Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent

by Heidi Chiavaroli

It is hard to imagine a more needed and desirable invitation than "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Gospel accounts are full of stories of Jesus noticing, meeting, and walking alongside people who were weary, worried, and wondering what to do about the challenges they faced. People a lot like you. Jesus intentionally drew close, spent unhurried time with them, and changed their lives forever.

In this unique devotional, award-winning novelist Heidi Chiavaroli invites you to draw closer to Jesus this Lent. Through imaginative retellings, Heidi brings to vivid life the stories of 40 people who encountered him in the pages of Scripture. As you journey alongside them, you will gain new appreciation for the beauty of repentance, the power of redemption, and the incredible intimacy we get to experience with the One who stepped into our sin and shortcomings to offer forgiveness, abundance, and rest for our weary souls.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Y’all! Draw Close to Jesus by Heidi Chiavaroli is a devotional for those of us who love imagination and fiction!! This 40 day journey through the Gospels (with a couple devotions that are based on Acts and an epistle) immerses us into the Biblical stories through the author’s creative retellings, letting us put ourselves in the sandals of different people who met and were transformed by Jesus. Don’t miss reading the author’s introduction at the beginning of the book where she explains why she employed the technique of imaginative remembering as she crafted this devotional and why ‘entering the story ourselves’ is an important aid for truly savoring the familiar accounts of people who were very much like us. I enjoyed this glimpse at the author’s own spiritual journey and could definitely relate to what prompted her to embrace this particular approach in her own walk with Jesus. It was also good to have the reminder upfront that these are meant to be “fictional narratives based on biblical accounts” (though based on Scripture & historical research) and should beckon me deeper into God’s Word, not replace my time there.

Along those lines, I loved that Chiavaroli begins each vignette with the Scripture references the story is based on, a choice that allows us to read the true account(s) first and then let our own imaginations join the author’s exploration of what the spotlighted character might have been like, what might have been happening around them, what might have brought them into Jesus’ path that day, etc. These devotions really did make familiar stories come alive in fresh ways for me, and I will be spending more time with this book (and my Bible!) when Lent begins in mid-February. I’m excited to see how using this story-based journey as intended (rather than reading it all at once for my review) will deepen my love for Jesus and my gratitude for His sacrifice as well as His resurrection. Chiavaroli includes several of my favorite moments from the Gospel too, so I’m really looking forward to re-reading this devotional and spending more time marinating on these stories during the lead-up to Easter. I also enjoyed the reflection questions and prayer included after each devotion too.

Bottom Line: With the heart of a novelist, Heidi Chiavaroli takes us into the Gospels and beyond in Draw Close to Jesus with creative story vignettes and prayerful reflections based on Biblical accounts of 40 people who encountered Jesus and were forever changed. It’s an invitation to slow down and lean in, meeting Jesus anew for ourselves in familiar stories that perhaps have lost their wonder for us over the years. I loved the many ways this imagination-driven approach reminded me that the people in Scripture were just as real (and just as weary, just as anxious, just as hopeful, just as forgetful) as we are and, at the same time, did exactly as the title beckons – it drew me closer to Jesus. If you prefer reading stories to reading nonfiction, if you love Biblical fiction set in the New Testament era, if you are hungry for a new awareness of Jesus as we approach the Lent and Easter seasons, then Draw Close to Jesus by Heidi Chiavaroli is the perfect devotional for you!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thoughtful, beautiful book! The author imaginatively enters the stories of 40 people in the Bible, inviting us to slow down and place ourselves within the biblical narrative. From the Shepherds’ encounter with the angels announcing Christ’s birth, to the guard on duty at Jesus’ tomb, the author walks us through the life of Christ with snapshots from the Gospels. Paired with Scripture readings, a prayer, and reflection questions for each day, this is a unique devotional that will certainly do what the title suggests….draw you close to Jesus.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! It’s a super unique devotional that combines biblical fiction with daily scripture reading and reflection questions! Definitely one I will revisit. It would make a great group discussion with your church for Lent!

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved seeing a more in-depth look at some side characters in the Bible and seeing things from their perspective. Of course, this is just a what if perspective since we don’t know for sure but I loved it. The author even includes some characters not specifically mentioned in the Bible like one of the mothers whose son was killed by Herod. This book offers 40 different stories and reflection questions, prayers, and suggested scripture reading. Overall, a great book, especially for the Lenten season. I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Draw Close to Jesus is a thoughtfully crafted Lenten devotional that invites readers to slow down and reflect on the people who encountered Christ on His journey to the cross. Through forty daily readings, Heidi Chiavaroli blends Scripture, prayer, and reflection with imaginative retellings designed to help readers place themselves within the Gospel narratives.

Each devotion includes a fictionalized story inspired by a biblical account, followed by reflection questions, a prayer, and suggested Scripture readings. The structure is gentle and reverent, clearly designed to support a meaningful Lenten rhythm. The prayers are heartfelt, the questions are spiritually attentive, and the Scripture selections encourage readers to return to God’s Word with intention rather than replacing it.

The author is transparent about her approach from the outset, explaining her use of imagination as a devotional tool rooted in historical Christian practices and literary tradition. Readers who resonate with imaginative engagement—stepping into the sandals of biblical figures and meditating on what might have happened—will likely find this devotional deeply moving and spiritually enriching.

For readers who, like me, prefer devotional material that stays closely within the bounds of explicit biblical text rather than fictionalized narrative, the storytelling style may feel less aligned with their personal devotional practice. That preference does not diminish the care, theological reverence, or prayerful intent evident throughout the book; it simply reflects the diversity of ways believers draw near to Jesus.

This is a beautifully assembled devotional, offered with sincerity and humility, and it will serve many readers well during Lent. Those who appreciate imaginative reflection paired with Scripture, prayer, and thoughtful questions will find Draw Close to Jesus a meaningful companion for the season.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I wish I could give this book infinite stars! The author takes familiar events from the gospels and puts names, flesh, and bones to them. They come alive through exquisite writing and careful attention.

The true story of the leper telling Jesus, “Lord, if You will, make me clean” had me in tears. Just imagine being shunned by your community for a disease out of your control with no cure and no hope.

And then you suddenly feel the hand of Christ on you. Years of no human contact, and then the Son of God touches you with tenderness and compassion.

Or the father of the young boy possessed by a demon and is desperate for his son to be healed. But the disciples can’t do it. Then Jesus is there and tells him, “All things are possible for the one who believes.”

And the man gives the most beautiful confession found in Scripture: “I do believe! Help my unbelief!” Can you just imagine? Allow these 40 encounters with Jesus to reignite your faith. What a blessing this book has been to me!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Very highly recommend!

[Heidi Chiavaroli]

(A little bit about how this fiction-based Lenten devotional came to be!)

The most painful time in my adult life occurred during the year that I walked away from the church.

After a flourishing relationship with Christ and an impressive resume of service to my local church, I woke up one day to realize with fearful clarity that I'd lost something along the way. Something quite important.

I was incredibly fearful I had lost Jesus himself.

I'd gotten so caught up in doing things for Jesus, I neglected to spend time with Jesus.

This was a long, painful journey where I groped around in the dark with my doubts for what had once been mine--the joy of knowing Jesus.

Like a spoon-fed toddler, I could only handle small bits of Scripture. Too often, I equated God and His Word to the hurt I'd experienced.

One small passage that came to me during this time, however, was enough to keep my hope alive. Beautiful, grace-drenched words from Jesus in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

This is not what I had been living. Then again, I hadn't been tarrying with Jesus--I'd been seeking the approval of religious culture. But this invitation to rest in my Savior? I wanted that.

It just so happened that this new calling found me in the season of Lent. And with immense gratitude, I stoked to life the embers of a sacred season laid dormant with my childhood.

In this exploration, I stumbled into a sea of grace contained within the magnificent rhythms of the church year--rhythms that reminded me of the gospel story and God's immeasurable grace.

Through Scripture, God pushed back the curtain of church hurt and gave me fresh hope. He restored my faith. He compelled me to use my imagination to place myself in the stories in order to better glimpse what God has done and who He is.

The season of Lent helped me recover the intended beauty of the liturgy and of the church. This is a season for repenting. But it's also a season for remembering. For aligning ourselves with the workings of the Lord. For coming to the one who stepped into our sin, our inadequacies, and our shortcomings. For remembering and then anticipating because we know the amazing splendor of the empty grave is upon us. Death is defeated. Grace sweeps in.

Draw Close to Jesus contains forty stories based on Scripture and historical research. These are fictional narratives based on biblical accounts. I pray these retellings draw you deeper into the Gospel stories but would not replace your time in God's Word. I pray they stir you to marinate in the Scriptures, to answer Jesus's call when he says, "Come to me."

[PhyllisRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Experiential!

How much time do you spend with Jesus during the Lenten season preparing your heart for the celebration of His life, death and resurrection?

Noted Christian author, Heidi Chiavaroli, has been led to write this Lenten devotional in a way that puts us in the room, walking along the road, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Using Scriptural accounts with a Biblical fiction twist, this is an encounter with Jesus in a new, real way.

What to expect-
-Scripture reading that begins the daily devotion
-glimpses into the character of Jesus as people encounter Him and are changed
-interactions written within the culture of the day causing us to remember them in a deeper and more meaningful way because we lived them through story
-reflection questions to ponder
-a prayer for each day
-additional scripture to consider

Draw Close to Jesus is a beautifully written devotional that can be shared with your family or small group each day for the 40 days leading up to the celebration of the resurrection. Using this book for a group or family devotional time would be so impactful.

The audiobook narrated by Emma Faye is well done and immersive. I appreciated the emotion she introduced into these pages.

I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Draw Close to Jesus" is a 40 day devotional for Lent built around "imaginative retellings" of people who encountered Jesus in the New Testament. Each day started with the fictional account, written in first person present tense ("I cry"). After this, the author suggested some questions or comments to ponder, followed by a short prayer. She also included the Bible verses that inspired her story.

My main problem was that the author sometimes didn't stick to what's told in the Scriptures. For example, She had Judas leading Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus when the Gospels do not mention Romans, only Jews: "chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders." She had Jesus leave all but three of his disciples outside of Gethsemane while the Gospels portray them as in the garden with Jesus and Jesus withdrawing 'about a stone’s throw beyond them.' And so on.

The author also sometimes got too imaginative. For example, she described Gethsemane as a garden of fruit trees, with Jesus sitting under a fig tree with pomegranate trees nearby. "Gethsemane" means "an oil press" and is on the Mount of Olives, but she departed from the traditional view that the garden largely held olive trees. Also, she described leprosy as an intensely painful disease where the flesh literally rotted off the body and involved a fever (so an infection) that caused death. This is not what leprosy (now called Hansen's disease) is like.

The author also didn't seem to know some basic facts, like she gave a person "linen robes" and another person a "flax tunic." But linen is cloth made from flax. In another place, she stated that newborn lambs were sacrificed on "its eighth day of life," but (when the age is mentioned), lamb sacrifices were to be one year old. And some things just didn't seem normal for the culture, like she had James think that the smell of Passover lambs roasting over the fire was a "foul odor" when they would have considered it a festive treat.

While some of the stories were well-written and drew out good points, I can't really recommend the devotional due to the amount of creative license the author took.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Michael Culbertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Draw Close to Jesus is a collection of 40 vignettes, character sketches inspired by Biblical scenes of encounters with Jesus. Each vignette begins with a rich characterization in which Chiavaroli imagines where these characters may have been coming from and what they might have been feeling prior to their encounter with Jesus. Chiavaroli layers into the intimate third-person narratives historical and cultural details that transport the reader to first-century Israel. Characterization complete and stage set, the vignette provides the details of the encounter largely as given in the Biblical text. The closing of each scene tends to be brief, almost hasty, leaving the reader to wonder (and to extend the imagining to) how the character will live in light of the encounter with Jesus.

Each vignette is accompanied by two reflection questions, a prayer, and one or more scripture references related to the scene for further reading. Some of the questions invite the reader to extend the imagining or to connect the theme of the scene to their own life. Other questions are a bit more analytical, which might seem out of character for the experience-focused nature of the book, but which may provide a bridge for analytical readers unaccustomed to such an experiential approach to scriptural reflection.

The subtitle suggests that the collection has a Lenten focus, but the scenes stretch from Mary’s pregnancy through Paul’s conversion and could be enjoyed in any season.

Applying the holy imagination to scripture has a long tradition. Draw Close to Jesus invites readers to engage more deeply with familiar Biblical scenes by engaging their imaginations to read between the lines of scripture and put themselves into the place of characters touched by Jesus. By following Chiavaroli’s examples, readers can learn to apply this technique to any Biblical scene, opening up new opportunities for readers to encounter Jesus themselves through scripture.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

[Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Draw Close to Jesus
Heidi Chiavaroli
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heidi describes her book as “Encountering Jesus Through Imaginative Remembering.” There are forty fictional narratives based on Scripture and historical research. Each day includes reflection questions, a short prayer, and a suggested Scripture reading. Chiavaroli brings to life secondary characters from the Biblical text by imagining what their lives were like before and after they encountered Jesus. She crafts a possible backstory not given in Scripture, filling in the story to make it more relational to us.

Portions of these encounters may speak to each reader differently. For us, we were moved to more deeply consider: a young shepherd boy attending the birth of a new lamb knowing it will soon be offered on the altar to atone for his sins, Jesus interacting with his young sister telling her that loving without return is real love, the man healed from leprosy and Heidi thanking God for being willing to touch even the dirty parts of our hearts, the faith of the woman healed of the issue of blood after touching the wings or fringe of Jesus’ garments, Heidi thanking our Father that He measures our belief in seeds rather than tall trees, and the soldier at the cross thinking nothing reveals the truth of a man like death.

We received an advance copy of the book.  This is our honest review.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent by Heidi Chiavaroli is not your typical Lenten devotion - and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

This book doesn’t just give you a verse and a tidy takeaway. It invites you into the story. It asks you to see Jesus with fresh eyes, to imagine the dust beneath His feet, to stand beside the broken and the seeking, to feel the weight of His compassion and the depth of His love.

Each day’s reading feels like an encounter - intimate, thoughtful, and full of quiet challenges. Instead of spoon-feeding you answers, Heidi draws you into reflection. She gently nudges your heart to wrestle, to wonder, and to listen. I found myself pausing often, letting the imagery settle in my spirit, letting the truth reach deeper than my mind and into the places that needed it most.

The writing is tender yet bold - beautiful, honest, and deeply rooted in Scripture. It guides you toward Jesus not through routine, but through relationship. Through imagination. Through slowing down enough to hear His heartbeat again.

This devotion doesn’t just help you read about Jesus.
It helps you experience Him.

If you’re longing for a Lenten journey that stirs your soul, awakens your senses, and draws you closer to the Savior in ways you didn’t expect, this is the book that will meet you there.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional Lenten devotional! Having received an advanced copy, I read this during Advent rather than Lent the first time, but it was a powerful reminder and a fantastic way to remember the Reason for the season. Each of the daily readings takes 10-15 minutes to read and each is a story (fictionalized, but fully based in Scripture) of a person who encountered Jesus in His time on Earth. Though I have been raised in the church and know the Bible well, each one of these 40 stories brought new insight to the story they referenced. I learned something completely new most days as well. I anticipate re-reading this one during Lent not only this upcoming year, but perhaps every year going forward. This was a great reminder of who Jesus is to me and who He was to those around Him in His time on Earth. In addition to the stories, each day's reading has some thought provoking questions, a prayer, and some additional Scriptures to reference. This is a devotional I can easily recommend to anyone who wants to draw closer to Jesus and see Him through fresh eyes. Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished an intriguing devotional. that takes the well-known, frequently sparse writing of the Bible and adds sensory details, emotions, and cultural textures that make the characters feel like real individuals rather than just names on a page.

When a writer effectively transports you to the shores of Galilee or the dusty streets of Jerusalem, your perspective on such stories changes.

When a skilled writer like Heidi puts "flesh and bones" to the Gospels, the narratives become lived experiences rather than historical reports, allowing for the characters' feelings—such as relief, worry, fear, or awe – feel incredibly personal.

If you are looking for a devotion for 2026 that will bring scriptures to life like only a skilled professional fiction writer can do, this is for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Kate DeMello · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful and Accessible Guide to the Lenten Journey
This beautiful book is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual life, particularly those who may not have much experience with Lent or the traditional liturgical calendar. It provides a welcoming and approachable entry point, offering practical and deeply meaningful ways to draw close to God throughout the Lenten season.

Heidi Chiavaroli’s writing is remarkably sincere and compelling. She has a unique gift for crafting prose that is not only inspiring but also remains steadfastly true to the heart of the Gospel. It is rare to find a devotional that balances such narrative depth with spiritual clarity, making the theology feel both grounded and personal.

As I worked through each day’s reading, I found the stories to be truly life-giving. The reflections are structured in a way that keeps the reader fully engaged; I often found myself finishing a session feeling refreshed and genuinely excited to see what the next day’s story would hold.

If you are looking for a way to enrich your faith and find a sense of peace this spring, do yourself a favor and add Draw Close to Jesus to your reading list. It is a companion that will undoubtedly transform your Lenten experience.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Draw Close to Jesus, Heidi Chiavaroli offers 40 encounters with the Savior for the sacred season of Lent.

This book presents imaginative retellings of biblical characters who encounter Jesus. In each story, Chiavaroli shows how these individuals come to Him with their needs—and how Christ meets them with more than they expect. Readers are invited to engage with Jesus through stories that are familiar yet newly refreshed.

Time and Touch

I was especially moved by the way Jesus is portrayed as unhurried in His interactions with so many different people. Christ truly meets each one with compassion. Chiavaroli writes with awe and wonder, yet the stories remain grounded and deeply human. Her words are both beautiful and captivating.

Before each chapter, Chiavaroli includes the Scripture passages on which the stories are based. I recommend reading the biblical text first and then meditating on it through her reflections. It is a unique and meaningful way to walk with Jesus—one that leaves you feeling as though you have truly spent time with Him – and touched by His presence.

I received a media copy of Draw Close to Jesus and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading devotionals and this one is another excellent addition to my faith journey. Like other devotionals, this one has short entries, each one with a reading, a prayer, reflection questions, and scripture references for further study. But, unlike others I've read, this one has fictionalized versions of the Biblical characters giving their point of view of their interactions with Jesus and I found this helped me see the Gospels in new ways and added a personal depth and meaning to them. Because the feelings, emotions, and sensory details of each character are included in each story, I felt like I was present in the life and times of Jesus. I feel closer to Jesus now after reading this book and my faith feels fresh and strengthened.

This devotional can be read anytime during the year, not just for the 40 days of Lent. I especially want to reread this during Advent as I prepare for the birth of my Savior. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda (aebooksandwords) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent” is a captivating devotional by Heidi Chiavaroli. Heidi’s skill as a fiction writer truly shines in these 40 narrative style devotionals. Each one opens the reader’s heart to Christ as we experience each character and story from the Scriptures from a touching yet imaginative purview.

As I read from the pages of this devotional, I found myself both invested in each biblical narrative while also ministered to as specific moments or dialogue reached deep places in my own soul. It brought me to prayerfully seek God’s heart and thoughts toward me as I reflected on what I read.

This devotional is a beautiful way to spend some of your time with God, and it provides an extra meaningful way to engage your heart during the season of Lent leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)

What a unique and lovely devotional!

Heidi Chiavaroli is such a gifted fiction writer, and this devotional includes forty entries where she writes a biblical fiction story. The stories are paired with daily Scripture readings. It was amazing to read through fictional stories based on different passages of Scripture and written chronologically, beginning around the birth of Jesus and ending after the resurrection of Jesus.

I found the historical background provided and the discussion/reflection questions asked to be very insightful as well.

The stories in this book are as faithful as possible while being fictionalized stories surrounding real, biblical events, which I think is extremely important.

I truly had a wonderful time reading this book!

If you’re looking for a devotional title for the Lent season, I would definitely recommend this title to you! I would recommend reading this title perhaps alongside a bible study that will have you digging deep into the Word in light of Easter, but “Draw Close to Jesus” would be the perfect accompaniment and would also be a really fun book to go through with a group of ladies together.

Love this one!

[Kelly Goshorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draw Close to Jesus by Heidi Chiavaroli is a gentle, Christ-centered Lenten devotional that invites readers to slow down and intentionally seek the presence of Jesus in everyday life. With warm, relatable reflections and thoughtfully chosen Scripture, Chiavaroli encourages a deeper, more personal walk with Christ rather than a hurried or performance-driven faith.

Each devotional concentrates on a fictionalized account of Biblical person or event giving readers a fresh perspective on familiar Bible passages. Each also offers a moment of stillness, pointing readers back to biblical truth and the reassurance of God’s nearness. This would be a perfect selection for a women’s Bible study group or Book club during Lent.

Uplifting without being heavy, Draw Close to Jesus serves as a comforting reminder that intimacy with Christ begins simply—by pausing, listening, and drawing near to Him.

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forty touching stories about Jesus come to life and draw readers into the events of the New Testament. The author masterfully captures the events in her fictional retellings from the Bible, told from the point of view of the characters involved—helping readers get into their heads and feel their emotions. She brings out details and connections I never considered before. But these aren’t just tales to enjoy. The daily readings draw out lessons for us to apply to our own lives. The reflection questions for each narrative are worthy of contemplation, followed by a prayer to confirm the experience. I recommend this for personal and family use. It’s an excellent resource for church libraries and for home schoolers too. Although especially designed to be used during the forty days before Easter, the book can be appreciated any time. I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resurrection Sunday.
I really appreciated this devotional, how the author used imagined stories of Biblical people, based on Biblical accounts, to help us see how the people Jesus healed and interacted with were changed by Him. I really liked how each day featured a different story, so familiar yet different, as we go through Jesus' life. The questions at the end of each chapter, as well as the prayer offered, added additional depth to this devotional. I can see this being something that I re-use and re-visit each year during Lent.
I've always been a fan of Heidi's fiction writing, but with this new venture into devotional writing I really respect her work as an author even more. Highly recommend.
*I read an early ARC copy from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi has brought us an excellent way to draw closer to Jesus with this day by day study guide. Each chapter ends with a prayer and thought provoking questions. Wonderful addition to your library especially during the troubling times we’re living in.
She starts out with Jesus being conceived and continues throughout his life. Anna’s unwavering commitment to the temple is an example for us all to be constantly praying and watching. As young Jesus grows, we encounter others as perhaps he did. Aliza, his sister, desires the warmth she gets from his presence as we all should constantly desire Jesus’ warmth and love.
These are faith-based tales that Heidi has brought to life for us. You won’t regret buying this book!
“Help us look to your grace to inspire us to that faith.”

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a wonderful read! Each story is an encounter in the bible brought to life in a new way. I loved seeing what people may have experienced during this place in history. It gave me context that I would not have normally considered, or simply didn't know. On top of the wonderful stories, I was able to look up the Scripture that inspired each and every story. Then I was able to pray through the thought provoking questions, be guided in a prayer and look up additional Scripture references to read. The encouragement to dive deeper into Scripture with Jesus was evident on every single page. It is such a wonderful way to really focus on Jesus during Lent. This will be a yearly Lent reading for sure, and is a new favorite that I will share with my family as well.

[Dog&CatMomBooksNicorette&tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW!!!! I just read a devotional that took me on a refreshing and encouraging journey with Jesus!!!!!! I know I will be reading this again and again. Author Heidi Chiavaroli has truly brought Jesus to her readers with stories based on Scripture..With questions, prayer and additional scriptures at the end of each segment.. I highly recommend this devotional for ANY TIME you want to feel and encounter Jesus Christ!!!!!! This is a masterpiece!!!!!!!


Disclaimer: I received an e copy ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Lenten devotionals, and have enjoyed Chiavaroli's fiction works, so was eager to check this out.

This book offers a compelling and readable approach to forty encounters with Jesus, inviting readers to step into the biblical narratives. While I’m generally not a fan of present-tense storytelling and had some reservations about a few of the sources used, the writing itself is strong--as I expect with Chiavaroli!--and the overall experience is engaging and thoughtfully structured for the Lenten season.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forty stories of encounters with Jesus. Multitudes of changed lives. Each story is inspired by a gospel story. Heidi Chiavaroli takes you on a journey to see how Jesus met each person right where they were and shows how that encounter changed their life.

The reflection questions were so good and deep. The prayer she added at the end of each devotional touched my heart and helped lead me to open my heart in prayer to God, as well.

This is a wonderful devotional book, for Lent, for Easter, or any time of year you need to Draw Close to Jesus.

[Stacy J. Ladyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this devotional book so much that I will be reading it again and again!

The author's vivid storytelling brings you into historical scenes throughout Jesus' life and ministry. From His birth through His resurrection and beyond, this devotional book is both creative in its fictional accounts of people around Jesus yet grounded in scripture. It is a beautiful narrative that makes one pause and contemplate not only those who lived in Jesus' time, but also ourselves and how Jesus works through us today.

What a great way to start the 40 days of Lent!

[Tammy Kennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Chiavaroli's beautiful devotional, Draw Close to Jesus, is an invitation to walk more closely with those in Jesus' immediate circle of influence. Each day's story offers a glimpse into the lives of many mentioned in scripture. The book, steeped in history and language representative of that time, introduces various characters--both imagined and real--to the reader.

The author weaves Bible facts and skilled storytelling into a book that will draw the reader closer to Jesus at Lent, Easter, or any other time of year.

[Andrette Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading through this book. Draw Close to Jesus is a book of 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent. Each devotional draws the reader deeper into the truths of scripture and lets us imagine putting ourselves into the shoes of the very people who encountered Jesus. I love how each devotion begins with a specific scripture reference that ties in with the story for that day. While this devotional includes fictional stories, they provide a wonderful perspective and give deeper insight into walking with Jesus. ,

While Heidi Chiavaroli designed Draw Close to Jesus as a seasonal devotion for Lent, the scriptures, devotions, and stories can be read any time of the year. The timeless messages of repentance and redemption in these imaginative retellings help us experience the ministry of Jesus in a new way. I can see myself coming back to this book again and again.

I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.