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A SIMPLE MATTER OF HOPE AND JOY
ABOUT THE A Simple Matter Of Hope And Eric David Matthews can?t imagine why God would select him for anything. He?s a longtime business owner with no interest in the Creator of the Universe, and no remaining zest for life. Unexpectedly, he meets a woman of devout faith who tells him what Jesus has done in her life. In quick order, Eric turns his middle-aged and mundane life over to God. He soon finds himself in a whirlwind of divinely-guided activity, discovering that the Lord will and can use anyone - young or old. Though the weeks and months ahead aren?t all smooth sailing, Eric remains ever-faithful as he experiences love, joy, sorrow, fear, and rejuvenation. One demanding and persistent question keeps racing through his Does God have a specific calling in mind for him? At just the right time, Eric receives the answer he?s been looking for, along with a brand new zest for life.
- GenresAudiobook
126 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 7, 2021
A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy is a debut inspirational novella by author Nathan Menoian. Through fictional characters, Eric, Marsha, and Sid, readers are given insight into what it means to become a person of devout faith.
The book may stop one in their tracks to thoughtfully examine their own life and recognize a change of focus might be needed. A change that will bring a new purpose to life. I enjoyed the diversity of the three main characters and how they responded to the spiritual lessons they were discovering in God's 'class of divine learning'. Their responses were realistic and relatable, as they portrayed love, joy, and hope, as well as doubts and fears of failure. The story is well-written and the author has woven insights from the Scriptures throughout and a bit of romance as well. I enjoyed reading about Eric's journey from a man who had no relationship with God, a man whose imperfections were too many to be of any value to the Creator, or so he thought, to a man who followed hard after God and found a new passion for life. Readers who are searching for hope and joy, who have questions about the essence of life, may find answers to those questions and find a way to a life that is more of what God planned for them in this thought-provoking book.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
The book may stop one in their tracks to thoughtfully examine their own life and recognize a change of focus might be needed. A change that will bring a new purpose to life. I enjoyed the diversity of the three main characters and how they responded to the spiritual lessons they were discovering in God's 'class of divine learning'. Their responses were realistic and relatable, as they portrayed love, joy, and hope, as well as doubts and fears of failure. The story is well-written and the author has woven insights from the Scriptures throughout and a bit of romance as well. I enjoyed reading about Eric's journey from a man who had no relationship with God, a man whose imperfections were too many to be of any value to the Creator, or so he thought, to a man who followed hard after God and found a new passion for life. Readers who are searching for hope and joy, who have questions about the essence of life, may find answers to those questions and find a way to a life that is more of what God planned for them in this thought-provoking book.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
June 7, 2023
This review is for the audiobook.
Story Impressions –
A spiritual journey is never simple, as this audiobook proves, but the experience is nothing short of joyful. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and its message. The narrator makes the characters and story come alive. We all wonder if God has a plan for us and can relate to everything Eric goes through. If you’re looking for an extra dose of zest in your life, you’ll want to give A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy a listen.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Rich Germaine is a superb narrator, one of the best I’ve heard. His voice creates the imagery needed to follow the story.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
There were many times I would close my eyes and could picture what was going on. Rich also invokes emotion while reading.
Narrator’s reading style –
Rich’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully invested in the story.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to create an excellent reading experience.
Narrator’s pacing –
The narrator’s pacing is unhurried in parts, fast in others, which comes across as natural ebbs and flows of the story. It’s a superb performance.
Audiobook flow –
The flow of the audiobook is in harmony with the flow of the story. I immersed myself in the story and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What makes this audiobook unique –
What makes this unique is the storyline and the way Rich brought it to life. It wasn’t a reading, but a drama come to life.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! I would recommend this to any reader looking for a speculative fiction to read. There is a full cast of characters and Rich brings each one to life. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
Story Impressions –
A spiritual journey is never simple, as this audiobook proves, but the experience is nothing short of joyful. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and its message. The narrator makes the characters and story come alive. We all wonder if God has a plan for us and can relate to everything Eric goes through. If you’re looking for an extra dose of zest in your life, you’ll want to give A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy a listen.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Rich Germaine is a superb narrator, one of the best I’ve heard. His voice creates the imagery needed to follow the story.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
There were many times I would close my eyes and could picture what was going on. Rich also invokes emotion while reading.
Narrator’s reading style –
Rich’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully invested in the story.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to create an excellent reading experience.
Narrator’s pacing –
The narrator’s pacing is unhurried in parts, fast in others, which comes across as natural ebbs and flows of the story. It’s a superb performance.
Audiobook flow –
The flow of the audiobook is in harmony with the flow of the story. I immersed myself in the story and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What makes this audiobook unique –
What makes this unique is the storyline and the way Rich brought it to life. It wasn’t a reading, but a drama come to life.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! I would recommend this to any reader looking for a speculative fiction to read. There is a full cast of characters and Rich brings each one to life. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
December 5, 2023
Priorities, Priorities
Great Christian life story about prioritizing life with Jesus.
4.5/5
Great Christian life story about prioritizing life with Jesus.
4.5/5
June 7, 2023
Story Impressions –
A spiritual journey is never simple, as this audiobook proves, but the experience is nothing short of joyful. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and its message. The narrator makes the characters and story come alive. We all wonder if God has a plan for us and can relate to everything Eric goes through. If you’re looking for an extra dose of zest in your life, you’ll want to give A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy a listen.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Rich Germaine is a superb narrator, one of the best I’ve heard. His voice creates the imagery needed to follow the story.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
There were many times I would close my eyes and could picture what was going on. Rich also invokes emotion while reading.
Narrator’s reading style –
Rich’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully invested in the story.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to create an excellent reading experience.
Narrator’s pacing –
The narrator’s pacing is unhurried in parts, fast in others, which comes across as natural ebbs and flows of the story. It’s a superb performance.
Audiobook flow –
The flow of the audiobook is in harmony with the flow of the story. I immersed myself in the story and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What makes this audiobook unique –
What makes this unique is the storyline and the way Rich brought it to life. It wasn’t a reading, but a drama come to life.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! I would recommend this to any reader looking for a speculative fiction to read. There is a full cast of characters and Rich brings each one to life. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
A spiritual journey is never simple, as this audiobook proves, but the experience is nothing short of joyful. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and its message. The narrator makes the characters and story come alive. We all wonder if God has a plan for us and can relate to everything Eric goes through. If you’re looking for an extra dose of zest in your life, you’ll want to give A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy a listen.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Rich Germaine is a superb narrator, one of the best I’ve heard. His voice creates the imagery needed to follow the story.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
There were many times I would close my eyes and could picture what was going on. Rich also invokes emotion while reading.
Narrator’s reading style –
Rich’s reading style is the perfect rhythm, allowing the listener to be fully invested in the story.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Everything from his pacing to the inflection in his voice to the recreation of the characters to the emotional impact on the listener all combine to create an excellent reading experience.
Narrator’s pacing –
The narrator’s pacing is unhurried in parts, fast in others, which comes across as natural ebbs and flows of the story. It’s a superb performance.
Audiobook flow –
The flow of the audiobook is in harmony with the flow of the story. I immersed myself in the story and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What makes this audiobook unique –
What makes this unique is the storyline and the way Rich brought it to life. It wasn’t a reading, but a drama come to life.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! I would recommend this to any reader looking for a speculative fiction to read. There is a full cast of characters and Rich brings each one to life. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews