Lennie and the Mighty Oak by Anne Twist & illustrated by Emily Sutton

ISBN: 9781536254730
Hardcover $18.99 USD
Candlewick Press

Lennie and the Mighty Oak

About the book: From Anne Twist and Emily Sutton, the author and illustrator of Betty and the Mysterious Visitor, comes a heartwarming story celebrating family, friendship, and the joy of a new sibling.

Lennie loves his new baby sister, Ruby. He wants to play with her, but Mum says Ruby is still too small. And Mum is always taking care of Ruby, so she can’t play either. Lennie wishes for a friend—someone to play hide-and-seek with, hide in giant piles of leaves with, and climb the trees with—or just someone who isn’t so very little or so very busy. One day, under his favorite oak tree, his wish might just come true. This charming story will be a comfort and a joy to any child adjusting to a new sibling.

My thoughts:  I have mixed feelings about this children's book. I don't believe in children's books that present problems or unhappy feelings or emotions as part of the story. These can be dealt with when and if they ever appear to be a problem in the family or child's life using books specifically catalogued for the need. In this story, Lennie has been Mom's center of attention and Lennie's favorite playmate up until the new baby appears in the family. Is this sometimes an issue in families? Yes. Was it ever an issue with my family of five children? No. So in the case of Lennie facing the problem of not being the center of attention when the new baby is born as presented in this story, it is a bit heavy on the "I don't have a playmate" now that baby Ruby is here. A bit less emphasis on the problematic baby would have been better, in my opinion. 

Now putting aside my personal feelings about new baby jealousy problems, I do like the book. I absolutely love the illustrations that are jam-packed with details so that you can get lost in looking for charming bits of everyday living and the joy of being outside in a tree and plant filled wonderland. I absolutely love that the child has the opportunity to climb a tree, touch the bark, peer through the foliage, jump into piles of leaves. The neighborhood of "Wobbly Bottom" is charming and alive with interest. And then Lennie spies a little girl.... a playmate..... a new friend. 

The story goes on, irregardless of a timeline, and soon baby Ruby wants a playmate and Lennie doesn't want to play with her. He has a playmate. (Hmmmm..... I don't like these unkind feelings I am sensing here in Lennie.) But the story goes on and it does end well.

Basically, a beautiful book with lots of interesting detail in the illustrations. The story reads well and flows nicely. So if the "negative feelings" part doesn't bother you, you'll really enjoy this lovely book. Personally, I "got past the 'feelings'" part and enjoyed it lots.

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

Nora T and the Champion Tree by Mona Martin Batchelor, illustrated by Maggie Latimer

Nora T and the Champion Tree by Mona Martin Batchelor

About the book: An empowering story about an eleven-year-old's love for trees and the stories they tell us.“Gran, how did that enormous tree get here?!”“It grew, child.”Nora T knew her grandmother was crazy about the trees here on the farm that had turned out to be state champions, the biggest trees of their kind in Tennessee. It really is exciting, if you think about it! Would Gran nominate the tulip poplar that stood before them?“No, I won’t,” said Gran.Nora T’s face fell. “Oh, Gran! You must! It’s huge and it’s beautiful, and it’s soooo very big! If you don’t nominate it, who will?!”“You will, my precious girl. You will.” And she smiled.Nora T Singleton is eleven years old and curious (in a good way) about everything under the sun. Luckily, her family (mostly) encourages her. So, that summer, when Nora T gets curious about the trees on her grandparents’ property, her Gran helps her to nominate a tree for the Tennessee Champion Tree program. During the process, Nora T learns a lot about trees, the environment, activism―and patience!

Read an excerpt - click here

My thoughts: I have not read this book. It appears to be a gentle, easy read for middle grade readers. It is obvious that this story focuses on environmental issues and the preservation of trees. I concur that this is a much needed focus in today's world. The enormous tree is clearly shown in perspective to the tiny (and I mean tiny) girl shown at the foot of the tree on the book's cover. I see this as a double entree in that we as people are so small in contrast to the forest about us and we as individuals can do so little in the massive fight to preserve the forest. 

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review/spotlight. Any opinions are my own and are freely given.

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

An Accusing at the Old Bailey by Erica Vetsch

ISBN: 9780825448645
Paperback $18.99
Kregel Publications

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

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

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

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

Read an Excerpt - click here

Watch for Chat With Vera's review, soon!

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 23

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

Open to USA addresses only.

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

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

The Seek and Find Bible Storybook by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andrea Parker [Review & Giveaway]

 Did you know there is a whole series of "Seek and Find Storybooks"?

Collection of Seek and Find books plus board books and activity books are available!

ISBN: 9781802544503
TheGoodBook.com
$24.99 (specials available)

About this book:  Captivate kids 2+ with the wonder of God as they engage with this seek-and-find-style Bible storybook. They’ll return again and again to pore over 38 fun, visually packed Bible stories and to find all 2,242 things.

Your whole family will get excited to spend time in God’s word together through this resource’s stories, prompts and activities. Each story features…

• A short summary of a classic Bible story
• A key takeaway to remember
• An application point and question
• A prayer to say together
• A large, detailed illustration for seeking and finding
• Amazing fact files for each story also add to the fun and intrigue. Kids learn fun bits of info about biblical history, how the Bible story connects to God’s bigger story and more! 

Draw kids in to explore what God is like and who Jesus is. They’ll want to read the story, seek and find things, chat about it and then do it all again. Along the way, they’ll absorb key truths and encounter the gospel with joy.

This Bible storybook features a mix of stories previously featured in the Seek and Find series, as well as 12 additional stories. There are also sections like application questions, prayers, and fact files.

My thoughts: An amazingly illustrated book that will capture the attention of children and keep them engaged with vivid colors, expressive people, realistic yet fun animals, all the while telling the story from God's Word in a way that young children will understand. Activities that are educational and fun further implant the story in the heart and mind while giving opportunities to find minute details, count, and flex their mental capabilities to find the little in the overall.

This edition is a "Bible Storybook" that takes the young child through the Bible from Genesis (and the beginning) through to Revelation and Jesus' return. Enough of a storyline to begin to educate in Biblical truths with illustrations and fun activities that keep the child on-point and in-tune with family devotionals or storytime.

Read a sampling of The Seek and Find Bible Storybook - Click Here

I highly recommend this edition, The Seek and Find Bible Storybook, as well as the entire line. Perfect for gifting to young families. As a mother of five and grandmother of 13, I think this a perfect beginning Bible storybook as it engages the child's attention and keeps them interested all the while giving reference to the full version of Scripture.

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of Seek & Find Bible Storybook

Begins October 20

Ends November 20 @ 11:59 pm ET

Open to USA addresses only.

Seek and Find Bible Storybook by Sarah Parker

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #seekandfindbibleinthewild @seekandfindbook 

Blueprint for Love (Love in Cloverdale Falls #3) by Penny Zeller

 Blueprint for Love (Love In Cloverdale Falls #3)

Buy on Amazon: Click Here
Kindle version now
Paperback book later

• He’s a grumpy contractor.
• She’s a bubbly interior designer.
• Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love?

Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together?

For those of you familiar with the series, this one is Jeanette's story (Braxton's sister). 

My thoughts: The author has given readers another sweet, gentle read chock full of young adults, old sweet and cute older ladies, a dog you'll love, and impossibly silly town "doings." These books are for when you want a chuckle, a sweet romance, a peek into the lives of genuinely good folks, and all written with Christian values and faith based living.

An old inn needs a re-do. A local  young man has the construction skills for the task at hand. A lovely young Floridian has ventured to this mountainous, middle America small town as the Interior Designer who is to tackle the inn's re-do. Construction's ideas clash with Designer's ideas and the race is on.

Controversy soon begins to break down and friendship begins to blossom into - maybe - something more.

A sweet story and a terrific series.

Find the series: Love In Cloverdale Falls on Amazon - CLICK HERE - E-books & Paperbacks

Please note: These are 

faith-filled contemporary Christian books.

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

Counting My Blessings: A Rhyming Story of Joy, Wonder, and Gratitude by Seph Schlueter & illustrated by Felishia Henditirto

Counting My Blessings: A Rhyming Story of Joy, Wonder, & Gratitude

Heading into the season of Thankfulness, this is a must have!

About the book: Discover infinite blessings every day. This picture book based on singer-songwriter Seph Schlueter’s viral song “Counting My Blessings” invites children to find joy, gratitude, and God’s gifts in each moment.

God gives us miracles, gifts big and small.

So many in fact, we just can’t count them all.

One, two, three …

up to infinity!

God’s gifts are everywhere—from the smallest kindness to the vastness of the stars. Follow along as a young boy learns to look for the good in every moment. When he feels down, he discovers that blessings can be found in unexpected places: a stray cat in need of a home, the warmth of his mother’s hug, the thrill of a new friendship, and the comfort of community. From the endless wildflowers in a field to the countless waves in the sea, he begins to understand that God’s love is as infinite as the stars in the sky.

This delightful story gently introduces children ages 4-8 to themes of gratitude, faith, and praise to God. With lyrical, rhyming text and stunning illustrations that bring the boy’s world to life (complete with his fun-loving cat!), Counting My Blessings is perfect for:

• Family Read-Alouds: Cuddle up and share a comforting message of hope and love before bedtime or anytime.
• Teaching Gratitude: A wonderful tool to help children recognize and appreciate the small miracles in their daily lives.

God's blessings will show  you how wonderful life can be.

My thoughts:  When I was raising my five children, we taught them Bible verses about thankfulness and tried to instill in their hearts and minds a spirit of thankfulness for the little things as well as the major things in their lives. This is a first step in realizing that they have a Savior for which they should give thanks, forgiveness for which they should give thanks, and a God who loves them for which they should give thanks.

Thanking God for door knobs, shoestrings, bread, clothes, friends, and on and on the list goes is not trite. It is basic.

This beautiful children's book, Counting My Blessings, and the absolutely beautiful song (both by Seph Schlueter) is a new Christian classic in my opinion. Pay attention to the pictures. Pay attention to the words. Feel the warmth and gentle sweetness of the music. It implants itself in the heart. So get the book, learn the words, learn the song and sing along.

The more that you look the more of God's blessings you'll see.

Where to purchase Counting My Blessings
Click Here

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #countingmyblessings #blessings #thankful #grateful #zonderkidz #sponsored

The Heart's Most Wanted (Rocky Mountain Marshals #2) by Mary Connealy [Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780764246005
Bethany House Publishing ~ Buy Here

When a mysterious threat follows their every step, can two wounded hearts find refuge and love?

US Marshal Morgan Sawyer rides into the treacherous Rocky Mountains on a mission to find fellow Marshal Tex, who vanished while they were escorting a dangerous prisoner. But ranchwoman Roz Beck insists on riding beside him, despite Morgan's protests. Joined by newlyweds Owen and Delaney, and Roz's young son, they push deep into the wilderness.

Widowed Roz was wounded in love when her now-deceased husband abandoned her, leaving her alone to raise a child. While her heart longs for love, for her son's sake, she'll settle for a man she trusts like Morgan, her childhood friend. When a shadowy figure begins prowling the search party's camp at night, the group realizes that something more than the wilderness poses a threat to their quest of bringing Tex to safety. Will the looming danger strengthen Morgan and Roz's growing feelings and faith in each other, or will it be their breaking point?

With outlaws, a rugged hero, and a spirited heroine, Mary Connealy presents another action-packed Old West historical romance. For fans of second chance romance, frontier journeys, and hijinks in the Colorado wilderness.

Read an excerpt - Click Here

Watch for Vera's review in the near future!

🐎GIVEAWAY🐎

Begins October 13

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

 Open to USA addresses only.

THE HEART'S MOST WANTED (Rocky Mountain Marshals #2) by Mary Connealy

About the author: Mary Connealy "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 2 million books and is the author of many sweeping Western romance series. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at MaryConnealy.com.

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