Wednesday, August 12, 2026

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit by Kyle Worley ✝️[Review & Giveaway]

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit by Kyle Worley & illustrated by Kaja Kajfez 


ISBN: 9798384521952
BHKids Publishing
Hardcover $17.99
My thoughts:
  Dad uses bedtime storytime to teach how Christ has slain the dragon (Satan) and we can wear the armor of God to protect us. Allegorically written, Biblical truths are presented in a story that some might view as fantasy style.  It does, however, truthly tell how Christ has defeated Satan.

Nicely done storyline with rhyming text and colorfully illustrated with attention to detail, children will enjoy hearing it read aloud to them. Christians will love having this book for their children to aid in learning more about Christ, the slayer of Satan, and how we are provided "armor" that protects us from Satan's fiery darts.

About the book: Dive into this timeless, fantastical tale of a hero defeating evil and giving His people everything they need.

Lydia loves to snuggle up and hear made-up bedtime stories from her dad. One night, Dad tells a rhyming, allegorical story about a town caught in the clutches of an evil, fiery-eyed dragon. On their own, the people were no match for the dragon; but one day, a hero comes along and changes everything.

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit not only retells the gospel story but also introduces kids to the armor of God. Like the dragon slayer defeats the dragon, Jesus defeats Satan. In the same way that the dragon slayer gave the people a suit to help fight before his return, God’s people receive His armor to join in the fight against Satan until Jesus comes back. From beautiful illustrations to memorable rhyme, this story is sure to get kids excited about Jesus, the armor of God, and the hope God’s people have for the future. As Lydia’s dad says at the end of the story . . .


“Yes, we can be brave, for our Savior is strong.
We can stand fearless. It won’t be that long
‘Till evil is dead and God’s people are home
In the place where no dragon ever will roam.”
 

GIVEAWAY
Begins August 12
Ends September 11 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT
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 prize copy is provided by and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher or it's publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

The Bachelor Spy (Freddie & Grace Mysteries #5) by Pepper Bansham

ISBN: 9798891513893
Paperback | $15.99 USD
Barbour Publishing

My thoughts:
  The author's foray into the period of World War I with the setting that of a wealthy Lord and Lady Astley's estate, Havensbrook, as a hospital for the wounded and war damaged young men of England, is interesting. Delightful characters include the staunch, loyal butler Brandon, the lovely Lady Grace (who features in other Freddie & Grace Mysteries), the charming child star of the story and sweet adopted daughter, Sahra, all blended with duplicitous spies Germany (the enemy) as well as spies for England all set the stage for an interesting story.

There were sections that I felt as through I was plodding through a wordy mire and a tangle of characters that confused and stilled my interest. But the story read on and I found much that was interesting.

I found couples in a delightful romantic adventure with each other and  engaged in some rapturous embraces and kisses. A bit more intense than usual for a Christian novel. Albeit, rapturous, it was still a very clean read and safe for your older teen or perhaps grandmother.

We all know that the German army was defeated; so hence we know, too, that the outcome of The Bachelor Spy was good as well.

About the book: Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

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

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Fatal Finale (The Erin Delaney Mysteries) by Nancy Mehl [Giveaway]

Fatal Finale (The Erin Delaney Mysteries) by Nancy Mehl 

A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with Action, Cryptic Clues, Police, & FBI Investigations 


They'd started back to the house when they heard a male voice behind them. Then a shot rang out. "Run!" Kaely said.

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms Erin's worst fear--she has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI, and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department, and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

Watch for Vera's review, soon!


GIVEAWAY
Begins August 4, 2026
Ends September 8, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT
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 prize copy is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by author or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Joyful, engaging, character-driven children's books from Lucky Rabbit Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

Here's to the Silly Ones by Seth Standley & illustrated by Valerie Hamill (Release date: August 18, 2026)



ISBN: 9781966829157  Ages 4-8
Hardcover $21.99 USD
Lucky Rabbit Publishing

My thoughts:  This is an absolutely charming book. The watercolor and pen illustrations are perfectly executed and boast sweet silliness filling every page. The text rhymes, but not quite in a traditional method, and drifts across the pages of wonderfully appealing illustrations that bring silly fun to the reader's mind and vision. This delightful little mouse (or critter of sorts) just does stuff - the stuff of silliness and fun. It is delightful.

Surely this is a celebration of playfulness, silliness, and creative imaginative genius at work. Parents will see that their own "silly one" is truly a happy soul full of inventive play.

About the book: Here's to the Silly Ones is a joyful celebration of those who live life to its silliest. Through poetic, lyrical text and playful illustrations, this picture book encourages children to embrace creativity, individuality, and the delight found in seeing the world differently. A perfect read-aloud for families who believe there's always room for a little more joy.


Kit and Her Cat by Meredith Walker (Release date: September 15, 2026)

ISBN: 9781966829140 ~~ Ages 0-5
Board Book $12.99 USD
Lucky Rabbit Publishing

My thoughts:  This sturdy board book has very bold illustrations using mostly red, black, and white paint colors. Simplistic in detail as well as storyline, the pages give rein to adult and child interaction and story creation on their own. It's simple. A cat. A child. An interrupted cat nap.

I believe the story will mostly appeal to households where children and cats both reside. However, it would also appeal to children who have a tendency to want to wake sleeping kitties.

A fun book that will surely hold up to lots of tot-trotting-wear.

About the book: Is any friend more special than your very first pet? Kit and Her Cat is a sweet celebration of innocence, companionship, and pure joy. This charming board book captures the wonder of a child's first animal friendship and the comfort, love, and memories created along the way.

🐁GIVEAWAY🐈‍⬛
Begins August 3
Ends September 4 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided by and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Lucky Rabbit Publishing or their publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.