ISBN: 9781400249503 Hardcover | $19.99 USA Tommy Nelson®
My thoughts: While this is a publication from Christian publishing, Tommy Nelson, there is no direct reference to Scripture or Biblical story. However, the "Princess" is indicative of a Child of the King. The king is the "Lion King." Christians are consider to be a child of the King and the Lion King is representative of the King of Kings, Lord Jesus Christ.
The story involves a crew of delightfully drawn dogs living in the palace. The Princess is a dalmatian and is protected by her security team, a Lab/Retriever and a Border Collie. As the Princess goes on a visit to the Royal Savanna animals a monkey snatches her sparkly crown. While her security team is chasing the monkey to retrieve the crown, the Princess goes about meeting several different species of animals.
Eventually the crown is retrieved but alas it is now broken. The Princess' visit to the savanna animals has ended and she reports back to her father, the king. He praises her for her kindness to the animals she met, and hence she discovers her purpose - kindness.
A sweet lesson in overcoming personal disappointment while learning to be kind to others as a way of life. Also, a good lesson in the more value to place on being good and kind rather than place value in objects.
I especially like the happy, bright and colorful illustrations and felt that they make the story really engaging to read.
About the book: Anti-trafficking advocate and former Miss Universe and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Tebow encourages young readers to find their purpose and help others in need in her first children’s book about a princess who loses her crown, starring Demi’s real-life dog Paris the dalmatian.
When her crown is stolen, Princess Paris fears she’ll never get it back. How can she represent her king without her crown? She doesn’t feel much like a princess and worries all the animals on the Royal Savanna won’t take her seriously without it. But as each animal Paris meets faces a unique problem, she discovers that being a princess requires more than wearing a shiny crown. Secret word: royal
This adventurous story is paw-fect for ages 4 to 8,focuses on finding your purpose and being kind, is a creative conversation starter between parents and children about helping others, and is a perfect choice for a nursery display or a baby shower or birthday gift. Take your children on this adventurous African safari with Paris, Kobe, and Chunk (the whole Tebow Pack!) and show them that helping others is the greatest purpose of all.
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 publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
The Girl Who Tested the Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental Scientist by Patricia Daniele & Illustrated by Junyi Wu
My thoughts: A well done biographic picture book about a woman who, when it wasn't considered desired or appropriate for women, pursued an education. As she grew and learned all that was available for her to learn, her parents recognized her capabilities and sold all and relocated where she could be mentally engaged and equipped to expand her mind.
A bit more wordy than the average "picture book," but written in a forthright and engaging manner, this is a perfect introduction into reading non-fiction to the young child and reader. The illustrations readily depict a simple young woman (appropriately hair styled and dressed for the time) excitedly pursuing books and scientific equipage as she wonders, experiments, discovers, and further pursues knowledge.
As the first woman to study at MIT, she opened doors for more intelligent and inquisitive women to further their scientific and technological education. But not only did she open doors for women to have access to higher education, she actually achieved scientific successes and make the world a better place in which to live. I believe we have Ellen Swallow to thank for cleaner and safer water and food.
I love that the illustrations are soft yet highly detailed and show the world that Ellen Swallow lived and learned in. I really like how this young readers biography while telling the story of this fantastic trail-blazing woman makes for really good reading, but also how the book is formatted like an "official" biography with author's note, source material, bibliography, and other interesting material at the back. A fine introduction to non-fiction biographic reading.
About the book: Discover the eye-opening story of the first woman student at MIT—a pioneering environmental chemist sure to inspire the next generation of female trailblazers in science.
Ellen Swallow found a friend in nature and a lifelong love of science as a child exploring the woods around her family’s home. She was a voracious learner with an interest in chemistry, and continuing her education at the newly established Massachusetts Institute of Technology seemed a good fit. But in 1871, many believed that women belonged in the home, not in schools dedicated to the study of science. Ellen thought, why not both? She believed science could help solve the problems of everyday life, including the pollution she observed in Boston, so when offered the chance to study the city’s water systems, she seized it. What she found would change the way we think about clean water. In her lifetime, Ellen pioneered science education for women, advocated for a healthier environment, and helped develop the field of ecology. The Girl Who Tested the Waters, with engaging text and soft, inviting illustrations, portrays a woman ahead of her time and her tireless efforts to bring about change for good. Curious readers can find more in the back matter, including a time line, an author’s note, source notes, and a bibliography.
Meena and the Microbiome by Dr. Majdi Osman & Illustrated by Teresa Martínez
My thoughts: An exceptionally sweet story of a conversation between mother and daughter that educates the child about the world within our world consisting of tiny organisms (wee little critters). The discover the scents around us are a byproduct of these wee little critters in the ground and all about and within us. About how our own health and functionality runs smoothly because of these little critters.
They are microbiome and they are everywhere.
Softly illustrated with lots of detail that engages the eye as the mind begins to be tickled with the fact of life in the micro world atop, within, and underneath. It is fascinating and so very well presented.
I highly recommend this MIT Kids Press book.
About the book: Did you know there are more microbes on Earth than stars in the universe? That some five million microbes live on your hand? A child’s curiosity helps her understand why these tiny organisms make such a big difference in her life.
After the last drop of rain falls, Meena and her mom head outside to their garden, which is bursting with veggies and flowers. But it isn’t the produce that Meena is curious about. It’s the microbes in the soil (giving it that earthy smell), in the compost pile, in our bodies—everywhere!—that have Meena wondering. How do they live? What do they eat? Where did Meena’s own microbiome come from? Comparing microbe communities to a bustling city, where everyone has a job to do, Meena’s scientist mom answers her questions while they garden, gather vegetables for a neighbor, have a snack at the picnic table, and end the day with a sudsy bath. Physician-scientist Dr. Majdi Osman introduces the adorable Meena during a day of eye-opening exploration, while Teresa Martínez’s engaging illustrations capture the mother-daughter pair in perspectives ranging from microscopic to bird’s-eye view. Back matter includes a resource list and an author’s note on the far-reaching role that the microbiome plays in our health and development.
AUDREY'S CHILDREN tells the untold true story of visionary British physician Dr. Audrey Evans, who burst onto the scene in 1969 as the first female Chief of Oncology at the world-renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Battling sexism, medical conventions, and the subterfuge of her peers, Evans developed the first Neuroblastoma Staging System, co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House for families of patients, and, ultimately, impacted the lives of millions of children and families around the world.
When Dr. Evans started her work, only 10 % of children with cancer survived, now nearly 80% survive. Rated PG. https://www.audreyschildren.com/
Visit the Audrey’s Children website to learn more - click here
My review: As a young adult contemporary of the featured heroin, Audrey Evans, I can positively say that this film truthfully depicts that time when women were still considered inferior to men in position, intellect, power, and person and they were shuffled aside as unknowing and unwelcome. But Audrey persisted and plowed through the mores of the time using her determination, her intellect, her intuition, and her deeply caring spirit to persist in developing a methodology to cancer treatment that has generated wonderfully amazing results in survival rates.
As a pediatric oncology scientist and doctor she was been given the position as head of pediatric oncology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and yet she still is not respected quantitatively. But she persists. And in her love of her small patients and her unfailing desire to bring healing to them, she see a way through. But a new treatment plan must be rational and there must be reason behind changes. So she and a couple of others begin to piece the data together. This is done in an archaic method of sticky notes on the wall. But they do it and find the breakthrough.
So begins a two-drug treatment and five-level-staging to categorize the patients for treatment. And it's a winner.
This is an absolutely delightfully rewarding film about Audrey and her trail-blazing career. I found the acting excellent. The emotional portrayals are intense from co-worker's rebuttals to parental tears at a dying child's beside. And the portrayal of Audrey herself was that of a proper yet feisty, quirky yet traditional, intensely intellectual yet momentarily lacking in common sense driven individual. Superb filming with settings absolutely like 1960s and 1970s hospital corridors and basements. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to view this movie.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Blue Harbor Entertainment.
Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods. Secret word: shattered
Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.
Shattered Sanctuary is a clean, Christian, thrilling suspense novel set in the Smoky Mountains, full of police investigations, haunted woods, eerie threats, and ominous evidence. For fans of high-stakes suspense, Lynette Eason, and Elizabeth Goddard.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize book is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author, publicist, or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
My Mary Kay® personal consultant, Princess, was so very excited to tell me about the Mary Kay® Sun Screen Broad Spectrum SPF50 because it is NOW approved by the prestigious Skin Cancer Foundation. By having the Skin Cancer Foundation's official "Seal of Recommendation" it means you can really trust the product to do what you need it to do - protect your skin.
If you or anyone in your family has ever been diagnosed with a skin cancer - no matter how scary, you know the need for a high end, highly respected sunscreen product to protect you when out in the sun.
And yes, my family has had some bouts with skin cancer. And those of us of the older generation didn't grow up using sunscreen or we didn't know the real necessity of using it, are experiencing skin issues. Now we've all learned. Now is the time to use a really good sun screen product!
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NOTE: My Mary Kay® Consultant, Princess is my daughter. I'm so proud of her and I highly encourage your to reach out to her via the link above or even check out her Facebook page, "Princess' Joyful Girls" (You'll have to ask to join it since it's "private.") She would love to help you protect your skin and stay beautiful.
New Children's Book "Forest Magic for Kids" Sparks Imagination with Fairy Hunts, Secret Forts, and Enchanted Outdoor Adventures!
Publisher: Gibbs Smith Hardcover | $19.99 ISBN: 978-1423665533 Age 5-9 Years
My thoughts: This is a delightfully charming non-fiction book that is designed to invoke a desire to learn about the natural world of the forest. While the idea of "magic," wee-folk, fairies, and such conjure a world of make-believe, this book conversely takes them into the real world of life in the forest from the majesty of the trees to the pure delight of the tiniest creatures and smallest flowers.
The book is heavy on text so will necessitate adult guidance and reading. The book is a grand addition to science class or school libraries, and perfect for families that love nature.
Whilst the book introduces the child to aspects of the real world of the forest, it doesn't shun the tales and folklore shared through the ages. There are activities and projects both educational plus some that are fun and fanciful.
A charming educational tool to have on hand and a perfect gift for the upcoming spring and summer days.
About the book: Your enchanted guide to 50+ magical activities for everything from finding hidden flower fairies in your own backyard and making a special wizard staff to creating a tiny woodland village and making your own forest potions.
Come discover the wild magic tucked into the nooks and crannies of forests, thickets, and meadows. Search for fairy dusted glow-in-the-dark mushrooms. Find secret worlds hidden in trees and uncover the tunnels, trails, and dens of gnomes and trolls, and mice and moles. Learn to listen to the forest, make sun-warmed pine tea, and wear an evergreen crown to an elf picnic.
Look inside to learn how to:
Keep a secret notebook filled with maps, notes, and pockets for all your discoveries
Go on a quest for wild treasures
Follow a queen bumblebee to her castle
Make your own forest teas and potions
Become best friends with a tree
Create tiny gnomes and build cozy gnome homes
Seek where mushrooms grow after a fairy dance
Carve a walking stick wizard staff
Build your own hidden forest fort
A delightful outdoor handbook to ignite curiosity and a passion for nature, this is a great resource for nature units as well as hands-on activities to bring a creative writing program to life. -- School Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. A lifelong animal lover, Susie now helps people of all ages connect with the natural world. She is the author of The Animal Adventurer’s Guide (Roost Books, 2002). Secret word: nature. You can find her at www.susiespikol.com.
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 shipped/mailed directly to the winner by publicist, publisher, or author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
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.
