GROW Official Trailer | Only In Theatres Starting October 3 | Buy Ticket...

This looks like so much fun. It is silly. I'm looking forward to it. Fun. Family.....

Fall plans just got bigger. #GrowTheFilm is in theaters October 3! Tickets are on sale now. https://growthefilm.com/

Unexpected Danger (Mountain Justice #2) by Penny Zeller [GIVEAWAY]

One man's unhealthy obsession could destroy everything.

Londyn Siegler never imagined her attempt at a fresh start would include a stalker intent on watching her every move. Nor did she imagine her unidentified stalker would follow her back to the very place she was running from--and now the only place that can offer even a semblance of protection.

Now, as danger grows and the stalker remains at large, Londyn finds herself seeking refuge with Sheriff Brodie Brenneman, the man whose heart she broke. When the stalker's attacks increase in severity, Londyn and Brodie find themselves fighting for their lives...and their rekindled love. Can justice be served before it's too late?

An unexpected stalker.

An unexpected second chance at love.

An unexpected danger.

**Please note: Unexpected Danger is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.

Read an excerpt - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 16

Ends October 19 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

 UNEXPECTED DANGER (Mountain Justice #2) by Penny Zeller

DISCLOSURE: Giveaway uniquely hosted on Chat With Vera. Winner's prize book is provided by and sent to winner by author or author's representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is randomly selected using the entry platform. Winner must respond with required information for sending prize to winner within 48 hours of email sending notification time/date. Failure to provide required information within the time allotted will result in a different winner being selected.

Alexander Maclaren Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers [Review]

It is imperative that believers possess a Christian Bible that provides a clear, easy-to-read printing of God's Word with enough study aids for cementing an understanding in and application to the reader's life. Presentation of study aids added to the Bible should never be viewed as the Word of God but rather as tools of understanding and enrichment. In the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible, much emphasis in the included notes and aids and drives toward the "Christ Centered Life."

The obvious respect for God's Word demonstrated in the printing of the "Alexander Maclaren Study Bible" enables the reader to glean for themselves the remarkable Biblical insights of scholar and expositor, Maclaren, a man highly respected and appreciated from the late 1800's.

As I opened this new hard-cover study Bible, I see that it lays flat which enables ease of use. I see that the type font is highly readable and clear. I see that the Psalms are laid out in an almost line-poetry style with tends to impart a sense of poetic beauty.

I see that the non-scriptural notes and add-ins are highlighted in blue ink which aids in differentiating between the Word of God and added text. This is a key element in this printing because we are to never add to God's Word.

The copy I have is the New King James Version. My preferred version is either KJV or NKJV. So I am quite comfortable reading this Bible.

The extensive concordance is more expansive than I have ever seen printed within the cover of a Bible. This is quite a plus feature. Adequate and beautifully drawn maps are also included that aid in study.

About Alexander Maclaren Study Bible: Explore the Scriptures with insights from the “Prince of Expositors.”

Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:

• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ, and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references
• Line-matched, double-column typesetting
• Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print®

✨Learn more HERE✨
ORDER the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible today!

Who was Alexander Maclaren?

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century, The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible from publicist for Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. 

An Advent treasure - "The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families" [Review & Giveaway]

As you begin thinking about Christmas 2025, you may want to plan a special emphasis for your family for the entire month of December focusing your family's devotional time around the Coming of Christ. Or perhaps you want to "gift" a young family the means to focus on Christ's Advent with a meaningful and beautiful book of devotionals.

The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

Create meaningful Advent memories with the whole family using this gorgeous illustrated 25-day devotional.

My thoughts:  First of all, this book of short devotionals for the young family is not just a compilation of  "Christmas" stories about the birth of Christ.  The stories point to "the One we're waiting for." They start at the beginning with Adam and Eve and move through the Old Testament with the call of Abraham, Joseph's coat of many colors, the giving of the Law, etc. And it all points to Christ.

Short discussion questions to guide family discussion are at the end of each story and a suggested song to sing. 

At the back of the book are pages with illustrations printed in circles that may be cut out and glued on wooden or acrylic discs to make ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree. (Note: Care will need to be taken to remove pages with these on them.) 

This is a beautifully bound book with illustrations that are modern yet classic. The book will last for years and be a blessing to pass down through the family.

About the book: The whole Bible whispers about a coming King. Every book before His arrival gives hints about what He might be like, and during Advent, families around the world gather to wait and prepare for the celebration of His birth. The One We're Waiting For is a 25-day family experience that will help kids from one to ninety-two anticipate and celebrate Christmas. This book includes

• Daily Bible stories, taking families through the arc of the Old Testament
• Gorgeous illustrations by Aedan and Natalie Peterson
• Suggested songs for family worship
• Reflection questions to start meaningful conversations
• And cut-out ornaments to decorate your tree every day leading up to Christmas

​Each day, families can read a story, discuss how they see Jesus in Old Testament narratives, sing songs together, and place an illustrated ornament on the tree so that every day of December leading up to Christmas is filled with eager anticipation for the King––the one we waited for.

Read a Sample - Click Here 

Order Now @ Lifeway - Click Here

✨GIVEAWAY✨

Begins September 12

Ends October 13 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only. 

The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed to winner by B&H Publishing or their representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Forest School: Moonlit Campout & Big Fort ... books for little ones to learn & enjoy

Forest School: The Big Fort by Ruth Symons

ISBN: 97/1536238709
Templar Books/Candlewick Press
Hardcover $14.99 US

My thoughts:  I'm not a fan of digitally created art, but the Forest School illustrations are cute and definitely get the story or text's point across. I think children will enjoy them.

In The Big Fort forest creatures are gathered for an educational session taught by Owl on construction of a fort. This qualifies as a beginner's survival instruction that a parent might give to his children.

Kids love to build forts. Forts in the living room made out of blankets. Forts in the backyard for camping out or establishing their territory (all fun 'n games stuff). Owl's instructions are good and to the point. This is a fun book that has the overtone of educating children on safe camping or beginning survival in the woods.

About the book: Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It's time for Owl’s Forest School!

Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a forest school adventure. Today, the group is learning how to build a fort! Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, and get creative with a few problem-solving challenges. This book will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration—and written in consultation with a Forest School expert—this series will appeal to readers whether or not they’ve been to Forest School before.

Forest School: The Moonlit Campout by Ruth Symons

ISBN: 9781536241235
Templar Books/Candlewick Press
Hardcover $14.99 US

My thoughts:  This Forest School book, The Moonlit Campout is really good; and while it typifies a "school" outing, I can see a family interpretation with Dad at the reins taking the kids overnight camping in the forest or simply a great backyard campout.

The book teaches with an entertaining story how to build a fire, heat up cocoa and treats over the fire, and see the stars. Lots of information and lots of fun.

About the book: Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It's time for Forest School.

Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a little Forest School adventure. Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, get creative, and—of course—make friends! Today they are learning all about camping. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration, and written with an expert consultant, this series will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own.

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

Mistletoe and Mayhem (Red Truck Mysteries #3) by Janice Thompson [Barbour Publishing]

My thoughts: Written in a casual, conversational tone with lots of interpersonal action, the story is primarily about Rae Lyn, a young woman about to get married and all the excitement as she approaches the big day which is scheduled for a couple days after Christmas. There is a lot of extended family and friends day-to-day and moment-by-moment involvement.

To make matters more complicated and to increase premarital anxiousness, the setting for the wedding is the family's farm; and it is to be held outside - in a field. Then to pile on the troubles.....  calamity strikes with a sweeping fire and a and a wind and rain storm that floods the area.  

A fun book about some really  nice people with lots of family love, friend love, Christmas joys and memories, and lots of good feels throughout.

Other books I've read by Janice Thompson have had a bit of humor to tickle your hearts. I didn't sense as much in mistletoe and Mayhem, though there was much cheer and joy. A nice, pleasant, very clean read.

About the Book: A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch
 
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.
 
It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from Rae Lyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and Rae Lyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

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

Children's Sparkly Sticker Books from Kregel Publishing are fabulous gifts [Review & Giveaway]

Looking for quality entertainment that teaches little kids about the Bible in a fun, interactive way (even "sparkly") for colder weather "inside time" or for Christmas gifting? Kregel Publishing has an assortment of "Sparkly Sticker Books" perfect for this.

I have never seen a child that doesn't love stickers and glitter. Combine this with learning about the Bible and combining hands on play/education parents have a win-win fun activity for their youngster.

Pros:

• These "sparkly" sticker books don't "shed" the glittery stuff the way most glitter sheds. Just love this aspect, too.
• The illustrations are charming, fun, attention garnering. The text of the story is simply stated and not overly long for youngsters.
• Bible stories come to life at their fingertips.
• Talk about the story and what it means to be children of God. 
• The book also includes references for all eight story spreads, and words for each of the seventy-five stickers.

I absolutely love these sticker books and encourage you to purchase one, two, or more for children you love.

Bible Friends: Sparkly Sticker Book

Bible Wonders: Sparkly Sticker Book

About the Sparkly Sticker Books: Make Bible stories come to life in a sparkly new way! Now girls and boys ages four and up can finish their favorite Bible scenes by finding stickers and matching them with the missing spots. They will feel like they've made their very own book and will enjoy reading it over and over again!

As kids develop their stickering and reading skills, parents can join in the fun by talking about the story and what it means to be children of God. The book also includes references for all eight story spreads, and words for each of the seventy-five stickers.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

GIVEAWAY

2 Sparkly Sticker Books

Begins September 6

Ends September 30 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

2 Children's Sparkly Sticker Books from Kregel Publishing, SRV $15.98 Total

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

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Notification email used will be that which is registered to the Gleam system.  Prize must be CLAIMED by winner within 48 hours or prize is forfeited and a new winner will be chosen. Author, publicist, or publisher is responsible for providing and shipping the prize to the winner. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.