The Little Drummer Girl An Unexpected Christmas Story by Sheila Walsh

My thoughts: This is another story about the every recurring Christmas time nativity pageant at church. A little girl really wants to be the star of the show (as she sees it) - the angel proclaiming the birth of the Christ Child. But she auditions and isn't selected. Instead she is chosen to be the little drummer girl.

Though disappointed, she does her part and does it well. And in so doing she learns that the new born babe is really a king and that she is doing her part for The King. 
Precious illustrations are a little reminiscent of books from the 1940s and 1950s but still capture the essence of today's life. Bright. Joyful. Full of life illustrations capture the vibe of the story and the activities surrounding Christmas and Christmas pageants.

The rhyming, story-telling text isn't quite poetry and yet it is a bit more than poetic prose. Works very well as a read-aloud story.

About the book: Isabella loves to dance and sing, so when she sees auditions posted for the Christmas pageant at church, she dreams of landing the perfect part--the Christmas angel with a sparkling halo, flowing white robe, and her very own wings.

But things don't go quite as planned. She does get a part. The little drummer . . . girl? Drummers don't wear sparkling halos, flowing white robes, or wings! Will this be the most disappointing Christmas ever?

Filled with witty rhymes and whimsical illustrations, The Little Drummer Girl helps children ages 3 to 5 understand how an awful day can turn into the greatest day of all. This unique telling of the Christmas story from the perspective of a little girl delivers an entertaining message of hope, humor, and the power of God's love, as shown through his gift of Jesus--not just at Christmas but every day.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy as part of the Librarything.com Early Reviewers Program.

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.

Veterans

Veterans. Veteran's Day. Who are they, and what is it? It's a day to remember those who served in the United States of America military services. Some are young. Some are old. Some fought on the ground, upon the seas, and in the air. Some fought myriads of paper work that flowed endlessly across the sea of records that was their desk. Some taught various courses with lectures and chalk upon the chalk board. Some served abroad. Some served at home. They were our military men and women. They are those we respectfully remember on each Veteran's Day.

My husband served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He ended up teaching with lectures and chalk. Radar math for those who would be in the air and on the land tracking with this resource. It was the late 1940s to early 1950s. He never flew a plane or shot at an enemy. But he was a veteran. He loved his time serving his country. He respected our flag. Respected our America. Respected those who served.

And we continue to do so.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN (movie) from Faith Chanel [Promo + $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway]

CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN
 is releasing in theaters November 2025. Watch trailer & get more information  at christmasatthecabinmovie.com

🎄🎄🎄

“Christmas at the Cabin” is the ultimate feel-good family Christmas movie of the season! Starring Todd Terry, Marianne Haaland, Corey Cannon, Sharon Oliphant, and Stacey Sheffield, “Christmas at the Cabin” delivers a touch of chaos and laughter, plenty of heart, and one truly unforgettable Christmas. Beautiful scenery blends with original music and beloved holiday classics, making this a perfect film for the entire family. Make your plans to watch this Christmas and visit christmasatthecabinmovie.com to watch the full trailer & learn more.

Watch interview with actress/screenwriter about how God led in this film.

In theaters November 14

Buy tickets - click here

My thoughts: With a bit of "over-the-top" Christmas doings and goings-on, a husband and wife plus her sister try to get away from it all to the snowy mountains in a rustic cabin. They load their car with Christmas decorations, including outdoor lights, and expect to have loads of rest and glittery Christmas time cheer together. Upon arrival they find the cabin already occupied by a former friend of "husband." This results in chaotic disapproval by wifey.

Whilst they bemoan each other's existence, behaviors, and verbiage wifey feels really out of sorts and storms off in the mountain wilderness.

Some good Christian, biblical revelations take place in their conversations though it was at times difficult to follow their thinking. Some soul searching. Some really silly behavior. Some decent acting. Some not-so-spot-on acting. Some beautiful scenery. Some pretty good job filming.  

Basically, a good family movie that brings to heart some inner feelings and short comings of many of us. Super kudos for terrific animated film credits at end - a real winner windup.

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon E-Gift Card: 1 Winner

Begins November 8

Ends November 18 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA entrants only

NOTE: We can accept ONLY winners who have NOT won via another blogger's giveaway in this campaign. I will randomly select a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place candidate to win. Publicist will determine their validity to win. Only 1 winner can win the gift card via Chat With Vera.

$10 Amazon Gift Card "Christmas At The Cabin" the movie promo-USA addresses only!

DISCLOSURE: I am promoting this movie in agreement with Momentum Influencers Network. Any opinions expressed in review of movie are solely my own.  #ChristmasAtTheCabinMIN #ChristmasAtTheCabin @ChristmasAtTheCabin #sponsored 

A gift that is truly perfection: "Peace of God Bible (NKJV)" from Nelson Bibles [Review & Giveaway] ends 11/10

About Peace of God Bible: You were made for peace—and to be a peacemaker.

The story of the Bible is the story of peace—peace with God and with one another. But peace isn’t simply a feeling of calm or ease. It is a way of experiencing life as we were always meant to—in relationship with our Creator and with each other. We can recover a completeness that was once lost but is restored in the gospel. The Peace of God Bible invites you to experience peace with God as you trace this important theme throughout Scripture. By meditating on it daily as you read 365 devotions and application notes, you will find the encouragement you need to live out of the wholeness you have in Christ—and be equipped to share that peace with others.

Features include: Book introductions to help reveal the part peace plays in each book of the Bible

• 365 devotionals based on a key verse or passage to guide you in how to receive
• and live by God’s peace
• 365 peace notes offering short, powerful insights to help you understand more
• deeply the wholeness you have in Christ
• Topical indexes to help you study on your own how God's peace can shape different relation-ships in your life
• Articles explore what the peace of God is, how to find or recover it, and how
• to experience eternal salvation because of what God has done for you
• Concise concordance and index of features
• End-of-page translators’ notes and cross-references
• Line-matched, double-column typesetting
• Clear and readable 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print®
• Learn more at PeaceofGodBible.com

Jeremiah Johnston, PhD (General Editor) Bio: Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, is an elected member of the preeminent New Testament scholarly guild Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS) and ministers internationally as president of Christian Thinkers Society (www.christianthinkers.com). Jeremiah loves the local church, and also serves as pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

My thoughts: Throughout my long life, I have found that the turmoil of life and the stresses that we encounter simply can not be endured without help. And I found that help through a peace that passes all understanding. A peace that comes from knowing that God is in control, that God is my strength, that God is my refuge, that God is my underlying peace and contentment. And I found strength in a simple verse that is so powerful..... "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 - there are so many references to the peace that comes from knowing and trusting God.

This is a beautifully appointed Bible and perfect for one's own personal use and for gifting. Christmas is a perfect time to give someone you care able a gift that will help them to find and know the Peace of God. With this edition of the Bible, you have 365 devotional writings that help you trace the theme of peace throughout the Bible. 

I was given a copy of this lovely Bible and my intention is is joyfully share it with someone who needs or desires a Bible for their personal use. My copy is the brown leathersoft covered edition with a lovely embossed mountain scene on the cover and beautiful gilt edges to the pages. The version for the Biblical text of the Peace of God Bible is the NKJV (New King James Version) which is very close to the timeless KJV which I have always used and preferred. 

Many textual features are edited in with short side-bar notes as well as articles. Readable print is a plus feature as are the words of Jesus shown in red ink.   

Purchase a copy of the Peace of God Bible today!

Amazon: Hardcover or Brown Leathersoft

Christianbook.com: Brown leathersoft

Thomas Nelson Page: All Products

 

GIVEAWAY

Brown Leathersoft edition ~$60 value!

Begins November 1

Ends November 10 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

NOTE: If the winner of this giveaway has won the same prize on another blog/promo for this Peace of God Bible, they are ineligible to win again per publicist' rules. Therefore, a 2nd winner is selected as an alternate who will be notified by publicist if the 1st winner is disqualified.

"Peace of God Bible (NKJV)" from Nelson Bibles

DISCLOSURE: Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Giveaway prize of a Peace of God Bible is provided and emailed directly to the winner by Momentum Influencer Network, publicist, or publisher on behalf of hosting site, Chat With Vera.  #PeaceOfGodBibleMIN & @nelsonbibles & @_jeremiahj 

The Wonders of the First Christmas: Explore the Birth of Jesus through History, Archaeology, & Art by Andy McGuire (Zonderkidz)

 

ISBN: 9780310170211
Hardcover | $18.99
ZonderKidz
Purchase Here - Amazon

My thoughts:  Small children live in the moment. Their ability to comprehend or independently visualize history or how people lived differently from their own way of living has to be gently and gradually taught. They "see" dinosaurs as frightful animals that should growl, prowl, and devour. But in actuality they see a simply an  animal not much different from animals in their own time-line than that of the neighbor's dog that barks, growls, runs, and jumps. They are "in the now" mentally and physically.

Therefore, instilling a comprehension of the Christ Child being born in a barn, placed in a manger, and being pursued by an evil king or other archeological, governmental, and societal life different from that in which he, himself, actual lives, is nil. So a book such as The Wonders of the First Christmas: Explore the Birth of Jesus through History, Archaeology and Art that tells the Bibilical account of the birth of Jesus in storybook form is typical. The inclusion of history lesson tidbits running parallel on the book's pages provides opportunity for parents to introduce elements of history and life during those ancient times to the young child. A wonderful concept and a helpful tool for parents to have at hand.

Beautifully told, the story of the birth of the Son of God adheres well to Scripture account. The illustrations are large, beautifully colored, and clearly drawn to visually articulate each scene. Detail and softness are both achieved in the art. The struggle of Joseph and the donkey on the journey are easy to comprehend. A snippet of Roman history. A snippet of the usefulness of donkeys during that period of history. Snippets about the life of the shepherds in the fields and the type of sheep they tended. The illustrations really capture the birth of Christ, the surroundings, the way of life, and His early journey to the safety of Egypt.

I highly recommend this unusual "Christmas story" book for its beauty, unusual information about the times, and its accurate retelling of the birth of the Christ Child.

About the book: Experience the Christmas story and witness the goodness of God. Through historical details and Biblical truths, The Wonders of the First Christmas is an inspirational and educational picture book that tells the story of Jesus’s birth from a new perspective, helping families deepen their understanding of God and his word.

The Christmas story is so familiar that we often take the details for granted. But did Mary and Joseph really ride on a donkey to Bethlehem? What was a manger and why did they use one for Jesus’s bed? And where were the wise men actually from? By approaching the story with historical insight and a child’s sense of wonder, Andy McGuire crafts a tale that feels fresh and insightful, using well-researched material and beautiful original artwork.

The Wonders of the First Christmas:

• Combines the gospel text of the nativity story with historical, biological, and geographic facts about ancient Israel and the life and times of Jesus.
• Gives children a solid foundation for their faith with beautiful art and additional content.
• Is the perfect Advent or Christmas book to share with children ages 4 and up
• Includes an easy-to-read main story as well as callouts with easy-to-understand facts
• Emphasizes God’s love for his children and his plan for our salvation.

Where you can buy a copy🎄 Click Here

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given. #Christmas #Nativity #FirstChristmas #ChildrensBook #Bethlehem #ChristmasBook #christmastime #christmaspresents #ad

The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story (God’s Big Picture Bible Stories) by N. T. Wright & Helena Perez Garcia, Illustrator [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781400253234
Hardcover  $17.99
Tommy Nelson Publishing

My thoughts:  A gorgeous book in large, over-sized format yet light weight for young hands, the narrative of author N.T. Wright's re-telling of the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus, the Christ child, is beautifully accurate and gentle in the telling. The cover art immediately captures one's attention with the darkness of night, glow of light, and reverence of characters as the Son of God is laid in a manger.

Recounting for young minds the advent of our Saviour from the angel's declaration to Mary and culminating in the journey from the safety of Egypt to their home in Galilee. The text flows gently yet with intentional accuracy. There are no added-in myths, barn-yard creatures, drummer-boys, etc. that is encountered in many of modern nativity books.

As is true of the entirety of the Bible, woven throughout and foremost in the narrative is Jesus. And just as it is told as a story, the last of the book gives the reader (and parents) a glimpse into the promises of God to send a redeemer.

A couple of pages at the end of the book tell of Old Testament promises, with lovely images, that bring together the story of the Christ child being foretold. A wonderful opportunity to teach cohesiveness of the Bible and the prophecies fulfilled.

This is a beautiful recounting that will be treasured.  

About the book: Keep Jesus in the center of your family’s Christmas and Advent celebrations with this beautiful nativity storybook from N.T. Wright, one of the world’s most loved and trusted Bible scholars.

With the big-picture approach that readers worldwide have learned to trust, N.T. Wright weaves together the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth into a thoughtful, hope-filled telling of the first Christmas, from Gabriel’s announcement to the family’s return from Egypt.

The First Christmas features:

• a faithful telling of the nativity story;
• gorgeous painted art from award-winning illustrator Helena Perez Garcia;
• a resource page showing how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in baby Jesus’ coming; and
• a deluxe book with a presentation page.

A beautiful keepsake gift for children and adults alike, The First Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth with authenticity, beauty, and joy.

🎄GIVEAWAY🎄

Begins October 28

Ends November 25 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story--God’s Big Picture Bible Stories

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