An Advent treasure - "The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families"

As you begin thinking about Christmas 2025, you may want to plan a special emphasis for your family for the entire month of December focusing your family's devotional time around the Coming of Christ. Or perhaps you want to "gift" a young family the means to focus on Christ's Advent with a meaningful and beautiful book of devotionals.

The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

Create meaningful Advent memories with the whole family using this gorgeous illustrated 25-day devotional.

My thoughts:  First of all, this book of short devotionals for the young family is not just a compilation of  "Christmas" stories about the birth of Christ.  The stories point to "the One we're waiting for." They start at the beginning with Adam and Eve and move through the Old Testament with the call of Abraham, Joseph's coat of many colors, the giving of the Law, etc. And it all points to Christ.

Short discussion questions to guide family discussion are at the end of each story and a suggested song to sing. 

At the back of the book are pages with illustrations printed in circles that may be cut out and glued on wooden or acrylic discs to make ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree. (Note: Care will need to be taken to remove pages with these on them.) 

This is a beautifully bound book with illustrations that are modern yet classic. The book will last for years and be a blessing to pass down through the family.

About the book: The whole Bible whispers about a coming King. Every book before His arrival gives hints about what He might be like, and during Advent, families around the world gather to wait and prepare for the celebration of His birth. The One We're Waiting For is a 25-day family experience that will help kids from one to ninety-two anticipate and celebrate Christmas. This book includes

• Daily Bible stories, taking families through the arc of the Old Testament
• Gorgeous illustrations by Aedan and Natalie Peterson
• Suggested songs for family worship
• Reflection questions to start meaningful conversations
• And cut-out ornaments to decorate your tree every day leading up to Christmas

​Each day, families can read a story, discuss how they see Jesus in Old Testament narratives, sing songs together, and place an illustrated ornament on the tree so that every day of December leading up to Christmas is filled with eager anticipation for the King––the one we waited for.

Read a Sample - Click Here 

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✨GIVEAWAY✨

Begins September 12

Ends October 13 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only. 

The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed to winner by B&H Publishing or their representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Mistletoe and Mayhem (Red Truck Mysteries #3) by Janice Thompson [Barbour Publishing]

My thoughts: Written in a casual, conversational tone with lots of interpersonal action, the story is primarily about Rae Lyn, a young woman about to get married and all the excitement as she approaches the big day which is scheduled for a couple days after Christmas. There is a lot of extended family and friends day-to-day and moment-by-moment involvement.

To make matters more complicated and to increase premarital anxiousness, the setting for the wedding is the family's farm; and it is to be held outside - in a field. Then to pile on the troubles.....  calamity strikes with a sweeping fire and a and a wind and rain storm that floods the area.  

A fun book about some really  nice people with lots of family love, friend love, Christmas joys and memories, and lots of good feels throughout.

Other books I've read by Janice Thompson have had a bit of humor to tickle your hearts. I didn't sense as much in mistletoe and Mayhem, though there was much cheer and joy. A nice, pleasant, very clean read.

About the Book: A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch
 
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.
 
It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from Rae Lyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and Rae Lyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

THE BIRDS OF CHRISTMAS by Olivia Armstrong & illustrated by Mira Miroslavova [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: When we think of Christmas our thoughts go to the reason for observing the day or the season - that is, the birth of our Saviour, the Christ Child. We don't stop to think about what was going on in the natural world, other than the flocks of sheep on the hillside and possibly the animals housed in the inn's manger. All of nature may have played a role in rejoicing that The Christ Child was born. But the  Bible does not tells us anything about this. It is silent. Even so, through the years there have been stories, legends, or fables about the animals of Christmas. In this sweet book, The Birds of Christmas, there are birds that sweep and flit, chirp and flutter, and bring their gift to the babe in the manger.

Christmas Eve 2024 at Vera’s

 

An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew & illustrated by Erin Hill

The very name "Christmas" denotes that it is a Christ-centered, Christian holiday. Today's world has caused an evolution socially of "Christmas" into a one-and-all holiday celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike but for different reasons. 

Christmas for the Christian denotes reverence for the Advent of the Christ Child. Christmas for the non-believer denotes a season of joy, festivities, family togetherness, and gifting.

 An Anishinaabe Christmas

ISBN: 9781774883570
US $18.99 | CAN $24.99
Tundra Books

My thoughts:  This is an interesting children's story about a family of indigenous, aboriginal folks living in Canada. The family is going to travel to their "roots" on the Rez and enjoy an Anishinaabe Christmas. The story is where "baby" doesn't know how Santa will know to bring their gifts if they're away from home.

As the story progresses, we see that the culture of Anishinaabe is much like big-city or township cultures in the nature of what "home" is to a family. As they travel, they talk about bears, their culture's "circle," and how the bear is included. Other sweet aspects of home, family, culture are part of this lovely story. And yes, baby does receive his Santa gifts. 

I like that descendants of an "original peoples" group, aboriginal, or indigenous peoples like the Anishinaabe (indigenous to North America) are having printed materials that pass along their heritage to them as well as to non-indigenous peoples.

About the book: A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture, for fans of Santa in the City and Go Show the World. One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of will Santa know where to find them? Why do we have presents on Christmas? How come they're going home to the Rez but don't live there? On the long trip to Mooshom's and Kookom's, Baby learns about animals and plants being part of their family, about the North Star leading them home and even the meanings of some Anishinaabe words. Will this Anishinaabe Christmas be Baby's best yet?

I won a copy on the LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer's Program. A review was requested though not required. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Reindeer & Santa books for the holiday from Candlewick Press (secular stories)

Dasher Gift 2-Book Set  

Beautiful, sturdy slipcover. 2 Books.
4 Press-out Keepsakes.

Ages 4-8 (ISBN: 9781536238211)

🎄🎁A Lovely Gift Set & Keepsake🎁🎄

Celebrate five years of Matt Tavares’s New York Times best-selling holiday classic with a beautifully designed gift set featuring four press-out keepsakes. Includes Dasher and Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas in hardcover.

Recap: Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart and whose life is forever changed when she meets a man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh. New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Matt Tavares channels the spirit of the season—and leaves us with a heroine to root for—in a pair of picture book odes to giving, kindness, and holiday magic. Included are two specially designed paper ornaments, two standees as well as two hardcover classics:

Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

My review: Matt Tavares has penned a delightful tale about how Santa got his team of reindeer. It is so sweet and cute.

The reindeer were used by a circus caravan to travel from town to town. Dasher was one of the reindeer and he wanted freedom. He finally escaped and followed the beautiful North Star. Soon he came upon a sleigh, horse, and man. The horse was tired and couldn't finish his work. Dasher joined and they finished the task. Soon "Santa" and Dasher got Dasher's family and the team for Santa's sleigh was formed.

We'll overlook the taking of someone else's livestock for one's own use. The story is sweet and adds to the myth of Santa. A beautifully illustrated book.

Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas

My review: Such a sweet story about one of Santa's reindeer who slipped away for a little pre-Christmas excursion of her own. Dasher just wanted to see some of the Christmas lights simply couldn't wait until Christmas Eve to see them.

An exhausted and lost Dasher meets a young boy named Charlie who helps Dasher find her way back to the North Pole.

A sweet story.

Contributor Bio(s): Matt Tavares is the author-illustrator of Red and Lulu, the graphic novel Hoops, and several sports biographies, including Becoming Babe Ruth and Growing Up Pedro. He is also the illustrator of Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, and Over the River and Through the Wood by L. Maria Child, among many other picture books. Matt Tavares lives in Ogunquit, Maine.

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? 

ISBN: 9781536223767
Ages 4-8

My thoughts:  A typical question an inquiring child might pose when they begin to question the myth of Santa Clause. A jolly fat man down a small chimney. Truly it can't be done, so the question arises.

In this droll book the artist and author pose questions about Santa, chimneys, seeing in the darkness, eating cookies, etc. And of course, there is simply no answer.

A silly and fun book but simply doesn't hold a candle to the classic T'was the Night Before Christmas.

About the book: The beloved, multi-award-winning duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen tackle a perennial question.

When Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the faucet? What happens once he’s inside? Whether it’s shape-shifting or impromptu laundry use, Mac Barnett’s iconic talent for earnest deadpan humor and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny art honor the timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child’s fanciful explanations (and begging for further speculation), this latest collaboration by a New York Times best-selling team will find a secure spot among family holiday traditions.

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

NOTE: I did not teach my children about Santa. It is a myth and not something I wish to perpetrate but I respect the wishes of other parents who wish to instill a spirit of giving and benevolence to their children via this story. These are charming books.

"In All Things Give Thanks" blog hop - Seek & Find Christmas activity books [Giveaway & Review]

 

🎄THINK AHEAD FOR CTHRISTMAS GIVING🎄

This hop is hosted by MamatheFox 
at mamathefox.com 

🎄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.

Click to Enter #giveaway

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

Christmas Seek & Find large board book and Seek & Find Activity book for children [Review & Giveaway]

✨Finding Christmas with the Children🛐

This hop is hosted by MamatheFox 
at mamathefox.com 

Seek and Find: The First Christmas With over 450 Things to Find & Count! by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andre Parker

ISBN: 978178498732
Look Inside
Purchase Here $16.99
(quantity pricing available)

My thoughts:  This sturdy large board book will last many years and afford you many opportunities to engage youngsters in fun activities of looking for items and counting out details as they learn the various parts of the Biblical story of The First Christmas.

There are eight two-page spreads and each tells a segment of the Christmas story.... Contents

1. News for Mary - Jesus Is God's Son
2. A Long Journey - God ALWAYS Keeps His Promises
3. Busy Bethlehem - Jesus Is Our Humble King
4. Jesus Is Born - Jesus Is God with Us
5. The Shepherds - Jesus Is Our Savior
6. The Wise Men - Jesus Is Our Promised King
7. Angry Herod - Jesus Is Our True King
8. Gifts for Jesus - Jesus Is Our King of Kings

The opening pages, "Welcome," gives insight into what lays ahead in the book and introduces "Ruth Wren" who you'll find on every page. And then details other little things to search for.

So much fun! So much to learn. A truly welcome addition to a home Christmas collection. I highly recommend.

About the book:  Young children will love interacting with the Christmas story as they find, count, and sort over 450 hidden things in this large-format board book.

They will also learn key truths about the first Christmas through the biblically faithful illustrations and retellings of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. A useful homeschool resource.

These are the stories featured and what children will learn from them:

• News for Mary - Jesus Is God's Son
• A Long Journey - God Always Keeps His Promises
• Busy Bethlehem - Jesus Is Our Humble King
• Jesus Is Born - Jesus Is God with Us
• The Shepherds - Jesus Is Our Saviour
• The Wise Men - Jesus Is Our Promised King
• An Angry King - Jesus Is Our True King
• Gifts for Jesus - Jesus Is Our King of Kings

Part of the Seek and Find series of activity books for young children. These high-quality books make beautiful gifts. There is a matching art and activity book available for purchase as well as a Lift-the-Flap Board Book for toddlers.

Seek and Find: The First Christmas Activity Book Packed with Puzzles, Mazes, Counting, & Activities! by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andre Parker

ISBN: 9781784987817
Softcover $5.99
Ages 4+

My thoughts:  This soft cover activity book goes beyond the typical activity and coloring book by including the story of Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Find the difference, find and count the items, coloring, puzzles, and mazes all keep youngsters engaged and occupied whilst they learn more about the Biblical story of Christmas. 

Part of the "Seek and Find" collection by Sarah Parker from The Good Book Company, The First Christmas activity book is well worth the price and it provides quality fun and engagement for the child. I highly recommend.

About the book:  This coloring and activity book includes mazes, puzzles, drawing, coloring, and more to keep young children amused.

It will reinforce the teaching about Christmas in Seek and Find: The Very First Christmas which has over 450 hidden things for young children to find, count ,and sort.

 Look Inside - Purchase Here - Quantity pricing available

It features the full Christmas story over eight parts, teaching children eight key truths about the birth of Jesus. A useful homeschool resource.

🎄GIVEAWAY🎄

Begins November 16

Ends November 30 @ 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 The Good Book Company US or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Seek and Find Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andre Parker [Review & Giveaway]

✨Bring True Christmas Story to the Tiny Ones ✨ 

Click here to purchase

My thoughts: Sized just right for little ones, this sturdy board book offers opportunities to seek out details and lift-the-flap to discover bits of the story. Charming illustrations veer off the traditional "Christmas red & green" pallet and bring in a more regal blue and gold with brown tones. Refreshingly different.

Two types of flaps are used. A large one that allows child to discover major story part. A smaller one that has child find various little objects and count them.  And as the child engages in these activities, they are learning about the birth of the baby Jesus as it is simply told in text and lovely  illustrations. Parents have directions on where to find related Scripture for the story elements on each page. 

A special "First Christmas" book for the little ones.

Look Inside - click here

About the book: Secret word: Christ This fun and faithful lift-the-flap book will teach toddlers key truths about the first Christmas. They will love interacting with the Christmas story as they lift a flap on each page to see what happens next.

This beautifully illustrated board book makes a wonderful gift for 1-3-year-olds, and is a useful resource for homeschool.

Part of the Seek and Find series of activity books for young children. These high-quality books make beautiful gifts. There is also an Art and Activity Book for 4-7s as well as a Search and Find Book for 2-5s in this series.

✨🛐GIVEAWAY🛐✨

Begins November 6

Ends November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

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 prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by TheGoodBookCompany. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Special Christmas activities for month of December: God's Big Promise: ativities & advent calendar books [Review & Giveaway]

Educational fun for the month of December leading up to Christmas. Perfect for young children!

God's Big Promise Advent Calendar & Devotions by Carl Laferton 

Find it - Click Here

My thoughts:   This book/advent calendar provides a sweet way to have family devotionals during December and leading up to Christmas day. Each day the child lifts a flap and in the small, accompanying booklet parents have guidance for a devotional based on Scripture that corresponds to that day's flap. Excitement builds as the month progresses.

A perfect way to involve the young child in Advent season remembrances and teach the story of Christ's birth.

About the book: 25-door Advent calendar linked with God's Big Promises Bible Storybook. Includes 25 family devotions. This attractive 25-door Advent calendar for children aged 3-7 years old is linked with God's Big Promises Bible Storybook. It also comes with a booklet containing 25 short, simple devotions for December, to help families explore the Christmas story together. 
Young children will enjoy learning about and interacting with the Christmas story.

Written by Carl Laferton, author of The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross and God's Big Promises Bible Storybook.

Look inside the little 25-day devotional booklet - click here

Note - quantity purchases - purchase here:

10 for $7.00 each (save 30%)

50 for $6.00 each (save 40%)

100 for $5.00 each (save 50%)

God's Big Promises Christmas Sticker and Activity Book by Carl Laferton

 

Look inside - click here

My thoughts:  Children absolutely love stickers and placing them in the right spot in an activity book is certainly preferable to other undesirable places the child wishes to decorate. In The First Christmas sticker and activity book, the child hunts for the appropriate sticker, removes it, places it in the right spot. While doing so they enjoy a bright, beautifully written and presented First Christmas story. Included are other age appropriate activities.

The activities are appropriate for early education involving some reading and word skills. Stated age group is 3-7 so use in a family of children is good. I think this is so much fun and such a delightful way to share the birth of Christ with children. Purchase here

About the book: A Christmas sticker book bringing the Christmas story to life. Based on God's Big Promises Bible Storybook.

Using vibrant illustrations and simple, faithful teaching from God's Big Promises Bible Storybook, this activity book features over 60 stickers and 16 pages of puzzles, games, and other activities.

It will provide hours of fun for your family, bringing the Christmas story to life for young children.

Youngsters will enjoy the angel visiting Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and the visits of the shepherds and the magi.

🛐GIVEAWAY🛐

Begins November 4

Ends November 22

 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

🎄🎁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 book prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by TheGoodBook.com or it's publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Secret word: promise

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.

Christmas-themed activity book "I Spy Christmas" from Kregel children's books

🎄THINK AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING🎄

ISBN: 9780825455605
Hardcover $13.99 USA
Ages 3-6

My thoughts:  Charming! Brightly illustrated "stories" each on a two-page spread. The story is a simple 4-line text that tells one portion of the traditional Christmas story about the birth of the Christ child. Each "story" has search and find activities that engage the child to find objects and to count. While not a "counting" book, it still involves counting. Attention to detail is enhanced by using books like I Spy Christmas to find the small, obscure details.

The book's story is true-to-Scripture and is progressive from the angel's visit to Mary to the Wise Men bringing their gifts to Baby Jesus. Simple. Direct. 

I highly recommend. 

About the book: 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. Secret word: angel

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

🛐GIVEAWAY🛐

Begins October 28

Ends November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

🎄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 book prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Children's Books or it's publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Buster and the Christmas Parade by Dale Earnhardt Jr. from Tommy Nelson children's books [Review & Giveaway] 🎄

🎄Think ahead for Christmas giving🎄

My thoughts:   Boys and their trucks and cars! They never outgrow them! When little they make their own varoom!! sounds revving engines and zipping their cars and trucks - large and small - across the floor. Dads love race cars and watching the races; and often kiddies sit beside dad as he watches. Both revving their internal engines.

In Buster and the Christmas Parade kids will find a lot of racing or car terms..... popped the hood, oil running hot, slammed on his brakes, threw in reverse, tight turn. Plus, the story takes some exciting runs and turns. Its all about a team welcoming a newcomer and being friendly. About getting along with one another. Team play. And getting the job done.

Illustrated with delightfully cute and wacky cars in bright joyful colors, the reader will have a joyful Christmas experience at the Christmas parade being sure to get the Christmas tree where it should be.

While produced by a Christian children's publisher, there is nothing about true meaning of Christmas. Though various scenes of the town are shown, there is no nativity. So this is basically a secular story about a Christmas parade and cars and trucks. Cute story. Fun illustrations. Very nice book.

About the book: It's Christmastime and Buster's going to be in the big parade! NASCAR legend and New York Times bestselling author Dale Earnhardt Jr. introduces Buster and the Christmas Parade, the third book in the popular Buster the Race Car series. Secret word: ride

It may be chilly out, but rival race car Scuff's mean comments make Buster's oil run hotter than ever! When Coach Hog invites Scuff, who was alone at the holidays, to join Punchy Motorsports in the Christmas parade, Buster must navigate the difficult course of finding the true spirit of Christmas and traveling the festive parade route with his main competition.

This jacketed picture book:

• is ideal for kids, ages 4 to 8;
• shows kids the importance of kindness and forgiveness, an especially important message during the Christmas season; and
• is a perfect gift for Christmas and Advent.

Ride along with Buster and enjoy this heartwarming story that is a perfect read for children who love race cars and Christmas adventures.

Check out the other books in the Buster the Race Car series:

• Buster's Trip to Victory Lane
• Buster Gets Back on Track

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 17

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

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

ISBN: 9780800744724
Hardcover $17.99 US

My thoughts:  I look forward to author Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novella. This year's book, The Christmas Tree Farm, has a gentle charm that takes the reader to the heart of two families living in Oregon. With easily readable writing, Ms. Carlson fleshes out each of the characters so that the reader feels as though they are long-time acquaintances or friends. 

The setting is two adjacent farms - or rather a farm and a piece of land. The Christmas tree farm has been devastated by fire along with much of the area. We've all seen the destructive and massive fires that have raged in California, Oregon, and Canada. So it isn't hard to image that this tree farm was partially destroyed by one of those raging fires.

Personalities clash. Old teen loves are rekindled by settled, mature adults. Conflict over farm usage. Conflict over other issues both personal and business.

All in all, this is a wonderful little book to relax and read through. Not too "Christmassy" but it takes place during the season. And mostly it's a wonderful little book about family.

About the book: When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

DISCLOSURE: Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, provided me a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Official Trailer #2

Oh the memories of past Christmas plays this movie will evoke. I really am looking forward to seeing this one! 

🎄In Theaters November 8 🎄

About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored promo for the upcoming movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor: (An Inspirational Historical Holiday Romance Inspired by The Nutcracker Set in Edwardian-era England) SPECIAL PROMO

 Special "Pink Ladies" Breast Cancer Support Promo

Author, Roseanna M. White, is battling cancer. We all know someone - family, friend, acquaintance - that has been a culprit of the BIG "C" and we know the horrific battle they face. So let's give this dear one a bit of support.

A dedicated Christian novelist, Roseanna pens beautiful stories. Here is her Christmas story to enchant and inspire you. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER @ BAKERBOOKHOUSE.COM

40% Pre-Order Discount
Baker House Books
🩷 P.S. I've ordered mine! 🩷

Click here to read how you can help Roseanna. More about what she's doing. And also, please pray for her on this journey.

Disclosure: This post is entirely voluntary on my part and I received no products or compensation of any manner. I was not asked nor encouraged in any way to write this. This is from my heart in care and to encourage a fellow cancer traveler. Information is gleaned by me from Ms. White's email and online sites.

Once Upon the Very First Christmas by Rory Feek & illustrated by Christine Cuddihy

ISBN: 9781400247028
US $18.99 | CANADA $23.99
Hardcover | Tommy Nelson Books

My thoughts:  This book reminds me of the many church Christmas pageants in which my own five children were involved. It also reminds me of several when I was the adult in charge of lively children who were wise men, shepherds, angels, and of course the main characters, Mary and Joseph. Their lively spirits were daunting to adults in charge; and then on performance night, their antics brought bemused smiles and smirks from adults who watched with delighted pride.

In the book, we have the simple light rhyming prose that tells the story of the birth of the Christ child and His placement in a lowly manger for a bed. The chapel or church in which the children are acting out the Biblical story is simple with no grandiose architecture or glittering gold. Simple. Just as our Lord's birth was in a simple place.

Christmas books at Candlewick Press delight and bring joy & a "Thanks a Latte" Giveaway Blog Hop [Review & Giveaway]

This post is being shared on a "blog hop"
hosted by Mama The Fox. A blog hop is 
a grand opportunity for you to see several
fun giveaways in one spot and enter many.

The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story by Amy Sparkes, ISBN: 9781536231366 | Ages 4-9

My thoughts: This is such a special and lovely book. Bright, cheerful. The style is reminiscent of vintage children's books in its story telling and illustrations.

A heartwarming story of a little girl in London who was sent, as were thousands of English children, to the countryside as far from the threat of war as possible during WWII. She had such sadness in leaving her parents behind coupled with the uncertainty and fear at perhaps being unwanted and uncared for. Then she began to enjoy her country life and the kindness of her new family. And at Christmas time they gave her a lovely little doll.

We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection by: Chrystal Caudill, Cara Putman & Angela Ruth Strong from Kregel Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN-13: 9780825447914
Paperback $17.99
Christianbook.com $13.49

About the book: Journey with three Weise men in these three Christmas novellas from best-selling authors! 

Best-selling romance authors Caudill, Putman, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel that will prove just as popular as the previous award-winning volumes.

Read a Sample - Click here

"Star of Wonder" by Crystal Caudill

The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family's grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise's chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.