Heaven on Earth by Randy Alcorn and Lisa Bergen

 

Trusted voices Randy Alcorn and Lisa Tawn Bergren present a theologically rich, breathtakingly illustrated picture book about what will happen when Jesus makes everything new and God brings Heaven down to earth.

Will our pets be in Heaven? Will Grandma know who I am? What is the difference between Heaven and the New Earth, and why does it matter? Follow two curious kids, their parents, and their beloved goldendoodle as they explore the answers to your questions about the New Earth, guided by the trusted, Bible-based theology that has been a hallmark of Randy Alcorn’s ministry for decades.

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Amazon.com: Heaven on Earth: When God Makes Everything New: 9780593602027: Alcorn, Randy, Bergren, Lisa Tawn, Bernardin, James: Books

RANDY ALCORN is an author and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching principles of God's Word and assisting the church in ministering to unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled, and unsupported people around the world. His ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions, and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity. He accomplishes this by analyzing, teaching, and applying biblical truth. Before starting EPM in 1990, Randy served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has a bachelor of theology and a master of arts in biblical studies from Multnomah University and an honorary doctorate from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and has taught on the adjunct faculties of both.

A New York Times bestselling author, Randy has written more than sixty books, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and the award-winning novel Safely Home. His books have been translated into over seventy languages and have sold over twelve million copies. Randy has written for many magazines, including EPM's Eternal Perspectives. He is active on Facebook and Twitter and has been a guest on more than seven hundred radio, television, and online programs.

Randy resides in Gresham, Oregon. He and his wife Nanci (who is now with Jesus) have two married daughters and five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, underwater photography, research, listening to audiobooks, and reading.

Where Wilted Flowers Bloom by Johanna Rojas Vann

When Sandra and her family move from New York City to East Nashville for her husband’s job, she is hopeful for a fresh start. While she will deeply miss her tight-knit family and thriving career, she is desperate to leave behind the city that holds her greatest loss.

But Sandra quickly learns that moving into a new home she designed and having the freedom to be a stay-at-home mom for the first time is not what she thought it would be. Sorrow still follows her, and no new place can fix it.

When she meets her next-door neighbor, Mark, who is an elderly, widowed, retired pastor, an unlikely friendship quickly forms. His humor, spiritual wisdom, and affinity for gardening—a skill he was forced to learn when his wife passed away—brings a welcome distraction from Sandra’s suffocating grief, giving her hope for the first time since her tragic loss. Will this friendship be just what she needs to heal her broken heart? Or will unexpected news leave Sandra with even more heartache?

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 Where Wilted Flowers Bloom: A Novel: Rojas Vann, Johanna: 9780593603161: Amazon.com: Books

Johanna Rojas Vann is a professional writer whose work can be found online and within numerous publications. She is a second-generation Colombian American, with dual citizenship, and lives with her husband and children in Nashville, Tennessee.

Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Thank you Waterbrook for my review copy of Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Release April 21, 2026

The life of Hester Haak, a widow with no children of her own, takes an unexpected turn when she opens her Kansas home to children from the bustling streets of New York City. The orphan asylum has entrusted her with two sisters and a young boy, and Hester is determined to provide a safe and loving environment for them. Despite the looming uncertainty of their stay, she rises to the challenge, embracing the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

Meanwhile, Callum Holbrook is grappling with the loss of his wife and the despair that followed. Unable to provide for his family, he made the heart-wrenching decision to place his daughters in an orphanage, promising it was only temporary. Now, with a stable job and a renewed sense of purpose, Callum is horrified to learn that his daughters have been sent halfway across the country. Fueled by determination and love, he embarks on the difficult journey to bring them back.

Through their struggles and triumphs, Hester and Callum discover that family and love can be found in the most surprising places—and that the journey home is paved with hope.

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Where We Belong: An Orphan Train Novel: Vogel Sawyer, Kim: 9780593600856: Amazon.com: Books

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, gramma, chocolate-lover, cat-petter, and--most importantly--a daughter of the King! With more than 1.5 million books in print in seven different languages, Kim enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Her "gentle stories of hope" are loved by readers and reviewers alike. Kim and her retired military husband, Don, reside on the plains of Kansas, the setting for many of her novels.

Moments of Joy by Camille Joy

 Raising a child with special needs is a journey filled with unique challenges and joys that not everyone understands. In this comforting devotional, Camille Joy draws from her experiences of raising a son with autism, IDD, and complex medical issues to help you recognize God's presence and plan for you and your child.

Whether you're facing overwhelming obstacles or celebrating small victories, these pages offer a safe place to acknowledge the tough moments and a restful oasis for your weary heart. Combining tangible hope, reassuring truths, and practical encouragement, each devotion features

• inspiring Scripture to anchor your heart in God’s promises
• thoughtful reflections to bring hope to your soul in just minutes
• a bold affirmation to take with you into your day

Embrace the joy that sustains and discover the peace in knowing you are never alone.

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Moments of Joy: 90 Days of Encouragement for Parents of Children with Special Needs: Joy, Camille: 9780593603086: Amazon.com: Books

CAMILLE JOY is a passionate advocate, storyteller, and beacon of hope for families raising children with special needs. She is the founder of the Ausomely Different Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children with autism and intellectuall disabilities through life-saving resources, advocacy, and inclusive community events. Camille is also the host of the globally recognized Moments of Joy podcast and the creator of Moments of Joy Fest, an annual celebration that brings together families from around the world.

As a devoted wife and mother of five, including a son with autism and congenital heart disease, Camille draws from her own journey to empower and uplift other parents. Her work has been featured on major platforms like ABC News, where she was highlighted for championing sensory-friendly movie screenings. She also serves as co-director of the documentary Parents of the Spectrum, a powerful film that amplifies the voices of families raising children with autism. Through her storytelling, public speaking, and media platforms, Camille creates space for honest conversations, healing, and joy, offering encouragement, education, and the message that families are never alone.

Adventures in the Friendly Forest by Amanda Jass

 Welcome to the Friendly Forest! This 30-day storybook devotional features lovable characters and reflective questions that will help kids learn and grow in their faith.

Blaze, Hensley, Hoo, Cubby, and Flora love living in the Friendly Forest! So when a big storm brings big changes, these little critters band together to help rebuild their community and save their home. But they are also about to discover that the biggest—and best—change is what happens in their minds and hearts.

Every day, kids can listen to one chapter, which includes:

• a short story about the forest friends' adventures and challenges
• a key Bible verse to connect the story to God's Word
• reflection questions to help kids apply the day's lesson to their lives
• a truth statement for kids to hold on to after the reading
• a brief prayer to invite kids to have conversations with God

Adventures in the Friendly Forest teaches kids that God is with them through all of life’s ups and downs—and that some changes might mean they are growing into exactly who God created them to be.

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Amazon.com: Adventures in the Friendly Forest: A 30-Day Storybook Devotional to Help Kids Grow in Faith and Character (Audible Audio Edition): Amanda Jass, Eileen Stevens, Listening Library: Books

I’m Amanda. A writer, editor, illustrator, and encourager. I enjoy creating content for all ages, and I especially love creating resources for kids and families!

Prior to writing for kids, I worked in higher education as a career counselor and adjunct professor among other roles. Staying in higher ed was my plan, but after several years I made a big pivot in my own career path by taking a job developing kids ministry curriculum.

I could hardly believe my actual full-time gig was writing words that taught kids about Jesus! I’m so grateful that God uses imperfect people to share about His truth, love, and grace.

These days, I’m a work-from-home + homeschooling mom. I get to take on various publishing projects with organizations including Penguin Random House, Tyndale House, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing. It’s really, really fun. 😊 My first children’s devotional called Discovering Christmas released in 2024, and my upcoming kids’ book called Adventures in the Friendly Forest releases in February 2026!

My husband, Brian, and I have been married for 14 years, and we have three girls who are beautiful answers to lots of prayer after a season of infertility. Our house is filled with mac & cheese messes, lots of big emotions, and an inappropriate amount of arts & craft supplies. It gets crazy around here, but we love it.

Other random things: I like coffee, cozy blankets, children’s books, barnyard animals, and long walks. I usually try to avoid conflict, but I’m getting better at taking a stand for what’s right—even when it’s uncomfortable. I have a Master of Education degree, and I enjoy finding innovative ways to teach unchanging truths in an ever-changing world. Some of my favorite activities include being involved in our local church, bringing people together, drawing & creating art, listening to podcasts, and family dance parties.

A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson

In this 40-day guided journal complementing Mark Batterson's A Million Little Miracles, the New York Times bestselling author of Win the Day helps us seek the God who is constantly moving in our midst, revel in his greatness, and catalogue the miracles he works all around us.

Think you've never experienced a miracle? Mark Batterson claims you have never not! Now he empowers readers to cultivate a holy curiosity about themselves and the world they live in.

In this compelling, author-curated journal, readers will spend 40 days seeking God and growing in relationship to him by pausing to observe and remember the many ways God is at work in their lives every day. Through guided Bible readings and thoughtful journal prompts, Batterson invites us to consider the miraculous work of God going on around us. He highlights three aspects of God that we take for granted: God is bigger than we think, closer than we realize, and better than we can imagine.

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 A Million Little Miracles Guided Journal: 40 Reflections to Awaken Wonder: Batterson, Mark: 9780593192894: Amazon.com: Books

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church (NATIONAL.CC) in Washington, D.C. One church with multiple campuses, National owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the DC Dream Center, and the Capital Turnaround (capitalturnaround.com). Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five books, including The Circle Maker, Chase the Lion, and Win the Day. He has also authored the children's books The Best Worst Day Ever and God Speaks in Whispers with his daughter, Summer Batterson Dailey. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Bed Slime Blues by Kris Tarantino

 Bedtime routines get a jolt of silliness and some sweetness as four monster friends try to resist bedtime in this wonderful bedtime tale.

It's time for bed... except monsters DON'T DO bedtime!

Iggy doesn’t want to take a bath. Zee-Zee’s jammies are icky. Fleck whines and stomps when it’s story time. The bedslime blues are impossible to escape—even for the usually cheerful and enthusiastic Snoodle!

With all their stomping and clomping, how on earth will these gruffy, grumpy monsters lie down for a peaceful night of ZZZ’s?

Author Kris Tarantino and New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Doerrfeld partner once again with this fun and funny bedtime read-aloud for any "little monster" that won't go to sleep!

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Bedslime Blues: Tarantino, Kris, Doerrfeld, Cori: 9780593797754: Amazon.com: Books

Kris Tarantino is a children’s book author whose work is filled with humor, playfulness, and whimsy. Her debut picture book, Be My Valenslime, received critical praise and a starred review. Before becoming an author, Kris worked in marketing for companies that make fun products like toys, books, and balloons.

The Great Waking Up by Sarah Shin

 Anastasia loves to dream.

Every morning, she shares the wonderful adventures from her dreams with her mother, Anika. And each night, Anika tells Anastasia about the dreams of their people to inspire new ones.

Her favorite is the dream of the Great Waking Up, the day when there will be no more death! And that dream feels close to coming true as Anastasia watches the Deliverer, Jesus, heal and awaken people from a deep, dark sleep. So when Jesus is crucified, Anastasia is left heartbroken. How can the Great Waking Up happen if He is not here?

But hope is not lost...because Anastasia will soon discover the tomb is empty and that Jesus is risen! The Great Waking Up has begun!

Join Anastasia on a journey of dreams and faith, where hope transcends despair, and the promise of eternal life brings joy to all.

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Amazon.com: The Great Waking Up: The Story of Easter: 9780593580608: Shin, Sarah, Maeng, Shin: Books

Sarah is a theologian, author of books for children and adult readers, wife, and mom. She was the former Associate National Director of Evangelism for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA and now serves as a lecturer at Westminster Theological Centre, UK, teaching practical theology and doctrine. See her videos about Beyond Colorblind on Seminary Now.

Chichi and Didi Love thier Names by Peace Amadi

Nigerian American sisters Chichi and Didi are ready for the first day of school! But after Chichi is teased for her “different” name, she comes home feeling discouraged.

Daddy and Mama tell the sisters the stories behind their names, helping Chichi return to school with her head held high.

Inspired by the childhood experiences of real-life sisters Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi, Chichi and Didi Love Their Names will teach readers:

• to be curious about the origin and meanings of their own names
• the importance of identity and saying names correctly
• the beauty in celebrating difference and taking pride in uniqueness

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Chichi and Didi Love Their Names: Amadi, Peace, Amadi, Ndidi, Blackwood, Hayley: 9780593580035: Amazon.com: Books

 Although most people now know Peace Amadi by her middle name, her first name is Chinyere and she is the real-life Chichi. Peace is a psychology professor, author, and speaker, and her work lies at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture.

The Deliver has Come by Sarah Shin

 Anika loves stories. Her favorites are the stories Great Auntie Anna shares from the scriptures. The stories about the Deliverer, the one God promised to send, the one whom the Israelites have been waiting for.

Soon Anika begins to hear new stories that hint that the Deliverer has come—from shepherds, wise men, and even her great-auntie! Will Anika get to one day tell the story of how she too met the Deliverer?

Through this child’s-eye view of the original nativity story accompanied by breathtakingly unique illustrations, husband-and-wife team Sarah Shin and Shin Maeng weave together the anticipation and waiting in the season of Advent with the celebration of the arrival of our hope through Jesus.

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Amazon.com: The Deliverer Has Come: A Christmas Story: 9780593580585: Shin, Sarah, Maeng, Shin: Books

Sarah is a theologian, author of books for children and adult readers, wife, and mom. She was the former Associate National Director of Evangelism for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA and now serves as a lecturer at Westminster Theological Centre, UK, teaching practical theology and doctrine. See her videos about Beyond Colorblind on Seminary Now.

If Jesus Came To School by April Graney

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a young girl learns how Jesus’s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion.

In this whimsical tale, a young girl imagines what it would be like if Jesus visited her school as a boy. She would show Jesus around her classroom, introduce her friends and teachers, listen to story time, and eat lunch together! But Jesus wouldn't stop at learning and sitting in class. He'd invite the lonely to join in on games and find a way to love and get along with everyone. Soon the young girl realizes that even though Jesus doesn’t attend her school, he can live through her:

I can be his hands and feet
To spread his love to all
I can share and help and give
So no one feels too small!

Through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, children will be inspired to make a difference in their schools through their actions. Because as they treat each other right and classes become families, Jesus truly will be in their school.

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Amazon.com: If Jesus Came to My School: 9780593796559: Graney, April, Kozak, Yana: Books

 APRIL GRANEY is a middle school English teacher at Cookson Hills, a children’s home and school for at-risk students in Oklahoma. She is the author of If Jesus Came to My School: a story inspiring kindness in the classroom, The Marvelous Maker: A Creation and Redemption Parable, and the ECPA Christian Book Award finalist The Marvelous Mud House: A Story of Finding Fullness and Joy. April speaks at conferences, schools, and summer camps. Her greatest joy has been raising five children with her husband Tom in their crazy, loud, happy house at New Life Ranch, a summer camp and retreat center where they have served for over twenty years.

Journey with a Giant By Lori G. Melton

 Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor.

So many of us want to go deeper in our faith. We long for a clearer sense of God’s calling in our lives, but knowing where to start can be more than half the battle. What if we could learn from a trusted guide who’s already walked the path? If you’re in leadership, what would you give to shadow someone like Queen Elizabeth II? Or if you’re an artist, what would you give to spend a year with Madeleine L’Engle or Michelangelo? What if you’re longing for courage and you could take notes from George Washington or Harriet Tubman? How might God shape you through the example of faithful believers and strengthen you to become who He created you to be?

Journey with a Giant introduces the transformative practice of walking with a spiritual giant. Based on the “cloud of witnesses” described in Hebrews 12 and illustrated through the author’s experience walking with Mister Fred Rogers—America’s favorite neighbor—spiritual director Lori Melton guides readers on a one-year adventure that offers a unique approach to spiritual formation.

This structured yet flexible guide includes:
• weekly reflections
• testimonials from fellow pilgrims
• monthly instructions and tasks
• prompts for recording your focus, goals, resources, and insights
• guided prayer to end each month
• reflection questions
• journaling space

Whether you choose to learn from Mister Rogers or select your own spiritual mentor, this journey will help you cultivate a closer relationship with God, uncover new insights about yourself, and take meaningful steps toward pursuing God’s unique calling for you.

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Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God - Kindle edition by Melton, Lori G.. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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Wild Faith Devotional for Kids

 A stunning devotional for kids, featuring 52 amazing animals that will have young believers marveling at how awesome God is as they discover more about the journey of wild faith God invites them to experience!

“This devotional feels like a warm hug! It’s perfect for starting meaningful conversations about kindness, faith, and the love of Jesus with your kids.”—Mandy Arioto, president and CEO of The MomCo

God created the world. Every aspect displays God’s strength and love. And though Creation can never fully express the wonders of the Lord, sometimes examples from nature can make God’s truth come alive to us.

That's why the Wild Faith Devotional for Kids gathers well-known animals like flamingos, snakes, dogs, and cats along with lesser-known creatures like the capybara, glass frog, and rock-climbing goby to help kids celebrate God’s creativity, seek God with all their hearts, and rest in God's great love for them.

Packed with spiritual truths and scientific knowledge, all 52 devotions include:
• stunning illustrations and striking photography
• Bible verses and short prayers
• interactive “Make It Stick” and “Live It Out” sections

• fun facts highlighting quirky or unbelievable details

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Wild Faith Devotional for Kids: 52 Amazing Animals That Point to One Great God: Ellis, Valerie, Bricking, Jen: 9780593582596: Amazon.com: Books

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Valerie Ellis is an author, speaker, and founder of Our Everyday Parables, an online resource with book reviews and ideas for families pursuing faith and compassion. She lives in Houston, Texas, where she stays involved with The MomCo, SCBWI, and a variety of local nonprofits. In addition to writing and reading kids' books, Valerie enjoys hiking, live music, and adventuring with her husband, Josh, and their two boys.

Beyond the Far Horizon by Carolyn Leiloglou

 

Ravi may be free from a life of crime and captivity, but he still feels trapped. Even though the Restorationists have welcomed him with open arms, he’s just not sure if he really belongs to this team.

While he’s agreed to help them infiltrate and bring down the nefarious Distortionists, Ravi keeps his escape plan—a stolen painting—close by in case things go south. But as the kids use their art-related Gifts to gain spots on the enemy’s heist team, new discoveries about his past have Ravi questioning his next move.

Can he risk trusting Vincent, Georgia, and the other Restorationists? Or is Ravi destined to always be on his own?

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Amazon.com: Beyond the Far Horizon (The Restorationists): 9780593579602: Leiloglou, Carolyn, To, Vivienne: Books

Carolyn is the granddaughter of art collectors, daughter of an art teacher, and homeschooling mom to four wildly creative kids. She’s the award-winning author of the picture book Library’s Most Wanted, and her poems and short stories have appeared in children’s magazines around the world including Highlights, Ladybug, and The School Magazine in Australia..

 

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle GIVEAWAY!

Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

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To Light the Way Forward: A Shell Collector Novel: Naigle, Nancy: 9780593601044: Amazon.com: Books

 USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began writing while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and spa days with friends.

Several of Nancy's novels have been adapted for television. You can find the complete list of movies and a free downloadable checklist of all of Nancy's books in series order on her website.

My Thoughts...

I loved The Shell Collector is has been a favorite of mine for years. But then Naigle takes us back to Whelk's Island and gives us Tugs story and I could not have been happier. I enjoyed this sweet romance and getting to catch up with the characters from book one was so much fun. I highly recommend this book.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.