This may seem bizarre to some and even repulsive to those who don't like mayonnaise on a sandwich. However, bear with me and hear me out...... With eggs and butter (even oils) so costly at the grocery store, you can still make a little cake without breaking the budget.
Mayonnaise - yes, mayonnaise.
Full-fat, real mayonnaise has eggs and it has oil. It has what you need to make a cake.
But you say, "Isn't mayonnaise expensive, too????" And yes, it can be. It can also be cheaper than eggs and butter or oil for baking. You can use high end or store brand as long as it's real mayonnaise and not "light," "fat-free," or made with "olive oil."
You can economize by purchasing it when it's on sale and also use a coupon. You can also use more economical "store brand" and get just as good results.
Example: This particular week, Mid-March 2025, at the Food Lion grocery store their 30 oz jar of real mayonnaise is $2.69 and there is a digital coupon of $.95. So if you use 1 cup of this mayonnaise your cost is $.41 for the oil and eggs in your cake! This week a single white/large store brand egg is $.47 each!
So whether you're trying to economize or simply have just run out of eggs and/or oil at home, give it a try. (NOTE: You can use mayonnaise with cake mix also with great success.)
Basic vanilla "mayonnaise cake" recipe:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup cold water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sift dry ingredients together 2 or 3 times. Set it aside. Thoroughly blend together mayonnaise and sugar. Alternate adding sifted dry ingredients and water to the mayo/sugar mixture. Begin and end with flour. Blend in vanilla.
Check out my post on Chocolate Pumpkin "Mayonnaise" Cake - click here
As we approach Spring time, we as Christians especially look forward to our most sacred season of remembrance. That is the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We would be remiss in our personal responsibility to our beloved children if we did not teach them faithfully the reason we have a special remembrance at this time. It is because our Lord lives; and because He lives, we have eternal life.
So I wish to share a very special Zonderkidz "Easter" store where you can find the following Resurrection themed books for children and even more titles. Click here....
My thoughts: A beautifully illustrated and sweet look at the vastness of God and what He does. And yet, in all His greatness He focuses primarily on His love for you. On each of us.
In Mostly What God Does Is Love You an inkling of the significance of the individual, you, in the mind and heart of Almighty God is presented in the contemplative thought that He loves you. While doing all the huge, magnificent, and wondrous things He does in the World and Universe, He focuses His love on each of us.
About the book: What if we shared this simple, beautiful, Biblical truth with our children from the youngest of ages—how different would we be? How wonderfully could this shape our perspectives from childhood on, knowing that the God who made all the wonders in creation—who hung the stars in the sky, who tells the wind where to blow—knows your name and loves you oh so very much?
From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, this beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the wonders of nature, the beauty of God’s creation, and most importantly, how very loved you are by God. Mostly What God Does is Love You reminds children (and adults) of God’s great love for them, how very cherished they are by the creator of the universe, and how in turn, they can share that same love by being kind and compassionate to others.
With its awe-inspiring and charming illustrations and a poetic, relatableand age-appropriate message, Mostly What God Does is Love You is the perfect way for adults reading Savannah’s bestselling book Mostly What God Does to share this all-important reminder with the children they love—that the vastness of God’s love is all for them and how they can share it with others as freely as God shares his love.
Mostly What God Does Is Love You:
Reminds children that God is always with them, loving them unconditionally.
Is perfect for family reading, bedtime story, school or daycare story time.
Makes the perfect gift for birthdays, Easter, graduation, and other celebrations and gift-giving occasions
This sweet, uplifting book is sure to leave a lasting impression on children and adults alike, reminding them of the most important thing in the world—God’s enormous love for us—and how we, too can spread love and kindness, just like God does.
The Easter Lamb: Jesus, Passover, and God’s Amazing Plan to Rescue Us
My thoughts: I think this is a bit unusual for an "Easter Lamb" story book. It has a deeper theological meaning though it isn't actually spoken. The story book shows the Biblical story from the early days in Bible times when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. The lamb is pictured there as a little lamb on the pages. Present, sad, sorrowful. He travels out of Egypt with the people.
Then the pictures show the birth of the Christ child, His growth, His perfection. The story proceedes with Christ ministering to the people. And then the little lamb looks on as the darkest day happened. Jesus' death. But it wasn't over, Christ rose.
The deeper thought for me is that this picture book pictures Christ as the sacrificial lamb. And though Christ had not yet come, He always existed and He has always been the lamb of promise.
The angel in the empty tomb.
About the book: In The Easter Lamb, the traditional Easter story takes on new significance as Jesus’s death and resurrection are explored through the events of Passover. Through child-friendly text and engaging illustrations that meaningfully connect these two important events, young readers will see how God has always cared for his children and that he had a plan for our salvation from the start.
On the night he was arrested, Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples during what we now call the Last Supper. Jesus knew he would soon have to die like the lambs who were sacrificed in place of the firstborn Israelites so that all of God’s children might live.
John Greco masterfully tells these two stories—Passover and Easter—in The Easter Lamb, weaving together their biblical symbolism and significance. You may have heard the Easter story before, but this unique take will deepen you and your child’s understanding of the holiday and explain how important the image of Christ as a lamb truly is.
The Easter Lamb is ideal for:
Introducing children 4 and up to the Passover and Easter stories
Sharing together as a family as a read-aloud or as part of a new Easter tradition
Helping young children better understand the Bible and how God’s redemptive plan connects throughout Scripture
Easter Sunday school lessons, family devotions, and gift giving
My thoughts: A cute Berenstain Bears paperback that takes the bear kiddies through the Easter day preparations, church service, and questions. Delightful and sweet in a cute way.
The children question having chicks, eggs, candy, etc. at this special time in the Christian church life. The explanation is that there is no connection except the time of remembrance the Resurrection of Christ happens to take place in the Spring when there is lots of new-ness in animals, flowers, trees. And that, too, candy is always a welcome treat.
A budget-friendly way to get a children's book that focuses on the joy of Christ's Resurrection.
About the book: Young readers will understand the true meaning behind the celebration of Easter in this addition to the Living Lights™ series of Berenstain Bears books. Join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey as they go to church services, have an Easter treasure hunt, and learn about Easter.
Join the Berenstain Bears as they explore the real reason of Easter and learn about Jesus’s death and resurrection. Children will discover the joy in sharing God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books with over 13 million copies sold since 2008.
The Berenstain Bears' Easter Sunday:
Encourages age appropriate discussions about the true meaning behind the celebration of Easter
Is perfect for back-to-school or summer reading, birthday gifts, and holiday?gift-giving
Is great for early reader ages 4-8, reading out loud at home, in church small groups, or in a classroom
The Berenstain Bears' Easter Sunday is written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family and continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain as part of the Berenstain Bears series of books. It is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date.
Hey-O! Stories of the Bible
ISBN: 9780310159254 Hardcover $12.50 Amazon Prime Purchase Here
My thoughts: I remember the Bible story book that my parents bought us when I was young. That was just after WWII, and while quite accurate, it seemed geared toward older readers and listeners. I am so thankful that in today's market Christian publishing has a varied and abundant assortment of many levels of Bible story books from which parents may select. The Hey-O Stories of the Bible is for the youngster that can sit for a bit longer read-aloud-session with a mite more detail than toddlers need or for young readers who have mastered reading but still need or want a shorter version to read and an abundance of bold illustrations.
The Hey-O book has a QR code that also enables the reader (i.e. parents enabled) to see an animated version of the stories in the book on their device (iPad, etc.). I am quite impressed with the stories covering Genesis through New Testament times with Paul and Silas in jail. (Note: Revelation seems to be omitted, which is probably best for this age group.)
A wonderful gift for a child you care about or just a perfect book to have on the child or children's book shelves in a Christian home.
About the book: Through accessible storytelling and innovative video integration, Hey-O! Stories of the Bible is a storybook Bible unlike any other! Already reaching over half a million children through its animated stories on YouTube, Hey-O! Stories of the Bible combines nearly 70 beloved Old and New Testament stories into one beautiful collection, with a QR code that links to corresponding animated videos for each story.
Developed by Saddleback Church, Hey-O! Stories of the Bible is a fully integrated collection of printed stories and animated videos, making it the perfect tool for parents, teachers, and children’s ministry leaders. With videos that have garnered millions of views on YouTube, this storybook Bible brings nearly 70 Bible story favorites—such as Creation, Noah and the Ark, Moses, Ruth and Naomi, the Resurrection, and more—together into one whimsical and biblically accurate collection that will resonate with readers of all levels and abilities.
Hey-O! Stories of the Bible:
Was developed by the Kids team at Saddleback Church, a community of thousands with 17 campuses across the US and internationally
Includes nearly 70 illustrated Bible stories and a QR code linking to corresponding animated videos
Is biblically accurate and engaging for kids, with whimsical artwork and accessible, easy-to-read stories
Makes the perfect gift for any special time in a child’s life—baptisms, communion, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and more
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE - Lots of wonderful children's books by Zonderkidz at the Easter Store on Amazon
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of the books listed in this post. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Copies provided by Zonderkidz via FrontGateMedia. #easterbooks #heyostoriesofthebible #zonderkidz #berenstainbears #heyo #mostlywhatgoddoesisloveyou #easterlamb #ad #sponsored @Zonderkidz @savannahguthrie @johngrecowrites @berenstainbears @saddleback_kids (@zonderkidz
My thoughts: The soft artistry of the illustrations in The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheet shows a "modern" shepherd (I'd say sometime in the 1800s-2000s) and his quirky, troublesome fluffy sheep. It's cute. It's true to sheep behavior and shepherd care and attention. And in all of this, it tells the same story from God's Word, the Bible, of the "Good Shepherd" and God's Redemptive Love.
Sheep need a shepherd because they just get themselves into a real fix or jam. Example: sometimes they just fall down and end up on the back. They can't get up. They just simply can't. So there they stay until the wolf or something else endangers them. Unless the shepherd comes along and lifts them back onto their feet.
Sheep also have a way of wandering off and getting themself lost or stuck in places they can't get out of. Then the shepherd comes along and finds them.
In this delightful book, we see a stubborn sheep that get's himself into a real jam.
As in the Bible story, this retelling will help children understand how their good shepherd seeks them out and finds them. He rescues them and saves them.
I just love this sweet book for both the illustrations and story.
About the book: The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.
Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.
The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.
The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is perfect for:
Children ages 4 and up
Family devotions and bedtime reading
Discussions about the meaning of Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, and how God is always with us
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #goodshepherd #zonderkidz #christianbookreview #ad @zonderkidz and @hannah_e_harrison
My thoughts: USA Today Bestselling Author, Vannetta Chapman, concludes her Kessler Effect Series with Veil of Stillness. This short book takes the reader through the barren destruction that exists across the southern Texas rivers, deserts, mountains. As people try to create a new existence in a devastated land, and with fear of individuals bent on destruction tempered by caution of those who have created and maintained a similitude of civility and life. Living is stark, indeed.
Although a small group of like-minded people from varied walks of life has settled with some semblance of normality, they realize that their health is struggling (human and animal) because of a lack of certain nutritious elements and other items. Particularly, their supply of salt has been depleted. So they send a party out in search of salt-flat-deposits that can be harvested and taken back to their town.
Their struggle is interesting and filled with bewildering details of life after a major Earth-wide catastrophe. As the title implies, there is a state of "stillness" that exists. But in this stillness, there is a harsh screaming of need, fear, necessity, hostility, cooperation. Much of the goodness and evil of the human heart is examined in this series as well as a sobering and thoughtful consideration of what dystopian life would entail.
About the book: What risks would you be willing to take to save your town?
Veil of Stillness is a gripping tale of one town’s fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in Alpine, Texas, nine months after all of the lower orbital satellites crashed to Earth, the story follows Logan Wright and Tanda Lopez on a perilous journey to the Rio Grande Valley in search of food.
In a world where communication is non-existent and resources are scarce, Logan and Tanda must rely on their instincts and ingenuity. As they traverse the dystopian landscape, they encounter dangers at every turn as well as possible allies. The trick will be in recognizing the difference.
Amidst the chaos, Logan and Tanda learn to rely on one another in ways they never thought possible. As they venture further into the unknown, they discover the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and hope.
With vivid descriptions of the rugged Texas terrain and heart-pumping action, Veil of Stillness is a thrilling page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Perfect for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and survival stories, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking adventure.
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 the author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Secret word: scary CLICK HERE TO READ VERA'S REVIEWS OF OTHER "VEIL OF..." BOOKS IN THE SERIES.
My thoughts: I always delight when a new "Mary Connealy" book comes off the press. Her books are set in the mid to far west of the United States during the early years the area was being settled. Connealy has a terrific sense of infusing her stories with light-hearted wit that brightens the reader's day.
In the first book of the "Golden State Treasure" series, Whispers of Fortune recounts the heart breaking stories prevalent of the period when back East families fell into the throes of poverty, children orphaned and sent West by orphanages to settle with other families, and mean-hearted culprits intent on illegal means to gain riches.
In Whispers of Fortune, the author weaves well loved characters of a prior series into the background as supporting cast. They are connected family with the owners of the Hart Ranch where much of Whispers of Fortune takes place.
I love the characters in this story and they are well developed by the author fleshed out so that you feel you know them yourself. Strong minded, well educated Brody is searching for his two missing younger brothers. I found the two younger boys (older teens actually) loveable and admirable for their ability to make their way from East to West in pursuit of an old dream of their deceased father and grandfather.
I look forward to reading more in this series and following new characters Mary Connealy has deftly woven into this book.
About the book: In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at Two Hearts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he finds them thriving at the ranch's school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. His own options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of the ranch's doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who's kept a steady eye on Brody's two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.
With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of the ranch.
In her exhilarating series starter, Mary Connealy weaves an exciting adventure of courage, danger, and love in the Wild West.
Maisy Loves Birds: A Maisy's Planet Book by Lucy Cousins
ISBN: 9781536236620 $9.99 US | Board Book
My thoughts: Maisy books are so cute. Bold line drawings in bright colors on sturdy board all prove to be winners when combined with Lucy Cousins' ideas that entertain and, yes, educate our wee little ones.
The Maisy Planet books introduce our little ones to the world around them beyond typical counting, ABC, and identity story lines. In Maisy Loves Birds: A Maisy Planet Book a slow and careful introduction to birds of the world are introduced. All designed to educate and make children aware of the variety and scope of those flitting, flying, singing creatures and how they fit into this world of ours. Set to engender an appreciation birds and their variety and purpose. A delightful little book.
About the book: Curiosity takes wing as the littlest nature lovers explore birds of all feathers in this bright and cheerful board book in the Maisy’s Planet series.
Investigate the world of birds with Maisy! Introduce the youngest listeners to their avian friends, from familiar garden species to swooping birds of prey, from soaring seabirds to birds that don’t fly at all. Toddlers can learn about nesting, feeding, and migrating through colorful illustrations and a simple text pitched for the youngest explorers and budding bird-watchers. In the Maisy’s Planet series, each sturdy board book celebrates a different feature of the natural world, with bold colors, clear language, and a fun spread to open out at the end. Kids love to love our planet with Maisy! (Check out the giveaway opportunity below!)
Maisy Loves Butterflies: A Maisy's Planet Book by Lucy Cousins &
Available May 2025 Boardbook $9.99
Who doesn’t love a butterfly? Set a little one’s heart aflutter with this exploration of the beautiful creatures, led by everyone’s favorite mouse.
Join Maisy as she learns all about gorgeous butterflies! This fifth book in the Maisy’s Planet series introduces children to both butterflies and moths, as it investigates everything from caterpillars to cocoons to the insects in flight. Find out about patterns, color, and camouflage, and open out the final scene to marvel at Maisy’s butterfly- and moth-friendly garden! Secret word: nature (Watch for Chat With Vera's review soon!)
One-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman & illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby
ISBN: 9781536201796 $17.99 US | Hardcover
My thoughts: This is a delightful, rollicking counting book that has colorful, rip-roaring dinosaurs playing a game. Usually my preference is to introduce dinosaurs when the child is older, perhaps five-plus; but this cute book simply has imaginative "osaurs" playing. So no harm in that.
It is imaginatively cute with a bit of rhyme as the count goes from one to ten.
About the book: Part counting game, part dinosaur celebration, this energetic romp is a numbers concept book for the ages.
"One-osaurus, two-osaurus, three-osaurus, four!"
Look there, in a child’s bedroom, where some prehistoric pals are gathered in a counting game. Nine dinosaurs are playing a sing-song rendition of hide-and-seek—but something isn’t adding up. Where is number ten? Stomp, stomp, stomp! CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP! Ready or not, here he comes, and he sounds . . . big! With big, bold numerals, an array of dinosaurs in comical poses, and a humorous twist at the end, this tribute to a child’s imagination makes learning numbers a gigantic
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize book is provided and mailed or shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Publishing or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
My thoughts: First of all, mommies and grannies will love that this treasure comes hygienically packaged in a sealed, see-through package. It's protected from a myriad of germs that it could get from public exposure and then passed along to your wee little one. So it starts out a safe item for littles.
Next, it is perfect for tiny ones. It's soft and pliable with nothing sharp or hard to hurt a little one. It "crinkles" when handled and that crinkly sound brings happiness to littles.
Then, the colors are softly enticing with vivid characters illustrating the story. And best of all, your little one will begin learning that "Jesus Loves Me." That's the real treasure. And I love that the pictures show children holding hands with Jesus and sitting on His lap. An early lesson in the gentle approachableness of Jesus.
I love this little book and highly approve of it.
About the book: The words of a favorite childhood song in a crinkly cloth book for babies.
A cuddly way to introduce babies and toddler to Jesus through the beloved song many parents and grandparents learned as children.
This soft book features crinkle cloth fabric for sensory development and hours of baby fun. Charming illustrations teach infants and toddlers about Jesus as they see children holding hands with him and sitting on his lap! Jesus Loves Me, This I Know includes a shiny mirror on the last page, placing the baby at the heart of God's love. Secret word: little
A Velcro closure and a hanging loop can attach the book to a stroller, purse, or toy so it can go wherever they do.
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 Kregel Publications or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
Famers and folks who love gardening - food or flower gardens - quite often take the cold, shut-in months of December, January, and February to peruse seed catalogues and plan planting and harvesting for the soon-to-come warm days.
Now envision BLUEBERRIES!!!!
Feeding Minds Press ISBN: 9789848898195 Ages 5-9 Years
My thoughts: In I Love Blueberries! the reader is introduced to the concept of hydroponic gardening and the possibility of growing blueberries indoors using the hydroponic method. The girl's teacher is already growing strawberries using this method; and it imbues the girls with a desire to investigate the method for blueberries, formulate a plan, gather supplies, and implement the activity.
In the background of the story, young Jolie has already begun her journey into blueberry cultivation by learning to germinate the plants from seeds in dirt-filled cups, watch them grown, and transplant them into the garden. A new girl is introduced in this story. Margot is a transplant from the northern state of Maine where blueberries are a major crop. Margot becomes a co-planner in the endeavor to grown blueberries.
This book deserves a place on the STEM bookshelf for readers ages 5 to 12.
About the book: Berry-loving Jolie is back, and this time she has a new friend! Margot has just moved to town and misses Maine — especially the blueberries. Determined to help, Jolie turns to their teacher to learn how hydroponics helps the strawberries in their classroom grow. Unfortunately, it’s a costly system and there’s no money left from the grant that helped the class start their indoor strawberry patch. Undeterred, Jolie, Margot, and their diverse group of classmates brainstorm ways to get the equipment they need, and they come up with just the thing: a Blueberry Bash!
The students invite the local community to a show-and-tell — featuring homemade decorations (blue, of course), blueberry muffins, and even a blueberry-themed poem! — where they explain their gardening goals, and inspire the community to come together and help the class achieve their berry-growing dreams.
Sinquett’s illustrations of Jolie’s exuberant, scrapbook-style journal and Margot’s sketchbook bring Anderson’s delightful tale to life, and will keep kids engaged as they learn all about the wonders of hydroponics and indoor gardening, and the many health benefits of blueberries.
Just in time for Kids Garden Month in April and National Blueberry Pie Day on April 28th, this heartwarming story encourages curiosity, problem solving, and a thirst for knowledge in young readers and shows them that, with the power of friendship and community, they can grow to new heights.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent to winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
My thoughts: If you've not read a Sharon J. Mondragon book, you've missed a light-hearted, joyful read. In Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals we journey into the heart of a vibrant Georgia community replete with gregarious, "news" sharing (think gossipers) ladies. Death has visited the community and granddaughter Sarah is the designated funeral-goer for bedridden Grandma (that's so she can bring back all the tidbits of who, what, when, how, and how much of all the goings on).
Throw into this delightful mishmash, a terse death bed statement and the investigation of a bygone scandal is set in motion.
I thoroughly enjoyed each of the characters and the author captures their personalities beautifully. I can just "feel" the tensions as folks encounter one another in this did-she did-he story. And she even gives the readers a glimpse into the world of Georgia during an ice storm. (Only a Southerner can truly appreciate the fear and tension of a deep-South ice storm!)
I say this is a delightful read and will surely bring joy and chuckles to one's heart.
About the book: In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone's business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say "pecan pie."
But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, "God is too big." With him, nothing is impossible—even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.
"Mondragón masterfully weaves a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of truth." —Kate Angelo, best-selling romantic suspense author
Author: Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She's the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Find her at sharonjmondragon.com.
Excerpt.... It’s not that she gets squeamish or weak-kneed at the sight of a friend or relative laid out. She takes an avid interest in every detail of the deceased, from the tie they put on third cousin twice removed Billy Ray to how Harriet Tilson’s hair turned out. Nor is it that she lacks respect for those who have gone on to glory before her. Grandma Ruth is the kind of person to whom you do not criticize your mother. And it’s not that she prefers to stay at home and watch Jeopardy! Instead. Grandma Ruth is bedridden—has been for the past three years. Much as she would like to, Grandma Ruth isn’t going anywhere.
I am Sarah Elizabeth, Grandma Ruth’s favorite granddaughter. Being her favorite is a dubious honor. It means I’m her favorite to go to the store and buy birthday cards, visit her shut-in friends, and, you guessed it, attend funerals in her place.
Looking back, I realize I’ve been training for funeral duty for quite a while. When I was ten, she taught me how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch to take by the home of the bereaved for the reception. By the time I was eleven, I had learned to write a tasteful and heartfelt condolence note. I attended my first funeral at twelve. (Grandma Ruth wanted to take me sooner, but Mama put her foot down and prevailed for once.) Now that I’m twenty-four, Grandma Ruth considers me not only fully qualified but socially obligated to take her place since she can’t get out anymore. I don’t think I’ve missed a single funeral in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia, since she took to her bed.
Connect with Sharon by visiting sharonjmondragon.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win.
Full tour schedule linked below.
Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 & lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025.
Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway & given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Let me introduce you to a kid-loving Bible Study Duo you don't want to miss out on!
Adventure Bible Guide: Explore the Stories, People and Places of Every Book in the Bible – an ideal companion to the NIV Adventure Bible
ISBN: 9780310156048 Softcover | $16.99 Buy at Amazon
My thoughts: What an enticing and attractive (and tastefully done) book for kids 8 to 12 to use in Bible study. Written to accompany the NIV Adventure Bible this GUIDE visually and textually works right in alignment with the NIV Adventure BIBLE.
This is not a disposable workbook where you write or draw on the pages and it soon is used up and thrown away. This is an insightful guide through the books of the Bible. Each two-page spread covers one of the Books of the Bible. Short but detailed information bites are given along with attractive illustrations.
Charts such as the 7 Days of Creation, the 7 Feasts (Leviticus), and the opening pages Time Line of Events aid in comprehension of major events. Who and what of the books and main ideas are given. All in easy to comprehend conversational text. And the charts showing lineage aid in understanding the layering of people throughout such a long period of history. Maps specific to that book and events help in placing a historic event on the globe of today's world.
I am the mother of 5 and grandmother of 13. I taught Sunday School, Saturday Bible Club, and Vacation Bible School. I was involved in Christian schools for many years. I have seen many materials and can say that this presents information in an easily accepted, wonderfully attractive, and definitively informative method to the growing child.
I highly recommend. (Whilst this was developed for use with the NIV Adventure Bible for Kids, I can see it useable with other versions of Scripture as well.)
About the book: Explore the Bible like never before! This companion to the bestselling Adventure Bible gives young readers the key details of every book of the Bible at their fingertips. With kid-friendly overviews of Genesis through Revelation and full-color infographics, maps, and images, children will strengthen their faith and gain a deeper understanding of the most important story ever told.
The Adventure Bible Guide takes readers 8–12 on a fun-filled, informative journey toward truly understanding God’s Word. This immersive reference guide gives clear, crisp insights into the Bible book by book, including:
key details and events that are clearly laid out, in words kids can easily understand
colorful infographics that include historical information, significant events and details, and important biblical characters
callouts with fun facts and key takeaways
maps that help readers understand where each part of the Bible occurred
images of artifacts and important places that help bring the Bible to life
This book is made to be used alongside the Bible to help readers better comprehend the context and background of God’s Word, condensing the most important information in a highly visual, easy-to-understand format, which in turn helps kids connect with the Bible text in new and deeper ways.
The Adventure Bible Guide is:
perfect for kids 8–12 learning to explore the Bible on their own
a great resource for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers to use to engage students in the Bible and biblical history
part of the wider Adventure Bible line, which includes NIV Adventure Bible, Adventure Bible Book of Devotions, and The Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations
The NIV Adventure Bible for Kids (full text, full color interior)
My thoughts: One of my grandsons is pastor of a church and his daughter has this very same Bible! That's an endorsement. "Pastor provides his own child a copy of NIV Adventure Bible for kids." This is a delightfully colorful, bright, engaging edition of the Bible geared for kids; but for kids who are old enough to begin to actually study God's Word more in-depth and detailed. Kids who are not yet ready for concordances, Biblical dictionaries, etc. That comes later as they mature. This Bible gives them something that captures their attention and helps learn facts and have insights take root in their pliable minds.
In today's world where technology and rapid-fire TV grabs their attention and numbs their brain function present more of a challenge for personal and detailed reading and study, this engaging Biblical publication will help glue them to God's Word. The accompanying Study Guide further helps pull the details out of the Word cementing it into their being and into relativeness for them personally.
An excellent step forward in Biblical studies for growing children.
About the Bible: The bestselling NIV Adventure Bible® will get kids excited about reading the Scriptures! Your kids will be captivated with the full-color features that make it fun and engaging to read the Bible and memorize their favorite verses. Along the way they will meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of things about the Bible. Most importantly, they will grow closer in their relationship with God.
The Adventure Bible is recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids, and the Adventure Bible brand has impacted more than 10 million individuals and families to date!
Complete text of the accurate, readable, clear New International Version
Full-color design throughout – makes learning about the people, places, and culture of the Bible even more engaging
Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days
Words to Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize
Did You Know?—Interesting facts help you understand God’s Word and the life of faith
People in Bible Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of the Bible
Live It!—Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life
Twenty special pages—Focus on topics such as famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, how to pray, and the love passage for kids, all with a jungle safari theme
Book introductions with useful facts about each book of the Bible
Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words to help locate places in the Bible
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. NOTE: My preferred version of the Bible is the King James Version. The NIV is widely accepted and trusted and appeals greatly to the younger generation.
