The Open Bible - NKJV: A Trusted Guide to Deepen Your Faith Journey (From Nelson Bibles)

The Open Bible: A Trusted Guide to Deepen Your Faith Journey 📖✨

My thoughts: Selection of a Bible should begin with a version you understand and reverence. The "version" is not holy but what it says carries the weight of the Word of God. My preferred version to read is one I've used throughout my life - the King James Version. Today, we are looking at the New King James Version which is very close in language to the KJV. Once you have selected the version you wish to read, the next choice is readability - the size and style of the font, how it feels in your hands, how well it lays open, and integrity of study materials that have been added.

You must carefully select according to faithful interpretation of the Word of God lest your Bible include false interpretation.

The Open Bible in the NKJV printed by the Thomas Nelson Bible Publishing company is a Bible you can trust. It is beautifully printed in readable type font size 9.5 (not a true "large print" but quite readable). Though a large Bible, it feels good in hand and opens well laying flat for ease in study.

Study aids included such as the Extensive Topical Index are highly beneficial in following a trail of study or locating specific material. I like that the Topical Index has been placed in the front of the printed material rather than at the back. The Concordance is thorough and always a big aid in study and reference.

Visual materials - The Visual Survey of the Bible is the most easily understood I have ever seen. Clearly presenting a visual history and time frame of people and events encompassed in the Bible narrative. The selection of maps (There is even a map index.) is beautiful and classified or documented uniquely to period or episodic.

Experience The Open Bible: A beautifully designed Bible with study tools & a trusted reference system, perfect for exploring Scripture and deepening faith.

Where to Purchase Your Copy

Click Here

The Ultimate Reference Bible for over 50 years.

About this Bible: The Open Bible has been a trusted resource for exploring and navigating through the interconnected themes and teachings in Scripture. The ultimate reference Bible, it includes a topical index, book introductions, outlines, cross-references, word studies, articles, graphs, charts, and maps to augment your Bible time and understanding of the context and themes from beginning to end.

The Open Bible offers a time-tested, complete reference system trusted by millions.

Key Study Features:

• Easy-to-navigate topical index with 50,000 entries displaying the connections between 8,000 names, places, concepts, events, and doctrines
• Interactive book introductions and outlines help you understand the historical context, themes, and verse relationships within Scripture
• Chain-reference doctrinal notes reveal the interconnected big picture of the entire Bible.
• Thomas Nelson’s complete cross-reference system, with over 72,000 cross references are conveniently located in the center column
• Visual Survey of the Bible illustrates the entire timeline of Scripture
• The exclusive Thomas Nelson NIV Comfort Print® type is expertly designed to allow your eyes to relax as they flow smoothly along each line of text.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. A copy may be purchased at: https://bit.ly/NKJVOpenBible

Heart of Courage by Penny Zeller (Maplebrook Publishing) [Giveaway]

A new life awaits her...if she can find the courage.

In the spring of 1885, LilyBeth Engel makes the courageous decision to run from everything she's known. She boards a train and goes as far as her meager funds will take her with her young son in tow. With nothing but the clothes on her back, the baby in her arms, her Bible, and a skill for sewing beautiful dresses, LilyBeth determines to succeed with the Lord's help and dogged determination.

Barrett MacCallum owns one of the largest ranches in Hilltop in the Montana Territory. He also owns several of the businesses on the main street. When a woman asks to rent one of his businesses for her new dress shop, he's amenable, even if it means charging the woman less rent because she's obviously destitute.

When Barrett begins to fall in love with LilyBeth, will she have the courage to allow herself to love again with so much at stake?

Heart of Courage is a faith-filled, tender romance with the reminder that God guides our every step.

Perfect for those who love books with the following tropes:

• Strong and handsome protector
• Found family
• Widowed single mom
• Happily ever after

Read Chat With Vera's review, soon!

Read an excerpt - Click Here

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 26

Ends May 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Secret word: faith - Winner's copy is provided by and mailed to winner by author Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Fun books for kids age 7+ to read themselves [Review & Giveaway] ✝️

Lily, the Lemur, and the Lamb King with contributors Bob Hartman, Keila Elm

My thoughts:  Young readers have a delightful early chapter book - chapters are just a few pages long and have engaging and fun black and white illustrations that will capture their interest. Parents will love having their child read uplifting stories about a child and an assortment of critters.

These retellings of stories from the Gospel with playful Lily and friends in on the action, teach lessons in a fun method but do not detract from the actual Gospel.  At the back of the book, each chapter has an explanation of the Biblical account's interaction with the story of Lily and friends and can be used for a time best suited to make applications.

A delightful book for young readers or even to be read to those who can't yet read.

About the book: The whimsical and imaginative short stories in this adventurous book will transport children to a different world, giving them a fresh way to engage with truths about Jesus and what it's like to follow him.

They’ll join Lily and her friend the Lemur on a series of adventures in the Lamb King's mysterious and exciting playground. Secret word: happy - They'll explore a me-tree, play Scrabble with a slow loris, and save an entire family of squirrels from the cold!

Along the way, children will find themselves exploring key truths about Jesus' kingdom—such as how to be welcoming, what gives people value, and why a self-sacrificing king is the best king of all.

Perfect as an independent read for children aged 7+ or as a read-aloud for ages 5+.

 Look inside - Click Here 

Abigail Gets Left Out by Bethany McIlrath & illustrated by Katie Saunders

My thoughts: Sometimes children can be mean and cruel to one another and some are very sensitive to the cruelties they hurl at each other. Sensitive children can really have a hard time when this happens. In Abigail Gets Left Out we see this scenario played out and see how Abigail learns how to deal with it personally.  

Abigail's grandmother plays a big part in helping Abigail. A delightful story just full of good stuff and life lessons.

About the book: 

Can’t sing. Can’t dance. Can count on Jesus!

9-year-old Abigail can’t sing, and she can’t dance. So when her friends start rehearsing a musical performance, Abigail feels very much left out and self-conscious. Isn’t she good at anything? Doesn’t anybody want to be her friend?

Jesus does! When Abigail reads Psalm 139, she realizes that Jesus made her wonderfully, just the way she is, so she doesn’t need to worry about not being good at musical things. And when she encounters John 15, Abigail learns that Jesus loves her perfectly and empowers her to be a loving friend, even when others let her down. 

As Abigail sees what a wonderful friend Jesus is, it transforms her other friendships—and it ends up transforming the girls’ musical performance too!

Look inside - Click Here

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 23

Ends May 22 @ 12:00 Midnight EST

Open to USA addresses only.

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

The Accused (Secrets to Keep #2) by Cara Putman [Review & Giveaway]

"A brilliant novel that fans of the genre won't want to miss!" —Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author of The Line Between

"Gripping and brimming with chemistry, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page." —Lynette Eason, best-selling and award-winning author of the Lake City Heroes series

Kregel Publishing
Paperback $16.99
ISBN: 9780825448058

When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. Secret word: guilty. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn't want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder? Secret word - accused

Author: Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

Watch for Chat With Vera's review, soon!

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 21

Ends May  20 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. 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.

I scarce can take it in

 

CSB® Illustrator's Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition from Holman Bibles [Giveaway]

CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition, from Holman Bibles

ISBN: 9798384518266
Holman Bibles
$64.99 USA

About CSB Illustrated Notetaking Bible: Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible. This uniquely crafted Bible features large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type in a single-column setting with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread. Including filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture art alongside plenty of space for personal creativity and journaling, this Bible will inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh and exciting way. This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey.

My thoughts: Not being a Biblical scholar, I will simply address the physical attributes of this beautifully presented copy of the Word of God. The binding is sturdy with flexibility that affords ease of use by nicely laying flat on desk or tabletop. Paper is adequate to prevent much visual bleed through of text from reverse side. Type font is easy-to-read for most readers. Visually impaired who need really large print will still struggle to read it, though. As a senior-adult, I find it quite adequate. 

The single column style seems to accommodate the marginal illustrator and notetaker space. Some publications overly long column lines can prove difficult to follow, but this CSB Illustrator's Notetaker Bible hits a good median between two-column width and an overly-wide single column.

The concordance in the back is adequate and easy to use. Providing a simple reference and research tool for Bible study. I always love looking at maps in the Bible to find where the events actually took place. Perhaps this goes back to my childhood days and love of geography class. The one-year-reading plan affords guidance for those who like to stick with directed reading.

The look and feel of this Bible is top grade and would be a treasure to gift someone or to obtain for your own personal use. It is perfect for those who want to put a few of their own notes alongside the text so they can treasure moments of personal revelation they experience in their reading of God's Word.

The CSB is a widely used and respected version of the Bible. My preferred version is the old King James Version, but I am always happy to encourage the reading of God's Word in versions that present Him in Truth.  

FEATURES:

• Over 600 line-art illustrations, including filigree, text, and other Scripture art
• Wide, two-inch lined margins for journaling and notetaking
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
• Single-column text format
• Topical subject headings
• Large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type size
• Black-letter text
• Two ribbon markers for easy referencing between pages
• Concordance
• One-year Bible reading plan
• Presentation page for gift-giving
• Full-color maps
• 7.25” x 9.375” page size

The CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Learn more about this beautiful Bible - click here

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Explore the Holman Spring Gift Guide - click here

GIVEAWAY

1 CSB Illustrator's Notetaker Bible

Begins April 10

Ends April 21 @ Midnight

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 If this item is won on another blog or giveaway in this promotion, the publisher/publicist determines eligibility. Only one prize per name/address.

⛪

DISCLOSURE: Secret word - Christian. Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed to the winner by publicist or publisher. Prize will be sent to the winner's name and address as provided in entry form. Chat With Vera is not responsible lost or misdirected prizes.

National Poetry Month celebrating poetry and children

April is National Poetry Month and the perfect time to encourage children to express themselves poetically and provide opportunities to share their poetic ideas

I·am·bic pen·tam·e·ter - noun - a line of verse with five metrical feet, each consisting of one short (or unstressed) syllable followed by one long (or stressed) syllable.

Ruthie Rose's Big Idea: A Poetry Story by John Schu & illustrated by Holly Hatam

 

My thoughts:  Bright, colorful, happy illustrations immediately capture the interest encouraging reading. It's as though an artist has just opened his brand new box of a multitude of crayons and has creativity exploding from his fingers and mind.

And then we see the delightful Ruthie Rose and her spontaneity captures our attention. Her precocious ideas bring us delight. It is evident from the shadowy words of amazing, famous poetry billowing across the pages that Ruthie Rose has been exposed to classic, beautifully written poetry..... Robert Louis Stevenson, etc. And she has an idea to develop a spot in the library to share poetry.

Every once in awhile - every generation or so - a genius of poetry graces the scene. Exposing young children to really good rhymes and then to really good poetry often enables the blossoming of a new and wonderful poet.

Ruthie Rose's idea is good, the book is cheerful and fun, the book does not help or enable to writing or understanding of poetry.

About the book: From the New York Times bestselling John Schu comes a celebration of poetry and possibilities that follows a child who sparks to life a special space in her school for exploring ideas of all kinds.

Ruthie Rose wakes up with an idea.

A big, bright, beautiful idea.

An idea so great! An idea so grand! Ruthie Rose can’t wait to share it with her idea-loving librarian, her art teacher, and her best friend. As the idea gets shared, it sparkles through her classmates, shouts down the hallway, and echoes over the playground. It invites everyone in the school, including YOU. John Schu’s effervescent prose is complemented by Holly Hatam’s vibrant artwork in clear, vivid colors, depicting a cast of adorable characters. Collaged throughout the artwork are intriguing snippets of language and lines from classic poems, sure to inspire young poetry lovers to discover more.

In the Desert by David Elliott & illustrated by Gordy Wright

 

My thoughts:  The illustrations evoke the heat and dry land that is the desert. Browns, oranges, sand, yellows bespeak dry heat and being virtually devoid of green life. Life as it exists in the desert is portrayed in beautiful bold, stark reality.

This a essentially a "non-fiction" book as it describes life in the desert. So a nice education book with poetic phraseology. 

The text is a form of poetry but not one that I particularly enjoy. It seems more prose in narrow columns than traditional or classic rhythm and rhyme. No iambic pentameter is seen. Very nice ideas are put forth in the author's own style of poetry. 

About the book: With wonder and wit, David Elliott’s poems look beyond the Sahara’s blinding surface to the rich flora and fauna of the world’s largest hot desert, depicted in Gordy Wright’s vibrant illustrations.

The Sahara, covering more than three million square miles, is a harsh and uninviting landscape, inhospitable to most forms of life. But under every rock, in every crevice, and hidden in the growth of the landscape, life persists. From the dangerous deathstalker scorpion and the Nile crocodile to the familiar Saharan cheetah and Nubian vulture, the animals of the Sahara not only survive but thrive. In his iconic and admiring poetry, David Elliott reveals the secrets of barren desert landscapes, featuring animals both familiar and elusive. With comprehensive back matter offering notes on the poems and Gordy Wright’s striking, saturated paintings, In the Desert seeks out the hardy animals who have made the desolate deserts their home.

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