Christmas stirs all kinds of longings in our hearts. Longings for a joyful and peaceful celebration of the season. For merry moments with those we love. For nostalgic moments filled with sweet memories. For meaningful moments of worship.
Simply put, we long for the beauty and wonder of Christmas, but so much tries to get in the way of that kind of Christmas celebration. Pressure-packed schedules, the desire and drive to do everything Christmas, disillusionment with the commercialism of the season, and discouraging life situations can all hinder these longings from becoming reality.
Author Cheryl Barker wants to help change that for you with her new Christmas devotional Christmas for the Heart in the same way she has encouraged readers for years through blogging, newsletters, articles, greeting cards, and also her first book. The quotes, reflections, original poetry, Scriptures, and special features offered in each chapter will help you reclaim the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. The author’s heartfelt words will lead you to rejoice in the greatest gift ever given to the world and inspire you to give the King of Kings the worship he’s due. The guided journaling will make this beautiful devotional book a keepsake, making it a perfect gift for someone you love.
My Review:
Well, this is an exciting day – it’s not often that we get to celebrate a Best Reads friend’s book release! And I’m beyond excited and well into giddy to be able to share Cheryl Barker’s New Release: Christmas for the Heart : 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season. Woohoo!!!!
This pretty little book is full of inspiration and yuletide joy – a special gift from the author to help readers navigate their way towards rediscovering “the beauty and wonder of Christmas.” (p ix) Selecting a new Christmas devotional each year has become a tradition and, after perusing the contents of this book I’m eagerly anticipating my 2025 Advent countdown.
Of note: I haven’t read this book cover to cover as I usually do before writing a review. That’s because I want to keep it fresh and new for December. I have, however, read multiple entries in order to get a feel for the storytelling, layout and inspirational impact.
I absolutely love Barker’s relatable writing style. She writes from the heart and each devotion feels like a comfortable chat with a close friend. It’s like an exchange is happening between author and reader which creates an intimate, cozy ambiance. Just what I look for in a devotional!
Each day – December 1 – 25 – also features simple guided journaling prompts and easy but meaningful activity suggestions. They are thoughtfully curated to enhance the day’s devotion and I think I’ll find them really helpful to keep me ‘in the moment’ despite the hustle and bustle of the season.
And bonus — the author has included her own original Christmas poems throughout the book as well! Each one paired with a complimentary scripture passage. It’s clear to see that Cheryl Barker has poured her heart into this lovely little book and readers will be blessed by the inspiration and hope they will find within these pages. If you are in the market for a Christmas devotional, look no further. You’ll find the perfect fit right here!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – Cheryl has graciously offered to provide an autographed copy of Christmas for the Heart to a reader in the United States. Thank you, Cheryl!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Christmas for the Heart, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 11 2025
Kav's Best Reads 
I’ve never done a Christmas devotional. I have to admit that that I’m somewhat “bah humbug” because it’s become so ridiculously commercialized. Good heavens, our stores are brimming with Christmas merchandise, and it’s only early October!
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I think this book would chase those ‘bah humbugs’ away, Perrianne! Good luck!
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Perrianne, I agree with Kav — I think this book will help you get past the bah humbugs! 🙂
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Thank you!
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I would love to have a copy of Christmas for the Heart ~ sounds wonderful and a thoughtful gift giving. Kathleen lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com
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It would definitely make a lovely gift. Good luck, Kathleen!
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This looks excellent, count me in! Thanks Cheryl and Kav! tracey14567 atgmaildotcom
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Counted! And now that our temperatures have dropped again I’m feeling more Christmasier then ever. 🙂 Good luck, Tracey!
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Tracey, you’re welcome! I’m excited to send a book to the winner! 🙂
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CHRISTMAS FOR THE HEART sounds like the perfect way to enjoy each and every day of December and a way to remember the true meaning of the season. I would LOVE the opportunity to slowly enjoy the pages of this book. Sure sounds like it will be a keeper to enjoy this year and for many years to come.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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This is definitely going to be a book to savour come December. Good luck, Kay!
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I love Christmas and I love devotions so this would be a wonderful gift for myself & perhaps passing on to a friend to enjoy as well!! 🙂
Way to go Cheryl!!!! I’m so happy for your first book, what excitement you must feel ❤😊 Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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Counting down to Christmas with a devotional book is such a wonderful tradition. Really helps me stay focused on the reason for the season. Good luck, Trixi!
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Thanks so much, Trixi! It is a real joy to watch this book of my heart go out into the world. Am praying it touches many. (Btw, this is my second book. My first book was Mother of the Bride: Refreshment and Wisdom for the Mother of the Bride. Has been a joy to encourage those special ladies too!)
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What a lovely devotional book! I love doing a special devotional during Christmas time. It’s so helpful in keeping my focus where it should be! Thank you for this chance.
dmandres5 at gmail dot com
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Yes! So appreciative of authors who are inspired to write devotionals. Good luck, Melissa!
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Kav, thank you sooo much for featuring my book on your blog and for the wonderful things you’ve said about it here! I’m so glad you’ve loved what you’ve seen and read so far. Reports like this make my heart so happy. Am beyond grateful for the way God is using it already and for the way he’s guided me each step of the way. How I praise him!!
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You’re so welcome, Cheryl. I’m really excited to do a thorough reading come December! And I have to say, I’m impressed with your poem writing skills! One of my goals this year was to read more poems and I’ve been really lax on following though and now I have a whole bunch of Christmas poems to read!
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Kav, so glad you like the poetry! And how neat that my book will help you reach one of your goals this year! 🙂
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I would love to win this Christmas book!
paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom
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Good luck, Paula!
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I’m excited about this book and would LOVE to win a copy. Yeah to Cheryl my LinkedIn friend!
Subusiness34ATgmailDOTcom
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Good luck, Susan!
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Susan, I’m so glad you saw my post about the giveaway over on LinkedIn and came over to enter! Good luck!
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This sounds wonderful! I am going to share the book information with several friends of mine who would appreciate it. Don’t enter me as I see it is available on Amazon Kindle.
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Ohh, neat that it’s on kindle, I didn’t realize that. And thanks for spreading the news. Happy Reading, CC!
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CC, so appreciate you spreading the word. Thank you!
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WHAT? A nonfiction book? Or is it? Regardless, count me in, I LOVE devotional books 🙂 cilydav at hotmail dot com Now to go put it on my want to read on Goodreads. Thanks for the opportunity Kav and Cheryl.
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I know — who me? Reading a non-fiction book?! Earth shattering news. Daily devotionals and bible study class books are pretty much the only NF I read other than cookbooks and decorating/craft books from the library. 🙂 Mind you, I did join a non-fiction book club at my church, but they are kinda bible study-ish too. Right now we’re reading Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey. I’m so proud of myself. Bwahahaha! Good luck, Cindy!
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I read and LOVE a lot of nonfiction 🙂 I just don’t read it nearly as fast as fiction. I am always reading a nonfiction book though.
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I love devotional books too! 🙂 Thanks for adding mine to your Goodreads list! 🙂
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Sounds like the perfect book for the Christmas season. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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It really is. Good luck, Lucy!
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Ooh! And the cover is so pretty!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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And that door — I keep thinking about all the spiritual implications — great choice fora cover. Good luck, Kimmy!
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Kav, is it okay to use my nonfiction book in the Holiday Bingo? I just reread it this week (straight through instead of for editing, etc. :)) and it could work for a few of the squares. Or is the bingo for fiction only?
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The bingo is for any kind of book you want to read but the start date is Canadian Thanksgiving which is Monday.
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Ohh, okay. I missed that detail 🙂
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