mystery and a whisper of romance.  I appreciated that it was also a clean read although some of the doctors and vets may have imbibed a bit too much.  

Although this book is the second in the Diary of a Country Nurse series, I believe it can function well as a stand alone.  However, I feel I have missed out on some connections, so potential readers may prefer to read the first in the series first (A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse), to get some of the backstory.

Overall, I found this narrative to be a satisfactory read.

                                                  ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                          July 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.

The Difference (Luke 3:3 ESV)

 

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the type of baptism John the Baptizer proclaimed and the reason for baptism post, the cross of Jesus Christ?  That is, when a person has accepted Jesus as Savior.

I just read Luke 3:3 ESV, which states that John was proclaiming ...

" ... a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."

This was preparing the way for Jesus and the meaning of baptism for believers in Jesus Christ.  How so?

The people of John the forerunner's day had to repent of their sins first before he would baptise them.  On the other hand, the baptism post-faith in Jesus Christ, is in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit after a person professes that by faith,  have admitted their sins and need of a Savior and His forgiveness.  Both types show a repentance of sins.  However, the baptism for a Christian also proclaims their faith in Jesus Christ.  After all, John had announced that Jesus was more powerful than he (vs 16).

These are imporant to take note of I believe so we do NOT equate that baptism make a person a Christian.  Faith first, then repentance and acceptance of salvation.  Then baptism announcing that faith.  I

Baptism can be quite a hurdle for new believers especially if one comes from a non-Christian family.  But this too involves obedience to God's word (see Matthew 28:18-20).  

" ... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded ..." (vs 20).

Making disciples means teaching to obey ALL of God's commands starting with baptism.  

No one can see a person's heart, except for God.  Therefore, the proclamation of faith is a visual and vital way of letting our family and others know where we stand.

These have been my days' ponderings getting sorted in my mind.  I trust and pray that all who read this will also have clarity.

May it be so Lord, Amen.

                                              ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Luke 3:3 (ESV).

Sing, My Hope is Built On Nothing Less (On Christ the Solid Rock), along with Sovereign Grace Music.

Lord's Day Devotion - Keep Looking Up

 "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth"      (Colossians 3:2 ESV).

If we focus on that which is above, Jesus, our Heavenly Father and our Eternal Home, the things on earth will grow dimmer and not so overpowering, helping us to overcome more effectively, I believe.

We can taked courage and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  We can soar on His wings like an eagle, relying on His strength.

These are the privileges and benefits we have in Christ, all because we have put our faith and trust in the saving grace of Jesus and the work He has accomplished for us on the cross, through His death and subsequent resurrection on the third day.

For this we can praise the Lord over and above all earthly things.  As we reach for and partake of the broken bread this Lord's Day, think on these things.  Furthermore, when we sip from the cup of wine in remembrance of all He has done for us through the shedding of His blood, we can continue to set our minds on the things above.  In so doing we can praise the Lord from whom all blessing flow.

Lord Jesus, there is wonder-working power in Your blood, from whence we, Your children, have greatly benefited and are eternally - literally - grateful.  As we ponder on these things that are "from above," setting our minds upon them, You anchor us and are our "Anchor" as we often travel earthly roads that are difficult and challenging and that have tendancies of bringing our spirits down, making us anxious and often depressed.

So thank You so much for giving us that to which we can "keep looking up to," namely You, Yourself. Thank You, Jesus.  Amen.

                                                       ~ ERC  August 2025 ~

Based on Colossians 3:2 ESV.

Sing, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, along with Reawaken Hymns.

Book Review - The Girl From the War Room - By Catherine Law - Publication Date: 19 August 2025

 Another historical work of fiction spanning the effects of the Great War and the ongoing WWII in England.  A reader will see the tragedy of war and the awful effects but also the stalwart women who valiantly picked up jobs that were tough and deemed more as 'a man's work'.  Keeping war secrets was a challenge that confronted Cassie right in the face.

Throughout the story we see great family togetherness but also deep secrets within the family ties that once discovered, rocked the foundations of Cassie's being.  Romance comes in to play as well, with shocking discovery.  

I quite enjoyed this story and was sorry to have reached the last page.  All-in-all, it was a satisfying read.

                                                  ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                                     July 2025

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

Read review on Goodreads.