CSB Grace Bible For Kids + GIVE AWAY

It wasn't until I had a Kindle several years ago, learned it has an OpenDyslexic font that I realized I can read better and easier with that font. Imagine my delight when I found out there is a CSB Bible for Kids that is Dyslexia Friendly!! Thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for sending my this Bible for review. I will be donating mine to our church's youth group because if it can bless a kiddo, then that will fill my heart!

There is a LOT I like about this Bible. First of all, the font size is perfect. The font is easy to read so anyone could use this Bible, but I imagine the joy a middle schooler with dyslexia would have not struggling to make sense of letters and words with this one. The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 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.

Initially, I didn't understand how the overlays would improve reading, but I tell you what, I opened the Bible up to Joshua, and there's a yellow-ish page that talks about the books of the Old Testament history, and wow! I can see how much easier it is to read the colored page compared to the white one next to it. I found it fascinating to try out the different overlays to see which one truly worked better for me! Speaking of "me" There's also a Grace Bible for Adults.

At the beginning of the Bible you'll find the explanations of how to use the overlays, and it's well done. 

One thing I do wish is that there was a pocket (somehow) with the Bible itself instead of the "case/box" that it comes in. If anyone is like me, usually the packaging gets tossed.

If you're looking to get your school age child a Bible and they could use the assistance of the CSB Grace Bible for Kids, you can learn more at CSBGraceBibles.com! In fact, you can shop for the whole family at holmangiftguide.com.

Here is your chance to win a CSB Grace Bible for Kids! Head to my Instagram and enter there. Giveaway ends December 10th at 11:59pm ET!

The Queen's Cook By Tessa Afshar + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I have been a huge fan of Tessa's work for years! She's such a wonderful author, but also a sweet woman, I'm incredibly thankful to have her new book to read thanks to JustRead!

About the Book

Title: The Queen’s Cook 

Series: Queen Esther's Court #1 

Author: Tessa Afshar 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: November 19, 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical 

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. 

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt:

Roxannah snapped to her feet. She expected him to demand payment before accompanying her, but he simply waved at her to join him. “Head injury, my man tells me. Is he conscious?”

She blinked, surprised at this no-­nonsense greeting. “Yes.”

“That’s a good sign.” He had a deep voice that seemed at once commanding and oddly soothing, edged by a slight accent that lent his speech an air of mystery.

Walking briskly, he led her to a plain gate at the opposite end of the courtyard, beyond which lay a wide lane. “It will be faster if we ride. My horse is in the stable around the corner. There is a donkey for you.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “You needn’t worry. It’s a biddable creature.”

“I can ride.”

He walked ahead into a mudbrick stable, whitewashed to match the outside walls. His steps were long and loping, and she found herself half running to keep up. His servant had followed in their wake, his movements so quiet she startled when he appeared at her side to help her mount the donkey. The beast waited placidly as she settled on its broad back.

She caught the servant’s eye and whispered, “What’s his name?”

He shrugged. “We just call him Donkey.”

“Not the beast. I meant the physician.”

The servant’s white teeth flashed against his salt-­and-­pepper beard. “Well, now. One might say that same name is not badly suited . . .”

The physician held up a warning finger. “Don’t finish that thought, no matter how great the temptation.” Eyes the color of obsidian sparked with humor.

Roxannah looked from one grinning face to the other, marveling at the ease with which the master had allowed his servant’s teasing insult to slide. In her father’s house, any retainer with half the cheek would have been bleeding by now.

About the Author

Tessa Afshar's award-winning biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

Connect with Tessa by visiting tessaafshar.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Queen's Cook and a $15 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 December 4, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 11, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Now, you have GOT to know that this cover calls to me! Is stunning, Regency, and hello, there's a butterfly! Thanks to the author and JustRead for my digital copy!

About the Book

Title: An Unexpected Journey: A Regency Hobbit Retelling
Author: Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Genre: Regency Romance/Hobbit Retelling

A heritage neither of them desires, a wrong to right. A chance to end a family curse... 

When strangers tumble through the doors of once resplendent Grandview Estate, Lady Laura Tamlow is pulled into a rather unexpected journey, away from the village she's never left along with a gentleman unlike any she's ever known. 

Jonathan Canfield is out of options. And he'd do anything to restore his family fortunes in order to keep them from poverty, including roping Lady Tamlow into playing the part of thief. They must reclaim both his and her family jewels that were stolen the night of the fated Grand Masquerade of 1770, where both the Canfields and the Tamlows fell far from society's good graces. If only his thief weren't so lovely, he'd be able to focus on the mission without distraction. 

But there's a bigger problem at hand. The jewels reside at Lombard Park under the eye of Lord Herrington, a greedy dragon of a man who knows he's about to die. Yet he has bigger claims than they ever imagined and attempts to steal something far more valuable than family jewels. With deception afoot, will Jonathan ever see Lady Tamlow again? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub  

**The author is offering free swag to the first 20 people who purchase a paperback/hardcover book. Proof of purchase required.**

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Excerpt

I did not sleep a wink. Could not. I rolled within a twisted mess of blankets until the sun rose in glorious brightness. The grass looked greener for the golden rays, Grandview looked less shabby. All appeared in a fantastical light. Including the recent illuminations concerning stolen jewels—and Colin. But was I heading towards more truth? Or would leaving this place plunge me into a dark confusion?

I sucked in a breath at the thought of leaving. We must away, Mr. Canfield said. The sooner the better. I knew the answer. Darkness already gave chase. Colin hid from it. Mr. Canfield worked to keep it at bay.

My stomach clenched as Brooke carried a small pelisse into my room. He placed hands on his hips and gave me a look of longing. “Laura, are you sure this is the right thing to do? Cannot Master Colin work things out on his own?”

I took another deep breath. “I don’t believe he can.” I was the key, it seemed, to unlocking Colin from the threat of prison—or worse—an attack. If the plan worked, I’d recover not just the Tamlow livelihood but the Canfields.

I caught a glance of the young gentlemen from my window. Timothy and Robert. Trapped in the same generational curse as me. Not because we’d done the wrong but because we persisted in the consequences of it.

A firm resolve settled within my bones. I’d been restless for a long while without truly reasoning

out why. Now I knew. I’d outgrown the sackcloth and ashes that were handed to me. We—I—had my whole life before me. I would not take on my grandfather’s wrong-doings. But I would take back my life. And Colin's.

About the Author

Ann Elizabeth Fryer loves nothing more than using story and romance to relay the depths and graciousness of a Father who holds us securely in the palms of His hands. Daydreaming her surroundings from a young age, she's lived in historic homes most of her life and regularly participates in backyard archaeology. When she's not writing historical projects, her contemporary novels show a flavor of her forever-passion for all things old. Ann, her husband, and three children make their home in small-town Illinois where they can hear church bells keep time and tradition.

Connect with Ann by visiting annfryerwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a hardcover copy of An Unexpected Journey, a tote bag, swag, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of An Unexpected Journey!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Rosie's Wild Ride By Paige Murray

Rosie's Wild Ride

by Paige Murray

Illustrator: Kristen Humphrey

Publisher: Zonderkidz

ISBN: 978-0310161585

It's entirely possible that I wanted to review this book because my heart has always been a horse lover! Do I want to pass that on to my granddaughters? I certainly do. I thought Rosie's Wild Ride was the perfect way to do just that... at least for a start. FrontGate media sent me the hardcover for my review.

You can get a FREE Activity Kit here: Freebies - Zonderkidz

Summary:

Meet Rosie, the big horse with even bigger dreams! In Rosie’s Wild Ride, Clydesdale horse Rosie and her cowgirl friend Oakley want to be rodeo stars, but what happens when the competition doesn’t quite go as planned? In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, readers will learn the importance of teamwork, chasing their dreams, and daring to ask, “What if I can?”

Rosie the Clydesdale is a BIG horse. She likes her life on the ranch and helping the farmer with his chores, but she also has a secret dream: she wants to be a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when she teams up with a plucky cowgirl named Oakley, but the rodeo events aren’t designed for a big horse like Rosie. When a rogue bull disrupts the competition, though, Rosie and Oakley might be the only ones big and brave enough to stop him.

From debut children’s author Paige Murray comes a rodeo adventure complete with roping, riding, and racing—based on real animals from her own Texas ranch.

This picture book for ages 4–8:

• Is an inspiring, animal-filled story of resilience and self-confidence
• Features beautiful, engaging artwork and photos of the real-life Rosie and Oakley
• Includes fun horse and rodeo facts in the back matter
• Is written by Paige Murray, debut author and wife of nine-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray

My Review:

This is a wonderful story about not only a horse who has a dream, but a little girl as well. This is such a sweet story for young children to absorb in their younger years. A wonderful way to let them know they can be and do whatever they aspire to! They just need to put in the work. Now, granted, this book has them training for a few days, and we all know that it takes longer than that to gain skills needed for a hobby or a dream. That, of course, is something that can be share with your little one as you read the story.

The story is realistic in that, there will always be naysayers in the world. Those that either don't believe in you or your dream. Also, sometimes when you pursue your dreams, it may take a while to find where you fit or what your strength is. I can be easier to see the weaknesses, especially in the beginning. BUT, if we have someone to cheer us on and encourage us, like Rosie has with Oakley, it's possible to keep going and keep trying. Then, when we find where we fit in our passion, others will be cheering us on as well!

The illustrations are delightful! They're big and have beautiful detail. The grouchy cat cracked me up throughout the story. The font is large and I liked that they mixed it up numerous times with a western/rodeo type font. The author did a lovely job of conveying the purpose of the story! 

About the Author:

Paige Murray, a Southern belle from South Carolina, lives on a Texas cattle ranch with her daughter Oakley and husband, 9X World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray. A Clemson University Animal Science graduate, Paige began her career in modeling and TV reporting. She’s been NASCAR Miss Sprint Cup, appeared on CMT’s Sweet Home Alabama, FOX Sports, and hosted Southern Fried Skinnyfied. Passionate about fitness and cooking, Paige self-published a healthier cookbook and now writes children’s books inspired by ranch life.

About the Illustrator:

Kristen Humphrey grew up in a small town in southeastern Texas where she spent most of her days drawing and trail riding through pine forests with her beloved thoroughbred, Zeus. She has always shared her home with many different animals who have heavily influenced her artwork. Her love of animals helped influence her artwork in her latest picture book, Rosie’s Wild Ride. While studying Visualization at Texas A&M University, Kristen became interested in children’s book illustration and began using the skills and techniques she was learning to develop her own illustrative style. When she is not drawing, Kristen enjoys dog walking, hiking, and horseback riding in her spare time.

The Wonder Series By Catherine Claire Larson

Walking in Wonder: A Devotional Journal for Moms of Toddlers

by Catherine Claire Larson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 9781400236152

My daughter is in every stage of the devotionals by Catherine Claire Larson. She has a three year old, a one year old, and is pregnant! All of them are relevant to her! I received all three books for review from FrontGate Media.

As a grandma, I'm so thankful I finally get to walk alongside her as she carries and raises my granddaughters! Let me tell you, the toddler years can be challenging. I'm in awe at how relaxed my daughter is as she parents the girls! I'm sure that Walking in Wonder will bless her immensely over the coming years. 

What I like about this devotional is that it walks you daily through each week of your toddler's life! Each day starts with a Scripture relevant to the reading. My favorite part of each devotion is how it relates the toddler's life stage to Jesus or to other people/events in the Bible. It also gives the parent prompts to consider how what they've read applies to their life and toddler's life. Each daily devotion is short enough for a parent to get the devotion in in the small amount of time they have before they need to go do something else!

Each week there's an overview of what the developmental stage could be for your toddler. Each month has a spiritual focus. For example, as the book starts at 12 months, that month is focused on Walking with God. Since your child has probably started learning how to walk, it's a great time to focus on "walking in God's ways." There are questions to be answered each week. Some are more sentimental like questions about your child's first birthday and holidays you've celebrated to more deep ones like writing out Scripture or what you've been learning from your child.

Grab your copy here: https://bit.ly/WalkingInWonderFGM

Summary:

Embrace the independent and energetic toddler year with this weekly devotional journal—a keepsake memory book created with your spiritual growth in mind as you watch your child grow day by day.

In this beautiful companion to Waiting in Wonder and Watching in Wonder, popular blogger Catherine Claire Larson encourages moms to receive God's peace and grace during the intense and joy-filled toddler year.

Designed to help you discover God's love in a new way as your little one discovers their world, Walking in Wonder includes:

• Three Scripture-based devotions each week centered on spiritual and parenting themes such as resting, feeding, and speaking
• Monthly "Memories and Milestones" sections to document your toddler's growth
• Thoughtful journaling prompts with space to record stories and prayers during this busy and delightful year

With its invitation to draw near to God as you navigate your child's second year of life, this is a unique and thoughtful gift for adoption parties, birthday celebrations, or simply for yourself and future generations.

Savor the transformation happening in your faith life as you enjoy the remarkable changes in your toddler.

Watching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby's First Year

by Catherine Claire Larson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 9781400236107

The first year of life for your new baby is an exciting time full of milestones, and you don't want to forget a single moment. This weekly devotional journal will inspire you to record stories and prayers for your newborn as you create a memory book that you (and they) will treasure for years to come. And you'll feel God's presence and comfort with devotions and Scripture selected especially for new moms.

In these pages, you will encounter a God who lovingly cares for you and your little one. Marvel anew at His goodness and the miracle of life that is growing day by day before your eyes.

This devotional includes:

• A weekly inspirational devotional theme on one of God's unchanging characteristics
• Monthly "Memories and Milestones" sections to help you document your baby’s growth
• Devotions that lead you closer to God
• Thoughtful journaling prompts with space to record stories and prayers

 With its invitation to draw near to God as you navigate your baby’s first year of life, Watching in Wonder is a sweet and thoughtful gift for friends' and loved ones' baby showers or as a gift for yourself at this memorable time of life.

Embrace the exhilarating, exhausting, and joy-filled first year of motherhood with this devotional journal, a gift you can one day give your son or daughter as a reminder of the love and prayers you shared throughout his or her first year in the world.

Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You're Expecting

by Catherine Claire Larson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 9781400237579

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and you don't want to forget a single moment of this journey. Waiting in Wonder inspires you to record stories and prayers for your baby as you create a memory book you'll treasure for years to come. And you'll feel the comfort of God each day with devotions and Scripture selected especially for moms-to-be. 

This devotional includes:

• A helpful "Points for Prayer" section and a "Mommy's Memory Verse" for each week
• Weekly entries that trace the growth of your baby
• Daily devotions that lead you closer to God
• Helpful journaling prompts with space to record your emotions and prayers and love notes for your baby

With its invitation to draw near to God while you're expecting,Waiting in Wonder is a sweet and memorable gift for friends and loved ones for baby showers, or as a gift for yourself at this momentous time of life.

Embrace and prepare for the calling of motherhood with this devotional journal, a gift you can one day give your son or daughter as a reminder that you loved and prayed for him or her even before birth.

Check out this video to learn more about the Walking in Wonder devotional.