Your Worth Never Wavers by Laura Wifler 🎄Review & Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop🎄

HOLLY JOLLY GIVEAWAY HOP sponsors: https://mamathefox.com & https://momdoesreviews.com & are not responsible for other blogger's giveaway fulfillment. Scroll below for many opportunities to enter giveaways. Have fun!

My thoughts:  On pages awash with soft pastels, a beautiful mix of mother-daughter duets grace the pages of this lovely book as it explodes with exuberance and truth that God sees our worth and it never wavers. Not intended to teach a selfish sense of importance but to instill a root base of one's individual importance to God in His heart and in His mind, the steadfastness of God's faithfulness is expressed in ingenious terms throughout the book.

A bit wordy, but filled with goodness, the text brings deep thinking truth to the heart of the young girl. Hopefully, instilling this sense of value in her heart will help shield her from those who might try to discredit and remove her sense of value as she travels life's roadway.

A book that can, with grace, instill a sense of being a valued individual into the heart of a sweet girl.

About the book: Snuggle up with a young girl you love and share this beautifully illustrated picture book woven with messages on true beauty, identity, and God's unending love. As a primer for first conversations about body image, this book will instill deep truths while weaving in fun facts about nature and God’s creation. Bestselling children's book author, Laura Wifler, wants girls to know . . .

The same God who made both the otter and pearl,

Is the God who made you––yes you, my sweet girl.

You’re made in His image; He knit you together.

Your worth never wavers––not now, and not ever.

Research shows that attitudes about body image and self-esteem begin forming in children between the ages of three and five and only become more widespread and problematic as they grow.  Many people's answer to this problem is to “look within,” “trust your heart” or “try harder” to muster up your own value and worth. 

Your Worth Never Wavers sends a better message: true worth and beauty is found by gaining a higher view not of ourselves but of God, the creator of everything.

Journey with a diverse group of mothers and daughters as they explore the wonders of creation from colossal canyons to boisterous beehives. Each illustration celebrates God's handiwork from nature to his design of people, showing women and girls with different skin tones, body shapes, hair types, and abilities. On each page, a child learns fun facts about creation and that the same God who made tigers, snowflakes, sunsets, and stars, is the God who fearfully and wonderfully created each person perfectly in his image.

This book is a catalyst for conversation between young readers and their loved ones about body image, identity, and God's unending love. By teaching girls the source of their worth and value, they’ll have foundational truths to lean on when doubts arrive, reminding them that they are beloved by God and declared beautiful. His love is all around them; all they must do is look.

GIVEAWAY

Your Worth Never Wavers

December 1 @  9:00 a.m. EST

December 15 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

Your Worth Never Wavers by Laura Wifler

Now, have fun entering these⬇️

DISCLOSURE OF CHAT WITH VERA  GIVEAWAY: 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 directly to the winner by Lifeway Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Absolutely perfect young child's gift - The Jesus Storybook Bible" by Sally Lloyd Jones - is a proven winner! 🎁

An absolutely perfect Christmas gift for young child!

🌟Colorful

🌟Attention getting & keeping

🌟Educational

🌟Trustworthy

 

"The Jesus Storybook Bible" by Sally Lloyd Jones

Purchase Here
ISBN: 9780310708254
Hardcover | $24.99 US/ $31.00 CAD

My thoughts:  Sally Lloyd Jones does such a good job presenting to children the stories from throughout the Bible. In The Jesus Storybook Bible she retells the well known stories from the Bible and how Jesus is in - even though in shadow - each of them. Sized for young hands, this thick book has pictures to interest and understandable text that can be read to the young child. As the child grows and learns to read, he or she will begin to read these simply retold stories for themselves.

Originally published in 2007, it's many editions attest to the dependability and trustworthiness of the storybook. This is a storybook and not intended to replace a Bible. There is no chapter/verse text. This is a retelling of the stories that are in the Biblical text. (Note: For reference the Book/Chapter/Verse are provided.)

Perfect as a gift for any occasion and truly memorable for the Christmas season.

The women went to the tomb..... it was empty!

Purchase your gift copy - click to buy

About the book: For over a decade, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been introducing children to God’s wonderful story, and the Savior at the center of that story. Trusted and treasured for over a decade, with over 3 million copies sold, The Jesus Storybook Bible is the quintessential book for parents, grandparents, pastors, and anyone else who wants to share God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love with children.

Every story whispers His name

What makes The Jesus Storybook Bible different from every other kids’ Bible?

While other kids’ Bibles contain stories from the Old and New Testaments, The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible, pointing to Jesus as our Savior. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the Story unfolds, children will clearly see that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation—and at the center of their story too.

The Jesus Storybook Bible:

• Is beautifully written by New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by award-winning artist Jago
• Contains 21 stories from the Old Testament and 23 stories from the New Testament
• Visually brings Scripture to life for children, sharing how Jesus is at the center of our story
• Presents the best-loved stories of the Bible in an easy-to-understand format
• Is the perfect kids’ Bible for any age up to 6th grade, as well as church ministry
• Makes an ideal gift for Christmas, Easter, and other gift-giving occasions

On this literary pilgrimage, let’s unwrap the layers of meaning, explore the hidden gems, and celebrate the One whose name echoes through eternity. Together, we’ll ignite curiosity, kindle faith, and breathe life into the ancient stories.

Author info: Sally Lloyd-Jones - Her writing style combines lyrical language, theological depth, and emotional warmth—bridging storytelling and faith formation beautifully. She is a New York Times bestselling author best known for writing The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. Born in Uganda and raised in East and West Africa, she is a British-born writer who now lives in New York City.

Her work is beloved for making Scripture accessible and engaging for children,

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #jesusstorybookbible #kidsbible @zonderkidz @thestoryofgodsgreatlove @sallylloydjones

Christmas stories to warm your heart by Penny Zeller + Winner's Choice GIVEAWAY

As cold days encroach on our living and as the holidays cast us into a whirl of activities, we should take time to settle in for a long evening of reading.

What better way than to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer - contemporary or historical - than via a sweet, faith-filled story told by beloved Christian fiction novelist, Penny Zeller.

Here are two to enchant.....

Under the Mistletoe: A Christian Small-Town Rom-Com (Small Town Shenanigans) by Penny Zeller (Author)

❄️He's a nerdy tourist needing a vacation.

❄️She's a bed and breakfast employee with a broken heart.

❄️Love is the last thing they expect to find this Christmas.

Introvert Braxton Wertz needs a vacation, but his trip to the small town of Cloverdale Falls is anything but restful when he finds himself not only falling for the sweet and bubbly Gracely, but also in the crosshairs of geriatric private investigators...and their numerous shenanigans.

Recovering from a painful breakup, extrovert Gracely Eklund needs a vacation. Where better to spend her Christmas than her aunt and uncle's charming bed and breakfast? Her time managing the business comes with a few surprises, one of those being the nerdy and lovable Braxton.

He's from Florida. She's from the Rocky Mountain West. Can Christmastime, an incomplete photo album, and a quirky town with its equally quirky residents bring two unsuspecting hearts together?

Take a trip to Cloverdale Falls in this hilarious Christian rom-com, the second in the Small Town Shenanigans Series. Under the Mistletoe can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in conjunction with Recipe for Love.

Read a sample - click here

**Please note: Under the Mistletoe is a faith-filled contemporary Christian novel.

A Christmas to Remember: A Second Chances Christian Historical Western Romance (Hilltop Series Book 2) - novella - Kindle Edition by Penny Zeller

When Otis MacCallum agrees to deliver much-needed food and medicine to the remote town of Hawthorne, Montana, he knows there's a real possibility he'll again see the woman who broke his heart.

Belinda Finnigan had reasons for declining Otis's proposal, but it still hasn't lessened the pain of losing his friendship. When Otis arrives on her doorstep one wintry December day with food and medicine in hand, can two broken hearts be reconciled? Will theirs be a Christmas to remember?

**Please note: A Christmas to Remember is a faith-filled historical Christian novella.

GIVEAWAY

Winner's choice: Under the Mistletoe or Christmas to Remember

Begins November 21

Ends December 18 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

Christmas Christian fiction books by Penny Zeller

DISCLAIMER: Courtesy posting. Winner's book prize is provided by author and is mailed directly to the winner by author or author's agent. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

LOVE ON THE HORIZON (Horizons Series #4) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781957847528
Maplebrook Pub. (Buy)
Softcover $16.99
Kindle $3.99 

A fresh start. An unexpected chance at love.

Magnolia “Mags” Davenport has not had an easy life. Determined to leave behind painful memories, she decides, on a whim, to move halfway across the country to Horizon, Idaho, a town she's never before heard of. What should be a simple escape to a new life turns into an adventure she never imagined. From dangerous train rides to a stagecoach robbery, Mags wonders if she'll ever reach her destination. When she finally sets foot in the small town filled with friendly people and a slightly aggravating, but kind and handsome man who needs spectacles, will she find the new beginning her heart craves?

Four things matter most in Timothy Shepherdson's life—faith, family, farming, and food. Content as a farmer and uncle to his passel of nieces and nephews, Timothy isn't interested in courtship or romance, especially since none of the women with their caps set for him can cook. What should be a simple trip into town changes everything after a case of mistaken identity. Timothy finds himself not only under the ire of newcomer Magnolia Davenport, but immensely intrigued when he learns she's opening a bakery. Can he convince the wary baker to both forgive and give him a second chance?

Take a trip to Horizon, Idaho, in this tender romance that reminds us that God is the author of new beginnings.

**Please note: Love on the Horizon is a faith-filled Christian historical romance.**

Perfect for those who enjoy the following tropes:

• Strong heroine
• Friends to more
• Small town
• Found family
• Adoption
• Humor
• Running from the past

Read an excerpt - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 18

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

Open to USA addresses only.

LOVE ON THE HORIZON (Horizon Series #4) 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.

God Is ― A Devotional for Teen Girls & Young Women: 60 Days of Learning Who God Is to Understand Who We Are by Alena Franklin from Lifeway Publishing

ISBN: 9798384515630
Hardcover $22.99 US
B&H Publishing

My thoughts:  This isn't just a "make-me-feel-good-about-myself" devotional book to guide young girls in their relationship with God. This book plants the concept of "who the actual being God is in the universe" and then how He being the God of All that He is relates to us in our being.

Profound truths and ideas presented in a gentle, understandable writing style will guide young ladies (or any reader) toward understanding the "I Am" of all - God.

About the book: The beginning of understanding who we are is knowing who God is.

Author Alena Franklin is close enough to her teen years to remember what it is like to ask the question, “Who am I?” From joining friend groups to figuring out what to do after high school and even declaring what career path to pursue, teens are constantly asked to identify themselves in some way. But what if the most important thing about who a teen girl is, isn’t her popularity or college major? What if it’s her creator?

Spend 60 devotions unpacking God’s characteristics in this illustrated devotional. He is good, our helper, all-knowing, perfect, love, a good shepherd, and much more.

This book is filled with

• Encouraging Scripture
• Five-minute devotions
• Colorful artwork
• Daily reflection questions

Teens won’t want to put down this captivating devotional. These truths are the beginning of knowing God more and loving Him deeply. When teens know without a doubt who God is, everything else fades into the distance. While friends and plans do matter, the most important thing is who God says girls are: His daughters.

Download a PDF sample of "God Is" - click here

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

The Little Drummer Girl An Unexpected Christmas Story by Sheila Walsh

My thoughts: This is another story about the every recurring Christmas time nativity pageant at church. A little girl really wants to be the star of the show (as she sees it) - the angel proclaiming the birth of the Christ Child. But she auditions and isn't selected. Instead she is chosen to be the little drummer girl.

Though disappointed, she does her part and does it well. And in so doing she learns that the new born babe is really a king and that she is doing her part for The King. 
Precious illustrations are a little reminiscent of books from the 1940s and 1950s but still capture the essence of today's life. Bright. Joyful. Full of life illustrations capture the vibe of the story and the activities surrounding Christmas and Christmas pageants.

The rhyming, story-telling text isn't quite poetry and yet it is a bit more than poetic prose. Works very well as a read-aloud story.

About the book: Isabella loves to dance and sing, so when she sees auditions posted for the Christmas pageant at church, she dreams of landing the perfect part--the Christmas angel with a sparkling halo, flowing white robe, and her very own wings.

But things don't go quite as planned. She does get a part. The little drummer . . . girl? Drummers don't wear sparkling halos, flowing white robes, or wings! Will this be the most disappointing Christmas ever?

Filled with witty rhymes and whimsical illustrations, The Little Drummer Girl helps children ages 3 to 5 understand how an awful day can turn into the greatest day of all. This unique telling of the Christmas story from the perspective of a little girl delivers an entertaining message of hope, humor, and the power of God's love, as shown through his gift of Jesus--not just at Christmas but every day.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy as part of the Librarything.com Early Reviewers Program.

Ethan's Challenge: A Family Story of Paul's First Missionary Journey by Arnold Ytreeide [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825448751
Kregel Publications
Juvenile Fiction/Religious
$19.99 Softcover

My thoughts:  I'm not a fan of fictional stories set around Biblical themes and especially with people and incidents from the Bible. That is my personal preference for my own reading. However, I can see it as an opportunity for immersive reading for a child or teen to empathize with the characters when this is done. In Ethan's Challenge we have a teen involved in a missionary journey with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark. The hardships of the time are experienced and Ethan is right there. The story concept reminds me of a series my children enjoyed as young teens - the "We Were There" historical fiction books.

The book and story is fictional and the intent is to encourage spiritual grown in readers. Each short chapter has a devotional thought at the end. So this spiritual growth/devotional emphasis would make this a good family read-aloud book for older elementary and young teens.

The book is not a picture book. Format is a square book and the print is smaller than I like. 

Read an excerpt - click here

About the book: Gather the family for an exciting read about Paul's first missionary journey!

Thirteen-year-old Ethan is happiest when he's hiding between sacks of grain in his mother's storeroom. There, he's safe from the world and doesn't have to be brave or clever like his grandfather Jotham or his father, Amon. But with his famous relatives, Ethan seems destined—or maybe doomed—for adventure.

Before long, Ethan is hundreds of miles from home on a journey with the most famous Christian missionary, running from an angry mob wielding clubs and axes and wanting to kill them. How in the world did he end up here? As a reluctant Ethan travels with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark, he begins to learn the importance of courage in the face of trials and of sharing the good news of Jesus.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the real events and places of Acts 13-15 from the relatable perspective of thirteen-year-old Ethan, who is the descendant of the beloved characters from Arnold Ytreeide's hugely popular Christmas and Easter series. This is the perfect read for families at any time of the year. Purchase a copy: click here

GIVEAWAY

1 copy: Ethan's Challenge

Begins November 12

Ends December 10 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

Ethan's Challenge: Family Story of Paul's FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

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