Title: A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy
Author: Nathan Menoian
Genre: Christian/Inspirational Romance
Book Blurb:
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 heart: 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.
Excerpt:
Nobody is perfect, I reminded myself, but Marsha Sarah Kelly was pushing the envelope. She was likely the most complete woman I’d ever met…
If ever there was such a thing as a personality resume; hers would include wisdom, kindness, joy, love, humor, and integrity.
Our first date went so remarkably well that I couldn’t keep myself from replaying it. My heart and brain traded off highlights of the evening.
I loved how Marsha never once, that entire evening, made me uncomfortable about being biblically illiterate.
She was impressively kind, humble, and eloquent. Marsha was a quiet reflection of charm and poise.
She effortlessly held her head high – and never looked awkward doing so. Her shoulders were always straight, nearly military. And at my next observation, I chuckled, but it impressed me, she sipped from her water glass very ladylike. Her every move resonated graceful motion. And at no point was her voice any louder than it ought to have been.
I was honored that she trusted me enough to share her vulnerabilities. It was flattering to know she wished for a breakfast dance the morning we first met.
There were more personal confessions. Marsha had always been single and came to accept it, but couldn’t stop hating the heavy ‘chain of loneliness’ tormenting her heart.
I was lonely too. No way out and no way up. A slight exaggeration perhaps, but when Marsha talked about the ‘chain of loneliness,’ my ears opened up. Our thoughts and emotions were similar.
My life without Christ had been a mess. With Christ, Marsha’s life was spent going God’s way. The most impactful thing was her intense love for God. Her voice softened whenever she spoke out from her heart; “I live for God,” she said. “I love reading the Bible. I believe it, and obey it.”
Marsha expressed great joy over how much God loves her. Then, without much of a pause, added how totally undeserving she was of that love. Her mature faith made me aware that I had a long way to before becoming her spiritual equal. Sit, listen, and learn was pretty much all I could do.
As she continued, Marsha sweetly revealed that she had been baptized in the Holy Spirit – with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. I was unfamiliar with that aspect of God, but was hungry for all of His promises.
Marsha’s eyes suddenly fill with tears. Something she hadn’t planned on sharing tumbled out.
“Maybe they were just innocently teasing,” I said, upon hearing of it. Marsha wasn’t as sure and lowered her voice to barely a whisper.
“A few months ago, some of the newer teachers at school asked me if I was play-acting in being faithful-to-a-fault and was I as true-of-a-friend as others there are said about me?
“Perhaps that was their way of chiding me for being so ‘saintly’; something that seemed to bring on a few condescending laughs. They hadn’t known me long at all. I was hurt by their questions.”
I couldn’t imagine Marsha being anything other than a faithful friend. She would be the one that stood with you when others turned and ran. And if for no other reason, she wanted to remain as steadfast as Jesus.
“How difficult is it for you as a teacher, to be a student at the feet of Jesus?” I asked, wanting her confident voice to return.
“It’s quite easy!” she exclaimed. “That’s where I have learned deep and wonderful things. My service to Him is all about being a student. Maintaining a disciplined prayer life, which includes times of fasting, keeps me in close communication with Jesus.
“I know for a fact that learning never ceases, especially when the expert you’re learning from is the Creator of the Universe! Our conversations are always life lessons. It is the best education I ever imagined getting.” Her confident voice was back again.
Marsha’s exuberant words touched me. I felt a few tears trying to escape my eyes, but I wouldn’t dare release them in front of her. Crying in front of a woman just seemed out of the question for me. I imagine though, if one small drop had fallen out, her quick compassion would have stood to the ready.
Between too many cups of coffee that night, we chatted, laughed, and shared from our hearts. If possible, I’d love to somehow gain possession of the booth we occupied there as a happy memento.
It was in the parking lot where she and I hugged goodnight. She asked me to wait a moment before leaving, then reached into her car and brought out a red folder.
“Take a read through this,” she said, handing it to me. “It needs polishing up, but let me know if it resonates with you. I’m hoping to include some of this in a book I’m writing.”
I made my way home in light traffic. The red folder occupied the passenger seat, sending a hint of Marsha’s fruity perfume though the car. This was one evening I would not forget, nor want to: A perfect date with a perfect lady.
Buy Links: (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Hoopla: https://www.hoopladigital.com/audiobook/a-simple-matter-of-hope-and-joy-nathan-menoian/16242147
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62877749
What makes your featured book a must-read?
Through the two main characters, who know about the ups and downs of life, readers are given access to their thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt emotions as they experience real life occurrences.
Both individually and then together, Eric and Marsha allow God to lead and guide them through some tough decisions, the end result is worth the journey.
With stress and tension swirling around us at an all-time high, it’s good to have something to help take our eyes off the daily troubles, and help us focus on better days ahead. For anyone wanting to live life to the fullest - there is hope!
The main theme is that we all can discover true hope and joy from the perspective of a loving God.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs July 9 – July 17, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on July 18, 2024.
Author Biography:
I was born in Michigan to parents of Armenian descent, and attended public schools in Dearborn and West Bloomfield. Flying kites, bike riding, and participating in neighborhood baseball games were part of my youth; with teamwork a valuable life-lesson I learned as a sprinter on my middle-school track team.
At 19, I joined the U.S. Navy. Afterward, I enrolled in college earning a Journalism Degree from Oakland University. It was there that I invited Jesus Christ into my heart, becoming a born-again Christian.
Throughout my years as a writer: from newspaper reporting, writing editorials, spending twelve years in the Adverting Department with a national discount retailer, publishing a monthly business magazine, and producing a variety of freelance work, I’ve been the recipient of many blessings, friends, and challenging opportunities.
Both of my sons are successful in their chosen careers. Michigan remains my home, and authoring this book is a blessed highlight in my writing experiences.
Social Media Links:
Facebook, nathanmenoian.com