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The Story of God's Love for You

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Every story whispers his name …

One person is at the heart of every story found in the Bible. One man is the center of God’s entire redemption plan. This trade adaptation of Sally Lloyd-Jones’ bestselling Jesus Storybook Bible explores the connections and wonders of how one giant love for humanity pointed to one small baby who would grow up to be the one perfect person who would make things right again for everyone.

The Story of God’s Love for You features a new, never-before-seen image from award-winning illustrator Jago, as well as a two-color interior that is ideal for any age ready to encounter an amazing, Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2015

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About the author

Sally Lloyd-Jones

170 books272 followers
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads Page. You'll find more @ my SUPER blog, my blog, my public facebook page, and my website.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2016
No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne-everything- to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

There is real joy that comes when reading the word of God and sharing that joy with your children as they too learn about the love of God that rescues and that is never ending. This book is meant to be read aloud. To be shared. To discover the truth that God desires for us to trust who He is.

The following is some of my favorite excerpts.

Don’t eat the fruit on that tree, “God told them. Because if you do, you’ll think you know everything, you’ll stop trusting me and then death and sadness and tears will come.

You see, sin had come into God’s perfect world. And it would never leave. God’s children would be always running away from him and hiding in the dark. Their hearts would break now, and never work properly again. God couldn’t let his children live forever, not in such pain, not without him. There was only one way to protect them. You will have to leave the garden now. God told his children, his eyes filling with tears. This is no longer your true home; it’s not the place for you anymore.


With accounts from the bible, together with our children, we can discover our need for savior. Each story is a discovery of Jesus. Another great resource to disciple our children with! I loved it.

A Special Thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
407 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2016
This book is the same text as for Jesus Storybook Bible, but in a version for an older child or adult, i.e. without all the beautiful illustrations. It is just as moving without the pictures, so it is a good choice for someone who might not want to read a children's book. Profound, yet simple, it is such a worthy read.
Profile Image for Laura.
277 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2025
It’s the “Jesus Storybook Bible” for adults. Parts of the story narration felt unnecessarily juvenile. However, the underlying message of “God’s never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always, and forever love” and the promise that He’s making all things new never ceases to make me cry. Whereas apologetic books may be an intellectual answer to the head, this is an answer to the heart cry that we all have to be loved and make all wrong things right.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books655 followers
December 14, 2015
It's a very book. It really catches attention and draws the reader in. It's a fun way of describing the Bible. I love t he way Ms. Lloyd-Jones writes. It seems simple, but at the same time it's really complex. There was some revision of scripture, I'd memorized some of the verses already and I didn't like the way it was rewritten. Other than that, it was a very good book. Recommended for kids and young adults. Must read.
Profile Image for Ginger Newingham.
384 reviews17 followers
March 2, 2017
Jesus' story for adults

I love the story book bible, but I've never sat and read it through like a novel. It was so good to think through the big picture of the bible with Sally Lloyd-Jones' poetic interpretation and retelling. I highlighted so many parts knowing I'd never quite felt the beauty of God's story in the truthful, but loving way she conveyed it.
Profile Image for Jennifer M.
838 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2024
The story of the bible is retold in a 3 hour audiobook that hits all of the major stories of the bible in a family-friendly retelling that is for an elementary age group in my opinion. I enjoyed it and my children would find it an easy-to-read version in combination with their bible reading and devotionals.
Profile Image for Connie.
48 reviews
December 1, 2023
I enjoyed listening to this, though I had read it to my children as the Jesus Storybook bible when they were younger. Every story is connected to Jesus. The language is child friendly in a refreshing way. The truths still tug at my heart in this format.
Profile Image for Lydia Stoll.
12 reviews
April 14, 2025
Beautiful writing! The audiobook was so heartwarming and brought even more life to the stories. This is perfect witting for teaching kids about the Bible as well as seeing it with new eyes as an adult. I love this book!
Profile Image for Diana.
1,294 reviews17 followers
February 19, 2025
This is such a beautiful book to read with your kids. We listened to the audiobook and the narrator did such a great job, we were so immersed in the story.
Profile Image for Michele Morin.
712 reviews45 followers
December 18, 2015
Every Story Whispers His Name



What if every little person could grow up knowing that she is lovely because God loves her?

What if everything in the sky and under the sky were suddenly revealed as mirrors, reflecting God’s huge “I LOVE YOU.”

What if the Bible could be understood NOT as a book of rules or as a dusty collection of stories about perfect people, but instead as a love story that really happened, full of adventure and featuring a daring rescue?

It appears that author, Sally Lloyd-Jones may have asked herself these questions before sitting down to write the text of The Story of God’s Love for You.

With her eyes and mind lashed securely to the biblical record, Sally has woven the familiar Bible stories with elegant descriptions in which God hovers like a mother bird over His creation and in which the sun dances and gleams and bounds across the sky in a race with Mary Magdalene on Resurrection Day.

With theological precision and straightforward parlance that explains and depicts without talking down, The Story of God’s Love for You demonstrates that every subplot in the Bible — from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem — shines with laser clarity on two over-arching themes:
1. The Terrible Lie: God doesn’t really love you, and He doesn’t want you to be happy.
2.The Great Rescue: God’s secret rescue plan to get His children back is based in His “Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” When the rescue is accomplished, His children will believe in His love and delight in His world — a perfect home once again.

With text taken directly from her award-winning picture book (The Jesus Storybook Bible), Sally has created a chapter book that highlights the big-picture, narrative arc of redemption. For example, in her account of Noah’s rescue from the flood, Sally describes the aching and yet majestic truth that the rainbow, “God’s war bow,” is aimed away from humanity with bull’s-eye accuracy toward the heart of heaven. God would let His arrow fly and it would pierce His own Son.

The arrangement is perfect for young readers or for reading aloud during family devotional time. It will assist the new believer who wants an overview that lays out the narrative arc of Scripture, and will inspire the seasoned saint who wants a refreshing reminder that Jesus is the Baby who would bring laughter to the whole world, the Prince who would break His own heart to heal humanity, the only Rule-keeper, and the Rescuer of His people.

If you’re planning a read-through-the-Bible project for 2016, sit down for a couple of hours with Sally’s book — or read it to a favorite little person! Let The Story of God’s Love for You tune your soul to the truth that every story in the Bible whispers the name of Jesus.

Then . . . open the pages of Scripture and let your heart rejoice.

This book was provided by Zondervan through the BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my review. 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.”
Profile Image for Margaret Chind.
3,210 reviews268 followers
January 24, 2016

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.If you have been following us for a while, you might have noticed my review of the Jesus Storybook Bible and Curriculum Kit, or maybe later the JSBB Collector's Edition, or even later the Leatherbound edition. Originally published in 2007, but discovered in the Creative Madness Mama family in the spring of 2012 - we truly love the Jesus Storybook Bible in our family! Later in 2013, we discovered a companion book in Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing for the older crowd, be it family devotional or a reader beyond the picture book stage. Yet, hmm... what if you have a young person that you want to share the story of the Jesus Storybook Bible, but in a different format that a picture book Bible? Let me introduce you to the two-tone treasure of a book in The Story of God's Love for You.

Leading on previous thoughts, we still love Sally Lloyd-Jones' Bible storytelling...

How do I even begin? Ok, let’s start with the Bible. The Story of God's Love For You is enchanting and unlike any novelized Bible I have experienced thus far (and trust me, I’ve seen a few!). Every single story in this story Bible points to Jesus. From the creation and Adam and Eve’s fall, Jesus is the solution. In the building of the Tower of Babel, Jesus is the answer. When Abraham leads his son Isaac to the alter, Christ is the lamb promised. Every story, every parable, every word comes down to Jesus Christ from the beginning and all the way until the end. It is solid in a Biblical foundation and traces everything to redemption through Jesus.

This it the most detailed Bible with more stories and situations that I have seen thus far in an early elementary age and younger Bible storybook and I do recommend it.

"Same text. A new title. A new design. For a whole new audience.

Accessible to someone who might not pick up a book with the word “Bible” in it, or be drawn to an illustrated children’s book—this format removes any last barrier to someone hearing the greatest story ever told." - JesusStorybookBible.com

This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.
Profile Image for Keely Deppe.
14 reviews
August 14, 2023
I listened to this on audio and loved it! narrative, story telling of the Bible.
Profile Image for Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM).
817 reviews34 followers
October 8, 2015
I have a secret confession to make. Any book with the name Sally Lloyd-Jones on it I want. I don’t even have to open it up to know that I want it. Her name on the cover is enough to make me put it in my cart. Why is that you ask? It’s because I can be assured that she is going to take the reader’s hand and draw them to Jesus.

For years now we have been enjoying her beautiful story books with all the littles in our lives. She teams up with a talented artist and the two of them create a masterpiece that brings the wonderful words and concepts of Scripture to life. If you’ve not enjoyed one of her books with your kids you are missing out.

In the back of my mind I have always thought it would be lovely to read an adult book written by her. She has such a gentle way with words that quietly brings the Gospel into your reading experience. Well, my wish has somewhat come true. With the release of The Story Of God’s Love For You I can now unashamedly bask in the beautiful words that bring me into the presence of God.

The Story of God’s Love For You is the adult version of The Jesus Storybook Bible. The words are the same but it is packaged for an adult to read. There are forty-four short chapters that lead you through the beautiful love story of the Bible. This book is a must for all the worn out mommas out there!

It would be perfect for those moments when you just need to regroup. Think about where you go to escape the madness. Is it the bathroom, the laundry room, or even the car in the garage? Wherever it is keep a copy of this book there and when you think you are about to lose your marbles go there and read a chapter. You’ll be exposed to the flawed people that God chose to use to bring about His perfect plan. Every time I read a chapter it reminds me that none of us are perfect but God is and has a part designed just for you in the midst of the crazy day-to-day.

Maybe you're an empty-nester like me. I recently took it with us on a business trip and read it aloud to my husband as we were driving. I simply could not put it down! Not only did it make the trip go faster but we were blessed with the beautiful redeeming love story that God wrote just for us.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to be covered in the story of God’s great love for us.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Profile Image for Sally.
344 reviews
September 27, 2015
Pre-Release Review..October 6, 2015

The Story of God’s Love for You
By: Sally Lloyd Jones
Publisher: Zondervan

From Inside the dust jacket:

Every story whispers his name…
“It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. It’s the most wonderful of fairy tales that has ever come true in real life! You see, the best thing about this Story—it’s true

At the center of the Story, there is a baby. The Child upon whom everything would depend.”
--from The Story of God’s Love for You*
*text originally published as “The Jesus Storybook Bible”

Wow, Wow, Wow! Can you tell I’m blown away by this wonderful little book? I know it says it is from “The Jesus Storybook Bible”, but believe me this is a book for adults/young adults…just about any age from 15 years and up. MS Lloyd Jones has been a favorite children’s author of mine for a long while now, but this book has truly spoken to my heart! She has taken the wonderful stories of the Bible and put them in the simplest language that makes it easy for the novice Christian to understand and is a refresher lesson for the seasoned Christian. I am so impressed with this little book; I am planning to turn it into a daily devotion. MS Lloyd lists the scripture at the beginning of each story making it easy to follow along in the Bible and then tells the story in such a refreshing way! Young, old, new Christian or one that is seeking God…this book will capture your heart and restore your spirit. This would be an excellent book to read each night for family devotions before bedtime. As I was reading this book, I wanted to share it with so many of my friends, so I am sure it will find its way into a gift-bag for a birthday or just a gift to say…I’m thinking of you…but more importantly…remember God loves you!

Thank you MS Lloyd Jones for such a wonderful book!

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, Zondervan, Z Blog Squad for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

Profile Image for Megan Cornish.
10 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2015
To see the full review (including pictures), visit my blog.

There are certain books that allow you to break free from all of your religious baggage. As a pastor's kid, I heard the bible read, preached, and quoted so often growing up that it sometimes feels like a commercial jingle. When I discovered C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, I fell in love. The allegorical message of the gospel was so different from what I knew, my blinders fell off and I cried through all five books.

Sally Lloyd-Jones' The Jesus Storybook Bible is like that. So unexpectedly different, and yet so true that it pierces your heart. My husband and I have several copies of the original version in our home- for "someday" when we have kids or to give away when our friends do.

Lucky for us, we now have The Story of God's Love for You- all of the beautiful poetry of the Gospel, wrapped up into an adult-appropriate package.

Overall rating: ★★★★1/2
Originality: ★★★★★
Character Development: ★★★★
Writing: ★★★★
Emotional Involvement: ★★★★★

"All the stars and mountains and the oceans and galaxies and everything were nothing compared to how much God loved his children. He would move heaven and earth to be near them. Always. Whatever happened, whatever it cost him, he would always love them. And so it was that the wonderful love story began..."

If you're looking for new work from Sally-Lloyd Jones, this is not what you're looking for. It is the same words as the Jesus StoryBook Bible. But it is a classic. If you're looking to introduce someone to the great storytelling that is the Bible, this is a good way to do it. It's a simple read, and would be appropriate for middle-schoolers and above.

It's also rather small- about 8"x6". The stories are organized into chapters, just like the JSB, and would make for excellent bedtime stories.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The Story of God's Love for You in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jason Kanz.
Author 5 books39 followers
September 24, 2015
One of the most remarkable books that has come out in the last several years was actually a children's Bible. Together with incomparable artwork of Jago, Sally Lloyd-Jones wrote the award-winning Jesus Storybook Bible. Too often, children's Bibles are presented as lessons in moralism, rather than being grounded in the work of Christ. Lloyd-Jones masterfully pointed to the work of Jesus through 44 short vignettes drawn from Genesis through Revelation.


I once heard Tullian Tchvidjian say that the Jesus Storybook Bible would be great prerequisite reading to diving into the Bible itself because it weaves together the whole story of God and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. A friend of mine who works at a Christian bookstore said that they routinely sell out of the Jesus Storybook Bible because she tells everyone about it.


But this is actually a review of The Story of God's Love for You (2015, Zondervan), which is a repackaged version of the Jesus Storybook Bible geared for adults. The words are the same, minus the vibrochromatic artwork of Jago present in the children' version.


There are a couple of apparent advantages to this book. First, it is more compact than its predecessor and could be more easily tossed into a bag or a small pocket. Second, for those who feel a bit sheepish about reading a children's Bible, this is a nice alternative (though admittedly, Jago's artwork is rather remarkable).


On the whole, I would echo the recommendation of Tchvidjian. Lloyd-Jones's book provides a wonderful introduction and overview to the redemptive work of Christ so whether new to the Bible or infinitely familiar with it, you will likely benefit from this book.


I received a free copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers book review program in exchange for this review. I was not required to submit a positive review. The impression from this review are my own.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,216 reviews38 followers
October 13, 2015
About the Book:
Every story whispers his name …

One person is at the heart of every story found in the Bible. One man is the center of God’s entire redemption plan. This trade adaptation of Sally Lloyd-Jones’ bestselling Jesus Storybook Bible explores the connections and wonders of how one giant love for humanity pointed to one small baby who would grow up to be the one perfect person who would make things right again for everyone.

The Story of God’s Love for You features a new, never-before-seen image from award-winning illustrator Jago, as well as a two-color interior that is ideal for any age ready to encounter an amazing, Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.

My Review:
A book of stories, real true to life stories that were sent to help us understand the unimaginable sacrifice that has been made on our behalf. God sent to us His infallible word. A book of stories, a book of promises, a book of truths to set His people free. He need we would need it in this life and He knew we would need so much more, His son.

The author has taken this adaptation of a recently published work and made it exclusively for older hearts and minds to embark on the same journey our younger children may have experienced when reading the earlier books from the same author.

This beautiful book is full of the hope and promise that God's very word gives. The author has written it beautifully and it is very encouraging and full of hope.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review through my participation on the Z Blog Squad.
6 reviews
August 1, 2023
Adding this to my “must read with the kids” list. This is not a children’s Bible (and certainly doesn’t take the place of reading the Bible for itself) but it does go through the major accounts and events through the entire Bible pointing out the way that God has worked throughout time and through various means to show his love to us. It’s beautifully & artistically written and touches the heart. My favorite part was how she wrote about Revelation.
64 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2015
When I say this is the best book ever, ever, ever! I could keep on going with the "evers". This book is the text only edition of The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This edition is for appeal to older children and teens. I understand this because I first read the illustration version as a Kindergarten teacher and thought "Everyone should have this book!" I wanted it for myself as a devotional book. The way the author writes is just pure genius, pure love and warmth and comfort. Every single page pours out God's love to you in a personal way as you read the story of humanity from Creation to the Fall to all the ways God endeavors to show us His love all the way to the cross where Jesus brought God down to us in His body broken for us. If I only had one book to give someone (besides the Bible itself) to help someone see God's unconditional and relentless love for us it would be this book. The beauty of it is that author created an illustrated version that very young children will enjoy and this version for older children to absorb and treasure.
533 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2018
These are beautifully written for children, but they are a blessing for adults too. What a great book to read to children! There is virtually no artwork, with the exception of a small nondescript circular picture at the beginning of each story.

A wonderful and exceptional devotional book for children. Well done, well thought out, inspirational and scriptural, as expected from Sally Lloyd Jones.

These devotionals are so beautifully and scripturally told to children. I am very pleased with this book.
96 reviews
August 13, 2017
Long time coming!

We've long recommend The Jesus Storybook Bible to friends as a great way to start seeing the gospel in all of Scripture, adding, "It's not just for kids!" Now here we have a version of this great book that makes the text available with more of a for-adults appearance. Thanks!
Profile Image for Debbie.
367 reviews
June 15, 2017
This book calms my heart. It is the grown-up version of the Jesus Storybook Bible because it is that book, minus the pictures. There is something about the way Sally Lloyd-Jones writes that touches my heart, down to my core. This book is what I reach for when I want a good bedtime story book, for myself.
Profile Image for Laura McGinley.
49 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2018
This book was definitely for young audiences, not just anyone trying to get a basic understanding of biblical stories. It was done in a clear manner and some stories were told well, but the constant foreshadowing made it a bit tedious. I would certainly say it would work for children but unlike some reviews I don't believe adults are a good target audience
2 reviews51 followers
September 28, 2018
We read this one chapter at a time each night at the dinner table. The chapters are written simply for kids to be able to understand. My kids enjoyed the small summaries in each chapter and we were able to get through the entire Bible. Didn't take long to read at all, even reading one chapter a day. :)
Profile Image for Courtney.
1 review1 follower
February 2, 2019
I enjoyed this book! When I picked it up I didn’t think it was geared towards children but the more I read I kept wondering if it was a children’s book. Perhaps this is the beauty of the simple gospel. It’s always good to have a refresher of the arc of the Bible and how Jesus is woven throughout every page.
Profile Image for Jodi.
829 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2022
I didn't realize this was The Jesus Storybook Bible in audiobook form until I started listening, but it was still good. It's obviously selected Bible stories in Sally Lloyd Jones's words, but I appreciate how her main point is God's "never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love." Too much of Christianity is fixated only on wrath and sin and it needs some balance.
Profile Image for Deanna Joy.
23 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2018
Read this book!!!

I read the Jesus Storybook Bible by this author and enjoyed It so much that I knew I had to read this one as well. This is a great book for anyone no matter who you are or what you believe to help you know there is hope and you are loved.
Profile Image for Kenneth Clayton.
251 reviews10 followers
January 23, 2021
We read “the story of Gods love for you” during family worship. It is the exact same text as the Jesus storybook Bible but without the pictures which is nice for those who might have concerns of 2nd commandment violations with pictures of Jesus in the story Bible. Good not great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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