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, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication 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

[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.

[Deena · 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!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book that takes the reader into amazing stories in Scripture. Each encounter brought me into the scene and made every moment feel like I was there watching and absorbing the happenings. This is a wonderful book to give as a gift. Also, great to read more than once. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.