The Book of Comforts: Genuine Encouragement for Hard Times by Kaitlin Wernet, Rebecca Faires, Cymone Wilder, Caleb Faires

My thoughts:  The idea of a book of comforts, or rather readings of several author's thoughts,  dealing with comforting one in various stages of life is quite appealing. So I was looking forward to this book as a treasure for myself, family, or perhaps to share with a friend.

I am sure the publishers and editors felt that the staid color - deep grey - of the cover with its elegant design would add to a calming, comforting ambiance. After all, for centuries our Bibles have mostly been bound in black covers. The Bible is the chief source of printed comfort.

And then the interior with its very staid coloration and sparse pictures done in muted shades, while surely has a calming effect, it is somewhat lacking in an uplifting visual experience.

Now the actual text is done by four authors and the scope of The Book of Comforts is "Genuine Encouragement for Hard Times." I found that the authors are drawing from their own personal experience and the comfort they have from Scripture for their experiences.

I chose to review this book because I and my family are going through a very dark place emotionally in these past weeks, months, and yes few years. We are already drawing on God's strength and support and have found Him to be the comfort we seek in the dark hours of the night of this life experience.

The section "Comfort in Dark Places" begins......

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. —Psalm 63:6-8

It continues.....

For those of us who rest in Christ, the darkest hours and the stillest silence are but the shadow of His wings over us. There, think on Him, sing to Him, cling to Him. He does not leave us but brings us help. He upholds the restless the weary, and the downtrodden. Keep watch, wait, and remember Christ, your "very present help in time of trouble."

So while I might have designed the cover a mite differently and colored the pages somewhat more colorful, the softness and gentle colors don't really detract and perhaps they actually let the weight of the words of comfort speak more forcefully to our souls.

A good book to have around, to share, to read from time to time.

About the book: When someone is grieving, what should we say? How can we help? How do we comfort without offering shallow platitudes? In times of sorrow Scripture beckons us to look up and out, because our help comes from the Lord. The Book of Comforts stands in the gap between suffering and hope, offering readers the abiding comfort found in Scripture.

The Book of Comforts is a beautiful four-color book of readings that offer biblical consolation and encouragement in seasons of trial and grief. Scripture selections are accompanied by brief devotions, alongside designed Scripture passages and photography.

Grief, loss, and pain are significant and unavoidable parts of the human experience, but they’re often overlooked or minimized. In moments of heartache and challenges we either crumble or we discover the richness of God's love. Scripture deals plainly and honestly with suffering and simultaneously points people the rich hope we find in God.

The Book of Comforts:

• Offers long-term comfort in a beautiful and inviting format
• Designed to be accessible to a wide audience
• Visually attractive and engaging
• Scripturally focused

The Book of Comforts offers a meaningful way to walk through hurt, heartache, challenges and difficulty, aided by the truth of God's Word. It is a beautiful and comforting gift for those in hard places—because though we don't always know what to say, the gift of divine consolation is always helpful.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimntary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review program to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall By Sarah E. Ladd Published by Thomas Nelson

My thoughts:  Sarah Ladd writes a beautiful, sweet Regency story set in historical Cornwall. The characters are beautifully drawn giving just enough depth to their essence that you feel you know them, like them, hate them.

The lovely widowed young lady that serves as governess of the Trethewey children wears her personal grief like a cloak of protection lest her heart bear such hurt of losing her spouse and also losing a beloved young child. But though she shuns romantic involvement she does discover that she can once again experience a sweet love.

Abruptly cast into the grieving stage once again, but this time as a bystander who gently carries the Trethewey children through the loss of their parents, she stands faithfully by them as they are relocated to the Cornwall estate of the children's uncle. And then trouble hits again with the absconding of the children's fortune by the man responsible for its care.

The author's writing beautifully tells this story of loss, the impact of slander and rumors, grief, evil doers, beautiful and rugged coastal Cornwall, smuggling in the 1800s, family support of grieving children. Yes, there is a plethora of emotions and activity to encourage the reader to turn the pages and then to await the next story by the author in this new Cornwall series.

About the book: In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.

“My kind of book! The premise grabbed my attention from the first lines, and I eagerly returned to its pages. I think my readers will enjoy The Heiress of Winterwood.” —Julie Klassen, bestselling, award-winning author

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Bloggers program on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Really Woolly Bedtime Blessings By DaySpring and Bonnie Rickner Jensen Published by Thomas Nelson

My thoughts:  Consistent with prior publications of the Really Woolly children's books, Really Woolly Bedtime Blessings is a charmer. Complete with joyfully sweet little critters that frolic their way across the pages and have their hearts and minds turned toward God's love for them just prior to going to sleep for the night.

The rhymes are not perfectly in sync with standard structure, but they are certainly sufficient for the young listener. In fact, the simple rhyming of words and a bit of good cadence thrown in here and there goes a long way when the child is very young to prepare him for embracing rigorous poetry later in their educational years.

Some of the "Blessings" captured my own heart and mind better than others but they are all certainly true gold in value for your little one. I'll share "Heavenly Blessings"......

May God keep you smiling

From ear-to-ear.

Ma God keep you brave

Whenever you fear.

May God bless your friendships

With kindness and love.

May God bless your dreams

From heaven above.

I like this because it 1) teaches joyfulness, 2) God's provision to be with you when you are afraid, 3) God blessing friendships with love, and God blessing one's dreams (night-time dreams of dreams of what they will be in the future).

I like this because it 1) teaches joyfulness, 2) God's provision to be with you when you are afraid, 3) God blessing friendships with love, and 4) God blessing one's dreams (night-time dreams of dreams of what they will be in the future).

The "bolded" worlds are typical of each rhyme in that they are words to emphasize when reading to the child and also on which to focus one's attention and perhaps lead to discussion.

I highly recommend this Bedtime Blessings for homes with young children, kindergarten and daycare book collections, church libraries, and Christian schools.

About the book: Your children will go to sleep feeling loved and secure as they count the blessings in each day.

When it's time to tuck toddlers in for the night, this adorable board book from beloved the Really Woolly brand points out the blessings God so richly provides. With the knowledge they are loved and blessed, your little ones will fall fast asleep comforted and secure. Sweet rhymes, scriptures, and bedtime blessings encourage children to thank God for all the day's blessings!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Reviewers program on behalf of TommyNelson a Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers and the author. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given.

Don't Close Your Eyes: A Silly Bedtime Story by Bob Hostetler & published by Thomas Nelson

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My thoughts:  The artist beautifully renders twilight and deepening shadows of the evening and bedtime in shades of blue that are comforting and appealing instead of the blackness that is often scary to a small child. So a real plus for capturing this so nicely. Then the variety of animals portrayed in familiar bedtime settings is quite appealing and they are drawn with cute charm.

The story is told in rhyme that flows nicely but isn't perfect. All authors are not Robert Louis Stevenson, but many are quite good and this is a good rhyming story.

The premise is a sort of fun reverse psychology for when a child doesn't want to go to sleep and you tell them to go ahead and stay awake - don't close your eyes. Just stay in bed and don't close your eyes. Well, soon that little one will be sleeping away. Well, hopefully it works.

Let's face it. This is a charming board book with softened padded cover. And parents and kiddies can joke around about not closing your eyes all night long. The ending is quite cute and speaks of dreaming of each other. A sweet little thought with which to end the day.

Of note, this is published by Thomas Nelson Publishing (Tommy Nelson) which is a Christian publishing house. The book, however, makes no mention of Christianity, the Bible, or God. Not a problem; just that it makes the book appealing to secular audiences that want a sweet book for a little one.

About the book: Do your little ones resist going to sleep? Lull them to sleep with a fun bedtime challenge in Don’t Close Your Eyes!

Children have a lot of fun packed into a day, and they don't always want it to end. Award-winning author Bob Hostetler capitalizes on this by challenging little ones to keep their eyes open, no matter how heavy their eyelids may get. The soft rhymes about animals preparing for sleep will help them settle down until they finally close their eyes and sleep!

With silly and adorable characters whose sleepy faces will make you laugh out loud, Don’t Close Your Eyes is a unique bedtime book that your child will reach for again and again. Get ready for bed and say your prayers, but whatever you do, don't close your eyes!

DISCLOSURE: I recived a complimentary copy from the BookLook Review program on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

God, I Know You're There by Bonnie Rickner Jensen and published by Thomas Nelson

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My thoughts:  This little, charming, delightfully illustrated book will help your little one find answers to the big question of "Where Is God?" "Is He Here With Me?" and parents will find that they, too, will think on a grander, deeper scale about the presence of Almighty God.

Thomas Nelson's kid's imprint "Tommy Nelson" has hit-one-outta-the-park with this little gem.

Simply stated in gentle rhymes the child affirms the wind, sky, clouds, et al are there because he can sense them or see them but he can't actually hold, or feel, nor understand them. These are big things in life and prepare one for understanding the concept of an Almighty, All-present God.

Lovely! Highly recommend!

About the book:  Where is God? Is He real?

Look closely and you can see God's touch all over creation. Like the sun, God is warm. Like the stars, God is dazzling. Like the wind, God is all around, everywhere. God, I Know You're There, by bestselling author Bonnie Rickner Jensen and illustrator Lucy Fleming, reminds children of the nearness and goodness of God. Children will discover that God never leaves their side, even if they can’t see or feel Him.

Each page will help children understand the many things in the world we can't see, touch, or hear are just as real as God is. And even if God feels distant, He is real and He is near.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story by Rory Feek & illustrated by Bruno Robert

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My thoughts:  From the treasure trove that is "Tommy Nelson" an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing another delightful children's picture book is available. This treasure takes the little ones down on the farm and meets with animals of all sorts. But the farmer has to deal with such confusion amongst his farm critters.

It is a funny story. The rhymes rollick along teasing joy out of each scene and animal miss-sound. Of course, this is a take on the "grass is greener on the other side" or "I could be better if I were like them." So the story provides fun opportunity to create a teachable moment with the child or children to whom the story is being read.

This will undoubtedly be a lot of fun to read aloud with the kiddies. A nice book. Real cute illustrations.

About the book:  From New York Times bestseller Rory Feek, one half of the singing duo Joey+Rory, comes The Cow Said Neigh!, a fun and humorous tale of farm animals who wish they were like the other animals . . . which leads to a farm-full of confusion! This delightful book will be a family favorite for years to come.

The Cow Said Neigh! is the story of some peculiar farm animals who wish they were like other animals on the farm. The cow wants to run free like a horse, the sheep wants a snout like a pig, the dog wants to be inside like the cat. Soon the entire farm is in chaos!

With silly farm animal sounds, clever rhymes, and adorable art, The Cow Said Neigh! will have kids of all ages laughing out loud as they celebrate the unique strengths in each of us.

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

God's Good News: More Than 60 Bible Stories and Devotions by Billy Graham (Published by Thomas Nelson)

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My thoughts:  As I read through God's Good News I can almost hear the voice of Billy Graham as he time and time again spoke of God's Good News. We heard him on television and we attended a crusade in a town near us. We have a long-playing vinyl recording of him, too.

Was he perfect? No. Was he a minister of God's good news? Yes. And this children's Bible story book and devotional with excerpts of Billy Graham's messages included is a treasure.

The book is filled with phrases that resonate with "Billy Graham's voice" - God loves you, He forgives you, He is a God of mercy, God has a plan for your life. Each story is Biblical and applications made that are simple to understand and yet profound in theological meaning.

These 60 plus stories and devotions will bring God's good news to the family that reads it together. It is ideal for the young reader to begin his or her own devotional readings in private as well as family time.

The illustrations are realistic yet have a modern "look" to them and bring the stories to life for the reader.

I highly recommend this Bible story and devotional to families and home libraries as well as church and school libraries. Public libraries would do well to include it in their collection.

About the book: God's Good News is even more child-friendly with a new cover, smaller trim size, and even a lower price point. More than 60 favorite Bible stories are told in actual Bible text from the New King James Version, each paired with a takeaway devotion from Rev. Graham. The takeaways will help children focus on God’s Word, apply it to their lives, and begin sharing the good news from an early age.

"Christianity is good news. . . . When we open up the Bible, it is good news from cover to cover. It's the good news that God loves us." —Billy Graham

No one has brought the good news to more people than Reverend Billy Graham, and the people who admire him span all generations. This lovely edition of God's Good News will be a timeless classic for parents and grandparents to give a new generation of children the good news, to show them the way to the cross, and to help them begin a lifetime of following Christ.

Invite the children you love to experience God through powerful stories from the Bible. They will imagine the walls of water in the parted Red Sea, figure out why Joseph chose to forgive his brothers, read about a paralyzed man Jesus healed, and discover God’s exciting plan for their lives. Most of all, this Bible storybook helps children understand God's incredible love for them. Each story is equipped with a takeaway devotion from Rev. Graham. The takeaways will help children focus on God's Word, apply it to their lives, and begin walking with God and sharing the good news from an early age.

With Bible stories told in actual Bible text, this storybook teaches that God loves us, saves us from our sin, and invites us into a new life with Him. Each entry includes the wisdom of Billy Graham, who spent his life helping people all over the world understand and respond in faith to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that God loves us, and that is good news!

The striking artwork from Scott Wakefield will help children connect with the timeless Bible stories and messages from Rev. Graham.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the BookLook reviewers program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.