An Accusing at the Old Bailey Of (Cloaks & Daggers #3) by Erica Vetsch [Giveaway]

An Accusing at the Old Bailey by Erica Vetsch

ISBN: 9780825448645
Paperback $18.99
Kregel Publications

About the book: The thrilling finale to the highly rated Regency romance series

Sir Bertrand Thorndike is on another mission-this one in the scientific community. But when a simple game of espionage becomes a murder investigation and Bertie's friend Rhynwick Davies is the accused, Bertie enlists the help of his pseudo-fiancée Philippa Cashel to spare Rhynwick from the gallows.

Together, they delve into poisons, passions, and peril. With the true killer still on the loose, Bertie must balance proving Rhynwick's innocence with his plans to persuade Philippa to make their false engagement real.

The final installment in the Of Cloaks & Daggers series from a New York Times best-selling author will be the biggest test yet of Bertie and Philippa's skill and bravery-and of their love.

Read an Excerpt - click here

Watch for Chat With Vera's review, soon!

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 23

Ends November 24 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

An Accusing At The Old Bailey (Of Cloaks & Daggers #3) by Erica Vetsch

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

My Ready, Set, Find Bible by Jacob Vium-Olesen engages children in fun learning experiences [Review & Giveaway]

From The Creation in Genesis to Christ's Resurrection, Children will delight in this book 

ISBN: 9780825452826 
Board Book $16.99
Kregel Children's Books

My thoughts:  This children's board book is larger than one would normally expect. It is 8.5" x 8.5" and is 1.5" thick. It has a lightly padded cover. It is sturdy and well designed. It is NOT too hefty for the average toddler to handle. I can visualize little ones going to their own book shelf and selecting their "Bible," toddling across the room with it lovingly grasped in their arms, and sweetly beginning to enjoy it's contents. I really wish this had been available when my children were young.

The "story" on each two-page spread is brief, yet insightful. The picture appropriate for the story is bright, charming, and engaging. The "Can you find?" activity for children will bring repeated searches through the picture for objects that delight. Beloved Bible stories are featured throughout and bring truths gently to the heart and mind of the child. 

Kregel produces some wonderful children's products, and the My Ready, Set, Find Bible is a delightful addition to their selection.

About the book: Parents know how challenging it can be to find resources about the Bible that are both age-appropriate and engaging for your kids. Small aren't always interested in sitting still and listening to a story; they want to be a part of making the story come to life!

Introduce little ones to Bible stories in a memorable way. In My Ready, Set, Find Bible, children ages two to four will experience a game of spotting 190 different objects throughout twenty-two Bible stories.

Children will learn about Bible characters like Noah, Abraham, Ruth, and Jesus, as well as about some of Jesus's parables. Through the seek-and-find design, each story will interest little ones and improve their Bible knowledge and vocabulary. Interact with every page and the stories will come to life!

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

✝️🌈GIVEAWAY🌈✝️

Begins March 14

Ends April 15 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

My Ready, Set, Find Bible by Jacob Vium-Olesen - Kregel Children's Books

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

From Kregel Children's Books: "My Bigger Search and Find Noah's Ark" by Jacob Vium-Olesen [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825452093
Board Book $12.99
Kregel Children's Books

My thoughts: I have found that the children's books published by Kregel Publications have never disappointed me. The delightful illustrations, engaging story-telling, the educational and involvement-based format plus sturdy binding and pages make these worthwhile and choice acquisitions for the young child's use and enjoyment. 

In My Bigger Search and Find Noah's Ark the Old Testament story of Biblical patriarch Noah building the Ark to house two of every kind of creature (more of some), the delightful imagination of author, illustrator, and publisher have all designed a rather unique book. The "bigger" part is that when you turn the page, you don't get a two-page-spread. No, you get a 4-square. It unfolds (or expands) into a big page with lots of items to engage the vision and attention of the young child. The child can further engage in the story by finding items as they appear in unexpected places on the page.

Each spread is different and the focus is on BIGGER. So not only are the pages of the book bigger than expected, the child will learn that

• Noah's task was bigger
• The boat was bigger
• The flood was bigger
• Their trust in God was bigger
• God's rainbow promise was bigger

So not only is this a cute, fun, interactive book, it is also introductory theology for the little ones in your family. And...... mom and dad can learn just how big it all was, too.

I highly recommend this book. Remember to enter the giveaway below.....

About the book: Seek-and-find books are fun, but what if they were . . . bigger? This one unfolds to four times its original size to make for an interactive experience kids will love.

Children ages four to six will discover the story of Noah's ark while spotting hidden characters, animals, and objects on every colorful and jam-packed page. Kids will also learn how to apply the Scripture to their lives. Each page includes verse references as well as truths about God's love and care for little readers to remember.

A perfect road-trip companion, church-service entertainment, or everyday activity that will keep children engaged while teaching them God's Word and the truth about their importance as His children.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

Take a peek with Granny Godley ~ Sound on!

⛈️🌈GIVEAWAY🌈⛈️

Begins January 17

Ends February 16 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

My Bigger Search & Find Noah's Ark by Jacob Vium-Olesen - Kregel Children's Books

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 sent directly to the winner by Kregel. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Ethan's Challenge: A Family Story of Paul's First Missionary Journey by Arnold Ytreeide [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825448751
Kregel Publications
Juvenile Fiction/Religious
$19.99 Softcover

My thoughts:  I'm not a fan of fictional stories set around Biblical themes and especially with people and incidents from the Bible. That is my personal preference for my own reading. However, I can see it as an opportunity for immersive reading for a child or teen to empathize with the characters when this is done. In Ethan's Challenge we have a teen involved in a missionary journey with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark. The hardships of the time are experienced and Ethan is right there. The story concept reminds me of a series my children enjoyed as young teens - the "We Were There" historical fiction books.

The book and story is fictional and the intent is to encourage spiritual grown in readers. Each short chapter has a devotional thought at the end. So this spiritual growth/devotional emphasis would make this a good family read-aloud book for older elementary and young teens.

The book is not a picture book. Format is a square book and the print is smaller than I like. 

Read an excerpt - click here

About the book: Gather the family for an exciting read about Paul's first missionary journey!

Thirteen-year-old Ethan is happiest when he's hiding between sacks of grain in his mother's storeroom. There, he's safe from the world and doesn't have to be brave or clever like his grandfather Jotham or his father, Amon. But with his famous relatives, Ethan seems destined—or maybe doomed—for adventure.

Before long, Ethan is hundreds of miles from home on a journey with the most famous Christian missionary, running from an angry mob wielding clubs and axes and wanting to kill them. How in the world did he end up here? As a reluctant Ethan travels with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark, he begins to learn the importance of courage in the face of trials and of sharing the good news of Jesus.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the real events and places of Acts 13-15 from the relatable perspective of thirteen-year-old Ethan, who is the descendant of the beloved characters from Arnold Ytreeide's hugely popular Christmas and Easter series. This is the perfect read for families at any time of the year. Purchase a copy: click here

GIVEAWAY

1 copy: Ethan's Challenge

Begins November 12

Ends December 10 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

Ethan's Challenge: Family Story of Paul's FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review from Kregel Publishing. 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.

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro: A Southern Novel by Heather Norman Smith [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825455643
Paperback $17.99 US
Buy at Kregel Publishing

My thoughts: From the opening sentence I was entranced at the skill and beautiful word weaving of this "new-to-me" author as she pened this story. I was interested initially in the book because it is set in a small North Carolina town. A town that is surely fictional, but none-the-less should capture the essence of life in the South and specifically life in a small North Carolina town. The author, Heather Norman Smith, is a life time dweller in our fair state. And, yes, I am a life time dweller in North Carolina. So I thought this should be an interesting read.

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro speaks well to what I have, at times, seen lived out in North Carolina. And that is small things done inconspicuously bringing a bit of joy, comfort, or kindness to a neighbor or passer-by. Just a kindness that speaks well to humanity and speaks well to what it is like to be a North Carolinian. But I digress from the book's actual story.

The main character, Andy Clark, was born, unfortunately, with a major tumor growing on the side of his face and it got worse as he grew. His loving mother had a way of instilling love and acceptance in Andy, and she "gentled" him through the roughness of a life of being different from his peers. In school there were difficulties and few friends; but one of Andy's friends was our other main character, Della Rose. And at some point in their school years, even Della Rose turned against Andy. That's the background and the story actually begins when they are in mid-life.

Andy has a way of doing unseen kindnesses and Della Rose (and her sweet little girl) have just left a marriage of 17 years because of a cheating husband and some abuse. Sadly, Della Rose's story is not limited to just Della Rose and North Carolina. It is an often occurring situation where shattered marriages, with wives and children in situations desperate for housing and support, can be seen throughout the world. But again, I digress from the story of Flatsboro.

As Della Rose works through the tense, sometimes frightful life she now experiences as a divorcee and single mother, she encounters kindness - A simple kindness - from a generator of kindness in Flatsboro. And the act of kindness is even more amazing in that it comes from a source so bereft of kindness itself.

I like and appreciated the skill of the author and the story of kindness and overcoming difficulties. I don't particularly care to read about broken families since they leave me with such sadness. But this is a well-done story and one I can recommend.

About the book: A small dose of kindness can go a long way

Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn't just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it's his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she's no longer there.

Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.

With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what's right.

About the Author: Heather Norman Smith is the award-winning author of Songs for a Sunday and other inspirational fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. She lives just outside Winston-Salem with her husband, their four children, and several pets. Find out more at heathernormansmith.com. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 25

Ends October 16 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro: A Southern Novel by Heather Norman Smith

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

Children's Sparkly Sticker Books from Kregel Publishing are fabulous gifts [Review & Giveaway]

Looking for quality entertainment that teaches little kids about the Bible in a fun, interactive way (even "sparkly") for colder weather "inside time" or for Christmas gifting? Kregel Publishing has an assortment of "Sparkly Sticker Books" perfect for this.

I have never seen a child that doesn't love stickers and glitter. Combine this with learning about the Bible and combining hands on play/education parents have a win-win fun activity for their youngster.

Pros:

• These "sparkly" sticker books don't "shed" the glittery stuff the way most glitter sheds. Just love this aspect, too.
• The illustrations are charming, fun, attention garnering. The text of the story is simply stated and not overly long for youngsters.
• Bible stories come to life at their fingertips.
• Talk about the story and what it means to be children of God. 
• The book also includes references for all eight story spreads, and words for each of the seventy-five stickers.

I absolutely love these sticker books and encourage you to purchase one, two, or more for children you love.

Bible Friends: Sparkly Sticker Book

Bible Wonders: Sparkly Sticker Book

About the Sparkly Sticker Books: Make Bible stories come to life in a sparkly new way! Now girls and boys ages four and up can finish their favorite Bible scenes by finding stickers and matching them with the missing spots. They will feel like they've made their very own book and will enjoy reading it over and over again!

As kids develop their stickering and reading skills, parents can join in the fun by talking about the story and what it means to be children of God. The book also includes references for all eight story spreads, and words for each of the seventy-five stickers.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

GIVEAWAY

2 Sparkly Sticker Books

Begins September 6

Ends September 30 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

2 Children's Sparkly Sticker Books from Kregel Publishing, SRV $15.98 Total

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

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Notification email used will be that which is registered to the Gleam system.  Prize must be CLAIMED by winner within 48 hours or prize is forfeited and a new winner will be chosen. Author, publicist, or publisher is responsible for providing and shipping the prize to the winner. 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

My thoughts: Escaping into the legal arena of university law professor, Margeaux, and her former nemesis practicing criminal defense attorney, Chase, via the fiction writing skills of a real life attorney and professor, Cara Putman, proved to be entertaining, enjoyable, and eye opening as to the possibilities a similar case might flesh out in the legal arena.

As they nit pick through police reports, witness statements, and individuals’ lives they find a convoluted trail of evidence that just doesn’t support the accused being the prime suspect. 

As the trial proceeds, matters come to a head revealing more than the police bargained for. An exciting and terrifying ending that still leaves a thin thread of wonder.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

About the book: 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.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 21

Ends May  20 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals by Sharon J. Mondragón (Kregel Books)

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Something is brewing in Raeburne's Ferry, Georgia—and it's not sweet tea.

ISBN: 9780825448683
Paperback $16.99
Kregel Publications

My thoughts: If you've not read a Sharon J. Mondragon book, you've missed a light-hearted, joyful read. In Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals we journey into the heart of a vibrant Georgia community replete with gregarious, "news" sharing (think gossipers) ladies. Death has visited the community and granddaughter Sarah is the designated funeral-goer for bedridden Grandma (that's so she can bring back all the tidbits of who, what, when, how, and how much of all the goings on).

Throw into this delightful mishmash, a terse death bed statement and the investigation of a bygone scandal is set in motion.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of the characters and the author captures their personalities beautifully. I can just "feel" the tensions as folks encounter one another in this did-she did-he story. And she even gives the readers a glimpse into the world of Georgia during an ice storm. (Only a Southerner can truly appreciate the fear and tension of a deep-South ice storm!)

I say this is a delightful read and will surely bring joy and chuckles to one's heart.

About the book: In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone's business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say "pecan pie."

But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, "God is too big." With him, nothing is impossible—even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.

"Mondragón masterfully weaves a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of truth." —Kate Angelo, best-selling romantic suspense author

Author: Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She's the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Find her at sharonjmondragon.com.

Excerpt.... It’s not that she gets squeamish or weak-kneed at the sight of a friend or relative laid out. She takes an avid interest in every detail of the deceased, from the tie they put on third cousin twice removed Billy Ray to how Harriet Tilson’s hair turned out. Nor is it that she lacks respect for those who have gone on to glory before her. Grandma Ruth is the kind of person to whom you do not criticize your mother. And it’s not that she prefers to stay at home and watch Jeopardy! Instead. Grandma Ruth is bedridden—has been for the past three years. Much as she would like to, Grandma Ruth isn’t going anywhere. 

I am Sarah Elizabeth, Grandma Ruth’s favorite granddaughter. Being her favorite is a dubious honor. It means I’m her favorite to go to the store and buy birthday cards, visit her shut-in friends, and, you guessed it, attend funerals in her place.

Looking back, I realize I’ve been training for funeral duty for quite a while. When I was ten, she taught me how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch to take by the home of the bereaved for the reception. By the time I was eleven, I had learned to write a tasteful and heartfelt condolence note. I attended my first funeral at twelve. (Grandma Ruth wanted to take me sooner, but Mama put her foot down and prevailed for once.) Now that I’m twenty-four, Grandma Ruth considers me not only fully qualified but socially obligated to take her place since she can’t get out anymore. I don’t think I’ve missed a single funeral in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia, since she took to her bed.

Connect with Sharon by visiting sharonjmondragon.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 Amazon gift card!

• Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 
• Full tour schedule linked below. 
• Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 & lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025. 
• Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway & given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
• Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Children's Crinkly Cloth Book, "My Very First Christmas: A Soft & Cozy Bible Story for Babies" from Kregel Publishing [BlogHop & Giveaway]

🎄THINK AHEAD FOR CTHRISTMAS GIVING🎄

This hop is hosted by MamatheFox 
at mamathefox.com 

My thoughts:  Perfect for tiny ones! As they touch, bat, smush the book it makes a crinkly sound. Soft to the touch. Brightly colored. It has a real Bible story that captures the First Christmas when the Christ child was born. A grand introduction to books and to Bible stories.

I remember the first cloth book one of my children had. That was a long time ago and that child is now a grandparent. Love the concept of introducing tiny ones to books and Bible stories early in life.  I highly recommend.

About the book: Stimulate baby's senses and fill their hearts with God's love

This charming cloth book shares the story of baby Jesus in the perfect way for every baby's Christmas. Fun, soft, and perfect for tiny hands, the soft-and-cozy Bible story is all about the love of God.

Bright, expressive illustrations will capture the attention of babies and toddlers. And the cloth construction is great for touching, squeezing, and even biting . . . with story time play time. The squishy fabric book features crinkle cloth front and back for sensory development and lots of baby fun.

🎄GIVEAWAY🎄

Begins November 1

Ends November 15 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

Secret word: Noel

a Rafflecopter giveaway

🎄Have fun entering all the giveaways on Blog Hop!🎄

BLOG HOP DISCLOSURE: MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

CHAT WITH VERA DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! by Allia Zobel Nolan & illustrated by Alexandra Colombo (ISBN-9780825448577) [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  Harriet is a lively, sweet, God-loving little girl whose inner-motor runs on high and so she speeds through everything. Her impatience is a problem and she know it is. She is astute enough to recognize this and to also recognize that God can help her.

The illustrations show fast-moving young Harriet rushing through her day with her gorgeous red hair flying and her face expressing her joy in living.

The bonds of family are strongly illustrated in this sweet book as they all love and support Harriet. At the end of the book there is a page of hints to help parents and hints to help children deal with impatience.

I highly recommend.

About the book: "Can you send me some patience, God? Please?"

Harriet's mom calls her Harriet Hurry-Up—and it's easy to see why. There's nothing this little girl can't stand more than waiting. From a slowpokey sun that won't rise before she does, to the shy sprouts on her school potato experiment, to the long line at the store with Mom, everything takes forever for Harriet. Why, oh, why can't this day just go faster?

But with her Gran's help, this impatient little girl is learning to trust God's timing and find the blessings he puts in every single day—if she can just slow down long enough to see them. Secret word: patience

With rhymed text that kids will love and colorful, whimsical illustrations full of surprises, Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! will quickly become a family favorite. It's perfect for birthdays, back-to-school reading, and for anyone—child or adult—who finds that having patience is hard.

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of: Harriet Hurry-Up & the Oh-So-Slow Day!

Begins September 12

Ends October 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

I DREAM A DREAM OF YOU by: Bob Hostetler & Illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti from Kregel Publications [Review & Giveaway]

Kregel Publications
ISBN: 978-0825448584
Board Book $11.99

My thoughts:  A board book for the little ones that is written from a parent's heart to the little one. The sweet rhymes speak of the adult's desires for the little one to grow into adulthood and achieve many things. But not only do they want material success, they mostly voice the desire that the little one will be kind, generous, forgiving, loving.

A tender way to share with the little one's in your life the desires of your heart for them, and to tell them that God is watching over them in all.

Delightful. I recommend.

About the book: A charming read-aloud bedtime book for toddlers

With its sweet bedtime rhymes, I Dream a Dream for You resembles the classic title The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton. A family of red pandas make their home in the forest. When it's time for bed, Mom and Dad tuck in their three kiddos, and as they all drift to sleep, dreams come to life through the vibrant pictures and story. Parents or grandparents will enjoy reading this sweet bedtime rhyme, filled with dreams and aspirations for their little ones. With amazing, colorful illustrations, this read-to-me story richly shows the love of a faith-filled family with creative, interesting scenes that kids will love to see over and over--and those who read it to them will experience the blessing of God's love, which is meant to be shown and shared with families.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 30

Ends July 30 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Secret word: dream

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publications. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Kregel's Bible centric books help toddlers & preschools understand Scripture [Review & Giveaway]

My Toddler Bible (Timeless Stories for Little Ones) board book ISBN: 9780825448669

Buy it on Kregel Publishing

My thoughts:  An adorable little one's board book with a convenient handy handle for their ease in carrying about. The illustrations are attention grabbing, fun, brightly colorful, and aid in understanding the story.

The text is lengthy enough to tell the story adequately for the intendended age audience with a vocabulary that is not "dumbed down for age." 

Kregel Publishing's children's books have always been winners for engagement, accuracy, design, and lasting quality. I highly recommend.

About the book: A perfect Bible for little hands

Filled with rich and colorful illustrations and simple text faithful to the Bible, My Toddler Bible is perfect for children ages 1 to 3. The twenty-eight Bible stories include Scripture references and are taken equally from both the Old and New Testaments to form a complete arc of God's story.

Toddlers will love the built-in handle to carry their Bible with them everywhere--including church! And parents and grandparents will love that its compact form and bright pictures will inspire their little ones to engage with Scripture from an early age.

My Bigger Search and Find Bible ISBN: 9780825448478

Buy it on Kregel Publishing

My thoughts:  Children simply love search and find books and educators (and parents) love them, too. They engage the child with the book and the content of the book. True, some of the items the child is to find have very little to do with the story, it keeps them engaged. In My Bigger Search & Find Bible children journey quickly through the Bible with brief encounters with characters and stories. While doing so, they learn of God's being bigger than their problems. As an aside, you'll note that each story page opens out to four times the book's size. Again "bigger." 

I highly recommend this engaging search and find Bible story book for children. Again Kregel Publications has a winner.

About the book: Fun-filled way for kids to learn how BIG the love of God is...

From the very first page, this fun book is designed to help kids ages 4 to 6 understand that God's love for us is bigger than we can imagine!

Each page expands to four times its size. And in every colorful Bible scene, a child can search and find Bible friends, animals, and other items for even more interactive fun. Secret word: Bible

Packed with cheerful illustrations and a world of play, children will want to come back to this unique Bible over and over, fostering a love of God's Word and a new understanding of his expansive love.

GIVEAWAY

2 Children's Bible books from Kregel Publications

Begins May 3

Ends June 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinons are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Children's Bible sticker fun books from Kregel Publishing are super nice for kiddies [Review & Giveaway USA]

Bible Stories: Sparkly Sticker Book by Jacob Vium-Olesen, illustrated by Contributor: Sandrine L'Amour

Buy it Here
ISGN: 9780825448348

Find and place the sparkly stickers to complete Bible scenes!

Kregel Children's Christmas Books to treasure and bring joy [Review & Giveaway]

I have found through the years that Kregel Publishing has an excellent selection of children's books. Be sure you visit their website to look through their selection. You can also search my blog for Kregel books I've reviewed. 

Kregel's Christmas Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories by Matt Lockhart

Buy it here

My thoughts:  This small book is a true treasure and keepsake that can be brought out yearly for use and display at Christmas. It is a book that will be handed down to the next generation as well. It is a book that will introduce children (and adults) to more classical art and book illustrations of Biblical texts. 

Each two-page spread has a Bible story from the  prophesized coming of Christ to His birth, and other events surrounding His birth.

This is not a "cutesied" or toned down retelling of these accounts. An assortment of Bible versions is used to recount the stories. This is a book to draw you and your family closer to the Christ as you remember His birth. 

Art work is by Cleveland Woodward (1900-1985) and Otto Stemler (1872-1953).

I personally would prefer the KJV for the Scripture portions. This is a lovely book and will serve families well for many years. I hope it is a blessing to families and  I recommend this book.

About the book: Scripture with classic artwork for a keepsake families will read every Christmas...

Like Kregel's Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories, this new volume combines actual Scripture with stunning, high-quality traditional artwork, here bringing the timeless Christmas story to life in a presentation that will delight young and old.

Matt Lockhart gathers classic illustrations to illuminate eighteen passages surrounding the advent of the birth of Christ, including the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the revelation to the shepherds, Simeon in the temple, and much more.

A beautifully illustrated book, this treasury also includes an Advent Bible reading plan, ideas for celebrating the season, and an invitation for children to receive God's gift of Jesus.

This beautiful keepsake is the perfect present for Christmas and for generations to come.

Author: Matt Lockhart has been a part of bringing wonderful Bible-based books and resources to life throughout nearly three decades in ministry and Christian publishing. He has a heart for engaging children and adults with the life-giving message of God's Word. Matt and his wife live in Colorado in a nearly empty nest.

I Spy Christmas by Deborah Lock & illustrated by Samantha Meredith

Buy it here

My thoughts:  This is such a cute book for little ones during the Christmas season. It shares the story of the birth of the Christ child and gives the little ones an opportunity to engage in some seek and find searching on the pages. This gets the little ones focusing on the details of the illustrations to find little items.

It gives the opportunity for adults to share the story of how Christ was born with their little ones, too.

I recommend this book for families.

About the book: Interactive Christmas fun for children ages 3 to 5 - Secret word: Christmas

Can you spot the doves? What about the angel's trumpet? Point to the girl holding a rug!

Children and parents alike will have hours of fun experiencing the Christmas story in these colorful and bustling illustrations. Samantha Meredith has created eleven bright and beautiful scenes kids will love. Each page not only follows the holy family on their journey, it also includes special pictures for kids to point out.

It's an interactive book children will want to come back to again and again--all while learning the story of Jesus's birth!

Author: Deborah Lock is the author of many children's books over her twenty-year career. She is dedicated to developing products that engage and inspire children, instill a life-long love of reading, and share the Christian faith.

Contributor: Samantha Meredith is the illustrator of I Spy Christmas.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 27

Ends November 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.