AUDREY'S CHILDREN tells the untold true story of visionary British physician Dr. Audrey Evans, who burst onto the scene in 1969 as the first female Chief of Oncology at the world-renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Battling sexism, medical conventions, and the subterfuge of her peers, Evans developed the first Neuroblastoma Staging System, co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House for families of patients, and, ultimately, impacted the lives of millions of children and families around the world.
When Dr. Evans started her work, only 10 % of children with cancer survived, now nearly 80% survive. Rated PG. https://www.audreyschildren.com/
Visit the Audrey’s Children website to learn more - click here
Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods. Secret word: shattered
Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.
Shattered Sanctuary is a clean, Christian, thrilling suspense novel set in the Smoky Mountains, full of police investigations, haunted woods, eerie threats, and ominous evidence. For fans of high-stakes suspense, Lynette Eason, and Elizabeth Goddard.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy 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 author, publicist, or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
My Mary Kay® personal consultant, Princess, was so very excited to tell me about the Mary Kay® Sun Screen Broad Spectrum SPF50 because it is NOW approved by the prestigious Skin Cancer Foundation. By having the Skin Cancer Foundation's official "Seal of Recommendation" it means you can really trust the product to do what you need it to do - protect your skin.
If you or anyone in your family has ever been diagnosed with a skin cancer - no matter how scary, you know the need for a high end, highly respected sunscreen product to protect you when out in the sun.
And yes, my family has had some bouts with skin cancer. And those of us of the older generation didn't grow up using sunscreen or we didn't know the real necessity of using it, are experiencing skin issues. Now we've all learned. Now is the time to use a really good sun screen product!
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NOTE: My Mary Kay® Consultant, Princess is my daughter. I'm so proud of her and I highly encourage your to reach out to her via the link above or even check out her Facebook page, "Princess' Joyful Girls" (You'll have to ask to join it since it's "private.") She would love to help you protect your skin and stay beautiful.
New Children's Book "Forest Magic for Kids" Sparks Imagination with Fairy Hunts, Secret Forts, and Enchanted Outdoor Adventures!
Publisher: Gibbs Smith Hardcover | $19.99 ISBN: 978-1423665533 Age 5-9 Years
My thoughts: This is a delightfully charming non-fiction book that is designed to invoke a desire to learn about the natural world of the forest. While the idea of "magic," wee-folk, fairies, and such conjure a world of make-believe, this book conversely takes them into the real world of life in the forest from the majesty of the trees to the pure delight of the tiniest creatures and smallest flowers.
The book is heavy on text so will necessitate adult guidance and reading. The book is a grand addition to science class or school libraries, and perfect for families that love nature.
Whilst the book introduces the child to aspects of the real world of the forest, it doesn't shun the tales and folklore shared through the ages. There are activities and projects both educational plus some that are fun and fanciful.
A charming educational tool to have on hand and a perfect gift for the upcoming spring and summer days.
About the book: Your enchanted guide to 50+ magical activities for everything from finding hidden flower fairies in your own backyard and making a special wizard staff to creating a tiny woodland village and making your own forest potions.
Come discover the wild magic tucked into the nooks and crannies of forests, thickets, and meadows. Search for fairy dusted glow-in-the-dark mushrooms. Find secret worlds hidden in trees and uncover the tunnels, trails, and dens of gnomes and trolls, and mice and moles. Learn to listen to the forest, make sun-warmed pine tea, and wear an evergreen crown to an elf picnic.
Look inside to learn how to:
Keep a secret notebook filled with maps, notes, and pockets for all your discoveries
Go on a quest for wild treasures
Follow a queen bumblebee to her castle
Make your own forest teas and potions
Become best friends with a tree
Create tiny gnomes and build cozy gnome homes
Seek where mushrooms grow after a fairy dance
Carve a walking stick wizard staff
Build your own hidden forest fort
A delightful outdoor handbook to ignite curiosity and a passion for nature, this is a great resource for nature units as well as hands-on activities to bring a creative writing program to life. -- School Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. A lifelong animal lover, Susie now helps people of all ages connect with the natural world. She is the author of The Animal Adventurer’s Guide (Roost Books, 2002). Secret word: nature. You can find her at www.susiespikol.com.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped/mailed directly to the winner by publicist, publisher, or author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
This may seem bizarre to some and even repulsive to those who don't like mayonnaise on a sandwich. However, bear with me and hear me out...... With eggs and butter (even oils) so costly at the grocery store, you can still make a little cake without breaking the budget.
Mayonnaise - yes, mayonnaise.
Full-fat, real mayonnaise has eggs and it has oil. It has what you need to make a cake.
But you say, "Isn't mayonnaise expensive, too????" And yes, it can be. It can also be cheaper than eggs and butter or oil for baking. You can use high end or store brand as long as it's real mayonnaise and not "light," "fat-free," or made with "olive oil."
You can economize by purchasing it when it's on sale and also use a coupon. You can also use more economical "store brand" and get just as good results.
Example: This particular week, Mid-March 2025, at the Food Lion grocery store their 30 oz jar of real mayonnaise is $2.69 and there is a digital coupon of $.95. So if you use 1 cup of this mayonnaise your cost is $.41 for the oil and eggs in your cake! This week a single white/large store brand egg is $.47 each!
So whether you're trying to economize or simply have just run out of eggs and/or oil at home, give it a try. (NOTE: You can use mayonnaise with cake mix also with great success.)
Basic vanilla "mayonnaise cake" recipe:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup cold water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sift dry ingredients together 2 or 3 times. Set it aside. Thoroughly blend together mayonnaise and sugar. Alternate adding sifted dry ingredients and water to the mayo/sugar mixture. Begin and end with flour. Blend in vanilla.
Check out my post on Chocolate Pumpkin "Mayonnaise" Cake - click here
As we approach Spring time, we as Christians especially look forward to our most sacred season of remembrance. That is the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We would be remiss in our personal responsibility to our beloved children if we did not teach them faithfully the reason we have a special remembrance at this time. It is because our Lord lives; and because He lives, we have eternal life.
So I wish to share a very special Zonderkidz "Easter" store where you can find the following Resurrection themed books for children and even more titles. Click here....
My thoughts: A beautifully illustrated and sweet look at the vastness of God and what He does. And yet, in all His greatness He focuses primarily on His love for you. On each of us.
In Mostly What God Does Is Love You an inkling of the significance of the individual, you, in the mind and heart of Almighty God is presented in the contemplative thought that He loves you. While doing all the huge, magnificent, and wondrous things He does in the World and Universe, He focuses His love on each of us.
About the book: What if we shared this simple, beautiful, Biblical truth with our children from the youngest of ages—how different would we be? How wonderfully could this shape our perspectives from childhood on, knowing that the God who made all the wonders in creation—who hung the stars in the sky, who tells the wind where to blow—knows your name and loves you oh so very much?
From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, this beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the wonders of nature, the beauty of God’s creation, and most importantly, how very loved you are by God. Mostly What God Does is Love You reminds children (and adults) of God’s great love for them, how very cherished they are by the creator of the universe, and how in turn, they can share that same love by being kind and compassionate to others.
With its awe-inspiring and charming illustrations and a poetic, relatableand age-appropriate message, Mostly What God Does is Love You is the perfect way for adults reading Savannah’s bestselling book Mostly What God Does to share this all-important reminder with the children they love—that the vastness of God’s love is all for them and how they can share it with others as freely as God shares his love.
Mostly What God Does Is Love You:
Reminds children that God is always with them, loving them unconditionally.
Is perfect for family reading, bedtime story, school or daycare story time.
Makes the perfect gift for birthdays, Easter, graduation, and other celebrations and gift-giving occasions
This sweet, uplifting book is sure to leave a lasting impression on children and adults alike, reminding them of the most important thing in the world—God’s enormous love for us—and how we, too can spread love and kindness, just like God does.
The Easter Lamb: Jesus, Passover, and God’s Amazing Plan to Rescue Us
My thoughts: I think this is a bit unusual for an "Easter Lamb" story book. It has a deeper theological meaning though it isn't actually spoken. The story book shows the Biblical story from the early days in Bible times when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. The lamb is pictured there as a little lamb on the pages. Present, sad, sorrowful. He travels out of Egypt with the people.
Then the pictures show the birth of the Christ child, His growth, His perfection. The story proceedes with Christ ministering to the people. And then the little lamb looks on as the darkest day happened. Jesus' death. But it wasn't over, Christ rose.
The deeper thought for me is that this picture book pictures Christ as the sacrificial lamb. And though Christ had not yet come, He always existed and He has always been the lamb of promise.
The angel in the empty tomb.
About the book: In The Easter Lamb, the traditional Easter story takes on new significance as Jesus’s death and resurrection are explored through the events of Passover. Through child-friendly text and engaging illustrations that meaningfully connect these two important events, young readers will see how God has always cared for his children and that he had a plan for our salvation from the start.
On the night he was arrested, Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples during what we now call the Last Supper. Jesus knew he would soon have to die like the lambs who were sacrificed in place of the firstborn Israelites so that all of God’s children might live.
John Greco masterfully tells these two stories—Passover and Easter—in The Easter Lamb, weaving together their biblical symbolism and significance. You may have heard the Easter story before, but this unique take will deepen you and your child’s understanding of the holiday and explain how important the image of Christ as a lamb truly is.
The Easter Lamb is ideal for:
Introducing children 4 and up to the Passover and Easter stories
Sharing together as a family as a read-aloud or as part of a new Easter tradition
Helping young children better understand the Bible and how God’s redemptive plan connects throughout Scripture
Easter Sunday school lessons, family devotions, and gift giving
My thoughts: A cute Berenstain Bears paperback that takes the bear kiddies through the Easter day preparations, church service, and questions. Delightful and sweet in a cute way.
The children question having chicks, eggs, candy, etc. at this special time in the Christian church life. The explanation is that there is no connection except the time of remembrance the Resurrection of Christ happens to take place in the Spring when there is lots of new-ness in animals, flowers, trees. And that, too, candy is always a welcome treat.
A budget-friendly way to get a children's book that focuses on the joy of Christ's Resurrection.
About the book: Young readers will understand the true meaning behind the celebration of Easter in this addition to the Living Lights™ series of Berenstain Bears books. Join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey as they go to church services, have an Easter treasure hunt, and learn about Easter.
Join the Berenstain Bears as they explore the real reason of Easter and learn about Jesus’s death and resurrection. Children will discover the joy in sharing God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books with over 13 million copies sold since 2008.
The Berenstain Bears' Easter Sunday:
Encourages age appropriate discussions about the true meaning behind the celebration of Easter
Is perfect for back-to-school or summer reading, birthday gifts, and holiday?gift-giving
Is great for early reader ages 4-8, reading out loud at home, in church small groups, or in a classroom
The Berenstain Bears' Easter Sunday is written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family and continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain as part of the Berenstain Bears series of books. It is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date.
Hey-O! Stories of the Bible
ISBN: 9780310159254 Hardcover $12.50 Amazon Prime Purchase Here
My thoughts: I remember the Bible story book that my parents bought us when I was young. That was just after WWII, and while quite accurate, it seemed geared toward older readers and listeners. I am so thankful that in today's market Christian publishing has a varied and abundant assortment of many levels of Bible story books from which parents may select. The Hey-O Stories of the Bible is for the youngster that can sit for a bit longer read-aloud-session with a mite more detail than toddlers need or for young readers who have mastered reading but still need or want a shorter version to read and an abundance of bold illustrations.
The Hey-O book has a QR code that also enables the reader (i.e. parents enabled) to see an animated version of the stories in the book on their device (iPad, etc.). I am quite impressed with the stories covering Genesis through New Testament times with Paul and Silas in jail. (Note: Revelation seems to be omitted, which is probably best for this age group.)
A wonderful gift for a child you care about or just a perfect book to have on the child or children's book shelves in a Christian home.
About the book: Through accessible storytelling and innovative video integration, Hey-O! Stories of the Bible is a storybook Bible unlike any other! Already reaching over half a million children through its animated stories on YouTube, Hey-O! Stories of the Bible combines nearly 70 beloved Old and New Testament stories into one beautiful collection, with a QR code that links to corresponding animated videos for each story.
Developed by Saddleback Church, Hey-O! Stories of the Bible is a fully integrated collection of printed stories and animated videos, making it the perfect tool for parents, teachers, and children’s ministry leaders. With videos that have garnered millions of views on YouTube, this storybook Bible brings nearly 70 Bible story favorites—such as Creation, Noah and the Ark, Moses, Ruth and Naomi, the Resurrection, and more—together into one whimsical and biblically accurate collection that will resonate with readers of all levels and abilities.
Hey-O! Stories of the Bible:
Was developed by the Kids team at Saddleback Church, a community of thousands with 17 campuses across the US and internationally
Includes nearly 70 illustrated Bible stories and a QR code linking to corresponding animated videos
Is biblically accurate and engaging for kids, with whimsical artwork and accessible, easy-to-read stories
Makes the perfect gift for any special time in a child’s life—baptisms, communion, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and more
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE - Lots of wonderful children's books by Zonderkidz at the Easter Store on Amazon
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of the books listed in this post. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Copies provided by Zonderkidz via FrontGateMedia. #easterbooks #heyostoriesofthebible #zonderkidz #berenstainbears #heyo #mostlywhatgoddoesisloveyou #easterlamb #ad #sponsored @Zonderkidz @savannahguthrie @johngrecowrites @berenstainbears @saddleback_kids (@zonderkidz
My thoughts: The soft artistry of the illustrations in The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheet shows a "modern" shepherd (I'd say sometime in the 1800s-2000s) and his quirky, troublesome fluffy sheep. It's cute. It's true to sheep behavior and shepherd care and attention. And in all of this, it tells the same story from God's Word, the Bible, of the "Good Shepherd" and God's Redemptive Love.
Sheep need a shepherd because they just get themselves into a real fix or jam. Example: sometimes they just fall down and end up on the back. They can't get up. They just simply can't. So there they stay until the wolf or something else endangers them. Unless the shepherd comes along and lifts them back onto their feet.
Sheep also have a way of wandering off and getting themself lost or stuck in places they can't get out of. Then the shepherd comes along and finds them.
In this delightful book, we see a stubborn sheep that get's himself into a real jam.
As in the Bible story, this retelling will help children understand how their good shepherd seeks them out and finds them. He rescues them and saves them.
I just love this sweet book for both the illustrations and story.
About the book: The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.
Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.
The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.
The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is perfect for:
Children ages 4 and up
Family devotions and bedtime reading
Discussions about the meaning of Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, and how God is always with us
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #goodshepherd #zonderkidz #christianbookreview #ad @zonderkidz and @hannah_e_harrison
