A Christmas Carol Devotional: Just In Time for Christmas!

Happy Wednesday, My Lovelies!  

Today I'm sharing a lovely Devotional for Advent and Christmas.  It is so neat!  

About A Christmas Carol Devotional: 25 Advent Reflections from Charles Dickens’s Beloved Classic

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: September 8, 2026

Draw near to God this Christmas season as you reflect on spiritual lessons from a timeless holiday classic.

This 25-day Advent devotional journeys through one of the world’s most beloved Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and helps you honor Christmas in your heart—and keep it all year! In this devotional companion to the cherished classic, you’ll walk alongside Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim as you explore the many spiritual lessons tucked into the story. The timeless novella’s themes of redemption, generosity, and community will help you prepare your heart for Christmas and reflect on all God has done, is doing, and is preparing to do in your life.

Each daily entry includes a key scripture, a retelling of part of the story, a personal reflection, and a short prayer. Filled with beautiful line-art illustrations, A Christmas Carol Devotional will help you slow down and draw near to Christ during the busy Christmas season.

About the Author

Rachel Dodge is the bestselling, award-winning author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, The Secret Garden Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen. She teaches writing, speaks at conferences and retreats, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. Pairing classic books with cozy devotional content is her happy place. Rachel loves timeless beauty, quiet moments, and helping readers find comfort and encouragement in the pages of beloved stories.

Y'all, I am so thrilled to share this devotional with you.  Christmas has not always held the spotlight in the Christian calendar as it does now.  Two things happened in British history that brought Christmas to the forefront.  The first thing was when Queen Charlotte introduced the Christmas tree to court in 1800, followed by Prince Albert's enthusiasm for the trees beginning in 1840 that was meticulously described in periodicals.  The upper class soon began making Christmas trees the focal point of parties for children.  After the popularity of Christmas trees, the second event was Charles Dickens's publication of his novella A Christmas Carol in 1843. It completely captured the English people's imagination, and Christmas has never been a minor Christian feast day since.

The devotional is so pretty, and it has so many pretty illustrations.  Each reflection contains a Bible verse and a corresponding excerpt or quote from the novella.  I also appreciate the prayers: They are lovely!  Another fun thing is the extensive list of Victorian Christmas traditions.  After reading the list it is evident the influence Dickens and the Victorians have had on how we still celebrate Christmas today.

I cannot wait for December 1 because I will be reading this devotional along with A Christmas Carol everyday during Advent.  

DISCLOSURE:  I received a hardcover copy of A Christmas Carol Devotional: 25 Advent Reflections from Charles Dickens’s Beloved Classic from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

TLC review tour schedule:

Monday, October 12th:  @dana.loves.books

Wednesday, October 14th: The Bookish Dilettante

Friday, October 16th: @beckys_bookshelves

Monday, October 19th: @simplystevienicole on TikTok 

Monday, October 19th: @the_little_book_spot 

Wednesday, October 21st: @motherlambreads

Friday, October 23rd: @webreakforbooks

Monday, October 26th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Monday, October 26th: @the.joy.within.every.page

Wednesday, October 28th: @danamarielovestoread

Thursday, October 29th: @deannaturnsthepage

Monday, November 2nd: Laura’s Reviews and @laurasreviews_1 

Monday, November 2nd: @charitys.book.escapes

Wednesday, November 4th: @books_old_and_new 

Thursday, November 5th: @cecereadsandsings on TikTok

Sunday, November 8th:   @nissa_the.bookworm 

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill

A Christmas Carol Devotional: Just In Time for Christmas!

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Devotional Review: Whom Shall I Fear?

 

Happy Thursday, My Lovelies!

How is your week going?  It has been a busy one for us, but Octobers are always our busiest month for whatever reason.

Today I'm sharing with you a new devotional by Christine Caine.  I am working my way through it every morning.  

About Whom Shall I Fear? 100 Devotions for Overcoming Fear and Living the Abundant Life

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 15, 2026

Learn to live to the life you are called to with the courage and joyful endurance that come from fully trusting in the God who fights for you.

What would you do if you woke up each day without fear? What wouldn’t you do? Today is the day to stop giving power to fear and start living the life you are called to.

Whom Shall I Fear? by bestselling author and internationally acclaimed speaker Christine Caine is your 100-day devotional journey to trade in your fears, overcome your doubts, and discover a life of courage and joyful endurance.

Christine Caine knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the path in front of you. But the God we serve reminds us hundreds of times in Scripture to fear not, and Christine wants you to know that you, too, can overcome your doubts and fears, and you can live in confidence in the God who fights for you.

Whatever you’re facing, and whatever you’re called to, you can live an overcoming, enduring life of joy and purpose. Discover how:

• Your call to rest is more important than you think
• Fighting the good fight starts with prayer
• Worshipping in Spirit and truth helps you overcome
• God’s joy is your strength, and He wants you to live a life of joy too

Whom Shall I Fear? is a perfect gift for anyone who is:

• Seeking confidence and courage in God
• Starting a new chapter in life
• Working to overcome fears and doubts
• Facing challenges
• Needing to be infused with God’s strength, joy, and endurance

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? —Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

 

About the Author

Christine Caine is a New York Times bestselling author and an internationally acclaimed speaker whose message of hope and resilience has inspired millions. Along with her husband, Nick, she founded the A21 Campaign, a global nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking, and Propel Women, an initiative committed to activating women globally to fulfill their God-given purpose. Christine’s impactful work is also shared through her weekly podcasts, Equip and Empower and Life and Leadership with Propel Women. To learn more about Christine, visit www.christinecaine.com.

My Review

I quickly read through this 100-day devotional, and now I am working my way through it one lesson per day, and I'm loving it.  I've only had it for a little over a month, so I've finished the first section "A Call to Rest" and I'm on Part 2 entitled "Fighting the Good Fight - With Prayer."  So far I am truly appreciating and LOVING Part 2 because sometimes I struggle with prayer.  

Did you know that there are 365 Bible verses telling us to NOT be afraid?  That means that there is one for every single day of the year.  God wants us to remember that he gave us a spirit of power and love, not fear.  Fear is from the enemy.  But seeing as how we have problems remembering God's intentions for us, we must be reminded.  Daily.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

~2 Timothy 1:7

I am truly enjoying this devotional, and it's appropriate for everyone.  With Christmas right around the corner, it would make a lovely gift or stocking stuffer.  

This is an example of a lesson.  It includes a scriptural reference, a lesson, and a short prayer at the end.  It's the perfect start to your day with your morning coffee or tea.

Disclosure:  I received a hardcover copy of Whom Shall I Fear? from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.  Thank-you so much!  

TLC review tour schedule:

Tuesday, September 15th: @gallaghergirlreads

Thursday, September 17th: @kati.nicole02 on TikTok

Friday, September 18th: IG: @fullybookedinkentucky and TT: @fullybookedinky

Monday, September 21st: @readingintheheartland

Tuesday, September 22nd: @deannaturnsthepage

Wednesday, September 23rd: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering

Thursday, September 24th: @danamarielovestoread 

Friday, September 25th: Laura’s Reviews and @laurasreviews_1

Friday, September 25th: @kristens.reading.nook – feature

Tuesday, September 29th: @reading.withrach on TikTok

Wednesday, September 30th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Friday, October 2nd: View from the Birdhouse

Monday, October 5th: @books_old_and_new

Wednesday, October 7th: @beckys_bookshelves

Thursday, October 8th: The Bookish Dilettante

Tuesday, October 13th: @ink_drinker64 – feature

Thursday, October 15th: @nissa_the.bookworm 

Until next time...

Blessings!

Ricki Jill

Devotional Review: Whom Shall I Fear?

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Book Review: A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thursday, My Lovelies!  I am reading the best 30-day devotional I've read in a very long time:  A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of Rejoicing in God's Goodness by Wendy Speake.

About A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of Rejoicing in God’s Goodness

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 1, 2026

When life is bright and blessings abound, are you quick to feel grateful and lift a song of thanks to God? What about the seasons when heartache and hopelessness overwhelm, and deep soul-sadness threatens? When life feels awful, do you find it awfully hard to persevere in praise and rejoice in God’s goodness? Discover strength and renewal in times when praise feels more like a sacrifice than a natural overflow of the heart.

God’s Word is clear: we are to bless Him at all times! But it can be difficult when we don’t feel blessed—or are simply distracted by all of our blessings. 

A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving will help readers:

• Come honestly to the Lord regardless of life’s circumstances.
• Witness the power of praise to break through spiritual barriers.
• Rejoice in trials, knowing that they produce endurance, character, and hope.
• Maintain a steadfast heart of worship when life feels unsteady.
• Thank God for His character, even when we don’t understand His ways.

In the first half of this uplifting 30-day devotional, you will explore the profound gift that praising and thanking God is to you! Then, as you progress, you will shift your focus from those personal benefits to the One who is simply worthy of your worship.

Wendy Speake, bestselling author of The 40-Day Sugar Fast and The 40-Day Social Media Fast, invites you to consider “fasting from asking” along this journey. Yes, that’s right: For 30 days you’ll turn your petitions into praise as you lift your eyes from yourself and your circumstances to the praiseworthy and thankworthy One! This 30-day “ask fast” will teach you to give God your praise and thanks at all times, every day, even when it feels like a sacrificial offering.

About the Author

Whether on the stage or on the page, Wendy Speake ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and biblical life application. With a background in Hollywood as a trained actress, she couples the power of God’s Word with personal testimony. Known for the uncanny way she meets women in their most common struggles, from sugar-addiction and mommy-anger to deep soul-sadness, Wendy uses every opportunity to point readers to the transforming power of God’s Word and the faithful nearness of His Holy Spirit.

Wendy is the author of multiple books, including The 40-Day Sugar Fast, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, and The 40-Day Feast. She’s also coauthor of the popular parenting books Triggers, Parenting Scripts, and Life Creative.

Though originally a California girl, Wendy now lives in the great state of Texas. When she isn’t ministering to others, Wendy enjoys gardening, taking walks in her neighborhood, and fixing meals for family and friends.

My Review

I am absolutely loving this devotional!  I was not sure that I would handle an "Ask Fast" very well, but it has actually been very freeing as I trust that God already knows what I need before I ask him.  It has been very refreshing to my soul setting aside all petitions/supplications and focusing on thanking and praising God.

I like how each daily devotion is organized.  Each lesson begins with scripture, followed by a lesson.  After the lesson there is a daily prayer and a guided journal activity.  Also, you can download Wendy's The 30 Days of Praise and Thanksgiving Journal for free!  HERE is the LINK.  The journal is 143 pages long, but there is plenty of room to write scripture and the guided journal assignments.  Some of the lessons also include meditation exercises and other thoughtful activities.  I emailed the journal to Kinko's and had them to print and bind it for me, but you can answer the questions and complete the activities in a composition notebook and use the journal on your computer as a guide.  I highly recommend using this free resource because it does enhance the devotional.

I have found it very difficult to live out the above verse in my faith walk.  Give thanks in EVERYTHING?  However, scripture admonishes us to do just that.  Wendy Speake has given us a very comprehensive handbook, and I can't think of a better devotional for any Christian who wants to grow her faith during the midst of trials.  I also enjoy Wendy's voice: I like how she writes!  She balances the biblical with personal anecdotes well, and her lessons are very engaging.  With Thanksgiving just over the horizon, I can't think of a better time of year to start this lovely devotional.  I highly recommend it, and I think it would make a thoughtful gift.

Have you read a devotional you'd recommend to my readers?  If so, please share in comments!

Disclosure:  I received a paperback copy of A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.  Thank-you so much for asking me to be a part of this tour: I love this devotional!  I can't rave about it enough.

TLC Review Tour Schedule:

Tuesday, September 1st: @fullybookedinkentucky 

Thursday, September 3rd: @she_reads_truth_365

Friday, September 4th: @nissa_the.bookworm

Tuesday, September 8th: Laura’s Reviews and @laurasreviews_1 

Tuesday, September 8th: @simplystevienicole on TikTok

Wednesday, September 9th: @the.joy.within.every.page

Thursday, September 10th: The Bookish Dilettante

Monday, September 14th: @danamarielovestoread 

Wednesday, September 16th: @natashasbookshelf on TikTok

Friday, September 18th: @deannaturnsthepage 

Tuesday, September 22nd: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering

Wednesday, September 23rd: @reading.in.azaleawoods

Thursday, September 24th: @beckys_bookshelves

Friday, September 25th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill

Book Review: A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving

Thursday, September 10, 2026

July and August Update

 

Happy Monday, My Lovelies!  Is it hot in your neighborhood?  It sure is hot here in Central Alabama! 

I guess y'all wonder where I've been because I haven't blogged since June!  I have been traveling a little to visit family and friends.  I was able to spend eleven days at Lake Martin at the beginning of July, and it was so nice to get to do that.  While I was there with my family, I learned that one of my dearest friends had passed on July 3rd.  It was unexpected, and I have been in a state of shock.   Her sister in law called me on July 4th to let me know.  Other than church, we did everything together: We were in the same sorority alumnae group, DAR chapter, art class, and we belonged to a couple of other community groups, too.  It has been so hard to continue going to these meetings and events without her.  She was laid to rest in New Jersey in her family's mausoleum, but her family will be holding a celebration of life for her here in Alabama in early fall.  Everyone misses her, and she will be honored at our DAR Chapter Meeting in September.

Here's a synopsis of my summer activities so far...

What I've been reading:

This is our new devotional we started this month.

It isn't too late to join us HERE.  We are all in agreement that this devotional is so positive and uplifting!

What I've been reading and streaming:

The adaptation on Amazon Prime is very close to the book.

Starring Jennifer Garner, I liked the mini series more than the critics.

This is the only show we've watched this summer because it's baseball season, and we watch almost all of the Cubs games.

What I've been doing while in Birmingham:

I've been gardening in the early morning hours, and I've been doing floral arranging, too.

Large arrangement with mostly greenery

Before:

After:

The above photo is before a very pregnant deer thought that this container was her own private salad bar.  She destroyed it!  You can see the reel on my Instagram account, just look for the cover photo of this container.

I've been nursing three carpet roses back to health.  They're looking much better!

What I've been organizing so far this summer:

I bought these MacKenzie-Childs canisters during the online Barn Sale.

They are holding supplies I often use in photos and art/craft projects.

Shelley cleared out a lot of her art supplies, and she moved them into the library where she likes to draw and do lettering.  It freed up a lot of space in my studio, and I've been able to reorganize some of my supplies in the armoire.

I also took everything out of my closet and Mr. Bookish's closet and reorganized, donated, and threw out items. 

It feels so good!  Mr. Bookish says it's like Christmas whenever he opens his closet!

Having separate closets is the secret to a happy marriage ;P

Where I've been going:

We've mostly been going to Lake Martin and Louisiana this summer.  Our niece is getting married, and she's had a few parties.  Also, we attended a special birthday party at Commander's Palace for Mr. Bookish and a few of his friends.

Oak tree in New Orleans

More on our trip in a later post.

What I've been drawing:

I'm still working through a realism book in my art class.

This rose was drawn with (mostly) German-made oil-based colored pencils.

Blog posts I'm writing:

Sweet Rita @Panoply is hosting a "Welcome Fall" tablescape blog hop next week.

Come back this Friday, August 25th, for a review of The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill.

Our next Tales of the Traveling Tote link party will be Friday, September 1st.  

I'll be reviewing a cute Halloween cozy mystery and sharing an easy (and the most delicious!) pumpkin spice latte recipe I've ever had.  Really.  You won't want to miss this post!

What have you been up to lately?  Please let me know in comments.

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

July and August Update

Monday, August 21, 2023