A Cup of Cold Water: The Compassion of Nurse Edith Cavell

Chosen Daughters

by Christine Farenhorst

"The secret password is yorc," the princess whispered. Edith longed for her girlhood in England, when her secrets had been kept safe by her dog Reddie. But now in God's timing, Edith is director of a nursing school in Belgium. Caught in the turmoil of World War I, Edith finds herself surrounded by enemy spies. As a nurse protected by the Red Cross, will Edith turn her back on the Allied soldiers who desperately need her help?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, World War I, Christian Historical Fiction, Christian, Young Adult, Childrens

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Christine Farenhorst is a contributing writer for Christian Renewal and the author of The Great Escape. Among her books are two collections of short stories, Suffer Annie Spence and The Letter Child, and a novel, Before My Mother s Womb.

Reviews

[✞ Charlotte ✞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. It's a story of loving sacrifice and loyalty, and it is a wonderful example of what all believers in Jesus Christ should value and cherish. Well written and enjoyable! Recommended 👍!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith Cavell was a remarkable and inspiring woman. I am so happy that I was finally able to read this book! If you like history, WWI history, the history of nursing, early 20th century history, women's history, stories of women who strive to live by faith-- you'll love this book!

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about Edith Cavell, a nurse during WW1 who was brave, righteous, and always truthful. She managed to save many men. She died as a heroine. A book I want all my children to read.

[Ailey Leman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, shorter book on an inspiring Christian woman. I had never heard of Edith Cavell before I read this book, so I enjoyed learning about her. The book goes through her whole life. I liked how the author included things she experienced during her childhood that taught her certain things. It reminded me a little of the stories Corrie Ten Boom tells in The Hiding Place.
I did read the authors note at the end, and she said she filled in a few parts of the story, making it more like historical fiction rather than a biography. But I feel like that definitely helped the story flow. I would recommend this to young girls who like historical fiction!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of this hero of the faith before. She's a martyr, so this may not be appropriate for younger readers. I am always inspired by those who give up so much because of their convictions. It lost a few stars because it's sad at the end, and the writing is not the best (it is Juv. Fiction afterall).

[Suzanne Cefola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book based on a true story. Faith based, short chapters and I enjoyed how the author got straight to the point and used letters to summarize the happenings spanning a long period of time. Inspirational story!

[Grace DuBois · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.....until I got to the ending.
For 1 thing it was the end, and for another I didn't think it would end the way it did.
So I was really sad.

[Bella Rowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational. I read this for school and really enjoyed it.

[Leila Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the better written books in this series - definitely recommend!

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cheerful in duty, courageous in danger, compassionate in service.”

A Cup of Cold Water: The Compassion of Nurse Edith Cavell follows the story of a dedicated director of a nursing school in Belgium, as her world is turned upside down by World War I.
As tensions rise, Edith faces heart-wrenching choices: should she risk her own safety to aid the wounded allied soldiers who desperately rely on her skills and compassion? This gripping narrative captures not just the historical backdrop but also the profound inner turmoil of a dedicated caregiver determined to live out her faith.

The fictionalized elements within this thoroughly researched biography breathe life into the historical landscape and each chapter paints a vivid portrait of Edith’s unwavering commitment to service, serving as a powerful reminder to Christians that even the smallest acts of kindness—a simple cup of cold water for the thirsty—can carry eternal significance.

Highly recommend!

I am grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Reagan Bon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"At a time in history when examples of godly women are few and far between, much needed strength and encouragement can be drawn from the life of this lady who put all her trust in Jesus Christ, her Savior." Edith was a woman full of compassion, integrity, and bravery. Her commitment to fulfill her God-given duty to care for the needs of others -- be they enemies or friends -- cost her her life when she was not yet fifty years old. The biographical details of Edith's upbringing, life's work, and sobering end are here presented to us in a format more akin to historical fiction, making this book an easy and enjoyable read.

[Sarahelisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book aloud while my children were learning about the First World War. The book is historical fiction but it wasn't at all clear to me which parts were fact and which fiction. This especially applied to the letters quoted through the book.
Despite this, the book is an engaging introduction to the life of Edith Cavell and made me want to know more. A list of further reading would have been useful.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the life of Nurse Edith Cavell. During WWI, she was the head nurse of a training hospital in Brussels, Belgium. While the country was occupied by the Germans, she used her hospital to covertly nurse, nourish, and hide ally soldiers until they could be transported to safety.

What Nurse Cavell did during the war is very intriguing, however this book was not. I was more excited reading online articles about her life and WWI adventure than I was while reading this book.

The focus of the book is on her character: her parents, her formative years, earlier experiences, and her Christian faith. These were definitely important in shaping who she was and laying the foundation for what she did during the war. However, it would have been nice if the events surrounding her heroism and martyrdom had been written about with more focus and greater detail.

It would have been nice if Nurse Cavell's life, faith, and heroic could have been written about in a way that was less dull and more gripping.

[Dawn Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know the story of Edith Cavell before reading this book. An English nurse who eventually ran a nursing school in Belgium, Cavell was shot as a spy for helping Allied soldiers escape German occupation during WWI. This was a shocking climactic end to a book that is a sweet biography of a God-fearing woman who joyfully served Him in humble circumstances. The book is short on political history, but a very good character sketch.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it is important for people to be aware of those who have made a difference in our world. Edith Cavell certainly did and I'm glad that I was able to discover her in this book. Since it is geared toward the young adult audience there was not quite as much detail as I would have liked but I definitely got a feel for what her life was like and the sacrifices she made.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith was a real woman of God, not just a great book character, worthy of emulation. Her belief in God and Jesus molded her life. She gave her life to God when a child and gave herself to people as an adult.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nicely fleshed out novel of the life of World War I heroine Edith Cavell. Would make a great family read-aloud. Would appeal to those who enjoy the Little House series. Ages 10 and up.

[Elaine Sumpter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad ending!

[Lanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about an inspirational gal. Thought the ending was very abrupt, but I guess that's how it was.