Journey to Jericho, The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls #4 [Review and Giveaway]

My thoughts: Summer of 2017 saw the launch of the children's series "The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls" which is Biblically based and highly readable for kids ages 6 to 9. Now Book #4 in the series "Journey to Jericho" is out and ready for great reading fun.

Written in a type of escapism the stories still capture the essence of the Biblical time and place and the actual persons and activities of the story being told. In "Jericho" we venture forth with siblings Peter and Mary in a bit of "time travel."

First of all, this is a far-fetched and fun story that places a modern pair of kids smack into a Biblical event thousands of years ago. They don't enter this realm as kids of that time and place; no, they enter as spies that help Joshua (remember the Ram's horn was blown 7 times before the walls of Jericho fell). They converse with Joshua. They have the help of the Angel Michael. They fight an evil man in black identified as Satan.

So you may have to help you child understand that while the Bible event did happen and did happen very much as it is written into this story, there was no Peter or Mary (or cute Hank, their dog) present to help matters along.

They are hidden by Rahab when she hides the spies from Jericho men coming to look for spies. Of course, Rahab really did hide the spies, this book just includes Peter and Mary in the adventure.

The reading is good and very age appropriate. It is an adventure with really eye catching illustrations sprinkled throughout. A cute book. I would advise parents, though, to be sure they help their child understand the difference between this one and the actual Biblical account. At the end of the book, there is a nice listing of where in the Bible to find the specific events. This is a real help.

About the book: “In Journey to Jericho, Peter, Mary, and Hank travel to the ancient desert—just as the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land. The time travelers join a secret spy mission to Jericho, help sneak Rahab to safety, and face the scheming Man in Black. Can they solve the secret of the scroll before the city walls begin to crumble?”

About the series: The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to exciting moments in Bible history.

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 30

Ends September 10 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to Continental USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Publisher: WorthyKids/Ideals

Museum of the Bible Books Collection: Colors in the Bible & Numbers in the Bible [Review & 2-Book Giveaway]

Colors in the Bible (find it here)

My thoughts: This little children's board book definitely differs from the usual "learn your colors" book. I was fascinated that each color was associated with a Bible story and the story told in text and illustration was geared to the target age group.

We don't stop and think about specific colors in the Bible since we usually focus on the lesson to be learned from the Bible story or learn the facts of the Bible story itself. This is a new way to learn colors and associate them as "points of reference" to a specific Bible story. I like this concept. I like, too, that the Biblical reference for each of the stories is provided. The whole story is not given. Just a "sentence" or so that illustrates the "color" connection.

I highly recommend this board book for families and churches.

About the book: “Take a colorful tour of favorite Bible stories! Little ones will learn their colors as they discover green trees in the Garden of Eden, orange lions in the den, and the red flames of the burning bush. Created with fresh, modern illustrations, this colors primer will captivate curious toddlers.” (board book; ages 2 to 4)

Numbers in the Bible (find it here)

My thoughts: This little children's board book definitely differs from the usual "learn to count" book. I was fascinated that each number was associated with a Bible story and the story as told in text and lively illustration was geared to the targeted age group. For example: David selected five stones for when he stood before the giant Goliath with only his slingshot. Of course, we know it only took one stone to topple Goliath.

What other numbers do you think of when you scan your  mind for a Bible story with numbers? These short stories straight from the Bible help the child identify the number, count the items, and learn that a Bible story has a particular number that can be associated with it. Another little gem is the Bible reference given for each story in the Bible. The whole story is not given. Just a "sentence" or so that illustrates the "color" connection.

I highly recommend this board book for families and churches.

About the book:  “Take a number-filled tour of favorite Bible stories! Little ones will learn their numbers as they discover one big ark, five smooth stones, and seven priests carrying seven trumpets. Created with fresh, modern illustrations, this numbers primer will captivate curious toddlers.” (board book; ages 2 to 4)

GIVEAWAY

Both books for 1 winner!

Begins March 21

Ends April 10 AT 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to Continental US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from WorthyKids/Ideals to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. Giveaway books are provided by WorthyKids/Ideals and shipped from them directly to the winner.

Planet 316 Story Bible (with optional Augmented Reality!) [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: What an interesting and exciting concept the Planet 316 Story Bible is to innovatively pair a children's print story bible (you know, hard copy ink and paper book) with today's technology (i.e. a smartphone or a touchpad). So many little children have access to a touchpad and are so accustomed to utilizing this technology that it will provide a smooth transition. Why! Even this (the Vera of Chat With Vera) Great-Grandma got it and downloaded it!

When you upload the app to your tech unit, you can see images virtually leap off the page. This will certainly capture the attention of children. You can see from the short video below how this works.

Now about the book itself..... This is a mid-sized book that is somewhat hefty to hold. So wee little ones probably won't be toting it around the house. It contains more than 100 Bible stories and eye-catching illustrations accompany them. The stories take the reader from the beginning of the Bible to the end. There is an index that will help you locate the pages that specific characters, locations, etc. appear on. The Table of Contents is broken down by Old Testament and New Testament. The stories are a good length for read aloud to young children and for early readers to read aloud or to themselves. The book is good as a stand-alone or especially fun when coupled with the app that is a free download.

This is a full page of text. Many have half pages or less.

About the book: “Watch the Bible spring to life! This innovative Bible storybook features more than 100 stories from the Old and New Testaments. The stories are told in kid-friendly and biblically accurate language and accompanied by bright and whimsical artwork. The free augmented reality app brings the stories to life with 3-D animation and engaging character audio. Together, the book and its app are sure to capture children’s imaginations and start them on their faith journey.” (Hardcover; ages 4 to 7)

Watch a demo of the augmented reality: http://planet316storybible.com/. (This is the website and demo and is not the same as the short video below.)

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 5

Ends March 15 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to Continental USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, WorthyKids/Ideals, to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are my own and are freely given.

Very Veggie Bedtime Prayers from WorthyKids/Ideals Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: This lightly padded board book is so cute with the loveable Veggie characters. Their enduring charm brings a love for veggies (some kids don't like veggies but maybe cute veggies will entice them) with the joyful reading of these sweet prayers.

Ending the day with prayer for the blessings of the day and for the keeping during the night is a favorite to tuck a child into bed. Their mind and heart are filled with gentle love for the Lord when they put their trust in Him and pray to Him.

On some pages there is a little printed "tab" with a short verse of Scripture that directs the thoughts to God's promises (verses from NLT):

"For each day he carries us in his arms" Psalm 68:19
"In peace I will lie down and sleep." Psalm 4:8
"I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me." Psalm 23: 4
"God gives rest to His loved ones." Psalm 127:2

This is a sturdy book suited for little hands and lots of handling and carrying about. The thoughts and insights are also suitable for children beyond the young toddler age. So a lot of reading and loving can be found in this little book.  While the verses are not on a par with the classic children's prayers that have been handed down through the generations, they are good and can strongly impact the young child positively.

About the book: In this book, familiar VeggieTales characters accompany rhyming, kid-friendly prayers. Little ones will learn how to talk to God and will be reassured that God cares for them day and night. (Padded board book; ages 2 to 5)

Giveaway

Begins January 23

Ends February 5 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Continental US only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. Winner's copy will be sent directly to them by the publisher.

Museum of the Bible and Worthy Kids Publishing launch book collection for children [Review & Giveaway]

The Museum of the Bible has now opened in Washington, DC and it would truly be a fabulous place to visit and learn of the Bible's impact on the World through the centuries. And as with most museums, there is a gift shop and most children (adults, too) love to bring home something special to recall their visit to the museum.

Worthy Publishing has a new book imprint - Museum of the Bible books. This new selection of books will feature a variety of books including illuminated portions of the Bible, children's books, and historical volumes. I am featuring four of the children's books that will be found in the Museum of the Bible and in other places where you love to purchase books. And Chat With Vera readers will also be given the opportunity to win one book of their choice from the featured four books.

Children of the World Storybook Bible (hardcover; ages 5 to 8; 256 pgs): A unique storybook Bible that pairs one hundred best-loved Bible stories with artwork from children in over sixty countries around the world.

 My thoughts: Children love books with lots of illustrations that help them to understand the story. And children love to draw and color. Combining the two, you have this new Children's Bible Storybook with stories from the Bible told so they can be read by young readers or for read aloud time. Beautifully written text that is easy to understand yet not so simple that one's intelligence is not challenged.  

Some stories usually left out of children's Bible storybooks are included. Sodom and Gomorrah, The Golden Calf, Achan and the Battle at Ai, etc.  

There is a wonderful People and Places Index at the back of the book and a story Table of Contents at the front. These help readers locate stories and information they wish to read or reread. There is also a two-page spread of Country Map of the World at the back of the book that will be a fun learning tool and highlight.  

The Art: A unique and very important feature of this book is that the illustrations are done by children from all across the World. Credit is given to each and every child for his or her drawing with their first name, age, and the country they are from.

This is definitely a winner! 

What’s the Bible All About? (board book; ages 2 to 5): This powerful introduction gives young children a “big picture” understanding of the Bible—from what it is, to how it was written, to the stories it tells.

My thoughts: This is a highly unusual board book for the young child in that it presents the history of the Bible as it involves different faiths and speaks to the original written Bible being on scrolls. The manner in which this history of the Bible is presented is exceptionally well done for the young child's introduction to the Bible and how it in its various forms is for the Jewish, Christian, and Catholic Christian. Quite different for the young child but entirely appropriate and will provide parents of different faiths an opportunity to address with their child this remarkable book's history. 

I highly recommend.

Wild and Wacky Things in the Bible (paperback; ages 6 to 9; 160 pgs): This book explores the story behind weird and wacky Bible happenings with intriguing facts and bold artwork.

My thoughts: Laid out in attention grabbing microbites of information with short text giving the Wild and Wacky Thing on each two-page spread and the biblical reference for the story, there are other coordinated facts, activities, and Did You Know? areas of information that will add so much fun and learning of science as well as Biblical information. 

Mom and Dad will be interested in this wealth of information that makes delving into Scripture so much fun with lots of emphasis on educational entertainment.

That’s So Weird! (paperback; ages 5 to 8; 112 pgs): Geared to emerging readers, this fun and fascinating book of trivia teaches young children about the whos, whats, and whys of the Bible with a colorful, graphic feel.

My thoughts: Visually fun to look at with it's funny graphics and bold, splashy words, the book grabs the attention of readers young and older with sure fire tantalizing facts about people, things, happenings, and whatever in the Bible that are sure to fascinate. Presented in such an entertaining method, these pertinent bits of information will certainly lead to further discussion of the actual passages from the Bible (referenced with each attention grabbing fact) that enable the reader to know the full depth and breadth of what is actually involved. This one is a sure winner.

Now one of Chat With Vera's  readers has an opportunity to have a copy of one of these children's books. At the end of the entry period a winner will be chosen and then may choose the one book of their choice. Let the fun begin...... 

GIVEAWAY

Winner may select 1 book from the 4 books reviewed

Begins November 6

ENDS November 20 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to Continental USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Publisher and Museum of the Bible Information - Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the Bible. In 2017, Museum of the Bible, which aims to be the most technologically advanced museum in the world, will open its 430,000-square-foot nonprofit museum just three blocks from the Capitol in Washington, D.C. www.MuseumoftheBible.org  Museum of the Bible Books website

Worthy Publishing Group is a privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, TN. Worthy includes five distinct imprints: Worthy Books publishes inspirational works addressing spiritual growth, biblical study, faith and culture, biography, fiction, and specialty Bibles; Museum of the Bible Books is a partnership between Worthy and the Museum, publishing books that reveal the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible; Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts, and paper expressions; Worthy Inspired publishes felt-need, spiritual growth, inspirational, and devotional books; and WorthyKids/Ideals creates colorful, interactive children’s books, including VeggieTales and Berenstain Bears, for ages 2 to 8.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary books to facilitate this review of each book and share my opinions. My opinions are freely given without compensation and are not subject to approval by publisher or author. Giveaway copy to winner will be provided directly to the winner by the publisher.

Love You Always by Eileen Spinelli [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover - Ages  4 - 7
ISBN: 978-0824956868
Published: WorthyKids/Ideals

My thoughts:  This gentle and lovely little book exudes joyful living and encourages little ones to know and accept that they are loved. They are loved always and by a host of people. Their mama, their father, their grandparents, and on and on.

The love is there even though they are not always nice and sweet. Love is for always.

I am so encouraged by the joyful illustrations that Gillian Flint has presented using black pen lines with soft hues of gentle watercolors. The joy is in the action and in the facial expressions of the characters. Pictured are a variety of individual grown ups and children. The children range from blonds to darker skinned curly heads.

Eileen Spinelli uses simple rhymes that roll easily off the tongue with a vocabulary that young listeners will understand. I like the concept of the child being a leaf on the family tree and that family members and those outside the immediate family are included in the range of people who Love You Always. A charming book.

About the book: A love poem to a child from all the people whose love surrounds him or her

A child is a treasured leaf on a family tree, surrounded by love from mom, dad, doting grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends too. This sweet, reassuring picture book from Eileen Spinelli acknowledges the whole tree -- the many who are invested in a child's life -- with expressions of unconditional love from each. Heartwarming verse and charming artwork will make this book a must-buy for baby showers, birthdays, and other occasions.

(NOTE: Dark shading on images in this review are fault of Vera's Pictures. Sometimes my pictures just don't quite make it right.)

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 20

Ends October 3 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to Continental USA only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: Eileen Spinelli spent Saturdays at the public library as a child, and it was there that she decided to become a writer. She’s authored more than fifty children’s books, including Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch; The Best Story; and Two to Cuddle. Eileen lives in Media, Pennsylvania. When she and her husband, Jerry, who’s also an author, are not writing, they are hanging out with their grandkids (30 and counting), playing Scrabble, reading, watching old movies, and raising Monarch butterflies.

Illustrator Bio: Gillian Flint has had a passion for drawing and creating characters for as long as she can remember, so a career in illustration was a natural path for her to take. Her work has been published in the UK, USA, and Australia for clients such as Highlights, Five Mile Press, OUP, and Little Bee Books (book forthcoming). She enjoys using watercolors, crayons, ink, and digital illustration to create a variety of artistic styles. In her spare time, Gillian enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and pottering about in the garden on sunny days.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by WorthyKids/Ideals to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and freely given. Winner's copy is provided by and shipped directly to winner by WorthyKids/Ideals.

God Our Maker Series: God Paints the World & God Loves the World by Gary Bower [Review & Giveaway]

Find it on Amazon

God Paints the World takes children on a tour of God’s colorful creation. Each spread groups nature’s animals and objects by color, such as yellow dandelions, a shining sun, and chirping finches; and brown squirrels, trees, and crunchy nuts. Parents will love this early concept board book that teaches little ones about colors and the God who created them.

My thoughts: Gary Bower continues to amaze me with his ability to create wonderful children's books. His rhyme is terrific and his gift for connecting each color with objects or critters wonderful. The rhythm of his verses is lovely and indicates a good grasp of creating verse that is without complications and catchy enough that it will engage the young listener.

Happy, playful bluebirds fly through a clear and cloudless sky.

That's what bluebirds love to do.

God, our maker, paints them BLUE.

The bright, colorful illustrations are charming and sure to please. I absolutely love God Paints the World and highly recommend it for young readers or listeners.

Find it on Amazon

God Loves the World teaches little ones that God’s children are very diverse, and very, very, loved. Regardless of their shapes and sizes, colors and ages, interests and abilities—God cares for and loves each of his wonderfully unique children. Parents and little ones will love the book’s bright illustrations and inclusive message: “God loves all so very much!”

My thoughts: In Gary Bower's God Loves the World he presents the love God has for each and every person no matter how they are built, what the color of their skin is, what part of Earth they live on, the shape of their eyes, the language they speak. God loves each of them. Also, he clearly speaks to "God is our Maker" in the rhyming story and that we are all in "our Maker's heart." 

Every person everywhere, girls and boys, both here and there,

people from across the sea, have a Maker just like me. 

Very different, yet the same. Everybody has a name.

We all need God's loving touch, God loves all so very much! 

Being a book from a Christian publishing house - Worthy Kids/Ideals an imprint of Worthy Publishing Group - it is clear that this book is intended for the Christian audience. It does not state, however, that "God our Maker" is the Christian God. Obviously, in very young children's books one can't be expected to address theology according to religions. I do, stress, however, that this is a Christian publishing group. 

I highly recommend this and wish I had had it when my children were young. I love that it addresses the differences in people and shows a lovely acceptance of those differences.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive both books

Begins September 8

Ends September 18 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to continental USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: Gary Bower fell in love with picture books at an early age, while sitting in his mother’s lap. As a youngster he entertained himself for hours by writing his own stories, jokes, poems, and skits. As an adult, his years of professional and volunteer experience ministering to children and teens, combined with thousands of story nights with his twelve children, have helped him polish his storytelling skills.

Illustrator Bio: Tracy Cottingham is happiest when creating pictures and patterns. After finishing her art degree, she began to sell her art for greeting cards and textiles, but creating illustrations for books is her ultimate joy. She can usually be found working at her desk, sipping coffee, and chewing on gummy candy. Tracy lives and works in London.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book from WorthyKids/Ideals to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. Winner's books are provided by and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher.

Maverick and Me by Katherine Schwarzenegger & illustrated by Harris Phyllis

My thoughts:     This delightful children's picture book is definitely for those who love dogs and would-be dog lovers. Also, it focuses on the need to adopt a dog rather than shop for one. It weighs heavily on the appeal that little forlorn lost puppies who are neglected have on tender hearted individuals and the universal appeal of a child with a puppy.

Katherine Schwarzenegger has written a sweet story involving Maverick who is the forlorn lost and neglected puppy. Found by a caring lady who takes him to a pet store. The owner of the store encourages her to take the puppy home and clean him up a bit returning soon to an "adopt a dog" event at the store.

After little Maverick gets a bit of tender care, he still doesn't have a lot of appear to some of the pet seekers. Finally a charming little girl adopts Maverick and they are forever in love in their "forever home."

The illustrations by Phyllis Harris are sweet and charming and beautifully capture the emotions of seekers and doggies alike. The joy of being in a "forever home" is exuberantly displayed in the ending pages of the story.

A lovely book about a way to provide homes for dogs and have that sweet pet of your own without adding to the population of pets being sold in the market.

About the book:  Dog lover and animal advocate Katherine Schwarzenegger draws from her own experience with fostering and adopting dogs to create a picture book that introduces children to the concept of “adopt, don’t shop.” In the heartwarming story of Maverick and Me, Maverick is rescued by a kind-hearted stranger after being dumped on the side of the road. The little puppy’s luck takes a turn for the better when young Scarlett meets him at an adoption event. Scarlett is so moved by Maverick’s story that she and her mother decide to give him the forever home he is looking for. Each year, millions of dogs find themselves in shelters and with animal rescues through no fault of their own. Maverick will help teach children about these dogs and empower even young readers to advocate for shelter pups.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by Worthy/Ideals Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

Worthy Kids has new line of Bible Stories for Babies & Toddlers - "In the Beginning" and "Noah's Ark" [Review & Giveaway]

WorthyKids/Ideals Publishing has embarked on a new venture: to create a Bible story series fit for the youngest of children. Beginning with the Creation story, In the Beginning, and with the story of the w orld wide flood in Noah's Ark  utilizing a simple vocabulary of 100 words  combined with simple straight-forward illustrations, they have brought to these young "readers" a concrete introduction into the truth of God's Word. Not intended to replace the Bible, these little board books are intended as an introduction to learning about God and His Word.

ISBN: 9780824919924
Board book ~ Ages 1 - 3My thoughts:

"Children’s Bible stories exist in abundance, but retellings aimed at babies and young toddlers can be hard to find. Author Susana Gay discovered this problem when she couldn’t find a suitable book for a baptism gift. Her solution? She worked with her young son to create Bible story books that are perfect for christenings, baby showers, and everyday use. With bold, modern art and simple words, In the Beginning and Noah’s Ark bring a fresh perspective to classic Bible stories. " [source: Worthy/Ideals]

My thoughts: A simple presentation of the Creation story for the very young child. Told with few words and illustrated simply yet definitively, the days of creation are covered. A sturdy board book that will surely endure the rough handling that little ones tend to give books.

About the book: In the Beginning tells the story of Creation in just one hundred words, highlighting key moments for little ones. Children will learn that in the beginning, everything was dark. Then God said, “Let there be light.” He created the seas and the land, the sun and the moon, all the creatures on the earth . . . and us! And then God rested.

𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁𝌁

ISBN 9780824919917
Board book ~ Ages 1 - 3

My thoughts: The story of Noah's Ark has proven through the years to be one that young children enjoy; not because they understand the salvation message and judgment by God in the story. No, they just love the tale of lots of animals getting on board a big boat, etc.

This little board book is simply the bare bones story of the Flood and how God provided a means of saving mankind and the animals. It ends with the rainbow (a good color teaching tool).

Being a very short book for the very young child, it must be realized that the depth of the Biblical story can not be fully covered. One slight error I noticed was that all the animals entered the ark - two by two. We know that the "clean animals" were taken in sevens. This is a very good introduction to Noah's Ark for the young child. I would suggest a small "Noah's Ark" playset of little figures and an ark to enhance understanding.

About the book: Noah’s Ark Children will learn that God asked Noah to build a big boat; that it rained and rained for days; and that God saved Noah and the animals, placing a rainbow in the sky. They will learn to count the animals two by two and will discover the many colors of the rainbow.

Both books feature the vibrant artwork of Susana Gay. Uncluttered pages make a nimals and objects stand out, helping to build a child’s vocabulary as the parent or child names zebras, fish, bears, and more. These board book keepsakes are fresh, simple, and uniquely crafted for today’s families.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 24

Ends May 4 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author: Susana Gay is an award-winning graphic designer and the owner of Threehaus, a branding and design studio in Winter Park, Florida. Susana collaborated with her seven-year-old son, Owen, to create Noah’s Ark as a gift for a family baptism. Owen retold the story and sketched some of the fun and friendly scenes. Working with Owen, Susana polished the text and created the art. They followed Noah’s Ark with In the Beginning, resulting in a series of unique and beautiful introductions to favorite childhood Bible stories.

Worthy Publishing Group (www.worthypublishing.com) is a privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Worthy has four imprints: Worthy Books publishes a broad spectrum of genres, including current events, pop culture, biography, fiction, spiritual growth, and specialized Bibles; WorthyKids/Ideals creates colorful, interactive children’s books, including VeggieTales and Berenstain Bears, for ages 2 to 8; Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts and paper expressions; and Worthy Inspired publishes inspirational felt-need, personal growth, and devotional books.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book from Worthy Publishing Group to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

RESTORING CHRISTMAS By Cynthia Ruchti

About the book: Alexis Blake has one chance to land her own show on the Home Project Network and nothing, not an uncooperative client, a job site without indoor plumbing, or a challenging videographer, is going to stand in her way. Elsie, at seventy-plus, is far from the ideal client, but she knows exactly what she wants her fieldstone house to look like, and no designer can tell her otherwise. Gabe Langley, the man with the camera, is caught in the middle and it is his wisdom and warmth that just may be the bridge that will bring these two women together. Can they restore more than just a house and bring about special, almost lost forever Christmas memories?

My thoughts: This is a lovely story about two young professionals who embark on a life-changing endeavor destined to change each of their professional lives for either good or bad. She so badly wants to become a television celebrity designer and he to become known as a quality professional videographer. Together they  restore and record an old home to previous glory and bedeck it for Christmas.

Along the way they engage with the reluctant owner, Elsie, who agrees to the changes Alexis desires to make and then throws resounding "No's" in the way. And as the story progresses the lively characters find that restoration is not only for old homes and old lives but young lives can all be restored.

This is truly a lovely read and is a short novella just right for the holidays.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Inspired book review program to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are given without compensation.

THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES An End Times Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins

ISBN:  978-1617950087

About the book: In The Valley of the Dry Bones, Jerry B. Jenkins overlays the ancient End Times prophecies of Ezekiel onto the landscape of modern California. After a 17-year drought, multiple earthquakes, and uncontrollable wildfires, the state is desolate. The United States President declares the state uninhabitable and irreparable, directing California's 39 million citizens to relocate. From the air, California looks like a vast abandoned sand box, but to a few groups of people, it's their home. With less than 1% of the population remaining in California at their own risk, the holdouts encounter a clash of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and politics that pits friend against friend with the future of California at stake.

My thoughts: The unthinkable has happened. California is no longer part of the United States (or rather those living there do not have protections and benefits of citizens of the US). Why? Because following unprecedented earthquakes and subsequent fires, and unbearable heat, the area is virtually unlivable.

It is in this setting that Jenkins has placed a band of sixteen individuals who have each answered their pastor's invitation or call to remain in the devastated area to minister spiritually to the remaining 1% of California's prior populace.

The book is written in mostly in dialogue between the sixteen and others in the area. The sixteen primary characters in the book are encamped in a disguised underground site that is secret from outsiders who remain in the area. There is extreme shortage of water and food. Trips are made to areas outside the California land for medicines, mail, and other items. It is not a safe place to be. Danger and deception create situations that only God's mercy. guidance, and protection can overcome.

Their survival skills are surprising. They convert salt water to fresh. They grow food using aqua-phobics. I couldn't figure out how they grew food underground and where their lights came from. But underground they existed with everything they needed. They had two hydro-engineers, a medical doctor, a pastor, etc. 

The book is definitely a Christian book with large amounts of quotes from the Scriptures. These are, after all, Christians living in a desperate land and doing it solely to be able to minister to people.

This book did not quite satisfy as former Jerry B. Jenkins stories has done. The character driven story and strong conversational text had me a bit addled at times trying to keep up with who was saying just what to whom. While the main male character, Ezekiel or "Zeke" was growing into what seems to be his "call" of prophet where God was speaking through him with Scripture, I don't see this as an End Times Novel. I see it as a story of a bereft people in a savaged land who are seeking to minister to others in the same plight.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review from the Worthy Publishing company's First Look Review Program. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.

Busy, Busy! by Eileen Spinelli & illustrated by Elina Ellis

About the book: A playful board book about expressing love, even when life is busy. Sometimes, when life gets hectic and schedules get crowded, children may feel a little lost in the shuffle. In this new board book, the animals are all quite occupied. Beaver is busy; squirrel is busy; frog is busy. Mole is digging, bear is fishing, and cat is pouncing. And like many parents, Mama is busy too. But she's not too busy for a hug! Children will love the busy animals and the warm conclusion. This lighthearted, lyrical book will gently reassure children that, in spite of how busy their families are, there is always time to share love. Ages 2 to 5.

My thoughts: The combination talents of Spinelli and Ellis has crafted a delightfully sweet and charming rhyming board book that goes through a whole gamut of critters and how are busy each of them is - even a tiny spider is busy weaving. Sized just right for the wee hands of little children and charmingly filled with characters busy being and doing what they each are prone to do, Busy, Busy! can easily become a favorite and one that is carried from place to place sweetly treasured by your little one.

Notice how in this picture kiddies can find very small details to match the rhyme - even down to the tiny spider weaving his web.

Cat is busy--yarn's a-tangle.

Cricket's busy in the weeds.

Spider's busy at her spinning.

Mouse is buy nibbling seeds.

At the end, the little ones are told that mommy, too, is busy, busy but she is NEVER too busy to cuddle YOU! Great lesson in the value a mother places on her child and values the child over her own work.

Guaranteed to be a warm, fuzzy, loving reading experience for mommy and her  little ones.

I have reviewed books by the author, Eileen Spinelli, and also books illustrated by Elina Ellis. Always a pleasure!

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.