Christmas Eve 2024 at Vera’s

 

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Deadly Revenge (Pearl River #3) by Patricia Bradley

ISBN: 97808800741848
Revell Pub. ~ $18.99 US

My thoughts:  While this story is authored by a Christian author and published by a Christian publishing house it is not heavy on church, Bible, and Christianity. It is a very clean read with romance overtones. The story is a mystery and filled with suspense.

Set in Tennessee the story follows a political campaign, a town with long term and deep seated bitterness and hatred over the imminent domain seizure of land for building a dam, and several mysterious deaths that may or may not be linked to this unease and bitterness. Local law enforcement is joined by a representative of the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) for protection of the campaigning politician and soon they're all involved in seeing if the deaths were murders and if they are connected to politics or the long term bitterness.  

The pace is somewhat slow, but that's ok as sometimes it takes awhile to flesh out the characters, story line, and for the bits and pieces of the story to be revealed. Patricia Bradley has written another good suspense to engage readers. 

About the book: Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

Click Here for more of Patricia Bradley's books reviewed on Chat With Vera!

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

Beyond the Horizon (Horizons Series #3) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

She's desperate to keep her job.

He's desperate for solitude.

What is God's plan in this complicated situation?

Ruby Shepherdson has worked hard to secure her job as a reporter for The Horizon Herald. After a costly mistake, Ruby’s unforgiving boss gives her an ultimatum to either interview the handsome and reclusive Jake Lynton—or lose her job. But each time Ruby has attempted to obtain an interview, Mr. Lynton has refused. Why would anyone who has saved the lives of four people deny recognition? And why does she find herself drawn to the man?

Jake Lynton just wants to be left alone. Haunted by the past, he runs from both guilt and God by leaving home and somehow finding himself in Horizon, Idaho. His hopes of living as a recluse are foiled when a pesky, but beautiful reporter insists he allow her to interview him about a good deed gone awry. Despite Jake’s efforts, Ruby Shepherdson persists, soon endearing herself to him while somehow remaining endlessly annoying.

Jake’s story isn’t the only one Ruby seeks to publish. Secret word: truth - When rumors of ill dealings come to her attention, she sets forth to uncover the truth—truth someone does not want revealed. As danger emerges and an unanticipated enemy determines to keep Ruby silent, will Jake fit the pieces together in time to rescue her? Or will he lose the woman who has found a place in his heart?

High rating reviews from early release readers - Goodreads.com

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 17

Ends January 18, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author, publicist, or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

WINTER BOOKS: "Winter Light" & "A Pinecone!" [Review & Giveaway]

Winter Light by Aaron Becker

ISBN: 9781536236460
$17.99 US
Candlewick Studio

My thoughts:  Artist/author Aaron Becker never fails to bring delights to us rich with his conceptualization of art, color, and light. In this delightful toddler's board book, Winter Light, he utilizes a snowflake cut out on every page. As one turns the page to read the short text, visualization of aspects of changing light are experienced through the cut out of the snowflake. The color changes as the pages are turned. 

The text traverses the shortening of the hours of light as Winter approaches and the seasons change. But with the outside light changing, our inside lights also change to  bring warmth, light, and hope with fireplace light, candlelight, and lights aglow on our seasonal celebration decorations.

Another Aaron Becker delight!

About the book: With an eye to holiday rituals and nature’s rebirth, New York Times best-selling creator Aaron Becker offers a luminous die-cut companion to You Are Light, My Favorite Color, and One Sky.

Hush, now. Be still.

It’s time for winter light.

Come winter, the days grow short. Sunlight filters through bare branches as ice crystals cover the meadow. In this quiet time, we turn to warmth and light, to family rituals and traditions. With jewellike die-cuts revealing the colors of the season against soft painterly backgrounds, Caldecott Honoree Aaron Becker captures the light of winter skies and lengthening days, the glow of candle and hearth, and the heart’s yearning for spring’s return.

A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon

ISBN: 9781536226263
US $18.99
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  In this picture book, the delights of collecting one of nature's beauties - a pinecone - is enthusiastically examined by a precocious little girl who just can't seem to get enough pinecones.

Whilst out with papa walking the dog, who has a mind of his own, she snatches and tucks away in every pocket, fold, and spot numerous pinecones. Such delight!

She collects so many they take over the house. Poor papa and the dog - living their papa and doggie lives in the background on these pages of delight - endure the invasion of the pinecones.

But there is more..... there is a vast assortment of teeny, tiny critters whose home is  the pinecone and they come, too!

An absolutely adorable story of fascination, family living, family tolerance, and cause and effect. Plus a heaping of charm. 

About the book: While Daddy is busy wrangling a mud-happy dog, someone else is collecting lots,/i> and lots of pinecones. Helen Yoon brings back the parent-child duo from Off-Limits in a droll celebration of high enthusiasm.

Daddy is a bit distracted on their autumn walk, while his curious child only has eyes for one of nature’s small a pinecone! And look, another pinecone! And another! In fact, she could gather an entire collection—an entire extended family—of pinecones if she wanted to (and she wants to!). But what then? In a story spun with visual comedy, the characters from Off-Limits return for a small adventure in outsize enthusiasm leading to a sparkly, holiday-cheer-worthy finish. Helen Yoon brings all her quirky warmth to bear on this tribute to little ones whose fixations tend to send them over the top—and the parents who lovingly help them to funnel all that passionate energy. And perhaps some of their own!

Giveaway

Begins December 14

Ends January 15, 2025 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Secret word: Snuggle - I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copies are provided and shipped/mailed directly to the winner by publisher, Candlewick Press, or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

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.

The CSB Grace Bible for Kids from B&H Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

 

Don’t let dyslexia stop you from experiencing God’s Word.

ISBN: 9798384510840
Leather touch $44.95
B&H Publishing

My thoughts: From the moment I opened this children's (tweens & teens) Bible I was very impressed with the sense of availability, ease-on-eyes, readability of the text.  This puts this edition in the far front of choices in my opinion. If hard to read text confronts the young reader from the first moment, it's a turn-off. But if you make it doable, workable, comfortable then the reader will automatically engage more readily.

My review copy is a soft cover leather-touch that is flexible and very comfortable in the hands. Large, but not over-large and not heavy. Again, workable, comfortable from the outset.

While my preferred version is the KJV, this CSB is certainly acceptable amongst leaders and young folks probably will engage with it more readily.

Now about some of the features that specifically benefit dyslexic readers (or even some who just need a bit of help with their reading). I found this article (click here) and it is quite interesting on the use of color overlays when reading. Basically the article's author endorses the benefit of using tinted sheets of plastic over the text when reading to enhance the reader's comprehension and skill at reading.

Tinted plastic overlay sheets.

Highly readable text.
Short lines.
Short paragraphs.

To further help dyslexic readers is the type of font that was developed by academics and used in this CSB Grace Bible for Kids (Dyslexic Friendly). Furthermore, the font was weighted on the bottom to help readers visually stabilize the text on the page. Comfort of visualizing text and stabilizing the text visually on the page are key to helping dyslexic readers.

As I said at the beginning, this particular printing was created specifically to help readers who struggle with dyslexia. However, I see nothing that gives the appearance that it is "different" so therefore there is no constraint about differences when using. It looks quite like the kid's next to you who has a different Bible. This one, though, has subtle helps that enrich the child's use.

Frankly, I think even an adult can benefit from using this edition of the CSB Bible (except it does say "kids" on the cover).

Also included are interesting study maps that are colorful and map out highlighted eras or lives of the people in the Bible. I always found these helpful to cement the Biblical history and text in my mind.

Several colorful maps to aid Bible study.

A Perfect Christmas Gift for that Special Child

About Grace Bible for Kids: Created in partnership with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges. This Bible offers young readers an inclusive and exciting approach to Bible reading through innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

In addition, special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University's research department are included to further enhance visual processing. Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids' Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about. Secret word: Grace. Perfect for use at home, church, and school, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids will grow with your kids as they grow in Christ.

FEATURES:

• Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
• ​Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
• Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
• Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
• 40 insert pages with study helps and maps to help connect kids to Scripture
• Bible skills checklist and summaries of Bible books and divisions
• Large, 11-point type size. Secret word: grace
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
• Black letter text
• Ribbon marker
• Presentation page for gift-giving
• 6” x 9” page size

Order A Copy Today from B&H Publishing
🎄 Click Here 🎁

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids, 

Blue Leather Touch Edition

Begins December 3

Ends December 13 @ 12:00 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by publisher, Publishing, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

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