THE BIRDS OF CHRISTMAS by Olivia Armstrong & illustrated by Mira Miroslavova [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: When we think of Christmas our thoughts go to the reason for observing the day or the season - that is, the birth of our Saviour, the Christ Child. We don't stop to think about what was going on in the natural world, other than the flocks of sheep on the hillside and possibly the animals housed in the inn's manger. All of nature may have played a role in rejoicing that The Christ Child was born. But the  Bible does not tells us anything about this. It is silent. Even so, through the years there have been stories, legends, or fables about the animals of Christmas. In this sweet book, The Birds of Christmas, there are birds that sweep and flit, chirp and flutter, and bring their gift to the babe in the manger.

It is a sweet story. It is a fable. The text flows easily and makes for a delightful read aloud time. There is a bit of alliteration which is always a joy to encounter in read aloud stories. The illustrations are sweet and delightful and beautifully executed with rich yet soft coloration. 

I like that the birds each bring a gift to the Christ Child, and that we get to enjoy a fable of how the Robin got it's beautifully red colored breast. This is a book you may want to add to your child's collection of Christmas stories or for gifting to someone. Or you may be more of a traditionalist and prefer to not mix fables with Biblical events.

ISBN: 9780802856470
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Hardcover $18.99

About the book: A stunning folktale about the Nativity, set on a chilly night in Bethlehem.

“Wake up, wake up, birds!” croaks Raven one December night. “A child is born!” Each bird longs to bring a gift to the newborn baby in the manger. Nightingale sings a sweet song; Rooster caws a special call; Stork plucks her feathers to make a pillow. “I have nothing to give,” thinks little Robin. But as the night grows colder, the fire keeping the stable warm burns lower and lower. Maybe even a tiny bird has her own way to show her love for the newborn Prince of Peace…

Illustrated in lush blues and golds, The Birds of Christmas invites children to join the flock gathering around the manger. This beautiful book is an unforgettable reminder of the wonder of Christmas and the priceless gift of compassion.

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 16

Ends September 16 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Eerdmans Young Readers Books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize book is provided and mailed directly to the winner by the publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller [Review]

 

Buy on Amazon
ISBN:9781957847375
Paperback $16.99
Kindle E-book $3.99

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

My thoughts: The story opens with a woman and dog walking in a bitterly cold, snow covered landscape far off the beaten track but near her home nestled in the woods. The dog discovers a man unconscious, badly hurt, and in need of immediate moving to a safe, warm place. So the struggle begins and she drags him home where she and her mother tend his wounds. He eventually awakens to full blown amnesia.

The mystery of his situation and the warmth and care of this household are the gold thread woven though this novel. Mariah has two young children whom she homeschools and who bring delight to the story.

Eventually the plot thickens and the criminal element takes the focus. 

Zeller has written a good book that is squeaky clean (even with the budding romance) and has Christian focus. The book is not "preachy." At times the story takes an intense, fearful development that moves at an exciting pace. At other times the sweetness of a family home with gentle, kind, caring children is the focus.

I found the book to be a joy to read. A good story. A good bit of crime and suspense. A good bit of good folks and the "bad guys." 

About the book: Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Secret word: danger. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

More Romantic Suspense from Penny Zeller:

• Unexpected Witness (Mountain Justice #1)
• Unexpected Danger (Mountain Justice #2)
• Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. 

Our Friendly Farmhouse (picture book, ages 4-8) [Review & Giveaway]

Tommy Nelson Books
Hardcover $18.99
ISBN: 9781400250523

My thoughts:  This is a delightful picture story about a young family that reaches for and achieves a wonderful goal of family life - building their own home in a location they cherish. Beautiful and charming illustrations bring the story to life and set the tone of happiness and joy they experienced each step of their journey.

I love that they are all involved from the initial step of acquiring the land to the planting of wildflowers and getting little chicks. Tiny ducklings swimming in the sink, kittens in the blanket, wildflowers abloom. Lovely. Charming. Sweet.

What is totally surprising is to reach the end of the book and see that this is the story of a real family and the reality of their friendly farmhouse. Love it! 

About the book: Breathe in fresh, country air and dream of a slower, simpler, sweeter life in this poetic story about building a homestead with heart from bestselling novelist Melissa Ferguson.

One day Papa burst into the kitchen with a wild idea. What if the family moved to the country? What if they built their very own farmhouse between sleeping strawberry fields and the misty Appalachian Mountains? Join a little boy and his adventurous parents and sisters as they chase a dream of open sky, nature to explore, a blooming garden, and lots of animal friends.

This artful picture book for 4- to 8-year-olds …

• journeys alongside a family as they reach for the impossible and build their dream home in the country;
• follows the creation of a homestead, from digging the foundation and raising the walls to planting a garden, welcoming chicks and kittens, and snuggling a newborn baby on the porch;
• inspires families to dream together and set out on their own adventures; and
• features a classic feel and a presentation page to make this book the perfect gift for anyone dreaming of country life, intentional living, and rewilding childhood.

You’re invited to Our Friendly Farmhouse, where children swing under the sunset after chasing a rainbow and snacking at a tea party, where ducklings and kittens keep you company, and where friends are always welcome. A place where there is time to wander, memories are made, and hearts are full.

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 8, 2025

Ends September 5, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Tommy Nelson Books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Winner's prize book is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Tommy Nelson Books. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost for misdirected prizes. Winner will be notified by email and allowed 48 hours to respond with their name and shipping/mailing information.

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel [Candlewick Press]

 

ISBN: 9781536229448
Candlewick Press
Hardcover $17.99 US 

My thoughts:  I absolutely love this cute book. It's about a little girl whose glass isn't half full or half empty. It is totally empty as one "bad thing" after another happens to her. In short, life as she experiences - or perceives it - is devoid of anything good and just bad things happen to her.

Until.....

She happens across a little gift box for her. Good! But alas not so good after all. Inside are socks and again she perceives this as a bad thing. That is until she gets chilled and puts them on her feet. Then the good begins to explode around her. And then she finds her friend and shares a sock with her friend who, too, is cold.

Good shared is amazingly wonderful.

I love this sweet book for it's cuteness, it's genuine take on human emotion, and its joyous application of goodness shared in the human experience.

I highly recommend.

About the book: In need of a bad day remedy? One girl’s terrible day takes an unexpected—and extraordinary—turn when she comes upon a pair of magic socks.
Blah. Nothing good ever happens to me.

This morning a little girl wakes up with a chicken on her head. (Ouch.) Then she finds worms in her cereal (after she’s had a few bites—yuck!). Then she realizes, too late, that her boots are full of mud. Ack! Then her best friend ignores her, a big hole appears where it wasn’t yesterday, and it starts to rain—cold rain, of course. Could this day get any worse? When a mysterious gift shows up out of nowhere, wrapped in a bow, the girl dares to wonder if it could finally be something good. Get ready for a high-flying tale as the beloved creator of Wild Honey from the Moon brings his signature deadpan humor, quirky charm, and appealingly simple text to a fantastical adventure sure to turn even the worst days around.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Highland Heist (A Freddie & Grace Mystery #4) by Pepper Basham

My thoughts:  I don't know who is most loquacious - the author or the cute, book-loving heroine, Grace (Lady Ashley). It seems the words and books-she-read connection flow from Grace's mind and mouth at warp speed. So muddling through this personality quirk, while charming, detracts just a bit from the basic story-line. How-some-ever, please read on because the story is pretty good.

Globe spanning settings have an American girl - Grace - married to Lord Ashley from the United Kingdom as they open the door of Grace's father's American home with the butler telling her it is no longer her father's home. Devastated to learn the current straights in which her father has landed himself, Grace and Lord Ashley begin their traipse through a growing mystery that is rife with twists and turns, knives and head bangs, mysterious gangsters, and shenanigans in a Scottish castle.

As the mystery unfolds, we wonder what will happen to Grace's now penniless sister Lillias and her young child. The whodunnit is interesting and filled with interesting characters.

If readers are expecting a story set in and about Scotland with it's quirks and interesting history, they may be surprised that they don't reach Glasgow harbor until two-thirds through the book. But once they land in Scotland, the plot moves fast with a rewarding conclusion but one that is not achieved without exciting action.

All-in-all, a fun read.

About the book: Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

 

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

 

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

 

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

 

The Highland Heist is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess, The Cairo Curse, and The Juliet Code.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

One Big Story: Bible Stories in 5 Minutes: Connecting Christ Throughout God's Story by B&H Kids Editorial Staff & illustrated by Heath McPherson [Review & Giveaway]

 

B&H Kids / Lifeway
ISBN: 9781535947961
Buy Here

My thoughts:  Originally published several years ago, this Bible storybook has proven to be at the top of the list of dependable, Biblically sound, attractive books that children, parents, as well as Bible authorities have selected for their families or to gift to children they care about.

Finding the theme of Christ the Redeemer throughout the Bible from The Creation to the Resurrection can be brought to light for young children as they learn these familiar retellings of events and people in the Scriptures.

Divided into stories and the reading of which takes only about 5 minutes, the truth of Scripture is clearly stated and is backed with attractive, eye catching illustrations that children will love. I found the clearly stated, true to Scripture text well written and easy to understand. There is just enough text on each page to capture interest without losing the child's mental attention and engagement. The illustrations on each page fit well with the text and are such that children will be drawn to. 

I highly recommend.

About the book:   Secret word: Bible - Give kids the big picture of God’s story with One Big Story Bible Stories in 5 Minutes comprised of 12 different 5-minute stories, perfect for before bed reading. Help shape your child’s spiritual growth in an engaging One Big Storybook that features four-color illustrations, as well as pop-up imaging and story narration with a free augmented reality app.

One Big Story is a series designed to grow with families and strengthen relationships in Christ through Bible-centered, multi-platform products that engage readers of all ages.

This B&H Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book's message with their child. We're all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God's Word. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 30

Ends August 29 @ Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from B&H Kids/Lifeway Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner's prize will be sent to name and address provided in required Rafflecopter entry.

Home by Isabelle Simler, Translated by Vineet Lal - Series: Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR) [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780802856203
Eerdmans Young Readers Books
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Purchase Here

My thoughts:  Beautifully detailed illustrations delight the senses and educate the mind to the highly varied dwellings of creatures all over our vast world. From birds to moths, from sea dwellers to tiny ants, the homes of creatures fascinates in this unique book. The presentation is complete with beautifully descriptive language detailing the uniqueness of each home or dwelling.

The strength and beauty, intricacies and uniqueness, use and charm of these homes goes beyond what humans think of as homes - walls, windows, and doorways for protection and defense, but places of beauty creatively and intricately designed and built.

Back pages of additional information about the featured creatures and a glossary are provided as well as resources for those interested.

NOTE: Other books by Isabelle Simler that I've reviewed on Chat With Vera.... click here

About the book:  A spectacular tour through the dwellings of twenty-seven different animals, from a hermit crab’s secondhand shell to a beaver’s lakeside dam to a comet moth’s silk cocoon.

Acclaimed creator Isabelle Simler presents a poetic journey through amazing animal homes across the world. In Europe, alpine marmots stay safe in underground refuges. In southeast Asia, Sumatran orangutans doze off in treetop bedrooms. In Mexico and the southwestern US, elf owls nest in holes in saguaro cacti. On every continent but Antarctica, honeybees mold wax into palaces for their queens. No matter where you travel, some creature is making an extraordinary place to call home. 

With connections to life cycles, camouflage, and other biological concepts, Home is a spellbinding showcase of the wonders of the natural world. Enchanting poetry, fascinating back matter, and intricately detailed art invite young readers to be amazed by the creativity and diversity of our animal neighbors. Secret word: dwell

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 24

Ends August 18 @ 12:00 Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Eerdmans Young Readers Books, to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.