Monday, October 13, 2025

CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN (movie) from Faith Chanel



CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN is releasing in theaters this November 2025. Watch trailer & learn more at christmasatthecabinmovie.com

πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„“Christmas at the Cabin” is the ultimate feel-good family Christmas movie of the season! Starring Todd Terry, Marianne Haaland, Corey Cannon, Sharon Oliphant, and Stacey Sheffield, “Christmas at the Cabin” delivers a touch of chaos and laughter, plenty of heart, and one truly unforgettable Christmas. Beautiful scenery blends with original music and beloved holiday classics, making this a perfect film for the entire family. Make your plans to watch this Christmas and visit christmasatthecabinmovie.com to watch the full trailer & learn more.

DISCLOSURE: I am promoting this movie in agreement with Momentum Inluencers Network. #ChristmasAtTheCabinMIN #ChristmasAtTheCabin  @ChristmasAtTheCabin #sponsored

Grow (Movie release date October 17) [Promo & Giveaway]




About the movie: In the Pumpkin Capital of the World, stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) begrudgingly takes in her spirited niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). But Charlie isn’t an ordinary child—she has a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. As the town prepares for the annual pumpkin-growing contest, Charlie sets her sights on winning. With the help of quirky Arlo (Nick Frost), plot and pumpkins thicken as rival growers pull every trick in the book. Will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows, so does her bond with Dinah, and together they learn the real prize is joy, laughter, and family.

Colorful cast of characters: From curmudgeonly farmers to over-the-top rivals, every character feels like they’ve stepped out of a cozy, autumnal fairy tale. Charlie’s pumpkin “Peter” isn’t the only thing full of personality—the whole town bursts with quirky charm. 

Chat With Vera's review coming soon!




In theaters October 17

Buy tickets - click here

Download kid's free Activity Book - click here



GIVEAWAY
$10 Amazon E-Gift Card
Begins October 13
Ends October 22 @ 11:59 p.m. ET
Open to USA entrants only
Disclosure: Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. Winner's Amazon gift card is provided by publicist on behalf of production company as a film launch promotion and is emailed to winner by publicist. Publicist has discretion to disqualify a winner that has won a gift card as part of this promotion on another blog promoting the film. There will be a gift card awarded an entrant via my blog. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. #GrowMovieMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Trendy, pretty Habit Nail Polish trio sets - Clean Beauty for Colorful People [Review & Giveaway]



The good folks at Good Earth Beauty can help you pretty up your hands with Habit Natural Nail Polish. This is a natural, vegan, non-toxic polish that is not harmful like other polishes. 

You can still get that "beach vibe" when you add a bit of fun color to your nails and the Habit "Beach House" collection will certainly satisfy that desire. Or if you wish another bright pop of colors, the "Brights - Flower Child" will give you just the stimulus you wish.

All bundled up in a neat little box, each collection has 3 pretty colors that compliment each other. Use them to create designs on your nails (if you're so skilled) or paint more than one color on your nails for a little bit of zing!

As the colder days creep in (or blast in - depending on your geographical location), one still needs to maintain a routine and make certain that they keep up with how they look from day to day. Sometimes, that means going "bright" or "beachy" with a pop of color on your nails. But it all starts with taking care of yourself!

Get out of bed. Make the bed. Style your hair. Wash your face and of course your hands. Clean the house. Cream your face. Add some color to your lips and your cheeks. Do your nails!


And then ..... there are the hands. Your hands may be those of a young mother that is constantly cleaning, washing, cooking, and then.... cleaning - again! Lathered and rinsed until your cuticles and nails as well as knuckles are showing a bedraggled look. 

Or..... your hands may be the tired, worn hands of an older, mature woman that need a bit of grace and tender love. We hear ya! No matter! You matter! Your hands matter! You need to take care of yourself.

✔️Fix it!

✔️Get a bottle of polish. Get a clipper. Get a file. Then trim, shape, and get pretty. 

What color would you choose? Liven up the day with a crimson red or become a beguilingly beauty in a blushing pink. Or perhaps..... go bold with pastels in a rainbow of colors. What's your choice?

goodearthbeauty.com
Now here's a superb thought..... order online! The folks at Good Earth Beauty (which is a fabulous all natural product beauty shop online) is the perfect place to shop natural, vegan, cruelty free, etc. I love it!


I've used Habit Natural Nail Polish in the past. I'm telling you, it went on beautifully. I had a nice base coat applied. Then two coats of this beautiful Habit Nail Polish. Then a top coat. (Click here to see my other review of Habit Nail Polish)

Go ahead and check out Good Earth Beauty's Habit Nail Polish collection. CLICK HERE


About the collections: Try three of our bright bestselling shades in the perfect travel size to take with you on the go and make it your new habit! Created with recycled plastic components and FSC-certified paperboard boxes. By Habit Cosmetics

Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl, Butryal, Commiphora Abyssinica Extract. May Contain (+/-): Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Bismuth, Oxychloride (CI 77163), Oxides (CI 77499/ CI 77491), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850) Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Mica (CI 77019), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Violet 2 (CI 60725), Polyethylene Terephthalate, Isobutylphenoxy Epoxy Resin, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Ethylene/VA Copolymer]

Shop GoodEarthBeauty.com

Use 10% Discount Code: GEB10
Free Shipping in USA (some limits) 


GIVEAWAY
1 Trio Set Habit Natural Nail Polish
Winner's choice of reviewed sets
Begins October 11 
Ends November 5 at 11:59 a.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: I received lovely products to facilitate a review. Any opinions given are my own alone and are freely given. I was not required to render positive thoughts on the products. I only recommend those products which I or a member of my family or close friends and will use. The winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or damaged products. 

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Jesus, Our True Friend: Stories to Fill Your Heart With Joy by Sally Lloyd-Jones



My thoughts:
  Beautifully written to bring beloved Saviour, Jesus, to young hearts, Jesus, Our True Friend is a welcome addition to children's book collections, church libraries, and libraries that care to include Christian publications. It makes an exceptional gift that will bring delight and help establish the child's concept of Jesus.

In chapter book form with a "Table of Contents," the book lends itself well to read-aloud sessions. There is more "story" and details than the very youngest child will understand, grasp meaning of, or sit for. However, it lends itself well for those who have learned to read or for wonderful family read-aloud time. 

The text (in my opinion) simply flows beautifully as the stories of Jesus are recounted. They seem to caress one's heart with their beauty. And adults will have glimpses into deeper truths that simple words can convey. For example in "The Two Sisters," Jesus tells Martha that "the thing you are carrying is too heavy for you." She was just doing meal preparation, etc. What was too heavy? No, Jesus was actually telling her that the "works" mentality was too heavy. She needed the time with Jesus just like Mary did.

So I highly endorse this beautiful book.

About the book: Jesus, Our True Friend is a beautiful collection of seven stories from Jesus’ life that share the good news—that our Rescuer has come to mend God’s broken world, bring us back to God, and show us what Love is really like. From Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago, the creators of the beloved and bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, these stories will fill your heart with joy as you come to understand just how deep God’s love is for you.

Jesus, Our True Friend tells the stories of Jesus’ life in beautiful, lyrical prose—and captures their deep theological truth in words even a child can understand. This seven-story collection includes miracles from Jesus’ life like the Wedding at Cana and the Miraculous Catch of Fish, parables Jesus told like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, and people Jesus met like Mary and Martha. These stories showcase Jesus’ great love and deep empathy for the lost, the outcast, the suffering, as well as for his friends and his followers. And for us, too.


Fully illustrated with inspiring art by Jago, Jesus, Our True Friend has a large trim size perfect for reading aloud, and deluxe features that make it a beautiful gift or keepsake to treasure and read time and again. Also featuring a special introduction and paraphrase of John 1 written by New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones, this book is essential for fans of The Jesus Storybook Bible and perfect for anyone wanting to know more about who Jesus is, how he lived, and what he taught. These stories tell of a Savior whose love for us will never end, a Rescuer who has done everything to bring us back home to God, and a true friend who will never ever fail us.
  • Jesus, Our True Friend: Contains seven New Testament stories about the life of Jesus
  • Is an all-new collection of good news stories about who Jesus is and how deeply he loves us
  • Is perfect for children ages 6 and up as well as their families, church ministries, educators, and anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Jesus and his message of love
  • Makes an ideal gift for Christmas, Easter, baptisms, baby showers, and other gift-giving occasions


Be sure to listen & watch this beautiful read-aloud of one chapter on YouTube: "The Two Sisters" click here


This book is by the same team, author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrator Jago, as The Storybook Bible I featured previously on this blog. Click here


Where you can purchase it..... click here


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

Monday, October 6, 2025

Imagination Station newest release children's chapter book "Drought, Wind, & Fire" from Focus on the Family & Adventures in Odyssey (ages 7-12)

The bestselling Imagination Station series is from the Focus on the Family "Adventures in Odessey" brand and is published by Tyndale House. This is a well-establishing, long-running series that parents can count on to be entertaining, historically educational, and faith based as they explore historical times and events.

These fast-paced, faith-filled adventures transport kids to pivotal moments in history and Scripture—igniting courage, hope, and excitement with every turn of the page.

Newest release.....


DROUGHT, WIND, AND FIRE (The Imagination Station #34)


My thoughts:
  Just enough pages and text to capture young readers' attention without overwhelming. Written by an established author in this genre with the endorsement of Focus on the Family and Tyndale Publishing, this series of "Adventures in Odyssey, The Imagination Station" books provides attention grabbing story telling of Biblical events with truth and historical accuracy.

Readers in the age range of 7 to 12 (and younger for some read-aloud-time), will find these "time traveling" kids, Patrick and Beth, experiencing the exciting adventures in each of the stories. In Drought, Wind, and Fire they meet Elijah and his chariot of fire. But first they see first hand how the ravens feed him and the pursuit of Jezebel to ensnare him.

I am excited to recommend this book and others in the series to encourage parents to immerse their children in reading (with story-telling excitement) about the truths from God's Word and the historical events told about in the Bible.


About the book: 
When kids step into the Imagination Station, they travel back in time and across the world with cousins Patrick and Beth. Each book is historically accurate, and young readers will grow in their faith and knowledge of big historical events as they race through each unforgettable story.

Drought, Wind, and Fire takes readers back to the time of the prophet Elijah. The land is gripped by drought, where food, water, and faith in God are scarce. Amid these challenges, Elijah’s unwavering leadership and trust in God offer a beacon of hope. Can he inspire the people to return to God?

As Patrick and Beth navigate this difficult time in biblical history, they learn how God works even in the darkest moments. This engaging story not only entertains but also introduces readers to the powerful narrative of Elijah in a way that is fun, educational, and inspiring.


  • Book #34 in the beloved Christian kids’ series from the creators of Adventures in Odyssey.
  • Filled with clean action and biblical values so parents and grandparents can hand these chapter books to children worry-free.
  • Early readers will learn about ancient history and trusting God even when it’s hard.
  • With a unique blend of historical accuracy and edge-of-your-seat excitement, the Imagination Station series keeps kids tearing through the pages!

Where to Buy - Click Here


VOYAGE WITH THE VIKINGS (The Imagination Station #1)


While visiting Mr. Whittaker at Whit’s Soda Shoppe, Beth and Patrick find a mysterious letter in the Imagination Station requesting a Viking sunstone. The letter is old and says that someone named Albert will be imprisoned if the sunstone isn’t found. Mr. Whittaker sends cousins Patrick and Beth to Greenland circa 1000. On their quest for the sunstone, the cousins meet Vikings Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson―and find the sunstone as they join Leif on his first voyage to North America. But the adventure is just beginning, for when they return to Mr. Whittaker’s workshop with the sunstone, there is another note waiting for them, requesting a silver goblet.

Join Patrick and Beth as they continue their travel to various lands and time in the Imagination Station book series.

ATTACK AT THE ARENA (The Imagination Station #2)


Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison.

At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything―even his life―to stop the killing. 
When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of each book from publicist on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate an informative post and review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

  • Find more of these exciting children's chapter books! Here
  • Biblical truth! ✝️
  • Historical accuracy!
  • Special 3 and 6 book packs.
  • Great for Christmas gifts. πŸŽ„πŸŽ
  • Buy here:  Click here 
DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies of these books to facilitate a review and informational post. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Riches Beyond Measure (Golden State Treasure #3) by Mary Connealy [Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780764244414
Paperback - $18.99 US
Bethany House
Baker House Publishing
 

When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie's family's ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance.

The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family to Two Harts soon has everyone focused on what other precious finds might await at the end of the legendary two-part map. As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more perilous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods.

This riveting conclusion to Mary Connealy's Golden State Treasure series is a rousing California wilderness adventure filled with danger, deception, and second chances.

Watch for Chat With Vera's review, soon!


GIVEAWAY
Begins October 1
Ends October 30 @ 11:59 p.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by author or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. #MaryConnealy #RichesBeyondMeasure #BethanyHouse